Smiling Notes - Page 2 of 27 - Journey of a Food Lover & Travel Enthusiast

Beech-Nut® Naturals – Giving the very Best Food to my Baby

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Beech-Nut®. As always, all opinions are mine.

Whether you are looking for a convenient yet nutritious food to feed your little one on the go or something easy and healthy that will fit your busy lifestyle, Beech-Nut® Naturals baby purees are perfect for your babies. Read on to find out why it is my little one’s favorite (and mine as well!) –

Easy Chipotle Pesto Dip with Veggie Taters

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #VeggiesWithMcCain #CollectiveBias

This easy Chipotle Pesto Dip is ready under 10 minutes and can make even the most boring mealtimes so much more fun.

This easy Chipotle Pesto Dip is ready under 10 minutes and can make even the most boring mealtimes so much more fun. #ad #VeggiesWithMcCain #CollectiveBias

You know how sometimes even the simplest of dishes can instantly elevate mealtime and make it more exciting? This easy Chipotle Pesto dip is one of those dishes that can make even the most boring mealtimes so much more delicious.

We had first tried this dip at a restaurant in New York and both my husband and I had loved it too much. I was so inspired by it that I decided to replicate it at home and to be honest, this tastes way better than the restaurant version.

It has just a couple of ingredients and will take you less than 10 minutes to whip up a batch of this delicious dip. It has the right amount of flavor as well as spice level (not too hot and not too bland) and I bet you will fall in love with it just as much as we do.

Home & Lifestyle Tips

Coffee Corner Essentials that every Coffee Lover needs

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

If you are a serious coffee lover, having a dedicated coffee station at home is the perfect way to start your day.

Love coffee? Check out these coffee corner Essentials that every coffee lover needs to have at their home. The Keurig® K-Duo Essentials™ Coffee Maker will change the way you brew your coffee! #ad #momsmeet @keurig @momsmeet @walmart

Can you guys believe that summer is almost over? I mean coffee shops have already started to roll out their pumpkin spice lattes! I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that time is just flying by.

For me, coffee is one of those things that can help me think clearly in the morning. I usually like to wake before our baby wakes up because let’s face it – that is the only ‘me time’ that I get. The first thing that I do when I walk in the kitchen is to have my morning cuppa coffee. It’s the only thing that prepares me for the day ahead and sets me in a good mood.

A peaceful and early start helps me to think clearly and focus on my goals and to-do lists for that day. Recently I started using my new Keurig® K-Duo Essentials™ Coffee Maker that has taken my coffee game to the next level. I am so incredibly happy with it that I went ahead and decided to give my little coffee corner a facelift.

Food Reviews

Chef Robert Irvine’s FITCRUNCH Cheddar Cheese High Protein Puffs Review

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Easy to carry, healthy and portable snacks are something that I always make sure to keep with me all the time. So when I recently came across these protein-packed snacks, I was curious to try them out.

Created by Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine, FITCRUNCH® Cheddar Cheese High Protein Puffs have 20g of protein, contains no sugar or sweeteners and are free of gluten, GMOs, and soy.

FitCrunch protein puffs

If you follow Chef Robert Irvine, you know how passionate he is towards creating healthy food that doesn’t compromise on the taste factor.

He believed that with a lot of hard work, dedication, and inventiveness, he could create quality, protein-packed food that’s good for you and I must say that the result is pretty delicious!

Recipes

Chocolate Almond Butter Oat Energy Balls

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

These delicious & decadent Chocolate Almond Butter Oat Energy Balls are made using just 5 ingredients and are ready in under 10 minutes.

Chocolate Almond Butter Oat Balls - These delicious & decadent Chocolate Almond Butter Oat Energy Balls are made using just 5 ingredients and are ready in under 10 minutes.

Home & Lifestyle Tips

Simply Earth Essential Oils Recipe Box Review

Essential Oils are said to have a lot of benefits but in order for them to truly work for you, you need to know how to use them properly. To be honest, I have only used essential oils in diffusers and DIY air fresheners and well, that’s about it. Also, I have only used a couple of essential oils as let’s face it – they can be pretty expensive.

I have always been eager to learn more ways in which I can incorporate various essential oils and use them in and around my home. I mean, if you can reap the benefits of chemical-free products and avoid all the toxic smells by using essential oils, why not use them to our advantage right? So when I was approached by Simply Earth’s team to try out their subscription box, I was absolutely thrilled!

So how does Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box work?

Food Reviews

Making mealtime easier with Wildscape Meals

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

You guys know that I love trying out new food products with better-for-you ingredients that can make mealtime a breeze. And when it’s something that is ready under 6 minutes with real ingredients in it – you know I’m going to definitely give it a try.

I recently had the opportunity to try out Wildscape Meals which are basically frozen meals that focus on fresh ingredients. And since I always like to share new finds that I have been loving, I thought of sharing about them with you guys.

Food Reviews, Restaurant Reviews

10 Top US Food Travel Destinations

This is a guest post written by Leslie Kasperowicz

The U.S. is a big and varied country with regions so different from one another it’s hard to believe they’re part of the same nation. The good news for foodies is that means a lot of places to visit with incredible and unique dining opportunities.

From the best seafood to finger-licking barbecue and great street eats to mouth-watering pastries, there’s a lot to enjoy in America’s cities. And while every city has something to offer you won’t taste anywhere else, these top destinations should be on your bucket list.

top ten food destinations

Travel

Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa: An Escape to Nature’s Haven

This beautiful retreat located in the Hudson Valley will transport you in the midst of nature giving you a relaxing experience as well as a much-needed break that you truly deserve.

buttermilk falls inn & spa - This beautiful retreat located in the Hudson Valley will transport you in the midst of nature and give you a relaxing experience and a much-needed break that you truly deserve.

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

Sometimes all you need is a weekend getaway to relax and rejuvenate yourselves. As Spring made its way, we really wanted to get out of the house and take a leisurely trip. With a young baby, we were looking forward to having a relaxing trip not too far away from home. Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa located in Milton, NY gave us exactly what we were looking for. With its beautiful guest houses and cottages surrounded by the most amazing views, a farm to table restaurant as well as a state of the art spa, they truly have it all.

Food Reviews, Restaurant Reviews

Piattino – Summit, New Jersey + Giveaway!

Looking to taste delicious Italian food in New Jersey? With its top-notch quality and service, Piattino located in Summit, New Jersey is the perfect way to transport your tastebuds to Italy itself.

I’m also sharing a giveaway for all you foodies at the end of this post where you can win a $50 gift card towards this restaurant

Piattino - italian bistro