In August my husband and I ventured to the southwest part of our state, North Carolina, for a much-needed few days in the mountains. While I have been to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Asheville and Boone areas, I had never been south of Asheville. And visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been on my destination bucket list for several years. To stay the least, this visit didn't Continue Reading
Review: Renting a cabin through Airbnb PLUS how to save $
Note: I paid for this trip myself and it was not sponsored by Airbnb or the property owner. But, guess what! If you sign up using my referral link, YOU can save up to $65 on your first Airbnb booking for the property of your choice! Click here Recently my husband and I took a few days to get away to the mountains in the southwest part of our state, North Carolina. We wanted a quiet and private Continue Reading
RECIPE: Fall trail mix is easy-to-make healthy snack
Here’s a simple idea for a yummy high-protein snack anyone can make. No culinary skills required! Trail mix is so simple that there really is no way to screw it up. And there’s also no right or wrong when it comes to ingredients — use any combination of nuts and dried fruit that you like. You can also add in some chocolate or small candy for sweetness if desired, such as chocolate chips, Continue Reading
RECIPES: Three summer sides you can make with farmer’s market produce
By shopping at a farmer’s market, not only are you getting the freshest possible produce and goods, you are supporting local family farms by buying directly from the grower. Shopping at a farmer’s market or produce stand may help you save money as well. On the Blue Cross NC blog, I've posted three easy-to-make recipes your whole family is sure to enjoy. They are made from summer vegetables and Continue Reading
How to make delicious Carolina Pulled Pork in a slow cooker
Pulled pork has become a delicacy that North Carolina is known for world-wide. And it’s so simple to make using a slow cooker (Crock Pot). Plus, you won’t have to heat up the kitchen on a summer day. Pulled pork is high in protein, gluten-free and low-carb. In my easy recipe on the Blue Cross NC blog, I show how to make it lower in fat as well. Whether you’re making it for your family or a Continue Reading
A fun circuit workout you can do in your backyard or outdoor space
If your home workout is starting to feel like a grind, maybe it’s time to shake things up and try something different. Taking your workout outside is a breath of fresh air, in every sense! Get energized with this simple, no-equipment circuit workout you can do in your backyard, outside your apartment or condo building, or in any outdoor space. All of these exercises are beginner-friendly, and Continue Reading