Tonya Staab

Embracing The Curves and a Blackberry Smoothie Recipe

Disclosure: Thank you Curves International for sponsoring this post. Ready to get #CurvesStrong?

This is the post where I bare it all. No, not like that. But the one where I eat my feelings (literally), cry a whole lot as I type, and then hopefully, eventually, start seeing things in a new light.

But first, here's a pretty drink. And it's healthy too. And, you'll find the recipe down below ... way down below.

For as long as I can remember I've tried to blend into the background, to not be in the spotlight, and have nobody look at me. While girls out there are clamoring for others to take photos of them as social media becomes more visual with selfies, and fashion, and beauty bloggers, I'm always the one behind the camera. Always in control of how (or if) I'm seen.  And while I always read the articles (and nod in agreement) about how partners should photograph each other with the kids so that the kids (and you) have memories of being together, I've only ever been the one doing that. I've secretly wished someone would capture a moment of me with my children, one that I wasn't ashamed of, one where I looked pretty, one that could be framed, but then the once or twice a moment was captured I looked at myself and made sure that photo never saw the light of day. Ever! And I went back to being behind the camera because that's where I've always felt I belong. And, please, don't get me wrong it's not that I think everybody should be thin. In fact, that's far from the truth. Some of the most beautiful women in the world are a plus size. They are simply stunning and I often wonder why can't I look as strong and beautiful as they do.

A S'mores Breakfast Parfait

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

Who says you can't have dessert for breakfast? Not me, that's for sure. If you can have breakfast for dinner, then you can most definitely have dessert for breakfast.

These s'mores breakfast parfaits are perfect for special days, brunch with family and friends, or just because you want something extra delicious in the morning. Go ahead and treat yo self.

 

Tip: If you make the granola ahead of time and store in the freezer you have granola ready whenever you need it. Just double (or triple) the recipe and layer it between sheets of parchment paper once it's completely cooled in an airtight container for freezing.

5 Minutes For Mom: Breakfast in Bed for Dad

Nothing says I love you like a handmade card and breakfast in bed on Father's Day.

Well, maybe one thing, a DIY breakfast tray with a 'made with love' message on it with all of his favorite breakfast items.

I'm showing you how to make this breakfast tray over at 5 Minutes for Mom. It's a great project that you can do together with your child.

 

An Epic Frozen Caramel Macchiato

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

Coffee is my jam. It's the first thing I get when I wake in the morning, and helps me get through my day. During the cold weather I prefer hot coffee, but when it's warm and summer has hit, then iced is where it's at.

Now, most of the time, I'm quite happy just pouring a ready-made iced coffee into a glass over ice and going about my work day, but some days a girl just wants a fancy, frou-frou beverage dripping in caramel syrup, with whipped cream that ends up all over your face. But, I'm also too lazy to drive all the way to a cafe to get one. That would involve putting pants on.

So I give you this ...

That's right, this little delight is a frozen caramel macchiato. And it's delicious.

Serving: Makes 3-4 (depending on glass size)

The Perfect Brunch Bacon Bar

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Smithfield.

So, you have family and friends coming over for the holidays and you want to do something a little different?

How about a bacon bar?

Oh yes, you know you want one. The possibilities are endless with both sweet and savory dishes that can be served.

I'm going to show you a few simple ideas here, thanks to Smithfield, including egg and bacon breakfast tacos, bacon Bloody Mary's, biscuits with cherry bacon jam, and maple bacon donuts. But, if you scroll all the way to the bottom, I've got a list of other ideas that you can use for your own bacon bar too.

Let's start with an egg and bacon serve-yourself taco bar shall we? I mean tacos AND bacon, need I say more!

Fall Favorites: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancakes

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of ALDI.

When it comes to fall, I immediately gravitate to all things pumpkin, squash, fig, and pomegranate. They are my flavors of fall.

If you ask my kids what their favorite fall dishes are they would immediately say pumpkin pancakes, and my son would closely follow that with pumpkin pie.

This is our second year though of having on an exclusively gluten-free diet after finding out that his body cannot process gluten. So I've been gradually wading my way through his favorite dishes, experimenting in the kitchen and attempting to re-create his favorites but in a gluten-free version.

A while ago you might remember that I posted about a couple of our favorite gluten-free treats from ALDI. One of those in particular was their ALDI-exclusive brand liveGfree® which has Gluten-Free Baking Mix that Flynn has labeled his favorite ... and I'm pretty sure we've tried most of the other brands. So for autumn I decided to attempt his favorite pumpkin pancakes using this baking mix. These will be perfect for fall entertaining, whether you are having visitors over for brunch, or guests staying for the holiday's.

The twins' (even the one who isn't on a gluten-free diet) made a unanimous decision that these were delicious and want me to make them throughout fall.

So I want to share a little about the products, and then I've included the recipe for these down below too.