How to Build the Perfect Cheese Tray

A cheese tray is pretty much a staple at my friends' gatherings, so it goes without saying that I'll be making one or two throughout the holiday season. Choosing cheeses used to stress me out until I discovered a tried and true way to build the perfect cheese tray: it's all in the clock. Allow me to explain. 

Before you ever go to the store, take a look around your cabinets and decide your cheese tray platter. It could be a white serving dish, a glass platter, or a simple cutting board like I've used here. Knowing what you're serving your cheese on will help you determine what cheeses & accompaniments to buy.

Next, think of your serving tray as a clock. Working clockwise, you'll want to add a variety of cheeses, crackers, fruits, etc. However, you'll want to start with your softest cheese (typically a goat cheese), move to a semi-hard or hard cheese (like Parmesan), and finish with a full-flavored cheese (like Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola). Fill in the areas between the cheeses with crackers, fruits, and jams. I always choose fruit that's in season, versus simply grabbing grapes and calling it a day. Apples are fantastic in the fall and early winter, and pomegranates would be beautiful for the holidays. Whatever fruits you decide, make sure you're choosing ones that fit with the cheeses you've selected. 

For this tray, I chose Stella Cheese. Stella offers a ton of cheese varieties, so it helped me narrow my selection at the store. By choosing one brand, I was able to select different types of cheeses without being overwhelmed by all of the options. Then, I used pecan crackers (also seasonal!), apples, and a little locally made jam. 

If you're salivating just thinking about a Stella Cheese tray (and maybe craving a little wine, too?), head to the store to pick up a few items for your own cheese tray. And don't forget to enter Stella's contest to win an amazing trip to Napa. If that doesn't say Christmas vacation, I don't know what does! 

What are your favorite cheeses to include on a cheese tray?! Spill your secrets! 

How to Blend Your Hobby with Your Career

Isn't it funny how life is cyclical? When I was teaching, I never would have guessed that having my blog would eventually lead me to a second career in the digital marketing space. Even in the few short years that I've worked in social media and marketing, I've seen a major shift in the role. What began as an addition to a company's advertising has since become a necessity in order to acquire new customers and in turn, power the business - a cycle of its own.

Writing has always been one of my favorite hobbies. If I'm being honest, I like it way more than other hobbies I have, and I would even venture to call it a passion (as much as that word irks me). When I was younger, I loved writing poetry and stories. In high school, college, and post-grad work, I could crank out an entire essay in about the same time a peer could do a page of math homework. Why I didn't pursue journalism in undergrad escapes me, but like life, being a writer has slowly but surely cycled back around. 

Karl Wente, a winemaker at Wente Vineyards, understands how cyclical and often parallel passions can be. Wente is a vineyard with a history dating back five generations, and as a winemaker, Karl is obviously passionate about wine, but also happens to be a pretty talented guitar player. He's managed to incorporate both into his career.

Before you roll your eyes and stop reading because you think there's no way your own hobby could become a career, stop and think about it. Blending your hobby with your career might not be as easy as writing or music is, but it's not so much about the hobby itself as it is the thought behind it. Hear me out: I've always loved sharing things with other people and teaching them how to do things. Instead of standing in front of a classroom, I think writing is just the platform through which I share things now. So while my passion isn't necessarily the act of writing, it IS the act of sharing things with others. 

Now that we're finally having some cooler evenings, you can find me with my computer in my lap and a Wente cab in my hand cranking out my latest articles or social media posts. I'm sure that as the seasons change, my beverage of choice will too, but that's what's beautiful about seasons...they're cyclical, too. 

Get FREE SHIPPING on Wente Vineyards wine using the code: JRNYSHIP1. 

Grilled Personal Pizzas

The official start to summer is on Monday and Father's Day is this weekend. Needless to say, SUMMER IS HERE, Y'ALL! And when summer heat comes on, we turn our oven off and try to grill outside as much as possible. A household staple? Grilled personal pizzas. We eat grilled pizzas on our Big Green Egg often, but this past weekend, we kicked them up a notch by adding banana peppers.

I have a sort of love affair with banana peppers. When I was living with a roommate right out of college, we were known to eat them for snacks (hi, Lindsay!). Since I am somewhat of a connoisseur, I can say that Mezzetta banana peppers are incredible. Tangy, spicy, and just a touch sweet: the perfect banana pepper. 

This weekend, we picked up our favorite premade pizza dough from the grocery store, some deli pepperoni (none of the prepackaged stuff), fresh mozzarella, a red onion, and lots and lots of Mezzetta banana peppers. I set up a topping station, and we went to town adding our toppings and creating our masterpieces. Creating a topping station is fun for two, but even more fun with kids or guests. It's such a great way for everyone to get their own pizzas exactly how they want them: no arguing over which toppings to leave off (like onions) and which to add (like more banana peppers!). 

Hunter and I both agreed that these pizzas were some of the best we've ever made. While I am sure his grill-master grilling had something to do with it, I also have to say that the star of the show was the peppers. 

If you're ready to create your own personal pizzas, all you need to do is gather your own favorite toppings, your favorite dough & sauce, and get to grilling. We usually like to grill our dough for a minute or two before adding toppings just to make sure it cooks through. Otherwise, you're good to go. 

And since it's Father's Day this weekend, why don't you sign dad up to win an awesome giveaway from Mezzetta? He could win the Mezzetta Bold, Bright Summer Giveaway which includes a Weber gas grill, a Weber grilling tool kit, 5 jars of peppers, and a summer entertaining kit. He'd LOVE it! Enter here. 

What are your favorite toppings for grilled pizzas? Do share! And have a great Father's Day weekend!

Girl Boss Necessities

As a girl boss, I'm constantly on the go. One minute I'm at my desk and the next, I'm racing out of the door for a new client consultation, headed to snap photos for my latest writing piece, or refreshing in the car before happy hour with blog friends. Don't get me wrong, I am definitely not complaining, and that's mostly because I've mastered a few things that make being on the go easier for me. 

For one, I keep a stack of business cards in every single bag I own. Literally. There's a stack in my date night clutch, a stack in my tote bag, a stack in my wallet; there's even a stack in my airport carry-on. Being prepared with business cards is one trick that I've finally mastered, but I've just recently added a small preparedness kit for my car. No, I'm not talking about blankets, water bottles, and granola bars in case of a highway emergency. I'm talking about having a bag of girl boss necessities; a bag that is filled with things to keep girl bosses refreshed and looking and feeling their best. And I keep my bag in the console of my car at all times. 

1. Hairbrush - Do yourself a favor and pick up a travel hairbrush. Nothing kills a stellar business meeting quicker than making a bad impression with bad hair, amiright?

2. SweetSpot Labs On-the-Go Wipes - All the girl bosses I know take their gym time just as seriously as their meetings and happy hours, but showering between barre classes and bar drinks just doesn't always happen. Available at Target, these SweetSpot Labs On-the-Go wipes were made for women on the go. Created with 98% natural ingredients, these wipettes are clinically tested and gynecologist recommended. Plus SweetSpots Labs is a company by women, for women which makes me love them even more. (P.S. I also scooped up their Vanilla Blossom gentle wash at Target).  

3. RMS Beauty Makeup Removers - Keep these coconut oil wipes in your bag for quick makeup fixes. If you're really on the go, you can even clean off your entire daytime makeup and start fresh with a swipe of these wipes. 

4. U by Kotex Click Tampons - Don't get stuck at on the go without a tampon. These U by Kotex tampons are smaller than most tampons and can fit discretely in your clutch. No need for an extra large bag for feminine necessities; simply slip this tiny tampon into your bag. And don't worry, the smaller size doesn't mean less absorbency. 

5. Perfume - A quick mist of perfume can do wonders for your confidence. I keep my Scentbird perfume in my bag at all times. 

6. Spare Pair of Earrings - Grab a pair of statement earrings that are conversation starters and add them to your emergency bag, too. You'll feel better swapping out your studs, and you'll be amazed at what this quick switcheroo will do for your outfit. 

Going with the flow is key when jumping from meetings to events, and having a few necessities that help you refresh with ease is something you'll want to add to your car, too. Pick up several of the items above at Target. Right now, you can buy any U by Kotex and any SweetSpot Labs product and get a deluxe sample for free. Plus, you can get 15% off with the Cartwheel app. Sounds like the perfect start to a girl boss bag to me.

Growing your Halloween collection with Yankee Candle

It's no secret that I adore Halloween. In fact, on my list of favorite holidays, it ranks at the tip top and well surpasses Christmas. What can I say? I was born just two days before All Hallows Eve, and as a certified Scorpio through and through, I can think of no better holiday than one where strangers gift you with free candy and Hocus Pocus airs on repeat all season. 

Because I love Halloween so much, I usually get a head start on decor around my house. I start small with displaying pumpkins here and there, and before you know it, there are witches and ghouls all over the place. This year, I scoped out the Halloween home decor at some unsuspecting places and found a few favorite new items at Yankee Candle. Halloween candles inspired by treats like candy corn? Say no more. 

The beauty of Halloween decor is that the color scheme is always consistent, so you can build your collection over time. With shades of purple, green, orange, of course, black, you can mix and match everything without creating a hodgepodge look. I was able to pull out a few old favorites like the chalk-board wicked sign and complete the look with a few new finds from Yankee Candle. I paired my Deadly Diva tea light holder, who is described as "a sultry songstress with cold-hearted intentions" (too cute), with an adorable Steam Punkin hat, a watchful sequined owl, and a beautiful mercury glass pumpkin. These items look great together, and I love seeing my collection grow over time. 

For a limited time, Yankee Candle is offering you the chance to get a buy one, get one free coupon just for taking 30 seconds to watch this freakishly good video all about decorating your home for a frightfully fun Halloween season. Just click the image below to watch! 

I love the silhouette haunted house seen in the video and will most definitely be adding that piece to my decor, too! After all, Deadly Diva has to have somewhere to sing her soulful songs. 

Naturally I had to give my collection of travel ghost story books some air time in today's posts. I've been collecting ghost stories from all over the world at each haunted location I visit. While I'm the first to admit that I'm a total scaredy cat when it comes to stories like these, I also appreciate folklore and history behind the tales. I have an entire shelf dedicated to ghastly tales on my office built-ins...which is exactly where you'll find the rest of my Yankee Candle Halloween decor as Halloween continues to approach. 

As you start to see Halloween items here and there in stores, don't hesitate to head to Yankee Candle for all of your decor needs. After all, you have that buy one, get one free coupon practically burning a hole in your pocket, right? 

Check out my other Halloween decor posts here, and learn how to host a bewitchingly fun Halloween wine tasting party here. In the meantime, enjoy prepping for Halloween! 

Traditions with Dad

One of the things that Hunter and I like to do every now and then is to take a Sunday drive. No particular destination in mind, and no particular time limit. This is a tradition that stems from years and years of growing up with my dad taking Sunday drives. My mom would load up our picnic basket with goodies while my dad would prepare the car. Then all five of us would pile in, and we'd just plain go. Often these drives would end up somewhere in the North Georgia mountains, a picnic spread across a random table or ground, and an adventure on the horizon. It became a Melvin tradition. 

Traditions are something I've come to appreciate. Whether it's the tradition of driving without a destination or turning your backyard into a make-shift campground, it's these nostalgic moments that make memories special and stronger. 

A few nights ago, I pulled out a quilt from the closet, grabbed a few mini chocolates and marshmallows, poured milk into my Stanley flask (who says a flask has to be for the hard stuff?), and enjoyed a late-evening nostalgic snack to myself reflecting on the memories of long, Sunday drives with my dad.  With Father's Day on the horizon, it's not always the gifts for dad that we should be thinking of, but rather, the gifts of dad. With Stanley brand, I'm always reminded of my dad and the adventures we went on with him. Make Stanley a part of your next family adventure, too. 

pictured: Stanley flask, Stanley vacuum bottle, Stanley vacuum mug -  all make great gifts for dad!

A Better Breakfast Routine + a Giveaway

A better breakfast routine is something that I've struggled with for years. I've never seemed to quite eat enough to keep me satisfied throughout my mornings which is basically a recipe for disaster. I'd rummage through my desk, the vending machine, my purse, just about anything trying to find a mid-morning snack to satiate my hunger. Last week, I tried a new routine and a childhood favorite: a heaping bowl of Cheerios and a tall glass of 100% Florida orange juice. It's such a simple way to fuel your day without having to think about it too much. What's not to love about that?

According to lots of research out there, breakfast is the most important meal of the day which is why it's so important to start your day off strong. The health benefits of Cheerios and OJ far outweigh skipping breakfast all together. Did you know an 8 oz glass of Florida orange juice gives you 100% vitamin C to help you maintain a healthy immune system? How about the fact that Cheerios’ wholesome cereal is made from whole-grain oats and without artificial flavors or colors. It is low in fat and cholesterol free. And even without the health benefits, the nostalgic breakfast blend will surely put a smile on your face (as it did mine).


Taking time for breakfast is imperative. This is where I start listening to my own advice. If you can swing it, gussy up your meal by putting it on an acrylic tray and creating a peaceful breakfast in bed. I have to say taking the time to smell the sunflowers and relax really started my day off on the right foot. But if you can't spend too much time on breakfast, just toss those Cheerios in a plastic baggie and pour some milk in a portable container. Add your OJ to a mason jar and head out the door. You can always eat your breakfast at your desk.

Ready to try a new routine? Save $2.00 when you buy any one Cheerios 10.9 oz or larger AND one 100% Florida Orange Juice 59 oz or larger from Publix.  To get your coupon, just select Cheerios $1/2 on readyplansave.com. Or how about I save you all of your money, and you enter to win the $15 Paypal giveaway below? Deal? Deal. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

want to be a part of campaigns like this one? sign-up for linqia!

Unique Ways to Make Money Blogging

Ah, money. It's a taboo topic to discuss, but one that everyone definitely wants to know more about. I've recently started participating in a few unique ways to make money blogging, and I wanted to share a few tips with you today. This post definitely goes out to my fellow bloggers, but I also wanted to share for my non-blogging readers for transparency's sake. After all, it's all about honesty around here!  

Of course there's the usual sponsored posts; you know the ones: dresses c/o this boutique or meals c/o that PR firm, but what about the ways to make money that are different than that? Let me introduce you gals to Linqia and Izea. Linqia and Izea are two sponsorship platforms that I've spent the past month or so experimenting with, and I have to say that I absolutely love both sites! Both have already turned out to be lucrative, and both have been super fun to participate in.

Izea is "sponsorship marketplace" where brands can connect with tastemakers for a range of sponsorship opportunities. The opportunity that has been the most successful for me so far is writing sponsored tweets. I've done several sponsored tweets so far for companies ranging from Clorox to Alexa Foods to Florida Strawberries. Big brands, right?! Signing up is free, but my advice is to go ahead and purchase the standard membership (it's $1 per month). You get unlimited advertiser pitches with this membership which means more opportunity for income. With Izea, you log-in to your dashboard and either bid or decline offers. I check mine daily because there's almost always something new, it's fun, and I'm a little bit obsessed. I've been a member for about a month and have made nearly $50 just doing sponsored tweets. Crazy!

I also want to make sure I introduce you to Linqia. With Linqia, you register to be a member (this is free). Then, you play a little bit of a waiting game. A campaign manager will email you when they have a campaign that they think fits your community. I have gotten one campaign so far (I signed up mid-January), and I earned $50 + $25 reimbursement for supplies/giveaway materials. Plus, the campaign is with Publix! I love that this particular community works with major, corporate brands, and  you get paid almost immediately - no payout minimum required! For Linqia you have to reach a certain number of clicks to get your payout. For ease of math, let's say that you get $1 per click, and you have to get 75 clicks to meet your minimum. If you get your clicks, you'll make $75! If you make over your clicks, you'll get a higher per click rate for your next campaign. But what if you only get 54 clicks? You'll get $54. So no matter what, you're getting paid! Easy right?

There are tons and tons of opportunities out there to monetize your blog, but these two are working for me right now, and I absolutely love both! Full disclosure: I did use my referral links for both Izea and Linqia, and if you decide to sign up, I'd love for you to use my links! 

Tilapia Piccata for Two + A Giveaway

This post is sponsored by Viva Italia Days at Publix featuring the best sales on Hunts Tomatoes, Progresso™ Brand Products, Kraft Parmesan Cheese, Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Breads, Betty Crocker™ Cookies in partnership with Linqia. 

A few months ago, in the midst of holiday parties, Hunter and I met at a neighborhood Italian restaurant for an easy dinner. It was packed to the brim with people, and I overheard a man at the table next to us absolutely gushing about the Tilapia Piccata. I decided right then and there that I must order it. When my meal arrived, it was every bit as good as the neighboring diner had said, but it was a little heavy on the fried side for my liking. I made it my mission to recreate a slightly lighter version of this dish at home.

So, when Linqia reached out asking me if I would participate in creating a recipe for the Publix Viva Italia sale, I knew exactly what I would be making. The Publix Viva Italia sale is one for the record books, especially during this cold spell that we're having down south. Few foods are as tummy warming as Italian dishes, and with sales on Progresso Brand Products, Hunts Tomatoes, and Kraft Parmesan Cheese, you'll be able to whip up a great meal for next to nothing.

In fact, this entire recipe for two was under $15! And because I love you (and this recipe) so, I am offering a $15 Paypal giveaway at the bottom of this post for you to recreate this meal yourself. Sharin' the Publix Viva Italia sale love, y'all!

Tilapia Piccata*

serves 2

You will need:

- 2 Tilapia filets

- 2 eggs, beaten

- 1/2 cup Progresso Italian breadcrumbs

- 1/4 cup Kraft grated Parmesan cheese

- 3/4 cup flour

- cooking spray

- 1 tbsp butter

- 1 lemon (juiced)

- 1/4 cup white wine

- 1/2 cup Progresso chicken broth

- 1 tbsp capers

- Mueller spaghetti 

To prepare:

Heat oven to 200 and prepare boiling water. Add flour to a shallow bowl large enough for your fish filets. In a second size-appropriate shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Add Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese to a third separate shallow bowl. Dredge fish, one at a time, first in flour then eggs then breadcrumb mixture. The flour will give something for the eggs to hold onto and the eggs will do the same for the breadcrumbs.

Heat a large pan over medium low heat and spray generously with cooking spray. Cook fish in pan 4-5 minutes on each side or until the fish is cooked through. Set on a cookie sheet in the warm oven until your sauce is prepared. Prepare spaghetti according to package directions.

Add butter and next three ingredients to the same pan on medium-high heat and bring to a boil allowing sauce to reduce 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn your butter in this step. Add capers and spoon sauce over fish. Serve with a side of Mueller spaghetti.

*recipe modified from Skinny Taste

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