Crispy texture; drizzling, warm syrup; and the sweet smell can only mean one thing — this is your sign to make waffles.
Over the years I’ve used a traditional waffle maker, but it was hard to clean and only made a standard waffle. Then I found what I really needed: a versatile multi maker waffle maker.
This DASH waffle maker fits my needs. The 4-inch plates are removable so you can make both traditional waffles and seasonal waffles, like these pumpkin ones, as well as Santa and snowman waffles. It also has griddle plates for making pancakes and eggs.
The waffle maker is easy to clean too because the plated are removable and even dishwasher safe. The maker also comes with a storage case so you can keep all the waffle plates together.
I own three of these vented brushes: one for each bathroom and one for my car. They’re easy to use, are tangle-free, and work well on wet OR dry hair. Plus, they come in a lot of patterns and colors.
This Conair 1-inch curling wand is a consistent part of my hair routine. It heats quickly, provides great heat control, and yields consistent results time after time.
I always have gel eye masks in my refrigerator. They’re very soothing for tired eyes, to cool your forehead when it’s hot, and to help calm headaches. Available in many colors, I love this pink.
Naked Sundays sent me a sample and I’ve been using this foundation ever since. It’s light, non-greasy, provides even coverage, and it’s available in 15 shades. Plus it has sunscreen built-in.
This is my go-to face moisturizer, especially in colder months or when my skin feels dry. It’s cooling on your face, your skin drinks it up, and the skin always feels well-moisturized.
This post contains an affiliate link and I may receive a commission from Amazon and Clinique if you make purchases through the link.
The ingredientsMixed muffin batterMuffin close-uoBanana Muffins
This 5-star recipe was moist and yummy. It wasn’t too sweet which was good because my kids like banana muffins for breakfast. I swapped the sour cream for Greek yogurt. Next time, I’ll add chocolate chips or nuts.
Shout out to Bakers Signature for sending me their tulip cupcake liners. The liners, which are pretty and easy to peel back, elevate from the muffins from everyday kitchen to treat from a corner bakery.
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I often make banana bread when I have ripe bananas. But these muffins were a tasty treat. What’s your favorite recipe for ripe bananas?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 by two Dads who wanted their families to have fun. The game combines badminton, ping pong, and tennis.Try pickleball this weekend. Get your gear and get started.
First off, you need good paddles. This pickleball paddle starter set comes with two paddles and balls. It’s well rated with reviewers praising its durability and grip.
This colorful striped pickleball paddle setis also well-rated. Users love its quality, durability , and cute fashion. Plus, the set comes with four pickleballs and a bag.
If you’re looking for a spacious bag to hold your pickleball gear, this crossbody bag might be the one. Users rave that it holds a lot of stuff with ample pockets and storage for all your stuff, including paddles, socks, shoes, towels, bottles, and more.
Who doesn’t need more pickleballs? This 3-ball set, available in green, pink , and blue, is a standout on the court.
Next, add some style to your game. Rock these pickleball socks, which users say are comfortable, soft, and cushioned. Wear thispickleball queen tank to show your opponents that you’re pickleball royalty.
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Summertime is here, and the summer sun can be intense. Choosing a sunscreen can be overwhelming. So let the experts do the work for you.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a list of top-rated sunscreens that meet strict criteria, so you know you’re getting a good product. In their annual guide to sunscreens, they feature seven EWG-verified sunscreens. Look for the EWG verified mark on the products. When you see the EWG seal, you’ll know the sunscreen meets strict transparency and efficacy guidelines, doesn’t contain toxic or unacceptable ingredients, and has been reviewed by scientists.
Also, note that EWG verified sunscreens can’t include aerosol or powder sunscreens because they’re an inhalation risk. Plus, verified sunscreens will always be between SPF 15 and SPF 50 because sunscreens higher than SPF 50 can give you a false sense of SPF security.
The top seven EWG verified sunscreens are below, and not only are they great sun protectors, they’re affordable too. At the time of this writing, they’re under $20. Many are available at retail stores, and all are online at Amazon.
Wear sunscreen daily and reapply often. While sunscreen is a great first step, the EWG also advises wearing protective hats, clothing, and sunglasses with UV protection. Stay out of the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and stay in the shade whenever possible.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Fruit is making a stylish statement this season. From sour cherries, tart lemons, and sweet strawberries to refreshing watermelon, juicy peaches, delicious kiwi, and more, fashion and decor are inspired by fruits.
Adding fruit accents to your home or personal style can be charming, light-hearted, and playful. Many pieces look vintage, as if they’re from the 1950s Italian Riviera. Others are modern, bold, and juicy. Some pieces seem seasonal, while others can be enjoyed year-round.
Just in time for Amazon Prime Day, now’s the time to squeeze the opportunity to try fun, fruity styles. From purse charms to kitchen towels to shoes, shirts, and more, let fresh fruit guide the way to summer style. Click the links to check out the products mentioned.
Fruity, fresh footwear
Cherries are having a big moment this season, and these cherry Crocs are the perfect combination of trendy and comfortable.
Pamper your feet with these fun, bold slides. These red, black, and green cherry slides are bursting with style and cheeky whimsy.
Kick up your relaxation with these comfy strawberry slippers, which will keep your feet warm year-round. These are also available in other fruity themes, including peaches, grapes, pineapple, and watermelon.
Fruit-inspired kitchen items
Towels are an easy way to mix and match with fruit patterns while cooking or entertaining. This set of two flour sack strawberry towels looks sweet, and they’re well-rated and durable.
You’ll be smiling when you use these “Hello Summer” 3 pack of dishtowels featuring peaches, watermelon, and pineapple. They add wonderful pops of color to your kitchen while being functional, too.
These lemon- and lime-colored Limoncello kitchen towels look elegant. They’ll do double duty for dish drying and overall decor. The towels are highly rated and praised for their beauty and quality.
Snuggle up with your favorite fruit! This cozy strawberry blanket is available in two sizes and multiple patterns.
Add some tropical fun to your space with these vibrant Kiwi throw pillows. The pillows, sold as a set of two, are 14 inches and look like slices of the fuzzy fruit. Whether you use them as outdoor decor or as a throw pillow for your bed or couch, these kiwis will get a lot of attention.
Up your entertaining with these lemon shaped appetizer plates. Whether you’re serving sauces or small snacks like nuts, your guests will rave about these colorful dishes.
You’ll smile when you pour your favorite hot drink into this cherry coffee mug. Reviewers love this wide-rimmed mug for its cute look and its quality.
Fruity fashion
Wear your favorite fruit on a shirt. This strawberry t-shirt features a boho look, and reviewers describe it as soft and vibrant.
You’ll wear this Limoncello t-shirt all year. It’s effortlessly chic and can be paired with jeans, shorts, or a skirt to create a variety of looks. Reviewers say it’s soft and high quality.
If you’ve always had a sunny outlook on life, you’ll need this “Just Peachy” shirt. Praised for its softness and stretch, this tee is available in a variety of colors, including gray, green, cream, and pink.
Men can get in on the fruit-inspired trend, too. These men’s pineapple swim shorts are highly rated, with Amazon reviewers praising their pockets, vibrant colors, and ability to dry fast.
Speaking of color, some Hawaiian shirts are wild with color and zany designs. But this men’s Hawaiian tropical shirt — in a blue background and a mix of tropical fruits — is full of charm without being too much.
Fruit Accessories
Add a little something extra to your look with some playful fruit accessories. These leather purse charms are available in various fruit options, including orange, blueberry, apple, avocado, and more. This faux leather cherry coin purse charm is adorable and makes such a statement. Similar purse charms sell for a lot more.
Grab a piece of summer with these dangly fruit-themed earrings. These lemon wedges are an attention getter. These lightweight, statement earrings are also available as watermelon and orange slices.
Fruit styles, especially cherries and lemons, are having a fashion moment. And the trend is not going away anytime soon. So go ahead, snag your favorite fruit fashions and accessories, and start enjoying this fruit-forward style.
I recently attended opening night at Cygnet Theatre’s production of “Oklahoma!” at their Old Town San Diego Stage.
The theatre invited me to attend their production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!,” which is infused with humor, catchy music, a live band, and classic romance and rivalry on the Oklahoma frontier. I enjoyed the songs, dancing, and dialogue. The production runs through August 2.
Up next, Cygnet Theatre – through a partnership with NTC Foundation – will move into The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center in Arts District Liberty Station. The new performing arts venue is located at the former Navy Building 178 at Liberty Station.
Following this summer run of “Oklahoma!”, Cygnet’s new season starts in September at their new Liberty Station home, affectionately called “The Joan.”
Another fun opportunity to talk with student journalists about the media industry, including finding topics to write about, pitching, invoicing, contracts, and more.
Big thanks to University of Maryland Merrill College professor David Oliver for inviting me to join your panel of journalists in a virtual Q & A.
Another successful Emmy Awards! We had a great time celebrating the 50th anniversary of the NATAS-PSW annual awards. Congrats to all the nominees and recipients.
Wearing gold for the golden anniversary of NATAS-PSW’s Emmy Awards.
As an Emmy committee volunteer (I’m also a former president and board member of the chapter), our committee we spent months curating this golden anniversary event.
Here’s the crew — all volunteers — who made the 50th annual Emmy Awards a success.
The event is enjoyable every year. Plus, I’m always appreciative and learning so much from my Emmy Awards’ peers, awards co-chair MaryEllen Eagelston and show director, Donn Johnson. Shout out to my husband, Frank for all his help and support.
with MaryEllen Eagelstonwith Donn JohnsonFrank and I on the red carpet
The event featured a yummy dinner, swag bags with lots of goodies, and lots of red carpet fun. The planning for next year’s show is already underway.
Emmy Awards programEmmy Awards dinner tableSetting up for the big event
Kristen Castillo 