Blog - Inside BruCrew Life

INTENTIONAL

The beginning of a new year always has me thinking and praying for what that new year may hold for me and my family. No one can say what each year has in store, and we can make all the plans and think we are in charge. But ultimately God is in control and knows best. Each day God gives us is a gift. I don't want each day to "just happen". I do not want to waste precious time on meaningless things that really do not matter in the end.

The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

My hubby was sharing with me at the beginning of this month about some different books (Multiply and Radical) that he was reading and how he wanted to make sure he was really taking the time to engage with people that God has placed in our life right now. Jesus designed us to know His joy, to share that joy with others, and to multiply His followers while we are here. It's all about being intentional in every single aspect of life!

As I thought about our goals and priorities, I realized how much I need to work on being intentional in so many areas of my life. Each year I like to choose a word that is something I feel like God is putting on my heart to grow in. Being intentional keeps coming up in all the things that I hear and read, so I know that this is a major area of my life that God is calling me to work on. [Read more...]

Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Dip

This easy, no bake Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Dip is perfect for dipping just about anything into it. You can use sweet crackers and chips, fruit, or just go at it with a spoon.

So, I have discovered a new love! Sweet cheesecake dips! Seriously, this new found love is probably all sorts of wrong for me and the healthy eating I have been trying to do, but it tastes so good!

Just think...only 10 minutes stands between you and this awesome dip right now. Well, that is if you have all the ingredients on hand. If not, add a trip to the store to your time. But you better believe me...it is totally worth it!!! [Read more...]

Ham and Tomato Egg Bake

This easy Ham and Tomato Egg Bake is the perfect breakfast or brunch casserole. It is full of veggies and protein and tastes delicious.

This delicious egg bake is packed full of veggies and protein and is the perfect healthy breakfast or brunch.

Have you made some healthy eating goals this year? Notice I didn't say resolutions. Why is it that goals seem easier to work for than sticking to a resolution? If I set goals, I tend to reach for them harder. A resolution seems to be something that I do not follow through with as well.

Over the past year, my husband and I have been trying to eat healthier and stick to a good gym routine. When I started, I never thought I would say I liked working out. Shhhhh! Don't tell my hubby that! I like to pretend I'm mad at the world when I'm throwing those 20 pound balls around and lifting weights and kettle bells. It just makes it a little bit easier to get through the work out of the day.

[Read more...]

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Granola Bars

These Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Granola Bars are a fun treat for on the go breakfast. The extra chocolate drizzles, mini marshmallows, and sea salt totally make these taste like your favorite hot chocolate drink.

I have decided that I will never ever get tired of salted caramel. It's a food trend that I have completely and whole heartedly fallen in love with. Yup, it's here to stay.

Good thing my family likes it too. Ok, they probably just tolerate it because I never give them a break from it. That's totally not true.

Just the other day I made a loaf of Sour Cream Banana Bread and resisted the urge to add caramel bits and chocolate chips to it.I think everyone in our house was surprised when they cut into the plain banana bread. [Read more...]

Top Ten BruCrew Recipes from 2014

Thank you so much for another fabulous year of fun and recipes! I have enjoyed sharing the desserts and dinners that get created in my kitchen with you.

Have you signed up for the BruCrew email yet? These recipes will be sent to your inbox each day.

It is hard to believe that 2014 has come and gone already. You guys are amazing! Thank you for coming back time and time again for my stories and treats. I really appreciate all the pinning, commenting, and sharing that you do with your friends. I also love hearing how the recipes turn out in your kitchens. You guys make blogging so much fun!!! Keep the comments coming!

Today I am sharing the Top 10 recipes from 2014. Out of all the recipes that I shared this year, these 10 got the most views. Did your favorite make the list?

So, according to the stats, you guys are loving cheesy pasta. I will definitely be making some more cheesy goodness in 2015 based on these numbers 🙂 I was also surprised to see 2 skinny recipes in the Top 10. I'm kind of getting a complex over here though. I thought this was a dessert blog, but it looks like I should definitely add more cheese and health food to my kitchen craziness.

You tell me...what would you like to see in the next year?

Now for the Top 10... [Read more...]

Merry Christmas 2014

Thank you so much for an amazing year of sweets and treats. I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

Make sure you take time to slow down, relax, and enjoy the time you have with your loved ones. And make sure to visit the cookie trays a few times...you only have a few more days until the new year and those crazy diets begin.

And above all else, remember why we celebrate this wonderful holiday. We have been given an amazing gift. In a stable many years ago, a Savior was born who is Christ the Lord. I am so thankful to know and love this gift of life that was shared with us in Bethlehem. May we all remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. [Read more...]

M&M Pecan Toffee Pretzel Bark

M&M Pecan Toffee Pretzel Bark: Chocolate covered pretzels topped with pecans, toffee, and M&M's are such an easy and fun treat to make. Perfect last minute treat for munching on or for giving to friends and family.

Chocolate covered pretzel bark topped with pecans, toffee, and M&M's is such a fun sweet and salty treat!

I cannot resist a sweet and salty treat. Ever!

Ever since I made this Candy Cane Pretzel Bark I have gone a little bit pretzel bark crazy.

You needed one more last minute treat to munch on, right? I sure hope so because this pretzel bark is deeeelicious!!! I definitely ate way more of it than necessary. Stretchy pants are definitely here to stay!

[Read more...]

Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn

Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn: Chocolate and peppermint coated popcorn with Peppermint Oreo cookies and Peppermint M&M's is one snack mix you will not want to miss. It is so fun, bright, and tasty!

Chocolate and peppermint covered popcorn with marshmallows, Oreos, and M&M candies. Sweet holiday treat!

A few weeks ago my daughter had to do a fun project for Home Ec. They had to bring a party favor related to the holiday that they were assigned.

How perfect was it that she got Christmas for her project?!?!?!

With all the fun I am having creating cute food packages, we knew we could do something fun and easy for her project. The email from her teacher said to use things from around the house to create this food gift.

How convenient was it that I had already bought some cute stickers, bags, and bows at Michael's. I really had no idea how they were going to be used when I bought them...they were just too cute to pass up, so they came home with me.

[Read more...]

Funfetti Chocolate Chip Pancake Mix

Making your own pancake mix is easy with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Try a fun twist with this Funfetti Chocolate Chip Pancake Mix. It's the perfect breakfast for kids or adults.

The most asked for breakfast in our house is pancakes.

But mixing ingredients and cooking on a hot griddle first thing in the morning can be dangerous for those of us that are morning challenged. Anyone else out there like that? Trust me. It's a real thing.

My eyes don't open and see very well too early in the morning. Believe me, I struggle being awake to do these crazy workouts, but at least those don't involve a hot stove. [Read more...]

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Macaroons

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Macaroons are loaded with chocolate chip and caramel flavor. The sprinkle of sea salt on top gives it just the right amount of sweet and salty.

*Today I am joining forces with some of my blog friends to bring you lots of cookie love. Make sure you scroll down to the bottom of the post for more details.

I got the decorating itch again last night. You see we already decorated our house the day after Thanksgiving, but I didn't finish putting everything up. So yesterday I looked through the boxes and pulled a few more lights, garland, another tree, and some glass ornaments out of storage.

The kitchen still needs a few decorations, but I'm not sure anything that is left in the boxes is going to work. Although I will probably end up putting the garland around the top of the shelves like I always do because I shouldn't be spending money on more decorations.

Along with this sudden burst of decorating came the urge to finish my Christmas cookie list. I cannot believe I have waited this long to finalize it. Usually by the first day or two into December I have a huge running list that has to be narrowed down.

About a month ago I made and shared these White Chocolate Funfetti Macaroons. The sprinkles and dipped bottoms inspired me to create another fun macaroon with a caramel twist. [Read more...]

« Previous Page