Don’t Forget to Stop and Smell the Roses

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Erin

Don’t Forget to Stop and Smell the Roses

By Erin

Everywhere you look, spring is blooming. Time for new growth, new beginnings. Sometimes I get so busy with work, I forget to stop and smell the roses. This weekend I had a chance to do this though, and boy was I glad I did. Look what was there to greet me! I love spending time in my garden and taking care of them. Hope you enjoy these spring blooms from my backyard! It’s just too bad you can’t smell how fragrant they are on here!

Some pretty purple Brunfelsia blooms.

A side view of the rose garden.

So pretty, if only you could smell them too!

Rose buds getting ready to bloom.

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is a Foodie Lovers Paradise! #KnottsSpring @Knotts

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Erin

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is a Foodie Lovers Paradise!

By Erin

Disclosure: This is written by me for GigaSavvy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them.

Last week I got a little taste of what’s to come this weekend at the start of Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boysenberry Festival. Here are some of the highlights that you have to look forward to! What mouthwatering favorites or new creations are you looking forward to devouring? If you love boysenberries as much as I do, you won’t want to miss any of this deliciousness! Also be sure to check out all of the other Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Fun here!

Ribs with Knott’s Famous Boysenberry BBQ Sauce, Fried Alligator with Boysenberry Aioli, Fish & Chips Sandwich with Boysenberry Tarter Sauce. Yum!!

Boysenberry Chicken and Sausage Sandwich served on a Knott’s Fresh Boysenberry Bun!

Wings with Knott’s Famous Boysenberry BBQ Sauce! Finger Licking Good! 😉

Celebrate Your Inner Child at Stacked: Food Well Built! @FoodWellBuilt

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Erin

Celebrate Your Inner Child at Stacked! Food Well Built.

By Erin

Trying to think of an innovative place that has something to please everyone that you can take the family or some friends to? Then you will want to take a trip out to Stacked the next time you dine out! When I got an invite to come in for a visit, I couldn’t pass it up. Stacked: Food Well Built is a full-service, casual restaurant with a unique way of ordering that enables you to get exactly what you want, as you customize your meals in a comfortable, relaxed way on a tablet at your table. Whether you want to let your inner child out and customize all sorts of delicious and creative concoctions, or you like to go the more traditional route and order items that already have a set list of ingredients, Stacked is a place you will want to try if you have not already!

The tablet-based ordering system allows you to use a drag and drop feature that gives you the ability to visually build your meal right on the screen. I am a very visual person myself, so it helps me to see exactly what I am attempting to order. Other benefits of having this system is the ability to control when you order and when you pay. This lets you easily customize your meal as you select your favorite ingredients to create your own personal masterpiece. However, if you do prefer a traditional approach, where a server takes your order for you, the staff is always happy to do so!

What the tablets on the tables look like that you order from. It is a very user-friendly way to order. Stacked has lots of TVs everywhere, making it a great place to stop in for Happy Hour and to watch one of your favorite teams play.

As a true kid at heart, I just had to order my “dessert” first, by ordering a Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake! 😉

The Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake is a rich, refreshing blend of Chocolate Chips and mint topped with a generous dollop of Whipped Cream. I also added on strawberries to my shake. It had been a very warm day, and I had been outside at the barn for the past 4 hours. This was the perfect option. A light, creamy, mint flavor with chocolate and strawberries mixed in, with whipped cream on top!

Next, since it was so warm out, we decided to order The Cow In The Garden Salad.

I loved this salad! Think of an amazing explosion of flavors that blend together perfectly. What’s in the Cow in the Garden Salad? Flat Iron Steak with a Spring Lettuce Mix, Point Reyes Bleu Cheese, Sundried Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Toasted Pepitas, Bleu Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette dressings topped with crispy Onion Strings.