How to Build a Brunch Board
I am one of those breakfast for dinner people, so it shouldn\’t come as a surprise that brunch is one of my absolute favorite weekend indulgences. Serving brunch, even if it is just for me like I would serve a charcuterie board makes it even more fun.
I love creating brunch boards to elevate my weekend, Valentine\’s Day, Easter, and really anytime I just want an excuse to have brunch and make it look chic.
How to build a brunch board
When it comes to building a board you can make it have anything you want. Load it up with what you have in the fridge and pantry or buy specific items you\’d like to have on a board.
1. Start with a base
This is the same concept used with a cheese board or charcuterie board. The base can be anything you want a large wooden cutting board, slate board, basket, serving platter, cookie sheet – the possibilities are endless.
2. Ingredients
Think about what your brunch favorites are and that will give you a great place to start. Here are some of my favorite brunch board additions…
Pancakes
Waffles
Donuts
Bagels
Muffins
Bread
Crackers
Eggs
Yogurt
Granola
Fresh fruit: pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, bananas, grapes, apples, etc.
Cheese: cheddar, white cheddar, feta, gouda, etc.
Proteins: smoked salmon, bacon, prosciutto, salami, etc.
Nuts: pecans, almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc
3. Pick a theme
I absolutely love themes and always base my board on that theme. A theme is so much more than deciding on \”Valentine\’s Day.\” Your theme is what you will be serving… the star of your board. Will it be pancakes and/or waffles with a variety of fruit for toppings, build your own breakfast sandwich, create a parfait, build a bowl of oatmeal, sweet treats like donuts..etc.
4. Build ahead of time
If you\’re serving your brunch board for family and guests do the hard work in advance. Waffles and pancakes can be made ahead of time, freeze, and then popped into the oven when you\’re ready to have them. Oatmeal is easy to make in a crockpot, bagels are easy to cut the morning of and add to the board. Make it easy for yourself when you\’re serving others!
5. How to assemble a brunch board
1. Start with the star of your board first – pancakes, waffles, bagels, etc.
2. Arrange seasonal fruit to add a pop of color throughout the board
3. Add small bowls for jams, honey, maple syrup, and more
4. Add cheese
5. Place your protein in spaces that are left
6. Fill in gaps with nuts
7. Cut out fruit with cookie cutters to add dimension
8. Now it\’s time to enjoy!
Camp Croods at La Brea Tar Pits Virtual Field Trip
Since most in-person events and activities are still on hold I was excited to be invited on an interactive virtual field trip—Camp Croods at La Brea Tar Pits, to celebrate the release of THE CROODS: A NEW AGE on Digital (available now) and on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD February 23.
This fun virtual event is brought to you by the National History Museums of Los Angeles County and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment with DreamWorks Animation.
If you love THE CROODS as much as I do, you\’re in for a big treat. Camp Croods at La Brea Tar Pits will take you on a scientific exploration of the Ice Age through hands-on activities, you\’ll meet real life paleontologists, make virtual Tar Pits discovers, participate in drawing demonstrations that bring your favorite Croods characters to life, and so much more. Reservations are required, and they are FREE
I had so much fun and thought you might like the details on this fun virtual field trip.
Families will have the chance to meet real-life paleontologists and archaeologists, participate in DIY art projects, explore virtual tar pits (La Brea Tar Pits camp), take a virtual tour of the Human Origins exhibition (NMNH camp), and experience drawing demonstrations that bring the fan-favorite prehistoric Croods characters to life.
Movie Review: Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar
Grab your bestie, because Barb and Star are ready to become the new Rachel to your Monica when they premiere everywhere you can rent movies this Friday, February 12 (perfectly timed for Galentine\’s and Valentine\’s Day).
I\’ll be breaking out of my shell and hosting a watch party(THANK YOU Lionsgate!) with some girlfriends this evening (virtually of course) and sharing all the juicy deets with you in the morning. Including snacks, goodie bags, what everyone thought, and more! Here are the details.
Read my full review on Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar below.
What I thought of Barb and Star Go-To Vista Del Mar:
Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar is a whack job in itself that you cannot help but enjoy. Think Anchorman meets Zoolander, with a little Austin Powers sprinkled on top, and you get fart jokes, silliness, and an adventure of a lifetime with your bestie.
Barb (Annie Mumolo) and Star (Kristen Wiig) not only work and live together, but they are lifelong besties who have never left their small Midwestern town. With the recommendation of a friend, Barb and Star embark on the adventure of a lifetime, and let me tell you it\’s an adventure with a bestie that you\’re going to want to go on as well (minus the whole buried treasure – I don\’t need that haha).
Edgar (Jamie Dornan), first let\’s just get this out of the way – Edgar has nothing on Christian Grey! The musical number that involves Edgar and a seagull will have you saying \”what is happening\” and cracking up all at the same time. Hands down, this is my favorite scene in the movie. Jamie Dornan is absolutely hilarious in Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar, who knew!
Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar is wild and crazy in the best way possible. You\’ll get the giggles, get your shimmer, and want to start planning an epic endeavor with your besties.
Synopsis of Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar
Take a trip and break out of your shell with Barb and Star. From the gals who brought you Bridesmaids (co-stars and co-writers Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo) comes BARB & STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR. Lifelong friends Barb and Star embark on the adventure of a lifetime when they decide to leave their small Midwestern town for the first time…ever. Romance, friendship and a villain’s evil plot…Hold onto your culottes, BARB & STAR debuts in your home on February 12th!
What is a Pinkglow Pineapple?
If you know me, you know that I have a thing for anything and everything pink. I couple of months ago I discovered my new favorite pink thing – Pinkglow Pink Pineapple from Fresh Del Monte. While I paid a lot for a single pineapple ($50) it was 100% because it was so delicious.
What does a Pinkglow Pink Pineapple taste like?
Heaven, but seriously. The Pinkglow Pink Pineapple is sweeter, juicier, and less acidic than a traditional pineapple. It definitely cures your sweet tooth.
What makes the Pinkeglow Pink Pineapple so special?
This chic pineapple is sustainably sourced and grown on a carbon-neutral farm in the South-Central region of Costa Rica, which has rich fertile volcanic soil and the perfect tropical climate. When you receive your Pinkglow Pink Pineapple you will even get a certificate of authenticity!
Obviously, this product was made possible through bioengineering. So if you are not all about genetically modified products this pineapple is not for you.
Where is the crown?
I was a bit disappointed to have my Pinkglow Pink Pineapple arrive without its crown. The Pinkglow website says \”Should you open your Pinkglow package only to wonder if your pineapple has lost its crown, fret not. We remove and replant each crown before shipping, sustainably cultivating the next crop of this magnificent rarity. Plus, we didn’t want to overdress for the trip.\” AKA they also do not want any other brands stealing this fabulous idea by using the top.
Radical Plants Offers Guilt Free Superdips
Something you\’ll find on my vision board this year \”elevate my life.\” I\’m sure you\’re probably thinking \”what does that even mean?\” and really it\’s simple. I want to create a happier and healthier life. This includes what goes into my body, the way I talk to myself, getting out in nature, and feeling comfortable in my own body.
In 2021 you will find me living a more plant-based center lifestyle. No, I am not going vegan, I am just fueling my body with better products. One of my favorite snacks is vegetables and ranch dip. Ranch is chemical chaos and I can\’t even read half the ingredients on the label. Let me introduce you to my new favorite ranch from Radical Plants.
Ever since discovering Radical Plants Superdips I have been starting each week with a vegetable board. Lately, I have been loving cucumber, carrots, and celery. Whenever I want a snack I just go into the refrigerator and grab a mini vegetable board that I have made and snack on it while I work. Vegetables are obviously guilt free, but it is so nice to also enjoy a dip completely guilt-free.
What is Radical Plants?
Radical Plants is a Michigan based company ready to elevate your life with its fantastic dips. The dips are ONLY 25 calories per 2 tablespoons serving and the first ingredient is tofu. As someone who HATES tofu, I absolutely love these dips and could not tell that tofu is what they are made up of.
Radical Plants has three Superdips in the lineup
All the dips can be used as a dip or sauce.
Basil Alfredo – Absolutely delicious with cucumbers
Chiptole Lime – Great with tortilla chips. I love adding it on top of sweet potato, chili nachos, and more.
Better than Ranch – Get ready to break out your carrots, celery, cauliflower, and more because this dip is even better than traditional ranch!
Radical Plants Superdips are:
Plant-Based
Gluten-Free
Nut-Free
Oil-Free
Sugar-Free
Preservative-Free
Low calorie, low carb
Good source of protein
Priced right
Fashion meets Food 