Rachel Loza @ itsahero.com

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” We're getting into the holiday spirit in FULL FORCE over here. For our family that means cooking and banking ALL of the things. One of our favorite things to make are these Grinch Truffles! A hit with everyone and SUPER easy to make. Check out the recipe here -- https://itsahero.com/instant-pot-grinch-truffles/ #holidayrecipe #christmas #christmascookies #grinch

Cousins (and Uncle Jimmy) + Santa 🎅 We missed our original Santa visit (thanks, illnesses 🙃), so my kiddos getting to tag along with their cousins this weekend was fantastic! And now I'm finally in the holiday spirit! PS. Mila asked for Barbies. Ari said he doesn't know what he wants. And Remy decided (after I finished all of our Christmas shopping 🫠) that she wants a vanity... 🙃

It's National Cookie Day! Whether you're looking to make delicious cookies, or gift a cookie mix for the holidays, you NEED this recipe! See the details here -- https://itsahero.com/dry-chocolate-chip-cookie-mix-recipe/ #nationalcookieday #cookierecipe #holidaybaking

Yes, I know yesterday was Thanksgiving. But the last month has not been kind to us. We've gone from illness to hospitalization, to illness again, and then, yep, you guessed it -- even MORE illness. But I just needed to share this most perfect Halloween photo. 🎃 So, happy everything. 😂 Now it's time for a nap.

Well it's officially Fall. And our schedules aren't any less busy than they were a few months ago. Heck, at this point, I am certain our schedules will never be less busy. Well, not at least until these kiddos are grown. So for now we will do all of the easy meals. These easy sausage corn dog bites check all of the boxes for our busy (and picky!) family. Head to this link https://itsahero.com/sausage-corn-dog-bites/ (or the link in my profile) for the full recipe

I had every intention of sharing a cute Halloween photo of my kids this week. But this little lady had other plans. We had a scary day Tuesday. From a high fever, to a laughing seizure, to a long series of absence seizures, and finally to low blood sugar/hypoglycemia. We landed ourselves an admission to @akronchildrens hospital for a few days. I am so grateful for these doctors and nurses, who not only were incredible at their jobs, but were SO wonderful with my little Mila. Her diagnosis of hypoglycemia is due to her being small for her age. She was sick/under the weather, and so her little body just couldn't keep up. Basically, she has zero "reserves" as far as blood sugar is concerned-- especially when she's ill. Yesterday we were discharged after a series of tests, including fasting and seeing if she could maintain her blood sugar. And now we're at home where I'll be testing her blood sugar every morning for the next week (and again anytime she's under the weather. We have follow ups with endocrinology and neurology scheduled. Thank you for all the love from my stories this week. ❤️ And thank GOODNESS for a 4-day weekend to recover!

Tomorrow is Halloween! Even though we did trick-or-treating over the weekend, we are doing a little at-home celebration with the kids after school. We will dress up at home, have a fun dinner together, and eat these adorable Witches Cauldron Cake Pops! 🎃 Head here for the recipe -- https://itsahero.com/halloween-cauldron-cake-pops/ What are you up to on Halloween?!

October is one of THE busiest months of the year for our family. Not only is it my son's birthday, plus ALL of the back to school stuff starting, but it's also MY birthday month! One of my favorite gifts to receive is flowers from @1800flowers. The arrangements are GORGEOUS, delivery is timely, and it's just a great way to show appreciation for someone on their big day (or big 'month'). Head to this link (or click the link in my profile) to send your friends and loved ones a beautiful bouquet for their special day -- https://link.brands.mvk.co/a30443d #BirthdaysWith1800Flowers #ad

It's official! It's cold, it's rainy, and our heat OFFICIALLY kicked on for the first time! That means it's soup and sweater weather. And there's truly nothing better, IMO. One of my fave weeknight meals is this Instant Pot Sausage & Spinach Soup. It's SUPER easy and incredibly delicious. Head here for the full recipe -- https://itsahero.com/instant-pot-sausage-spinach-soup/ #inmykitchen #instantpot #soupseason

Ahhh! Hurry and JUMP on this deal! LEGO advent calendars are BACK for 2023 and they WILL sell out. These kids are READY for them -- Christmas jammies and all. Head to this link to get these now, before the big rush, over at @zulily -- https://zulily.gfpv.net/1roZZ6 or click the link in my profile (BONUS: Using that link saves you 10% on orders over $50) Which would be your kid's pick -- LEGO® City, LEGO® Friends, LEGO® Star Wars, LEGO® Marvel, or LEGO® Harry Potter?! #affiliate #zulilypartner #zulily #LEGO #LEGOcalendar #HolidayToys #HolidayToyGuide

Friends! DO NOT let apple season sneak past without trying this DELICIOUS (and easy) apple galette recipe. My suggestion? Bring it to your next get together and have people just *SWOON* over how gorgeous and yummy it is. Head here for the recipe -- https://itsahero.com/apple-galette-recipe/ #apple #fall #fallrecipes #applepie #applegalette #inmykitchen #tasty

Fairfield County is one of Ohio’s hidden gems. #VFCPartner Fairfield County is the perfect place for family fun and adventure. On our recent day trip to Fairfield County, we visited the quaint downtown of Lancaster, Ohio. While there we visited @provisionsbakerydeli for brunch and it did not disappoint! There was something on the menu for everyone – and an extensive wine boutique, perfect for grabbing a hand-selected bottle to-go. From there we went to Alley Park – where @FrontierSpirit1799 was taking place. Frontier Spirit is a festival that showcases the events and daily lives of the early settlers of Fairfield County. Festival goers witnessed the trials and tribulations of the first settlers of the Ohio Territory. Our kids were OBSESSED with the whole thing. From doll-making, to stilts, to hearing about the original militia. They ate up every bite of Ohio history! If you haven’t visited Fairfield County yet, what’s stopping you?! Learn more and plan your trip by visiting my story highlight: Fairfield Co. #VisitFC #FrontierSpirit @visitfairfieldcounty

There are plenty of mornings in our house where my kids wake up screaming that they want cinnamon rolls. In fact, I’m not going to lie — my kids wake up most mornings begging for cinnamon rolls. I’m not sure what started this. I remember, as a kid, begging my mom for ‘cinnamon toast.’ And I suppose cinnamon rolls might be this morning memory for my kids. I have tried basically every canned cinnamon roll on the market (PS. whatever you do, do not buy ALDI canned cinnamon rolls!). Regardless, I was never happy with the canned rolls. Instead, I tried to make an exact copycat Cinnabon rolls recipe. Guess what? I nailed it. Here's the link so you can make your very own -- https://itsahero.com/copycat-cinnabon-rolls-recipe/

This kid deserves a shout-out. Not only is he doing great in school, but he's also showing so much responsibility. The last few years have undoubtedly been hard for everyone. But this kid is showing up, doing the therapy, working on himself, and excelling at his favorite sport. I'm so proud of him! I'm also in complete disbelief that he will be 11 in just a few short weeks. I don't feel old enough to have an 11 year old! 😭🤣

Starbucks just released their Pumpkin Spice Latte for 2023. And for the first time in MANY years, I haven't yet gotten one. 😳 WHY? Well, because I simply make a better one at home. And you can, too. Head here for my Copycat Starbucks PSL recipe. https://itsahero.com/copycat-starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte-recipe/ Or head to the link in my profile! #PSL #starbucks #copycatrecipe #starbucksPSL #PumpkinSpice