Friday Q&A: Our Favorite Place To Travel, Eyeliner I Use, Meals I Cook, and More
It’s FriYay! Last weekend, Neil, the kids and I spent the weekend up in Lake Tahoe again. It was our third trip in 6 weeks and boy did we have fun. If you watch my Instagram stories, you can see how much snow Lake Tahoe got over the course of three trips. So pretty. I also ended up buying more pjs for the boys to match Emma and me. So watch out for that picture coming soon. Ha! This week, I got some great questions and I have answered those all below for my Friday Q&A.
Friday Q&A
1. What place was your favorite to travel to?
Well….I love all the places I have travelled for different reasons. I absolutely fell in love with Venice, Italy. The food was amazing, the people were extremely friendly and it’s just such a unique spot to visit. However, if I had to pick one place that I loved the most, it would be Jamaica. Neil and I got married in Ochos Rios so Jamaica will always hold a special place in my heart. We literally laid on the beach all day, snorkeled, got married, sang karaoke (after quite a few drinks), and met a lot of amazing people. I will never forget this trip and if I ever do….Neil has video of me singing RESPECT at the top of my lungs just in case!
2. What kind of false eyelashes do you use daily?
I actually do not wear these at all. Yes, it’s true. I have naturally long, thick curly eyelashes. I don’t do anything to them except put on this Armani Mascara. My kids have all been blessed with these same eyelashes as well. Neil always jokes they came from him, but it’s apparent who passed that on.
3. Where is your favorite place to eat when you visit Lake Tahoe?
SO, us Wagner’s have quite a routine when we visit Lake Tahoe. There are some really great places to eat but by far our favorite place to eat with the kids is Azul Latin Kitchen. They have fab margaritas and frozen vodka lemonade and their food is delish! Mmmm fish tacos! I am currently working on a Lake Tahoe Travel Guide and will list all our favorites there.
4. Can you please tell me how you grow your blog? You’re phenomenal!
I actually have a post I did which could be of great help to you! Check it out, here.
5. What is your favorite thing to cook?
Hmmm….I make a really good creamy pasta sauce. All the kids will eat it too which says a lot! I’m actually quite the griller as well. Since my husband works so much, I take charge on smoking a ton of meat on Sundays for his lunches all week. I smoke chicken wings, drumsticks, thighs, steak and my absolute favorite is a rack of lamb……SOOOOOO Good! Don’t forget to check my Food/Wine section for some awesome recipes!
6. Can you point me in the direction of the eyeliner you wear all the time?
There are a few brands I have used over the years, however, my favorite right now is Tarte Sex Kitten, here. Neutrogena also has a new precision eyeliner that works amazing and I also have used Lancôme liquid liner.
7. What TV shows are on your DVR?
Right now, Neil and I have been binge watching Outlander. It’s so good and totally makes you want to take a trip to Scotland ASAP. Neil has to get up pretty early during the week, so we don’t get to watch many shows or movies until the weekend. During the week, I will curl up on the couch after he’s asleep and watch my Bravo shows and write blogs (like I am doing now watching RHOBH). We also love Ozark, Homeland, Better Call Saul and Shameless. Downton Abbey was a huge favorite of mine and I basically will watch any type of British love story.
8. I need new jeans. Help me!
Jeans can be tricky because there isn’t one pair fits all. I remember as a teen, I hated jean shopping because my legs were so long and skinny and everything looked like floods. I even wore leg warmers under my jeans to bulk up my legs because I was so self conscious! I know…crazy right?! As an adult, I have tried all sorts of brands but the pair I cling to most and ALWAYS pull out are my J.Brand Marias! I literally have them in 7-8 colors and they have lasted YEARS people! You can check them out, here. I also love J.Crew jeans because they are less expensive and have a TALL size. I do size down in most of their skinny jeans. I wear this pair often, here. These Madewell jeans are also fab and on sale.
Thanks for reading my latest Friday Q&A! Have a fun question or need tips on just about anything? Ask me! Happy Friday! I will also be doing Follower Appreciation Friday on my Instastories for those of you who regularly like and comment on my posts! Your support doesn’t go unnoticed so thank you.
Friday Q&A
About The Author
April
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Woke up with an insane migraine….but at least my closet it clean! 🤣 #blueandwhiteforever #springcleaning
Give me all the #gingham
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
Did ya read the newest post on our latest #DIY over on Apriljwagner.com (link in profile) Get in depth details on our recent entertainment space including step-by-step directions, photos, before and afters AND I linked ALL the items as well. #diyproject #diyhomeprojects
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This is an insanely easy way to make Raspberry Lemon Tarts with minimal steps and ingredients! As much as I love making lemon curd from scratch, sometimes, it’s just nice to cut some corners!
•6-7 oz of Lemon Curd (I used @mackays) you will have left over. I showed the second half of my tarts being made.
•2 packs of puff pastry
•8 oz of whipped cream (I made my own with heavy whipping cream and a little vanilla extract and sugar)
•20 raspberries
Preheat the oven to 400°. Using a cookie cutter or top of a cup (approx 2 inches), cut circles out of the puff pastry. Place the circles of puff pastry into each mini muffin pan cup. Don’t forget to spray the mini muffin pan with nonstick spray like avocado oil! Place on the oven for 10-12 minutes. In a bowl, add the lemon curd and whipped cream and mix well. Stick in the refrigerator until the puff pastry is baked and cooled down. Add the lemon mixture to the puff pastry cups (tip: take a spoon after the puff pastry comes out of the oven and push the centers in). Add raspberry to the top and a little powdered sugar and there ya have it! Super easy, mini bite size desserts that are perfect for that Mothers Day brunch coming up! #puffpastry #minidesserts #easyrecipes
It’s that time of year where I can wear white pants again 🙌🏻🤣 Yay for Spring….
Always sad leaving our favorite camping spot…we’ve been bringing the kids here 2-3 times a year for the last 5 years and it never gets old. Sure, we could bring them to SoCal, where it’s warmer and packed with a crap ton of people. However, we much prefer the cooler weather (helps with my POTS), rocky cliffs, less people and you travel through the redwood forest (which looks like a storybook). We love it up here and fantasize about moving somewhere like this once Nicky graduates. See you in June Westport….
In my happy place for a long weekend….Comment COAST and I’ll send the link for this cute sweater (comes in East Coast too)!
https://liketk.it/59GmV #ltktravel #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert #coastalstyle #california #oceanview #beachday
Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from Dakota Timber Co! I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from @dakotatimberco I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
It’s the ultimate twirling dress! 🙌🏻
Comment TWIRL below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/59b8R #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert
SAVE AND SHARE THIS POST! Check out my Strawberry Cheese Heary Pastries! Perfect for that #galentinesday brunch or for dessert with your loved ones. So yummy and the perfect serving size!
•Preheat oven 400 (this bakes approximately 15 min)
•2 sheets Puff Pastry
•1 egg yolk and 1 egg (for egg wash)
•1 8oz package cream cheese
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•10-12 strawberries
Preheat oven to 400 (this will bake for approx. 15 min) Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out your puff pastry hearts and then use a knife to trace a heart into them. Brush on egg wash and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla, egg yolk and sugar. Add the cheese mixture to your little hearts (only spreading it up to the line you scored). Add fresh sliced strawberries and bake for 15-20 min! This is SO EASY AND SOOOOO GOOD! #recipeoftheday #danish #dessertrecipe #brunchrecipe #recipereel
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This recipe, by far, was a follower favorite last year! So so easy and omg so good! It’s a great brunch #recipe or dessert!
•store bought puff pastry
•raspberries or raspberry jam (I like fresh fruit better)
•6-8 oz of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1 egg YOLK only
•powdered sugar
•sliced almonds
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Roll out your puff pastry and cut slices down each side (approximately 1 inch) leaving the center intact and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Place the cheese mixture in the center of your puff pastry ( you may have extra leftover). Sprinkle fresh raspberries on top of the cheese. Fold each side of puff pastry one at a time in a lattice pattern. Brush some egg wash on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and fresh almonds on top for the finishing touch.
This is perfect for Valentines Day and I dare you to try it! #RECIPE #easyrecipe #recipeshare #brunchrecipe #dessert #recipereels
SAVE AND SHARE MY MOST VIEWED RECIPE! This is one of my favorite and most watched recipes and for good reason! My Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is SOOOO easy to make and perfect for brunch! This can also be frozen and eaten later!
Don’t take my word for it...make it and let me know how fast it was devoured.
•4 large croissants
12-16 oz of cubed ham
•6 oz of shredded gruyere cheese
•6 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup chopped chives
•6 eggs
•1 cup half and half
•1 tsp. honey
•1 tsp. Dijon mustard
•salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 375. In a baking dish (spray with non stick spray) add in croissants, ham, cheese and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, honey, mustard and salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the bake and press down with a fork. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 50 min. This is such a great family recipe and feeds a good amount of people. So before ya come for me with how much cheese is used ( remember that!
#easyrecipe #breakfastfordinner #recipereels #easterbrunch #brunchrecipes
#AD Who loves a good facial exfoliant?! 🙋🏼♀️ I ran over to Walgreens to get my favorite @stivesskin Apricot Fresh Skin Exfoliating Facial Scrub. It’s made with 100% natural exfoliants (including milled walnut shells and apricot pits), free from parabens and oils and provides a deep cleanse leaving my skin feeling super clean and oh so smooth. I use this 3 times a week and it makes my skin glow. Dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic, vegan and fur baby friendly! It literally checks all the boxes! Want glowing skin? Try #StIves at #Walgreens #StIvespartner
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These ham and cheese hand pies are the perfect #stpatricksday snack! Super easy and so so good! You only need a few ingredients and a cookie cutter!
•clover cookie cutter
•puff pastry sheet
•Dijon mustard
•Swiss cheese
•corned beef (pastrami also tastes great)
•egg for egg wash
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Use your cookie cutter on the puff pastry. Smear a good amount of Dijon mustard on half of them. Add the corned beef and cheese. Place the puff pastry on top like a sandwich. Using a fork, press down around each clover. Brush egg wash over and poke 4 little holes in the top. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. These are SOOOO YUMMY and quite a hit in our home! The kids love them! #puffpastry #cornedbeef #easyrecipe
I just binge watched Renovation Aloha and now I NEED another trip to Hawaii. It doesn’t look like it’s in the cards for us this year with Emma going to Boston for singing (we are tagging along for the last week). Buuuutttt, if we were to go……Which is your favorite and why? Big Island or Kauai? We’ve already been to Oahu and Maui and I love each of them for different reasons. PS, I painted all my doors in the house blue on a whim and I think I love them 💙
Comment DENIM and I’ll send you the details! I call this my errand running look….if you are on the fence about this denim jacket….DO IT!
Comment DENIM below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/57uSO #ltkover40 #ltkactive #ltkstyletip #denimjacket #momstyle #momfit
Today was spent cleaning the kitchen, painting the wood countertops for our built-ins, laundry and changed all the air purifier filters. Happy Monday! #hydrangea #blueandwhite #blueandwhiteforever
Perry | 3rd Mar 19
I have always wanted to go to Jamaica! After reading your answer, I now want to go even more 😀
Cheryl Shields | 3rd Mar 19
Thanks for sharing. Heading to get that mascara!
Manda Buccieri | 3rd Mar 19
I loved Venice too! The food, wine, & architecture were amazing!
Deanna Straub | 3rd Mar 19
Thanks for the interesting information. Now I want a Frozen Vodka Lemonade and a fish taco!! You’re life sounds so wonderful. It is what you have made it, I’m sure. Good for you. You are a wonderful, beautiful, and very intelligent young woman.
Angela Yang | 3rd Mar 19
I’m going to try some of the eyeliner you suggested. I need some good one that doesnt smear!
Lili Jordan| 3rd Mar 19
This was so fun to read! It’s amazing that your eyelashes are just naturally that long!
Natalie | 3rd Mar 19
I have been considering false lashes but am wondering how long they last.
Margaret S Porter | 3rd Mar 19
This was such a fun post. I have been looking for a great mascara. Im going to try the one you use. We like the same tv shows. Have a great week!
Klydra Pugh | 3rd Mar 19
I must find a recipe for frozen vodka lemonade. Yum.
Michelle Damon | 3rd Mar 19
Thanks for the mascara tip! I’m going to have to try it now! And we’re going to need your pasta sauce recipe…..I love everything pasta! 🤤😜
RACHEL MERTZ | 3rd Mar 19
I’ve never considered wearing leg warmers under my jeans for thicker legs – ha ha ha!
Stefanie G | 3rd Mar 19
I always love q&a posts! Hope you have more!
Terry Ernst | 3rd Mar 19
I have never heard of fish tacos, I am 57. What kind of fish are in those? And is the rest authentic mexician ingredients?
April | 3rd Mar 19
Oh I love fish tacos! The best are made with cod, which I use at home too! I have also had mahi mahi and even salmon. Cod is a great fish to use though and healthy!
Stacey Roberson | 3rd Mar 19
Love this! Can you share your recipe for the creamy pasta sauce. I love pasta and always looking for new sauces.
Babette | 3rd Mar 19
Love your suggestion of the jeans. I need new ones and I’d like to look chic and not wear mom jeans!!! 🤣🤣 love your blog!!
Jennifer| 4th Mar 19
That restaurant in Lake Tahoe sounds great!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Vickie | 4th Mar 19
Guilty pleasure for me is also RHWBH and NY. Gah!
We were engaged in Runaway Bay Jamaica, always special and magical, customs, beauty, people, food a fave here too.
Ditto on Tahoe and Yosemite and entire area a fave vacation some years back. Flew in from Florida with our gear, rented a mini van and …Camped for two weeks and did the loop from after Landing in San Fran…loved everything. Awesome experience.
Susan Christy | 4th Mar 19
I’ve wanted to go to Lake Tahoe FOREVER! Tried many times over the years, but all of my trips were cancelled due to airline strike, airline going out of business, having to cancel due to work, husband in the hospital. I am going to make it one day!!! It’s okay — I’ve been tons of other places but my life won’t be complete until I make it to Tahoe!!!
Courtney Byers| 4th Mar 19
How fun! I loved learning more about you, April. I also am in love with Venice. I want to go back with my hubby someday.
Ashh| 6th Mar 19
I need to check out the eyeliners you mentioned.
Pam Wheeler | 8th Mar 19
I would love to visit Jamaica. I enjoy cooking tomato sauce myself, along with creamy basi tomato soup. I do need new jeans, so I appreciate the advice.
Eva Mack | 1st Apr 19
Great read…lots to think about…enjoy the dream of it all