https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-04-15 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/the-grinder-salad-everyone-loved-at-my-sons-birthday-party monthly 0.5 2026-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/2528708f-176a-467b-9296-6e90598e8135/IMG_6981+%281%29.JPEG Blog - The Italian Salad Everyone Loved at My Son’s Birthday Party - I originally set out to make something similar to the classic Olive Garden salad for my son’s birthday party. You know the one — crunchy lettuce, tangy dressing, salty toppings. This salad brings me back to shopping days with my sisters. My sister Jessi was always in charge of tossing the salad and serving it to us all since this was HER favorite restaurant lol. So here’s my version (the one where I finally get to be in charge -youngest sister problems lol). I forgot olives and added a couple of my own twists but it was SO good. honestly? It might have been even better. Multiple people asked for the recipe before the party was over. Which is literally my favorite compliment ever so I said…. To the blog it goes!! It was the perfect way to take a simple pizza party and make it feel just a little bit elevated! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/9e95e294-1737-4b37-8345-ac4276f69026/IMG_7034.jpeg Blog - The Italian Salad Everyone Loved at My Son’s Birthday Party - Ingredients Romaine Hearts - (this is key.. dont buy the pre washed & chopped. trust me! They are not created equal!) Fresh Parmesan Fresh Tomatoes - (can’t wait to make this again with a fresh summer tomato from the farmers market yum!) Red onion Pepperoncinis Olive Garden Light Italian dressing Italian seasoning Cracked black pepper Garlic powder Croutons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/829bfd37-2cb2-4882-8e5b-c70ac168e69a/IMG_7043.jpeg Blog - The Italian Salad Everyone Loved at My Son’s Birthday Party - How to Make It Step 1 Grab your biggest most beautiful platter. Salads are so much better when they can be displayed beautifully on a large platter so all the toppings don’t get lost in the bowl and you can grab the perfect serving with just tongs! Chop the romaine hearts into thin strips and add it to a strainer. I love this strainer to get all the water off of the lettuce! (affiliate link). Lay out your lettuce on the platter for the first layer. Step 2 Slice your juicy tomato into thin strips and then again down the middle. Then layer the on top of the lettuce and do a quick sprinkle of salt and pepper for the perfect taste. Step 3 Thinly slice your red onion and layer that next. Then grab your pepperoncinis and do the same with those. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/06bc39bc-d73d-45e6-9e0e-f0410abb6a9b/IMG_7037.jpeg Blog - The Italian Salad Everyone Loved at My Son’s Birthday Party Step 4 Grab your fresh parm and grater. Go into Olive Garden server mode and grate the parmesan right onto the salad - just say when! Step 5 This is such an important but simple part that people mess up with salad. It needs to be seasoned well! Grab your Italian seasoning, black pepper and garlic powder and season to your hearts desire. Then add the croutons! I always serve with dressing on the side so people can choose how much they like to add! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/bfee533f-74a6-41a0-b06c-1d29a6b03b2d/IMG_7038.jpeg Blog - The Italian Salad Everyone Loved at My Son’s Birthday Party - The Key to Making It Extra Good Chop the romaine hearts yourself Serve on a big platter Don’t forget to season! https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/your-word-is-a-light-to-feet-and-a-lamp-to-my-path monthly 0.5 2026-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/80d061b3-8436-4937-972b-97eac254fe64/IMG_1606.jpeg Blog - a lamp to my feet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/bd035499-6154-4d51-9c5a-1edcdf45fe1f/IMG_2630.jpeg Blog - a lamp to my feet https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/its-cool-to-care monthly 0.5 2026-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/715d7d45-1d67-4822-8e14-e6cc5f08d0ee/IMG_7066.jpeg Blog - it’s cool to care this morning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/5a1fa28d-b560-4d5d-bf27-43931b9d5d92/IMG_2059.jpeg Blog - it’s cool to care maybe i’ve always cared https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/the-5-things-i-always-put-in-my-kids-easter-baskets monthly 0.5 2026-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/330d0a5f-12d3-4d4e-b599-1edec7b428f7/IMG_6953.jpeg Blog - The 5 Things I Always Put in My Kids’ Easter Baskets Please note this blog contains affiliate links! <3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/ca8c045d-56c8-4758-bc8b-3e0a75012202/IMG_7031.JPEG Blog - The 5 Things I Always Put in My Kids’ Easter Baskets - Occasionally I do like to still shop in store! TJ Maxx is my favorite for items like these! I also linked some similar items from brands I love on Amazon for your convenience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/534f2946-f63c-4708-9259-a1f6c1c8468d/IMG_7026.jpg Blog - The 5 Things I Always Put in My Kids’ Easter Baskets - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/def0e673-c84c-444a-89d9-c51c042f7f6e/IMG_7027.jpg Blog - The 5 Things I Always Put in My Kids’ Easter Baskets - Make it stand out Childrens books are not all created equally… Have you every bought a childrens book based on the cover and then got it home to read it and been like…. wow this makes no sense at all??? Hahaha cause SAME! I can always count on the Very Hungry Caterpillar and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie books though! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/61d5e1c1-8b19-49c7-9830-6881a430d9ad/IMG_7028.jpg Blog - The 5 Things I Always Put in My Kids’ Easter Baskets - Make it stand out Pro tip: this normally keeps the kids busy if you want to curl your hair or pick out a special outfit for yourself to feel beautiful that day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/e08edff5-bb23-4e2f-901c-38de6d9cec88/IMG_7029.jpg Blog - The 5 Things I Always Put in My Kids’ Easter Baskets - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/ee1e2e6a-eb5a-44f9-bf21-876e5f012d28/IMG_7025.jpg Blog - The 5 Things I Always Put in My Kids’ Easter Baskets - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/everything-i-wore-to-work-elevated-everyday-amazon-finds monthly 0.5 2026-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/69df5be3-71bd-4fe8-b9d7-a10f511deebf/IMG_7003.JPEG Blog - Everything I Wore to Work (Elevated Everyday Amazon Finds) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/content-i-am-loving-march-2026 monthly 0.5 2026-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/7dae1005-0f60-42fd-8763-2666566cfd07/81m7ZrxVWcL._AC_UF1000%2C1000_QL80_.jpg Blog - Content I Want to Talk About - One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/3f7a9c42-b3b3-4d24-a6a6-d95584aa14f7/81nByxEe4cL._UF1000%2C1000_QL80_.jpg Blog - Content I Want to Talk About - Just For The Cameras By Meghann Quinn Sometimes we just need a silly little romance novel to get us out of a reading funk. Something cute and simple to pick up. Nothing ground breaking, but I can always count on Meghann to make me laugh and feel giddy for some easy-to-read rom com! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/8667bc84-01dc-4a77-ae0b-8fd5c81864a9/aaaaa.jpg Blog - Content I Want to Talk About - Love Story: John F. Kennedy & Carolyn Bessette I know, not the most original piece of content right now… I think everyone is talking about it. But thats for a reason! When I watch this I am immediately teleported back into my 5 year old self watching E! News with my mom. The production has that early 2000’s gradient look, the fashion is impeccable and the simpleness of the time is shining through. Those years right before social media took off. Its actually less about the story for me (because apparently a lot of the specifics have been taken under a creative spin). Its more about being transported back into a time and place that is so near and dear to many of our hearts. Sincerely, a 90’s baby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/ec8c3707-8ce0-4cdf-8b49-d02046a6bb4c/MV5BMzk2YjJiNzMtZjk2Mi00ZGU5LWI1ZTUtNjIwMGI2NjZiMTVjXkEyXkFqcGc%40._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg Blog - Content I Want to Talk About - One Tree Hill I cant lie, I have watched every episode of this show at least three times. It was my go-to comfort show in High School and we had every season on DVD LOL. However, I decided to start watching again years later and let me tell you…. they don’t make TV like this anymore! Season 1 already has me in tears and giddy over the young love. If you haven’t ever watched, you need to. If you’re like me and once were obsessed…. let me remind you… its just as good as it was the first, second, and third time through! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/531473f9-edb8-4486-8a7c-e9f0008cd005/9798217013982.jpg Blog - Content I Want to Talk About - What In The World?! By Leanne Morgan First, this book is a must listen. Her voice is such a huge part of her brand. Its so adorable and wholesome! I initially watched her stand up Unspeakable Things on Netflix and me and my husband fell in love with all of her stuff. We were BOTH cracking up during it (the best feeling laughing with your spouse!). I specifically fell in love with her book, it is such an inspiring story about the ups and downs of life and to never stop following your passion. She is such an inspiration to me! Might be my favorite memoir of all time <3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/e1aa4ad4-3a69-4b57-9931-49b219f6211e/aHR0cHM6Ly9tZWdhcGhvbmUuaW1naXgubmV0L3BvZGNhc3RzLzU5MWQyY2U0LTU1ZWYtMTFlYi1iY2MzLTkzZmYwYWEwZjBkYS9pbWFnZS9TUi1XVEctQ292ZXItMjAyMy0xLTIuanBnP2l4bGliPXJhaWxzLTQuMy4xJm1heC13PTMwMDA.webp Blog - Content I Want to Talk About - Episode: A Messy Conversation About Botox, Fillers & Filters Sadie is such a light in the podcast world. She does so many episodes referencing scripture and getting deeper into Christian practices. But some of my favorite episodes are with her mom or husband just talking about relevant topics today. Shes such a sound of mind for todays generation. https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/perfect-chicken-breast-juicy-every-time monthly 0.5 2026-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/01abd29b-cf96-468a-9010-3b48fc782a58/1_QoDAlIVaF-2Q5cgxClWbGQ%402x.jpg Blog - How to Cook Juicy Chicken Breast Every Time - I don’t like to overcomplicate things in the kitchen, but I do believe in delicious food. I think there are a few staples every home cook should absolutely master — and chicken breast is one of them. It’s one of the most versatile protein sources and usually liked even by the pickiest eaters. But a lot of people avoid cooking chicken breast because it can turn out dry, rubbery, or bland if done wrong. Let me show you how to cook simple, delicious chicken breast that turns out juicy and flavorful every single time. This is my no-fail cast iron + oven method — once you learn it, you won’t go back. High heat sear = flavor + crust Oven finish = even cooking Thermometer = no guessing Rest time = locked-in juices https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/5ef08898-500e-4f1b-b8c6-bbcf262a72f2/1__CBkrDl7wo-PFXB9DqapQw%402x.jpg Blog - How to Cook Juicy Chicken Breast Every Time - Step 2: Sear in Cast Iron Preheat the pan until HOT. I usually use medium-high heat because I don’t want to smoke out my kitchen lol. Add oil. Sear the chicken about 3 — 4 minutes on the first side until golden brown. You’re building color here — not cooking it all the way through yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/c931d0ad-5e48-4031-979d-00cb630e953d/1_4TdgxpSx5VRHJ2UN1MiEng%402x.jpg Blog - How to Cook Juicy Chicken Breast Every Time - Step 3: Finish in the Oven After searing, flip the chicken and place the whole pan in the oven for about 8 — 10 minutes, depending on the size of the breast. I always use a thermometer and check the smallest piece first. Chicken should reach 165°F internally. If one breast reaches temperature before the others, I remove it and place the rest back in the oven until they are done. This makes sure every piece is cooked perfectly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/4e0b0fa3-ae3e-49cf-90eb-09e7f55fabef/1_3vm_eDT-z-iY6rXVeNLIbQ%402x.jpg Blog - How to Cook Juicy Chicken Breast Every Time - Step 4: Let It Rest Let the chicken rest 5 — 10 minutes before slicing. This is where most people mess up. Cutting too soon lets all the juices run out — which is exactly how chicken becomes dry. https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/category/Celebrations monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/category/Easter monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/category/TV monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/category/Kitchen monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/category/Clothes monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/category/Media monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/category/Podcasts monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/category/Mindset monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/category/Motherhood monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/category/Books monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/category/Philosophy monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/category/Food monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/tag/Celebrations monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/tag/Easter monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/blog/tag/Motherhood monthly 0.5 https://www.actuallyemily.com/home daily 1.0 2026-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/5719040d-92f1-4dc3-b9de-d788168da2ea/IMG_0232.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/12722200-b19a-4536-938b-d4219adb7c8b/IMG_6981.JPEG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/8fb61eb8-047e-496c-b711-02e8bf355e38/IMG_6665.JPEG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/d677fa1a-9264-4f6e-a0fb-37dacd2c9fba/IMG_5267+%281%29.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/3f954311-6cda-46a7-be22-bb9206562c9b/IMG_5602.jpg https://www.actuallyemily.com/about daily 0.75 2026-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/76b7965d-8e97-4caa-9325-5fbacfc6e01b/IMG_5078.jpg https://www.actuallyemily.com/contact daily 0.75 2026-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69a0a631d8b2e02cfc05d614/5d926c3e-b0c0-442d-aee8-f6d107242215/IMG_5805.jpg