Sauced: 30 Totally Bitchin’ Bowls With Starr Edwards

 From Bitchin’ Sauce founder and CEO Starr Edwards comes Sauced: 30 Totally Bitchin’ Bowls, a vibrant new cookbook celebrating real ingredients, bold flavors, and a sauced approach to everyday meals.

The other day, I got the best box delivery. It was a huge box from my favorite plant-based sauce company. This huge box put a smile on my face. Inside the box was a cookbook and plenty of Bitchin' Sauce, so I could have fun creating some of the recipes in the cookbook.

I had just returned from San Diego, attending a food event called Winter Fancy Faire Show. The cool part was Bitchen' Sauce was at the event, showcasing their new cookbook with samples of their delicious plant-based almond sauces, and I now have a copy of the cookbook. 

While I knew that they were sending me a copy, Sauced: 30 Totally Bitchin’ Bowls, all the products were a huge surprise. From the moment that I opened the box and started to look at the cookbook, I could not wait to get cooking in the kitchen with Bitchin'. 

Sauced: 30 Totally Bitchin’ Bowls is a Feast for the Eyes

The Sauced cookbook is a feast for the eyes, and it will make you hungry. The photos in the cookbook are so vibrant and colorful. All of the recipes have one of the Bitchin' Sauces as a listed ingredient. I really love the wide variety of recipes; some are even 100% plant-based. From breakfast to dinner, these recipes sound so delicious. 

 I have already bookmarked many of the recipes to make. While some of the recipes call for meat, I can easily make them without the meat. Some of the recipes that I am excited about are Poke, Beautiful Indian Spice, and Harvest Veg. 

 One recipe that really got me excited was Savory Oatmeal. I love that Starr Edwards also enjoys her oatmeal savory with vegetables and avocado. Most people think that it is strange that I eat my oatmeal in a savory style.

About Sauced: 30 Totally Bitchin’ Bowls 

 From Bitchin’ Sauce founder and CEO Starr Edwards comes Sauced: 30 Totally Bitchin’ Bowls, a vibrant new cookbook celebrating real ingredients, bold flavors, and a sauced approach to everyday meals.

Built on the belief that food should feel good, taste amazing, and never be boring, Starr completed a personal challenge of eating Bitchin’ Bowls exclusively for 30 days, which was documented on the company’s Instagram account. The impressive results led her to the creation of Sauced, which features all thirty craveable bowl recipes designed for flexibility, creativity, and repetition. Whether eaten on repeat for days or mixed and matched to explore new flavor combinations, each bowl is proof that healthy food can be colorful, satisfying, and deeply delicious.

“Back in the early days of Bitchin’ Sauce, I lived on dreams, gratitude, and leftover chips and dip, and honestly, I never felt better,” said Starr Edwards, founder and CEO of Bitchin’ Sauce. “Nearly fifteen years later, I dove back into a fully Sauced way of eating, and the results were undeniable: good sleep, steady energy, better dance moves, and the most delicious meals I’ve ever made. Sauced is about trusting your instincts in the kitchen, adding a dash and a splash until you feel it in your soul, and discovering just how versatile and satisfying saucing all your meals can be.”

Known for building Bitchin’ Sauce from a farmers market favorite into a cult-followed, award-winning brand, Edwards brings the same heart and creativity to Sauced. The book reflects her intuitive cooking style, playful approach to wellness, and belief that food should support both joy and vitality.

You can find Sauced: 30 Totally Bitchin’ Bowls available for purchase here.

ABOUT BITCHIN’ SAUCE

Born from a mom’s heart and made famous at farmers markets across Southern California, Bitchin’ Sauce is the cult-favorite, almond-based dip that’s taking taste buds by storm. Plant-based, gluten-free, and endlessly versatile, Bitchin’ Sauce makes everything taste Bitchin’, from veggies and burgers to tacos, bowls, and beyond. Outside the kitchen, Bitchin’ Sauce is dedicated to giving back through its Bitchin’ Givin’ Program, donating time, resources, and product to support communities in need. Guided by the company’s core values to “Do Good, Be Good,” Bitchin’ Sauce has contributed thousands of volunteer hours and philanthropic efforts to organizations that make the world a little more Bitchin’.

Favorite Finds From Winter Fancy Faire Show San Diego

 I started my New Year traveling to San Diego, California, to attend the Winter Fancy Faire show. As the name implies, this was a food event that had a focus on fancy food. From food to drink, this show was an event where folks got together to learn about the newest trends in the food business. 

 This is an event for people who work in the food industry or have some connection to the food market. From manufacturers to buyers to distributors to even media folks like myself, there were so many people coming together to connect about food that was fancy. This was an event that was not open to the public, and I was able to attend since I write about food. 

A Coastal Train Ride To Learn About New Healthy Food Products

My trip began with an overnight train ride from Albuquerque to Fullerton. From there, I hopped on a 3-hour train to San Diego. I was excited for my second train as this train goes along the coastline of California with incredible views of beaches. The train ride was amazing! My view of the ocean from my train window did not disappoint. 

I admit, the coastal train ride was one of my reasons for attending this event. I do love the ocean and beaches.

Since I was heading to San Diego, I arrived a couple of days before the show, so I could go on a whale watching cruise and visit a beach. After a day in the sun, I headed over to the San Diego Convention Center for the event. I was on a mission to sample new products and connect with brands.

My Favorite Finds from the Winter Fancy Faire Show

While attending the show, I was excited to try some new products. Since I have multiple food allergies, I was only able to sample foods that did not have any of my food allergens. My food allergies are wheat, dairy, soy protein, and mushrooms. 

One would think that there would not be many food products that I could try, but even with my food allergies, there was plenty of food for me to try. I was able to discover plenty of products that are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and even mushroom-free. 

Below is a list of some of the food items that I loved from the show

1. Cookies from Flax4Life Bakery

One of my favorite sweet products at the show was Flax4Life chocolate chip cookies. I love that they are not only delicious but also allergy-friendly. 

 Flax4Life produces the best-tasting, nutritious, and flax-based bakery products on the market. Their allergy-friendly bakery is Certified Gluten-Free, Nut-Free (except coconut), Dairy-Free, and Kosher. They create delicious Brownies, Muffins, Granola, Cookies, and a no-sugar-added line that tastes delicious and is good for you as well. 

2. Pink Pineapple from Melissa's Produce

 I have seen the Melissa Pink pinapple on social media and was so excited that they were sampling the pinapple at the show. This pineapple was so good. 

Pinkglow® pineapple features a whimsical, candy-sweet pink-hued flesh and is grown in Costa Rica.  This pineapple has a uniquely low-acid flavor profile, candy pineapple aromatics, and unique pink flesh. Pinkglow® contains lycopene, a natural pigment that gives some produce (like tomatoes) its red color, which makes this pineapple pink! Melissa's carries many other delicious produce and other products that are sold in stores, to restaurants, and online.

3. Plant-Based Almond Sauces Bitchin' Sauce

 I was happy to see my favorite plant-based sauce company at the show and had to taste the almond sauces. Bitchin' has some new products that will be available soon online. From delicious chips to salsas to even a cookbook, they had plenty of new products. Bitchin' even sent me a copy of their new cookbook, which features recipes with their delicious sauces.

Bitchin' was born from a mom's heart and perfected at San Diego farmers' markets. Bitchin' Sauce is more than a dip - it's a revolution in snacking. Made with simple, high-quality ingredients, their clean, healthy sauces have a flavor for every taste bud.

4. Homemade Cracker Mix from Top Seedz

If you have always wanted to make your own crackers but felt overwhelmed at doing so, this homemade gluten-free cracker mix is perfect for you. It's like a cake mix, but for making crackers. To make the crackers, just add water and oil. Then roll and bake.  

The result is perfectly crunchy, clean, and crave-worthy seed crackers. All of Top Seedz products are gluten-free, vegan, Kosher, nut-free, and made with Certified USDA Organic ingredients. This Bake-At-Home Cracker Mix won the SoFi Awards Product of the Year. 

5. Smoked Sea Scallops from Seabear Smokehouse

These Wild Alaskan Smoked Weathervane Sea Scallops were so delicious. I had no idea that smoked sea scallops were a thing. These scallops have a soft texture and rich flavor that is similar to smoked salmon. I admit that I ate at least 10 of these.

 The Weathervane Smoked Scallops were a finalist for the 2026 Sofi Awards under the Seafood Category. While they did not take home an award, they are my new favorite way to enjoy scallops.

6. Date Chocolates from Date Better

These chocolates are Medjool dates stuffed with fresh-ground nut butter and drenched in rich 85% organic chocolate. The result is a healthy sweet treat that tastes like a piece of chocolate. Trust me, I was not able to even taste the date.

These Date Better chocolates come in a wide variety of flavors like Cashew Lime Crisp, Peanut Butter Crunch, Almond Java Crunch, and limited edition Hazelnut Praline. They are plant-based, soy-free, and gluten-free.

7. Allergy-Friendly Cake Mix from Starry Lane Bakery

 I was drawn to this product as it was 100% free from the Top 10 Food Allergens and plant-based. This product has samples of cupcakes made from their allergy-friendly cake mix, as well as an allergy-friendly frosting. I usually don't sample prepared food, but the person working the booth, who also has food allergies, assured me that they were safe to eat. She even showed me the ingredient list of what the cupcakes were made with. 

I was glad that I tried one of the cupcakes, as they were so good! I love the brand's motto ~ "Where every treat is safe to share—and no one feels left out."

All of Starry Lane Bakery's mixes are 100% free from the Top 10 Food Allergens and plant-based. The mixes are easy to prepare. This brand even has a bakery in San Diego that only sells items that are free of the top 10 allergies and plant-based. Their bakery is so strict on making the place safe for those with food allergies that they won't allow people to bring food into the bakery/

8. Drink Mixers from Alpenglow

I first discovered these drink mixes in the media room, and the flavors sounded so good. So I had to try them at their booth. I was glad that I did. These drink mixers were so delicious, and I loved that they were made with clean ingredients with no artificial colors. My favorite flavors were the Blackberry Mojito and Prickly Pear Margarita.

Alpenglow Cocktail Company is a female-founded brand based in Issaquah, Washington, crafting bartender-quality cocktail mixers made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Designed to elevate both home and professional bars, Alpenglow’s mixers balance bold flavor, clean ingredients, and thoughtful craftsmanship—bringing Pacific Northwest freshness to every pour.

9. Spicy Peppers from Mama Lil's

These peppers had good flavor with a kick of heat. This brand had several levels of heat, but my favorite were the Mildly Spicy Peppers. These peppers are great on pizza, eggs, sandwiches, and more.

Mama Lil's Mildly Spicy Pickled Peppers in Oil are the perfect balance of rich, ripe pepper flavor and a kick of heat! Our original Mildly Spicy Peppers in oil are pickled Hungarian "Goathorn" wax peppers packed in a savory herb oil blend with a touch of garlic. Describing natural pepper heat is subjective, but our Mildly Spicy peppers tend to be about as hot as medium salsa.

10. Oat Milk Slices from Milkadamia 

Milkadamia has finally launched their Oat Milk Slices, and I got to try them. Last year at Expo West, they teased me with this product, and I was so excited that they had samples to try. I even received a package to take home.

 Oat Milk Slices from Milkadamia are the best thing since sliced milk. Just blend slices in water for easily proportionable and always available plant-based milk. The precycled product utilizes 85% less packaging, and has a shipping weight 86% less than traditional plant milk. 

Which product are you excited to try?

Effortless Hairstyles for Busy Moms: Quick Looks That Last All Day

 

Mom mornings can feel like a nonstop sprint. Between getting the kids ready, grabbing breakfast, and trying to remember what day it is, who has time to worry about hair?

 The good news is, looking put-together doesn’t have to take hours. With a few simple tricks, you can go from “just rolled out of bed” to “I actually have my life together” in minutes and keep looking great all day.

Prep Your Hair for Styling

 Before you start any hairstyle, it helps to have hair that’s ready to cooperate. Healthy, manageable strands make styling faster and longer-lasting. A deep conditioning treatment can make a big difference, softening hair, reducing frizz, and making it much easier to work with. Taking a few minutes to prep your hair pays off all day.

Quick Hairstyles That Actually Work

 When time is tight, you still want to look put-together. These hairstyles are simple, stylish, and hold up through busy mornings, errands, and everything in between. With just a few minutes, you can have a look that stays in place and keeps you feeling confident all day.

The Classic Low Bun

 The low bun is a lifesaver for mornings when you don’t have much time. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it, and secure it with pins or a hair tie. Mess it up a little or make it sleek, depending on your mood.

 For extra hold, apply a small amount of styling cream. The low bun works with almost any hair type and can be dressed up or down with accessories like barrettes or a scarf.

High Ponytail with a Twist

 A high ponytail is simple, but you can give it an instant upgrade. Add a braid, wrap a strand of hair around the base to hide the hair tie, or pull out a few face-framing pieces. Use a lightweight hairspray for long-lasting hold. 

 This style keeps hair off your face, looks neat, and can survive a hectic day chasing after kids. It’s also perfect for workouts or casual outings.

Half-Up, Half-Down Styles

 Half-up styles are the best compromise: your hair is off your face but still has movement. Twist, braid, or knot the top section while leaving the rest loose. You get volume at the crown, and the style stays in place without constant adjustments. 

This approach works for medium to long hair and offers a flattering frame for your face. For extra shine, finish with a quick spritz of serum or leave-in conditioner.

Quick Braids That Hold

 Braids aren’t just for Pinterest boards. A simple three-strand braid or a loose fishtail can keep your hair neat all day. Pair them with a bun, a ponytail, or wear them on their own. 

 A little texturizing spray helps them stay in place and can even extend the time between washes. They look stylish on their own and don’t need constant fussing.

Sleek Straight or Soft Waves

 Straightening or curling doesn’t have to take forever. For a polished look, work in small sections and use a heat protectant. Soft waves can be achieved by twisting damp hair or using a curling wand on random sections. 

 Styles like this are low-maintenance but look intentional. If you have a tight schedule, alternate between straight and wavy days; your hair will look fresh without a daily heat session.

More Tips for Effortless Hairstyling

 Even with quick styles, a few extra tricks can make your hair look polished and last all day. These tips will help you get more out of every styling minute.

Accessories Are Your Friend

 Accessories can elevate even the simplest style. Headbands, clips, scrunchies, and pins add flair and keep hair in place. For busy mornings, choose pieces that are easy to put on and don’t require constant adjustment. Accessories are also a subtle way to express personality without adding extra styling time.

Nighttime Prep for Morning Ease

 A few minutes at night can save stress in the morning. Loose braids or buns while sleeping can reduce frizzy hair and create natural waves. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase also helps hair retain moisture and reduces breakage. Waking up to hair that’s partially styled cuts down morning prep time significantly.

Seek Professional Help

 Sometimes, quick fixes aren’t enough. Regular visits to a stylist can keep hair healthy, manageable, and ready for effortless styling. If you’re in The Valley, Arizona Hair Co offers a variety of treatments, cuts, and styling tips tailored to busy schedules. Investing in professional care ensures your hair looks great with minimal effort.

Keep Your Hair Stress-Free All Day

 Keeping hair under control while raising kids can feel like a full-time job. The right hairstyles, healthy hair habits, and a few smart accessories can make mornings smoother and save you time, letting you look put-together without constant touch-ups.