Shawarma Stackz | Roseville, CA

Do you love shawarma and hummus?  We LOVE it, definitely one of our favorites. If you do too or are up for trying something new you should definitely check out Shawarma Stackz in Roseville right across from the Galleria Mall.  

First of all the restaurant is absolutely beautiful inside! I love pretty places, it contributes to the vibe, atmosphere, and in this social media world we live in, makes for a great Instagram photo! 

As soon as you walk in, you can order on the touch screens right upfront or at the counter.  They have made it really easy and simple to order especially if you are unsure what to order. 

Step One: You pick your entrée/protein, Steak Shawarma, Chicken Shawarma, or Falafel.

Step Two: Choose your style, either in a Pita, in a Rice Bowl, or as a Salad.

They also serve Pita Chips, Fries, Halloumi Cheese Stix, Falafel, and more! I hear the fries can come loaded too!

My husband ordered the Steak Shawarma served in their house-baked pita, I ordered the Steak Shawarma salad style and we also ordered a side of Hummus.  I absolutely loved the Hummus. Our food was delicious, the salad was really BIG, I had enough take home for lunch the next day, the salad was loaded with meat.  I will say the meat flavor was unique, I couldn't quite put my finger on it.  It did not taste like other Shawarma places we have visited, definitely a unique spice blend. 

One of the other unique parts is they have Stubborn Soda, it is a draft soda, served sort of like draft beer.  They have unique flavors, my husband loved them all, but his favorite was the Pineapple Cream.  According to their website, they say there are NO Artificial sweeteners, NO Artificial Flavors, and NO High Fructose Corn Syrup. 

They are located at 1132 Galleria Blvd., Roseville, CA 

Be sure to follow them on Social Media, we used a deal for a Buy One Entrée, Get One Free from their Facebook page.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShawarmaStackz/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawarmastackz/

This post was not sponsored in any way, we have been wanting to go since we saw they were opening I think via Social Media, and finally made it out to try it and wanted to share! Love sharing great local finds! If I could I would go there at least once a week for their hummus alone, it is beautiful and delicious!

I frequently share our local finds like these first on my social media pages so be sure to go over and give us a follow on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.  

@blogaboutitall Do you love shawarma and hummus? Check out Shawarma Stackz! #roseville #shawarmastackz #hummus #shawarma #draftsoda #stubbornsoda #shawarmalovers #hummuslovers #rosevilleca #rosevillerestaurants #datenight #pita #pitabread #shawarmaforthepeople #blogaboutitall ♬ Steven Universe - L.Dre

How to Start a Garden on a Budget | Our DIY Upcycled Sandbox Garden

Gardening does not have to be expensive, although it can be if you are purchasing raised garden beds, or even building your own, lumber is pricey, and then filling those raised garden beds can cost a pretty penny.  Purchasing mulch, soil, seeds, or plants, all of it can add up quickly.  We have done gardening over the years, and I know it is not cheap, so I wanted to share some budget-friendly ideas, especially if you have never gardened before, start where you are at. 

Maybe you have decided to start a garden after seeing the increased prices of fuel and food at the grocery store.  Maybe you have decided to start a garden to be more proactive in eating healthy or prompt healthier choices in your house.  I know that was one of the reasons we have gardened over the years.  We have a couple of super picky eaters in our house and so I have read when you get picky eaters involved in preparing their own food, yes cooking but also in growing, it can help them be more open to trying new things. 

I know quite a few people who started gardening during the pandemic, with a lot of people spending a lot more time at home, I saw across social media quite a few people get into gardening.  I think it is great!

With April upon us, this is the time to get your gardens going, if you have not already! We decided to start small since it has been a couple of years since we have gardened.  I discussed with my hubby, that I wanted to garden, but I also wanted to be mindful of our budget.  So I thought we could upcycle our kiddo's sandbox that sits, no longer played with, in the backyard. We also had some unused pots, so I looked into container gardening and thought it would be a good start for us this year.  

Upcycling and using our old sandbox would use less soil and is a great way to save some money! Look around your yard, your garage and see how you can upcycle or garden with containers you already have, it is a great way to save money. TikTok and social media can be a great resource for ideas, I am amazed by the unique way others garden, in old milk carton jugs, 2-liters, I have seen a ton of different ways to garden without expensive pots and raised garden beds. Search locally for FREE mulch, especially if you have a larger area to prepare or a raised garden bed to fill.  I quickly found a few local options that provide FREE mulch in our area, although we did not need it for the sandbox and the containers we are using this year.  

We first washed out our sandbox, my husband drilled some holes in it for drainage.  The kids helped put in a layer of rocks on the bottom, then we filled it with soil, which is on sale right now at Costco.  We had looked at some other stores for soil, the bags at Costco were less expensive and came with much more soil!

We planted both seeds and plants, seeds are obviously less expensive than plants.  We planted both because I think technically if you wanted to start from seed, we should have started sooner, but we will see, I am curious to see which ones will do better, I will have to provide an update soon.  You can look at your local Dollar Tree and 99 Cents Only Store, over the years I have seen seeds there. 

Seeds we purchased: Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Strawberries, Beans, Squash

Plants we purchased: Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Zucchini

Did you know you can also re-grow, replant from things you've purchased at the grocery store such as green onions, celery, and lettuce?  These are easy things to re-grow! We are going to attempt to regrow lettuce, I have done green onions plenty of times. 

We also purchased a couple of Marigold plants, I read they help keep bugs away. We used a spinning 4th of July spinner to hopefully help deter the squirrels and possums we get in our yard. 

We also made our own DIY garden labels using rocks from the backyard and paint we already had.  My sons painted and drew on the rocks so we could have labels in the garden, especially important for the seeds. If you purchase plants, they usually come with a stick label, that you can reuse as you plant. 

If you are not up to starting a garden of your own, check with family or friends, maybe you can offer to pitch in, go over and help water, etc. Another easy way to kind of "try" your hand at gardening is to start with herbs, you can easily do this in a plant container, or even on a window sill right in your kitchen. 

One year we participated in a local community garden and it was the best of both worlds.  They did all the hard work of building the raised garden beds and getting the garden started and the only requirement was to help water and pick weeds and we were free to pick locally grown garden goods.  It happened to be at a church right near the school two of our boys had soccer practice, while two of our kiddos were having soccer practice, I would take our other two younger boys to help in the garden, it was a lot of fun.

I thought I would share these photos below from 2012 when the boys were so little, working on our garden. I am grateful for these family memories which are also great hands-on learning experiences, that I hope they will look back on fondly.

I will be sure to provide an update with photos of how our garden does.  If you have any favorite social media gardeners that you follow be sure to share them with me, I welcome all the tips and tricks. Thank you for reading, and sharing, I appreciate your support on our blog. Happy Spring and happy gardening to you!

@blogaboutitall #garden #DIYGarden #upcycled #upcycledsandbox #gardentok #gardentips #spring #spring2022 #familyfun #growyourownfood #gardeningtiktok #gardeningforbeginners #gardeningideas #diyproject #budgetfriendly #backyardgarden #blogaboutitall ♬ Super Mario Bros. - Sideviewer

Looking to Save Money at the Grocery Store Check Out Save Mart Companies Expanded Private Labels

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Save Mart Companies. Although our family receives product samples, discounts etc. in exchange for my time and efforts in attending and reporting my opinion within this blog, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Are you looking to save money at the grocery store? Of course, you are! With prices rising on gas, food, and more, we are always looking for ways to save more money. Well, be sure to check out the Save Mart Companies NEW expanded Private Labels!

The Save Mart Companies today announced the expansion of new products available from its private label “Our Brands” portfolio in its more than 200 Save Mart, Lucky California and FoodMaxx stores located throughout California and Northern Nevada. 

“We are pleased to announce a significant expansion of ‘Our Brands,’ giving shoppers a much greater ‘power of choice’ in all of our Save Mart, Lucky California and FoodMaxx stores,” said Rebecca Calvin, chief merchandising officer, The Save Mart Companies.  “We offer a growing assortment of everyday products including high quality organic and better for you options, meal and snack solutions, household items, pet food, personal health and hygiene, all with a three-tier approach – premium and unique flavor offerings, national brand equivalents, and cost-saving choices.”

This latest expansion of products and foods follows the company’s addition to its portfolio of proprietary products in 2021 with the launch of its Crav’n private label. 

“With the economic pressures our shoppers are facing today, the ongoing expansion of our proprietary brand options and everyday solutions we provide, reaffirms our commitment to our customers in the strongest way possible,” said Calvin. “For the past 70 years, The Save Mart Companies has been dedicated to making a difference in our customers’ lives by providing quality products at everyday affordable prices.” 

The Save Mart Companies private label, quality own brands include:

National Brand Equivalent

• Sunny Select – The Save Mart Companies exclusive own brand; includes everyday staples such as bread, condiments, frozen and canned foods that are equal to national brand items with “as-good-as” or “better-than” quality. 
• Sunnyside Farms – The Save Mart Companies exclusive own brand; includes quality dairy and frozen products that are as good as or better than national brands. 
• Char King – barbecue items that include briquettes, lighter fluid and logs.
• Simply Done – general everyday home items, cleaning and laundry supplies, and tableware.
• TopCare – personal and general health-related items with “as-good-as” or “better-than” quality comparable to national brands.
• TippyToes – diapers, wipes, formulas, food and snacks that are quality tested and affordably priced.
• Crav’n – meal and snack solutions such as pizzas, frozen appetizers, salty snacks and cookies.
• Paws Happy Life – affordable quality pet food, treats, and accessories that are comparable to national brands.

Alternative Options

• Pacific Coast Selections & Pacific Coast Organic – The Save Mart Companies exclusive own brand; premium quality products such as jams, jellies, syrups, meal solutions, and snacks.
• Pure Harmony – pet food with wholesome, real ingredients, formulated to provide optimal nutrition and excluding artificial preservatives and flavors.
• Full Circle Market – highly organic and best-of-nature food, beverages, and non-food products, including wholesome, less processed items, and sustainably sourced seafood.

Cost Saving Choices

• Bayview Farms – The Save Mart Companies exclusive own brand; opening price point for those essential basics.
• That’s Smart – hundreds of budget-friendly essentials across the store, including chips, snacks, frozen items, salad dressings, peanut butter, and pasta sauces.

For more information on The Save Mart Companies’ private label offerings, please visit www.thesavemartcompanies.com/. 

The Save Mart Companies

For more than 70 years, The Save Mart Companies has proudly been rooted in communities and neighborhoods, throughout California and Northern Nevada, offering the freshest produce from the heart of the agriculturally rich Central Valley and products reflecting the diverse tastes of communities served. Today, the company employs over 14,000 team members and operates more than 200 stores under the banners of Save Mart, Lucky California and FoodMaxx. In addition to its retail operation, the company also operates Smart Refrigerated Transport and is a partner in Super Store Industries (SSI), which owns and operates a distribution center in Lathrop and the Sunnyside Farms dairy processing plant in Turlock. For more information on the company, please visit: www.TheSaveMartCompanies.com. 

@blogaboutitall #ad #gifted #MoneySavingTip #SaveMoney #SaveMart #FoodMaxx #LuckyCalifornia #groceryshopping #groceries #grocerystorehacks #groceryhack #budget #budgeting #shoplocal #storebrands #storebrandsarethesame #norcal #sacramento #modesto #lodi #northerncalifornia #blogaboutitall ♬ I Just Wanna Know - Luke Reeves

Easter Fun at Quarry Park Adventures | Rocklin, CA

Disclosure: Throughout our blog, we share local events that we are often hosted at. Although our family is hosted at events and attractions in exchange for my time and efforts in attending and reporting my opinion within this blog, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Looking for some Easter fun for the entire family? Check out Quarry Park Adventures in Rocklin, CA! We have attended a few of their holiday events as well as visited the Quarry Kidz Kove and Rock Climbing fun, we love it here.  Spring is the perfect time to get in some Vitamin D, and "fun exercise" while it is still cool!

(Rocklin, Calif.) -- Quarry Park Adventures in Rocklin brings back their annual free Easter holiday event for the whole family on Saturday, April 16 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. This egg-cellent event will be part traditional Easter Egg Hunt and part nature scavenger hunt, providing traditional fun and an outdoor educational opportunity for the whole family. This event was very popular last year.

Parents can help their kids find different colored eggs, animals, rocks, and more. They will also be able to follow the tracks to find the Easter Bunny and take free photos. Once kids have completed their scavenger hunt, they return to the ticket booth to receive a package of Easter treats. Additionally, this year, there will be 10 special golden eggs hidden. Find one, and get a free Kidz Kove 10-Punch Annual Pass (value $150).

During the hours of the Easter event, Quarry Park Adventures will offer special discounted pricing on children’s attractions – just $10 per child (regularly $15) to play in the Quarry Kidz Kove or to Rock Climb in the Quarry when reservations are booked in advance with code HOPPY at checkout.

About Quarry Park Adventures

Quarry Park Adventures is an outdoor recreation experience located off Rocklin Road in the heart of Rocklin’s up-and-coming Quarry District, near Interstate 80. The one-of-a-kind adventure park operates out of the Big Gun Quarry, one of the largest, at its peak operation, and most historic working granite quarries in California. Quarry Park Adventures is operated by seasoned adventure attraction company Adventure Operations LLC out of Colorado in partnership with the City of Rocklin. For ticket reservations and more information please visit www.QuarryPark.com.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain Celebrates Buffet Reopening

Hey Sacramento have you heard the news . . . 

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain Celebrates Buffet Reopening, New Executive Chef at Steakhouse, Messi Burger at Café

We were invited to preview the menu last week but were unable to attend, so while I do not have any photos I personally took, here is a press release and some photos from their website. If you love buffets go check it out and let us know what you think.

(Wheatland, Calif.) – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain (3317 Forty Mile Road, Wheatland, CA 95692) is proud to announce several new updates regarding their award-winning Food & Beverage program coming in March: the introduction of a new executive chef at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood and the grand reopening of the Fresh Harvest Buffet which closed for renovation in March 2020. Additionally, Hard Rock Sacramento is proud to now add to its Café menu the Messi Burger, as part of an international partnership with global soccer legend Lionel Messi. Live bands will return to playing in the Café starting March 18 through April after a hiatus since March 2020.

 

Executive Chef Matt Woods joins Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento with 14 years of executive and director level leadership at restaurants in Portland, OR and Kansas City, MO. Woods graduated from the University of Ohio with an English degree, deciding later to pursue a culinary education with the Arts Institutes International in Lenexa, Kansas. From there he spent three years traveling, overseeing, and studying culinary operations under Chef Aaron Sanchez. He also had the opportunity to work alongside other culinary greats such as Emeril Lagasse, Cat Cora, Mario Batali, John Besh, Jonathan Waxman, Michael Cressotti, and Alex Garcia. He has held multiple executive chef positions with leading restaurants and entertainment destinations and now brings his vision and culinary creativity to Hard Rock’s Council Oak Steaks & Seafood in Sacramento.

 

Hard Rock Casino Sacramento is also thrilled to announce the grand reopening of its Fresh Harvest Buffet, operating for the first time since March 2020. The Buffet will open March 10, 2022 and operate Thursday through Monday each week from 5pm to 10pm. Special featured menus will be available daily including traditional buffet delicacies alongside surf and turf or carving stations. Gourmet Asian food recipes will also be featured daily. Menus are below:

 

Fresh Harvest 

Thursday – Monday, 5pm-10pm

Closed Tuesday & Wed

 

Monday & Thursday, $28.99 

Features: 

·  Flame-Broiled T-BONE and Shrimp

·  Peel and eat Shrimp

·  Pho Soup Station

·  Rotisserie Ham with Orange Glaze

·  Shrimp Scampi Pizza

·  Variety of Crystal Creamery ice cream

·  Butter Pecan Bread Pudding

·  Thursday’s feature: upgrade with 1.5lb of crab legs for an additional $16

 

Friday & Saturday, $35.99 

Features: 

·  Prime Rib and Seafood

·  Clam Bake with Scallops, Clams & Shrimp

·  Shrimp w/ Ginger and Onion Sauce

·  Clams with Black Bean Sauce

·  Seafood Lo Mein

·  Shrimp Scampi

·  Baked Scallop

·  Variety of freshly made desserts

 

Dim Sum Sunday, $28.99

Features: 

·  All You can Eat Dim Sum

·  Pho Soup Station

·  Flame-Broiled T BONE and Shrimp

·  Peel and eat Shrimp

·  Rotisserie Beef with Balsamic Glaze

·  Pizza Mac and Cheese

·  BBQ Chicken Pizza

·  Jalapeno Sausage w/Pasta Carbonara

·  Variety of freshly made desserts

 

Hard Rock Cafe announces the global launch of its brand-new menu item – the Messi Burger – as the latest innovation in Hard Rock International’s “LIVE GREATNESS" campaign in partnership with global soccer legend Lionel Messi. Starting today, this culinary delight, crafted by Messi himself, is now available for fans to order at Hard Rock Cafe locations worldwide.

 

As part of Hard Rock International’s ongoing partnership with Lionel Messi, Hard Rock Cafe is proud to introduce a namesake burger inspired by the soccer legend himself, paying tribute to Messi’s ideal burger components.

 

The Messi Burger includes ten flavorful ingredients for a game-changing take on Hard Rock’s Legendary Steak Burger. As Hard Rock and Messi fans bite into the burger, they will taste a juicy double stack of the finest ground beef patties, seasoned, and seared to perfection. Tastebuds score big with the burger’s winning combination of toppings: provolone cheese, sliced chorizo, caramelized red onion, and Hard Rock’s signature, spicy, smoky sauce served on a toasted brioche bun with shredded romaine lettuce and vine-ripened tomato. If you want to get really MESSI, try the burger topped with a fried egg for a small fee.

 

About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain features the latest in live music and entertainment, hospitality, world-class gaming, and exceptional cuisine. The property is Hard Rock’s first Vegas-style casino in California and offers a hotel with multiple suite options, a large gaming facility with 1,600 slot machines and 60 table games, along with an outdoor pool and deck area, large meeting space and five unparalleled restaurants. The property recently opened ROCKTANE GAS + SMOKE, a new Hard Rock branded state-of-the-art gas service station and drive through smoke shop, the first on the West Coast. The property includes signature brand amenities like the Sound of Your Stay® in-room music program, a Rock Shop® and a Body Rock® fitness center. Additionally, the project marks a historic partnership between two Native American Tribes – The Seminole Tribe of Florida, owners of Hard Rock International, and Enterprise Rancheria. Owners of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain property, the Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe of the Enterprise Rancheria is a sovereign Native American Nation offering diverse tribal government services and programs that improve the quality of life for its some 1,000 tribal citizens and surrounding communities in Northern California. For more information on Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain visit www.hardrockhotelsacramento.com. For more information about Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain, visit hardrockhotelsacramento.com.

The Great Purse Event | Sacramento April 9, 2022

Do you love purses? Do you love giving back to the community and great causes?  Well, The Great Purse Event is the place to be this year.  It has been a while since the last "Great Purse Event" the last one I attended was in 2020 before you know what happened.  

In the years past The Great Purse Event went to benefit the new NICU at Mercy San Juan Hospital, now that is built, finished, beautiful, and helping so many families right here in Sacramento.  The proceeds this year will be benefiting the Mercy San Juan Hospital, through Mercy Foundation, there are plans for a new Neurological Center, again, making a difference in the health and care of so many. 

This event is an excellent opportunity to connect with women in our local area and give back to our local Sacramento community, that is why I wanted to invite my local Sacramento readers to join me at this event. 

In 2020 everyone at my table won a purse and some ladies won more than one purse.  While it is not solely about the purses, what woman doesn't love a new purse.  So save the date Saturday, April 9th, 2022 at 9 AM and reserve your seats for a wonderful breakfast, a fun time winning purses for a good cause.  Invite your family, co-workers, and friends to join you at The Great Purse Event. 

Every breakfast ticket includes 2 raffle tickets to win purses from Kate Spade, Dooney and  Bourke, Coach and so many more! Individual Tickets are only $35, you can purchase a table for 8 for $300 and there are also more sponsorship opportunities. You can purchase additional raffle tickets to increase your chances of winning.  

Tickets available at SacHelpingHands.org

We were treated in years past to hear from Sacramento Native, now News Nation Anchor/Correspondent Adrienne Bankert as well as Eileen Javora who anchored on our local KCRA News.  I am not sure who will be the speakers this year but each year they have been inspiring and encouraging. I hope you will get a group of ladies together and join us at this benefit breakfast The Great Purse Event!  Call up your friends, get your women's group together or fellow soccer moms, and join us! Talk to your company and have them sponsor and purchase a table for the staff.

Host Location: Family Community Church | 6331 Watt Avenue, North Highlands, CA 95660

If you need more information or have any questions please feel free to e-mail me at theblogaboutitall@gmail.com I hope to see you there, please come over and say hi.