Gettin' That Puppy Love Back

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Purina One, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #ONEDifference http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Many long-time readers over at my blog know my love for our 6-year-old beagle, Hardy.  He was our "wedding puppy" - he came to live with us when he was just 14 weeks old and we had only been married a month.

So he's seen just about every bit of our marriage - the good and the bad.  He was our first real taste at parenthood, and was a huge source of comfort during our year-long journey to get pregnant.  He's transitioned into an awesome, fun big brother for our Emmie too!  He might not always show it, but he loves that little girl, and would protect her from anything.

Hardy's definitely starting to show his age.  He'll be 7 in October...so he is well into his middle-aged years.  Not only is he getting gray hair, but his energy is slowly, but surely, disappearing.  He's a beagle, so he's always had a lazy streak, but he sleeps more and more during the day now.  It's to be expected - but it's still not fun to watch your first baby getting older.

I was really excited to hear about Purina One's 28-day Challenge a couple of months ago.  The premise is simple - try Purina One Smartblend dog food for 28 days, and see what about your dog's health improves.  Among other things, Purina notes you might see a difference in energy, skin/coat, dental health, and digestion.  So we went out and bought a couple of bags of Purina One to try!

And over the past month, we've started to see a little bit of that Hardy puppy we've missed so much!  About a week in, we noticed a big difference in his energy.  He's been much more playful and seems to be more alert during the day.  Without giving too many details, his digestion has improved too. :) Just trust me on that one.   In the past week or so, I've noticed a shinier coat.

Of course, Hardy loves the taste.  He's not one to turn down a meal, and this was no exception.  We bought the Chicken & Rice Formula and Lamb & Rice Formula - so far, so good in the flavor department!

I have been more than happy with this 28-day Challenge - it has most definitely made Purina One users out of us.

If you'd like to get started with the Purina One 28-day Challenge, click here for more info - there's also a $3 off coupon at that site!  You can also find more information on Purina One's Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

Fun & Easy Outdoor Craft With Sharpie

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Sharpie, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PaintYourWay http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Did y'all know that Michaels carries Sharpie paint markers now?

These are such great tools for so many crafts around the house.  They come in lots of different colors, and you even have the option of oil or water-based paints.

I'm sure y'all have heard of the standard Sharpie-on-mug craft.  That one is fun, but I thought I'd try something a little different.  Sharpie Paint Markers are good for lots more than that!

Our old outdoor pillows were looking kind of sad.  The Sharpie Paint Markers I bought from Michael's were just what I needed to make a summery new set!

All you need for this project are Sharpie Extra Fine-Tip Paint Markers (I used water-based, but I think oil-based would work just fine), masking tape, a canvas bag (hello - already almost completely sewn for you!), and the shape of choice printed with dark ink on a piece of paper (so it will show through the bag).  I'd recommend using a shape that has only straight lines...curved edges could be kind of tricky in the next step.

Put the shape on paper inside your bag, so the dark shape shows through the bag.  Use masking tape to line the edge of the shape.

Next, starting at a corner of your shape, take your Sharpie Paint Markers and start making straight lines.

Seriously, anybody that can draw a line can make this one!  This would be a great craft to get kids involved - it's so insanely easy.

Alternate colors of your Sharpie paint markers to make the pattern on the shape.

Work from one corner to the opposite, until your entire shape is filled.

Then, just take your tape off!

Cut the straps off of your bag...

...and stuff the inside. (I used stuffing from old outdoor pillows.  If you buy new stuffing, just make sure it works for outdoor pillows.)

Then, sew!  The bottom corners of the bag had been folded in, so I folded in the top ones as well when I sewed it shut, just to keep everything nice and symmetrical.

And just like that, you have fun, summery pillows.

Look for Sharpie Paint Markers at your local Michael's store!

Check out more information about Sharpie products on their Facebook page or their Twitter page. You can also get lots of great inspiration for Sharpie crafts on their Pinterest page!

Now go get to creating!

14 Days to Slim

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Slimfast, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #14daystoslim http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV.

Many of you who read my blog know that I've been working really hard to lose weight and get in shape over the past few months.  Not only have I been counting calories, but I've worked really hard to hit the gym as much as possible.  I've had great results - so far, I'm down about 15 pounds!  More importantly, I feel so much more comfortable in my own body.

Like any diet, this one has required hard work.  Do you guys ever feel like you've kind of hit a wall after dieting for awhile?  I was there a few weeks ago.  I definitely needed something to knock me back into the game.

I've used Slimfast products before and had great success.  They are such an easy way to stay on the right track with your diet when you lead a busy life.  Not only are their products delicious, but they help cut calories and maintain a balanced diet.

So imagine how excited I was to receive this a few weeks ago...

What a fun early birthday present!  This definitely inspired me - after receiving this, my goal, from the beginning of June, was to lose 10 pounds by my birthday (July 15th).  

So far, my secret weapon for this last part of the diet has been the Slimfast 14-Day Slimdown.  It's super easy - replace 2 meals a day with a Slimfast bar or shake.  Eat 3 small (100 calorie) snacks a day, eat a sensible (500 calorie) dinner, and get plenty of water/exercise.  Nothing extreme or crazy at all.  You can lose up to 6 pounds in the first 14 days with this plan!

I've been using the new Have Your Cake... Vanilla Slimfast bars for lunch each day.  Y'all - no lie - these taste just like birthday cake.  Really.  Each bar is only 180 calories and has great vanilla cake, frosting, and sprinkles.  I actually look forward to lunch each day!  And, unlike other meal replacements I've tried, these bars control hunger wonderfully.  

They're great to take on-the-go - if we're out running errands or at the pool, it's so easy to fit lunch in. No prep and no mess.

To make the plan even easier, I made a little "cheat sheet" to keep up with what I'm doing each day.  If you'd like to download the .pdf to print your own copy of this, click here or click the graphic below!

This has been the best way for me to keep up with the Slimdown each day.  As I eat a meal, snack, or drink water, I check it off in the box for that day.  

 

The plan recommends getting 30 minutes of exercise per day - but, honestly, there are days that I just can't fit it in.  So, instead, I shoot for doing 3 1/2 hours of exercise a week.  So, if I get an hour in 1 day and can't get to the gym the next, that's ok!

Using this checklist has made an easy plan even easier.  And obviously the plan is working - as of Friday (12 days into the plan), I was down 4.2 pounds!  If I'm being honest, that's even with cheating for a meal or two. :)

If you'd like more info on Slimfast's 14-Day Slimdown, click here - there's a great deal on their Slimbox through Groupon over at this site (I'll definitely be taking advantage of it).   You can also check out their Facebook page or Pinterest page for more info!

Chunky Monkey Breakfast Smoothie with Carnation Breakfast Essentials

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Nestle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BreakfastEssentials http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

 I'm just not a big breakfast eater.

Can't do it.  I think my big problem is that I hate eggs, which are the basis of like 90% of breakfasts.

So when I breakfast comes along that I actually enjoy, I stick to it!

The smoothie craze that's going on right now has been awesome for me.  You mean I get to drink something that tastes like a dessert and call it a healthy breakfast?  Yeah, sign me up.

Double points when that delicious breakfast packs a healthy punch too.  That's where Carnation Breakfast Essentials comes in!

Carnation Breakfast Essentials is the perfect solution for a busy morning.  It's easy for either kids or adults to prepare and it's nutritious.  With 21 vitamins and minerals, 13 grams of protein, and as much calcium as a 6oz cup of yogurt in each serving, you're getting the nutrition that your body needs in the morning.

You're also getting a delicious, easy treat for breakfast.  Carnation Breakfast Essentials comes in delicious flavors like Rich Milk Chocolate, Strawberry Sensation, and Classic French Vanilla!

I've never thought of making Carnation Breakfast Essentials into a smoothie, but it's a crazy smart idea.  Why not load up your on-the-go breakfast with a punch of nutrition?

This week, I used Carnation Breakfast Essentials to make a delicious Chunky Monkey Breakfast Smoothie.  Here's the recipe!

Chunky Monkey Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients

1 pack Carnation Breakfast Essentials Rich Milk Chocolate powder

1 banana, frozen (do yourself a favor and peel it before freezing)

1/2 cup ice

2/3 cup skim milk

1/4 cup coffee, chilled

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Directions

Load everything into a blender and puree until smooth.  (Told you - super easy!)

Starting your day off right in the nutrition department is important.  But nobody said it couldn't be delicious too!

I picked up my packs of Carnation Breakfast Essentials at Walmart.  If you're heading that way, make sure your print out this coupon for $1.00 off any Carnation Breakfast Essentials!

You can find more amazing recipes with Carnation Breakfast Essentials on their recipe site.  Also make sure to like their Facebook page for the latest updates from Carnation!

#MealsTogether with Tyson

I was compensated for writing this post.  All opinions are my own.

The thing about lunch time around here - it's either really slow, or really busy.

There are days when we love to stay home in our jammies.  We just kind of go with the flow - eat lunch whenever, do whatever.  Those are the days when I have time to really plan out a fun lunch.

But then there are the days like today.  When I have 15 errands to run in an hour, and just don't have time to really plan out a fun meal.

Or so I thought. :)

It turns out that you really can make a fun meal really quickly!

Tyson chicken nuggets have been a staple in our freezer for awhile now.  I thought a little bit outside of the box for lunch today, and made a super easy (and delicious) meal with them!

Did you know that Tyson Chicken Nuggets are the perfect size for a slider?  I used them to make Teryaki Chicken Sliders with a Sriracha slaw.  Delicious, and so easy!

Microwave your nuggets for about 1 minute.  Put them in a bowl with about a tablespoon of Teryaki sauce, and toss.  Place on a divided dinner roll.

In the same bowl, mix 1/4 cup cabbage slaw, 1 tablespoon of light mayo, and 1 teaspoon of Sriracha. Top the nuggets with this slaw mix.  Garnish with sliced carrots.

Easy peasy.  I served with grapes and a few chips, and had an incredibly no-fuss and delicious meal!

Emma Ramey has loved having lunch on the porch lately, so we dined outside for lunch today.

She had Tyson chicken nuggets, a few pieces of sliced carrot, a piece of string cheese, and a few slices of apple.  Again, we're going for easy for lunch today - and Tyson helped with that!

I love lunches with this girl - whether they're busy or not!  It's always a great time for us to relax and talk.

You have the chance to win with Tyson!  Click here to check out their #MealsTogether contest.  Just submit a picture of your family's meal time for the chance to win a weekly prize pack or the $1500 gift card grand prize!  I entered with the picture of Emma Ramey above.

Good luck!

The Car Picnic Survival Kit

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Wet-Nap but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #showusyourmess  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Spring is in the air.  It's the season of outside time, bubbles, swimming pools, and fun picnics.

Don't get me wrong, we have our share of outside picnics during the spring and summer.  But let's keep it real -  most of our picnics?  They occur in the car.

You know those kind of picnics.  You're running 10 minutes late and you have to feed your child, backwards, while driving.  Nobody ever said parenthood didn't take a little bit of talent.

(I wasn't driving while taking these pictures.  Promise.  I'm not that talented.)

So, to keep my car and my child (and myself, for that matter) from being an absolute mess, I keep a little car picnic survival kit handy!

It has the essentials that keep all of us safe, healthy, clean, and happy.  It's in a small clear tote, so I can easily see everything available.

I keep it right behind my seat for easy access!

In includes...

1.  Extra napkins, forks, spoons, straws
2. Toothbrush and toothpaste
3. Breath mints
4. Sunscreen (for those times we decide to do an outdoor picnic)
5. Pain reliever
6. Baby lotion
7. Diapers and changing supplies
8. Clothing wrinkle remover
9. Stain removal pen
10. Lip balm
11. First aid kit
12. Hand sanitizer
13. Trash bags (I like using scent-blocker ones, but extra grocery bags work great, too!)
14. Wet-Nap Antibacterial Hand Wipes

I've just recently discovered the whole line of Wet-Nap wipes...they're so versatile!  They have a fresh citrus scent and wipe away 99.99% of germs on-the-go.  They fit easily into any car survival kit too with an easy dispensing container!  These have become a necessity in our car.  They're great for anything from cleaning up spills to wiping dirty hands!

You can get a coupon for $0.55 off of any Wet-Nap product, while supplies last!  Click here for your coupon.  I found a great selection of Wet-Nap products at Walmart...all at low prices.  Make sure you check them out!

Now, go get to planning your car picnic survival kit.  If you're like us, you'll use this every time you're in the car.

Not that we're messy, busy people or anything...

 **Wet-Nap is also running a contest called the Most Original Mess Contest. Participants can upload a photo entry of their messy kids and share the link across social media. The photo with the most votes wins a $1,000 giftcard to Walmart and a year's supply of product! Voting will close on June 16.

 Click here for more info!

Recipe - Skinny Root Beer Float Cupcakes

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #TENways http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Since January, I've been working really hard to watch what I eat and stay active.  I count calories meticulously and make sure I'm getting plenty of exercise every week.

But honestly?  Sometimes a girl just needs a cupcake.

So I've finally found a solution to my sweet tooth problem!  You've probably heard of Dr. Pepper TEN before, but did you know that there are also TEN versions of 7UP, Sunkist, A&W, and Canada Dry?  I found these products at Walmart this week and absolutely fell in love. They offer a soda with less calories without sacrificing flavor!

I really like using these drinks in the traditional, drink-it-out-of-a-cup-with-a-straw way.  But they are also amazing to use in recipes too!

A few days ago, I whipped up a fun treat with A&W Ten..and I absolutely loved how it turned out.  Here's the recipe!

Skinny Root Beer Float Cupcakes

Ingredients

1 box Vanilla Cake Mix
1 1/4 cup (or just shy of a can) A&W TEN soda, plus another 1/2 cup
24 Cupcake Liners
1 tub (4 cups) Sugar Free Whipped Topping
1 tbsp Root Beer Concentrate (This can be found in the seasoning aisle, with the rest of the extracts.  No big deal if you can't find it...just use Vanilla Flavoring.)

Directions

Mix together cake mix and 1 1/4 cup of A&W TEN until there are no lumps.  Spoon mixture into cupcake liners in a muffin pan.  Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.

Bake cupcakes for 17-20 minutes, or until tops of cupcakes start to brown.  Take out of oven and remove from muffin pan.

Poke 3-4 holes in the top of each cupcake (I used a chopstick).  Take about a tablespoon of A&W TEN per cupcake and pour into the holes.  Place in refrigerator and cool completely.

Mix together root beer concentrate and whipped topping.  Put about 1/4 cup of whipped topping mixture on top of each cupcake.

If made using this recipe, these cupcakes are under 100 calories each...and you'll never notice there's less flavor!  These are a great sweet snack to have on hand if you're dieting, or even if you're not.  Low calorie, full flavor, and delicious...you can't beat that!

You can find the Four Ten Calorie DPSG products at your local Walmart.  You can also check out info on the Facebook or Twitter pages!

And if you want to save a little when you're buying, click here to find out how to save up to $1.50 off two 2 liter bottles or 2 4-pack cans of 7UP TEN, A&W TEN, Canada Dry TEN, RC TEN or Sunkist TEN soda.  Offer valid 3/27-4/17.  While supplies last.