#ReliefIsHere This Cold & Flu Season with Vicks DayQuil & NyQuil

One thing I can't handle is being sick.  Seriously, if I am knocked down with a cold or flu- life is put on hold.  Having a special needs child makes it very precarious if I get sick since she can't take care of her basic care by herself.

Thankfully, I haven't had the flu in a few years *knock on wood*.  I can't get the flu shot but my daughter does but I still get exposed and I try as hard as I can to prevent getting infected.

1. Wash hands
2. Carry sanitizer.
3. Wipe shopping carts
4. Drink lots of water. 
5. Eat healthy.
6. Get plenty of rest.
7. Prepare for JUST IN CASE by having Vicks NyQuil & DayQuil on hand!

4 ways to embrace winter (in Phoenix)

I have to admit, I'm spoiled.

I only work 4 days a week at my day job.

I live in Phoenix where the late fall-winter-early spring is perfect.

Here are 4 ways that I enjoy my day off (ha.  3 day weekend, baby) in the "winter".

My Lil' Apartment Garden

You know the feeling when you just don't feel like doing a single thing? Cool.  That's been me for the past month.  I haven't felt like doing a single thing except watch every single episode of the Tudors and then start on the Borgias.  I'm not sure why but I've just been pretty blah.  HOWEVER, today (President's Day) was gorgeous.  I mean stunningly beautiful. It was in the 70s and breezy.

Guest Blogger: Author Michelle Moran on Janam Kundli (Plus a REBEL QUEEN giveaway!)

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links

I am so excited to host bestselling author, Michelle Moran, on my blog today.  She is an incredibly talented writer and historian and she has brought many historical figures to life in her wildly popular historical fiction novels.  She gives a voice to those who have long since left their mark and passed on.  I was first introduced to her when I read Nefertiti many years ago and have read each and every book she has published since then.  I am not exaggerating when I say she is one of my favorite authors.  Each of her books draw me into the lives of the people whose story she tells. I can't wait for Rebel Queen!

Please give the amazing Michelle Moran a warm welcome!

With every book I write, I discover something about the culture I’m researching which completely blows me away, often because it’s so unusual and something I’ve never encountered before. In the case of my book, REBEL QUEEN, set in India during the British invasion, the concept of Janam Kundlis struck a chord with me, particularly since Janam Kundlis very nearly played a role in my own life and my marriage to my husband, who is Indian. 

Scion: Innovation and Supporting Indie Music

 

My name is Jaime and I am a music junkie

 *waves hello* 


I have never been a music snob- I just love a good beat, fantastic lyrics and an amazing voice. I love hearing artists perform live, I love acapella, I love instrumental music, hip hop, alternative, I think you get the drift. 

However, I do love when I find out about new and independent artists. I also love many mainstream artists but there's something about finding an independent artist who pushes music to the edge and tries to create something unique and groundbreaking. I get butterflies when I hear people gush about relatively unknown artists. For me, it’s like I discovered them. Ha ha. 

 There’s also nothing like introducing a friend to an artist they have never heard of and see them really fall for the music. A friend of mine is a musician and he introduced me to romance metal. Yes! It’s legit! He introduced me to a band called “36 Crazyfists” and they are absolutely amazing. Brock is a lyrical genius. 

Presented By Scion

I love that Scion has been such a huge supporter of musicians, especially underground artists. I have a few friends who are Scion owners and they’re huge music loves. Coincidence? I think not… 

What are some of your favorite musical artists?  

*Disclosure - This post may contain sponsored content

Ultimate Valentine's Day Desserts Roundup

Valentine's Day is less than a week away!

There are so many creative recipe ideas out there for desserts on the blogosphere ('cuz bloggers are crazy creative, obvs!).

Here is an AWESOME roundup of Valentine's Day desserts that you can easily whip up for a work potluck, a special night in or give to your single friends.

1. No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Rice Krispie Treats via The Bright Side of Reality
2. Super Soft Sugar Cookies via The Quinntessential Mommy
3. Sweetheart Brownies via About a Mom
4. Chocolate Covered Oreo Valentines via About a Mom
5. Pink Lemonade Rice Krispie Treats via Thrifty Jinxy
6. Chocolate Raspberry Ho Ho Trifle via Upstate Ramblings
7. White Chocolate Covered Peep Hearts via The Bright Side of Reality
8. Strawberry Cheesecake Bars via Simplee Thrifty
9. Strawberry Chocolate Brownies via Upstate Ramblings
10. Hershey Heart Pretzels via Mommy Octopus
11. Gluten Free Double Chocolate Orange Cream Cheese Brownies via One Creative Mommy
12. Love Heart Meringues via In the Playroom
13. Double Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Muddy Buddies via More Than a Mom of Three
14. Valentine's Day Smore Bark via Mother's Home
15. Pretty in Pink Valentine's Popcorn via Bless this Mess Please
16. Cherry Kiss Cookies via Midget Momma
17. Mini Heart Shaped Monkey Bread via Home Cooking Memories
18. Berry Cream Tarts via Hello Little Home
19. Valentine Oreo Pops via Midget Momma
20. Dark Chocolate Cherry Hearts via Saving with Shellie
21. Double Chocolate Cherry Cordial M&M Cookies via Bless this Mess Please
22. Mini Cupcakes on a Stick via Home Cooking Memories
23. Love Note Valentine Butter Cookies via Oh My Sugar High
24. Valentine's Day Candy Cookie Bark via Formula Mom
25. Twix Parfait via Just Us Four Blog

What will you be making for Valentine's Day?

Chinese New Year Chicken Fried Rice and Egg Rolls

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NewYearFortune #CollectiveBias 

February 19 begins the Chinese New Year.  2015 is the year of the Sheep, which I am totally cool with.  I was born in the Year of the Horse and we are very compatible according to Chinese astrology.  I have always been enamored with Asian history, art, cuisine and culture.  Asian food is 100% my favorite food- Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, Indian, Korean, etc. etc. etc.  It's all delicious to me! One of my dearest friends is Laotian and I would make a pig of myself at her house.  I never knew how to make any kind of fried rice until I met her and she taught me how to make it and other Asian foods.  In reality, I didn't know how to cook anything outside of pot pie or top ramen until we became besties.  She created a monster because I have been cooking like crazy since then.   

Easy Breakfast Ideas: Apple Sweet Roll Waffles

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WarmUpYourDay #CollectiveBias

I am really excited.  I *finally* went to see the final installment of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.   I have been a bit obsessed with Middle Earth for many, many years and there's nothing like seeing them on the big screen.  Since the Desolation of Smaug, I have been a wee bit... um, captivated by Lee Pace's portrayal of Thranduil (Legalos' father).  Dare I say that I have a bit of a fangirl crush because I don't want a prince on a white horse- gimme an Elven King on an elk.  Before I embarrass myself any further with my fangirling, let's talk about easy breakfast ideas.