#SpreadCheer with an easy cookie gift - and a giveaway!

Many thanks to Betty Crocker for helping me #SpreadCheer

This past four day weekend was absolutely glorious.  Thanksgiving was spent with family and it was an awesome day.  Friday was glorious and I got so many of the items off my to-do list that I want to faint.  Ha.  

The best part. though, was this:

Review: Ubera Herbal Supplement

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of ProPharma USA for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Pushing 40 is hard.  Next year is my 20 year class reunion, my body is certainly feeling its age and my brain... it's slowing down.

I am always concerned about how my mental clarity has decreased and I am not as sharp mentally as I once was.  Working in a cardiology office and having my father suffer a severe heart attack, I am also concerned about my cardiovascular health.  When I was given the opportunity to try out UBERA, I leaped at the chance.

Mobility Awareness

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Mobility is important.  Regardless of a person's ability, being able to maintain independence is crucial and decreasing mobility barriers is crucial.  



My daughter suffered a terrible traumatic brain injury when she was an infant.  When she was little, going out in to the community wasn't difficult.  We used strollers and I could carry her but once she grew bigger and still couldn't walk, we needed special transportation strollers and equipment to go into the community.  

Three Adorable Ways to Bring Your Elf to Life

Christmas is right around the corner.  Are you ready? Or did I just give you a bit of anxiety? *Sorry*

It is also time for the Elves to start making their appearance and bringing the holidays to life!  This post will bring you three adorable ways to bring your elf to life. 

Placing a cute elf on your shelf is nothing short of fun and kids love it, parents love them, and they're absolutely adorable.  

However, your elf needs not only a place on your shelf but a home on your shelf! We have all seen the OTHER elf that is a tad creepy looking but this alternative is cute (AND plush).  The Elves from the Elf Workshoppe are super sweet, cuddly and are sweet enough to bring joy (and just a little bit of shenanigans)

If you don't already have a super cute elf, these super sweet (and cuddly soft and NON CREEPY) elves from The Elf Workshoppe are plush. They're also extremely affordable at only $12.99 each at TheElf Workshoppe. They are of high quality and are the perfect toy for little ones to cuddle with and sleep with through the wait for Christmas.

Here are three adorable ways to bring your sweet elf to life.

A car. Every elf must have a car, right? How else can they run errands and grab supplies for Santa?  Somebody has to do the hot cocoa run! Or at the very least, create some shenanigans!

A sleigh. Every elf needs a sleigh. Who says only Santa can drive a sleigh? Elves love to drive sleighs and the reindeer love them.  

A bed. Elves get tired, too! Tuck the elf in and read a sweet, Christmas bedtime story. 

All of these adorable Elves and Elf Accessorizes can be found at the ElfWorkshoppe (Where else?).  These three barely scratch the surface of what they have available on their website.  They have trains, bears, rocking chairs and even a bath tub!  So many cute options to really have fun with and they will be a hit with everyone!

If you have been wanting to pick up an elf for your child but found that the other one was TOO pricey or that they aren't exactly what you are looking for (*cough* creepy *cough cough*), The Elf Workshoppe elves are a GREAT alternative and as said above, they're really affordable.  $12.99 for an elf and you can use a coupon (below) for further discount along with any accessories you may want to pick up to create even more Christmas magic. 

The Elf Workshoppe was created to bring Christmas to life and in your home. All of their products are affordable and absolutely adorable! 

They even throw in a free surprise with any purchase $60 or more AND enter “elf” coupon code at check out and save 25%!

This post is sponsored but all thoughts are my own.

Simple Loose Leaf Tea Box

The perfect partner in your pursuit of a happier and healthier you, Simple Loose Leaf is like having a personal Tea Somalia. Each month, a box of savory loose leaf teas is shipped right to your door for just $17. Each box has 4-5 loose leaf teas, 2 re-usable muslin tea bags and a beautiful card detailing your month's tea selection. Try each tea and order more from our store with a 50% member's only discount! Get 25% off your membership (Gift & Ongoing) at Simple Loose Leaf. It's the perfect box for the tea lover in your life, especially if that tea lover is you!

My readers get to save! 25% off Gift Membership or Ongoing Subscription signup - Use code: 25HOLIDAY
Here!  

Gift Idea: Homemade Peppermint Crunch Fudge & Glitter Mason Jar

This Peppermint Crunch Fudge Recipe and shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ShareTheHoliday #CollectiveBias

I have been bitten by the Holiday bug this past week.   Nutcracker, Thanksgiving coming up, and just the overall feeling of the holidays being RIGHT HERE, it's got me feeling very festive!

Last weekend was the Nutcracker production that Em was in.  It was absolutely exhausting and beautiful and I shed a few tears. (I will definitely be posting about it soon!).   Between three performances in two days, my sister and I whipped up SEVERAL batches of fudge.  Thankfully fudge is incredibly easy to make that I could make a few batches, pour it into pans, run off to another performance and come back to it being set.   

Also, I got the great idea that I wanted to make glitter mason jars.  I figured that between the fudge and glitter jars, some friends of mine will be getting some SWEET gifts! 

For YOU, my dear readers- you get a DOUBLE whammy post! Woot! I am not only going to share with you the recipe for peppermint crunch fudge BUT how to make these incredibly beautiful glitter coated mason jars.  If I can make allllllllllll the fudge, attend three performances of the Nutcracker AND make the glitter mason jars, you can, too! I promise! Seriously.  

These make incredible gifts!  Wrap up the fudge, put into a Rubbermaid TakeAlongs container, put it in a gift bag with one of the mason jars and BAM! Handmade thoughtful gift! 

I like using the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs because they feature the Quik Clik Seal™ which keeps food secure (spill prevention! Win!), they're microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe, and they come in a HUGE variety of sizes! I find them in the housewares section at Walmart.  Speaking of Walmart, there's  an Ibotta $1 Off Of Any 2 Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Products rebate offer, exclusive to Walmart shoppers. Definitely take advantage of THAT deal when it begins on November 25th!

Ready to make some fudge?!

Peppermint Crunch Fudge Recipe


5 oz can of evaporated milk
3 cups of sugar
3/4 cup butter
10 oz bag of Peppermint Crunch baking chips*
7 oz marshmallow creme (one jar)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup crushed peppermint candy cane pieces

1. Line a 9X13 cake pan with aluminum foil (or parchment paper works, too).
2. Bring sugar, milk and butter to a rolling boil over medium heat.  
3. Boil for 4 minutes and remove from heat.
4. Stir in marshmallow creme first (I find it melts better this way), then stir in baking chips and vanilla extract.
5. Pour into cake pan and sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces over the top layer.
6.  Allow to sit until cool.
7.  Once cool, just lift the aluminum foil or parchment paper and the entire batch of fudge comes out.
8.  Cut into pieces, wrap in parchment (or plastic wrap), tie with twine and put into containers to gift!

*If you can't find them, use white baking chips instead, add 1 tsp of peppermint (instead of vanilla) and if you wish, a few drops of red food coloring.


Now to make some extra sparkle happen...

These are soooooooooooooo ridiculously easy to make.  They do take about an hour to make but ONLY because of the time needed in between coats to allow the glue to dry. 

All you need is your favorite glue (that works on glass), I always use the podge stuff, cotton balls, rubbing alcohol, glitter, a sponge brush, a pint size mason jar and high gloss acrylic sealer (not really required but if your jar feels tacky from the glue, spray it with this stuff to seal it and your're good to go).  The same company that makes mod podge makes the acrylic sealer.

How to make an Easy Glitter Mason Jar

1.  Wet cotton balls with rubbing alcohol.  Wipe the outside of the jar.  I do this to clean it up in case there's anything on the jar that may prevent the glue from sticking.  Allow to dry.

2.  Apply a liberal coat of glue with sponge brush over the entire outside of the jar.  

3.  Sprinkle with glitter.  (I like to do this over paper so I can sprinkle the over spill back on to the jar).

4.  Allow to dry.  (about 10-15 minutes)

5.  Apply another layer of glue and glitter.  Allow to dry.

6.  Repeat until you are pleased with the glitter coverage and put another coat of glue over the last layer of glitter to seal the final coat.  I do three layers.  You can do as many as you like!

7.  Once dry, spray acrylic sealer and allow to dry over night on paper.  

8. Gift with fudge! I also like throwing in flameless tea lights in the jars to make a super cute sparkly piece. 

Cute gift package!

Do you like to give handmade gifts?

What is your favorite?

Don't forget to grab the Ibotta $1 Off Of Any 2 Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Products rebate offer at Walmart!  It begins November 25th! 

Also, follow Walmart: 
Twitter: @walmart
Facebook:  
Pinterest: 
Instagram: @walmart

Like this post? Pin it, Yum it, Tweet it, Facebook it!  I love the sharing!

Monthly Pepper Box!

Your best friend in the pursuit of all things hot sauce, Monthly Pepper Box is like having a miniature hot sauce festival delivered to your door every month. Each month discover savory gems of artisan hot sauces for only $22. Every box, you'll get 3 bottles of succulent heat ranging from a "Low Burn" to "Call the Fire Department" from hot sauce companies you've never heard of. Get 10% off your membership (Gift & Ongoing) at Monthly Pepper Box. It's the perfect box for the Pepper Head in your life, especially if that Pepper Head is you!

Who doesn't love peppers?

My readers get to save! 10% off Gift Membership or Ongoing Subscription signup - Use code: 10HOLIDAY
visit here!  

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Party

This post was sponsored by Lionsgate as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central #MockingjayFinale

It's almost here!!!!!  The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 will be in theaters on November 20th!  

Are you as excited as I am? Ever since I read the first book in the trilogy, I have been a fan.  In honor of THE FINALE (eeks!) I hosted a party to prepare for the final movie. 

Anybody who knows me, knows that I am a huge fan of the dystopian genre.  Books, movies, tv series and comics- if it's dystopian, I will become obsessed.  When I first read the Hunger Games, I was enthralled and needed more.  I read them so quickly that I had to find something to entertain me *cough* reading fan fiction *cough* *cough* and then the movies came out. Whoooooooooo.  Stick a fork in me, I am DONE.  They are so good and my homegirl, JLaw, killllllls it as Katniss.  

Creamy Gouda Macaroni & Cheese

This recipe for Creamy Gouda Macaroni & Cheese and shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RecipeTwist #CollectiveBias

Thanksgiving rocks.  Every single year my brother does the turkey and I do some side dishes or a dessert.   I love turkey BUT it's all about the side dishes for me.  

Stuffing? Yes!!!! Horseradish mashed potatoes? YESSSS! Brussel sprouts? Green bean salad? Yassssssssssssssssssssssssssss.  

I love taking the normal and giving it a new twist.  I think macaroni and cheese is the quintessential comfort food and should be in the Thanksgiving spread.  My macaroni and cheese isn't your mother's macaroni and cheese.  It's extra special.  

Review: Seal 7

Seal's career has been nothing short of successful.  Every single album he has recorded has been timeless.  Seal's voice is haunting and as smooth as butter.  To this day, "A Kiss From a Rose" and "Crazy" are on repeat in my playlists.

Seal 7, released on November 6th, 2015, is no different.  

Review: Brooklyn Movie #BrooklynMovie

2016 UPDATE!!!  Brooklyn is now out on DVD and Bluray!  It's already on my shelf because I loved it THAT much! You can grab it at Amazon now (below is an affiliate link)

This post is made possible by support from Fox Searchlight Pictures. All opinions are my own.

Have you ever seen a movie that you just can't stop thinking about? "Brooklyn" was that movie for me.   I attended a screening of "Brooklyn" without even having seen the trailer.  I read the synopsis and jumped at the chance to see it. 

Film Synopsis:

BROOKLYN tells the story of Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.  The film is directed by John Crowley from a screenplay by Nick Hornby based on the novel by Colm Tóibín.  The film also stars Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen with Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters.  The film is produced by Finola Dwyer & Amanda Posey. The filmmaking team includes director of photography Yves Bélanger, production designer François Séguin, set decorators Jennifer Oman and Louise Tremblay, editor Jake Roberts, music by Michael Brook, and costume designer Odile Dicks-Mireaux.

"Brooklyn", based on Colm Toibin's book of the same name, begins in Ireland with Eilis (pronounced like Aylish) starting her journey to the United States and follows her journey to America back to Ireland and back to America again.  

Nutella Pretzel Bites and some Science Fiction

Sweet, salty and chewy Nutella pretzel bites make a perfect snack or dessert. 

This post may contain affiliate links

Do you ever get bummed when you don't have time to do what you enjoy? I feel like it's been foreverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr since I've read a book because I can.  I just haven't had time or I've been too tired.  I've been making myself find enough down time to just read a chapter (at least).

Recipe: Spinach Meatballs + $25 Paypal Giveaway

Spinach, beef, and Italian sausage make up these savory spinach meatballs.  This is such an easy way to sneak in healthy greens.  Thank you Ragu for sponsoring this post.

Last week was such an awesome week.

This Veteran's Day, Support Veterans with Baskin-Robbins and the USO

This post was sponsored by Baskin-Robbins but as always, my opinion and my gratitude this Veteran's Day is my own. 

As you know, two of my brothers have served in the military.  One is still active duty and is career Special Forces.  My other brother was in the National Guard and was injured during his first deployment to Iraq in 2003 and is now a disabled veteran.   This Veteran's Day I am extra humbled.  

Udderly Easy Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub

I received free Udderly Smooth products to facilitate this Easy Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub recipe. #‎UdderlySmoothCrew‬

These super easy to make at home lavender vanilla sugar scrub helps uncover glowing skin and is incredibly moisturizing.

 

Both Em and I have really dry skin.  If I don't get a pedicure every two weeks, the bottom of my feet look like I am a Flintstone.  Seriously.  Due to Emma's cerebral palsy, the top of her feet has dry skin, too.  I am always looking for ANY product to moisturize and soften but is NON greasy.  

Chipotle Chicken Pot Pie

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

How was your Halloween? Ours was so much fun! On Friday night, Em's program had their Halloween party and afterward, we went Trunk or Treating at her school.  On Halloween, we spent the day at my sister's house and made an AWESOME Chipotle Chicken Pot Pie.  

I am going to preface this recipe by telling you that you have GOT to make this recipe RIGHT AWAY.   The flavor was incredible and the smokey chipotle peppers totally stole the show.  I didn't even need to season the pie filling! The filling is overflowing with vegetables and chicken.  I made the filling really thick but you don't have to make it as thick as I did.   

Lemon Cheesecake Dip with KitchenIQ

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for KitchenIQ. I received promotional items to thank me for my participation #SharpenYourKitchenIQ #IC 

Who out there is a sucker for kitchen gadgets? 

Whew. 

SOOOO glad I am not alone in the need to have ALL THE GADGETS (queue hyperbole and a half image!).   

Review: Trim Healthy Mama #MomsMeet #THM

I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer

I hate diets. 

HATE THEM.