My Love of Coffee + Win a NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Maker! #MC

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“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a thank me for my participation.”untitled

A few weeks ago I was asked to try the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Maker.  Uhm…me???  Drink coffee???  Yes please!  I love a good latte and I was super pumped to try out this machine.  When it was delivered to my doorstep it was like Christmas day came early.  It didn’t take any time at all to pull the machine from the box, plug it in the wall, and BAM I had a delicious latte in my hand.  

The NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Maker comes with delicious flavor options:

o Cappuccino Ice
o Cappuccino
o Carmel Latte Macchiato (My personal favorite!)
o Americano
o Skinny Cappuccino
o Nestea Peach Iced Tea
o Skinny Latte
o Latte Macchiato
o Chococino
o Mocha
o Chai Tea Latte
o Espresso
o Caffe Lungo
o Caffe Lungo Decaf
o A Dark Roast
o Morning Blend
o Espresso Intenso

NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto is the only machine that truly delivers delicious, coffee-house quality creations every time with patented smart capsule technology delivering up to 15 bars of professional pressure and espresso technology.  The line brews over 17 different hot and cold beverages -with true creme and expertly layered specialty beverages with an indulgent fine milk froth – in under a minute. From a classic Americano to a bold Espresso, to a sweet Caramel Macchiato and frosty Iced Cappuccino, NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto has a wide variety of different beverages to satisfy everyone.

Believe me, I know a good cup of coffee/espresso.  NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto uses only 100% Arabica coffee beans Specifically chosen because they yield a more intense and fragrant flavor, ranging from a sweet and soft to a sharp-tangy taste.

1.  Plug in your machine and get the party going.  I’m making a Caramel Latte Macchiato here.  I placed the coffee capsule in first and dialed it up to 5- each capsule tells you what level to brew it on.

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2.  I popped in my coffee capsule and it got brewing instantly!D7K_24033.  Press the red drop (for hot) and it starts the machine.D7K_2398 4.  You can see here how the coffee and the milk pods are brewed to make the perfect Macchiato.AAWFAWDFOMG.  Can you see that froth and the goodness in this cup?  It tastes amazing!  I should know…I drink a lot of coffee!  D7K_2411If you have a coffee lover in your family this will making a great gift for the holidays.  It’s also great when hosting a party, you can serve your guests the perfect beverage  Check out more information on the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Maker& right now you have the opportunity to save 20% on a NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Maker with coupon code GustoGift!

1 lucky winner will receive their own NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Maker!!! Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below.  Winner will have 24 hours to respond from when notified via email.  D7K_2365Enter Below:  If form doesn’t pop up, then clickin on “Rafflecopter link”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Tour of Homes

Today I’m linking up with Kelly’s Korner for one of my favorite link-ups….Christmas tour of homes. I just LOVE to see how everyone decorates and brings the Christmas spirit out each year.  I added a few things here and there this year…but nothing huge changed from last year.  We’ve had a crazy ice storm so it’s definitely felt a lot like Christmas around here.  I hope you enjoy our Christmas home….and remember Jesus is the reason for the season 🙂

Here is our tree:
D7K_2462The NativityD7K_2455

D7K_2460 The MantleD7K_2465

Connor’s Santa pictures over the last few years.  I still haven’t framed this years photo.
D7K_2471 Our very first gingerbread houseD7K_2473 D7K_2475

Merry Christmas chalkboard & Christmas cards displayD7K_2611 Christmas inspirational sayings…D7K_2615A little mini shopping cart filled with candyD7K_2618

My baby in footsie pajamas.  I think I will cry when he can’t wear footsies anymore!

D7K_2389Can’t wait to see what you all have done to decorate for the season and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Oh! And I almost forgot today is the reveal for our secret Santa swap over at Tales of a Twenty Something!

Here are my goodies.  I love everything so much.  The candle, candy, and towels are totally ME!

Thank you “secret Santa” I love it all 🙂 You’re the best!

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Breakfast With Santa

A couple of weeks ago Connor and I headed to North East Mall to have breakfast with Santa. All the kids dress in their pajamas and get to walk through the mall and wake up Santa sleeping in his bed. It was so much fun and we’ll definitely be going back next year.

All the kiddos got a bag full of arts and crafts to do and a Chick-Fil-A breakfast was served.  There were lots of coupons in the goody bags for Moms too 🙂

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The Chick-Fil-A Cow was there too!D7K_1581 Santa’s bedD7K_1580 The Mothership…aka our new Starbucks at North East MallD7K_1584 D7K_1590 D7K_1598 We headed to See’s Candy to check out some stocking stuffers 🙂D7K_1637 Of course we couldn’t leave the mall without trying out the new CC’s Cupcake Heaven cake pops. This was so cute with the Christmas lights on it.D7K_1671 Then Connor got to tell Santa his LOOOOOOOONG list of things he wants for Christmas! He was so excited! And kind of celebrity shocked. If you live in the DFW area I highly recommend Breakfast with Santa at North East Mall! Remember this for next year and continue to check out all the fun kids activities in the Kidgits program at North East Mall.D7K_1614

The Future’s in Their Hands — Teaching Your Children to Go Green #PlantingWithPablo

This is a sponsored post for New Leaf Energy.  All opinions & thoughts are my own.

I just picked Connor up from school today and we are on our usual route home on the freeway here in DFW.  Then as I’m driving along I pass a marquee that says “LIMIT OUTDOOR ACTIVITY” or “OZONE LEVEL ORANGE”.  Can I tell you how much that scares me about our air quality???

Will my son be able to grow up in a world without pollution and trash all over the highways?  I am praying he will.  All we have to do is be conscious of our actions.  Laziness is what has led us to this path of destruction.
D7K_0678We have started to teach Connor what you’re able to recycle – plastics, cardboard, and glass.  He knows exactly where the recycle bin is in our house and he goes straight to it!  Love his willingness to save and re-use.  We also try not to use so many paper items like paper plates, cups, and silverware.  Yes, it is easier to just chunk things in the trash…but beyond that remember where it ends up!  A landfill somewhere near you.

I was super excited to hear about a new campaign called “Planting with Pablo” & New Leaf Energy.

Pablo B. Green, is the loyal tree frog mascot & will be planting 1 new tree for every new Facebook Fan received through 12/23/13.

Visit the New Leaf Energy Facebook page and become a fan for a greener future.
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“At New Leaf Energy, we’re all about providing our customers and the communities that support them, the option for an affordable, sustainable energy company. Beyond just providing 100% e-certified green energy to Texans, we are in the business of providing people with the tips, tricks and knowledge to lead a green life.

This campaign was designed to help spread green knowledge to the next generation: your children. We want to know how people are helping their children understand sustainability and what they’re doing to practice it.

From planting trees together, learning to re-purpose household items, and even simply recycling, we want to hear how you do it! Plus, we’re making it super easy for your audience to help the planet — we’ll be planting one tree for each new Facebook “like” we receive until December 23rd. Encourage your audience to participate in making the earth a greener place with a simple click!”

So what are you waiting for go LIKE Green Leaf Energy and let’s plant some trees!

2013 My Year in Review

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HI!  I’M BECKY.  WIFE, MOM, TWIN, DAUGHTER, SISTER, CHOCOHOLIC, COFFEE ADDICT, LOVER OF ALL THINGS BLING, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY A CHRISTIAN.  I AM FROM THE GOOD OL’ STATE OF ARKANSAS, MARRIED A TEXAN 12 YEARS AGO…NOW WE LIVE IN DFW.  I’VE BLOGGED HERE ON THE JAVA MAMA FOR 7 YEARS AND LOVED EVERY MINUTE!  HERE’S MY YEAR IN REVIEW:

What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?

I switched to WordPress from Blogger.com and I am LOVING it and highly recommend to all of you!
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Well, at the beginning of the year I wanted to lose the 30lbs I’ve been packing on for the past couple of years.  I’ll probably make the SAME resolution this coming year….sigh.
Did anyone close to you give birth?

Two of my sister-in-laws did
Did anyone close to you die?

No, thank the good Lord!
What countries did you visit?

Stayed in the US this year. Last year we visited Paris & London. This next year we were hoping to go back to London and Scotland….we’ll see!
What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?

More confidence and less anxiety.
What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory?

No date in particular: Birthdays, anniversaries, special moments. Or maybe my memory is just getting bad?
What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I made some tough decisions professionally, but overall I’m much happier because I stood up for what I believe in.  I grew my photography (small business) a little bit & some amazing blogging opportunities came my way.  I was in school for graphic design years ago.  I’ve always loved art and creative things.  It’s my outlet….so it’s been fun to explore that a bit further.
What was your biggest failure?

Not being able to see my family in Arkansas as much as I should have. My heart aches from not being able to see them more.  My Papa died a few years ago and I wasn’t there during his last days.  My Nannie was diagnosed with cancer this past year. I feel like I’m missing out on precious years with my family in Arkansas. It’s bittersweet.
Did you suffer illness or injury?

No, just a car accident recently. Gaaaaaah!
What was the best thing you bought?

A new phone. I just got a Samsung Galaxy S4 and I am LOVING it!  Waiting in line for 45 mins on Black Friday was totally worth it. And it was FREE!
Whose behavior merited celebration?

Uhm mine? Ha ha! I have no idea.  Everyone has good days and bad days….just do the best you can!
 Where did most of your money go?

FOOD…Isn’t that sad?
What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Oh gosh.  Lots of things. Nothing incredibly huge happened this year.  It was just a nice, easy year.  But I’m excited over everything basically 🙂
What song will always remind you of 2013?

Blurred Lines.  And several Miley songs…that’s so unfortunate. UGH.
Compared to this time last year, are you:

Happy.  Content.  Connor is so much fun at the age he’s at.  He asks a lot of questions.  Each phase is so much fun!
Happier or sadder?

Happy
Thinner or fatter?

Fatter. Boo!
Richer or poorer?

I wouldn’t say richer.  More financially stable.
What do you wish you’d done more of?

I need to get better at video taping things.  I want those to look back on someday.
What do you wish you’d done less of?

Watching TV.  Although I love watching a good show I know I need to do less of it.
How will you be spending Christmas?

We are going home to the farm in Arkansas.  I’m excited about that!  Then we’ll be back home by Christmas day to celebrate with our Texas family.
Did you fall in love in 2013?

No.
How many one-night stands?

ZERO. EVER.
Who were your best friends?

The same ones I’ve always had. My sister, Ellen, Sara, and Kristin.
What thing did you do that was meaningful to others?

I paid it forward a few times. I try to help those in need when I see it.
What were your favorite TV programs?

The Goldbergs. I  just love this new comedy set in the 80’s. My favorite Era.  Castle, The Mentalist, Suits, Scandal…and many more.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No.
What was the best book you read in 2013?

Fifty Shades of Grey. Gulp.
What was your greatest musical discovery?

I’m loving Pentatonix Little Drummer Boy right now.
What did you want and get?

Less hours at work
What did you want but did NOT get?

I didn’t win the lottery darn it!  I hope that in the future my husband can either find a job closer to where we live or we move so that we can have more time together as a family.
What was your favorite film of this year?

I haven’t been to the movies in ages.  I really liked “Now You See Me” & “World War Z”
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I was 32.  I think I went out to dinner…at this point I don’t even really celebrate birthdays!
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

If I could quit working.  Stay at home and enjoy these last couple years of Connor at this young age.  Also, I’m on the verge of wanting to add another baby….but everything is so undecided.  But it’s all in God’s hands!
What kept you sane?

medication
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Nobody really.  I have always like Isla Fisher and Rachel McAdams.
What political issue stirred you the most?

Obama. Enough Said.
Who did you miss?

My family back in Arkansas and friends too!
Who was the best new person you met this year?

I met some great blogging friends in person for the first time.  That is always super special.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.

Do what you know is right in your heart.  Never change. God is always with you.
Quote that sums up your year:

“Your future is as bright as your faith’

LINK UP WITH THREE 31 FOR YEAR IN REVIEW.  CLICK THE PHOTO BELOW.

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Let it ICE

D7K_2418D7K_2445 The last couple of days being stuck inside the house have been driving us all nuts.  Last night we may have taken a Rubbermaid container and let Connor slide down a hill in it.  That’s not a safety hazard is it?  We didn’t have a sled, but it ended up working out great 🙂  I didn’t feel so bad after I saw the other kids all sledding in laundry baskets last night.  The things you do for your kids!D7K_2430 Connor’s been enjoying his first snow ice that he can remember.  We have tickets to the North Pole Express this afternoon and I’m just hoping they aren’t cancelled.  He’s been so excited to go on the train all week.D7K_2436 D7K_2438 We also made our first gingerbread house.  That was a lot of fun.  I’m really enjoying this age Connor’s at right now.  It’s so magical and his imagination cracks me up.  D7K_2450 D7K_2452 We put up our nativity too!

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What have y’all been up to in this crazy weather?

Christmas Shopping at The Shack #RadioShack #MC

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for RadioShack. I received a gift card to facilitate a shopping trip and promotional item as a thank you for participating.D7K_1552When it comes to the guys in my family the one thing I know they’ll all love is something from RadioShack.  RadioShack offers a great selection of tablets, no-contract phones, audio accessories, Bluetooth devices, DIY components, toys for the kids, and much more.

So when it came time to do a little holiday shopping we headed to our local RadioShack to check out the goods.  D7K_1553-550x364RadioShack has several recently updated stores.  Holiday shoppers will be among the first to experience the bright and shiny new stores and all they have to offer.
Including a wide variety of tablets & covers:D7K_1554 Connor had a great time listening on the headphones:D7K_1555
RadioShack offers a wide variety of mobile phones and accessories:D7K_1558 Let’s not forget the TV and essentials for every dude’s “man cave”: D7K_1559We shopped until we dropped and ended up with a remote control helicopter for Connor and a nice set of headphones.  I absolutely love the headphones and we got a great deal because they were on sale.  Now taking road trips and watching movies will be a lot more quiet for me 🙂  D7K_1571Here I am with our goodies!  I can’t wait to use these this holiday season!

D7K_1573 Connor just loved looking at all the cars and helicopters.  We had a lot of fun and the store was bright, shiny, and new.  All the items we were looking for were well-organized and easy to find.  We will definitely be back to The Shack for all our tech savvy family and friends.D7K_1561

Check out the RadioShack Holiday Hub & visit RadioShack for some great Christmas shopping!