Ready for Fall with ChapStick® + Enter to WIN!

September 29, 2016

The ChapStick® product, information and gift have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

Well, as you all know we just moved into our new HOME! Praise the Lord!

Our bodies are a bit tired and we are a little achy, but are super excited for this chapter in our lives and the memories to be made in our new house. We are still unpacking and getting things in order. I can’t wait to share all the things we’ve been doing to update the house. I think it’s a lot of fun! There are definitely great things about owning a new house like our last home, but the character in an older home, the mature trees in the yard, and little “fixes” make for a fun adventure!

Yesterday I had all the windows open and it was a cool 68 degrees…it finally feels like FALL! Woohoo! My favorite season 🙂

I’m super excited to bust out those boots and scarves that have been sitting in storage. I always get SUPER dry lips in the fall/winter months too. It’s something that happens to me every single year.

This year I’m fully stocked with ChapStick®, America’s favorite lip balm, and I’m ready for the cold fronts baby! I keep one in my purse, in Connor’s backpack, and in my car. I’m always prepared and ready for the chill.

ChapStick® is available in so many varieties and flavors. I just saw “Pumpkin Pie” flavor at the store the other day! You can also purchase at Chapstick®’s new online store! Healthy & happy lips are only a click away! (Please note: there is a minimum quantity requirement of 3 items in order to proceed with checkout.)

My personal favorite is a Classic Cherry. Yum…Yum…

Be ready for fall with ChapStick® – no matter what gets thrown your way!

ENTER TO WIN A CHAPSTICK LUNCHBOX FILLED WITH ChapStick® GOODIES!

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Recipients must be 18 years or older and reside in U.S.

Follow ChapStick® on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

It’s Football Time with KING’S HAWAIIAN! #GameTimeGrilling

September 21, 2016

This blog post was sponsored by KING’S HAWAIIAN® but the opinions are all my own.

It’s FOOTBALL time y’all! We are big TCU fans in our house. Of course I am torn between two families…my family in Arkansas are big Razorback fans, and my husband went to TCU. Arkansas just played TCU and lost…. 🙁

There’s nothing like a fall weekend with friends and family eating good food and watching football. It’s the obligatory thing to do on the weekends am I right?

So, we love our football…but we also love good FOOD! Last weekend the boys were watching the game and I headed to HEB to make some yummy ham & cheese sliders. This is definitely one of my go-to recipes for football and party food! hawaain

KING’S HAWAIIAN® rolls are great for lots of sandwiches, but this is our favorite!

HAM AND CHEESE MELTS:

You can choose the original or go a little spicy with the Jalapeno rolls
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Cut the entire package in half

Layer with ham

Top with cheese 🙂

Put the tops back on the KING’S HAWAIIAN® rolls

Spread the butter/mustard/poppy seed mixture on top!

And ENJOY like my precious boys here 🙂 They love watching football together…it gets a bit loud in there I must say! Ha ha!

KING’S HAWAIIAN® also has a fab new line of grilling sauces & we LOOOOVE to grill while the weather is still nice outside. Here is my hubby cooking up some yumminess on the grill! That’s the KING’S HAWAIIAN® Kona Coffee BBQ sauce! 07042010-25

We try to cook at home during the week to help save and prepare our meals in advance. These sauces make preparation easy and simple!

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Also, I was browsing in the Food Network Magazine this weekend and LOOK!!! These cute little “spooky sliders” using KING’S HAWAIIAN® rolls are so adorable! See recipes below:

Happy Football season from our little Horned Frog to yours!

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RECIPE:

HAWAIIAN HAM AND CHEESE SLIDERS

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup melted Butter
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp Brown Sugar
1 tbsp Poppy Seeds
2 tsp Dried Minced Onion
12 King’s Hawaiian Dinner Rolls
9 oz thin sliced Deli Ham
8 oz thin sliced Swiss Cheese

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350.
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Combine butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, poppy seeds, and dried onion.
Slice the rolls to make sandwiches. Remove tops and set aside.
Place the bottom pieces into the prepared baking dish.
Layer the ham onto the rolls.
Top the ham with the Swiss cheese.
Place the tops of the rolls onto the sandwiches.
Brush or pour the liquid mixture evenly over the rolls.
Bake 20 minutes or until the rolls are lightly browned and cheese has melted.
Separate into individual sandwiches to serve.

Fall into a Good Routine with ProNamel® for Kids

September 13, 2016

The ProNamel® brand has compensated me in connection with statements made in this post.

It’s time for back to school and making sure your kiddos are in tip-top shape this year! Bring on the back to school shopping, the school supplies, and yearly physicals. I’ve talked with you all before how important taking care of your child’s teeth is. In my opinion it’s just as important as a well check-up. A healthy mouth can help your child’s overall immune system and prevent infections in the future.

I was at Connor’s class visiting one day and I was astonished as I sat there and saw so many kids with fingers in their MOUTHS! Ugh…

I know we can’t be there to remind them 24/7 not to stick their hands in their mouth & tell them how nasty it is, but we can instill good dental hygiene to help prevent germs and bacteria from growing.

ProNamel® 6-12 Years Toothpaste for Kids is the toothpaste we use and it works great to keep Connor’s teeth healthy! Tooth enamel is precious and needs to be protected, starting at an early age. Acid Erosion compromises the strength of enamel. This is where ProNamel® 6-12 Years Toothpaste for Kids comes in. ProNamel® for Kids actively strengthens enamel and protects against everyday acids and cavities. I work for a Dental office and our Doctor also recommends ProNamel® to our patients.

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It’s never too early or too LATE to start good oral hygiene habits in your kids.

We try to make brushing our teeth fun and we also tell Connor how important it is to keep his teeth healthy. Now that he’s getting his permanent teeth in he knows he’ll only get one set of those. It’s important to take care of your smile, because it’s the only one you’re going to get 🙂

We have another tooth on the loose! Ha ha!

Here are some tips to make brushing fun for your kids:

Let them pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste, they have an opinion too! Toothbrushes come in so many fun styles these days- some have lights and even music!
Show them how to brush their teeth in a routine way. Side to side, back to front.
Try rhyming or music to make brushing teeth fun.
Tell them how sparkly and pretty their teeth look when they are done. It helps build self esteem.

As you get ready for back to school, send your child out there with confidence. A bright smile can go a long way. Education is key and having the right tools and great products help make this Mom’s life a lot easier.

COUPONS ARE AVAILABLE HERE.

Follow along for all the latest on ProNamel® for Kids on Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube.

Entry Instructions:

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You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

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4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 9/13 – 9/30

Be sure to visit the ProNamel® brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by ProNamel® or GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

10 Years of Blogging: Then vs. Now

September 13, 2016

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My blog is a little over 10 years old this year. That blows my mind! When I first started my blog I remember people asking “What is a BLOG?” I remember my first post, it was basically nothing. I started blogging about my favorite books, or shows I watched, things I did randomly during the day. It was real and authentic and exactly why I started to blog because it was more of a journal than anything else.

I got comments (yes actual COMMENTS) on posts that I wrote. Over the years comments have trickled off and people would rather communicate via Instagram,Twitter, or Facebook. Some of my very favorite bloggers have quit and I understand life changes and we go through seasons. I miss the interaction I first had as a blogger – that authentic communication. I met some of my best friends through blogging.

I know at times I’m goofy. I’m not the best writer by any means. Does anyone remember the Starbucks wall of shame that used to be on my site? Ha! I know not everything I write about is Earth shattering…but it’s real.

I’ve tried to stick with it. I know a lot of my post have become “sponsored” or I get items for free to review. Let’s face it…it’s hard to turn down free stuff right? Especially when some of the things are really cool things you couldn’t afford on your own. There is some judgement behind that…but I still try to remain true to myself, while I’m not going to lie the income really helps my family. Especially when you are going through a house remodel that seems to be bleeding you dry right now! Eeeek!

There is a fine balance between having all sponsored content and remaining true to your audience. I’m not sure I’ve found my perfect middle yet, but I’m working on it. I miss the kinship I found with other bloggers. I’m not saying I’m going to stop doing sponsored content because I really do enjoy it, I just want to find the right middle ground.

Ten years ago it wasn’t about “look what opportunity I got!” or “I made this much $$$ on this post” or “I got to go to a special event because obviously…I’m special!” Uhm…no.

Nobody wants to hear that stuff and it doesn’t create authentic and real relationships. We should support each other, comment on actual content – not just a photo, don’t rub things in other bloggers faces. Support-Connect-SHARE-Love one another!!!

Be PROUD that you have what you have and OWN IT. Don’t sit there wishing you were someone else because you are YOU and that’s what matters.

As you all probably noticed on my Instagram account I did get a great opportunity as a brand rep at Megaphone Conference. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

BUT- every.single.time I tried to authentically get to know a blogger they went into stats, opportunities, analytics, they won’t share sources because heaven forbid they have any competition or SHARE something. It came off as a bunch of content hungry and opportunity driven women that will only write a post if the price is right. It’s a pure and utter mind suck. When someone thinks your only value is as good as how many followers you have. I’m here to tell you ladies and gentlemen you CAN write content that is well written and wonderful without a price tag attached.

EXCUSE ME?

We are bloggers and we are extremely blessed to get to do what we do. At the same time we must realize that it’s not all about the MONEY. Most of my favorite posts are learning about someone’s family or an event that happened in their lives.

Let’s try to not step on everyone’s toes now shall we? Support one another like the good old days. I know I’m being very blunt in this post, but it’s something that has been on my heart for a while.

I miss all my blogger friends from years ago and secretly hope they will come back into the blogosphere. I know it’s not the same…but hopefully we can try to uplift and support & not be so greedy at times. If a new blogger asks you for help, please for the love of coffee…don’t sit there like you just ate a sour lemon. Share with them, open up and connect. Don’t feed them lines and give them ZERO actual sources or information because you are trying to hoard the legit information for yourself. That’s crazy selfish of you! Let’s put the heart and soul back into blogging. It’s not all about follows and likes…everyone knows those can be bought at a price.

In the end all you really have are the memories and not the money.

Meanwhile……

RED CUP SEASON IS ONLY A COUPLE MONTHS AWAY!!! WOOHOO!!!

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Home Remodeling…and other Stuff

September 7, 2016

So, let’s play catch up shall we? A lot has been going on and I want to remember these things when I’m an old gray mare….so I shall blog about them 🙂

We closed on our house!!! Whoop! Whoop! It only took almost a year and a half, but it was worth the wait 🙂 The market here in DFW is crazy, so we feel like we won the house jackpot and the best part is Connor still gets to stay at his wonderful schools.

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We found a new ice cream place that freezes the ice cream on a hibachi type slab and rolls them up. It was fun to watch and Connor loved it! 14206046_856553344445349_8222023181738132229_o

My first friend in the new house, my bff Kelly 🙂 (Ignore the plastic EVERYWHERE!) 14207821_857193031048047_7843104448549306073_o

This was one of the funniest things I read all week. It’s sad but true, our generation has lost all sense of conversationalism. Something I truly enjoy, but am also guilty of being on my phone. If I’m alone, almost always on my phone…it’s a serious crutch. raqj636g9e69

We’ve got a bunch of remodeling going on at the new house and we are super excited to get moved in. It will be fun to share all the details with everyone as we go through the design process.

Here’s an example of what we are trying to do right now:

LIVING ROOM

And the chaos that ensues:

The entry way already looks a ton better with the faux brick gone. We are getting all new lighting from Savoy House. Lighting makes SUCH a big difference! I can’t wait to show you all the after photos!

entry

Connor had his first swim in the new pool. I posted some videos and things as we go through the remodel process on Facebook and Instagram if you want to follow!

pool

All the wood will be painted white.

The kitchen currently…

The dining room will be a very pretty dark grey from floor to ceiling. The color we chose is called “Peppercorn” from Sherwin Williams. We are changing out all the lighting to fit more to our liking. The former homeowners had a more “Tuscan” style.

Connor playing Legos in my new office. I’m so excited about this space! I really want a chalkboard wall…

The hall bathroom

Anyway, so that’s a bit of what has been going on. We are so thankful that God has provided us with the perfect home after a long year of searching! So so thankful. Connor boy started soccer again and seems to be enjoying the first grade. Except he brought home a book about snakes this week and I can hardly stand to open it! Yuck!

I’ll be attending the Megaphone conference next week and I’ll be sure to document all that fun too! I can’t wait to hang out with all my Arkansas peeps and one of my favorite bloggy friends Michelle 🙂 Yippee!

So, yeah a lot going on and some days I feel like this…but you know what it’s FALL and I’m ready to scarf it up and throw on some boots!

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Hang in there…the best is yet to come!

What’s Your Wrinkle Rating? #RoCWrinkleRanking

September 6, 2016

This post is sponsored by RoC® Skincare as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

Aging…it happens to the best of us. It happens to EVERYONE! No one is immune to the effects the environment has on our skin. Skin is the human body’s largest organ, that’s crazy right?

I want to do everything I can to protect my skin, because I only have one set of skin. When I was younger I used to tan in tanning beds and lay out in the sun religiously. You know what they say “I should have listened to my parents” or “I should have started taking care of my skin at a younger age”.

I turned 35 in May and I certainly don’t feel like a spring chicken anymore, but I know my skin still has a fighting chance. Thanks to a great skincare regimen including RoC^® RETINOL CORREXION products. RoC^® has been a leading French skincare brand for more than 50 years, devoted to developing anti-aging products that guarantee visible and lasting results for healthier skin.

Here is a look at the 2016 RoC^® Wrinkle Ranking. Fort Worth-Arlington is my area and we come in at #34 on the list. Not too shabby. Where do you see your city on the list? Is your wrinkle radar correct?

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So, I’ve been using the RoC^® RETINOL CORREXION products for a couple of weeks now and I have noticed my skin is smoother and softer.

I know that getting older is a gift and a blessing, but like I always say…nobody wants to see that blessing all over your face honey 🙂

My areas of concern (Raw and honest here- and makeup free!) :

In between my eyes…don’t think to hard or frown too much! Ha!

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The corners of my eyes aka “crows feet”

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The smile zone. I love to smile, but I don’t want a permanent crease where my smile belongs. Don’t forget about your neck either, so many people forget about their neck & it ages too!

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The RoC^®RETINOL CORREXION line utilizes retinol, that is pretty much the best ingredient for anti-aging. Retinol reduces the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles while improving skin tone and firmness. Because RoC^®Skincare understands that retinol is only truly effective in its purest and most stable form, all the RoC^® Brand retinol products are packaged in a special aluminum tube that protects retinol from light and air to keep it stable.

The RoC^® Retinol Correction Max Wrinkle Resurfacing System has two steps.

Anti-Wrinkle Treatment + Resurfacing Serum = happy, wrinkle free skin.

On a day to day basis keep your skin looking healthy with the RoC^® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer. I love this and use it before applying my makeup every morning along with the eye cream.

I know we can’t always control the elements around us and where we live, but we can do our best to fight against them. I’ll leave my skin in the hands of RoC^® Skincare, with over 50 years of experience, I think they know what they are doing.

Follow RoC^® Skincare on Facebook to learn more about anti-aging and what you can do to help your skin!

RoC^® Skincare products can be found at CVS & Target.