Year: 2015

Friday Favorites + Enter to win Velvet Eyewear!

The blog has been put on the back burner lately…I’ve been booked every weekend with photo shoots.  Thankfully booked!  I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by.  Maybe it’s because all the changes we’ve had, but seriously I cannot believe it’s almost Christmas.

Hopefully next year we’ll have a house to decorate again.  It is sort of freeing not to take everything out this year.  (Remind me I said that next year) In the mean time I found a tree at Target for $20 bucks and I’m just as happy as a clam with it!  Connor and I decorated it this week.

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I found some Buddy the Elf stickers at Target too.  It’s one of our favorite movies.  My friend Sarah makes the cutest Buddy the Elf shirts for the holiday season for kids.  Check them out HERE.

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My favorite Aromatique candle of all time was Amaretto Nog.  They don’t make it very much anymore….but this year I found a new scent that is surprisingly similar called “Winterberry” and I LOVE it too!  Smells soooo good!

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And last, but not least favorite of the week are my new Velvet Eyewear Sunglasses.

Velvet Eyewear has some of the most stylish shades.  Check them out HERE.  What makes them so special?

Velvet® Lenses – Block in Beauty

The Velvet®  {BB} Lens™ is an exclusive sunglass lens that is formulated with specific attributes that block out 100% of harmful UV rays, and reduce heat and eye strain. Velvet’s {BB} Lens™ Sunglass Protection helps prevent crow’s feet, fine lines, and the effects of aging in and around the eyes caused by the environment. When worn regularly, the Velvet {BB} Lens™ can slow down the signs of aging and Block in Beauty.

I’ve been wearing these beauties all week and they are super chic and comfortable.  I’m sure a lot of your girlfriends would love a pair for Christmas this year **HINT…**HINT**

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I love Velvet Eyewear so much I’m excited to give away one pair to a The Java Mama reader!

ENTER TO WIN BELOW

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Win Tickets To See Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 from Studio Movie Grill

If you love the Hunger Games series then welcome everyone!

“Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” is about to hit theaters and in the spirit if giving thanks this month Studio Movie Grill is donating 10% of the proceeds raised from online sales of Hunger Games-themed digital gift cards to partnering food banks.

Gift cards make great holiday offerings and will be available online from October 23 – November 25 at www.studiomoviegrill.com.
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When: Friday, October 23 – Wednesday, November 25

Where: Purchase online at: www.studiomoviegrill.com

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SMG exists to open hearts and minds one story at a time, and with this campaign we hope to make the issue of hunger a little bit easier for those less fortunate in our communities.

“As illustrated in Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, tremendous things can happen when people come together for a good cause. I’m extremely proud of our own SMG team members who have also taken it upon themselves to volunteer at their local food banks at this time, demonstrating that each of us can affect change.” – Brian Schultz, SMG Founder and CEO.

About Studio Movie Grill

Studio Movie Grill modernized the traditional movie-going experience by combining first-run movies with full-service, in-theater dining. Established in 2000, SMG has swiftly grown to 23 locations in 10 states. SMG, long considered the leader of in-theater dining exhibition, recently announced a major expansion initiative with plans for additional sites throughout the country.

With the addition of over 50 new screens this year, SMG now ranks the 20th largest exhibitor in the U.S. For additional information, visit www.studiomoviegrill.com

“And may the odds be ever in your favor.”

WIN 4 PASSES TO STUDIO MOVIE GRILL BELOW:

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Klondike Fall Treats #KlondikeVariety #IC

This post was sponsored by Klondike as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

It’s fall and football season is officially in session.  We are big TCU fans in our house.  Every weekend our Saturdays seems to revolve around the big game.  It’s so much more fun to have people over and watch sports than watching alone right?  Gathering, talking, and eating our favorite snacks and sweets.  One of my favorite treats to serve guests in Klondike bars.  Each sweet snack is individually wrapped and easy to share and serve!

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Let me introduce you to my little friends : The Klondike Bars.  Klondike has 12 varieties of yummy chocolate covered bars and candy filled treats!   My absolute favorite is the new Cookie Dough Swirl!  It’s just like the classic Klondike bar, but with layers of cookie dough mixed in…YUM.  Not to mention there are 2 extra snacks in the package 🙂

The OREO is one of my favorites too.  Mixing OREOS with ice cream???  Yes please.

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Look at my future little football player…isn’t he precious!

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Connor’s favorite is the Klondike Mrs. Fields sandwiches.  Chocolate chip cookies sandwiches with vanilla ice cream.  That’s a happy kiddo!  He’s growing up way to fast I tell ya.  I can’t stand it….soon we’ll be watching him in the stands (maybe if that’s what he’s into).  Of course by then I might need 3 boxes of these because boys eat a TON!               

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Also, the Klondike Kandy bars are AMAZING ya’ll!  If you haven’t tried these you are missing out.  The Cookies & Cream bars are sooooo good!  I’m in a mint mood with Christmas coming up, so the Mint Fudge Cookie bars sound so good right now.

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What are your favorite treats to serve during the season?  

Sometimes it’s nice just to sit back and relax this time of year and not have to worry about cooking…especially “what’s for dessert?”.  I guarantee your guests will enjoy a Klondike treat just as much, and you’ll get to spend more time with your friends and family too!

Now that’s what I call a WIN=WIN.

For more information about Klondike visit Klondike on Facebook and on Twitter 

Halloween 2015

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We’ve had a crazy year so far.  Connor has had bouts of constant sickness.  First he had pneumonia, then all of us got it.  Then he had strep for about a week.  The Doctor put him on penicillin, he broke out in horrible hives.  Turns out he’s allergic.  About a week later he started having joint problems and could barely walk…it was just awful.  I guess his allergic reaction sort of went septic and caused a lot of issues.  So, 3-4 Doctor visits later he seems to be doing much better after being on a steroid treatment.  I told him to stop licking the carpet at school because of all the GERMS!  Seriously…kids are just gross.

I’m hoping and praying we have a HEALTHY holiday!

Anyway…

The actual day of Halloween we didn’t get to do much trick-or-treating because Connor couldn’t really walk around well.  We went to Terence’s work on Friday night and they had a big trick-or-treat for the kids of the employees and each department dressed up in different themes.  It was really cool!  I’m glad we got to go and participate this year…first time I haven’t had to work full-time in over 10 years and be present 🙂

Sarah made us matching “Mother of Dragons” shirts to wear.  Yes…we are so cool right?

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Connor was Luke Skywalker this year.  Anything and everything Star Wars these days is “totally cool Mom“.  Ellie (Sarah’s daughter) was Peppa the Pig.

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A few weekends ago we also got together with a bunch of our pre-school friends and had a little reunion at the pumpkin patch.  It was so nice to see familiar faces we love and miss so much!

Here is my big Connor boy
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The two loves of my life- My boys 🙂BBP_8994

The corn maze.  Ugh…those things are so frustrating!  It could be because it was 90 degrees….but yeah we got lost.  That’s the point right?BBP_8995

Connor and his bff Bridget

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And Lucas

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All the gang together again

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Family pumpkin patch pic

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Hope you all are having a great fall!  I can’t believe we are already headed towards Christmas.  You know me…I’ve already had a couple eggnog lattes 🙂

Boost your Cup of Coffee with Folgers Flavors #RemixYourCoffee #IC

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Folgers. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”
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Coffee is definitely one of my love languages.  I love coffee any time and any day of the week!  It puts the pep in my step and helps with that daily “boost“.  Some days are just hard to get through, from the moment you get up it can be struggle just to make it out the door.  I also have those afternoon sinking spells all the time.  Needless to say, I drink a lot of coffee!  I’m not really a black coffee sort of gal…I do love coffee…but I need some FLAVOR!

I just love, love, love these new Folgers Flavors.  These are perfect for adding yummy flavor to your coffee.  The bottles are easy to pop in your bag- use on the go, no matter where you are.  Folgers Flavors don’t need to be refrigerated either!

Folgers Flavors come in a variety of flavors too:

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I am a big fan of caramel.  The first flavor I tried was the caramel and it added just the right amount of “oomph” to my coffee.  Some days I also enjoy an iced coffee, and the Iced Hazelnut was really good too!  BBP_9272

I even add the Mocha flavor to my protein shakes to flavor it a bit more. They taste really good that way!  You can also mix the flavors together and have a caramel hazelnut coffee.  Or how about a hazelnut mocha? #YUM

How do you #RemixYourCoffee ???  What’s your favorite flavor?

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YouTube sensation Mike Tompkins has put his unique spin on the iconic Folgers jingle and created an original a capella Folgers remix mash-up.  Watch HERE & below.

For more information, visit www.Folgers.com

 

Folgers Flavors Giveaway:

“Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central.”

Enter to win two samples of the Folgers Flavors using the entry form below.
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Follow the latest and greatest from Folgers on Facebook & Twitter.

Free Haircuts for Veterans Day with @GreatClips #sp

Veteran’s Day is Wednesday, November 11th this year.  It’s right around the corner.  I know that right after today….the holidays begin and our minds are on constant Thanksgiving/Christmas mode.  It’s easy to forget about Veterans day and it’s something I believe in my heart we need to be sure and acknowledge.

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This Veterans day Great Clips is running a promotion honoring our Veterans.  Go get your haircut at any U.S. Great Clips salon on November 11th and share a free haircut card with a veteran you care about.  Veterans you get a free haircut too!  Whether it’s a spouse, parent, grandparent, friend, neighbor, or co-worker.  It’s just a simple way to show the ones who’ve served around us that you care!

I’ll be honoring my Dad and my husband this holiday.  My Dad served 11 years in the Army and my husband almost 6 years in the Air Force.

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Daddy

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I’m eternally grateful for all our soldier’s sacrifices, including the ones I know and love.

How do you support your Veteran friends and family?  Don’t forget to show them how much you care, even if it’s just a HUG 🙂

Locate your nearest Great Clips location HERE.

 

Weight Watchers Red Velvet Cake Balls #SmarterTreats #CollectiveBias

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

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It’s almost time for the holidays!  It’s only a couple months away and my favorite time of year is kicking off.  Yay!  The food this time of year is also something I wait all year for.  From sweets to savory treats…I love them all!  My favorite meal is dessert and this year I vow not to eat my weight in food.  Fear not… Weight Watchers is here to help you!

One of my favorite treats during the holidays is red velvet cake balls.  I usually make them around this time of year to take to parties or work functions.  I went to my local Walmart and picked up a couple of boxes of the Red Velvet Creme Cakes in the snack cake isle.

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Red Velvet (Weight Watchers version) of Red Velvet Cake Balls:

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All you need are two boxes of the Red Velvet Creme Cakes and some chocolate dipping sauce.  That’s it!  No need to bake the cake (NO BAKING!!!) or adding icing like you normally would.  Save time and feel healthier at the same time 🙂

The Red Velvet Creme Cakes already have the cream inside to give your cake mix moisture.

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Peel off the wrappers and put in a bowl

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Mix together until you get a big ball of red velvet goodness

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Roll your balls into the size desired.  I got around 16 cake balls from two boxes.

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Put in refrigerator for around 30 minutes until firm

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Dip in chocolate and top with your favorite sprinkles!

Each cake ball is around 11-12 Weight Watchers points.

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Easy as cake 🙂 Literally

You could also make chocolate cake balls with the Weight Watchers Chocolate Creme Cakes.

So, there you have it.  My favorite holiday treat- a lighter version that is!

Be sure to check out more delicious Weight Watchers recipes HERE and share your favorite too.  There will also be live demos showcasing some great Weight Watchers recipes at a local Walmart near you from 10/29-11/1.  Click HERE to find where the nearest location is to you.