Category: Family

Chocolate is My Love Language: Hershey’s KISSES Deluxe #SayMore #IC

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Hershey’s KISSES Deluxe. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

If you know me well or have been around me a decent amout of time you know my absolute LOVE for all things chocolate!  I recently tried the Hershey’s KISSES Deluxe chocolates and oh my gosh y’all!  Soooo good!  These KISSES are filled with whole roasted hazelnut, creamy layers and delicate crisps.

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Christmas is all about sharing love and spreading cheer.  What better way to say you care about someone than a box full of chocolates???

When I was growing up we would go to church on Sundays and my Dad would ask all the ladies if they wanted a “kiss“.  Of course they would smile and laugh at him…then sort of look at him like he was crazy!  Ha ha!  My Dad would smile back and place a Hershey’s KISS in their hand.  It tickled them and it made their day.  The looks on their faces was priceless when they realized it was a chocolate he was handing them 🙂

My Daddy is awesome like that.  He always thinks of everyone before himself.

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I look forward to the holiday season because of the feeling in the air and everyone just seems to be a little bit nicer.  People give more, do more, and say more.  These KISSES are twice the size of an original KISSES Chocolate.  More to love!  Ha ha!

I’m going to give someone a KISS this holiday….are you?

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Look at the hazelnut center.  I can’t wait to make someone’s day and make them feel special.

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Enter to win one of 50 Hershey’s KISSES Deluxe 75 – piece gift box valued at $35

Contest opens on November 6, 2015 and closes December 14, 2015

Hershey’s KISSES Deluxe Giveaway

*I-C will randomly select fifty winners from all program entries and will handle fulfillment of the winning prizes.

Keep up with Hershey’s Kisses on Facebook & Twitter

This video touched my heart.  As Mom’s so many things we do go unnoticed and it’s so sweet what her kids did.  Melt my heart….literally.

How will you make someone’s day this holiday?

 

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.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the latest and greatest from Folgers on Facebook & Twitter.

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.

What’s Hot this Holiday #ChosenByKids #TheList

This post is sponsored by Acorn Influence. All opinions are my own.

A few months ago I got to attend a fun even hosted by Walmart called the “Chosen by You Expo“.  I got a sneak peek at toys, electronics, clothing, and all kinds of gifts that will be available this season in Walmart.  I felt like a kid visiting Willy Wonka with all the toys around and I saw a ton of toys I know Connor is going to love too!  I’m going to share with you some of my favorites from the event and give you a head start on what’s HOT this holiday season.

Lets start with the toys:

As you can see Elsa is back in a big way!  Everything Frozen…I think back to when my sister and I were around this age.  We would have just died over this Disney Frozen Elsa Castle.  With the press of a button on top of the castle the icicle chandelier spirals down.  The castles also grows taller by the crank on the bottom.   Don’t forget Sing-A-Long Elsa Too!

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Then there is the Disney Doc McStuffins Pet Vet Checkup Center.  Connor loves this show and this is so cute. I can see lots of future veterinarians in our future.  For toys that is 🙂

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Of course no clinic would be complete without a Cuddles & Hugs Talking Lambie.


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Now, this my dear friends in ON MY LIST.  Connor is obsessed with Legos right now. This 3DIT Character Creator Molding Machine lets you create your own custom figures.  Mold them, choose stickers, and design.

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If you have a little girl and she gets scared in the dark this Minnie is so cute!  She lights up in all different colors.  Press the heart on Minnie’s hand again to lock the design and hear Minnie sing the hit song, “True Colors.”BBP_3882

Game night sure will be fun with Pie Face!

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The ULTIMATE Hot Wheels Garage

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Bake your very own Girl Scout cookies in this Girl Scouts Cookie Oven.  I tried one of the Thin Mints and it was delish!BBP_3890

Here are some other toys we got to take a peek at:

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Now lets move on to co-workers and friends.  What do you give someone in your life who you see every day and want to let them know you care this holiday?  Here are some ideas for you that won’t break the bank.  All items are available at Walmart stores nationwide.

Ahem…Coffee lovers unite!  This Starbucks cocoa gift set is perfect for friends and family!

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For the guy who likes to grill.  This Jim Beam set is packed and ready to go with everything needed for a yummy BBQ.BBP_3894

These “Movie Night For 2” packages are sooooo cute!  Everything ready to watch your favorite flick with some popcorn and candy.BBP_3895

Chocolate…yes please!  Ghirardelli gift sets are so yummy and good stocking stuffers too.BBP_3896The “techie” in your life needs things too right?  I have a few of those in my family.  Here are some great gift ideas for the gamers and the guys who just can’t deal with losing their remote.

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Meet the gaming chair.  I’m pretty sure my husband would never leave the house if he had something like this…but he would love me forever.  Ha! Now you can not only hear your music but actually feel it. Whether you are listening to music, watching a movie or playing a game.
Input and output jacks allow connection to your audio source and to other X Rockers for multi-player games. Wireless receiver is built-in; includes wireless transmitter to send audio from any source with headset.BBP_3924 BBP_3925

Terence and I both jumped on the Fitbit train about 6 months ago and we love them.  They keep us accountable during the day and we compete against each other to see who can get the most steps in each day.  Come New Years Eve you’ll be wanting this gadget to help you reach your fitness goals 🙂
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I love Nikon.  I shoot with Nikon.  And this is a great camera at an even greater price.  It’s brand new and perfect to capture those every day moments, or if you are ready to dabble in photography.  BBP_3933 BBP_3934Let’s talk fashion now ladies.  I mean I want to look great, you want to look great.  Let’s all look fabulous mmmmkay?  Here are some fun looks for everyone in the family.

Character jammies for the boys

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Super hero shirts for the guys

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Love this wallet and it comes in so many colors and designs.  It’s only $6.97 too!BBP_3912 BBP_3913

I can’t imagine ever needing a makeup brush again.  This makeup brush kit is an awesome stocking stuffer for teenage girls.  It’s pink and has 24 pieces in an easy roll-up design.BBP_3917

Holiday leggings!  I would totally wear these…and dress my entire family to match.  Just sayin.BBP_3942

Flannels are hot right now.  So many different shirts and only so many days of the week…sigh.BBP_3945

Everyone needs an adult Minion onesie right???BBP_3946

This sweater is SO soft!  I couldn’t stop touching it.  #cozyBBP_3947

Aaaaand last on my favorites list is this Coca Cola Mini Can Fridge.  So cute and perfect for a game room, college dorm, or just because. BBP_3955

I hope this helps you out.  If you’re like me & you run around like a chicken with your head cut off looking for things to buy at Christmas.  Well, not this year.  That is not going to be me.

So tell me…

What’s on your favorites list this for this season?

Celebrate the True Spirit of American Beauty with @Almay #SimplyAmerican

This post is part of a collaboration between Almay and SheKnows. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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We had a great weekend at the Texas State Fair.  There is just something about the start of the Texas Sate Fair that says “fall” even if it is still 95 degrees outside.

This year I had the best time visiting the Almay bus at the fair.  I had a chance to spin the wheel of prizes, get a mini makeover, and recharge my phone on the patio and relax.

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Michelle and I chilling on the patio

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Almay has proudly announced its collaboration with the USO, the only military non-profit organization that has supported our troops and families for more than 70 years. Almay will honor the women of the U.S. military and veterans, and focus on troops as they transition from service back to their communities.

I got my picture taken at the “kissing booth” and put on the big American flag.

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This summer, Almay embarked on the ultimate road trip, creating a custom, Simply American experience that will stop at venues such as state fairs and other festivals. Almay will offer make up touch ups and celebrate the people, places and occasions that best exemplify the American spirit, including service women, veterans, military wives and their families.  This means so much to me because we are a former military family.  Terence and I lived on base for almost 6 years right after we got married 🙂

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The Almay Simply American bus tour is going out with a bang on October 3rd, making its last stop at the Austin City Limits Music Festival.  Texas peeps check it out!  I know a lot of friends who are going to the Music Festival, so don’t forget to stop by the bust and get your free makeup touch-ups with Almay makeup artists, Almay product samples, and giveaways!

Makeup samples from AlmayBBP_7585 Here is my makeup artist and my makeover- makeover selfies 🙂

She put the most moisturizing lipstick on me.  My lips are always dry, so I loved this! She also wrote down all the products we used so I could take it home.  #scoreBBP_7604

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Share your #SimplyAmerican beauty photos for a chance to have it featured on Almay’s hub page HERE.  In addition to contributing $250,000 to the USO, Almay will also donate $1 for each approved share, up to $10,000 max donation until 10/6/15.

Find all the stops for the Almay Simply American tour HERE.

Follow on Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram

Just for kicks I’ll share the WORST picture in America!  Ha ha!  I actually suggested we ride the dizzy ladybug roller coaster at the fair.  I can’t tell you how thrilled we all were to be on it.  I look like I have whiplash (because I did!) that ride spins you so hard I could barely stand to get off!  Poor Connor’s face….oh my goodness!  Terence just kept telling me to stop screaming…these are the memories life is made of.  Histerical.

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