Lifestyle

mom and daughter spa day for Mothers Day

The Perfect Mother’s Day Spa Day at Home with Your Daughter

by Jenn May 10, 2014

written by Jenn

One of the things that I love most about Mother’s Day is spending the day at home with my children. To be honest my husband and I usually are out of town this weekend because we generally do something special. It is not that we purposely leave town to avoid family gatherings, but we really love to spend the day with just us, celebrating me being a mommy with the wonderful children that have given me that title.

So I am a really big fan of being able to do something small, simple and special that really involves my children for the day rather than going somewhere or being sent to the spa (which I do love, but this is the day that is supposed to be about me being a mommy so I love being with the kids).

The Perfect Mother’s Day Spa Day at Home with Your Daughter

Alex Toys has an amazing collection of products that can help you to have a wonderful spa day at home with your girls.

I received the Ultimate Nail Glam Salon and am so excited to put this to use for our Mother’s Day celebration. One of the things that the girls and I love the most is to be able to do our nails together and this set has it all. There are nail polishes, different accents, and even cute nail wraps that are sure to make any little girl excited about getting her nails done. Plus you get all of the accessories that you need to make the nails look great. With over 400 pieces I am sure that my girls and I are going to be able to do our nails all summer using just this one kit which also makes it a great value.

In addition the Mix N Make Up (retail price $21.95) was sent to us to use for our Mommy N Me Spa Day at Home and I can not tell you how excited my five year is going to be when I break this out. She LOVES her lip gloss just like her mama and the fact that she is going to get to create it is going to make it that much more loved. She is my most artistic child out of the four and so she loves getting to create and make things, especially things that she can use. I will admit that I am also a bit of a lip gloss addict so I am excited to be able to create my own lip gloss almost as much as she is.

Finally, what else would make your day complete if you were going to the spa? You’ve already gotten the nails and make up done and then it would be off to get your hair done. Alex Toys even makes some great options for you to be able to get your hair done at home with the Ultimate Hair Accessories Salon. This is one that I think that my three year old will love just as much as my five year old. They both love to have cute headbands and the fact that she will get to help mommy make them is going to make them more loved.

So Mother’s Day does not have to be an event where you go somewhere to do something special. You can create your own special Spa Day at home with your daughter(s) which can make life much more special for you.

Head over and check out Mix N Make Up Lip Gloss, check out AlexToys.com website. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and subscribe via YouTube.

May 10, 2014 0 comments

Lifestyle

Tips To Start Your Morning Out Right!

by Jenn May 10, 2014

written by Jenn

Mornings go one of two ways, they are either magical or I should go back to bed and try to start the day all over again. My husband (Shawn) and I never yell at one another, it’s something we stopped doing long ago. Every now and then, one of us wakes up cranky, and start a fight. It’s not that we don’t love one another, or cannot get along. Honestly it does not happen often, but when it does WOW! See whoever is out of bed is cranky, and jealous because the other one is still laying in bed, so the mutter things, toss stuff around, and anything else it takes to get the others attention, until BAM – million accomplished! What could have woken up in a good mood and starting your day out right is gone!

I know, we are adults but it’s just not fair if he starts it! Really it’s all silly, but it happens silly as it is. Thankfully, the longer we stay together the more we learn about one another, and how to let things go. We both know if something happens in the morning to just let it go, and don’t look back. If either one of us bring it up it’s because we want to laugh at out silly we acted. Neither one of us is negative people, nor are we hateful, and I am glad that we are able to leave those types of arguments alone.

As I get older I have learned there are certain things that help me stay focused on the day ahead of me, and not allowing myself to be upset because I am awake. It helps me be in a better mood the entire day, and I feel like I am setting a good example for my children. The last thing I want them to see is mom stomping around because she isn’t happy about which side of the bed she woke up on.

Tips To Start Your Morning Out Right!

Over the years I have learned there are certain things I can do to help start my morning out right, and continue to have a good day. Having things to do in the morning helps keep me focus on what I am doing. If you are struggling to start your morning out right here are a few things that have helped me feel great in the morning.

Plan your mornings

Now you don’t have to grab a notebook and plan our every itty bitty detail, but a little planning helps. I will plan things I need to get done in the morning – pay bills, go to the grocery store, meet up for playgroup, or a mom daughter date I promised Mattie.

Sun in my windows, and the smell of coffee from the kitchen

Let the sun shines in! It’s so much easier for me to wake up naturally, with the sun in shining in my windows. Not only that, but it helps me wake up in a better mood. If I am super lucky the sunshine in my windows is accompanied by an awesome scent of brewing coffee. I love waking up about 15 minutes after my husband, when the coffee is going and the sun is shining in the windows. It’s perfect, and it always puts a smile on my face!

Don’t jump out of bed

Rather than jumping out of bed, allow yourself a few seconds to stretch. There is nothing like a morning stretch to loosen your muscles . I love stretching my entire body, from my neck all the way down to my feet. It feels good on the body, wakes you up, and how does it feel to have made yourself a little taller for the day, lol. Okay, it doesn’t make you taller, but we can pretend like it adds an inch!

Getting up earlier

If anything puts me in a bad mood it’s being rushed right after I wake up. It makes me stressed out, which puts me in a bad mood that is hard to shake. So I wake up an hour before everyone, but I am okay with 15 minutes if I stay up a little late the night before. I need at least an extra 15 minutes to really wake up before its time to start getting read for the day.

Drinking water in the morning helps me start my morning out right!

I love water, and staying hydrated throughout the day is important. Starting the day with a refreshing glass of water help with energy, and makes drinking water easy the entire day. I love water, the first glass might not sound good, but once I get it down that is all I want for the rest of the day. Plus, water makes you feel great, and eat less.

Get up and move in the morning

Go for a walk, workout, or clean the house to get your body moving. It helps make you feel better for the rest of the day, and it’s done and out-of-the-way.

The only way to truly start your morning out right is to eat something great!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, don’t skip it because you are too busy or we don’t have time to sit down and eat. Now you can toss one of Tyson® Day Starts™ sandwiches in the microwave for two minutes, pour your coffee, and get your things together. By the time you finish you can grab your Tyson® Day Starts™ sandwich and head out the door.

Tyson® Day Starts™ products are a tasty solution for anyone who has to eat breakfast on the go. Plus, there is SEVEN kinds of Tyson® Day Starts™ sandwiches to enjoy.

We tried the Sausages, Egg, and Cheese Biscuits, and Ham, Onions, & Green Peppers Wrapped Omelets sandwiches. I don’t think one of the Tyson® Day Starts™ sandwiches was better than the other. It really just depends on which one I am in the mood for. My husband on the other hand would tell you hands down the sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit was the best!

Tyson® Day Starts™ products are great for busy moms who are on the go, husbands who leave for work without eating breakfast, kids who need to eat before school, or anyone who wants a yummy, convenient breakfast in only two minutes. I’m excited Tyson Foods is making convenient breakfast items, they are a brand we know and trust. Did you know that Tyson® Day Starts™ products are made using all natural cheeses, eggs and quality meat. With a high source of protein, and 7 different kinds they are an amazing way to start the day.

Try All Seven Tyson® Day Starts™ Sandwiches

Eggs, Sausage & Cheese Flatbread (this is next on my list)
Southern Style Chicken Breast Fillet Biscuits
Egg, Cheese & Bacon Flatbread
Cheese Wrapped Omelets
Ham, Eggs, Cheese, Onion, & Green Peppers Flatbread
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuits
Egg, Sausage & Cheese Flatbread
Ham onions & Green Peppers Wrapped Omelets

Tyson® Day Starts™ First Breakfast Sandwich’s even have a protein-rich way to start the day. Tyson Foods use high quality ingredients like zesty veggies, eggs, cheese, and quality Tyson Foods ham, sausage, and chicken.

“Please visit Tyson.com to download a $1 off coupon and check the product locator tool to find out where Tyson® Day Starts™ products are sold at a store near you!”

Next on my list is the Southern Style Chicken Breast Fillet Biscuit, yummy. Shawn wants to try the Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Flatbread. Which one will you try?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

May 10, 2014 0 comments

Lifestyle

You Are Never Going To Belive This! Taco Monday Just Got Easier!

by Jenn May 8, 2014

written by Jenn

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sam’s Club. All opinions are 100% mine.

Guess What? I am really excited becaue I just found out that I don’t have to make Tacos on Taco Monday! YUP, now I can just run down to Sams and grab an awesome party pack from Taco Bell®! I know, this is crazy talk. Who does Taco Monday, and gets their party pack from Sams Club? Yes, I really do have a Taco Monday, and yes you can get your Taco Bell® Prize Package from Sams Club. Let me explain.

How Taco Monday Started

My oldest daughter loves tacos, and when I say loves them I mean it. She would eat tacos all the time if she could. One day several years ago she asked me if we could do taco Tuesday like her friends parents. Quickly I told her no way. Of course this was followed with a why. At the time I was talking with Catie about not following the crowds, and doing what you wanted to. See so I was really forced into it, we could not follow the crowds, we had to be trend setters, and celebrate Taco Monday. Which, sadly is not catching on very well, but we love it, and now with Taco Bells® Taco Party Pack Taco Monday will be a breeze.

taco bell

See Taco Bell makes pretty fabulous tacos, and now we can all get them at Sams Club, in a party pack! Next time you are at Sams Club be sure to look for the Taco Bell® Taco Night Party Packs. Each package comes with crunchy shells, flour tortillsas, seasoning, milk sauce, Velveeta cheese sauce, and refried beans. The party pack makes TWENTY TWO (22) TACOS! WOW, sorry about the caps but I missed that part earlier. Looks like we might have Taco Monday, and Taco Saturday! All we need to do is add ground beef and we have have a Taco Party any day of the week.

Tacos are always a great crowd pleaser. Kids love tacos, moms love tacos, dads, aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas everyone loves tacos. I don’t know about you, but I konw what I will be eating Monday… Taco Bells® Taco Night Party Pack!

Head on over and check out Taco Bells® Taco Night Party Pack, it’s going to be great for your next Taco Night

May 8, 2014 1 comment

Five Things You Might Not Know About Prize Candle

Lifestyle

5 Things You Might Not Know About Prize Candle

by Jenn April 13, 2014

written by Jenn

By now most of you know how much I love candles, especially the ones with the jewelry in them – Prize Candle! Yes, those of you thinking about a Mother’s Day gift idea, or just a gift idea for her be sure to check out Prize Candle! I have always been pretty lucky and received a nice piece of jewelry in my candles. I do not know if I am just easy to please, because it’s like getting something AWESOME free inside something I would purchase regardless. Most of the rings I have received are at $10 or 25, but I have received a few that are worth more. Either way, they have all been pretty, either my daughter talks me out of them, or I wear them. Being that I have been getting candles from Prize Candle for so long, I thought I would share a few things you might not know about Prize Candle.

5 Things You Might Not Know About Prize Candle

I was asked to review a candle from Prize Candle, and of course I love it, but for this part of my post I am speaking with my customer hat on. I will tell you about the candles toward the end of the post.

Customer Service

I am HUGE on good customer service. In my opinion, if I am spending money somewhere that you work, be nice to me. It’s because of people like me, who shop where you work, that you are getting a paycheck. When I was managing the bank, I used to my team to treat EVERY customer like they signed their paycheck, because, without them, we do not get one.

I have only had to deal with Prize Candle’s customer service twice, but both times were easy, they were sweet, went out of their way, and made me hang up the phone feeling like I was a valued customer. I always appreciate being treated like my issues matters and working to get my issues resolved.

Appraise Your Prize Candle Prize

You can apprise your prize on their website. I love that I can visit their website, put in a number, and know how much my ring is worth.

NEW Prize Packaging

I recently received another candle to review. Once the wax was melted enough to grab my prize out I noticed something plastic, I was thinking it was going to be a huge ring lol. WRONG, it is their new packaging. I love it, it helps keep your ring nice and clean. I don’t know if you have tried to get jewelry out of a candle, but getting wax off a ring is not easy. The new packaging is fabulous, and you will find a picture of it in my review below.

Great Gift Idea for Her

Whether you are looking for a great Mother’s Day gift idea, or just a gift idea for her, Prize Candles are great. They are unique, smell amazing, and they have a ring valued at $10 or more. I mean think about it, these candles are like cracker jacks for women. I know there are women who do not like candles, but there are plenty who do, and the fact that there is a ring inside just makes it so much fun.

Monthly Club

If you have not tried Prize Candle, when you sign up with their monthly club you can save $10 on our first candle. I personally love their monthly club, every month I get a new candle, have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive season scents, and hey I get a prize in every candle valued from $10 to $5000. For me, it works out great.

Sales

I also am signed up for Prize Candles Newsletter, which fills me in about everything they have going on, including SALES! I don’t know about you, but I love sales. Every time I turn around Prize Candle has some type of sale, save 10%, and 20% there. Those of you looking for an awesome Mother’s Day gift ideas, right now you can save 25% off A Start is Born candles. You can purchase them for both boy and girl. I have not smelled them, but I bet they smell great, and if they do not sound like a fragrance mom will like, there are several others to choose from.

Oh, and right now you can get FREE Shipping when you use code JENNFREESHIP at check out. You cannot go wrong with that! Now, let’s put the blogger hat on, and let me tell you about the awesome candle I received.

I recently had the opportunity to review one of their Escape candle, which smells great. I am not a fan of the whole powerful floral scent. It almost makes me want to sneeze the entire time I have it burning. Escape has a light floral scent, combined with pineapple, peach, undertones of vanilla, and a hint of island spice. I think the scents complement one another well, it’s not too powerful, but it leaves my house smelling clean and fresh.

I am already a fan of Prize Candle; this is my third review for them, I have also been a customer since they opened. I have always been a satisfied customer, which makes me a repeat customer.

Prize Candles are 9 ounces of all natural soy wax, produced in the USA, all the soy is domestically grown. They also use 100% cotton vegetable dipped wicks, and each of their 9 ounce candles are designed to burn for up to 60 hours.

When I first received my candle, I opened the box, and started to burn that bad boy. It’s bittersweet, because it takes a while to get to the prize. I guess, it’s a good thing, my house smells better longer, but I also want my prize, lol. I feel like a little kid again, and my mom will not let me dig the prize out of the cereal box. I just have to wait until the prize ends up in someone’s bowl of cereal, lol. Oh, and when my daughter came home from school she mentioned how good it smelled, and asked if I had a new candle. It wasn’t 30 minutes, I noticed my candle was not in the living room. I already knew it was Catie. She does it all the time, it’s a war. I want my house to smell good, Catie “borrows” my candles to make her room smell good.

Prize Candle ring is a great Gift Idea For Her — New Prize Candle Packaging! Does a fabulous job keeping the wax out!

I know some of you might be wondering how the whole prize deal works. Under the soy wax is a ring valued from $10 to $5000, and once your candle burns down far enough you will start to see the prize packaging. Next you will want to remove the packaging, which can get a little messy so have a paper towel close by, and definitely use tweezers or something of that nature. Since getting wax on my hands drives me crazy, as soon as I get the prize package out I set it on the paper towel and wipe off as much wax, and it’s time to open your prize!

The ring I received in my Escape candle is pretty. Normally, when a ring isn’t my style I give it to Catie, but this one I told her she could wear, because I really like it. It’s pretty, not too flash, and its turquoise.

So who is wondering how much my ring was worth? It was valued at $25, I love the ring, if the ring fits, and you like it WEAR IT! My youngest daughter wanted to show it off a little, after she examined it of course lol.

Have you tried a candle from Prize Candles yet? If so than share your experience so others can use your feedback as well. If you have not leave us a comment letting me know

To learn about Prize Candle visit them on their website. Be sure to head over and follow them on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. I enjoy following Prize Candle on their social media outlets, because I get to see all the pretty jewelry every else receives, hear about deals, and new candles. Be sure to read our last post about Prize Candle – Five Reasons Prize Candles Are The Perfect Gift Idea For Her.

April 13, 2014 50 comments

Home & Garden Lifestyle

Ten Things We Grow When We Garden With Children #GroSomethingGreater

by Jenn April 7, 2014

written by Jenn

Some of my earliest childhood memories involve me, my mother, and my grandmother working in the garden. My grandmother always had a yard fill with the most beautiful flowers, one couldn’t help but want to have a part in bringing all the beauty to life. My mother, on the other hand, was more into growing her own vegetables and herbs, which was interesting to me as a child. I mean, it’s cool growing you own veggies right!

I did not start gardening on my own until my husband and I bought our house, and after I had my daughter, I developed a whole new respect for gardening. Gardening is not only something I love to do, but it’s also something that has to mean and takes me back to the happy times when I was a child, it’s something my kids learn and grow from, and we are building memories together.

I remember being with my grandmother, those memories mean more to me than any material thing, and I want my children to have memories to carry with them forever. Which is why I put so much focus on doing things my children can be part of.

Now that I am a mother I am gardening with my children, and we are growing more than our own plants, and flowers. When we grow, we are growing memories we can hold for the rest of our lives and powerful life lessons.

10 Things We Grow When We Garden With Children

My family loves being outside in the spring and summer months, and gardening is one way we connect as a family. Rather than sitting inside watching movies together, come 6:00 pm (once it cools off) we are outside playing in the garden. Dad is home from work, the kids are ready to go outside, and I just love spending time with my family, and I am truly blessed to be part of it.

I can think of tons of things we can grow when we garden with children, and here are ten of my favorites.

Helps Them Love Their Veggies

When kids have a hand in growing things, we eat they are more willing to try them. Since the kids started helping me in the garden, they eat more veggies, and even requires certain ones. Not to mention the fact that fresh fruits and vegetables taste amazing!

Education

Learning to grow food is an excellent skill they can use into their adult years. It will also bring up questions about what you are growing colors, and the animals they might see outside. This year my oldest daughter did her since project on plants and their growing environment.

Responsibility

Gardening is a fabulous was to teach your children how to take ownership and be responsible for something. My kids all have their own set of gardening tools –rake, shovel, gloves, and all the stuff they will need to keep track of and learn how to use responsibly. They also have a few plants that they are to take care of. Every single day they go out and check on them, give them water, and give them Miracle-Gro when it’s time to feed them. They get excited when it’s time to pull out the Miracle-Gro, just like I did when I was a child.

Gardening Helps Children Learn To Be Patient

They plant a little seed, and no matter what they have to wait for this seed to grow. They will see being patient pays off because they will have watched a tiny seed grow into a beautiful flower, watermelon, cucumber, or tomato. Gardening helps children see for themselves that certain things take time, and in the end waiting was worth it, and is more beautiful than you could have ever imagined.

Exercise

If anything is work, it’s pulling weeds! My kids love to pull weeds, which is entirely fine with me lol. Gardening provides us all with exercise, it’s a healthy way for all of us to stay active, get some sun, and fresh air while doing something we enjoy. Between the raking of dirt, digging holes, and planning we all get plenty of exercises, fresh air, and of course vitamin D. I try to give my kids different chores to keep things interesting for them, and always involves dirt, lol. I do not know about you, but I have found kids of all ages love to play in the dirt. I still do, lol.

Life Is Fun, So Is Dirt I Do Not Care How Old You Are

I do not care how old you get, playing in the dirt is fun. Gardening is a great way to have your cake and eat it too. It’s the perfect excuse to get your hands dirty, dig in the dirt, and have fun doing it.

Summer Activity

With the kids being out of school all summer long, they need things to do. Gardening is a great summer activity because it gives them something to do daily, and they can learn new things about what they are growing and about the world around them.

Respect

Gardening teaches children, and adults to respect living things, and see the beauty that comes from nurturing something until it is grown.

Appreciate the Beautiful Things Around Them

Since my children have started gardening with me, they notice flowers in other people yards, or when we visit the store, they see how green and lush the grass is. Gardening helps not only them, but I remember how beautiful this world we live on is, and to play our part in keeping it that way.

Bonding Time

For me, gardening is about teaching my children things, and bonding with them. One of the most important things to me is not losing my children

They grow up so quickly I want to be sure I know who they are, the things they like, how they are feeling and being outside gardening is where we have many mom daughter talks, laugh and learn. I think it’s because it is a comfortable place for all of us, when we are outside playing in the garden everyone is in a good mood, and it’s a comfortable place for all of us. The kids feel comfortable to talk about things they might not want to talk about because they know Shawn, and I are calm, and relaxed lol.

When I started gardening with my children, all those memories of being out in the yard with my grannie and mom came back to me. I even remember little tricks they would teach me. I remember they would both use Miracle-Gro, fill up a gallon make a small hole in the bottom, and place by whatever needed to be feed so it would drain nice and slow. It’s something I still do to this day.

If you are searching for information about gardening pl

If you’d rather seek professional services, be sure to take advantage of free estimates at places like Wilmington garden doctors.

April 7, 2014 4 comments

Lifestyle

Six Reasons To Celebrate Chinese New Year With P.F. Changs

by Jenn March 24, 2014

written by Jenn

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of P.F. Chang’s for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

According to the Chinese New Year Calendar this year is the year of The Horse. If you’re not familiar with the Chinese Year of the Horse, it’s part of the 12 year cycle of animals that help to make up the Chinese zodiac, which is also known as Sheng Xiao. The other animals you will find the on the Chinese zodiac is the monkey, rooster, dog, pig, rat, tiger, ox, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, and sheep. Each of the animals is associated with an earthly branch, like water, fire, wood and metal.

I have always enjoyed learning about the Chinese zodiac, and I was also excited to learn that P.F. Chang’s is celebrating Chinese New Year with an awesome variety of unique dishes featuring ingredients which symbolize good luck and prosperity. I am sure many of you have read some of my past posts about P.F. Chang’s, and already know they are one of my favorite places to eat.

Six Reasons To Celebrate Chinese New Year With P.F. Changs

If you have already been to P.F. Chang’s your probably don’t need a reason to celebrate with them. If you have not experianced P.F. Chang’s you are missing out on so much! Here are a few reasons to head on over to P.F. Chang’s.

Atmosphere – Great for a family of 5, group of 15, or a romantic evening with your spouse.

Décor – Combined influences of Asian and American cultures.

Cleanliness – What else can I say. Anytime I have been to P.F. Chang’s everything is clean, or being cleaned. It’s a place I feel comfortable ordering food.

Get Treated Right – The staff is always smiling; super nice and willing to go above and beyond.

Food for Everyone – The food is fabulous, and they have something for everyone. Even my three year old can find something yummy to eat.

Rockin Winter Season Menu – Yes, if you have not heard P.F. Chang’s is releasing its seasonal menu at locations nationwide just in time for Chinese New Year! Be sure to check out the awesome Winter Seasonal Menu.

P.F. Chang’s Winter Seasonal Menu

Chocolate Raspberry Wontons – Yes, I cannot wait to try these. I love Wontons already! Now I am craving P.F. Chang’s handmade, crispy wontons, which include a creamy chocolate-raspberry filling, powder sugar dusted, and served with fabulous raspberry and chocolate sauces. Oh, and don’t forget the fresh raspberries and mint that’s included.

Celebrate Chinese New Year With P.F. Changs

Sweet Vanilla Cream Wontons – More handmade, crispy wontons! Only, this time guest will enjoy a vanilla cream cheese filling, and the same dusting of powder sugar. The Sweet Vanilla Cream Wontons are served with raspberry and vanilla sauces, as well as the fresh mint.

Shanghai Waldorf salad – Amazing fresh kale, endive, crisp apples, grapes, celery, candied walnuts, and endive tossed in a yummy light miso-lime vinaigrette. Sounds amazing right!

Chili Shrimp Bao – Sounds amazing, it’s Asian inspired “sliders.” See, I told you. Imagine a warm, bao bun filled with amazing Bibb lettuce, pickled daikon, carrots, cucumbers, and chili-marinated shrimp topped with an amazing tamarind-chili sauce. YUMMY!

Orange Ginger Beet Salad – Yummy red and gold beets sliced, and mixed with fresh oranges, tossed with honey-ginger dressing, finished with daikon sprouts, crumbled goat cheese, candied walnuts, and goat cheese.

Firecracker Chicken – Another one that sounds great! Spicy hoisin-glazed chicken breasts, which is wok-fired with Asian mushrooms, Chinese broccoli, Fresno peppers, dried chilies, and pineapple!

Red Wine and Pepper Braised Beef – Black pepper and Red wine sauce wok-tossed, with a marinated flank steak, broccoli, sliced potatoes, Napa cabbage, Fresno peppers, and grape tomatoes.

WOW, they all sound so amazing, but that isn’t everything. Guest will also find great menu items like

Miso Glazed Salmon – For all you salmon lovers out there, be sure to check otu the Miso Glazed Salmon, it looks fabulous.

Red Goose Martini and the Crimson Spritzer – which are perfect for a toast to the New Year.

Which items are you most excited to try? I am having a hard time deciding they all sound so yummy. The Sweet Vanilla Cream Wontons and Chocolate Raspberry Wontons for sure, but I am having a hard time making my mind up between the Chili Shrimp Bao and Firecracker Chicken.

Save Money On Your Next Visit To P.F. Chang’s

Visiting P. F. Chang’s just got even more affordable thanks to this special offer:

For a limited time, visit pfchangs.com/winter to receive an awesome offer of $10 off a $40 purchase!

Pretty awesome right! Shawn and I are headed to El Paso this weekend, and have already planned stopping at P.F. Chang’s to check out their new Winter Seasonal Menu. We rarely travel out of town without stopping at P.F. Chang’s, even the kids get excited to visit!

If you love P.F. Chang’s as much as we do, or if you have never tried them be sure to grab the $10 savings, and plan your next visit to P.F. Chang’s before their awesome Winter Seasonal Menu is gone. Don’t forget to be social, and keep up with all the upcoming changes, deals and more and Follow @pfchangs on Twitter, and Follow P.F. Chang’s on Pinterest.

Which new menu item are you most excited about? Oh, and it is totally okay if you have more than one item you cannot wait to try. Tell me everything you are excited about!

March 24, 2014 2 comments

Home Management Lifestyle

Nine Ways To Save Money Shopping Online

by Jenn March 20, 2014

written by Jenn

I love shopping online; there are several ways to save money shopping online, and the selection cannot be beat. I personally perfer to do my shopping online!

Online shopping is growing, because shoppers know there are better deals, and a better product selection available when they shop online. I am an avid online shopper, I purchase as much as I can online because I often save money and time by shopping online. However, not every item sold online is a deal. Online shoppers have to be careful, and know how to find the best deals, and ways to save money when shopping online.

Nine Ways To Save Money Shopping Online

If you are wondering how to save money shopping online here are a few of my favorite money saving tips to help you become a savvy online shopper. They might sound like a lot if you are just starting out, but in my opinion it beats jumping in the car bouncing from store to store looking for a good deal. Plus, once you get the hang of things it’s smooth sailing, and before you know it you will have your own technique, and tips to share with us.

Follow Brands on Social Media

All your friends are on social media; it’s also possible your favorite stores are too. Be sure to follow them on their social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. Retailers also love to connect with their customers, and you can find great deals, coupons, and sales by following them on their social networks.

Start Early Shopping Online Early

I always try to start my shopping early. Don’t wait until the last minute. When you wait until last minute you are in a rush, miss deals, and rish paying higher prices. Be sure to consider shipping time when you shop online, if you are trying to save money it’s likely you are not going to want to pay extra shipping costs to receive your item faster. Those extra shipping charges can cost a fortune, and it’s hard to find a coupon code for overnight delivery. This is one of my favorite ways to save money shopping online. It’s stress free, and allows you browse at your convience.

Can You Get Free Shipping?

Consider shipping costs. While more often than not you can find something with free shipping, or a coupon code to help with shipping costs, but be sure to check.

Browse the Web and Compair Deals

Before you run and purchase an item from your favorite online retailer, look around at other retailers. You might find an item on sale or priced for much less by searching other online retailers. I personally have used R.

Don’t Always Search for Brand Name

If you are trying to save money, you might want to consider looking at other brands. The beauty of shopping online is that you have so much to choose from. Your favorite brand might not be the best option, and chances are you can find another brand offering a similar product for a much lower price. If you want to save money shopping online, have an open mind; you will be surprised at what is available. Look at all your options before making a decision.

Before Purchasing Check Reviews

I am a firm believer in product reviews. Before making your purchase, especially the larger purchase, it’s always a good idea to do a bit of research and read the reviews. Whether it’s the reviews on the website or a trusted bloggers reviews, be sure to check them out. It only takes a few minutes and can save you time and money in the long run.

Be Sure To Set A Budget

Shopping online can be done in the comfort of your own home, and it can be easy to go over your budget. Be sure to set a strict budget, and don’t allow yourself to go over it.

Know Your Savings

It’s easy for a store to tell you the item is on sale or they are offering you the lowest price, but it is important for you to know about how much an item is before any discounts. Do you know how much money you are saving?

Always Look For Coupon Codes

Never purchase anything without looking for electronics discount codes first. There are a variety of places you can find coupons and coupon codes online. I signed up with Rakuten years ago, and it’s helped me save a decent amount of money shopping online.

Save Money Shopping

There are great deals to take advantage of, coupon codes to help you score even better deals, and plenty of other ways to save money shopping online if you are willing to put in a little extra work and find the savings. On another note, always be a safe online shoppers. It’s easy to save money, but I try to live by the old saying, “If it is too good to be true, it probably is.”

March 20, 2014 11 comments

Healthy Living Lifestyle

16 Things You Can Do To Make You A Happier Person #HappyActs

by Jenn March 17, 2014

written by Jenn

Living a happy life is important, and everyone has a different path to happiness. Many of us can get stuck in the motions of life, and forget about happiness. Before we know it we are existing, and going through the motions. I think it’s safe to say we have all been down at one point in our lives, and it’s often hard to pick ourselves back up and move on. It’s not easy to learn to be happy, to take the negative emotions you are feeling and turn them into positive ones, but I believe it can be done. I remember being in a place where all I wanted was for someone to tell me how to be happy.

I have always been an independent person, who is very strong-willed. It takes a lot to upset me, or make me see the bad in things, but it’s because I choose to see the good in things. I have not always felt this way; I had to teach myself how to be happy. I know that might sound funny, but it is the truth. It took work for me to figure out how to be happy.

16 Things You Can Do To Make You A Happier Person

It took work, and admitting to myself that I was not happy, but I was able to overcome my unhappiness. There are still times I have to remember certain things to help keep my head up.

Love Yourself

I feel the first step to truly being happy, or moving in the right direction is to be happy with yourself, who you are, and where you are going. In the end, you need to love yourself. Once I stopped long enough to realize this was the root of my problem, I was able to move forward. Learning to love who I was was harder than I thought. I had to focus on everything and think about things I did not necessarily want to think about. You know the things that hurt. I personally had some things that were deep-rooted that I needed to understand were not my fault; they were out of my control, and there was nothing I could do to change them. I had to accept the fact that what happened helped make me who I am today, and most importantly, I had to leave the past in the past in order to move forward.

I realize we are all different and have different issues, but the only way I was able to move forward was to make peace with the past. I had to accept what had happened, realize I could not fix it, and not allow it to have control over my life, who I was, or stand in my way from being happy.

Who I Was Around

It’s hard to be happy if you are surrounded by negative people. I had to separate myself from the negative people in my life, who I later realized were not my friends. I won by doing this; I not only removed myself from some of the negative in my life, but I learned what friendship and love are about.

Looking For the Good In Things and People

You know how the old saying goes, “Look at your glass as half full, not half empty.” It’s true. To become a happier person, try to look at things with an open mind and look for the good in them. Some of the worst times in my life have resulted in some of the best outcomes. What I mean is that when something horrible happened to me, something good came from it. All those Mr. Wrongs that broke my heart led me to Mr. Right, whom I am with now.

Without the Bad

Sometimes it’s hard for me to remember, but when we feel the “bad” we can better appreciate the good.

Things Happen For A Reason

I know it’s hard to think of a reason certain bad things happen to us, but it’s typically for the better. It’s been my experience, when something bad happens that upsets me, a days, weeks or even months later something happens and I realize it was a blessing in disguise.

Accomplishment

Be proud of the things you have done. They don’t have to be big things. Maybe you helped Big Brothers Big Sisters by pledging, and your pledge helped them raise $25,000. You can also look around you and be proud of your family, home, dinner you cooked, pets, a roof over your head, the bed you sleep on, or friends you have made. Being confident shows in the way you walk, talk, and smile. Be proud of your life.

If You Cannot Control It Forget It

Don’t focus on things you cannot control!

Do Things You Love

Ride horses, go to the movies, go window shopping, go to the park and swing! Do things you love, and smile because you are able to do then.

Exercise

Exercise makes me feel better about myself, but it’s also been known to reduce stress, and other good benefits.

Go Outside

Staying inside will give anyone the blues, get some sun, breathe some fresh air. Spending time outside can help get rid of a case of the blues? Limited time outside is also good for the body.

Set Goals

Have something you are working toward. Even if you start out small, have something you are working toward each day. Even the smallest accomplishment can make one feel happy. One day you might set a goal to clean your house; the next, you might organize that bedroom with a shut door.

Smile

Seriously, smile every single day. I make my kids smile when they are made about something, and it always leads to laughter, they forget they were ever made, and move on. Making yourself smile every single day can help more than you might realize.

Jam

Listen to good, happy music with a great beat. That song makes you want to get up and move. Turn it up and clean the house. Dance and sing at the top of your lungs!! Life is good; enjoy it and have fun.

Unplug

Yes, take a break from your BESTIE MAC! Okay, so you might not own a MAC, but unplug from the online world and enjoy the real world.

Help

Do something nice for someone. Whether you open the door for someone or donate $100 do something nice for someone. There is no better feeling than helping someone.

Create Your Act of Happiness

I just created an Act of Happiness by telling ActsOfHappiness.org why I am happy! For each and every post created, $1 will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America up to $25,000! It’s super easy, and for every Act of Happiness before March 24th, you will be helping Big Brothers Big Sisters of America! That’s an amazing feeling!

March 20th is International Day of Happiness! It is a tradition all of us should take part in, and honor our daily lives! Smile because you have so much to be happy about! Do something nice for someone because it makes a difference to you and someone else. Together we can change the world! Check this out, it’s awesome and I am excited to be part of it.

The Acts of Happiness Campaign runs from March 18 until March 20! It is to create a movement to make the world a happier place! Acts of Happiness are building messaging around the International Day of Happiness on March 20th, and they are asking us to go to ActsOfHappiness.org and pledge to do a simple Act of Happiness on March 20th.

So what are Acts of Happiness? You are going to love this; it’s great and I am glad you’re planning on being part of it too! You can do things such as:

A hug
Kind word
Helping your neighbor
Holding the door open

Anything small to you, but has a significant impact on someone else. You know, it’s the things we should be doing daily anyway. You probably do plenty of them and don’t even realize it. Do you hold the door open for that person behind you at the store? What about picking something up for someone when they drop it? Maybe you go out of your way to say something nice to someone who looks like they could use it?

Come on! Make someone’s day – and your own! Make not only someone else’s day brighter, but your own, because it feels good to do something for someone else. March 20th is a day for everyone to feel good, and hold their heads high because they have done something good to help someone, and it feels good!

WAIT! It gets better!

By you helping, by making someone’s day a little more special, you are adding a little spring to your step you are helping the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America!

The pledge process is important, be sure to visit ActsOfHappiness.org, and put your pledge in! For every pledge, $1 will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America up to $25,000!

However, WAIT! It gets better! I know, I know, but there is more of the awesomeness! Keep on reading, because you are going to love this!

Enter To Win One of TWO Fabulous Sweepstakes!

I know, pretty awesome isn’t it? I thought it was awesome! How often do you get rewarded for doing something nice, something that you would probably do daily anyway

Enter For Your Chance To win one of FIVE $50 Visa Gift Cards!

From March 18th until March 19th, everyone who makes a pledge will be entered to win one of FIVE $50 Visa Gift Cards! Winners will be notified March 20th, so be sure to watch for the winning email! Good Luck!

WAIT, it keeps getting better I know!

Do Not Miss Your Chance To Win An Awesome Caribbean Cruise for Four!

Once you are finished pledging be sure and share your fabulous Acts of Happiness Post, upload it to Facebook and/or Twitter @MyLiveHappy and use the #HappyActs to be entered into the Acts of Happiness Sweepstakes!

Be sure to hurry, this needs to be completed by March 21, and you will be entered for a chance to win a 7 day Caribbean cruise for four! They will announce the winner on March 24th!

I took the pledge myself, and had my husband take the pledge as well. We would love it if you would join us in helping make the world a happier place! Don’t forget that every pledge is helping an awesome organization too! Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is an amazing organization, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to help!

Hurry over and Pledge by clicking here.

Leve me a comment and let me know if you took the pledge!

March 17, 2014 5 comments

Healthy Living Lifestyle

How To Raise Money For A Medical Crisis: It’s Not as Difficult as You Think

by Jenn March 14, 2014

written by Jenn

If you have been reading my blog for a little while now you have heard me talk about my sweet, amazing, strong nephew (Corbin) who has faced three heart surgeries in the first 3 years of his life. Two of which were before he was 6 months old, one was when he was under a week old. It’s horrible, and not often something we want to talk about, but it is something we need to think about. If you’re like most of us, you do not have the extra money lying around. Even with GREAT medical insurance the amount my brother (Dennis) and sister-n-law (Marley) were left paying out-of-pocket is enough to leave any family stressed. Oh yes, even with health insurance, GREAT health insurance families are left with copays, deductibles, food, and so much more. Sadly, many families are left wondering how to raise money for a medical crisis.

marley and corbin WOW, thinking back to everything Marley and Dennis did for their little Corbin, and I don’t know the half of it. They still owe money, but both say they feel humbled after learning how giving the world is. They lived 16 hours away from home for the first 6 months of Corbin’s life. For the 1st month they slept at the hospital, and stayed at the Ronald McDonald, which thank goodness for places like that. Once Corbin was released from the hospital they had to rent an apartment, on top of pay their mortgage at home. My brother was blessed to be able to stay with his wife and new baby boy. See, just when you think people don’t care anymore, something happens that restores your faith. My brother was able to stay away from work for 6 months, PAID because the people he works with donated their days off to him. Imagine 40 hours a week for 6 months, all so he could be with his wife and new baby when they needed him most. This is only the start of things, people rock…

dennis and corbin When they finally got word they were going to be able to come home, I flew up to meet them and help them drive back. They hadn’t slept well in 6 months. Corbin had a strict feeding schedule, ever two hours, and they took turns with the duty. My brother returned to work, and the aftermath of the medical bills hit. I know they were prepared, but WOW and Corbin still had one more surgery left. I remember feeling so sad for them, they wanted to badly to enjoy being home with their little boy, but the medical bills were getting the best of them, and the thought of another surgery with more bills didn’t make things. They decided to try to raise money for their next trip, they both knew there was a chance they would be gone another 6 months, and with they were already having a hard time keeping their head above water.

corbin brockman q

See going into this surgery Marley was a little more prepared, and thankfully had more time to plan or she might not have ever known how many people wanted to help them during their time of need. Marley and Dennis raised money several ways, and out of everything they tried these three were the most helpful.

How to raise Money for a Medical Crisis

Garage Sale

My sister-n-law always seems to have good luck with garage sales. Marley told me is was a great way to raise enough to pay for gas and snacks for the drive there and back. They had a lot of items to sale, and their friends and family also donated items for them to sale.

Fundraising Event

I was so happy to see Marley’s fundraising event turn out as good as it did. She worked so hard on it, and it proved to be a great way to reach out to those in our community. It also gave my brother and sister-n-law something to focus on so they did not sit and think about what was fixing to happen. It was the first time I had seen my brother and sister-n-law smile, relax, and have fun sense Corbin was born.

Online Fundraising

Out of everything Marley and Dennis did to raise money for my nephew online fundraising opened doors they did not know were possible. The reason they started an online fundraising campaign was so family and friends who lived elsewhere had a place to donate, but it turned into so much more. Places like GiveForward is an online fundraising website that can help you earn money during your time of need. If you think people do not donate to these type of things, you are wrong. I can tell you that first hand, because I do.

I also teach my children to be giving, and I always involve them in donating. I donate a little to the big organizations, but honestly try to keep my focus on the more personal campaigns. If were to ask someone who knows me they would say I am a very giving person. The reason I am so giving is becasue of the way I grew up, and watching my brother and Marley deal with everything they did, and watching how people who didn’t even know them donated to them lifted their spirits. There are so many out there that need help, and just don’t know where to turn.

How To Raise Money For A Medical Crisis with GiveForward

GiveForward allows you to create a fundraiser to raise money for help with medical bills, vet bills, funeral expenses, medical bankrupts and more. GiveForward is a website that allows users to set up a fundraising website, and it’s one of the best ways to raise money for a loved one, or friend who is in need.

GiveForward is the #1 platform to start a medical fundraiser and is the only website with fundraising coaches. The fundraising coach’s help you with ideas to raise money online, which I am sure can be a huge benefit. When Marley and Dennis set up their online fundraising account they did not have a fundraising coach, we spend hours upon hours researching ideas. In the end, it was the best way to raise money to help with medical bills, but having a fundraising coach could have made the process easier. There would have been someone to answer questions, and help with the fundraising plan.

GiveForward has been helping people raise money since 2008. They have helped thousands of people raise millions of dollars online for:

Cancer treatment
Transplants
Funeral costs
Disaster-relief
Medical expenses

GiveForward is a team who is committed to helping people bring their fundraising plans to life, and being there to support them through their fundraising experience.

How GiveForward Works

Using GiveForward is an easy process, they know it is a big decision that takes courage, and they are there to help make the prices as easy as possible. First you will set up a fundraising page. This is a place where you will tell your story, and be specific about how the money raised will help your loved one who is in need.

Each fundraiser will be assigned to a personal coach, and you will be provided with contact information. I do suggest taking advantage of this feature, they are trained professionals who do this daily. I am sure they can help you get the most out of your online fundraiser. It’s worth a shot, and you are not paying anything extra for this help. Like I mentioned earlier, I believe this would have been a huge help when we set up our online fundraising account.

Spreading the word, and thankfully we live in a techy world where almost everyone is on a social network. I can only speak for myself, when I see someone’s story online I almost always read it. Before I donate I read their story; probably cry because the story breaks my heart, and donate what I can. My nephew’s surgeries, and being there to see how a medical crisis can tear up a family has opened my eyes. I might not be able to donate 100s of dollars, but the way I look at it is every little bit helps! If I can only afford to donate $5, that money is enough to get someone something to eat that they might not have had.

Also, be sure to share with family and friends who might life far away, or are likely to support your fundraiser. Marley and Dennis were so succesful with their fundraising account because of family and friends. Everyone shared the online fundraising account with people who didn’t live close, and they shared it with people who they were close to, and so on. Before they knew it people they didn’t even know the people who were donating. People rock, the money not only helped Dennis and Marley, but it lifted their spirits. They couldn’t belive how giving people were, people they didn’t even know had donated to help their little family. It was life changing for them, and witnessing the impact it had on them changed my way of thinking.

I love hearing stories like this online fundraising account that was set up for Amelia. The account was set up with GiveForward for Amelia, and there was over $64,000 raised to help her battle breast cancer. It’s a touching video, which helps restore you faith, and remind you there are so many people out there who are willing to help. People who would never be reached without places like GiveForward.

Two victims of the Boston Maratho bombings raised over $881 to help them with lifetime costs of their injuries.

There are more touching success stories from people who have raised money to help them with during their time of need on www.GiveForward.com. It’s truly amazing things to see people coming together to help one another!

Online funding has helped my loved ones during their time of need, people they did not know reached out and donated to help their sweet baby boy who is now 5 years old, and the most rotten, sweetest boy you will ever meet. Dennis and Marley are truly blessed in so many ways, and we are blessed to have their experience to learn from.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a medical crisis GiveForward might be exactly what they need to help them reach out to people who are willing to help. You can learn more about GiveForward by visiting their website www.GiveForward.com.

If you want to check out another post about GiveForward from someone who has experienced how much GiveForward can help, and does care head over to Life Rearranged. She is GiveForwards Brand Ambassador, as well as someone who has been in need and experienced how much they can help.

If you are a blogger be sure to join GiveForward’s affiliate program, and earn a little something for helping spread the word about a program that can help people during

March 14, 2014 2 comments

Lifestyle

Quaker Making Breakfast Easy For Busy Moms!

by Jenn March 10, 2014

written by Jenn

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walmart. All opinions are 100% mine.

Mornings are hectic around my house. Not only am I not a morning person, but my youngest daughter is not even close to being a morning person. Getting her up and moving so she can go with me to take the other kids to school is a task all in its own.

things to do with kids inside1

With 4 kids to get ready there is hardly any time for important things like breakfast for all of us. I used to have the luxury of the kids eating at school, but I am not able to get them to school until 10 minutes before they need to be in class, which means they need breakfast before they leave for school, and if I don’t eat before we head out the door chances are I am not going to until lunch. I have been trying to plan ahead and have something prepared for the mornings, but that can get difficult too.

Which is why I have always loved Quaker! I always have Quaker Instant Oatmeal in my cabinets, and the kids love it, and recently I have been making huge batches of granola using Quaker Oats. Which is an amazing breakfast, especially if you add a little to yogurt! Talk about yummy, fast and easy.

I have always been a huge fan of Quaker, they have great things for breakfast and snacks that are not loaded full of junk. Sorry, but I am not going to let my kids grab a package of donuts every morning on the way to school because we are running late. Every now and then, okay, but I care too much about my little munchkins to let them eat like that all the time.

Quaker NEWBreakfast Shakes

I just found out that Quakers has a new easy breakfast item at Walmart! I cannot wait to try Quakers NEW breakfast shakes. Yes, tell me that isn’t a fast and easy breakfast without sacrificing all the nutrition’s and value of breakfast. Sure does beat stopping at the store for a package of donuts, or something along those lines.

Now Quaker has 4 count 11.1 ounce breakfast shakes available at Walmart.com. It doesn’t get more convenient than a breakfast shake you can grab and go. There is a variety of flavor for everyone’s taste buds, and my favorite part is there is NO MESS FOR MOM TO CLEAN UP!

Thanks to Quaker we can conveniently “Shake Up Our Day” with one of Quakers new breakfast shakes!

Enjoy Chocolate, Vanilla, and my personal favorite I already know will be strawberry!

I was just over at Walmart.com checking out the new Quaker Strawberry Breakfast Shakes, and check it out:

Quaker Strawberry Breakfast Shakes

Love that they are blended with whole grain oats

Made with Quaker oats, which I have used for years!

8 grams of whole grain

10 grams of protein

6 grams of fiber

Each shake contains 200 calories, with 4.5 grams of fat, 0.05 saturated fat, and 0 trans-fat. If you want to learn more about the new Quaker Breakfast Shake, and see if they are a good solution quick breakfasts in your household head on over to Walmart!

March 10, 2014 9 comments

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