tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48498139623722860312024-03-13T09:35:49.323-07:00Home TipsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger396125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-16288874909540384292014-05-06T10:38:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.470-07:00Make Mom Feel Like a Queen with Medieval Times {Free Admission}<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Disclaimer: I was provided tickets to the show so I can enjoy Mother's Day just like you! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWAo-gRWSiI/U2jQq_fPQCI/AAAAAAAAG0I/f0gXcvqf_3w/s1600/MT+Mothers+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWAo-gRWSiI/U2jQq_fPQCI/AAAAAAAAG0I/f0gXcvqf_3w/s1600/MT+Mothers+Day.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've lived in or around Dallas for most of my life, but I have never been to <a href="http://www.medievaltimes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Medieval Times</a>. So, I'm super excited that they are making the decision to go easy for families by giving mom a free ticket just in time for Mother's Day! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now through May 11, Moms get free admission with a full-priced adult admission when you use the code MOMWEB! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While I can't tell wait to share the experience with you, I know that the whole family will enjoy being taken back to a time of castles, jousting, and feasting on a four-course meal fit for royalty.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Medieval Times has nine locations in California, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, South Carolina, New Jersey, D.C. and Ontario. To find your closest location, visit the <a href="http://www.medievaltimes.com/home.aspx?castlemap=yes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website.</a></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Purchase your tickets by May 11: </span><a href="http://www.medievaltimes.com/purchasetickets.aspx" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.medievaltimes.com/</span><wbr></wbr>purchasetickets.aspx</a></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-74613746906513303812014-05-02T06:17:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.540-07:00Enjoy Mother's Day Brunch with New Menu at BRIO Tuscan Grille {Win $200
Gift Card}<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Disclaimer: I was provided a lovely gift card to giveaway to you my readers by BRIO! </i></span><br><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’m a girl that loves to brunch. I rarely-to-never get to enjoy brunch, but when I do, I want to leisurely enjoy it for a few hours and then go home full, happy and without any dishes to do. </span><br><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Mgs-NGig3I/U2OarUACMfI/AAAAAAAAGzw/phZzf5NbQdU/s1600/RS14642_Brio_Bravo_French+Toast-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Mgs-NGig3I/U2OarUACMfI/AAAAAAAAGzw/phZzf5NbQdU/s1600/RS14642_Brio_Bravo_French+Toast-26.jpg" height="640" width="480"></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thankfully, with Mother’s Day only a week away, May 11, I get to cash in my “I Wanna Go” cards to pick one of my bucket list brunch locations</span><br><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.brioitalian.com/" target="_blank">BRIO Tuscan Grille</a> at <a href="http://www.watterscreek.com/" target="_blank">Watters Creek </a>has a new brunch menu for spring with several new spring dishes like Berries and Cream French Toast and Ham and Biscuit Benedict.</span><br><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_64A-qAKi_w/U2OaFKMhf_I/AAAAAAAAGzk/KckKzyGwmJ8/s1600/RS14686_Brio_Bravo_Roasted+Turkey+skillet+(8+of+6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_64A-qAKi_w/U2OaFKMhf_I/AAAAAAAAGzk/KckKzyGwmJ8/s1600/RS14686_Brio_Bravo_Roasted+Turkey+skillet+(8+of+6).jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></div><br><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Using the freshest ingredients delivered daily, BRIO’s new brunch menu includes:</span><br><ul><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Tuscan Omelette</b> — Egg whites with turkey sausage, roasted sweet potatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach and Mozzarella. Topped with fire-roasted salsa rossa and served with fresh fruit.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Sicilian Omelette</b> — Includes Cherrywood-smoked ham, bacon, Fontanini sausage, tomato compote and a three-cheese blend of Mozzarella, Provolone and Parmesan. Served with brunch potatoes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Garden Omelette</b> — Includes fresh broccoli, mushrooms, roasted red bell peppers, Fontina cheese, avocado and basil. Topped with fire-roasted salsa rossa, and served with fresh fruit.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Ham & Biscuit Benedict </b>— Two poached eggs with Cherrywood-smoked ham and a housemade biscuit. Drizzled with hollandaise, and served with brunch potatoes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Turkey Sausage, Spinach & Biscuit Benedict</b> — Two poached eggs with turkey sausage, spinach, a housemade biscuit and hollandaise sauce. Served with fresh fruit.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Roasted Turkey Sweet Potato Hash & Eggs</b> — Two over easy eggs with roasted turkey, zucchini, peppers, onions, sweet potatoes and basil, drizzled with Sriracha mayo. Served with brioche toast.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Berries & Cream French Toast</b> — Mascarpone cream cheese-stuffed French toast topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Served with Applewood-smoked bacon.</span></li></ul><br><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And because this time of year was made for dining al fresco, BRIO features a big outdoor terrace that is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing weekend brunch that I love to enjoy. </span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rh8L72Bna5w/U2OZsjT_zkI/AAAAAAAAGzc/imCTpM96vIQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rh8L72Bna5w/U2OZsjT_zkI/AAAAAAAAGzc/imCTpM96vIQ/s1600/images.jpg" height="247" width="400"></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">BRIO serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Just remember if you’re planning to go on Mother’s Day, make a reservation so ensure you don’t have a wait!</span><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>So would you like to win a gift card for BRIO? </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tell me what new brunch item at BRIO Tuscan Grille you can't wait to try and you can win a $200 gift card to BRIO! </span></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/91d3f450/" id="rc-91d3f450" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>BRIO Tuscan Grille</b></span><br><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Watters Creek</span><br><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">810 Central Expressway South</span><br><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.brioitalian.com/" target="_blank">www.brioitalian.com</a></span><br><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span><br><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-45304403693526412472014-04-29T22:09:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.548-07:00Make Mother's Day Last with #Yourkidvid (Win an iPad Mini) <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Yourkidvid.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's no secret that moms like to be acknowledged for their hard work, especially on Mother's Day. However, as my hubs can attest, appreciation doesn't need to come in the form of big expensive gift to be meaningful </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(although I am still grateful for those diamond earrings that year)</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. This is where "the thought is what counts" can really be put to work. Unfortunately, creativity, time and presentation are difficult for most people to put into action to create a picture-perfect gift for Mother's Day that brings the tears, hugs and major brownie points.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u7ouWeI_w5I/U2B6pkdfCoI/AAAAAAAAGyo/7iMeMrBzcI8/s1600/14041973174_93f1fa3d65_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="Yourkidvideo" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u7ouWeI_w5I/U2B6pkdfCoI/AAAAAAAAGyo/7iMeMrBzcI8/s1600/14041973174_93f1fa3d65_z.jpg" height="384" title="" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While framing that adorable shot of the kids at Christmas or Easter and presenting to mom is nice, it just doesn't give the whole story...</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uikcwMdS0ys/U2B9hBBu65I/AAAAAAAAGy8/rxNRyRKjEWE/s1600/YourKidVideo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uikcwMdS0ys/U2B9hBBu65I/AAAAAAAAGy8/rxNRyRKjEWE/s1600/YourKidVideo.jpg" height="396" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Screenshot of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4R0CcuWaRs&feature=share&list=PLytylSJg9CCwL3aLJGk2ITIJ1uk775V5z" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Madeline Loves Mommy" video from Yourkidvideo</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But there is something truly magical when you hear the sound of a laugh, giggle or the words "I love you" that only a video can capture!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/f4R0CcuWaRs?list=PLytylSJg9CCwL3aLJGk2ITIJ1uk775V5z" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So with a little help from <a href="http://bit.ly/1mEiqky" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yourkidvid</a>, you can give mom an unforgettable, unique personalized gift that she'll cherish for years. The concept is genius: using all those cute videos of the kids on your smartphone and computer, Yourkidvid's award-winning team edits them into an original cinematic experience with hand-picked music, color-corrected images, graphics and that special touch for a video that she'll be proud to share with everyone including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and email, starting at only $29. (And for those of us with family that we don't get to see often, this is the ideal gift for grandma to get on Mother's Day too!)</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><u>SPECIAL OFFER:</u> </b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Get 20% off any Yourkidvid order with promo code: 1in85million until May 12, 2014.. It can be used towards all products (including gift cards).</span></i></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't think you'll be able to get the videos off mom's phone without her noticing? Then get her a <a href="http://bit.ly/1mEiqky" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yourkidvid gift card</a> and she can make her own video to cherish for years to come. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvS2p67Jw10/U2B6aQ2nOAI/AAAAAAAAGyg/Qesuwde1Z2U/s1600/f20cb9882c1f02d71329ee7b9be21eea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvS2p67Jw10/U2B6aQ2nOAI/AAAAAAAAGyg/Qesuwde1Z2U/s1600/f20cb9882c1f02d71329ee7b9be21eea.jpg" height="403" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>There are 85 million moms in the U.S., but is there a mom in your life who is truly #1?</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yourkidvid, the professional video editing service for you and the little ones you love, is holding a contest to find America’s #1 mom.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zQKsz_uW2fI" width="560"></iframe><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To enter, like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/yourkidvid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yourkidvid on Facebook</a> AND publish a description of why your mom is #1 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram using the hashtag, #1in85million.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-27f2oMnXlok/U2B51mKou3I/AAAAAAAAGyY/rhDk2rlI6jE/s1600/%231in85millonYourKidVidContest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-27f2oMnXlok/U2B51mKou3I/AAAAAAAAGyY/rhDk2rlI6jE/s1600/%231in85millonYourKidVidContest.png" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your entry can be as simple as sharing a moment, a story, a quick note or even a video about a lifetime of motherly love. Just include the hashtag #1in85million and like us at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/yourkidvid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/yourkidvid</a> by May 11, 2014. A winner will be selected by the video editing geniuses at Yourkidvid, to receive an iPad mini plus a Gift Card for a free Yourkidvid Premium Video! The winner can give the prizes to their #1 mom or keep them . . . we won’t tell! Go to <a href="http://www.yourkidvid.com/1in85million" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.yourkidvid.com/1in85million</a> for details and rules.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Yourkidvid.</i></span><br /><br /><img alt="Tracking Pixel" src="http://ec2-54-244-107-86.us-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/tracker.php?cid=00DE0000000eHXcMAM&pixel=1E000000Q8sIoIAJ" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-15443400663826185372014-04-28T06:00:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.622-07:00Spring Perfect Slow Cooker Dessert Recipes {As seen on TV}<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ahhh, spring. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />That magical two weeks in Texas where it's nice enough to go outdoors where you are either going to get eaten up by a tornado or melt from heat exhaustion. So with such little time to enjoy the season, you have to spend as much enjoying it and not in the kitchen.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITSKy2OPn0g/U12_GngxUDI/AAAAAAAAGv8/L9crv_WqBr8/s1600/Spring+Slowcooker.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITSKy2OPn0g/U12_GngxUDI/AAAAAAAAGv8/L9crv_WqBr8/s1600/Spring+Slowcooker.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> So bust out the slowcooker to take away some of the work and the heat - even when it comes to desert! Take a look at the recipes for three recipes you've probably never thought out making in your slowcooker - Strawberry Cheesecakes in a Jar, Oatmeal Cookie Apples, and Banana Rum Cake. These recipes are part of the WFAA Good Morning Texas segment on April 28 - hope you've watched! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.wfaa.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=257011821&pos=top&swfw=470"></script><object data="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" height="264" id="_fp_0.26665712567046285" name="player" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="470"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"/><param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"/><param value="transparent" name="wmode"/><param value="high" name="quality"/><param name="movie" value="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" /><param value="config=http://www.wfaa.com/?j=embed_257011821&ref=http://www.wfaa.com/good-morning-texas/Delicious-Desserts-Made-Right-In-Your-Slow-Cooker-257011821.html" name="flashvars"/></object><script src="http://www.wfaa.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=257011821&pos=bottom&ref=http://www.wfaa.com/good-morning-texas/Delicious-Desserts-Made-Right-In-Your-Slow-Cooker-257011821.html"></script> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; padding: 0in;">SLOWCOOKER STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKES IN A JAR<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; padding: 0in;">Inspired by <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/blog/2013/05/20/crock-pot-cheesecakes/">KingAuthur.com Flourish blog</a></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Crust<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup graham cracker crumbs<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tablespoon sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Filling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 2/3 cups sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 cup cornstarch<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 teaspoons vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 large eggs, at room temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">½ teaspoon orange zest<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3/4 cup cream, half & half, or whole milk</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #282828; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Instructions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">For the crust: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup graham cracker crumbs with 1 tablespoon sugar. (If you like you can add a tablespoon melted butter to the mix for a more moist the crust.) Place 2 tablespoons sweetened crumbs in each of seven 1/2-pint Mason jars. Press down lightly.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the mixture: Cream together the cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, eggs, orange zest and cream until smooth, but be careful not to overmix. Put batter into a pitcher for easier pouring and fill each jar 3/4 full with batter. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Place jars in a 8 qt slowcooker. Fill the crockpot with water until it reached about ½ way to the jars (also called a warm bath or <a href="http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=bain-marie&submit=Submit">bain marie.</a> (To make sure you don’t get water in the cheesecakes, place tops back on batter and then remove after pouring.) Cover slow cooker with lid and allow for cooking for 1-2 hours. (It’s all about how your crockpot cooks.) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To check for doneness, use a knife and insert from outer edge and check that the knife comes out moist, but clean. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Turn off the slowcook cooker and allow the jars to cook for 20 minutes before removing. After placing on rack, allow the jars to rest at room temperatures for an hour before sealing. Then chill in the fridge for several hours before serving.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add your favorite topping like macerated strawberries sprinkled with sugar.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z5ORRFumoPw/U16FcoyBTUI/AAAAAAAAGw0/YM7Ok2lPF9g/s640/blogger-image--767195134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z5ORRFumoPw/U16FcoyBTUI/AAAAAAAAGw0/YM7Ok2lPF9g/s640/blogger-image--767195134.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SLOWCOOKER OATMEAL COOKIE APPLES <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 apples</span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup brown sugar</span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup margarine</span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3/4 cup raisins</span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup instant oats</span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Core apples <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Instructions</span></b></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wash and core apples (I’d make a larger hole than a regular core job to make room for the good stuff.) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stuff the apples with the oatmeal raisin mixture.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spray crockpot/slow cooker with a non-stick spray, then place apples inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sprinkle the rest of the apple crisp topping over the apples. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. When ready, the apples should be very soft to the touch/poke.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Serve with ice cream or a little cream like an oatmeal cookie. <o:p></o:p></span> </div><div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AplopVkZITo/U16FbRV77NI/AAAAAAAAGws/U-BMGk95VS8/s640/blogger-image-1596218692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AplopVkZITo/U16FbRV77NI/AAAAAAAAGws/U-BMGk95VS8/s640/blogger-image-1596218692.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">BANANA RUM CAKE</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Inspired by Better Crocker</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><h2 style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2><h2 style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bread<o:p></o:p></span></h2><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 2/3<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>cups Original Bisquick® mix<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 ½ cups mashed very ripe bananas<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">¾ cup granulated sugar<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/3 cup butter, melted<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 tablespoons Spiced Rum<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 eggs<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">¾ cup chopped walnuts<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><h2 style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Glaze<o:p></o:p></span></h2><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>tablespoons butter, melted<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup powdered sugar<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tablespoon spiced rum, warmed in the microwave<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Instructions<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grease bottom only of 3 1/2- to 4-quart round slow cooker with shortening or cooking spray. Sprinkle lightly with 2 teaspoons of the Bisquick mix.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In large bowl, stir bananas, granulated sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter, 4 tablespoons spiced rum, vanilla and eggs until well blended. Stir in remaining Bisquick mix, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of the walnuts until well blended. Pour into slow cooker.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cover; cook on high for 1 ½ hours to 2 hours or until toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean. Turn off slow cooker; uncover, and remove base from cooker to cooling rack. Let cool 15 minutes.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Loosen edge of bread with knife. Remove bread from slow cooker to cooling rack. Cool 1 hour.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> </span><br /><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For glaze, in small bowl, mix glaze ingredients until smooth and consistency of thick syrup. Drizzle over top of bread. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 cup walnuts.</span><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></b></span><br /><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n1P7tExTxSA/U16FYxvzEhI/AAAAAAAAGwk/1wUuzPIijH4/s640/blogger-image-897705340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n1P7tExTxSA/U16FYxvzEhI/AAAAAAAAGwk/1wUuzPIijH4/s640/blogger-image-897705340.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 20.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's to enjoying the weather!</span></span></div></div></div><h2 style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; margin: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14.65pt; margin: 4.8pt 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><span style="color: #333333; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin-bottom: 6pt; vertical-align: baseline;"></div></span></span></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-16050965530647416972014-04-25T03:40:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.632-07:001 Hour, 1,000 Calories. Title Boxing Club, Allen & McKinney {First Class Free}<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"><i>Disclaimer: I've received complimentary classes for the purposes of learning how great Title Boxing Club is. </i></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Working out. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s good for you and necessary for relieving stress, flexibility and losing weight. But with taking care of the kids, handling work projects and dealing with home responsibilities, it’s impossible most days to find a way to fit it into the schedule. And for a lot of mamas, there’s even guilt attached to taking the time to for you (and honestly, your health), even if it’s only for an hour. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj6C_msXVC8/U1o5-CNhalI/AAAAAAAAGu4/ITBkFMov1wY/s1600/1+Hour,+1,000+Calories.+Title+Boxing+Club.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj6C_msXVC8/U1o5-CNhalI/AAAAAAAAGu4/ITBkFMov1wY/s1600/1+Hour,+1,000+Calories.+Title+Boxing+Club.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So when we have the opportunity to bust a move, you have to make it count. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That means :30 minutes on the treadmill ain’t gonna cut it. And let’s face it: it’s B-O-R-I-N-G, which is why you aren’t trying hard to work that workout into your day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And believe me, I had no idea I’d be there girl with boxing gloves throwing an uppercut into a punching bag. Don’t know what that means. Yea, I didn’t either until <a href="http://allen-greenville.titleboxingclub.com/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Title Boxing Club. </a><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcgAQ1MdoN8/U1o5H_Jt5zI/AAAAAAAAGus/mE8_3FSLOik/s1600/TitleBoxingClub-LogoHighRes10360737std.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcgAQ1MdoN8/U1o5H_Jt5zI/AAAAAAAAGus/mE8_3FSLOik/s1600/TitleBoxingClub-LogoHighRes10360737std.jpg" height="307" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But if that idea of “Rocky” doesn’t sound like you either, give me just give me a second. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I bet burning up to 1000 calories an hour does. And getting all that built up stress out of your system does. Maybe it’s the pink gloves and purple wraps that will grab your attention. Or the fact that you have less than 90 days from now before you quite possible need to donn a bathing suit in front of other people…</span><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/mXYZgVH8Db/embed/" width="612"></iframe><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Whatever your why, you need to give <a href="http://allen-greenville.titleboxingclub.com/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Title Boxing Club, with locations in McKinney and Allen a shot. </a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Intimidated by the pure concept of boxing? I was too, but only a few minutes in class I had comfort in what I was doing and after just one class, I knew that I had gotten a full body work out that made me feel stronger, focused and ready to take on the fun of picking up kids, grocery shopping and the email list sitting on my iPad. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And all it took was one hour. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn’t have a clue what to expect when I walked in the door for my first class, but immediately someone showed me exactly how to put on my wraps, put on my gloves and how the class worked. However, if the Type A part of your brain wants to be ready to go on the first time, there’s a great video on how to wrap your hands or feel free to have one of the team members show you how each time you come until you have the hang of it. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nz94TXZHDdE" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://allen-greenville.titleboxingclub.com/fitness-classes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Class breakdown:</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">T</b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">he first 15 of class is the warm up:</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> You’ll get your blood pumping with a complete range of exercises including stretching, jogging, calisthenics, jumping, lunging and squats.</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The second part of class consists of 30 minutes working with the bag</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">: The bulk of your workout is set up in three minute rounds that include basic boxing combinations followed by a one minute “active rest.” This gives you a break, while keeping your heart rate up.</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The last 15 minutes is sculpting and resistance</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">: You’ll use workout gear and body resistance to strengthen your core and sculpt your body while cooling down with floor work and toning exercises.</span></span><!--[if !supportLists]--></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What I really love about <a href="http://allen-greenville.titleboxingclub.com/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Title Boxing Club</a> is that everyone gets a workout. I’ve seen men and women, every color and ethnicity and all ages throwing punches and kicking the bag all in the name of fitness. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCd4ibZL9d4/U1o44mc6hbI/AAAAAAAAGuk/jumGxusw9A4/s1600/First+class+free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCd4ibZL9d4/U1o44mc6hbI/AAAAAAAAGuk/jumGxusw9A4/s1600/First+class+free.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Still not convinced it’s for you? Then try it free! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The<a href="http://titleboxingclub.com/membership/first-shot-free/" target="_blank"> first class is free</a>, so you can find out how amazing Title Boxing Club is and how quick you’ll be ready for your next class. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And it’s only one hour. And 1,000 calories...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Title Boxing Club, Allen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">300 N. Greenville<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Allen, TX 75002<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(214) 644-2640<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TITLEBoxingClubAllen">http://www.facebook.com/TITLEBoxingClubAllen</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Title Boxing Club, McKinney<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5080 Virginia Pkwy<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">McKinney, TX 75070<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(214) 856-7007<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For other locations, visit <a href="http://www.titleboxingclub.com/">http://www.titleboxingclub.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I can’t wait to continue to my journey with you too, so make sure to stay tuned to how I make the “Power Hour” work for me as it will work for you, too!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-52039341444435527562014-04-24T05:00:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.706-07:00Flirty Aprons Sale: 50 Percent off + Free Shipping THIS WEEKEND ONLY<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Contains Affiliate Links. </span></i><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm obsessed with aprons. <a href="http://mamachallenge.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">Have you noticed?</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Besides the fact I try to wear a different one each time I'm on TV, I live in them at home. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-7312773-11777671" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGf2WkdTmJ4/U1p95_eDCgI/AAAAAAAAGvI/htkT4Qu6V9E/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They're fun, functional and really make my yoga pants look productive. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyhow, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-7312773-11777671" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flirty Aprons,</a> one of my favorite resources for aprons, has a big sale this weekend that I'm going to be hitting up like a mad woman and I suggest you do the same. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This weekend only you can get <a href="https://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-7312773-11777671" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">50% off all purchase PLUS free shipping</a> on thousands of aprons for you and all your friends and family! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-7312773-11777671">Mothers Day Madness - MOTHER50 = 50% Off + Free Shipping Friday through Monday only on any purchase. </a><img border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-7312773-11777671" height="1" width="1" /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-75896078150255489732014-04-22T21:57:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.714-07:00Sweet! Buy dozen Tiff's Treats for $4, Make a Dream Come True for Local Boy THIS SATURDAY<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">When two of my favorite organizations, <a href="http://www.awishwithwings.org/" target="_blank">A Wish with Wings</a> and <a href="http://cookiedelivery.com/" target="_blank">Tiff’s Treats</a> have partnered together to grant the wish of nine-year-old Viggo, a survivor of Stage 4B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, to go to Disney World, I needed to do whatever I could to help! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Especially since A Wish with Wings made <a href="http://mamachallenge.blogspot.com/2013/09/make-dreams-and-wishes-come-true-on.html" target="_blank">my son’s dream come true for our family to experience Disney World</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKrJKWP_e6U/U1dGfEdsNjI/AAAAAAAAGuM/LA-aihtEw0c/s1600/Tiff's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKrJKWP_e6U/U1dGfEdsNjI/AAAAAAAAGuM/LA-aihtEw0c/s1600/Tiff's.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Tiff’s Treats will hold a grand opening fundraiser at its newest location in DFW – its sixth in DFW and its first Las Colinas store — at 114 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 110, Irving, 75062 (intersection of 114 and O’Connor), on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aqj"><span style="z-index: -1;"><span data-term="goog_1477494816" style="z-index: 0;" tabindex="0">Saturday, April 26, 2014</span></span></span>, from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aqj"><span style="z-index: -1;"><span data-term="goog_1477494817" style="z-index: 0;" tabindex="0">9 a.m. to noon.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>The event will raise funds for A Wish with Wings, which grants wishes to special little Texans with uncertain futures due to medical conditions. These funds will grant the wish of nine-year-old Viggo from Fort Worth, who loves Legos, Minecraft and the Beatles, and whose wish is to travel to Disney World this summer with his family, where he can focus on being a kid, instead of on the treatments he has had to endure for Stage 4B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span class="aqj"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; z-index: -1;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">On<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aqj"><span style="z-index: -1;"><span data-term="goog_1477494818" style="z-index: 0;" tabindex="0">Saturday, April 26</span></span></span>, celebrate the store’s opening and help raise funds for Viggo’s wish by purchasing up to six one-dozen boxes filled with one of Tiff’s Treats most irresistible flavors: chocolate chip, snickerdoodle or oatmeal raisin, for just $4 a box. Proceeds up to $5,000 will be donated to A Wish with Wings. Sales at this event are cash only. Viggo and his family will be there to share in the fun. It’s a flash grand opening event — and it’s all for a great cause!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiKwZpJ8Bd8/U1dEY9u4dbI/AAAAAAAAGt8/XyXCMgw2bd8/s1600/thumb_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiKwZpJ8Bd8/U1dEY9u4dbI/AAAAAAAAGt8/XyXCMgw2bd8/s1600/thumb_600.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Tiff’s Treats’ warm cookie concept normally requires a 30-minute notice for pick-up orders or one hour for delivery — however, for the grand opening fundraiser, no advance order is required, and customers can simply walk in to the new store and purchase hot cookies from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aqj"><span style="z-index: -1;"><span data-term="goog_1477494819" style="z-index: 0;" tabindex="0">9 a.m. to noon</span></span></span>. This deal is valid only at the new Las Colinas Tiff’s Treats location.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">As the delicious aroma of fresh-from-the-oven cookies and brownies fills the air at the new store, guests can enjoy festivities and chances to win prizes. Get there early: the first 10 people in line at the grand opening<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aqj"><span style="z-index: -1;"><span data-term="goog_1477494821" style="z-index: 0;" tabindex="0">April 26 at 9 a.m.</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>will win a $100 Tiff’s Treats gift card, while the next 10 will receive a $50 gift card, the next 10 will receive a $25 gift card and the next 10 will win a $10 gift card. Guests who purchase a box of cookies at the grand opening can also enter in a drawing to win free Tiff’s Treats cookies for a year! Anyone who brings a new, unwrapped toy to the event to be donated to a Wish with Wings will also receive a $5 Tiff’s Treats gift card.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MXY_omBwL2Y/U1dEY6ZcqhI/AAAAAAAAGtw/C-yE0cDg5JU/s1600/AWishWithWingsLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MXY_omBwL2Y/U1dEY6ZcqhI/AAAAAAAAGtw/C-yE0cDg5JU/s1600/AWishWithWingsLogo.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The mission of a Wish with Wings is to grant magical wishes to little Texans with life-threatening conditions. First chartered in 1982, this Texas-based non-profit has granted more than 1,200 wishes to children all over the Lone Star State with uncertain futures due to medical conditions. For more information on a Wish with Wings, visit the organization’s website at <a href="http://www.awishwithwings.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.awishwithwings.com </span></a>or call<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="tel:817-469-9474" target="_blank" value="+18174699474"><span style="color: #1155cc;">817-469-9474</span></a>. If you know of a child who is in need of a wish, please visit <a href="http://www.awishwithwings.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.awishwithwings.com </span></a>to get more information.</span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Tiff’s Treats in Las Colinas opens for regular business on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aqj"><span style="z-index: -1;"><span data-term="goog_1477494822" style="z-index: 0;" tabindex="0">Sunday, April 27</span></span></span>. The new Las Colinas location can be reached at <a href="tel:%28972%29%20889-7700" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">(972) 889-7700</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>or online at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.cookiedelivery.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.cookiedelivery.com</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have a sweet week! </span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-37244445938850813982014-04-22T04:00:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.788-07:00Fitness Feels Good with FitnessMat {Giveaway} <div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: I was provided a Fitness Mat for purposes of this review. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yoga is often considered a pathway to help with flexibility, stress reduction and overall health. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However, a few weeks ago, <a href="http://mamachallenge.blogspot.com/2013/01/yoga-pose-passing-wind.html" target="_blank">while I was in downward-facing dog,</a> no part of me felt good. My knees hurt, my ankles hurt and my wrists hurt. All I kept thinking is “why am I here?” <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWVk2i7YzK8/U1Xq_3jYGfI/AAAAAAAAGtY/TLk5wP82j5o/s1600/heartmat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWVk2i7YzK8/U1Xq_3jYGfI/AAAAAAAAGtY/TLk5wP82j5o/s1600/heartmat.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While I am not the most fit person in the world, my pains weren't coming from me not being capable, but actually the stress on my body of the poses I was doing with my crappy, paper-thin yoga mat.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While it was cute, matched my outfit and my price range, it wasn’t doing anything for my joints. I needed a mat with more padding, but still would allow me to do my poses in yoga or when I was doing other fitness moves. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.wellnessmats.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FitnessMat</a> is therapeutic flooring innovation for those looking to enhance their fitness experiences will immediately benefit from the advanced technology of FitnessMats. The tried and true proprietary APT™ polyurethane material suspends and supports body weight, reducing impact and stress, while maintaining an inherently antimicrobial finish for easy cleaning and maintenance. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGEKTXcg_pA/U1Xpg7oLeHI/AAAAAAAAGtM/eQzfERlRpOo/s1600/tnjp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGEKTXcg_pA/U1Xpg7oLeHI/AAAAAAAAGtM/eQzfERlRpOo/s1600/tnjp.png" height="640" width="336" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The FitnessMats also feature ADA-compliant 20 degree beveled edges that never curl and always lie flat, eliminating trip hazards. FitnessMats enhance every fitness experience by making it clean, safe, and comfortable in the privacy of your home or the public-facing gym spaces – designed to perform and built to last. Perfect for yoga, Pilates, free weights, stretching and more.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPRc94jxa1U/U1XpMhvZBPI/AAAAAAAAGs8/DVXisk6xbQY/s1600/537964_10151957467059751_301489984_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPRc94jxa1U/U1XpMhvZBPI/AAAAAAAAGs8/DVXisk6xbQY/s1600/537964_10151957467059751_301489984_n.png" height="636" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">FitnessMats are available online at <a href="http://www.wellnessmats.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.wellnessmats.com</a> as well as select retailers. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The mats come in three classic colorways, gray, black, and brown and two different sizes tailored to your exercise needs. The 6' x 2.5' FitnessMats are long enough to support the entire body and retail for $239.95. The 4' x 2'2" FitnessMat are ideal for kneeling, stretching, and stepping and retail for $149.95. And they are also ideal for making fitness feel good again...well at least as much as working out can feel good. </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Or you can win your own FitnessMat on <a href="http://www.mamachallenge.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mamachallenge</a> (at $150 value)!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/91d3f449/" id="rc-91d3f449" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Time to Get Moving! </span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /></div><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-48514804584427993542014-04-21T03:30:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.795-07:00Trash to Toys: 10 Recycled Educational Toys<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Thanks to today's contributor, Kiddie Academy (www.KiddieAcademy.com) for the following ideas for creating recycled educational toys.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Want to feed your child’s imagination, while helping the environment? </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Earth Day is a yearly reminder to consider our role in protecting the environment. Parents can make a positive impact by creating fun, educational toys from everyday items that may initially seem like trash, but can be repurposed into teaching tools.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mgwyR1fUsM/U1PIi30qsRI/AAAAAAAAGso/9AVCxqb_C_0/s1600/Trash+to+Toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mgwyR1fUsM/U1PIi30qsRI/AAAAAAAAGso/9AVCxqb_C_0/s1600/Trash+to+Toys.jpg" height="640" width="562" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Computer Keyboard:</b> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">An outdated keyboard is a perfect teaching toy, as it includes the entire alphabet to assist in early literacy exercises. Challenge your child to sing the ABC song while locating each letter on the keyboard.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Shoebox to Mailbox: </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Children love getting mail. Reinforce both reading and writing skills by creating a family mailbox from an old shoebox. Encourage your child to write notes to family members, and leave notes for them as well.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Water Bottle Instrument:</b> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fill a clean, dry plastic water or soda bottle with rice, bells, beans or coins and shake them to hear a variety of new sounds. Glue the top on to secure the contents.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Junk Mail:</b> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Instead of immediately sending your unwanted mail to the landfill, allow your child to play with the envelopes and letters. She can pretend to be a postal carrier while getting additional exposure to printed words.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Magazines: </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Glossy photos in magazines are perfect for creating collage art that provides fine motor skill practice with scissors and glue.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>TV Remote: </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Children love pushing buttons. An unused television remote control can be used for number and math play. Simply remove the batteries and ask him to find the numbers as you call them out.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Clothing: </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dramatic play is an essential teaching tool that allows children to explore social roles, practice problem solving and language skills. Add no longer needed pieces of your own wardrobe to the toy chest to encourage your child’s imagination. She can literally “try on” a different role by wearing your skirt, hat or shoes.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Linens:</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your child can use a worn out sheet or towel as a cape, picnic blanket or as the roof to a play fort.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Toilet Paper Tube: </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Empty TP tubes are a favorite art tool in classrooms. Save a box of them, and give them to your child along with a few craft supplies to see what he can create. Binoculars, stamps and creatures are popular choices.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Boxes: </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While it’s tempting to immediately recycle a box, your child can have hours of fun using an empty box for creative play. What seems like trash to you could become a school bus, secret hideout or magic castle.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>For more eco-friendly education tips, parents can visit Kiddie Academy's Family Essentials blog: http://www.kafamilyessentials.com.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-30481848214582186712014-04-18T03:00:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.869-07:00Fish Friday: Celebrating Lent with Baked Tilapia with Shrimp from Olive Garden {Recipe}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Those who are observing Lent and abstaining from meat may be struggling to come up with dinner options for their families. T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">his Baked Tilapia with Shrimp recipe from one of our family's favorite restaurants, <a href="https://www2.olivegarden.com/" target="_blank">Olive Garden</a>, is perfect to conclude Lent or for any night your family is craving seafood. Serve it with your favorite vegetables. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">For a lighter version of this recipe, try Olive Garden’s new Baked Tilapia with Shrimp at only 340 calories!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ffXwCrCGPDs/U1CclGIcE4I/AAAAAAAAGsI/PZazY0x3ubI/s1600/image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ffXwCrCGPDs/U1CclGIcE4I/AAAAAAAAGsI/PZazY0x3ubI/s1600/image002.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Baked Tilapia with Shrimp Recipe</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(Serves four)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ingredients</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 Tilapia filets<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1.5 – 2 lbs. Medium, unpeeled, deveined shrimp<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tbsp Butter <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp Garlic, chopped<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tbsp Onion, finely chopped<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup White Wine <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup Heavy Cream <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 stick (4oz) Butter, cubed <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tbsp. Parsley, chopped<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pinch Salt <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pinch Pepper <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Instructions</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Make the butter wine sauce. (Yields 2 cups/4 portions of 4 fl. oz.) </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Melt 1 tbsp. of butter, chopped garlic and finely chopped onion in pot for 3 minutes. Stir with rubber spatula. No browning.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add white wine and heavy cream. Simmer gently until volume reduces by half. About 1 cup.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Turn off fire.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add cubed pieces of butter. Stir until butter, wine and cream are combined. Sauce should have a slightly thick consistency.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finish with salt, pepper and chopped parsley.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* Important: A fresh butter sauce must be served after being made. This sauce will not chill and reheat. When adding the butter to the reduction, the temperature of the sauce cannot exceed 150 degrees.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rinse the tilapia filets and shrimp under cold water and place in a baking pan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bake at 350 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes. (Filets’ internal temp should be 145 degrees.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For plating, place the shrimp on top of the filet and top with the hot butter wine sauce. Serve with your favorite vegetable on the side.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-24326845260765863852014-04-17T02:00:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.877-07:00Easter Eats: Cheesy Corn Bake from 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House {Recipe}<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For our family, Easter lunch/dinner looks a lot like a lighter version of Thanksgiving: a big piece of meat with all the same kind of fixings like mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, we'll you get the picture.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fk2xRVznqN4/U03mpuMIJKI/AAAAAAAAGrU/nFZa03-r-rc/s1600/Corn+Bake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fk2xRVznqN4/U03mpuMIJKI/AAAAAAAAGrU/nFZa03-r-rc/s1600/Corn+Bake.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So to change it up for this year, we opted for BBQ. Good ole barbecue. While Dallas-Fort Worth has tons of amazing places to enjoy BBQ cooking at its best</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, the hubs wants to make it himself. However, I'm in charge of the fixings. And it's just not BBQ if I can't get at least a few bites of this Cheesy Corn Bake from <a href="http://www.3stacksbbq.com/" target="_blank">3 Stacks Smoke House</a> in Frisco. There's just something about this golden goodness that screams "I need to eat this NOW." </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Perhaps it's the cream corn. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Perhaps it's the cornbread mix. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Perhaps it's that one stick of butter and cheese. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Whatever it is, it's good. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWI5H4iQL60/U03ms7x-j1I/AAAAAAAAGrg/P-qEZVnOR28/s1600/377966_320577148051246_79659437_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWI5H4iQL60/U03ms7x-j1I/AAAAAAAAGrg/P-qEZVnOR28/s1600/377966_320577148051246_79659437_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And while </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Trace “The Rib Whisperer” Arnold of 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House isn't giving out all his secrets for tasty BBQ, he did share this recipe and his tips to make it perfect. And now I'm sharing it with you! </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBVxch_1tVA/U03msx71bdI/AAAAAAAAGrk/BgDm3uleWwM/s1600/1378560_455687971206829_1430124576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBVxch_1tVA/U03msx71bdI/AAAAAAAAGrk/BgDm3uleWwM/s1600/1378560_455687971206829_1430124576_n.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">CHEESY CORN BAKE</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Trace “The Rib Whisperer” Arnold of 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 can of undrained whole kernel corn<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 can of cream corn<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8 oz. of sour cream<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 well beaten eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 box of Jiffy cornbread mix<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 stick of melted butter (not too hot, avoid clarifying the butter)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cup finely diced fresh jalapeño peppers<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Instructions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Place mixture in a well-oiled 9x13 pan and bake for 55-60 minutes at 350 degrees.</span><br /><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Variations</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Top with fresh grated cheddar or blended cheese.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Substitute jalapeños for green chilies. Cayenne pepper is also a great substitution for heat.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add red bell pepper for a holiday flair.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add brown Panco bread crumbs and top for a crunchy texture.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Light sour cream will reduce calories.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cream cheese can be substituted for sour for a richer blend.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fresh corn can be used in place of canned.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Plain yellow cornbread mix can replace Jiffy if you want to eliminate the sweet flavor of the Jiffy.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After this, you might be making this Easter side at Memorial Day, July 4th and Thanksgiving, too! Plus if you get a chance to visit 3 Stacks, I highly suggest you also try the fried dill pickle cheese fries - they'll make every day better! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Hoppy Easter! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-88802934221528814342014-04-16T04:00:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.952-07:00Thinking Outside of the Box: 11 Monthly Subscription Boxes For Everyone {As Seen on TV} <div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm getting to go a little out of my own box this week on <a href="http://www.wfaa.com/good-morning-texas" target="_blank">Good Morning Texas</a> with a look at the coolest trend to hit your inbox and mailbox: subscription boxes! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLx4cBgSaV8/U04EuKv6NMI/AAAAAAAAGrw/qUo9UTpUzk4/s1600/Boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLx4cBgSaV8/U04EuKv6NMI/AAAAAAAAGrw/qUo9UTpUzk4/s1600/Boxes.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've scoured the Internet to find some of the coolest, my unique, and downright just too much fun to pass up subscription box concepts for the ladies, the gents and even Fido, too!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's my rundown! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.wfaa.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=255526171&pos=top&swfw=470"></script><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><object data="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" height="264" id="_fp_0.1405957704409957" name="player" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="470"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"/><param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"/><param value="transparent" name="wmode"/><param value="high" name="quality"/><param name="movie" value="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" /><param value="config=http://www.wfaa.com/?j=embed_255526171&ref=http://www.wfaa.com/good-morning-texas/Great-Goodies-Delivered-Right-to-Your-Door-Every-Month-255526171.html" name="flashvars"/></object><script src="http://www.wfaa.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=255526171&pos=bottom&ref=http://www.wfaa.com/good-morning-texas/Great-Goodies-Delivered-Right-to-Your-Door-Every-Month-255526171.html"></script></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>For the Ladies:</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Fabletics,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.fabletics.com/">www.fabletics.com</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Women’s Active Wear</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kate Hudson’s new line of stylish active performance clothing at half the price. Take an assessment and either stylist sends you full outfits or you can online shop as normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Starts at $49.95 for full outfit</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Sent Her Way,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.sentherway.com/">www.sentherway.com</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Feminine Products</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sent Her Way takes the chore to the store out of every woman’s routine by shipping all her customized supplies each month! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>$9/month</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Stitch Fix,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.stitchfix.com/">www.stitchfix.com</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Styling/Clothes </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stitch Fix is a personal styling service. Complete your style, size, and budget preferences, and they will send you a package of stylish goodies to try on at home, choose what you like and return what you don’t! And there’s even suggestions to how to wear it!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>$20 styling fee goes towards your fix if you buy clothes. Each fix is priced in separate pieces or as discount when all are purchased.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>For the Men:</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Carnivore Club,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.carnivoreclub.co/">www.carnivoreclub.co</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Cured meats</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Straight from Canada, each month members receive a faux-wood box filled with 4-6 handcrafted cured meats themed around French charcuterie, Italian Salumi, Spanish Chorizo, South African Biltong and Artisnal Jerky, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>$50-$55 </i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Dollar Shave of the Month,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.dollarshaveclub.com/">www.dollarshaveclub.com</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Personal Shave Care</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Shave Time, Shave Money.” Get your personal grooming products sent monthly starting with you choosing the blade!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>$1, $6, $9 </i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Mystery Tackle Box,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.mysterytacklebox.com/">www.mysterytacklebox.com</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Sporting goods/fishing</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Discover Baits to Build Your Confidence.” Perfect for your fisherman for special tackle and bait options.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Starts as low as $13.75/12-month subscription </i> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>For Everyone on Your List: </u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Birchbox,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.birchbox.com/">www.birchbox.com</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Makeup</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Each month subscriber received a box of carefully selected deluxe samples for women/men to try. Then they can purchase the full size versions on the Birchbox Shop.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Women’s $10/month for 4-5 deluxe samples. Men’s $20/month for 3-4 deluxe samples.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Escape Travel Box,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.escapemonthly.com/">www.escapemonthly.com</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Travel-themed food/fun items</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Can’t go vacation, then get one sent to you. A destination-inspired monthly delivery of luxury products to help you relax, renew and escape!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>$49.95/month</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Barkbox,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.barkbox.com/">www.barkbox.com</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Pet Snacks </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tell us how big your dog's bark is. Toys, gifts & gadgets for every dog size.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">$18-29/month, plans available at every length. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Stunner of the Month,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.stunnerofthemonth.com/">www.stunnerofthemonth.com</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Sunglasses </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fun sunglasses of every shape, size and look.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>$9</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Naturebox,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.naturebox.com/">www.naturebox.com</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Natural Snacks</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Full size healthy snacks sent straight to your door. Three box sizes that fit your diet like No-GMOs, no-gluten, no-dairy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Pick size/price. Starts around $20/month <u1:p></u1:p></i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> <u1:p></u1:p> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-87427767036705449792014-04-14T03:00:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:19.960-07:00Five Must-Have Baby Products (that I wish I had when my kids were babies) {Giveaway}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I had my first child, I never thought I would have another shower again. There was no way to keep him happy or quiet, so when someone would come for a short visit I would ask for 10 minutes to throw some water on my face. Then my mother-in-law got me a Bumbo.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Life changed after that for the better. I couldn't believe that anyone could live without one. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That was about six years ago. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-if26S3fY1-A/U0rJx6JHXDI/AAAAAAAAGp0/9ofcFManFqw/s1600/PBJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-if26S3fY1-A/U0rJx6JHXDI/AAAAAAAAGp0/9ofcFManFqw/s1600/PBJ.jpg" height="640" width="616" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now Bumbos are like a basic necessity on any baby registry. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So when I had the opportunity to visit Dallas Market Hall for <a href="http://www.dallasmarketcenter.com/markets/overview.aspx?m=3">PBJ: Play. Baby. Juvenile</a>, <span style="background-color: white;">a juried trade event for the most innovative gifts and gadgets across the baby and children’s industries!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was like a wonderland of all the things that made you say "why didn't I think of that?" So here's the rundown of some of my favorite finds that could have made those early months so much easier!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkcAf_sFBnI/U0rM_TL2u9I/AAAAAAAAGqE/RBU65yulPXc/s1600/Bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkcAf_sFBnI/U0rM_TL2u9I/AAAAAAAAGqE/RBU65yulPXc/s1600/Bottle.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><b><a href="http://mixiebaby.com/" target="_blank">Mixie Baby</a> </b></span><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">is the only self-contained 2-in-1 formula bottle, making feedings possible at any time. Formula and water are stored in separate compartments of the bottle. For feeding, simply press the button on the bottle’s bottom and shake to mix. Mixie is BPA, phthalate and PVC free and is dishwasher and microwave safe. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Can you imagine later at night being able to make that bottle with a click of the button? And it's even compatible with Dr. Brown's and BornFree nipples! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4lCe4IsakQM/U0rNA8HS1AI/AAAAAAAAGqc/BAm0eul4l8c/s1600/CupCatcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4lCe4IsakQM/U0rNA8HS1AI/AAAAAAAAGqc/BAm0eul4l8c/s1600/CupCatcher.jpg" height="640" width="412" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=11&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CJUBEBYwCg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brillibaby.com%2F%23!product%2Fprd14%2F1553294895%2Fcup-catcher&ei=EltLU8qaG8qMyQHXyYCADw&usg=AFQjCNG1KHUC6zX1sVn8abhLvW0i4SFc3Q&sig2=zEJvmyh-HdFvYA--JEtQWg&bvm=bv.64542518,d.aWc">Cup Catcher</a> is a multi-use connector developed by a local Southlake couple to safety tether a sippy cup, bottle, or even your favorite toy to a car seat, highchair, stroller, wheelchair or shopping. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So instead of spending 10 times an hour picking up the cup off the floor while running through the grocery store or the mall, you could avoid bending over relentlessly! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cskLiR9hS4/U0rM_3qwpFI/AAAAAAAAGqY/d0MBBfaEk2o/s1600/CuddleCloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cskLiR9hS4/U0rM_3qwpFI/AAAAAAAAGqY/d0MBBfaEk2o/s1600/CuddleCloth.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.cuddlecloth.com/">Cuddlecloth®</a> is an award-winning and patented instant release & hands free bath towel designed for baby's safety</span>, made for moms convenience. This patented, innovative and practical bath towel bib is made of 100% cotton terry spa velour, one of the largest, thickest towels for baby on the market.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Remember those first baths and you were so gently with your baby until it came time to pick him/her up with a towel, wondering if you were going to drop them? This is where this towel comes in handy. Just check out <a href="http://cuddlecloth.com/cuddlecloth-product-line/">this graphic</a> that shows you exactly why you want one of these instead of those terrycloth ducks that don’t have any purpose. <span class="apple-converted-space"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eVJyuS752Gc/U0rM-wWn-ZI/AAAAAAAAGqI/I9ZIur_Hf1M/s1600/Cot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eVJyuS752Gc/U0rM-wWn-ZI/AAAAAAAAGqI/I9ZIur_Hf1M/s1600/Cot.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.babyhome.es/us/en/products/dream" target="_blank">Dream</a> by Babyhome is a highly designed travel cot featuring a unique adjustable leg system that provides three different uses for the same product. Its aluminum structure gives it a modern, sophisticated look complemented by removable and washable fabric in a variety of colors. A foam mattress, a honeycomb breathable pad and a fitted sheet are included.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had three pack 'n plays; whether it was cheap or expensive we somehow either broke them or couldn't get them put up without screaming an expletive. There's no "set-up" for these and is light as a feather. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqCaN25MN-k/U0rNDrk3ssI/AAAAAAAAGqo/amx-49kL33I/s1600/Stroller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqCaN25MN-k/U0rNDrk3ssI/AAAAAAAAGqo/amx-49kL33I/s1600/Stroller.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.babyhome.es/us/en/products/emotion" target="_blank">Emotion</a> also by Babyhome, stands out for its easy maneuverability, compact folding and lightweight. It is a highly popular stroller because of its attractive design and modern colors, while it is also one of the most functional and practical on the market. With the use of available car seat adapters, Emotion becomes a useful stroller from birth to 55 pounds. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And at the end of all my stroller envy! I mean I've had five strollers and now I've found one that hits everything from cost (approximately $300), durability, comfort and weight! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>"What was your baby product you couldn't live without?"</b></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Answer that and you could win a Mixie Bottle Starter Set ($40!) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/91d3f445/" id="rc-91d3f445" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></span></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-86485445052362337812014-04-11T08:02:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:20.035-07:00Easy Easter Crafts Using Handprints from a Not-So-Crafty Mama {As Seen on TV} <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not a crafty mama. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So when my latest assignment on <a href="http://www.wfaa.com/good-morning-texas" target="_blank">Good Morning Texas</a> was to demonstrate some Easter crafts...I kinda wanted to turn into a turtle and duck into my shell. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfjQUNvMYSU/U0ds5FWt_vI/AAAAAAAAGpY/QAkKuDuK92A/s1600/Handprints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfjQUNvMYSU/U0ds5FWt_vI/AAAAAAAAGpY/QAkKuDuK92A/s1600/Handprints.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No such luck when you're on TV. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I decided that the best crafts are the kind that anyone can do - even me. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While I don't enjoy crafting, I do like to have a little piece of memorabilia from my kiddos to keep or give to the grandparents who don't always get to see the kids, but love getting to stay involved in the kids' lives. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After getting a cute craft from my child's school using my daughter's feet for leaves and her hands for petals, I sprung an idea. We'd do all things fun with handprints. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.wfaa.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=254758431&pos=top&swfw=470"></script><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><object data="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" height="264" id="_fp_0.8705660784617066" name="player" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="470"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"/><param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"/><param value="transparent" name="wmode"/><param value="high" name="quality"/><param name="movie" value="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" /><param value="config=http://www.wfaa.com/?j=embed_254758431&ref=http://www.wfaa.com/good-morning-texas/Easter-Crafts-To-Get-The-Whole-Family-Involved-254758431.html" name="flashvars"/></object><script src="http://www.wfaa.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=254758431&pos=bottom&ref=http://www.wfaa.com/good-morning-texas/Easter-Crafts-To-Get-The-Whole-Family-Involved-254758431.html"></script> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Honestly, these crafts are so easy, they don't even need instructions. Just take a look at my tutorial I did on GMT on April 10. And you still have time to do these since they are so quick and still get them in the mail just in time for Easter. Or you could use many of these for Mother's Day, too! </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Need more ideas? </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Check out my Pinterest Easter Board! </span><br /><br /> <a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="320" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="http://www.pinterest.com/autumnreo/holiday-easter/">Follow Autumn Reo {mamachallenge.com}'s board HOLIDAY: Easter on Pinterest.</a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you have any handprint crafts you'd like to share? </b></span></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span> <br /><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-29975719920950048582014-04-10T09:18:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:20.042-07:00Beautify You at BEAUTY LIVE This Weekend at Galleria Dallas<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even if it doesn’t look like I wear it, I love makeup. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I mean my favorite “holiday” after Christmas growing up was Clinique Bonus time. Now as an adult, I’m not just on the lookout for a new favorite lipgloss, but now I’m looking at wrinkle reducer, eye brightener, primer and all those other things that sound more like painting a house than applying makeup. So like any good student, I need to get some schooling from time to time. So a few weeks ago I went to Nordstrom’s Trend Show and this weekend I’m hitting up <a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" target="_blank">BEAUTY LIVE</a> at Galleria Dallas, April 12 & 13! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMjSEjurGkc/U0dqm3WQGYI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/aO_BHdwQ4rg/s1600/1796554_10151913218472227_546371349_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMjSEjurGkc/U0dqm3WQGYI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/aO_BHdwQ4rg/s1600/1796554_10151913218472227_546371349_n.png" height="282" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s all beauty, all the time with two days of nothing by sessions, freebies, demos and more. While the event is free, tickets are only $20 for each sessions for reserved seating and that includes a gift bag and a $20 gift card! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Expert Sessions throughout Beauty Live include:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222;">SATURDAY, APRIL 13:</span></u></b><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br />11am – Expert Beauty Panel </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: normal;">featuring Courtney Kerr of Bravo’s <i>Courtney Loves Dallas</i>, Galleria Fashion Stylist Holly Quartaro and a panel of experts </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmViuMT8_TI/U0bDZeujNaI/AAAAAAAAGo8/vm-hBddF75A/s1600/Galleria-BL-BeautyPanel-Invite-201404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmViuMT8_TI/U0bDZeujNaI/AAAAAAAAGo8/vm-hBddF75A/s1600/Galleria-BL-BeautyPanel-Invite-201404.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">12pm – TONI&GUY Presents: Hair Meets Wardrobe</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">1pm – Courtney’s Favorite Things</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><br /><b>Courtney Kerr</b>, star of Bravo TV’s <i>Courtney Loves Dallas</i>, talk show host of KTXD’s <i>The Broadcast </i>and fashion blogger, has hand-picked her all-time favorite beauty and skin care products and she is sharing the love! Join us to find out what’s in Courtney’s make up bag, and you could go home with one of the dozens of products she is giving away. <br /><br /><b>2pm – Macy’s Presents Spring 2014 ‘Must Haves’</b><br /><br /><b>3pm – BELK presents Spring Beauty Panel hosted by <i>In Style Magazine</i></b>.<br /><br /><b>4pm – Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare Presented by Nordstrom Spa</b></span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">5pm – Sephora Presents Re(Marc)able Beauty featuring Marc Jacobs’ newest beauty trends</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">6pm – MAC </span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><br /><br /><b><u>SUNDAY, APRIL 13:</u> </b><br /><br /><b>3pm – LUSH Fresh Handmade Beauty</b><br /><br /><b>4pm – Westin Galleria Dallas and The Second Floor Bistro-Bar Present SuperFoods</b></span><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In addition to the expert sessions, <i>Beauty Live</i> showcases all the top trends in beauty with dozens of events and activities. Tour the many how-to Beauty Stops stationed throughout Galleria Dallas for simple secrets and top techniques for a more gorgeous you. Guests will enjoy free hands-on makeover opportunities throughout the center.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And of course while you are there, go check out <a href="http://mamachallenge.blogspot.com/2014/04/win-500-gift-card-belk-opens-its-texas.html" target="_blank">the new Belk</a>...just know this is going to be a weekend you're gonna buy stuff. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b>Have fun and I'll see you there! </b></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-85867570762431299852014-04-08T22:39:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:20.116-07:00Win $500 Gift Card! Belk Opens its Texas Flagship Store at Galleria Dallas TODAY #BelkDallas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last week Dallas was invited to celebrate a 126-year tradition that now makes its home in Dallas with the first <a href="http://www.belk.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Belk </a>flagship location in Texas! </span></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5x36SqetIw/U0TQTQ4U9kI/AAAAAAAAGng/J5_7QYfm7xI/s1600/photo+4+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5x36SqetIw/U0TQTQ4U9kI/AAAAAAAAGng/J5_7QYfm7xI/s1600/photo+4+(9).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 180,000 sq. ft. store that once housed Saks Fifth Avenue, rolled out the red carpet with a pre-opening event gala full of giveaways, southern hospitality, tons of great fashion and even a celebrity-hosted runway show with <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/nashville" target="_blank">Nashville</a> star Hayden Panettiere. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5y9rs2OuktY/U0TUD7UIx5I/AAAAAAAAGoI/Iui43IuKf_A/s1600/Belkrunway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5y9rs2OuktY/U0TUD7UIx5I/AAAAAAAAGoI/Iui43IuKf_A/s1600/Belkrunway.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Benefiting <a href="http://ww5.komen.org/" target="_blank">Susan G. Komen</a>, the night's activities began with a beautiful entrance that greeted guests as they rolled up to valet, showing that Belk was definitely prepared to make a impression. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MEvcEuiplwQ/U0TUD-WdhvI/AAAAAAAAGn8/anisNPp5Xmg/s1600/BelkEntrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MEvcEuiplwQ/U0TUD-WdhvI/AAAAAAAAGn8/anisNPp5Xmg/s1600/BelkEntrance.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Considering I had been to a few Belk stores around DFW, I wasn't sure what to expect, but after mentally "pinning" about four handbags I was lusting over, including the Calvin Klein color block "Celene-like" bag one below, I figured I was in for a treat (and my wallet for a possible problem.) </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrDMc13q1HM/U0TUUP7CSPI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/jCUZxADCv18/s1600/BagBelk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrDMc13q1HM/U0TUUP7CSPI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/jCUZxADCv18/s1600/BagBelk.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found many of my favorite brands including Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Free People Nanette Lepore, Laura Mercier and many more with tons of options for all ages and styles. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmwkXEPEo1w/U0TUCxdI_DI/AAAAAAAAGn4/uEgYxHgLHcY/s1600/BelkHandbags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmwkXEPEo1w/U0TUCxdI_DI/AAAAAAAAGn4/uEgYxHgLHcY/s1600/BelkHandbags.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This Wednesday, April 9, 2014 marks the official grand opening of the new Belk at <a href="http://www.galleriadallas.com/" target="_blank">Galleria Dallas</a> with lots fun including a gift card giveaway for the first 800 customers (and cards up to $500!) </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r27UJc4DW_E/U0TQWfDcmII/AAAAAAAAGno/Lo0t1zKFMl8/s1600/wk06_dallaslp_p1_030914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r27UJc4DW_E/U0TQWfDcmII/AAAAAAAAGno/Lo0t1zKFMl8/s1600/wk06_dallaslp_p1_030914.jpg" height="249" width="640" /></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But if you can't make it to Belk on Wednesday, make plans to enjoy several of their grand opening events including Shoes & Champagne on April 10, April 12 & 13 at Beauty LIVE event and even a Girls' Night Out with Cynthia Rowley on April 17! </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj1sLrn_BNg/U0TVbnOILXI/AAAAAAAAGog/9-jwqG-D9K0/s1600/SavetheDateBelk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj1sLrn_BNg/U0TVbnOILXI/AAAAAAAAGog/9-jwqG-D9K0/s1600/SavetheDateBelk.png" height="268" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have a feeling that Belk will soon become your favorite go-to store for your modern southern style. (If you <a href="http://www.belk.com/AST/Featured/Promo_Details/DallasStore.jsp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sign up on their website</a> you also get a 20% discount!) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Check out more style with Belk at @BelkDallasGalleria on Facebook, @Belk on Twitter and @MyBelk on Instagram and Pinterest! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-20600283525221860462014-04-07T22:47:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:20.123-07:00Lo-Cal Summer Sippin' Recipes #TENways<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with</span><a href="http://www.whoispollinate.com/"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #1155cc;"> <i>Pollinate Media Group</i></span></a><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">™ and <i>Dr. Pepper Snapple Group</i> but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia </span>#TENways #ad <a href="http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"> </span></a><a href="http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #1155cc;">http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV</span></a>.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With summer time just around the corner, it means we only have 60 days left to attempt to zip up that cute summer mini dress or squeeze into the always-dreaded swimsuit! But eating healthy doesn't necessarily mean we have to give our my favorite things to eat <b><u>AND</u></b> drink. </span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBrkJMT2Ed4/U0OMbs1zDvI/AAAAAAAAGm8/38mF0wKtSXo/s1600/Ten%23TenWays%23PMedia%23Ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBrkJMT2Ed4/U0OMbs1zDvI/AAAAAAAAGm8/38mF0wKtSXo/s1600/Ten%23TenWays%23PMedia%23Ad.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What a lot of people don't think about is the amount of calories consumed with just one cocktail! However, with the <a href="http://wm6.walmart.com/ten-ways-coupon.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ten beverage line</a> from Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, you can enjoy all the fun and flavor of Sunkist, A&W Rootbeer, Canada Dry Ginger Ale and 7-up for only TEN calories! </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I've concocted four fantastic recipes that taste even better than your old standby summer cocktails, but without the empty calories! I love being able to enjoy anytime of the week, at get-togethers and even playdates with other moms and they think I've added something to our drinks, but in fact, I've taken out most calories by using the <a href="http://on.fb.me/MhvOxk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TEN beverages</a> I found at Walmart. And they taste delicious enough you may choose these as your go-to summer sippers! <b>I mean nothing says summer like a rootbeer float...and with this recipe I've cut half the calories, 25 percent of the fat and none of the flavor!</b></span></span><br /><div class="main" style="line-height: 10.8pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">7UP TEN PUNCH<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">1 ounce orange juice<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">1 ounce pineapple juice<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">2 ounces Ten 7-up<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">½ teaspoon grenadine<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Orange wedge<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Full a shaker with ice. Add all ingredients except the soda, shake well. Strain into a wine glass and top with 7UP. Garnish with orange slice. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rZ9kJk9bZE/U0N0SuT-zfI/AAAAAAAAGmI/zI4-3byN0h0/s1600/7UP_Ten_Punch_%23TENways%23PMedia%23ad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rZ9kJk9bZE/U0N0SuT-zfI/AAAAAAAAGmI/zI4-3byN0h0/s1600/7UP_Ten_Punch_%23TENways%23PMedia%23ad2.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SUNKIST TEN COSMEAUX</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">4 ounces Ten Sunkist<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">2 ounce cranberry juice (or cranberry juice cocktail)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Garnish with a twist of orange peel<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Mix together all ingredients in a cocktail shaker lightly. Serve in a martini glass. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uyuptGO2mrg/U0N2XQhLv4I/AAAAAAAAGmU/NFtYZKe3e-0/s1600/Sunkist_Cosmeaux_%23TENways%23PMedia%23ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uyuptGO2mrg/U0N2XQhLv4I/AAAAAAAAGmU/NFtYZKe3e-0/s1600/Sunkist_Cosmeaux_%23TENways%23PMedia%23ad.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">CANADA DRY FAUXJITO<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">6-7 Mint leaves<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">1 tablespoon lime juice<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">6 ounces of Ten Canada Dry<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Garnish with a slice of lime<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Muddle mint leaves and lime juice. Fill glass with ice and Ten Canada Dry, stir, and serve. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKTP6qX98Ro/U0N3tJm5HcI/AAAAAAAAGmk/4dHTEc9Vpvg/s1600/Canada_Dry_Ten_%23TENways%23PMedia%23ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKTP6qX98Ro/U0N3tJm5HcI/AAAAAAAAGmk/4dHTEc9Vpvg/s1600/Canada_Dry_Ten_%23TENways%23PMedia%23ad.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">A&W ROOTBEER LO-CAL FLOATER<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">½ cup Greek Frozen Yogurt Vanilla <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">8 ounces Ten A&W Rootbeer </span></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Scoop frozen yogurt into cold mug glass. Carefully add A&W Rootbeer to the glass until foam rises to the top. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6l0Ku_TD-0/U0N4tfQAtnI/AAAAAAAAGms/eZKK-oc-ozc/s1600/AW_TEN_ROOTBEER_%23TENways%23PMedia%23ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6l0Ku_TD-0/U0N4tfQAtnI/AAAAAAAAGms/eZKK-oc-ozc/s1600/AW_TEN_ROOTBEER_%23TENways%23PMedia%23ad.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SAVE MONEY AND CALORIES WITH THE <a href="http://bit.ly/1bTaw5q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;">TEN at Walmart</span>!</a></span></b><br /><b><br /></b></div></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">$0.50 off of the purchase of TWO 2 Liter bottles or TWO 4-pack cans of Ten 7UP, Ten A&W, Ten Canada Dry, TEN RC or TEN Sunkist soda. However, if you share the digital coupon via email, Facebook or Twitter, you will get brought to a coupon that will get $1.50 off that purchase rather than just .$50! <b><a href="http://wm6.walmart.com/ten-ways-coupon.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Get this coupon while supplies last!</a></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enjoy celebrating summer by toasting with these non-alcoholic, lo-cal summer sippers featuring the Ten Calorie sodas!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-57138704517523239102014-04-07T04:00:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:20.198-07:00#JOESGOESBLUE: Joe’s Crab Shack Kicks off Annual April Autism Speaks Fundraiser<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This month<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.joescrabshack.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Joe’s</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;"> </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Crab </span></span><span style="color: #1155cc;">Shack</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>has joined organizations across the globe in celebrating the international Light It Up Blue campaign on World Autism Awareness Day and kick off its second annual national fundraiser for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Autism Speaks</span></a>, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yhZ89Ym7lo8/U0IfOIDTm6I/AAAAAAAAGl4/Ien-WlKK7z4/s1600/AS+Shirt_Back_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yhZ89Ym7lo8/U0IfOIDTm6I/AAAAAAAAGl4/Ien-WlKK7z4/s1600/AS+Shirt_Back_.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As one of Autism Speaks’ largest corporate partners, Joe’s raised more than $1 million in 2013 through in-restaurant donations, online donations and sales of Joe’s “Light It Up Blue” tie-dye T-shirts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXgSuqXyvFs/U0IfMxpea-I/AAAAAAAAGlw/JH17OjY95AA/s1600/Classicsteampot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXgSuqXyvFs/U0IfMxpea-I/AAAAAAAAGlw/JH17OjY95AA/s1600/Classicsteampot.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><ul><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Head to Joe’s Crab Shack to donate and receive coupons for free food. For every $1 donation, receive a free kids meal entrée; $5 donation for a free Crazy Good CrabDip; and $10 donation for a free Classic Steampot. While readers are at Joe’s they can purchase a “Peace of the Puzzle” signature tie-dye T-shirt and 10 percent of proceeds will go to Autism Speaks.</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Take in a Rangers game at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 16 for the autism awareness game.</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Advocates can spread the word by posting photos of themselves supporting Autism Speaks with the hashtag #JoesGoesBlue. At the end of the campaign, Joe’s will award gift cards to photo winners and post guests’ photos in a puzzle mosaic on Joe’s social media.</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Restaurants will also “Light it Up Blue” throughout the month to remind guests of the worthy cause. </span></li></ul><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzyh72xjXXg/U0IfMxR4TSI/AAAAAAAAGls/1eEpP5EzwUo/s1600/Autism+Speaks+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzyh72xjXXg/U0IfMxR4TSI/AAAAAAAAGls/1eEpP5EzwUo/s1600/Autism+Speaks+image.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Information about local Autism Speaks efforts is available<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/chapters" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">here</span></a>. To find the closest Joe’s<span class="apple-converted-space"> Crab Shack location, visit<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.joescrabshack.com/locations" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.joescrabshack.com/<wbr></wbr>locations</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><div><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-46023597939175436732014-04-05T04:31:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:20.205-07:00Easy Easter Food Fun for Everyone {As Seen on TV}<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Multitasking Mama" is my middle name. Unfortunately, "Make-and-Do-Mama" isn't.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So if creativity isn't one of your skill sets, you are in good company. This Easter I've put together a few of my favorite craft ideas that are as much fun to make as they are to eat! These activities that I either found on Pinterest or have been making for years will give you and your kids something fun to do while you spend time together and best of all, when you are done, you can gobble them up for snack time.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qbIaNrVzeFM/Uz_paqGrBzI/AAAAAAAAGkU/7aUDzfLWCW4/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qbIaNrVzeFM/Uz_paqGrBzI/AAAAAAAAGkU/7aUDzfLWCW4/s1600/Untitled.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And did I mention they are super easy? So easy in fact my son made his own <a href="http://mamachallenge.blogspot.com/2013/03/chef-jacksons-microwave-easter-day-bark.html" target="_blank">YouTube video</a> on how to make one of them? (Kids these days...)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGQeXpI2E0I/U0FhnEM57kI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/ZJj1tsq9ZHs/s1600/EasterFox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGQeXpI2E0I/U0FhnEM57kI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/ZJj1tsq9ZHs/s1600/EasterFox.jpg" height="536" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All of these crafts were featured on Good Day Dallas on April 5, 2014. Hope you caught the segment, but if you didn't, here's the highlight reel and the recipes for you to make at home!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://KDFW.images.worldnow.com/interface/js/WNVideo.js?rnd=620539;hostDomain=www.myfoxdfw.com;playerWidth=645;playerHeight=362;isShowIcon=true;clipId=10022794;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=fixed" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.myfoxdfw.com/" title=" Dallas News | myFOXdfw.com"> Dallas News | myFOXdfw.com</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jackson's Easter Day Bark</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>From <a href="http://mamachallenge.blogspot.com/2013/03/chef-jacksons-microwave-easter-day-bark.html" target="_blank">MamaChallenge.com</a></i></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;">Package of White Almond Bark</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;">Package of Easter M&Ms</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;">Sprinkles</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;">Easter Egg Malted Eggs</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;">Place the almond bark in a microwave safe dish and microwave for 90 seconds to melt (adding more every 10 seconds until it's melted.) </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;">Line a baking sheet with wax paper and spread the almond bark. Drop the M&Ms and other candy over the melted bark. Allow to cool by placing in the freezer. When it solidifies, break into pieces. Makes for a cheap, easy and cute gift to friends, neighbors and teachers!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.955554962158203px;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80Q7hKIpJKg/U0FgIbWIFdI/AAAAAAAAGk8/aa-QDDUpgUc/s1600/EasterBark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80Q7hKIpJKg/U0FgIbWIFdI/AAAAAAAAGk8/aa-QDDUpgUc/s1600/EasterBark.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Easter Basket Cupcakes</b></span><br /><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I've been doing these since I was a kid!) </span></i><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cupcake with vanilla icing </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Favorite Easter candy</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Licorice rope</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jelly Beans </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peeps or Chocolate Easter Bunny candy</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shredded Coconut</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Green food coloring</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place coconut in a plastic baggie or a plastic bowl with a lid. Drop 3-5 drops of food color and then cover. Shake container until completely saturated green. There's your Easter grass!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now just line up all your candies in a few bowls so the kids can easily get to them to make their Easter baskets. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking the cupcake, sprinkle or swirl cupcake until the top is covered in coconut. Now place your Peep or Chocolate bunny in cupcake. Place jelly beans around it to look like eggs. Last place both ends of your licorice stick into the cupcake to resemble a basket. Now eat it!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PFVA3D7LWkU/U0FghajkukI/AAAAAAAAGlE/NBTy6uh_Grw/s1600/EasterBaskets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PFVA3D7LWkU/U0FghajkukI/AAAAAAAAGlE/NBTy6uh_Grw/s1600/EasterBaskets.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Carrot Snacks</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This is a great for small kids that doesn't involve sugar! </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 quart size plastic baggies or clear pastry bags</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Favorite orange snacks (I prefer Amy's Organic Bunnies, buy you can use Cheetos or Goldfish) </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Green ribbon</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After removing the zip closure on the bags with a diagonal cut, please snacks in one corner of the bag and twist up to resemble a carrot. To close, tie a green ribbon around the top to look like a stem and you are done!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Strawberry Carrots</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">White Chocolate Chips or Orange Melts</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1-2 Tablespooons of shortening</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Orange powdered icing coloring </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strawberries</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crushed Oreos</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melt chocolate with shortening until smooth in the microwave or over a double boiler. Now turn chocolate orange if needed with the icing coloring. Next after drying your strawberries (if you don't the water will cause chocolate to seize and turn gritty), dip the strawberry into chocolate until covered. Place on wax paper to dry for 15-20 minutes. Serve "carrots" over a bed of crushed Oreo to resemble a garden.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_ARzMl-q8E/U0FfxJtRlMI/AAAAAAAAGk0/oQqPPQiu4uA/s1600/Carrotmud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_ARzMl-q8E/U0FfxJtRlMI/AAAAAAAAGk0/oQqPPQiu4uA/s1600/Carrotmud.jpg" height="292" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carrot Patch Cups </span></b><br /><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As seen on <a href="http://www.kidzui.com/" target="_blank">Kidzui.com</a></span></i><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Packets of instant chocolate pudding</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Cups of milk</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Thawed package of Cool Whip</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Cups Oreo cookies</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Orange Icing (or white with orange food coloring)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edible candy grass (or Coconut dyed with green food coloring)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Directions:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mix the pudding and milk together.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gently stir in the Cool Whip.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crush your Oreos and add half of them to the pudding.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Divide the pudding mixture into cups or dishes and top with the remaining Oreos.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pipe the orange frosting onto the top to look like a carrot growing out of the ground.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top with a few blades of fake grass.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3sF57r3IuY/U0FfIf5FDOI/AAAAAAAAGks/OklWkTsJSJI/s1600/CarrotCups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3sF57r3IuY/U0FfIf5FDOI/AAAAAAAAGks/OklWkTsJSJI/s1600/CarrotCups.jpg" height="594" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I'll add photos after today's segment! In the meantime, take a look at all the fun Easter crafts I've found on my Pinterest page! </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="320" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="http://www.pinterest.com/autumnreo/holiday-easter/">Follow Autumn Reo {mamachallenge.com}'s board HOLIDAY: Easter on Pinterest.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><br /><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-26841273446418531462014-04-04T08:27:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:20.279-07:00Final Four Fun for the Family in Dallas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzqU8y18n1M/Uz7PSdmpd0I/AAAAAAAAGjg/mwxmzftOUoo/s1600/Stadium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzqU8y18n1M/Uz7PSdmpd0I/AAAAAAAAGjg/mwxmzftOUoo/s1600/Stadium.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our family may be close to the action of the big game over at Jerry's World, but there's a lot more happening at Final Four than just a game that the whole family can get excited about. Here's a couple of big things you can do with the kids to celebrate (even if you can't afford the tickets to AT&T Stadium. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRJQ3vR2kZE/Uz7N25R0CPI/AAAAAAAAGjM/qM57yUtal3g/s1600/84085-61_Website_Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRJQ3vR2kZE/Uz7N25R0CPI/AAAAAAAAGjM/qM57yUtal3g/s1600/84085-61_Website_Banner.jpg" height="184" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-weight: bold;">Dribble</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sunday, April 6</span></span><br /><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_144103017" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">11:30</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - Dribble begin</span><br /><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">FREE</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span> Kids (18 and under) are invited to dribble through downtown Dallas from <span style="background-color: white;">Dallas City Hall Plaza to Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center</span> on Sunday morning and will receive <span style="color: #222222;">a free commemorative Final Four basketball, t-shirt, and an entry into Bracket Town!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">To register: </span><a href="https://2014ncaamffd.theregistrationsystem.com/en/1824" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://2014ncaamffd.<wbr></wbr>theregistrationsystem.com/en/<wbr></wbr>1824</a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bracket Town</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_144103019" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday Noon - 8pm/</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_144103020" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, 10am - 7pm/</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_144103021" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday, Noon - 8pm/ </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_144103022" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday, Noon - 7pm</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kay Bailey Hutchinson Center - Halls A-D</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tickets: $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Free for kids 2 and under. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #222222;">The ultimate Final Four fun fest, KBHC turns into 350,000 sq ft of family-friendly activities. You'll have a chance to meet legendary coaches, former athletes and a free concert by Fifth Harmony. Get more info on the <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/final-four/bracket-town/overview" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website.</a></span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_wqrSrbzXE/Uz7OPvARxjI/AAAAAAAAGjU/1X15fTFVGdg/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_wqrSrbzXE/Uz7OPvARxjI/AAAAAAAAGjU/1X15fTFVGdg/s1600/images+(1).jpg" height="400" width="392" /></a></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>AT&T Block Party, Coke Zero Countdown Concert and Capital One JamFest</b></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All weekend</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Free</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A free concert with Tim McGraw and Bruce Springsteen doesn't need much explaining, but might be something fun to do if you have older kids. With so much going on I wouldn't suggest a stroller child, but this event might be fun as an experience with the big ones. Get the full line of these activities on the <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/news/ncaa/article/2014-03-04/springsteen-headline-march-madness-music-festival-north-texas" target="_blank">website</a>. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-8477104705893748612014-04-02T22:53:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:20.287-07:00You're My Lobster! Our Family Feast at Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest (Now until April 14)<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Disclaimer: I received complimentary food for purposes of this review. #BestLobsterfest</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When it comes to</span> a <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">family dinner outing, pizza, spaghetti, chicken nuggets or corndogs are somewhere on the menu.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However, this time the husband and I had a craving. And not just for a little extra bacon on our burger or spice in our pasta. We wanted LOBSTER. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.redlobster.com/secure/coupons/default.aspx" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2Et9HVZBBE/UzzviLOynlI/AAAAAAAAGh4/5thqdTpfJwY/s1600/print-coupon.jpg" height="360" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But with two kids to feed, that option would normally be out the window with them in tow or reserved for a special occasion when we also would have to pay for a sitter, get into something more pressed and shiny, and make a reservation. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For our family, those types of moments don’t happen often and for the price of the evening, we are already in the hole before we even eat the meal. But we had a craving and we had two kids to feed, so…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bring on the Red Lobster. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ydbfFuYkRHs/Uzz0FgHkLLI/AAAAAAAAGiQ/DAPN9MG0koU/s1600/redlobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ydbfFuYkRHs/Uzz0FgHkLLI/AAAAAAAAGiQ/DAPN9MG0koU/s1600/redlobster.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yep, the friendly seafood chain known for the best garlicky, buttery cheddar biscuits and stiff drinks in my college days (for good measure we’ll say at least a decade ago), once again was my desired destination. And not only was it Red Lobster, but it was during <a href="https://www.redlobster.com/menus/specials/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lobsterfest. </a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8fcNHVeBuDQ/Uzz0Of3FRPI/AAAAAAAAGiY/ZkRQTh4hkjY/s1600/Garlic+Rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8fcNHVeBuDQ/Uzz0Of3FRPI/AAAAAAAAGiY/ZkRQTh4hkjY/s1600/Garlic+Rolls.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lobster for everyone! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On a Friday night we did have a little wait, but that’s to be expected for most restaurants. Once we had our seats, we quickly had a server who understood that kids that were happy meant parents were happy, so he was super about getting orders made and delivered quickly even on a busy Friday night. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKiDpVnnJN8/Uzz6Ecn2t0I/AAAAAAAAGiw/p1nypL7VhZI/s1600/RLhold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKiDpVnnJN8/Uzz6Ecn2t0I/AAAAAAAAGiw/p1nypL7VhZI/s1600/RLhold.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Going through the menu, there were so many options for dinner, especially during Lobsterfest since there’s more lobster dishes available than any other time of the year! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LI-ZhKuGdlA/Uzz0mmMLwWI/AAAAAAAAGig/ixSHdYFopAg/s1600/RLTilapia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LI-ZhKuGdlA/Uzz0mmMLwWI/AAAAAAAAGig/ixSHdYFopAg/s1600/RLTilapia.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some of the Lobsterfest menu highlights include: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lobster in Paradise®</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ultimate Surf and Turf</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dueling Lobster Tails</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lobster Lover's Dream®</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Seaport Lobster & Shrimp</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lobster & Shrimp Linguini Alfredo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rock Island Stuffed Tilapia</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ultimate Feast®</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bar Harbor Lobster Bake</span></li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While reading any of them just made my mouth water, it was the Rock Island Stuffed Tilapia that won my tastebuds. And although the kiddos ended up with broccoli, chicken and macaroni 'n cheese, the family snacked on a sampler platter with cheese sticks for the kids and calamari for the adults. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTNq0uJTjes/Uzzzv0oHkHI/AAAAAAAAGiI/tgIKgyJwChQ/s1600/Calamari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTNq0uJTjes/Uzzzv0oHkHI/AAAAAAAAGiI/tgIKgyJwChQ/s1600/Calamari.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, that wasn’t how it happened since the kids just ate the whole plate of cheese and “circle chicken.” I felt no need to correct him if it meant they were enjoying something different than chicken nuggets. So I just ate the cheddar biscuits... Like the whole basket. <i>And they were good. </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In just around an hour, we had all enjoyed a lovely lobster laden meal at a reasonable price and I had planned for the next time I came into Red Lobster what I would be trying. Perhaps with or without the kids. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z83-BuCqg0s/UzzviEtbUQI/AAAAAAAAGh8/KlI6yiQe5o4/s1600/landing-heading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z83-BuCqg0s/UzzviEtbUQI/AAAAAAAAGh8/KlI6yiQe5o4/s1600/landing-heading.jpg" height="160" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">REMEMBER: Lobsterfest only last until April 14, so make sure you get into your nearest LobsterFest at your <a href="https://www.redlobster.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red Lobster</a>. And if you are looking for an even better deal, you can get $10 off your meal when you buy two Lobsterfest entrees with <a href="https://www.redlobster.com/secure/coupons/default.aspx">this special coupon.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-40790061732036477772014-03-31T04:00:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:20.361-07:00Should You Go To SXSW? 4 Tips for a Successful SXSW <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you’re reading this post you probably fall into only one of two categories: you are excited to learn why you should or shouldn't go to <a href="http://www.sxsw.com/" target="_blank">SXSWi</a> OR you are wondering if SXSW is the newest version of P90X. Honestly, you might not know what either one is, but when it comes down to the conference for all things digital, music and more, it comes all down to SXSW or what’s more formerly known as South by Southwest or the conference goers as “South By.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPYdis_XCJ8/UzihTUx0qYI/AAAAAAAAGgs/gxWO806BZc8/s1600/SXSW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPYdis_XCJ8/UzihTUx0qYI/AAAAAAAAGgs/gxWO806BZc8/s1600/SXSW.jpg" height="640" width="496" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As the big daddy of conferences especially in the music world and now the technology environment too, SXSW, I’ve always wanted to attend. Thankfully, I was asked to be an ambassador for Pfister, so I had the opportunity to travel to Austin for three days to Austin with my blog friend from <a href="http://www.milkandcuddles.com/" target="_blank">Milk and Cuddles</a> to explore SXSW together.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTkqIMqUgew/UyIX-KS-02I/AAAAAAAAGZs/PtagROd-77s/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTkqIMqUgew/UyIX-KS-02I/AAAAAAAAGZs/PtagROd-77s/s1600/images.jpg" height="198" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>My one word to describe SXSW? Overwhelming. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But overwhelming doesn’t necessarily mean something negative, it’s just a lot to take in. However, with a few points of advice, you can figure out if SXSW is for you, what to expect and how to get the most out of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Four Tips for a Successful SXSW Experience</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Book:</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hotels for SXSW open as early as fall for the following year. I’d highly suggest you book one close and realize it’s going to be costly. Since I didn’t decide to go until February, I was stuck with some expensive, yet crappy choice for hotels. While it was only three miles away, each day I had to deal with a little traffic, I did have to plan my parking strategy. Many nearby lots offer parking at $25 for just the day, so I would have to have my evening plans scheduled in advance or I might have a ticket waiting for me or a car not waiting for me. However, having a hotel downtown would have made things easier if it's within walking distance of the Austin Convention Center. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Bring:</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Charge cords for all those smart devices, cameras, and computers are a must. While I picked up two freebie ones at SXSW, that was just a lucky circumstance. Remember, there are stations as well in the lounges (see below), but if you plan to tweet a session and the phone starts to go low 30 minutes in, I’m telling you that you aren’t finding a cord. (For other helpful things to bring, check out this post on <a href="http://mamachallenge.blogspot.com/2014/03/last-minute-must-pack-items-for-sxsw.html" target="_blank">"Last-Minute Must-Pack Items for SXSW.</a>")</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. Schedule:</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With more than 70,000 at this conference and hundreds of topics, tradeshows and discussions you can attend, it’s impossible to attend everything you want. So you have to be choosy. I attended several sessions at SXSW and would have attended more if I hadn’t learned my first lesson early: know what session you really want to go to, make sure you are there in advance and just because it’s a few blocks away, doesn’t mean it will only take you 10 minutes to get there. My favorite session was with Dallas Mavs owner/technology genius/Shark Tanker <b><a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban" target="_blank">Mark Cuban.</a></b> I honestly wanted to hear a hometown hero at work and I think he represented Big D in a big way. He talked candidly and in true SXSW fashion, rolled out his new app.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAneCyVr3x0/UzijM8seIeI/AAAAAAAAGg0/Ic7_gdVL6Ko/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAneCyVr3x0/UzijM8seIeI/AAAAAAAAGg0/Ic7_gdVL6Ko/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" height="348" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4. Network</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are social events out the wazoo at SXSW. Some are within the event, some are just in around the city. Ironically, only a few are official, so get those thumbs to working on social media looking up what’s available. There were luncheons, dinners, happy hours, tours…well anything and 99% of was free. The <i><a href="http://www.statesman.com/" target="_blank">Austin American-Statesman</a></i> had a list of events I found and so did Eventbrite. Just make sure to sign up for these too, as some of them will sell out. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As a brand representative, PR pro, and blogger, I experienced SXSW with several different points of views. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Standouts from my SXSW included: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The<b> Paypal Social Media Lounge</b> was a phenomenal of creating a space for attendees that they wanted to come to repeatedly throughout the event and even enjoy difference experience. Set up as a recharging station for powering up devices, attendees also could order a handcrafted barista-made coffee, meet and greet with a book author, grab a quick snack and even grab some much needed swag at the Paypal store for free. The “store” was actually a way to try out its new online store app to purchase from brick and mortar retailers with a smartphone. While Paypal was actually giving attendees a choice of a charging adapter, umbrella, hangover kit, etc., a product representative a chance to guide the attendee through their first use of the app, making sure everyone who entered the door left with the downloaded app and branded merchandise. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIdfPjylHHE/Uzij9z5pyZI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/QkAMs1EhqSQ/s1600/Paypal+Store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIdfPjylHHE/Uzij9z5pyZI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/QkAMs1EhqSQ/s1600/Paypal+Store.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While I wasn’t sure what the brand was when I walked in, I can tell you that everyone wanted to be in the <b>Circus Maximus Lounge.</b> With breakfast, the best Tito’s Bloody Marys and really cute shirts, this coordinated effort between several technology brands had something going on at all times. I’m still not sure exactly all the company names or if they had any real importance for me, it made an impression. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I literally bumped (actually just stumbled) into the <b>Samsung Lounge</b>across from the Austin Convention Center. Taking over a restaurant space, the Samsung lounge had experiences happening all over the place and it felt like several night clubs in the middle of the day. We had tacos, cocktails, customized juice blends based on our activity style – and everything had a Samsung touchpoint. For those with Samsung devices, attendees could trade in their battery for a new one on the spot. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oDpDm-yxX1Y/UzijhQ5OJJI/AAAAAAAAGhE/Q2NHUGlNB00/s1600/photo+4+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oDpDm-yxX1Y/UzijhQ5OJJI/AAAAAAAAGhE/Q2NHUGlNB00/s1600/photo+4+(2).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course, the best part of SXSW is that it’s in Austin. No one doesn’t like going to Austin; it’s beautiful (except when it rains in the winter), laid back and full of fun places to eat and experience. From food trucks along Caesar Chavez to rolling down South Congress (SoCo), there are tons of places you can eat. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Places to eat in Austin</b>:</i> I enjoyed the food trucks including this crazy hot mess of tater tots with</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Longanisa and Sriracha one night for <a href="http://www.bemorepacifictruck.com/?page_id=5" target="_blank">Be More Pacific</a>. Then after a day of nothing but cold rain (which also makes for a different experience in Austin all together), a creamy, rich bowl homemade Papardelle from <a href="http://austinvespaio.com/enoteca/enoteca.html" target="_blank">Enoteca-Vespaio</a> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and a risotto balls to die for. I’m still getting cravings for that dish as we speak. However, no Austin experience would be complete without brunch, so the only restaurant we had reservations for was <a href="https://lacondesa.com/austin" target="_blank">La Condesa </a>and it was worth it. A guacamole tasting, duck fries and some amazing chorizo eggs benedict on a quinoa cake – it was pretty delicious and a wise move since there was a huge waiting line after we left.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WCooHKH3OWc/UzifkBoA1eI/AAAAAAAAGgU/t9R7ABrNmk0/s1600/Austinfood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WCooHKH3OWc/UzifkBoA1eI/AAAAAAAAGgU/t9R7ABrNmk0/s1600/Austinfood.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Still trying to decide</i>?</b> I’d suggest if you are with a brand launching a service that represents the tech demo or wants to own your place amongst your competition, it’s a must. If you are a blogger, SWSW has some great opportunities, but the sessions I attended seemed less workshop style and more discussion of social responsibility and how technology will play out in the future. However, the energy was intense and was an amazing way to immerse myself in all things in the digital world. And remember, you can always go to Austin during SXSW and be a part of the scene and not even buy a ticket. (I think my friend actually had an even better experience than me and she paid just her spending money while she was there.) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eE00ApDP8SI/UzigC17L16I/AAAAAAAAGgc/429eDUTdLrw/s1600/photo+4+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eE00ApDP8SI/UzigC17L16I/AAAAAAAAGgc/429eDUTdLrw/s1600/photo+4+(3).JPG" height="640" width="610" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>My last bit of advice for SXSW</i></b><i>:</i> Make sure you have a solid goal and stick to it. If you are going to hang and to check out the scene, then understand that’s what you are doing. If you are going in efforts to meet tons of people, then pound some coffee and get after it. Just make sure your agenda is clear from the beginning, so you accomplish what you set out to accomplish! Basically, it might not be a life-changing experience, but "it'd a whole lot cooler if you did."</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-73880421347058655412014-03-25T06:13:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:20.370-07:00Get Healthy, Get Thrifty and Get Dinner - 9 Recipes Under 400 Calories & Less Than $4<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Affiliate links may be included. </i></span><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Contrary to the results of many of the dinners I've produced for my family, I actually like to cook. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, the other parts of life like work, keeping up the house and all that other stuff seem to suck the time and enjoyment of making perfectly delicious meals that are good for my family AND taste good, too. </span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-7312773-11191197" target="_top"><br /></a> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-7312773-11191197" height="333" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">15% off your order at </span>eMeals<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">.com when you use code DINNER15! </span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add the fact that I'm really working to get the weight off of me, I just don't have time to plan two sets of every meal - including the grocery store wandering, budget planning and food prep. I mean I barely have time to make sure I get 8 oz of water...(no joke!) That, my friends, is called a short order cook and unless the kids are going to start tipping, then I'm definitely not going to keep entertaining that idea. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-7312773-11517560" rel="nofollow">Emeals</a> </b>takes almost everything off your shoulders by providing a seven-day menu, recipes and the shopping list as well. They do everything short of pushing your grocery cart and washing dishes....and I promise if that service comes up soon, I'll be on that subscription list, too. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The other night we enjoyed Garlic Shrimp with Blistered Tomatoes and Linguine and it didn't take me any time at all except boiling the water. Thankfully with my 33 years of experience, I have water boiling down. And with the help of eMeals, you'll have dinner making down and can actually spend time of the fun stuff...like dishes, laundry and good night kisses. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gj9gbW1qzTw/UzF9DZ38zBI/AAAAAAAAGfI/uQ2JfclmNwk/s1600/Shrimp-and-Linguine-eMeals-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gj9gbW1qzTw/UzF9DZ38zBI/AAAAAAAAGfI/uQ2JfclmNwk/s1600/Shrimp-and-Linguine-eMeals-2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="ERSName" itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low Calorie Dinner Recipe: Garlic Shrimp with Blistered Tomatoes and Linguine</span></div><div class="ERSClear" style="border: 0px; clear: both; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div class="ERSDetails" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="ERSClear" style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div class="ERSTimes" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div class="ERSClear" style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div class="ERSClear" style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div></div><div class="ERSIngredients" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading" style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></div><ul style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 20px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 oz uncooked whole grain linguine</span></li><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes</span></li><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons olive oil, divided</span></li><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ teaspoon salt, divided</span></li><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ teaspoon crushed red pepper</span></li><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons butter</span></li><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined</span></li><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 cloves garlic, minced</span></li><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup crumbled feta cheese</span></li></ul><div class="ERSClear" style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div></div><div class="ERSInstructions" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading" style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instructions</span></div><ol style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 20px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat broiler.</span></li><li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cook pasta according to package directions.</span></li><li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, toss tomatoes with 1 tablespoon oil, ¼ teaspoon salt and red pepper on a rimmed baking sheet.</span></li><li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Broil 4 to 5 minutes or until tomatoes burst.</span></li><li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melt butter in a large skillet with remaining 1 tablespoon oil.</span></li><li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sprinkle shrimp with ¼ teaspoon salt; saute shrimp and garlic 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink.</span></li><li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toss shrimp with tomato mixture.</span></li><li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Divide pasta evenly among 6 shallow bowls.</span></li><li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top with shrimp and tomato mixture.</span></li><li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal outside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sprinkle each serving with cheese.</span></li></ol><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not into seafood or working on a Paleo diet? Emeals has those options, too. Just check out this recipe for Clean Eating Thai Pork Lettuce Wraps. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1V4VRrMTOA/UzF-Wytml3I/AAAAAAAAGfU/Ql4SaY6OCBs/s1600/thai-pork-lettuce-wraps_4-400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1V4VRrMTOA/UzF-Wytml3I/AAAAAAAAGfU/Ql4SaY6OCBs/s1600/thai-pork-lettuce-wraps_4-400.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At less than $4 and under 400 calories, I think that looks like a winner. So take the work at dinner and get your eMeals delivered to you each week with everything you need to plan for great, healthy dinners. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Check out more of these 9 low-calories recipes and more with this <a href="http://blog.emeals.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Under-400-Under-4.pdf" rel="nofollow">eMeals preview!</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then make sure you get your </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-7312773-11517560" rel="nofollow">Emeals</a></b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> soon! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-30660035173246352232014-03-21T03:29:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:20.444-07:00Put Some Color in Your Life with the COLOR FUN FEST 5K, April 19 in McKinney<div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hate to run. </span></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A lot. </span></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But it sure does help to burn calories. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzfIQJUEZgg/Uyu3gF3UMwI/AAAAAAAAGek/abekQrq-Ccw/s1600/1902823_699891450062651_1989618642_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzfIQJUEZgg/Uyu3gF3UMwI/AAAAAAAAGek/abekQrq-Ccw/s1600/1902823_699891450062651_1989618642_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div style="background: white;"></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However, I still need something to get me excited enough to move my hiney. Thankfully, runs are getting creative so people like me that don’t like to run still want to get involved and enjoy the fun.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>In the words of Julia Roberts: Well then color me happy!</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-2RzOWJjKw/Uyu3fhivcmI/AAAAAAAAGeY/Wz0uDxrqnM0/s1600/color-fun-fest-5K-GIF.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-2RzOWJjKw/Uyu3fhivcmI/AAAAAAAAGeY/Wz0uDxrqnM0/s1600/color-fun-fest-5K-GIF.gif" height="160" width="640" /></a></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">COLOR FUN FEST 5K </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">comes to North Dallas/McKinney on<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span data-term="goog_50026115" style="z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="aqj"><span style="z-index: -1;">April 19, 2014</span></span></span>. Both a day and night<span class="apple-converted-space"> 5k color run featuring finish-line festivals, the goal of the Color Run is to combine<span class="apple-converted-space"> fun and fitness while helping local charities! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">COLOR FUN FEST 5K is an EPIC color fun run that heightens positive emotions by combining a5k fun run with the energy of electronic dance music, all while coloring the crowd with thousands of pounds of vibrant colored powder. The event is family-friendly, and features a post-run celebration with DJ entertainment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkWhn6AIUQE/Uyu3gPTBLVI/AAAAAAAAGeo/hRnZKO_tAH8/s1600/color-fun-fest-5k-run-festival-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkWhn6AIUQE/Uyu3gPTBLVI/AAAAAAAAGeo/hRnZKO_tAH8/s1600/color-fun-fest-5k-run-festival-2.jpg" height="284" width="640" /></a></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The charities the run benefits Free Arts for Abused Children, a nonprofit organization that gives children that have suffered adversity a chance to express themselves through art. Another nonprofit that benefits from this event is a new startup charity called Flight for Cystic Fibrosis that gives children with CF a chance to feel alive by experiencing the incredible feeling of skydiving through wind tunnels and jumps. The mission of this program is to show these kids how to overcome fears and feel hope, bonding families and encouraging healthy living, which is vitally necessary for a person with Cystic Fibrosis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtldKPi8gfM/Uyu3PQUtJFI/AAAAAAAAGeE/d5-8M1SkTHA/s1600/ColorFunFest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtldKPi8gfM/Uyu3PQUtJFI/AAAAAAAAGeE/d5-8M1SkTHA/s1600/ColorFunFest.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And this run is one the whole family can get involved in including kids/parents, couples, groups of friends, fitness gurus, dance enthusiasts, runners, joggers, walkers, bloggers, couch potatoes, the young, the old, and basically everyone and anyone that likes to have fun!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YW3JadSDd18/Uyu3e9QoieI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/S9SYef6Ntvs/s1600/Dallas_color_fun_fest_5k_run1.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YW3JadSDd18/Uyu3e9QoieI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/S9SYef6Ntvs/s1600/Dallas_color_fun_fest_5k_run1.png" height="228" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Would you like to have some color fun?</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Win a pair of registrations for the Color Run ($35 per registration/ $70 total)</b></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/91d3f443/" id="rc-91d3f443" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Color Run Fest 5K North Dallas/McKinney<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">April 19, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First wave of runners at 9 - 11 am, second wave at 9 - 11 pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Myers Park and Event Center<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7117 County Road 166<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">McKinney, TX 75071<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/April%2019,%202014%20-%20First%20wave%20of%20runners%20at%209:00%20-%2011:00%20am,%20second%20wave%20at%209:00%20-%2011:00%20pm">Website</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849813962372286031.post-54918687606348517062014-03-20T06:30:00.000-07:002014-05-07T01:19:20.452-07:00SPRING Into Action to Protect Your Home: Termite Awareness Week, March 16-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post by Adams Exterminating. </i></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before I bought my first home, my visions of homeownership included painting the walls, planting the flowers, buying furniture, etc.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvhijoW_oTc/UyrtVav_SAI/AAAAAAAAGds/U9Jq85PWcwE/s1600/termite-awareness-week-logo-final.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvhijoW_oTc/UyrtVav_SAI/AAAAAAAAGds/U9Jq85PWcwE/s1600/termite-awareness-week-logo-final.png" height="246" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once I bought my first home, I realized homeownership consisted of much more than that like replacing roofs, shifting foundations, and implementing pest control.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not exactly the images of the Home & Garden Channel I once thought, but certainly a huge responsibility that happens when you own a home. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8SEFYz3s_p0/Uyrqiw7mwPI/AAAAAAAAGdI/YPU5k_d8n2Y/s1600/damaged+wood+closeup+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8SEFYz3s_p0/Uyrqiw7mwPI/AAAAAAAAGdI/YPU5k_d8n2Y/s1600/damaged+wood+closeup+2.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unfortunately for me, pest control has been one of those not-so-fabulous issues I’ve had to learn a lot about. Not because we aren’t clean people or don’t keep a clean house, but when if live next to a creek, are surrounded by trees or simply have a home that is comprised of wood…surprise! You can have any number pest concerns to take care to make sure you and your home are protected. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B4ewNJ1I0cM/UyrqiZ3aK9I/AAAAAAAAGc8/uqVRoXooWtk/s1600/071_Termites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B4ewNJ1I0cM/UyrqiZ3aK9I/AAAAAAAAGc8/uqVRoXooWtk/s1600/071_Termites.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since March 16-22 is Termite Awareness Week, I was reminded of real honey-do I had yet to take on – a termite inspection. While an inspection was completed on our home during the buying process, that of course, was seven years ago. Well, a lot can happen to a home in seven years, especially when it comes to termites. These “silent destroyers” (as termites are often referred as) can take down the façade of a home as well as its interiors way before a homeowner will detect a structural problem. </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Did you know that termites cause $5 billion in property damage every year, according to the National Pest Management Association?</span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And as we move into the spring season and the ground’s temperature increases, termites are in search of new mates and new homes to conquer. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Isn’t home ownership fun?</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While I consider myself a jack of many things and a master of nothing, this is one area I recommend be left to the professionals. However, there are things you can do to prevent termites. The <a href="https://www.bbb.org/" rel="">Better Business Bureau</a> offers four ways to avoid a termite infestation:</span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Repair and replace when necessary.</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units on the outside of the home. Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles. Replace weather stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Keep it clear. </span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground. Direct water away from your house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. Inspect, inspect, inspect. </span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes and skirting boards for any noticeable changes.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. Protect your investment. </span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not sure if you have termites? Consider a termite inspection from a qualified pest management company like North Texas' own <a href="http://www.adamspest.com/" rel="nofollow">Adams Exterminating</a>, every 1-3 years. Since 1947, the Adams family has provided quality, affordable pest control service to the North Texas area for 66 years.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUNPC_6hKIQ/UyrsJaHTWqI/AAAAAAAAGdk/V-UsrZYA030/s1600/64081_10151235252893791_1374064286_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUNPC_6hKIQ/UyrsJaHTWqI/AAAAAAAAGdk/V-UsrZYA030/s1600/64081_10151235252893791_1374064286_n.png" height="457" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While I don’t know much about termite control, I am excited that employ the Sentricon System, the only pest control product ever to earn the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Thankfully with this system, you don't have to compromise between earth-friendly and being effective. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To learn more about the Sentricon System or to find the nearest Adams Exterminating near you, visit <a href="http://www.adamspest.com/" rel="nofollow">www.adamspest.com</a> or follows them on <a href="http://facebook./" rel="nofollow">Facebook.</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Don't let bugs get to you!</b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6snbP7qac/UmlZpzb-wzI/AAAAAAAAE2w/tvu_0DuodpQ/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0