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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Make Mother’s Day a Charming Tradition

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Don’t just celebrate Mother’s Day, make it a charming tradition to look forward with something just for you and her. #MyJamesAvery

Thank you to James Avery for this special Mother’s Day offer and this sponsored post. 

Mother’s Day. 

It’s normally a day that people send flowers or take mom to brunch or make a card or sometimes just let her not do anything. 


James-Avery-Mothers-Day

While those are all things I love (who doesn’t), this year I wanted it to be different. I wanted it to be a day that I didn’t just look forward to, but my daughter, who possibly, hopefully, will have a daughter of her own, will look forward to as well…a new family tradition. 

As a storyteller, my whole life and everything around it, what I wear, what’s in my house, the music I listen to, all have an experience attached to them. My life is much like a charm bracelet, where each small, delicate charm signifies a milestone, big or small, that makes my life what it has become. 

My baby girl is definitely one of the biggest milestones I’ve ever had. 

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

“It’s a girl,” the Dr. showed me on the sonogram more than six years ago. 

And then it happened. 

All the color just went away from my face and the flood of emotion took over my whole body. 

From the moment I found out I had a daughter on the way, I’ve experienced an overwhelming responsibility to not just be her mother, but the female role model in her life that, God willing, will make her strong, proud, kind, smart, independent and all those other amazing qualities you want your daughter to possess. 

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

While it’s been quite the journey and I’m sure with her vivacious sense of life, it will always been an adventure, I wanted to share something with her. Something that would continue to tell my story and something that she could have; to begin telling her story, too. 

So one warm Sunday, we put on our girl dresses. She even snuck on a little bit (too much) lipstick, but she was so proud I didn’t make her take it off and headed for our girl day. On our way, we listened to our favorite girl songs a little too loud. And we headed to James Avery. 

James Avery is a family-owned, Texas-born, Texas-based jeweler based in Kerrville that began more than 50 years ago. Started on family and faith, the jeweler offers more than 1,100 designs and has more than 14,000 separate jewelry items in the product line. 

“I strive to keep designs from being contrived, cluttered or cute. The challenge is to keep things simple.” James Avery

Her first time in a fancy jewelry store, my heart immediately began to swell after I told her to “go find her favorite.”  Her instructions were that she could find her favorite charm and I would find one to give to her as the beginning of her charm bracelet to have one day.  At 6 years old a nice piece like James Avery was a little much to wear to school, but ok for those special occasions. Until then, I’d wear it.

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

And then the story changed a little: James Avery was running a Mother’s Day special offering a free bracelet (or necklace) for free with the purchase of two charms. Somehow it wasn’t just going to be a charm bracelet for her, but for me too. 

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

With so many charms to choose from including the special Texas legend that has taken over social media, as well as anything from a stand-up mixer to a tube lipstick, the selection process was a big part of the fun. Taylor couldn’t help to find a beautiful cupcake and a princess tiara…so fitting for my sweet little princess. 

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

For my bracelet (and ultimately hers), I was drawn to the “Mother’s Love,” a heart design that embodies a mother and daughter; and a rose, well…because our middle names are both Rose. 

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

After making our purchases (and saving so much more than I expecting with the Mother’s Day offer), we enjoyed dinner together at The Theodore where we could enjoy “fancy mac n cheese” (her special request) and drink fancy glasses of Shirley Temple. 

Now this is a Mother’s Day tradition I could get used to. And I think James Avery was smiling down thinking that’s exactly what he had wanted for everyone. 

And now we have something else to look forward, next Mother’s Day with our own charming tradition. 

James Avery Mothers Day

James Avery Charming Mother’s Day Offer 

  • Now through May 29, buy two charms and receive a charm bracelet or necklace for free, up to a $70 value. 
  • There are so many mix-and-match necklace/bracelet options available with 15 styles to select. 
  • Create your personalized gift in-store or at JamesAvery.com stores. 
  • For specific questions on this offer, check with your store for more details. 

James-Avery-Mothers-Day

Doing More for Teachers: Sonic Limeades for Learning {Giveaway}

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Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7-11, but it shouldn’t end there. Join SONIC in making a bigger impact to help our teachers through Limeades for Learning. Plus help give directly to a teacher in need! 

Thanks to Sonic for this opportunity to give back to our teachers and this giveaway.

I remember in 5th grade my teacher Mrs. Simms awarded a few students (including me) for a job well done with a trip to Sonic for tots and an ice-cold Cherry Limeade.

I still remember how proud I was that day.


From that point forward, Cherry Limeades would become the signal of other big milestones, some good and some bad, but the limeade was about helping to get me to the next big thing. And with each sip I was propeling myself towards being better, doing better, and recognizing when I done a job well done. 

LimeadesforLearning

Turns out Cherry Limeades do that for a lot of people.

They taste good, but they also make them feel good, and also say job well done. Funny how just that styrofoam cup can do so much…just ask any teacher whose PTA brought in Limeades to say THANK YOU. Next week several volunteers plan to load up and do exactly that (and much more too) with activities to say “Teacher, You are a Star.” It’s a nice thing to do and the kids love it as well! 

SONIC Limeades for Learning

But you know what? Why stop there. Especially when teachers are still working throughout the year, including summers, with less-than-average pay and even chipping in more than $500 of their own money for supplies to make their classrooms better for our kids. So in 2009 SONIC has stepped up to the plate to help public school teachers do more with a little help, like $3 million dollars a year in help. 

SONIC’s Limeades for Learning then teamed up 10 years ago with DonorsChoose.org to not only get them help for specific projects but also initiate donations on the smaller level that can make a BIG difference. More than $95 million to public school teachers nationwide has been funded by this partnership to get teachers what they need to teach and students the vital items they need to learn. 

Sonic LimemadesforLearning

Here in Arlington there are several different projects like:

  • Mrs. Adger-Barton who is hoping to get money for LEGOs to help teach STEM education in her school. 
  • Ms. Kilgore who is looking to get fresh school supplies for the new school year.
  • Ms. Sanson who hopes a book cart and stools will help encourage reading in her classroom. 

Wonder about the products requested, pricing and more? The teacher actually provides the specific items, costs and details that are then verified by a member of the DonorsChoose team. 

Don’t see a school you want to help fund or know a teacher that is in need of some special items for your classroom? You can learn how to sign up here and even have the first project matched.

SonicLimemadesforLearning

Three times a year SONIC makes $1 million donations to public schools:

    1. During the Fall Voting Campaign, which typically runs from late September through October
    2. Throughout the months of January through April during a series of surprise funding events in cities across the country – as an example, today SONIC funded 75 teacher projects from across the country in honor of National Handwriting Day
    3. Throughout the month of May during #ThanksTeach, a social media campaign encouraging consumers to thank their favorite teachers during Teacher Appreciation Month

And with your help and support by 2021 SONIC’s total contribution to local public school classrooms will exceed $20 million. 

SonicLimeadesforLearning

Want to make a difference in a classroom?

Enter to win a $200 DonorsChoose.org gift card now that can be used towards any public school teacher project that inspires you plus receive a $50 Sonic gift card for more limeade fun. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 Ways How to Help Your Kid with Test-Taking

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In today’s test-taking focused environment, we all have a part in making the grade. Help your kid do their best with 5 Ways How to Help Your Kid with Test-Taking. 

Thanks to McDonalds of North Texas for sponsoring this post. 

One of those less than fun moments is doing homework with your kids.

It’s rough, especially when you’ve had a long day and you just want to get everything scratched your ever-growing list of things to do before you go bed to do your “adult homework.” But it’s one of those things you’ve signed up as a parent and when they’re young, indoctrinating those good study habits is absolutely what’s necessary to lay the framework for them now so they aren’t asking you to help them with their homework when you no longer can help.


Read between the lines: Help them now so you don’t have to help them later. 

And when it comes to the big test, it’s so important to give them what they need to ace it.  All kids are different – some are awesome at test-taking and some not so much. But with a few strategies (for both of you), it’s possible to make it through school in one piece. 

5 Ways to HELP

5 Ways How to Help Your Kid with Test-Taking

Engage. 

“How was your day?”

Just knowing what your kid is working on is key to their success and can answer a lot about knowing where their focus is (and isn’t.) In the evenings, homework is something we do as a family and as parents we try to take turns at overseeing and helping our kids. For us, this is so the kids know it’s a priority so they should to. Another reason engaging with them is that we know what parts are easy for them (and not so easy) and you can work on it together. From there we can reach out to their teachers if necessary when a concept isn’t catching on. Having an open line of communication with your child’s teacher is so vital to ensuring so when it’s time to take the test, we aren’t finding out the problem when it’s too late.  

Encourage. 

We all know that getting the pat on the back feels good and makes us want to do the right thing again and again. At our child’s school, during big tests we as parents were asked to write letters for the kids to open before taking their test to inspire them and help mitigate any anxiety the kids have before taking a long test like the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness.) A post-it in their lunchbox or backpack can do the same thing to show you are in their corner.

Nourish. 

Good sleep and a nutritious meal before a big test is such a simple, but necessary way to set them up for success. There’s nothing worse than feeling groggy or hungry to get in the way at the task at hand, especially during a long standardized test. And studies show that when kids get at least 8-10 hours of sleep and eat a healthy, balanced breakfast they do better at test-taking period.

McDonalds Education

Our local McDonalds of North Texas, with 363 restaurants throughout DFW and Tyler, works to help parents with this easy step by providing a free healthy breakfast the day of the STAAR test, Texas’ standardized test. They know parents are rushed in the mornings and just finding a few moments to take breathe and eat a breakfast will go the extra mile. The free breakfast options like the Egg White McMuffin Delight, apple slices and oatmeal are part of McDonald’s Dietitian Approved Menu, part of the fast food giant’s commitment to education and offering healthier options for families. When it’s free and healthy, McDonald’s makes it rather difficult not to make this strategy a no-brainer and to show how it important it is to make healthy happen. 

STAAR Free Breakfast Flyer

Recognize. 

After all the buildup of a big test, it’s good to show credit where credit was due, especially if you find out your child did gave a good effort and even more so if they scored well. They should be rewarded, especially for the big test, but that doesn’t mean it has to be big. It could be something as small as grabbing an ice cream cone and a little playground time that will reinforce a job well done is worth the effort. And what if your kid doesn’t do so great, but you know they did their best? Punishment isn’t going to help them do better, so encouraging them to still get it their all every time will reap success in the long run.

McDonalds Education

Support. 

Yes, it’s good to say a job well done, but sometimes the test doesn’t always go well. That doesn’t mean kids shouldn’t feel your support and hear the words “I’m proud of you.” For instance, I asked my son how a test went and I found out he had tons of reading time because he was the first to finish. Later after we received his results, it wasn’t that he knew the material that well, but it was that he wanted that extra fun time to read. So the next time I spent a lot of our studying explaining the importance of taking our time and checking our work, not being the first one done. This was so important for us to learn now so the next test he was armed with better test-taking strategies. 

No matter their age, being a parent doesn’t just mean that their education is the responsibility of their school.  As a community, we all have to work today together for the success of their future tomorrow. 

McDonalds Education

About McDonalds of North Texas Commitment to Education

In addition to providing healthy breakfast during the STAAR test, McDonald’s continues to show its commitment to education. In addition to this program, the Archways to Opportunity™ program helps its employees further their own education and achieve their dreams by offering English classes, earn a high school diploma, work towards a college degree and help create an educational plan for success. There are also scholarships opportunities and tons of other resources on the website.

 

My Princess Moment: This Weekend!

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Spring Break just got a lot sweeter for your little princess! Make it a royal weekend with “My Princess Moment” in Fort Worth. 

Laying there on the table, looking up on the ceiling, I remember when I was told I was having a girl. 

Visions of all things pink and princesses came flooding through my brain. 

My-Princess-Moment


Since that day seven years ago, I’ve had time to adjust to all things sparkles, tea parties and seeing all things through pink-tinted glasses. So when I see anything princess I know it’s a must for mine. 

My Princess Moment is a special event coming to Fort Worth this weekend, Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17. 

My-Princess-Moment

My Princess Moment waves its magic wand to bring an awe-inspiring experience to Fort Worth, where magical moments make lifelong memories. Bring your little princess to meet her favorite princess while enjoying fun activities! The Grand Ballroom for special meet-and-greets, Royal Tea Party, a Party Dance Party and Princess Photo Session. 

My-Princess-Moment

Afterward make a royal evening of it in Sundance Square which is just a few steps away with tons of restaurants and the beautiful water fountains! 

Save 25% off a maximum of four General Admission or VIP tickets when you use the promo code MPM_PK25 here.

More about My Princess Moment. It’s a princess dream come true! General Admission access allows junior princesses a two-hour progressive experience from the ballroom, to a tea party, to one-on-one picture time with their favorite Princesses. A VIP Package is also available, which includes a salon experience with custom hair, makeup, a VIP Princess accessory and a free digital copy of their picture with the Princesses.

My-Princess-Moment

Online tickets are $39-$50 for general admission. VIP tickets are available online from $50-$109 are $50.00. Kids 12 months and younger do not require a ticket. Ticket prices increase at the door, so purchase in advance online and save! 

Mom Tip: While there’s free valet, consider nearby parking so you don’t have to wait when you’re ready to leave!

To learn more about My Princess Moment, visit here. Get social with My Princess Moment on Facebook and Instagram with #MyPrincessMoment. 

Norris Conference Centers at Sundance Square
304 Houston Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102

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Hop into Spring Easter Basket Idea

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Just because it’s an Easter basket doesn’t mean it has to be full of candy! Get them excited to hop into spring with this Spring Easter Basket Idea. 

Thanks to Mirum for inspiring Easter fun ideas with this sponsored post.

Through the years I’ve done pretty good with egg decorating and egg hunting, but I’ll admit, the Easter egg basket hasn’t been my forte.


Mostly because the idea of voluntarily giving my kids a whole basket of sugar is never on my agenda. So when we gave baskets it was full of things like activity books, small toys, etc. However, a lot like bad birthday party favors, I’d rather not give anything if it’s not good.

SpringEasterBasketIdea

Let’s face it, if it’s not, we moms throw out the junk. It’s what we do. 

So this Easter basket season, only good ideas to the rescue. Items that my kids can use, that my kids want, stuff I don’t mind them having, and most of all anything that can keep them occupied!

SlimJim

After a cold winter, it’s time to get ready to get outdoors which is what inspired this “Hop into Spring” Easter basket. Full of things to keep the kids outdoors, enjoying spring, and keeping them moving from sun up to sun down! It’s so important to get the opportunity to enjoy the perfect temperatures and beautiful work of Mother Nature! 

SlimJim

And best of all, I was able to get it all at Walmart, which has some awesome things to put together a great Easter basket.  And most everything was just a few dollars, making it super easy to make a quality basket. 

SlimJimEaster

SlimJIm

“Hop into Spring” Easter Basket Idea:

  • Cute Basket: This baby even comes with the bow and can be used for a picnic basket later! 
  • Bunny Ears:  Bunnies. Hopping. You get it.  
  • Sunglasses: To protect those cute little eyes! 
  • Kite: In the words of Mary Poppins “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.” 
  • Bubbles: Because bubbles.
  • Pinwheel: You can’t go wrong with 
  • Balloon Launcher: Water balloons make everything better. 
  • Emoji Frisbee: Frisbees are fun for everyone. 
  • Beach Towel: Either to sit on or wipe down from the balloons. 
  • Slim Jim Smoked Snacks: All this activity is going to work up an appetite! Thankfully our version of “meat and cheese” includes Slim Jim Smoked Snacks (26 ct.) in just the right size and cheese popcorn! 

You can choose to BYOB (that’s Build Your Own Basket for clarification) at Walmart or get REAL creative by making your own online for a chance to enter the sweepstakes at SlimJimBoldBreak.com. Plus when you share it socially and you can increase your chances of winning with more entries.  

EasterBasketIdea

Just take a look at our BYOB Basket (see our Funny Bunny!) and share yours too! 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. The Slim Jim Build Your Own Basket Sweepstakes is sponsored by Conagra Brands, Inc. Open to legal U.S. residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 & older. Begins 12:00 a.m. PT on 3/1/18 & ends 11:59 p.m. PT on 4/1/18. Twenty potential winners will be randomly selected to each receive a $100 Walmart eGift card. Total ARV: $2,000. Odds depend on number of entries. For full details see official rules at SlimJimBoldBreak.com.

EasterBasketSlimJim

What are your Easter traditions?

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Out with the Old In with the New

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Need a fresh start?  Whether you’re cleaning out your closet or doing a full-on purge, it can help more than just you. Let “Out with the Old In with the New” do more with O, The Magazine + Talbots. 

Thanks to  O, The Oprah Magazine + Talbots for partnering with me to share this give back campaign.

Each year around this time, I do some housecleaning. 

Spring cleaning, if you will. 


Talbots Oprah

I go through my drawers. files, the pantry, the fridge, and even my panty drawer – everything – to get rid of the “crap.” Actually it’s not crap, but the stuff that I don’t use and I don’t need any more. And to be honest, normally I figure out I didn’t ever need it in the first place. 

Talbots Oprah

But that’s not all. 

My clean out every year is both physical and mental. I’m not just cleaning out my closet, but I’m attempting to get rid of all the *bad* stuff from last year and create and restock on the good. 

It’s my way of reflecting. And it’s not necessarily easy either. I work through some a lot stuff and this year has been a biggie; trying to figure out my plan  what’s next. 

What’s best for my family, what’s best for my career, and most of all what’s happiness to me. 

Basically, just like the seasons, spring is time to grow and bloom, but it takes time. And I lack patience.

But this year’s “spring cleaning” had a big change when I literally had to clean all the closets…and the cabinets, and the garage…and everything else in our house. 

Talbots

Needless to say after 12 years in a home, I have a lot of clothes. And going through each one I still remember what I was doing, where I was, and who I was with when I last wore it. And some of those name-brand frocks hadn’t been worn in a REAL REAL REAL long time. But they were important to me – like my first black power suit and a beautiful Prabal Gurung dress. #prebaby #highschool 

Don’t you just love scarves? I wore them in high school and adored them. So I’m staging a comeback.

So I had tons of clothes that looked brand new that needed a good home (after I tried to put them on one last time and cried a little.)

And just like spring; my time with the clothes was over, but there had to be somewhere that someone could enjoy them just as I had. 

For a third year O, The Oprah Magazine Collection for Talbots opened on Feb. 20 at retail and online. The limited set of pieces included red, white and blue pieces that can be work with spring and summer staples. And don’t forget one small, but important detail: the ladybug. 

Talbots

Talbots is also encouraging women to clean out their closets and will accept “nearly new” clothing and accessories in its 435 locations March 1 to 4. Consumers can also pitch in by purchasing items from the O, The Oprah Magazine Collection for Talbots collection. Thirty percent of net proceeds from those purchases will benefit Dress for Success, which helps women return to the workforce. Cash donations can also be made in stores now through April 1.

Talbots Oprah

Considering I’m always a big fan of a great cardi – especially one that can be made to dress up or dress down, I loved this sweater. And the details in the buttons, along with the ladybug detail, makes this a staple piece throughout the crazy Texas weather. 

So go now to your closet, take out the stuff you may still love and have been holding on to, but haven’t worn. It may be ready for a new chapter for a new woman.

And you’ll have some room to make a new chapter for you. I know I’m ready to write a new one for me. 

Talbots Oprah

To date the “O-Talbots tie-up” has raised more than $3 million in monetary contributions, collected 60,000 articles of clothing and helped to impact 60,000 women’s lives.

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Dive Into Cirque Italia Aquatic Spectacular

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Trying to find a fun plan for Spring Break?  Dive into Cirque Italia Aquatic Spectacular – in Hurst, Texas.

Thanks to Cirque Italia for bringing something special to the MidCities and this sponsored post.

We have a lot happening during spring break – too bad it doesn’t include a vacation. But I don’t want the kids to miss out on doing something fun and hopefully different than any other time of the year. Things are definitely different with Cirque Italia – coming to North East Mall (go Midcities.) With its state-of-the-art technology and cool use of water, it should keep us all on the edge of our seat.

Keep reading through and I will share how you can get your children’s tickets FREE!


Cirque-Italia

About the Show

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Aquatic Spectacular?” You can expect all these things and so much more from the brand new themed Cirque Italia production with its perfectly fitting new title. After six years of enhancements, a rigorous casting selection, and countless performances nationwide, this newest form of Cirque Italia’s innovative and unique “traveling circus” spectacular production is set to be its finest to date.

Aquatic Spectacular came to life all thanks to its imaginative creator Manuel Rebecchi, along with invaluable direction and production management by Chanté DeMoustes. Cirque Italia’s brand-new theme show is an artistic blend of human abilities, technology and the element of water. This one-of-a-kind production combines water fountains, jet-skis, pirates, and more in a fun filled atmosphere all ages are sure to enjoy.

Performers from all over the world have been brought together under the enchanted spiral of the white and blue big top. The merging of their astonishing skills with the poetic element of water has led to the creation of a truly unforgettable experience. Cirque Italia has managed to create a beautifully unique theatrical production by combining the gracefulness of the human body with the calming fluidity of water, along with bursts of power and excitement as well.

Aquatic Spectacular offers two hours of high-end entertainment. Beautiful aerialists dazzle and shimmer on a chandelier high above the ground, but they aren’t the only ones that will draw your eyes toward the sky. You can expect to see contortion in a bubble, a Venetian aerial duo, and even someone hula hooping while in the air. Don’t worry about getting your eyes checked, you aren’t seeing double; there are TWO lasermen. Duo jugglers, duo roller-skaters, the always breathtaking wheel of death…the list goes on and on. Let your imagination wander, because anything is possible in this new whimsical production.

One might be concerned that such a spectacular entertainment opportunity is out of his/her price range, but Cirque Italia is committed to bringing a Las Vegas quality production to your hometown at an affordable price. They also feature many special offers and promotions.

Event Info for Cirque Italia at Hurst

When: March 9-18

Where: North East Mall

At: 1101 Melbourne Rd, Hurst, TX 76053

Located: corner of NE Mall Blvd & Cheryl Ave. between Dillard’s and Best Buy in the parking lot

Under the grand White and Blue Tent:

  • March 9- Friday: 7:30pm
  • March 10- Saturday: 2:30pm, 5:30pm, & 8:30pm
  • March 11- Sunday: 2:30pm, 5:30pm, & 8:30pm
  • March 12- Monday: 7:30pm
  • March 15- Thursday: 7:30pm
  • March 16- Friday: 7:30pm
  • March 17- Saturday: 2:30pm, 5:30pm, & 8:30pm
  • March 18- Sunday: 2:30pm, 5:30pm, & 8:30pm

Box Office Hours

The box office opens on-site on Tuesday, the week of the show.

Non-show days: 10 am – 6 pm

On show days: 10 am – 9 pm

Tickets can be purchased now, starting at $10.00 through$40.00 depending on availability. You can purchase tickets through their website, at the door, and by phone at 941-704-8572. 

FREE Child Admission

Cirque Italia offers one free child admission with every full priced paying adult ticket in levels 2 or 3, using the code in the image below.

This offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or deals.

For more information visit www.cirqueitalia.com.

Get Social with Cirque Italia

Twitter: @CirqueItalia

Instagram: @cirqueitaliashow

Facebook: @cirque.italia

No Skill Baking: Skillet Desserts

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In the mood for something sweet, but don’t have ingredients or even a recipe? Then pull out the skillet for the easiest and best way to bake with these Skillet Desserts. 

“Honey, do we have anything sweet to eat?” 

Famous last words of my husband when we’ve run out of fruit or his reserve Homemade vanilla BB in the freezer. 

It’s also the same feeling I get when someone calls on their way to the house and I have nothing to serve. 


Skillet

It’s not like I’m looking for Food Network level here, I’m just trying to bust out something sweet without just ripping up a bag of M&Ms to pass around. 

So that’s where skillet desserts come into the picture.

You could make it with a plan like Apple Fritter Skillet (see below) to emptying out the pantry and putting ANYTHING like leftover Valentine’s Day candy to make a Kitchen Sink Skillet (you don’t even need a recipe for this one.) 

However the one requirement you do need to create skillet desserts is the SKILLET. (Keyword here.) 

So first if you don’t have one, then maybe you should stop here. You could go order one or better yet, go talk to grandma to relinquish hers. Those are the best ones, anyways. Skillets aren’t just because they’re multi-purpose for cooking everything from a steak to desserts like these, but that they get better with time. 

Skillet-Dessert

Just one thing before you put together your skillet dessert, you’ll need to season it make sure there’s no taste of chicken or steak in there from the time before. Just throw in a little butter, let it melt and stick it in the oven for a little while during the pre-heat. Then go for it. 

First off, you don’t really need a recipe for this. 

No, really, you don’t. 

Open a box of brownie mix and follow the instructions on the box to make the dough. 

Then open a box of chocolate chip cookie dough from the box. Read the instructions to make the dough. 

Put the brownie mix in the skillet. 

Then put the cookie dough in the skillet. I’d leave a little bit of brownie around the sides. 

Now, if you really want to mix it up, then start adding stuff. Like anything. 

  • Chocolate chips
  • Oreo bits 
  • Leftover candy

You get my drift. This is the part where I call it “Kitchen Sink Skillet Dessert.” Or if you prefer, you can call it something creative…but kitchen sink describes it well. 

Skillet-Dessert

Then bake it as instructed, approximately 350-375 degrees for about 30-45 minutes. Done. Serve it with some vanilla ice cream (that is if you have any of that left.) 

Skillet-Dessert

Yep, that’s easy, right? 

Well then, if you liked that, then you’ll love the Apple Fritter/Apple Cinnamon Skillet we’re sharing soon!

But until then, let’s see how much skill it takes to make it go from this…

Skillet-Dessert

to this ooey-gooey, deliciousness. 

Skillet-Dessert

 

Your Must-Have Laundry Sidekick

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Found that one white shirt at the bottom of the colors pile? With the LG TwinWash, life is good with this Must-Have Laundry Sidekick that does it all. 

Sponsored by Best Buy.

I HATE LAUNDRY. 

Like hate it BAD (almost as much as dishes.) I am the mom that often forgets to switch out the load from the wash to the dryer for a few days, then rewash it again (and sometimes one more time after I forgot AGAIN.) 


But it is a necessary evil that unfortunately can’t be put on autopilot, at least not yet. But it’s come a LONG way. 

I have been lucky that the same unit I’ve had for over a decade has done its duty. But with a move on the horizon, I was on the hunt for a new set and man I had no idea what all my washer and dryer could do. I mean until it folds itself and takes it to my closet, what else is left for a W/D to do? 

LG TwinWash laundry_Family

For me it always seems that at 9 pm is when my kid reminds me there’s some special shirt he’s supposed to wear and that’s the one that’s not clean. Or I’ll get to the bottom of the white load to put in the wash and there’s one color shirt there had been left out of the bunch, just looking at me, mocking me that now I have to clean all by itself, or wait until next time I fill up the colors load to get that one freaking shirt washed. 

Not only do these washers have mega capacity to tackle any size load, they are energy efficient for the best cleaning performance. 

Now at Best Buy until 4/25, receive up to $500 off a LG laundry solution for your home.

With LG’s TwinWash system you don’t have to make a choice between small, medium or a large load. Whether it’s my sweaty pants after hot yoga or the dirty uniform on a Sunday night, you can use the LG SideKick pedestal washer to do a little mini load. You can even use it simultaneously while you do a bigger load up top on your LG Front load washer. Now that’s how this mama wants to multitask. #mamachallenge 

LG TwinWash laundry_Family 

There’s a reason they call it LG. Life is good with this TwinWash in your laundry room. 

 

Santa for the Big Kids: Dynacraft Black Ice eDrifter

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Just because they don’t fit on Santa’s lap doesn’t mean they don’t want a good gift. Your tweens + teens will go wild for the Dynacraft Black Ice eDrifter available at Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Thank you to Dynacraft for this Christmas helper and this sponsored post. 
 
I remember that first Christmas and the feeling of trying to get the right gifts for the kiddo under the tree…until I realized “oh yea, the kid doesn’t even know what’s happening.” 
 
But come that second Christmas, Santa wasn’t just an event, it was EVERYTHING for like six months…and every year after. Especially that year when we got him his first ride-on: a Jeep that he rode all over the house and the backyard.  
 eDrifter
 
However, there is a point when you take the kids to see Santa and their smile isn’t directed at the big guy in red, but a grimace that you even would make them take a pic with Santa or any other activity you dare ask them to do for Christmas.  It’s tweendom and I know it’s coming…oh it’s coming alright.
 
But at Christmas it doesn’t mean that they don’t want something that still will put a big fat smile on their face (just like when they were little) and give you the satisfaction that “you did it.” 
 
So if you have a 13 year old (and up to 154 pounds) that’s ready to roll, then you’ll find that happy face with the Black Ice eDrifter available at Academy Sports + Outdoors.  

It’s not like that ride-on you got ’em when they were little. The motorized drifting bike lets ’em go uphill and “drift” at 12.5 miles an hour. Powered by a 24-volt battery, making it easy to travel uphill or drift across flat terrain. If you’re like me, you might not know what drifting is…but it’s the cutting-edge wheel design that recreates the feel of drifting across black ice — no matter the time of year.  

edriftet

Plus it looks really cool with the gray finish and makes mom and dad feel better with a sturdy frame.  
 
edrifter5 

eDrifter

Dynacraft Black Ice eDrifter features:

  • The electric driver wheel powers the eDrifter to drift a full 360 to 720 degrees on all flat surfaces, as well as climb hills
  • The twist grip accelerator works like a motorbike, and the vehicle consists of tubeless tires with PVC drifter sleeves
  • Unlike other trikes, adrenaline seekers can propel the Black Ice eDrifter to over 12 miles per hour for up to 45 minutes of continuous use
  • Strong, sturdy frame and an integrated front fender that blocks debris from the rider’s face

edrifter3

While you can’t get this online before Christmas, use the store locator to find out where you can get yours now (and for the moment at less than $200!) 

Don’t miss the eDrifter featured in our 2017 Holiday Hot List for Good Morning Texas.

Christmas Holiday Poster 

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