Travel Safer With Your Baby

Make travel safer with your baby with this Britax Car Seat. I am elated to be promoting this giveaway

Welcome to the Britax 2016 B-Agile/B-Safe 35 Travel System giveaway, generously sponsored by Britax!
Britax has been an industry leader in mobile safety for over 70 years. Their commitment to child safety is unwavering as evidenced by their continued innovation of products that undergo rigorous testing to ensure that your child is safe and secure. Britax also recognizes that parents value and appreciate the flair for style reflected in the design of their products. Parents want high-quality, well-made products with easy to clean fabric and that is precisely what they'll get with the 2016 Britax B-Agile/B-Safe 35 Travel System. Janessa from Thrifty Nifty Mommy recently had the opportunity to review the 2016 Britax B-Agile/B-Safe 35 Travel System, and she was really impressed with the style and functionality of this travel system. Make sure you check out the full review to see it in action!

Here is a little bit of info about the from 2016 B-Agile/B-Safe 35 Travel System from Britax's website:

Combining unmatched protection with exceptional maneuverability, the B-Agile 3/B-Safe 35 Travel System is the smart choice for you and your child. Britax specializes in top safety and smart design – the 2016 stroller is lightweight and features a quick one-hand fold and easy maneuverability. The car seat includes a space-efficient deep shell that minimizes side-to-side movement to maximize protection. And with the Click & Go System, convenience is in your hands. B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat Features:

• SafeCell Impact Protection is an integrated system of safety components that works to protect your child beyond federal safety standards.
• Side impact protection features a deep foam-lined shell to shield your child.
• Impact-absorbing base compresses to reduce the rough force of a collision.
• Impact-stabilizing steel frame offers superior strength where you need it most: at the connection point to the vehicle.
• SafeCenter LATCH Installation has center-pull straps that tighten quickly and easily.
• Contoured shell takes up little space in your vehicle and minimizes side-to-side movement to maximize protection.
• Click & Go stroller compatibility allows you to pair the seat with any Britax stroller to customize the perfect travel system.
• Removable head pad acts as a cushion for your child and can be removed when your baby outgrows it.
• Extra-large canopy protects your little one from sun and rain.
• On/off lower anchors connectors easily lock into place and release with the push of a button.
• Built-in lock-offs ensure a snug vehicle seat belt installation with minimal effort.
• Spring-assisted recline makes for easy angle adjustment.
• Easy-release harness button makes it simple to loosen harness straps.
• Ergonomic handle makes carrying comfortable with your hand or forearm.
• Proudly engineered, tested and made in the USA with global components for top safety and quality.

2016 B-Agile 3 Stroller

• One-hand fold design easily closes the stroller in seconds.
• Lightweight aluminum frame makes the B-Agile 3 easy to carry
• Click & Go System allows for a quick connection to any Britax infant car seat.
• 3-wheel configuration with swivel front wheels provides an ultra-tight turning radius.
• Extra-large canopy with ventilation window protects your child from the elements.
• All-wheel suspension system offers a smooth ride over cracks and bumps.
• Larger under-seat storage and additional zippered pocket fit all of life’s essentials.
• Frame lock keeps stroller together and compact for traveling or storing.
• Infinite recline with more upright seat makes it easy to accommodate sleeping infants or attentive toddlers.
• Linked parking brake locks both rear wheels with a single step.
• 5-point harness adjusts for children as they grow. ASTM compliant for top safety.

Britax is going to give one lucky reader a 2016 B-Agile 3 / B-Safe 35 Travel System of their own, valued at $439!

Open to residents of the United States, ages 18 and up. Ends on 8/25/16 at 11:59 PM EDT. Enter using the Giveaway Tools entry form below. Good luck!

Entry Form Disclosure: Viva Veltoro, Thrifty Nifty Mommy, and the participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited. For questions about this giveaway please contact Janessa at thriftyniftymommy@yahoo.com.

What is LuLaRoe All About?

If you have not yet heard about LuLaRoe, you are missing out.  Best known for these "buttah soft" leggings, LuLaRoe has so many items to offer,  I received the above leggings (from the Americana collection) from my friends at LuLaRoe by Kate and Lea.  The leggings come in One Size and Tall and Curvy.  The amazing prints and the different color solids will be the softest thing you ever put on your body.   I paired this with a black Randy tee for a casual and fun look.

LuLaRoe has so much more to offer than just leggings.  I am quite sure that is what most of my LLR addicts seek out, are the leggings. The dresses are:  Amelia, Julia, and Nicole.  These dresses are great to wear to work or for casual wear. The LLR skirts are:  Maxi, Azure and Cassie.  I have seen some amazing pairings of these skirts with LLR tops.  Prints matched with solids or prints matched with prints, go make your fashion statement!!  Tops include the Classic Tee, The Randy, Irma Tunic and Lindsay Kimono.  

My friends at LuLaRoe by Kate and Lea have to be the sweetest LLR consultants I know.  They have a massive inventory that is VERY WELL ORGANIZED and labeled. They have all sizes, so there is no reason you should not own a piece of LuLaRoe and Kate and Lea go above and beyond to make your shopping experience be a pleasant one.  

These two amazing ladies, LuLaRoe by Kate and Lea are offering one of my LUCKY readers a chance to win a pair of leggings and a top of their choice( Randy Tee, Classic Tee or Irma Tunic) that they have in inventory.  Now, I know a lot of consultants have giveaways but Kate and Lea were kind enough to offer a complete outfit. from their LuLaRoe collection.

Please use the Rafflecopter form below.  In the meantime, these wonderful ladies have a Facebook group where you can peruse their stock of LLR and drool at all the choices . I urge you to join by clicking HERE!!  They are always adding new inventory so I am sure you will find something you like. 

Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or forfeit prize. Reviewz & Newz is not responsible for shipment of prize.  LuLaRoe by Kate and Lea provided samples for this review and is responsible for shipment of the prize. This giveaway is open to US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's that time of year again. The kids are going back to school and to celebrate, The Anti-June Cleaver and Our Piece of Earth have teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to bring you some great prizes for kids of all ages who are heading back to school.  As always, once you have entered a giveaway visit the linky below for a chance to win even more great prizes. Good luck!linky below for a chance to win even more great prizes. Good luck!

 Disclosure: The Anti-June Cleaver, Our Piece of Earth, and the rest of the bloggers participating in the Back to School giveaway hop are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations

How To Keep A Sliced Apple From Turning Brown and more

How To Keep A Sliced Apple From Turning Brown

Jennie_ O has this and more great tips and recipes HERE

How to save money on beauty services

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine

Let's face it!  When it comes to health, beauty, and wellness services, it can become quite expensive.  I love having a massage and  getting my nails done and I also like to save money.  With Groupon, you can do just that. Save TONS of money by using Health, Beauty and Wellness Groupons.

You can go to your favorite salon at a huge discount.  Want to be pampered at a spa? Never pay full price for these types of services.  You can keep your beauty routine and not break the bank! 

Right now, in my area, I can save more than 70% on microdermabrasion!  For $49 I can have this done,  That is unheard of in this day and time,  The regular price is $115 That is why I love Groupon!  I can get all these services for such a huge discount. 

No matter where you live, Groupon has a deal for you,  When you sign up, it asks you for your location.  All you have to do is search for what beauty service you want and you can find an awesome deal!  The process is really simple and you can save so much money on your preferred services. 

What Health, Beauty and Wellness Groupons have you used? 

Simple S’Mores Cake

If you are looking for an easy and yummy cake to make, you have come to the right place.  This Simple S'more Cake is so easy to make!  Get the kids in the kitchen to help make this one.  It uses a boxed cake mix and instant pudding.  Grab the recipe below.

Simple S’Mores Cake

1 package (about 15 ounces) milk chocolate cake mix

1 package (4-serving size) chocolate instant pudding

1 ½ cups milk

1 cup mini marshmallows

3 milk chocolate bars (1.55 ounces each), broken into ½ inch pieces OR 1 cup milk chocolate chips

3 whole graham crackers, crumbed into ½ inch pieces

Preheat oven to 350° F.  Spray 13X9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine cake mix, pudding mix and milk in large bowl; beat 1 – 2 minutes or until well blended.  Spread batter in prepared pan

Bake 30 – 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. 

Turn oven to broil

Sprinkle marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers over cake.  Broil 6 inches from heat source 30 seconds to 1 minute or until marshmallows are golden brown. (Watch carefully to prevent burning.)

Cool at least 5 minutes before serving.

How to Treat Teen Acne

Let's face it, we have all had acne as a teen.  It has to be one of the most awful experiences a teen can endure, having that giant pimple and having to go to school.  OXY has the products and 28 Day Challenge APP to treat teen acne!   Yes, I said APP.  Teens love apps,  What better way to treat acne and check your progress?   Using these OXY products and the app, I urge you to take the OXY 28 Day Challenge! 

Download it it on Google Play!

Download the iOS version! 

OXY^®  recently launched the 28 Day Challenge and is the first over-the-counter brand acne product to offer a free iOS and Android smartphone app to help teens clear their skin through a tailored regimen.  The OXY 28 Day Challenge is the perfect way to take action and get a step ahead of acne to help teens looks and feel there best as they get ready to head back to school this summer. The app features:

·         Personalized, dermatologist approved acne skin care regimen

·         Daily tips to help maximize treatment results

·         Daily alerts to ensure that treatment stays on track

·         Ability to take before, during and after pictures to show progress

OXY^® has been a trusted skin care brand for over 40 years and the OXY^® 28 Day Challenge takes an open and honest approach to helping teens clear acne-prone skin. While many skin care brands unrealistically promise fast and easy results, OXY^® knows that truly effective acne treatment is an ongoing, regimented process that takes time. In fact, dermatologists agree that it can typically take up to 4 weeks using acne treatments to effectively clear skin. The 28 Day Challenge promises clearer skin guaranteed or your money back.

Black Eyed Pea Hummus

Black Eyed peas are a staple in the South.  Seriously.  If you live in the South and do not have black eyed peas in your pantry, you need to go shopping.  You can use dried or canned black eyed peas for this recipe.  For simplicity, I used canned.  


Black Eyed Pea Hummus

Items needed:

2 (15-ounce) cans Black Eyed Peas (drained)
2 Tablespoons fresh chopped Cilantro
3 Tablespoons Tahini
2 Tablespoons fresh Lemon Juice
2 ½ teaspoons Ground Cumin
2 teaspoons bottled Minced Garlic
½ teaspoon Salt
Pita Bread or Chips for dipping

Drain black eyed peas really well, then place in a food processor along with cilantro, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, minced garlic and salt. Pulse until smooth and creamy. Serve at room temperature or place in the fridge to chill, then serve! 

I highly suggest you double this recipe, because it is delicious and will save you some time! 

Puff Puff...I'll pass. Exuviance DePuffing Eye Serum Review

Who likes puffy eyes? I'm sure absolutely nobody raised their hand on that one. I suffer from acute insomnia so puffy, tired eyes are something I struggle with a lot. I also have seasonal allergies, so I have allergy puffiness to deal with on top of that.

I've tried different kinds of creams and serums that are supposed to clear up puffiness around the eyes, but I've honestly never really had anything work towards dealing with the underlying cause of the issue. The only results I've ever gotten were temporary, instant results from serums that contain caffeine. I do like those results because they are instantly visible, but they do wear off after a few hours.

When I was given the chance to try Exuviance DePuffing Eye Serum, I was pretty excited for the opportunity. I've already added an Exuviance moisturizer to my skin care routine and trying another one of their products was an attractive idea. The fact that the DePuffing Eye Serum is supposed to address the causes of eye puffiness by targeting microcirculation and strengthens the skin to reduce the pooling that leads to puffiness and bags. It also contains caffeine, cucumber, and chamomile so that you get those instant benefits on top of the long-term benefits. I was a bit of a bad girl and kept pushing back the due date for this review so that I could see some of the extended benefits in action.

The applicator is really nice on this product. I like roller ball applicators for eye serums because they deposit the product smoothly and they don't pull at the delicate undereye area. I also like that they are cool to the touch so that they feel refreshing. This applicator has a triple micro-roller that massages and stimulates circulation while depositing the serum. I've never seen an applicator like this, and I really like it.

One thing that instantly caught my attention after the application is that this serum is not sticky at all. A lot of eye creams and serums are very tacky to the touch, which can be irritating. I got that great instant boost from the caffeine, so I could see right away that the short term benefits are there. The serum soaks in quickly and my eye area felt refreshed and no longer looked puffy and tired. I looked alert and sassy, ready to take on the day. Of course, like any caffeine-containing products, those short term effects are short lived. They wore off after a few hours, but it's the long-term effects that are the real fruit of this serum.

Exuviance DePuffing Eye Serum contains  Eyeliss™ and Actiflow® which target microcirculation and strengthen the fragile eye skin to reduce the pooling that causes puffiness and undereye bags. It also contains NeoGlucosamine® which helps to tone and firm the eyelid and undereye areas to reduce droopiness over time. Caffeine helps stimulate and invigorate the skin while chamomile, green tea, and cucumber refresh the eye area. The serum has been ophthalmologist tested, so you can be secure knowing that it isn't going to damage your eyes.
I've been using the serum twice daily, as per the instructions and I've already started noticing some of the extended benefits. The dark circles under my eyes have been reduced quite a bit and the area is quite a bit flatter than it was before. I have slightly hooded eyes, and I had never really realized how puffy the area right below my brow bone was until I had been using this for a few weeks and that puffiness subsided. The crease in my eyelid isn't nearly as deep looking now, and my eyes look less sunken. I really wasn't even aware of this before and was a bit surprised.

The only negative I've found is that the combo of the serum and my moisturizer didn't play too nicely with my primer and foundation. Everything kind of peeled off around my eye area. I just had to avoid using primer around my eyes and that solved the problem, so it was a very minor problem. This isn't the first time I've had a product not play nicely with primer, and I'm sure it won't be the last.

In all this is a really good eye serum. Exuviance is slowly taking over my skin care routine, and I'm not complaining about it one bit. I like products that work, and this one really works.

For more about Exuviance, check out my review of the Exuviance Age Less Everyday Moisturizer. 

The Kitchen Staples You Should Make Instead Of Buying

The Kitchen Staples You Should Make Instead Of Buying!

I went grocery shopping yesterday and I guess I was having a nostalgic day because when I got the final bill I nearly cried. Even though I was trying to shop smart I still had to pay over $200!!! When I think about what $50 could buy when I was a kid (i.e. a lot) versus what $50 can buy today (i.e. very little) I can’t help but wonder how on earth anyone feeds their families these days.

I just got invited to my ten year high school reunion by the way, so I wasn’t a kid that long ago either! I don’t know when last you actually had a look at the price of each item on your final grocery bill but if you do, you’ll see that it is usually the ‘convenient’ foods that cost the most. In other words the things that your grandparents used to make at home, but that you buy premade or prepackaged because you’ve never done it any other way!

So here’s some things that you normally buy, but that are cheaper AND better when you make them at home! Still, you need to pay attention when you're buying the ingredients or necessary kitchenware so you take advantage of the best deals. If you use grocery coupons your meal is gonna be a lot cheaper than without them, and a Kohl's coupon from Discountrue can make a new pan all the more affordable! And now let's take a look at a couple of dishes you can prepare by yourself and enjoy more than ever:

Pizza

Now pizza is first on this list because it is the ultimate convenience food and there is pretty much NOTHING better than a pizza – ever. Whether you pick them up on the way home from work or you’re using the frozen variety you just can’t beat it because even picky eaters eat pizza! But you can make an entire pizza from scratch at home – no shop bought anything, whether frozen or not!

You can make your own pizza dough (the traditional kind or some other healthier variety) AND your own marinara sauce, then customize with whatever toppings make you happy (which you can pre-make and freeze too!). You can freeze the dough and the sauce on their own, or you can prepare your pizzas and freeze them ready to go straight in the oven.

The options are literally endless, although I would suggest investing in a pizza stone to get that perfect crispy pizza crust we all crave! And if you’re freezing the dough without prebaking, then remember that it is going to need to defrost for at least 12 hours in the fridge before you actually use it.

You can also use the homemade marinara sauce when you’re whipping up some spaghetti and meatballs, or for any dish that you would normally use a tomato sauce for!

French Fries

This is next on the list because again it is pretty much a staple food in every home. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like French fries in some shape or form. Now I always used to buy oven chips because I don’t own a chip fryer and using that much oil, even when I reuse it, just seems like a massive waste. But now I make my own!

All I do is slice the potatoes into chips, then boil them. You can do this on the stove, but 2 medium potatoes cook in about 7 minutes in the microwave (invention of the gods!) so I do it that way. Then I dry them off – and chill them if I have time (the chilling gives that perfect French fry crispiness). Now you could deep fry them if you like, or drizzle them with oil and pop them in the oven.

And you can freeze them once they’re boiled for even more convenience. Just make sure they are completely chilled, and that there is NO excess moisture before you freeze them or they can go soggy. And by the way, this technique works for any kind of potato that is usually fried or roasted – including sweet potato!

Nut Butters

Peanut butter is yet another household staple and also one of those things that you can make at home – even though it probably NEVER occurred to you! Someone, somewhere decided that plain old peanut butter is just too boring though so now you get cashew nut butter, almond butter, hazelnut butter and even sesame seed butter.

And pretty much all you need is your food processor, your nut of choice and salt (additional oil is sometimes necessary). You can even make your own version of that little slice of heaven in a jar or the chocolate nut spread (Nutella in case you didn’t realize!). Nut butters keep for up to a month in an airtight container in the fridge but don’t make huge quantities at once!

Pancakes or Waffles

Whether it is the middle of the week or a lazy Sunday morning (afternoon, evening!) there is nothing better than a pancake or a waffle. You won’t normally have pancakes for anything except breakfast, but waffles can be paired with a wide variety of savory options and used for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. Although no one ever said you can’t have pancakes at any time of the day!

I started out buying frozen waffles and frozen pancakes because, well I was lazy! Then I started buying pancake or waffle mix because I decided that fresh was better. But making my own premade mix at home is so easy a five year old could do it! And I also make and freeze some for those mornings or afternoons where convenience trumps freshness!

Meat or Vegetable Stock

Stock is one of those things that nobody can do without in their kitchen if they want their food to have any kind of depth of flavor and is the base of pretty much every hearty, family friendly meal! Whether you buy stock cubes, canned or boxed stocks all you’re really getting is a WHOLE lot of sodium (i.e. salt) and a vaguely stocky flavor!

And all you need to make your own stock is some bones, a few herbs and a couple of vegetables. As well as time and a stock pot! You can use the bones from your own leftovers or you can get the bones you need from your butcher. And once your stock is made, you can divide it into smaller containers and freeze until you need it!

Condiments

Now I know that you’re going to ask why you should make your own mayo, your own ketchup, your own salad dressing and your own pesto when it is SOOO much easier to just buy them. But the truth is that while store bought condiments are highly convenient, they have a load of ingredients that taste great together but aren’t any good for you!

Making ketchup requires a little time and might mean you need to invest in some spices you don’t have right now. But imagine the best ketchup you’ve ever had and multiply it by a thousand, then you’ll understand why it’s worth making yourself. The other condiments are infinitely easier to make so long as you have a food processor and some sharp knives!

There are a whole lot of other things that you normally buy from the store because they are convenient, but that you could actually be making at home. But the ones I’ve listed here are, in my opinion, the staples that no kitchen or pantry can do without and that you don’t need to be any kind of culinary professional to make!

Summer Character Sleep Pants

Reviewz & Newzis excited to promote this giveaway.  You have so many chances to win!

Welcome to the Summer Character Sleep Pant Wardrobe Giveaway Event!

Sponsored by: Richard Leeds International
Hosted by: Southern Mom Loves

With the summer heat in full force, we thought you could use some cool new PJ pants! These character sleep capri pants from Richard Leeds International are made of soft, 100% cotton to help keep you cool all summer long, and are available in Mickey, Minnie, Ariel, Minions, Dory, Eeyore, Hello Kitty, TMNT, Batman, Wonder Woman, and more.

Holly from Southern Mom Loves reviewed these new sleep pants (available at Walmart.) You can see her full review here, and then enter to win a full summer sleep pants wardrobe below!

• 1st Prize: 1 (One) winner will receive one of each sleep pant design for a total of 11 pairs of sleep pants!
• 2nd Prize: 2 (Two) winners will each receive 5 pairs of sleep pants!
• 3rd Prize: 5 (Five) winners will each receive 3 pairs of sleep pants!
• 4th Prize: 16 (Sixteen) winners will each receive 1 pair of sleep pants!

24 total winners will be sent fun Character Sleep Pants in randomly chosen designs from the styles shown above, in their Women's size as they state it in the Giveaway Tools widget below. (ARV $518!) Enter below, the odds are fantastic!

Giveaway begins on 7/8/16 at 1:00 am CST and ends on 7/29/16 at 11:59 pm CST. Must be 18 years or older, open to residents of the US only. Once confirmed, the winners will be added to the Southern Mom Loves Winner's List.

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. All entries will be verified. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be contacted by email; Please add southernmomloves@gmail.com to your whitelist. Richard Leeds International will be responsible for prize delivery to the winner. This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest, or any other social media platform.

Contact Holly at southernmomloves@gmail.com if you have any additional questions or comments, or would like Southern Mom Loves to organize your next giveaway.

4 Ingredient Cookies.

Do you ever have a craving for cake, but you know you don't really need cake? I found this great recipe that uses a cake mix to make cookies that are light, moist, and perfectly cakey. At first I was a bit dubious, because the ingredients seemed ind of odd, but I gave it a try and I was not dissapointed. Each cookie tastes like a delicious little mini cake, and they perfectly fullfill that cake craving, but in smaller, more waistline friendly portions. (As long as you can resist eating more than a few at a go.)

You can use pretty much any cake mix to make these cookies. They are quick and easy, and only require 4 ingredients. My kids love triple chocolate fudge, but my favorite is lemon.

 Ingredients:

1 box cake mix, any flavour
1 egg
1 8oz. tub of whipped dessert topping, thawed
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

In a medium sized bowl, beat egg and then add whipped topping until just combined. Do not over stir. Add cake mix and stir until combined. Dough will be sticky. Form dough into small balls and roll in powdered sugar to coat. Place dough balls on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

One of my favorite ways to finish off an evening is to pop one of these in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it through, then topping it with a small scoop of ice cream. If I use a chocolate cookie, I might add a drizzle of hot fudge. So yummy, and just the perfect amount of sweetness to end the day on a high note.

Tech Fun for Kids with Osmo from Best Buy

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.


Osmo is gaming systems  that changes the way children interact with their Ipad, but implementing hands-on play!  This great GENIUS KIT set comes with five games: Words, Masterpiece, Tangram, Newton and Numbers.

Set up is easy and you are ready to play.  I mean your children are ready to play! The games are so fun, I found myself mesmerized in the Tangrams.  You use the pieces to match the pieces on the screen.  This is so much fun.  My son enjoyed the Tangrams quite well.




































Words was really great, too. You choose the missing letters until you get the picture clue correct.  I really like that the pictures are bright and vivid.  My son giggled every time he got one right.  And on some,he purposefully chose the wrong letter just to see if Osmo was right. My son is autistic and this was his way of testing Osmo. 

With so many tech gadgets on the market, I think Osmo hit a home run with this set.  I love that my child can learn about numbers, addition and subtraction while he is out of school this summer. It reinforces what he has learned in the school and he has fun doing it, too!
We briefly tried out the Masterpiece and Newton portions of the set, but my son kept wanting to play the others. Yes, autistic kids do that a lot.  From what I was able to see, it looked like so much fun.  We have so much more to explore with the Osmo!  Thank goodness for that, he will have some fun and new things to try! 

Overall, we had lots of fun playing all the components of Osmo.  It is compatible with Apple iPad 2, 3, 4, all versions of iPad Mini and iPad Air, iPad Pro(9.7)  Set includes mirror,  ​sturdy base, ​game pieces, and ​5 game apps in the Apple App Store (free download).  You can check out the Osmo Genuis Kit  available at Best Buy for $99.99 



What do you like best about Osmo? 

Red, White & Blue Jello Trifles

If you are looking for that perfect dessert for your 4th of July cook out, these mini Jello trifles will do the trick,  So very easy to make, (like all my recipes), kids will enjoy them. Adults will adore them.  Just make sure you hide them until it is time for dessert or you might find them all eaten! 



 

Items needed:

2 (3-ounce) boxes Cherry Gelatin Dessert
2 (3-ounce) boxes Berry Bliss Gelatin Dessert
5 cups water for boiling, plus
Additional 4 cups cold water
1 (16-ounce) container Cool Whip
10 Cherries
10 Mini Trifles

Place both boxes of cherry gelatin into a large plastic bowl, set aside. Place both boxes of berry bliss gelatin into another large plastic bowl, set aside. In a large pot, bring 5 cups water to a boil. (Use this amount because some of the water will boil down.) Once boiling, ladle out 2 cups hot water into the cherry gelatin and stir for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups cold water and stir, then place in the fridge to set for 4 or more hours. Ladle out another 2 cups hot water and add to the berry bliss gelatin, then stir for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups cold water and stir together, then place in the fridge for 4 or more hours to set. Set out mini trifles. Break red jello apart with fingers and drop down into the bottom of the trifles. Spoon in an even layer of cool whip. Break apart blue jello with fingers and drop down into trifle. Place additional cool whip in a plastic bag and snip the end with scissors. Top each trifle with cool whip and a cherry.

Mexican Fried Ice Cream Dessert

I always try and make my desserts from items I have on hand.  This Mexican Fried Ice Cream Dessert ius simple to make and very pleasing to the palate.  During these scorching hot summer days, this is my go-to dessert! 


Items needed:

5 cups Plain Corn Flakes (crushed)
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
1 stick Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup) (cubed)
1 (1.75-quart) container Vanilla Ice Cream
1 (16-ounce) container frozen Whipped Topping (thawed & divided)
3/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/4 cup Honey
Chocolate Syrup
Maraschino Cherries

Set out a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Let ice cream sit at room temperature for around 35 minutes. While the ice cream is thawing, place the corn flakes into a large container, then crush and set aside. In a large heavy pot and over medium heat, add the butter. Once melted, add corn flakes and sugar. Cook while stirring for around 5 minutes (it may take less time, watch corn flakes to make sure they don’t overcook). Place cornflakes to the side to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla ice cream, half of the container of whipped topping and ground cinnamon. Stir until completely combined. Place the remaining whipped topping back in the fridge for later use. Spread a 1/3 of the cooked corn flakes on the bottom of the casserole dish. Drop large dollops of the ice cream mixture over the corn flakes, then spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with the remaining corn flakes. Drizzle the honey over the corn flakes. Cover with foil, then place in the freezer for 6 to 8 hours. Remove and cut into squares. Top each square with chocolate syrup, a dollop of the additional whipped topping and a cherry, then serve.

30 Minute Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

I cook a lot of things using chicken stock, which I make myself using chicken leg thigh quarters or whole chickens that I've quartered. Over the years, I've picked up or developed a lot of recipes that make use of the chicken leftover from this process.

Since the chicken is already cooked, it lends itself very well to meals that can be made in time constrained situations. I freeze it in recipe size batches so that I can grab one and thaw it easily. Even If I forget to put it out of the freezer in the morning, it can be thawed out in a matter of minutes in the microwave. This has saved me on more than one occasion when a half day outing lasted way longer than it was supposed to and we don't make it home until dinnertime. Being able to put a home-cooked meal on the table in less time than it would take to order a pizza is priceless.


This is one of my families favorite "leftover" chicken recipes. It can be done with just about any kind of leftover chicken, or you can cook some specifically to make the recipe. I have to make double the recipe because my husband would probably cry if there were no enchiladas for a snack, and my 6-year-old would do the same if there were none for lunch the next day.

Ingredients:

1 pound cooked chicken, diced
1 package cream cheese, cubed
1 can chopped green chiles
1 package 6-inch tortillas, flour or corn your preference
1 can green chile enchilada sauce
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded fiesta cheese blend or cheddar, your preference

Preparation:

Heat oven to  400°F. Prepare a 13X9-inch baking dish.

In a bowl, combine enchilada sauce with cream of chicken soup. Spread a thin layer of the mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

In a large skillet heat chicken, chiles, and cream cheese on medium heat until heated through and the cream cheese is fully melted.

Spoon mixture into tortillas, roll and place seam-side down into the prepared baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over top, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted.

How kids can enjoy outdoor play and nature

This post is sponsored by the Voice of Play.

With summertime upon us, it is time to get out of the house and PLAY!  Take the kids to the park, to a river, or to a hiking trail.  Let them see and experience nature while they play.


This is  great for kids and adults, alike  Not only is is good for your physically, it is also good for you mentally.  And, the best part about outdoor play with nature,  it is FREE.

I know my State Park, Magnolia Springs, waives the park fee on Wednesdays.  Many parks across the nation offer a similar discount  You can experience nature on a hiking or walking trail and get in some good play time with the entire family.  



I grew up fishing the Ogeechee River with my grandfather  We are passing that tradition down to our kids by taking them fishing at some of the very same spots my grandfather took me.  This is a fun time to play and enjoy nature  Watch out, you just might catch enough for supper.

There are so many things that you can incorporate nature while you play  We have been birdwatching right here in our own yard.  The kids love seeing all of the birds.  They are learning while they enjoy outdoor play.

We all need to get OFF of our phones and get our minds and bodies in tune with nature.  So, when you are done reading this, turn off your phones, take your kids outside and let them experience nature by going on a walk, a hike, or birdwatching.  The possibilities are endless.  You can see the beauty in nature and play with your kids.  I cannot think of a more enjoyable experience and one that will create memories you and your kids will cherish.

The post is brought to you by Activate by Bloglovin and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

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