~Items mentioned in this blog were provided free of charge by the company or PR agency. I have received compensation to provide my honest opinion.~
When you are a mom, one of your jobs is making sure your family is fed and that starts with breakfast. It is all too easy to just grab something quick and go but many times those options are not the healthiest. The freezer section is full of things from toaster pastries to pancake wrapped sausage on a stick but I wonder about how healthy those options actually are. I may be a hot mess but I worry about how my family is fueling their bodies and for us, eggs have been the egg-celent answer.
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. All opinions are mine alone. #SootheYourSoreSpots #CollectiveBias
Hello, my name is Debbie and I am a klutz. This is a trait that I have passed down to my kids. Being able to trip over our own feet doesn’t stop our family from being active. We are always outside and doing something. We hike and bike, float down rivers and more, we are just prepared and I always have our first aid kit ready for whatever may happen. (more…)
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MoreThanAMom #CollectiveBias
When you are a military spouse holidays can be hard especially if your spouse is away. We learn quickly to make the best of things while they are gone. We learn to lean on our friend’s in our community and continue on. Sometimes our best memories are made this way. We get together and celebrate the different holidays the best that we can. We decorate our homes, with homemade crafts like tissue paper flowers garland, we share cards and gifts and we cannot forget about the great food.
I have been compensated by Glucerna for this post; however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own. #SteadyIsExciting
Back in 1999 was the first time the words diabetes ever entered my life. At that time it was gestational diabetes, I had failed my one hour glucose test and I was being put on a special diet and had to go take the 3 hour test. I passed that one, barely. The day my son was born I was told that I did have gestational diabetes. Fast forward through my next three pregnancies, I had gestational diabetes with each one. With my boys it was diet controlled, my daughter I was put on medication. After she was born I was told my risk of having type two diabetes was very high since I had gestational diabetes with all 4 of my kids. I did what I needed to do and set out on my journey of healthy living. I started running and eating healthier and for almost ten years I did pretty good then this past summer as I began marathon training I began noticing different symptoms. At first I began pricking my finger and testing my blood sugar. Consistently my fasting blood sugar was high and after meals it was borderline. The only time it was any where close to normal was after a long run, and then as my miles grew my blood sugar would be low. So I took myself to the doctor to find out what was going on with me and I was told I had prediabetes. I wasn’t shocked, I had been told it was most likely going to happen but now I needed to work even harder to balance my blood sugar levels. After finishing my marathon last week, I now find myself refocusing my health goals for the year. One of those goals is to lose weight. I am one of the lucky ones who gained weight while marathon training. That weight needs to go! I just need to figure out how to do it and keep my blood sugar levels in check. One of the ways I am working on that is trying to keep quick meals like taco salad and Glucerna Hunger Smart Shakes in my fridge.
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TysonMovieOffer #CollectiveBias
One of the many traditions my family has is our Friday night, Family Fun Night. On Friday nights we watch a movie and eat fun food. We do a lot of pizza but not far behind is corn dogs and chicken nuggets. I am pretty sure it is my kids favorite night of the week. This week i’m excited because i’m setting the DVR up to record a halloween classic, It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, so we can watch on Friday. I just turned 38 last week and I can say that I have watched it every single year. How can you not watch this 1966 classic?!?! Heck in 1981 I even dressed up as Sally for Halloween.
I love the entire Peanuts gang and I have happily have passed this love onto my kid’s. One of things we are all looking forward to is The Peanuts Movie. I seriously cannot wait for it to come out! Being a family of 6 going to the movies is expensive though but I have found a great way to save on tickets. Right now if you go to Walmart and buy ANY TWO (2) specially marked packages of Tyson® Chicken Products or State Fair® Corn Dogs and you can up to $9.00 toward one child admission to see The Peanuts Movie Only in Theaters. How awesome is that! Yes, please!
Tyson® Chicken Nuggets and State Fair® Corn Dogs are family fun night favorites around here so, I picked up some of both for some protein powered snacking! The movie offer is such an awesome bonus.
When eating corn dogs and chicken nuggets my kids do not ever eat them plain. You have to have a dip. Dipping sauces are like cheese and make things even better. Favorite dips in our house are usually honey mustard,ranch and spicy ranch and there is always plenty of back in forth among themselves about what dip they want to use. So I started thinking what if I came up with a spicy honey mustard? So pulled out my food processor and got to work and created a Chipotle Honey Mustard. It is my kid’s new favorite when it comes to dipping sauces. Chipotle Honey Mustard is both sweet and spicy and makes your tastebuds want more!
Creating the sauce was simple. It has 6 basic ingredients, Mayo, Yellow Mustard, Dijon Mustard, Honey, Garlic and Chipotle Peppers.
Step One: Add all your ingredients to a food processor or blender. During this part you can decide how spicy you want things. I added one pepper to our sauce and it turned out perfect for us.
Step 2: Blend until well combined
Step 3: Place in a jar or bottle and refrigerate at least 2 hours before using. During this step your sauce will thicken up.
Step 5: Make your favorite Tyson® Chicken Products or State Fair® Corn Dogs for some protein powered snacking and start dipping!
My kids are all set now with some great family fun night snacks and their new favorite Chipotle Honey Mustard to dip everything in. Then I’m over here smiling because I get a ticket for them to go see The Peanuts Movie. Can you say win-win? I can’t wait to surprise my kiddos with a special treat by going to see the movie in the theater!
Do you have a house full of Chicken Nugget and Corn Dog monsters like I do? What is their favorite dip? Check out Tyson® for more meal ideas and recipes.
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #EffortlessMeals #CollectiveBias
Being a mom of kids involved in sports can mean life can be crazy at times. When school starts that schedule gets even crazier. Life becomes a balance of school, sports and family. It seems that dinnertime often becomes a victim of the crazy schedule. Years ago I committed to not allowing my family to fall victims to the fast food rut that sometimes happens when life get’s crazy. My kids need to be able to fuel their bodies with good food so they can be the best that they can be. Fueling up on junk isn’t going to help them set personal records. I’m far from Wonder Woman and sometimes I need a little help with dinner.
When I pick up my oldest from practice one of the first things he asks me is if we need to go to Walmart. It is right on the way home which makes it an easy stop to pick up milk, bread and/or things we need for dinner. Sometimes it is to pick up dinner on my not so Wonder Woman days. Effortless Meals at Walmart have helped save our dinner time more than a couple times. Rotisserie Chicken, one of their 2lb sides (potato salad, macaroni salad or coleslaw) and for a special treat a 2 liter of your favorite Coca Cola product are perfect fixings for an easy, effortless meal.
Rotisserie Chicken is a favorite of mine because it can be used so many different ways! Here are some of my favorite ways:
Honestly the ways to use Rotisserie Chicken are endless. It is great way to make a semi homemade meal in next to no time. Like my families new favorite tacos, Carolina Pulled Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Coleslaw. The inspiration for these tacos came from one of our favorite meals, barbecue. To be more specific Eastern North Carolina Barbecue. Here in NC we take our BBQ very seriously, it is pulled pork and the state is divided into 2 styles. You either like the tomato based Lexington style or tomato free Eastern NC BBQ. Eastern NC style is topped with a vinegar and pepper based BBQ sauce. The pulled pork is served with coleslaw as well as other sides such as hush puppies and potato salad.
The Eastern NC BBQ sauce is great on chicken and helps turn these into must try tacos. Another big plus is that you can pick up everything that you need at Walmart and throw these tacos together in no time at all with the help of a rotisserie chicken and premade coleslaw.
To get this dinner started we start with the Eastern Carolina BBQ sauce. Here in North Carolina the sauce can be found in the grocery store. Living outside of North Carolina I had to learn how to make the BBQ sauce myself. I always have a jar in my fridge, it is a staple in our house. This is best made up at least a day in advance so all the ingredients can get happy and meld well together.
All you do is place all your ingredients in a jar and shake it up. It is easy peasy!
When preparing this dinner I like to start with the jalapeño coleslaw first.
I add the already made coleslaw to a bowl and add the diced red onion, diced jalapeño, and the juice of half a lime.
I know cilantro is something people love or hate so leave it out if you must. We like it so in it goes! Mix it up, cover, and refrigerate while you prepare the chicken.
Preparing the chicken is completely effortless. All you need is your BBQ sauce and rotisserie chicken.
Remove your chicken from the bone. I remove the skin as well.
Once the chicken is removed from the bone you can either shred it or chop it. Carolina pulled pork is served both ways. I went with chopped today.
All that is left to do is is drizzle and toss with BBQ sauce
Now you are ready to put your tacos together! Grab your favorite tortillas (we prefer corn), warm them up, and begin creating your tacos. Add your chicken and then top with the jalapeño coleslaw and a sprinkle of cheese,cilantro and fresh jalapeños if desired.
There you go easy, effortless Carolina Pulled Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Coleslaw. If desired round out your tacos with some potato salad and your favorite Coca Cola beverage. My family absolutely loves this meal. It is one of our favorite meals reinvented!
Really who doesn’t love tacos? Make these for your next Taco Tuesday!
Walmart makes a busy mom’s life a little bit easier when it comes to meal time. No need for fast food when there is a Walmart nearby! Their effortless meals signs in the Deli area or where the rotisserie chickens are conveniently located by the front registers help you quickly find your way to a fresh, healthy meal option for your family so you can get in and out of the store. I think I was in and out in under 15 minutes! You can pick up one of their rotisserie chickens and make a meal out of it, to one of their delicious Marketside pizzas. There is something for everyone, even your pickiest eater! So what are you waiting for? Check out Walmart’s Marketside products for Effortless Meals today!
¼-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (add desired amount)
2pounds prepared coleslaw
2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
½ cup diced red onion
juice of ½ a lime (approx. 2 tablespoons)
¼ cup cilantro
1 rotisserie chicken
¼ cup Eastern Carolina BBQ sauce
Corn or flour tortillas
optional- monterey jack cheese, cilantro,fresh jalapeño slices, lime wedges
Instructions
For Eastern NC BBQ Sauce-Combine the white vinegar, cider vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, hot pepper sauce,red pepper flakes, salt and pepper in a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for a day before using so that the flavors will blend. Shake occasionally, and store for up to 2 months in the refrigerator.
For Jalapeno Coleslaw- Mix prepared coleslaw mix. diced red onion, diced jalepeno, juice of half of a lime and cilantro and combine well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
For Pulled BBQ Chicken- Remove chicken from the rotisserie chicken. Either shred chicken meat or chop. Drizzle with BBQ sauce and toss.
To assemble tacos, arrange about 2-3 tablespoons of chicken on a tortilla; follow with 2-3 tablespoons of coleslaw. If desired sprinkle with monterey jack cheese, fresh jalapeño slices, lime juice and/or cilantro
POPSUGAR provided me with a complimentary POPSUGAR Must Have box. The opinions I have shared about the box are my own and POPSUGAR did not tell me what to say or how to say it.
I found out a couple weeks ago that I would be receiving a POPSUGAR Must Have Box and I have to say I was excited. I have been curious about the various subscription box services that are out there but have been hesitant to order one. I have to say the POPSUGAR Must Have Box was an awesome surprise when it came and i’m not just saying that because i’ve had a hard couple of weeks. It was definitely some happy mail! I love everything inside the box.
I attempted to take a video of myself opening the box for all of you and I learned an important lesson. I am not a vlogger,lol. Sorry, y’all but I want to share with y’all all the great treats that were inside the November POPSUGAR Must Have Box.
First the Box is in the typical POPSUGAR signature colors and upon opening there is a message that says, “Surprise. Love. Enjoy!” on the inside of the box. Oh POPSUGAR, I needed those words, I will take your advice. I first come across a little pamphlet that tells me what goodies are carefully wrapped in tissue paper in the box. I was excited to dig in!
I first came across Hall Simpatico No.72 Ambergris Shea Butter Cream. This lotion is heavenly! The scent is light and delish! Not too heavy at all. The lotion is not greasy at all, it is just right.
Next protected in a cardboard box was G.H. Crestors Chicago Mix Popped Corn. At first I was not sure I was going to like this but I was happily surprised. This popcorn was addictive! I loved the sweet and salty combo. It was perfect! I wasn’t the only one who liked it my younger 2 saw it on the counter and had to try it too. They liked it so much they were fighting over it and I was lucky to get the crumbs after they were done. Note to self… buy more and hide it from the kids! Another plus is this popcorn is not only Gluten Free but all natural and non-GMO.
A cute clutch by Sorial was next, The Saffiano Wallet on a Chain. I am a low maintenance girl but being an Army spouse we often have balls and this clutch would be perfect for one. Plus it is blue, one of my favorite colors!
I have an addiction to stationary and office supplies so I immediately fell in love with the Tiny Prints Thoughtful Heart Stationary. Also included in the box a gift card for $25. I can’t decide on what i’m going to get!
Next up in the box was a made for POPSUGAR exclusive, Wine Glass Writers. These are awesome! I typically use solo cups and sharpies for get togethers but with these I can use my own glassware. These are perfect for parties especially with the upcoming party season!
Last but definitely not least, the last thing in the box was The Secret Recipes by Dominique Ansel. This book is beautiful! I cannot wait to actually sit down and read it and then make some of the recipes in it, like the Cronut recipe. I wonder if I could make it gluten free…hmm. I love this book. It is perfect for a foodie like me.
So there you go, everything that was in my POPSUGAR must have box! Does it sound like something you would like? Sometimes you need a little pick me up and a box of surprise goodies. This is a great treat yourself. The POPSUGAR Must Have Box would make a great gift too. I really love mine, I bet you would love one too!
Want to order your own box?
Go to- https://musthave.popsugar.com/
and you can get $10 off of a 3-month subscription with this code: NOV14SELECT
