26 Yummy Cookies and Bars for the Holidays!

It's time to start baking for the holidays! I enjoy baking pies, breads and other delicious treats in the fall, but in the winter it's all about cookies and bars! This year, we'll be testing a few new recipes and making our the traditional sugar and chocolate chip cookies. We'll also be making our house favorite, buckeyes! They aren't cookies or bars, but they are oh so yummy!

When the kids were younger, they weren't big fans of gingerbread. It was a bit too 'spicy' for them. I'm hoping that this year, their tastes will have change enough to enjoy these delicious and beautiful gingerbread cut out cookies!

For Dan, I think he may enjoy the Italian Christmas cookies. They look so light and sweet!

I love sugar cookies. A lot. I can't pass them up and I'm so disappointed when they aren't yummy. I have a difficult time getting them as sweet and soft as I want. So I'm going to try this recipe for Buttery Cut-Out Sugar Cookies W/ Icing That Hardens. The kids will enjoy making these as they love anything they get to shape. We have around 200 cookie cutters and this turns into an all afternoon project. So much fun!

I'm deciding whether or not I want to make the Caramel Cookie Cheesecake Bars and take them to the family Christmas party. They look so good, but I'm not sure I really want to share them. Though, it is always fun having bringing the dessert that disappears the quickest, isn't it?

Which recipe below would you take to a family get-together? Maybe I'll make and take what you suggest!

Check out Cookies and Bars for the Holidays
by Tiffany Noth at Foodie.com

*This post is sponsored by Foodie. All opinions are my own.

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Why you should check your engine fluids & a $50 giveaway with Sears Auto Center!

"This is a sponsored post, I am a Sears blogger, though all opinions are my own."

I am going to be painfully and embarrassingly honest. I completely destroyed my first vehicle because I did not understand anything about vehicle fluids. I knew enough to put fuel into the tank. Yet, after that, I knew nothing. So, my first vehicle had a shorter life than it should have had.

As a part of the #SACRoadWarriors team, I have the opportunity to get a more in-depth look at vehicle maintenance. I had a great time visiting Sears Auto Center last week and getting an in-depth explanation of all the fluids your engine needs and why it needs them. I usually leave all of our vehicle maintenance up to Dan. I don't really have the time for it and he enjoys keeping vehicle records, checking different levels of this and that, making his spreadsheet, etc... I appreciate him for doing all of this. I would rather focus on the driving and traveling done with the vehicles. But my trip to Sears Auto Center was eye-opening. I need to pay more attention to the needs of the vehicle that I cart my family around in. I need to take care of it. When you think about it, we pay a lot of money for vehicles and put a lot of precious cargo in it daily. So, it only makes sense! Let's get to learning about engine fluids!

What’s the Deal with Differential Fluid?

That was the first question of the day. Say what? I have no idea! But, apparently, something is... different?? Well, it turns out that Differential Fluid is what keeps your Differential running smoothly and properly.

The Differential is a part of the Drivetrain and helps to evenly distribute power between each of your vehicle's wheels. As you take a turn, each wheel will have a different distance in which to turn and travel - hence the 'differential'. The fluids which keep this operating smoothly are very often overlooked. In my case, I'm not sure I had ever even heard the term "Differential Fluids". I knew what the Drivetrain was and the Differential but never knew to check the specific fluids that are required for that portion of the vehicle.

Transmission Fluid: The Other Dipstick

I'm happy to say that I did know about Transmission Fluid. Yet, I admit that I have never given much thought to checking or changing it. Since having killed my first car, I do know to check the motor oil. However, checking the other dipstick never crosses my mind.

The Transmission Fluid lubricates and cools your transmissions internal parts which helps the gears to smoothly shift and prevent damage. If not properly maintained, you can damage your transmission and that can will be an expensive part to replace.

Did you know: Transmission fluid also acts as the hydraulic fluid needed to power your vehicle.

Depending on the age of a vehicle, it may be difficult to quickly locate the Transmission Fluid dipstick. Do you think it is easily found on the vehicle below?

What's the difference between Coolant and Anti-Freeze?

Oh, trick question! They sound like extreme opposites, don't they? They are, in fact, the same exact thing. Depending on what time of year it is - you'll call it by a different name. Summer, call it Coolant. Winter, call it Anti-Freeze.

Coolant. Antifreeze. Radiator fluid. While each of these terms may sound very different, the fact is they all describe the same fluids that are critical to keeping your vehicle and its cooling system hydrated. Given its importance, one would think vehicle owners would carefully monitor and maintain the levels and quality of this fluid in their cars and trucks. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation claims that one of the leading causes of breakdowns on our highways is mechanical failures within vehicle cooling systems.

This, this fluid was the undoing of my first vehicle. The coolant/anti-freeze! I don't even want to begin explaining how much I didn't know about car care when I was 17 years old. But I will say this. Water is not the same thing and does not do the same job as coolant! It just doesn't.

It's also important to maintain your fuel system! To ensure your fuel system continues to operate effectively, consult your vehicle manufacturer service guide for recommended fuel system cleaning intervals

I can't wait for the next trip to my local Sears Auto Center! They've been a great help in teaching me how to maintain various aspects of my vehicle and I can't wait to see what they teach me in January. Stay tuned!

Remember to take a glance at that very important book which is probably getting dusty in your glove compartment. It will let you know the recommendations for fluid changes on your specific vehicle. Need to schedule an appointment at Sears Auto to have your fluids checked? Click here to get started!

12 Days of Car Care!

Keep an eye on the Sears Auto Facebook page and website for exclusive deals on Road Handler tires and Valvoline oil changes during the 12 Days of Car Care promotion from December 13, 2014 - December 24, 2014!

Giveaway

Sears Auto Center has provided me with a $50 Gift Card to giveaway! This gift card can be used at Sears or Sears Auto Center.

How to Enter: Simply leave a comment below about something you learned from this post or one of the links to all of the wonderful information Sears Auto Center offers.

Winner will be notified by e-mail. So, I must have a way of finding your e-mail address or please provide it below. If I can not contact you, another winner will be chosen.

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Tire Maintenance & $50 Giveaway with Sears Auto Center!

"This is a sponsored post, I am a Sears blogger, though all opinions are my own."

Though I love vehicles - driving them,admiring them, talking about them - there is a lot of information that I simply don't know. I thought I knew about tire maintenance, until a recent trip to Sears Auto Center. There's an entire world around tires, how to care for them and how to choose them. Since I do a lot of traveling - I'm extremely grateful for finally having all of this explained to me.

I'm loving being a part of the #SACRoadWarriors team and getting to spend time with the crew at my local Sears Auto Center. They have been amazing and on my first trip walked me through their Vehicle Intake process and the necessities of tire maintenance. When you bring your vehicle to Sears Auto Center, they will perform a Courtesy Inspection - courtesy means it's free! During the Courtesy Inspection they will check things such as belts and hoses, fluids, filters, tire wear and tear amongst other things.

Now, here is where I learned that tire maintenance is far more extensive than most of us know.  Tires are such a critical part of your vehicle and maintaining them properly is a must.  I knew that I should check the air pressure in my tires and have them rotated (about every 5,000 miles) and that they should generally look as if they are in good condition.

Signs of an impending blowout can include:

• Bulges in the tire
• Cracking in the sidewall of the tire
• Low/no tread. Tread is lower than 2/32 of an inch deep.
• Incorrect tire pressure

Did you know that where you live can play a large role in how you maintain your tires?  Here, in Indiana, the weather is cold, them warm, then oh so humid - this does a number on your tires and can cause pressure to fluctuate.

There are many other things to check when maintaining your tires. I never knew there was a difference in the tires between my sedan and my mini-van. They need different size tires for different purposes.  Every tire that is produced, has an intended purpose.  It's made for a specific type of vehicle and conditions.  Your vehicle's manual will let you know what size of tire it requires.  The tires will have its size printed on its sidewall.  The Sear's Tire Size Decoded information is very helpful in finding out if you have the right tires!  On a side note, I did know that large trucks needed different tires than my sedan - so, I guess I wasn't completely in the dark.   

 Here in Indiana, winter is on its way.  This means that you need to check the tread on your tire and perhaps even buy winter tires.  Did you that it's possible to buy your snow tires too early and wear the tread down too fast that way?  See, so much to know!

All-season tires are built to handle a variety of weather conditions, everything from dry roads to wet roads and light snow. However, the rubber with which all-season tires are made is not intended to withstand extreme cold. All-season tires can harden in low temperatures, lessening the traction between your tires and the road.

Winter tires, on the other hand, use special rubber compounds that stay pliable in the cold to give them better grip and improved braking capabilities, even in extreme conditions. Also called snow tires, winter tires are built specifically to perform in winter conditions like severe cold, ice, slush and snow. They use siping, a series of slits in the tread, to increase the number of edges that make contact with the ground. Greater tread depth allows for flexing and helps channel snow and slush across the tire’s surface, away from the contact patch.

Giveaway

Sears Auto Center has provided me with a $50 Gift Card to giveaway! This gift card can be used at Sears or Sears Auto Center.

How to Enter: Simply leave a comment below about something you learned from this post or one of the links to all of the wonderful information Sears Auto Center offers.


Winner will be notified by e-mail. So, I must have a way of finding your e-mail address or please provide it below. If I can not contact you, another winner will be chosen.

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Buy vitamins at Walgreens and help support Vitamin Angels!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Walgreens via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Walgreens.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm very serious about making sure that my family takes their vitamins! It can be impossible to ensure that your body is getting all the necessary vitamins from diet alone - so, vitamins are on our household staples checklist.

I always spend time finding the best deal on vitamins.  BOGO vitamin deals always catch my attention - quickly.  Currently, all Walgreens brand vitamins (and supplements) are buy one get one free - so we've stocked up! The kids were ecstatic last month to get the gummy vitamins Walgreens offers.  I've also made sure that we have plenty of Vitamin C as well multivitamins for Dan and myself.

When shopping for vitamins, you might find it useful to know that you can help a child in need with every vitamins or supplements purchase at Walgreens. Millions of children around the world are suffering from ‘hidden hunger’, a lack of micronutrients that can lead to disease and even death. In fact, 45% of all childhood deaths are attributable to under-nutrition. Walgreens is giving a portion of all vitamin retail sales to Vitamin Angels to help 100 million children in the U.S. and abroad get the vitamins they need to live well.

I love that our purchase helped to support Vitamin Angels.  Walgreens is partnering with Vitamin Angels - which means that with every purchase of vitamins at Walgreens, Walgreens will make a donation to Vitamin Angels! They'll make this donation regardless which brand of vitamin you purchase!

By 2017, Walgreens and Vitamin Angels aim to reach 100 million children and mothers in over 40 countries worldwide. Specifically, children under five, pregnant women and new mothers gain access to life changing vitamins and minerals.

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Prepping for cold season with Walgreen's Vitamins!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Walgreens via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Walgreens.

Savannah and Joey have always been so good at taking their vitamins. Well, Savannah hated them when she was an infant and I gave her vitamin drops. Other than that, they rarely forget to grab their vitamins along with their breakfast each morning.

We generally take a multivitamin each day and if health or the time of year calls for additional vitamins – we add them to the lineup. They love it when I buy the Multi-vitamin Gummies - but I usually buy the chewable vitamins.


Excited to have Mutli-Vitamin Gummies!

Throughout the year I focus on different nutritional needs for all of us. Now that fall is here, I recommend and am focused on our Vitamin C and D intake. We are spending less and less time outdoors and in the sun - and cold season is on its way. So, this is why I choose to increase our Vitamin C and D during the fall and winter.

I think it is so important to make sure that our bodies get the nutrients and vitamins it needs – that it isn’t getting from our diet. Not only do I have my children take vitamins daily, I talk with them about how their body is benefiting from each vitamin. I’ve also made sure to stock up on vitamins at Walgreens this month! They, along with Vitamin Angels are helping children get the vitamins they need!

When shopping for vitamins, you might find it useful to know that you can help a child in need with every vitamins or supplements purchase at Walgreens. Millions of children around the world are suffering from ‘hidden hunger’, a lack of micronutrients that can lead to disease and even death. In fact, 45% of all childhood deaths are attributable to under-nutrition. Walgreens is giving a portion of all vitamin retail sales to Vitamin Angels to help 100 million children in the U.S. and abroad get the vitamins they need to live well.

As a child - and even in college - I never wanted to comply with my mother’s instruction to take my vitamins. I’m so glad she insisted! Now, I’m that mom reminding my kids and asking them if they remembered their vitamins. I’m a bit luckier though – my kids seem excited to take their vitamins everyday and I’m so glad they do. What vitamins are you taking daily or seasonally?

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Do you have sensitive teeth? I do!

On one of my recent trips to the dentist - I found out that yes, the dentist and hygienist know exactly what I have and have not been doing when it comes to taking care of my teeth and gums. "I see that you've been brushing too hard," she said while examining my teeth.

Busted! Yes, I admit. I want those pearly whites and so I've brushed my teeth much too aggressively. Now, I have the pleasure of dealing with sensitive teeth. I whence a little as I sip on my sweet tea or cringe just a bit when my teeth encounter ice cream.

As I sat in the chair listening to the hygienist explain why she was sending a soft toothbrush home with me, I thought to myself. "I'm just getting older and there's nothing that can be done. Goodbye sweet tea! Goodbye frozen custard! When I'm feeling brave, we'll meet again."

Though I wasn't able to attend - I was recently invited to an event where Dr. Travis Stork, Emmy® nominated TV host of The Doctors, spoke on the issue of sensitive teeth and what can be done to help those who suffer from it.  I know, I'm kicking myself for not being able to make it!   Dr. Stork, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, has partnered with Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health to help others understand that a healthy mouth is an important part of a healthy body.



Even though I couldn't be there, I did find out that I do have option to help protect my teeth and block the pain that cold drinks and treats can cause. Crest® Pro-Health® Toothpaste offers comprehensive protection for your teeth in the following areas: cavities, gingivitis, plaque, fresh breath, tartar, whitening and sensitivity!

I can also use Crest Sensi Stop Strips for immediate sensitivity relief. The strips are small, flexible and semi-transparent. They give immediate and long-lasting tooth sensitivity relief. Instead of living with pain when trying to enjoy ice cream with the kids - or forgoing the moment all together - I simply use a Sensi Stop Strip. This allows me to enjoy the moment with my children without cringing.



I was amazed to find out that more than 50 percent of people will experience tooth sensitivity at some point in their life caused by weakened enamel, gum recession and other factors. I haven't heard a lot of people talk about their sensitivity and have also not talked much about mine.

Early stages of tooth sensitivity typically begin when people are in their 30s and 40s however any one can be susceptible as the age at which most sufferers first experience tooth sensitivity can range from 20-49 years old. I've had sensitivity since my 20s. The onset largely depends on oral care habits and practices such as over-aggressive brushing or gum disease. I believe my aggressive brushing was a large factor for my sensitivity to cold.

The benefit and ease of use are winning factors for me. I love that I can do this at home and immediately see results. As I mentioned above, I'm always doing my best to keep my teeth white. So I've used the Crest whitening strips often. The Sensi Stop Strips are easy to use just like the whitening strips!

Have sensitive teeth like me? You can find more information on Crest Sensi Stop Strips by visiting www.crestprohealth.com and checking out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/crest


This is a sponsored post written in partnership with One2One Network and Crest. All opinions are my own.

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Breakfast for Dinner - Fall/Winter Meal Planning

We are back into our Fall/Homeschool schedule. This means, that our meals are very much scheduled. I plan our meals weekly and keep a calendar in the kitchen that lets the family know what they can expect for that week. This helps the grocery shopping time to be spent more efficiently and helps my day to run much more smoothly.

It's also a great help for Savannah and Joe - they do well when they can see what snacks and meals are coming up. They love to give suggestions and ask that their favorite foods be added to the lineup.

As we near the Fall and Winter months - I love to add dinners that are more like breakfast. I love sausage, bacon and eggs - and enjoy using them in our dinner meals. I've collected several recipes on Foodie.com that I plan to use over the next few months as I schedule "Breakfast for Dinner" once a week.

Check out Breakfast for Dinner
by Tiffany Noth at Foodie.com

I enjoy cooking with my iron skillets - and use every excuse to use them. First up, I'm trying the
Baked Eggs with Potato and Bacon Hash.

I think Dan and Joey will enjoy the Sausage Cheddar Biscuits Recipe - so we'll be giving those a try very soon.

Savannah will love the Breakfast Burrito Quesadilla and I think we'll be making this tomorrow evening. Looks delicious and easy!

What are your favorite breakfast for dinner items?




*This post is sponsored by Foodie. All opinions are my own.

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Enter the Fruit Shoot Have a Ball Stunt Hunt #StuntHunt!

Fruit Shoot is currently celebrating imaginative activities with a really fun competition! Enter a video of your children doing amazing stunts in the Fruit Shoot 'Have a Ball' #StuntHunt! Be sure to check the bottom of this post for instructions on how to enter!



Fruit Shoot is a fun hydration drink is perfect for energetic, independent kids who desire fun on the go. It contains real fruit juice, natural flavors, no high-fructose corn syrup, and no added sugar.



Fruit Shoot was a win/win for us. Savannah and Joey enjoyed trying the fun flavors that Robinson's Fruit Shoot offers: Orange, Apple, Berry Burst and Strawberry Raspberry! I love that Fruit Shoot contains no fructose corn syrup.

Fruit Shoot lets moms balance the hydration their kids need with the taste that they love, making hydration fun for kids and easy for moms.

I love that Fruit Shoot also features an innovative no-spill cap (no more juice stains in the car!) making it easy for kids to be independent while on the go. These vibrant fun colored bottles come in tasty flavors of Orange, Apple, Berry Burst and Strawberry/Raspberry. You are welcome to purchase any of the flavors in both the regular and low sugar varieties.

Check out Savannah and Joey's video: Fruit Shoot Knock Out!

Enter the 'Have a Ball Stunt Hunt'

The 'Have a Ball Stunt Hunt' competition is a great demonstration of Fruit Shoot’s commitment to imaginative play and has a reward that is priceless. Here’s how it works:

1. Visit the contest homepage to upload a video of your kids showing off their best tricks, stunts, and super-cool abilities with a Fruit Shoot bottle and any ball. To qualify, please make sure your video is under 30 seconds. Check out the stunt video we have already souped-up for inspiration!

2. Share your video with friends and family and encourage them to vote for your video.

3. Every week, we’ll chose a winning video, give it the full-on Hollywood special effects treatment, and release it on our contest homepage for the world to see!

Entrants will receive a free bottle of Fruit Shoot when entering the contest. Entrants will also receive a Waboba ball anytime they buy 6 bottles of Fruit Shoot in-store.




Thank you to Fruit Shoot for sponsoring today’s post, but my love for their juice and endorsing children’s imaginations is all my own!

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16 Delicious Seafood Dishes

Check out 16 Delicious Seafood Dishes
by Tiffany Noth at Foodie.com

I have been craving seafood.  We recently vacationed at the beach - and we never ended up locating a seafood restaurant that had just what I wanted.  So, all Summer - I've been on the hunt for amazing seafood dishes.  We enjoy crab dip and grilled salmon - but I've decided to throw a few more recipes into the mix. I've put together a delicious collection of Seafood Dishes on Foodie that I am hoping to try.

I'm excited to try the Seafood Risotto. Risotto with mushrooms has become a favorite of mine over the past year and I'm dying to try it with seafood. I'm sure Dan would enjoy this as well.

I absolutely love crab cakes and can't wait to give these Impossibly Easy Mini Crab Cake Pies a try! Speaking of crab - this lasagna recipe calls for a mix of king crab, shrimps and scallops. I imagine that this will also be a delicious dish!

I'm saving the Classic Maritime Seafood Chowder recipe for this Fall and Winter. I don't usually choose soups and chowders for Summer - so this will be a great addition to the menu for those more chilly of days.

Though Risotto has become a recent favorite - my number one seafood entree of choice has always been a Shrimp Alfredo. This Creamy Seafood Alfredo will probably be the first recipe that I try. I have not previously made my own Alfredo sauce but am looking forward to learning something new!

With these recipes - it looks like I may be able to satisfy that craving for seafood! What seafood recipes are your favorite?

*This is a sponsored post created for Foodie. All opinions are my own.

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Enjoying McDonald's

We maintain a very active schedule. School, baseball practice, swim lessons and other activities manage to fill our calendar months in advance – yet, we always find time to enjoy each other.

One thing that we enjoy most – is a trip to McDonald’s! Specifically, a McDonald’s with a play area. I enjoy getting to sit with a cup of McCafe coffee while the kids run, jump and play. I love watching them climb through the play area and enjoy themselves while playing with the other children. They enjoy the possibility of getting a Happy Meal and maybe even a Fruit n Yogurt parfait after the meal. Savannah loves and looks forward to the apples in her Mighty Kids Meal!

We’ve enjoyed visiting the local McDonald’s since the kids were just learning to walk and wobble around. I’m often remembering back to prior visits over the years – and relish the fun memories we’ve made. I’m now able to look back and laugh at Joey refusing to come out of the playland when he was two years old. It had been years since I climbed through a playland myself – but I was able to do it and retrieve Joey. He wasn’t too happy with me.

I often wonder if they look forward to the slides and different activities as much as I did when I was younger. The playlands were much different when I was young – but I’m sure the playlands of today are just as magical to the kids as they were to me way back then. Soon, Savannah and Joe will be much too big for the playland. That will be a hard day for mom! I’m already dreading it. However, we have a few more years before they’ve outgrown it. Until that day, we’ll continue to visit and make great memories!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by McDonald’s via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of McDonald’s

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Free Poise Microliners Sample for LBL!

This post is sponsored by Poise. All opinions are my own.

Did you know that one in three women experience Light Bladder Leakage (LBL), which can be triggered by everyday occurrences like coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise. Honestly, until I became a mother - I just didn't understand that! Then it happened - I laughed a little too hard, sneezed suddenly and coughed vigorously. Not at the same time. Yet each moment brought the same unexpected result - which also resulted in a little chuckle from other mothers around me. They knew! They understood. They recommended products and helpful exercises. I'm so glad to have had all the advice and recommendations.

And if you're experiencing what I experienced during those early years of motherhood - I recommend giving Poise® Microliner, featuring SAM a try - for free! Click the images below to receive your free samples.

These shockingly thin and surprisingly absorbent liners feature SAM (Super Absorbent Material) to provide discreet Light Bladder Leakage (LBL) protection that helps keep you dry and comfortable all day long so you can manage life’s little leaks with confidence. Poise Microliners are the thinnest liners in the light incontinence category and are designed to absorb wetness, neutralize odor and stay three times drier than period liners.

Many women rely on feminine care products or nothing at all to manage their little leaks because they don’t know there are solutions designed specifically for LBL or they don’t think incontinence products are for them. As the leader in the light incontinence category, Poise brand offers a variety of pads and liners to make it easy to find protection for every woman’s needs.

Interested in trying Poise Microliner with SAM? Hop over here to choose between two different samples being offered.

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#FireworksAndFood! Ideas for the 4th of July

Check out 10+ Awesome 4th of July Celebration Recipes!
by Tiffany Noth at Foodie.com

Summer is here and we're nearing the 4th of July celebration - which is one of my favorite times of the year! I love the festivals, fairs and parades that happen in our county during this season. So many fun activities to enjoy and food to try! I especially love getting to host and attend friends and family during the 4th of July. The grilling and bonfires make for wonderful memories. Food is a big part of our celebration!

Check out the recipes I've collected for this year's 4th of July celebration. I, personally, can not wait to try the Bursting Blueberry Skillet Pie! I love using my iron skillet but have yet to make a pie in it. I hope this goes well!

Joey love anything if it is Red, White & Blue - especially when it's food. I think he'll be thrilled with the Fireworks Cupcakes and the Baked Vanilla Bean Doughnuts.

I think this fun color-layered drink also looks like a neat project!



We can't forget the grill! I love ribs and the messier the better. I can't wait to try these Fire Cracker Ribs!

Speaking of the grill - Interested in a chance to win a $500 Weber Spirit E-310 Gas Grill? Click here to find out how and to create your own #FireworksAndFood collection!



*This is a sponsored post created for Foodie.  All opinions are my own.

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12 Great Outdoor Entertaining Recipes

Check out 12 Great Outdoor Entertaining Recipes
by Tiffany Noth at Foodie.com

I am so excited that warmer weather is finally here.  Though it isn't officially Summer - we are enjoying our backyard and the outdoors once again!  We love to have lunch or dinner out on our patio and invite our family and friends over to enjoy food from the grill and treats from the bonfire.   

I've put together a delicious collection of Outdoor Entertaining items that I would love to try this year and in the future.  I'm not sure which meats we'll try first - but we'll probably try a couple of them the first time around!

Pork chops are one of my favorite items to grill.  There are so many different marinades and seasonings to try - I'm not sure which has been my favorite.  (Though I tend to lean toward anything BBQ!).  I'm looking forward to trying the Grilled Mongolian Pork Chops this Summer!

I have tried everything I can think of to help Dan become a fan of watermelon.  It is one of my favorite Summer foods.  For me, just adding a dash of salt makes it the perfect side item or snack.  He doesn't care for it so much.  However, he does love Jalapeno.  So perhaps, he'll enjoy this Grilled Watermelon with Smoked Salt and Jalapeno Rings recipe! 



For the kids, I'm going to try the Honey Barbeque Chicken Drumsticks.  They've inherited their mamas love for barbeque - so I'm sure it will be a win for them if it's on a drumstick!

I think it's amazing all of the different recipes I've been able to find for hot dogs!  Something that, quite honestly seems so plain and boring, can actually be made and seasoned hundreds of ways.  I'll give these Killer Bacon-Cheese Dogs a try!  They had me at bacon!

It looks like we have a delicious Summer ahead of us!  Which of the recipes will you try? 



*This is a sponsored post created for Foodie. All opinions are my own.

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31 Decadent Mother's Day Desserts

Have you put together a menu for your Mother's Day celebration? One of my favorite parts of any celebration or get-together is the food! I enjoy trying to create a new dish and love the unique items that everyone else has brought. Though, I'll have to admit that my favorite table is always the dessert table!

I've put together a delicious collection of Mother's Day dessert items that I would love to try this year and in the future.  I'm having a difficult time deciding what to try and create first.

I enjoy all types of sweets - especially when you mix the tartness of a strawberry with something sweet. I think the Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries is a fun twist on one of my favorite desserts! The bit-sized treat is sure to be a hit.

Dan makes the best Peanut Butter Pie that I have ever tried - but I think the Peanut Butter Brownie Dessert may be just as tempting to try.

However, I have always enjoyed the Banana Split Cake that my mother makes for family get-togethers. The Banana Split Ice-Cream Cake may be a fun twist on her creation and I think it would be fun to do something similar to her best know dessert dish.

I may come home with the ingredients to several of these desserts - I can't decide which one I'd like to try first!

What are you making for your Mother's Day celebration? I'd love to hear your ideas, so please leave a comment below!

If you make any of the items on this list - I'd love to see the results!

I hope it is a happy and delicious Mother's Day!



*This is a sponsored post created for Foodie. All opinions are my own.

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Holiday Gigs on Fiverr!

Last month, I introduced you to Fiverr - a digital marketplace for services starting at $5. There are over 3 million sellers, providing their creative talents as 'Gigs' to this rapidly expanding community. Fiverr provides a platform for people, new entrepreneurs, looking to get a jump start on their own businesses. Gigs are not limited to $5, they start at that price and extras will boost the price of gigs. Think of Fiverr as the Ebay for services.   Fiverr is an excellent platform to begin earning money with your special skills.

As we near the holidays - we have an ever-growing list of things to do and seemingly less time to do them.  Need holiday cards created for you?  You can hire that service on Fiverr.  Or maybe you have extra time to provide services this holiday season - offer your service on Fiverr!

Here are a few Thanksgiving gigs being offered on Fiverr!

• Create a Thanksgiving day logo animation 
• Make a cooking video or recipe
• Make handmade pop up cards for any occasion
• Create diet/exercise plan catered to your goals

Having an entrepreneurial spirit myself, I love platforms such as Fiverr for encouraging others to begin earning money with their talents and skills.  In fact, I try to instill this into my children.  We routinely discuss and create ideas for earning money to cover special trips or items.  Try it!  Take a minute to sit and think about the things you are good at doing or creating.  You'll be amazed at what you can offer as a gig on Fiverr! 

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Halloween planning with our AIO Dell XPS

I'm not sure that I have ever been as fascinated with the Halloween season as my children are. As a child, I always disliked my picture being taken while I was wearing my costume. Remember the 80's - the era of flimsy, plastic masks that felt as if they were suffocating you?  Though I hated wearing them, I toughed it out to get that bag full of candy.

I also don't remember being interested in getting or carving pumpkins. Savannah and Joey love it. They enjoy the entire month of October leading up to Halloween. They enjoy helping me put the Fall decorations throughout the house - including their pumpkins.

Dan usually carves elaborate patterns into their pumpkins.  This year, the kids used our Dell XPS All-In-One PC to find more traditional patterns for their pumpkins.

Too many pumpkins!

Joey was having a hard time deciding what he wanted to be for Halloween.  We ran through a list of his favorite characters - including Thomas the Train.  Yet, nothing seemed quite right for him this year.  We browsed many costume sites but eventually decided that we would need to make something different.  Joey also had a difficult time wanting to stop playing Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 long enough for me to find costume ideas for him.

Eventually, we found a costume idea that was perfect for our little guy with a big imagination.  Joey is constantly building and creating something new.  He's also always leaving his Legos all over the floor.  So, he decided to be one of his favorite toys.  A Lego.  Not just any Lego, a blue lego.  Because blue is best, obviously.

Savannah decided on the Rag Doll costume - but has already planned to be a Southern Belle for Halloween 2014.





See why the Intel AIO PC is perfect for families.



#spon: I am in a partnership with Intel. Through this partnership I gain access to content, product, or other forms of value.

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Making room for a new arrival! Before & After the #IntelAIO PC Arrived

I am, of course, thrilled about the new addition to the Noth household.  I know, that is such a worn-out and tired line!  However, I am excited.

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to be a part of a group that would review an AIO PC! I have had nothing but a laptop since college - twelve years ago!  So, in a way, this is new for me.

I'm always on the go - so a computer that can be taken with me is essential. Working in the evening on the couch, in bed before I wind-down for the night,  during Savannah's piano lessons or the kid's playtime is a common element of my life. I assumed that a desktop computer would be a hassle for me - and therefore haven't looked into purchasing one.

The office I worked at prior to launching my own business and working from home, had a desktop computer that was "all in one". Of course, it was one of the all-in-one computers that were available six years ago. Things have changed since that time. A lot has changed!

Having not had a desktop computer in quite some time, I really had no idea what type of space it would require or where I was going to place it.  At the moment,we are using an extra coffee table for the AIO PC.  It's placed in our living room against an empty space along our wall.  Hopefully soon, I will decide on a desk to purchase and place the computer in its permanent place.

The AIO PC isn't what I had expected.  It is much more versatile than earlier computers.  It has a battery - so I am able to pick it up and carry it with me.  So far, that is my favorite feature.

Joey and Savannah love that it has a touch screen.  Other than smartphones and tablets - they haven't used a computer with a touch screen.  They're getting use to it - but still accidentally open and close items from time to time when they are simply trying to point out something on the screen.

Be sure to visit again - more to come in this AIO PC series! 

Find out more about the Intel AIO PC

*I'm required to disclose a relationship between our site and Intel AIO PC. This could include Intel AIO PC providing us with content, product, access or other forms of payment.

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National Brush Day November 1st!

Though we have successfully trained our children in remembering to brush their teeth before bedtime – we’re having a little difficulty in getting them to remember that they must also brush in the morning. Our reminders are met with sighs and drooping shoulders.

We’ve purchased fun mouthwash made just for children. They receive fun goody bags complete with floss, toothbrushes and toothpaste each time we visit the dentist. Yet, they aren’t always on board with this clean teeth campaign of ours. So, next Friday – November 1, 2013 – the kids will be participating with me in National Brush Day (NBD)!

This is the first year for National Brush Day and I’m hoping that we will be a part in making it a success – and I hope you’ll join us! When is National Brush Day? It’s November 1st! The day after Halloween! Makes perfect sense, right? My kids will have enjoyed several of their goodies garnered from a round of Trick or Treating the night before – and we will use National Brush Day as a reminder of why we need to brush consistently and remove the sticky, sugary goodness of the treats from our teeth. This is perfect timing to remind kids and parents about the importance of brushing for 2 minutes, twice a day – every day.

Please join me and my children in promoting the #2min2x message this November 1st! You can join us on Thunderclap to help us get this reminder out and across social media.

Thunderclap is a platform that syncs individuals’ social media accounts to release a blast of messaging at a set day and time, flooding social feeds for maximum exposure. From now through October 31st, we need as many people as possible to pledge a tweet and/or Facebook post of support. All it takes is one click! Thunderclap will then trigger everyone’s tweets and posts to be released simultaneously on National Brush Day at 12 Noon, creating a virtual flashmob of support.



Click here to sign up. Then please consider promoting the Thunderclap to everyone in your social networks.

Kids’ Healthy Mouths social media channels were also launched last week on Facebook and Twitter. Please help these communities grow by liking, following and sharing! Those three simple things can help a lot of kids!

The Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign was launched by the Ad Council and the Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives in August of 2012 in an effort to provide parents with simple ways to help improve their children’s oral health. Through a variety of resources, including Public Service Advertisements in both English and Spanish, the campaign aims to motivate parents to take action to help reduce their kids’ risk of oral disease by making sure their kids are brushing their teeth for two minutes, two times twice a day.

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Fiverr Halloween Gigs

Using Fiverr yet? Well, you should be! If you're looking to earn extra money or wanting to save money on a service or project - then you need to check out Fiverr.

So, what is Fiverr? Fiverr is a digital marketplace for services starting at $5. Currently, there are over 3 million sellers, providing their creative talents as 'Gigs' to this rapidly expanding community, essentially, Fiverr is the Ebay for services. Fiverr provides a platform for people, new entrepreneurs, looking to get a jump start on their own businesses. Gigs are not limited to $5, they start at that price and add-ons, etc. boost the price of gigs.

You're probably like me and consistently crunched for more time. With Halloween right around the corner, it may be difficult to plan and execute the perfect party, update your website with a Halloween logo, or create a Halloween themed card.


With Fiverr, you can search for specific Halloween Gigs to help with your Halloween To-Do List! Check out some of them here! Fiverr's Halloween Gigs provide you the opportunity to plan the perfect Halloween party.



Or maybe you can offer these services for a fee - sign up and get started!

A Few Featured Halloween Gigs:

• Make a Halloween themed card of you or friend

• Send a fun Halloween decoration for printing for $5

• Create / Print 25 personalized wrappers for Hershey's candy for $5

• Plan your Halloween party for $5

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HP Ink Challenge! Assignment 1

Purchasing new ink cartridges for our printer is a item on my to-do list that I put off until I am in desperate need of ink.  You know, that moment when you desperately need to print something and sign it - or the world as you know it will end. That's when I buy ink. I'm not usually thrilled about prices and I never enjoy the process of installing new ink or aligning the printer.

I've been invited to participate in the HP Ink Challenge. The assignments in the challenge will have me compare genuine HP printer ink cartridges with the re-fill ink cartridges/services available at various stores.

Over the next 5 weeks - I will be testing the print qualities of two HP printers. One printer will contain new HP 61 XL black and color cartridges while the other printer will be using refill cartridges. Though I have recycled ink cartridges - I have never purchased re-manufactured ink cartridges or refilled them when they were empty. I would simply place them in the recycle/ref-fill bag and send them on their way. I haven't avoided this process - in fact, I've just never given it much thought. Believing this challenge would give me great insight into the process and the quality - I have come on board and find it fascinating thus far.

I've found that the savings in refilling your ink cartridge can be as much as 50% in some cases. You'll have to allow a little extra time to wait as the refill is processed - but I'm sure that most of use have an errand we can run while we wait.

Not having enough space on my desk - the printers have taken over a dresser in mine and Dan's bedroom. It took me a few days to get them set up, installed on my laptop and then aligned as the cartridges for the refill printer were so low that I could not align that printer.

So, that task had to wait until I had time to go and run errands. Once I had my re-filled cartridges - I was able to print my assigned test pages for the week. Again, I have not previously put a lot of thought into the quality of re-filled or re-manufactured ink cartridges. Though I was interested in seeing if I would notice a difference.

So far - there is no difference. The paper to the right is from the HP printer with a re-filled ink cartridge. It looks just like the paper from the HP printer with a new cartridge. If I hadn't marked the pages showing which printer they came from, it would be easy to confuse them.

























*I have been provided with two HP Printers for the purposes of this Ink Challenge. All opinions are my own.

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