Food Fun Family

Easy Halloween Recipes – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #138

Lolli — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 11:01:13 +0000

How did we end up in the second half of October? And how is Halloween right around the corner? Didn’t we just start the new school year?

It’s finally cooling down around here – I’ve broken out the boots and sweaters, and I’m adding blankets to my bed at night to stay warm. I’m loving it (but that doesn’t mean I’m ready for winter to come quite yet…or ever!).

This week, we noticed lots of fun, tasty, and easy Halloween treats shared at recent parties. I need to make ALL of these! Check out the fun and festive fall recipes we’re featuring from YOU this week…

Welcome to Delicious Dishes Recipe Party! In case you’re new to the party, here’s what you need to know:

Delicious Dishes is a weekly link party where bloggers can share their most delicious recipes while checking out the amazing recipes that other bloggers are sharing.

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Beef and Spinach Pasta from Joyful Homemaking

#2: Apple Dumplings from Cincy Shopper

#3: Easy Rotisserie Chicken Chimichanga Recipe from She Saved

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Owl Marshmallow Pops from The Monday Box

IMAGE OF MY FAVE

Lois loved Halloween Pretzels from The Monday Box

IMAGE OF LOIS’ FAVE

Brett loved Peanut Butter Balls Pumpkins and Cats from The Monday Box

IMAGE OF BRETT’s FAVE

Keri Lyn loved Little Green Monster Halloween Punch from Gluesticks Blog

IMAGE OF KERI LYN’S FAVE

Emily loved Easy Mummy Brownies from Suburban Simplicity

IMAGE OF EMILY’S FAVE

Mary loved Sweet and Savory Popcorn Pumpkins

IMAGE OF MARY’S FAVE

Follow us along on our Pinterest board. We pin a ton of recipes that are shared to our linky party each week. So get your recipes ready. We can’t wait to see what’s cooking in your kitchen this week.

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Fun Fall Drinks (family-friendly!) – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #137

Lolli — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 11:01:41 +0000

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a good one. My family treated me well, and we ended the night with a couple rounds of indoor skydiving. If you’ve never done it before, I highly recommend it!

Fall is in full swing here (there’s no denying it anymore), and this week we’re featuring some favorite fall flavors in family-friendly drinks! I can just imagine how delicious these all smell!

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Chicken Noodle Casserole from Joyful Homemaking

#2: Southern Natchitoches Cajun Casserole from Miz Helen’s Country Cottage

#3: Mini Nutella Swirl Cheesecakes from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Cranberry Orange Spiced Cider from A Proverbs 31 Wife

Lois loved Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate from Cincy Shopper

Brett loved Apple Chai Smoothie from Our Good Life

Keri Lyn loved Apple Pie Cider from Eat Move Make

Emily loved Autumn Harvest Punch Recipe from FiveSpot Green Living

Mary loved Sparkling Fall Harvest Punch from Ann’s Entitled Life

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Sweet Pumpkin Recipes – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #85

Lolli — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 11:00:31 +0000

Well, this weekend took an unexpected turn and it has really thrown me for a loop. We thought we were far enough out of Irma’s path to not be directly impacted by the storm, but because of a few circumstances, we ended up spending most of the weekend packing the truck up with food, water, fuel, and supplies to send my husband TO FLORIDA. He arrived safely Monday. Luckily, our family members in Florida are safe, but they needed some extra help, and I’m grateful for a husband who was willing and ready to drop everything, to risk his own safety and comfort to travel down to help family members in need.

I’m up way later than I should be writing this post, but that’s the way the last 2 1/2 days have been. Exhausting! I’ll catch up on sleep another day.

I’m actually excited about this week’s feature – pumpkin recipes! I have a ton of PUMPKIN RECIPES featured on my blog and would love for you to check them out. But if you don’t have time to look at all of them, THESE are the three you should try:

Ready for the amazing collection of pumpkin recipes that YOU – our readers – have shared recently? These are the recipes that caught our eyes, and we know you’re going to love them as much as we did!

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

5 Minutes for Mom – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Cooking in Stilettos – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1 Caramel Apple Crescent Ring from Cincy Shopper

#2: Fruit Cocktail Dessert from Simply Stacie

#3: Cinnamon Roll Scones from Joyful Homemaking

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Easy Pumpkin French Toast Recipe from The Everyday Home Blog

Lois loved Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies from Kid and Kin Blog

Brett loved Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Dump Cake from My Heavenly Recipes

Susan loved Pumpkin Spice Almonds from The Country Chic Cottage

Aly loved Pumpkin Pie Brownie Bars from Simply Designing

Keri Lyn loved Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins from The Classy Chapter

Emily loved Whipped Pumpkin Pie Butter Recipe from Domestically Speaking

Mary loved Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars from My Heavenly Recipes

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Fall Favorites: Home & Harvest #BabbleBoxxFall

Lolli — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 19:36:36 +0000

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media. All thoughts are my own.

Fall is my favorite season, hands-down! Not only do I get to celebrate my birthday in the fall, but the weather turns perfect (not too cold, not too hot, and no humidity or blossoms causing allergies!). And the FOOD of the fall is some of my favorite of the whole year.

I was excited to get a BabbleBoxx full of amazing products perfect for the fall, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

How fun does this #BabbleBoxxFall Home and Harvest collection look?

Here’s a sneak peek at what was inside (be sure to take advantage of the savings below!):

Peanut Butter & Co. Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter

I LOVE pumpkin spice, and I love how it tastes so good in so many different recipes. Well, let me tell you….peanut butter and pumpkin spice is the perfect combination! Peanut Butter & Co. has taken its award-winning smooth peanut butter and blended it with real pumpkin and yummy pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to create its limited edition seasonal peanut butter. Use it on apples as a dip or spread, in sandwiches, in recipes, or even straight out of the jar.

Grab some delicious recipes using this pumpkin spice peanut butter (including Peanut Butter Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter Cheesecake) HERE.

PS – Like all Peanut Butter & Co. peanut butter, Pumpkin Spice peanut butter is made exclusively with USA- grown, Non-GMO peanuts and contains no cholesterol, no trans-fats, no hydrogenated oils, and is dairy-free and soy-free.

Print your $1 in store coupon to use on Pumpkin Spice peanut butter and any other 16oz jar flavor HERE!

Connect with Peanut Butter & Co. – Facebook: facebook.com/PeanutButterCo/ | Twitter: @peanutbutterco | Instagram: @peanutbutterco

Dinner Mixers by Tastefully Simple

I love to cook, but I don’t always have a lot of TIME to cook….or figure out WHAT to cook. I received some Dinner Mixers to try and my mouth was watering with the options!

Here’s how Dinner Mixers work:

Dinner Mixers by Tastefully Simple are a meal starter kit that includes a main dish recipe and a side dish recipe plus the pre-measured Tastefully Simple products needed to prepare both recipes. You are able to add your own fresh ingredients (allowing you to have total control over the quality of the fresh ingredients and providing the opportunity to buy local). You add the fresh and we add the flavor while helping you decide what’s for dinner!

You can customize your Dinner Mixers order based on your family’s preferences. I think my favorite part is that their recipes use common ingredients that I typically have in my pantry or fridge already, and all I have to do is grab the recipe and the spices and I’ve got dinner figured out.

Save $5 off Dinner Mixers HERE using promo code DINNERMIXERS at checkout through 11/15/16

Connect with Dinner Mixers by Tastefully Simple – Facebook: facebook.com/tastefullysimple | Twitter: @tastefullysimpl | Instagram: @tastefullysimpl

Twist’n SproutTM and StalkChopTM by Chef’n

As a woman who loves to cook, I’m all about getting the right tools to make food prep easier. The right tool can make all the difference! We eat a lot of cauliflower and brussels sprouts at home (although I was totally out of cauliflower when I took the above picture. Oops!) so these two kitchen tools are perfect for our kitchen.

Twist’n Sprout: Prep sprouts in a snap with this compact tool – simply press Brussels sprouts onto the tip of the tool and twist to remove core for a more evenly cooked vegetable.
· Twist to trim and core
· Quickly removes stem and dense core
· Creates brussels sprouts that cook more evenly
· Helps loosen leaves for broiling or roasting · Pierce stem with tip of tool, push on and twist
· Hand-wash recommended

StalkChop: Our powerfully simple cauliflower tool makes wrangling this tough vegetable surprisingly quick and easy and safely takes the hard work out of separating florets from stalk so that cauliflower and broccoli can go from vegetable drawer to dinner plate in a flash.
· Quickly removes cauliflower stalks and strips florets
· Separates stems from stalk without waste · Strips outer leaves
· Works great for broccoli too
· Dishwasher safe

Save 20% plus FREE SHIPPING with code fallprep at checkout through November 10, 2016 HERE

Connect with Chef’n – Facebook: Facebook.com/ChefnCorp | Instagram: @chefncorp

Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes

I might not have little ones any more, but that doesn’t mean we don’t get messy! As a family that doesn’t need diaper wipes any more, having Wet Ones® hand wipes is ideal for us. Because sometimes you don’t have a sink and soap when you encounter a mess!

About Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes: Wet Ones are the convenient 2-in-1 way to wipe out dirt and messes and kill 99.99% of germs when soap and water aren’t readily available. Theyclean better than hand sanitizer gels, wiping away dirt and messes without drying out skin. They are hypoallergenic and contain aloe and lanolin, making them easy on skin for even the littlest of hands.

Wet Ones® Hand Wipes are available at mass, drug and grocery stores nationwide and come in three convenient sizes so you can keep them at home, in the car, and in purses and backpacks.

Follow hashtag #WishIHadWetOnes

Popcorn, Indiana Sweet & Salty Kettlecorn

I’m not sure how BabbleBoxx knew that Kettlecorn is our FAVORITE treat. These bags of sweet and salty popcorn did not last long! They were SO delicious!

About Popcorn, Indiana: Popcorn, Indiana is a real place. It’s a small town, in the heart of corn country. Population 42. And yet, somehow it’s more than just a town. It’s a time, a philosophy, a way of life. Honest, just like the popcorn that bears its name. Popcorn, Indiana – tender pieces of joy made for you and your family.

The maker of America’s #1 Kettlecorn, offers a broad range of adventurous flavors for any palate. In addition to our sweet & salty Kettlecorn we offer: Sea Salt, Aged White Cheddar, Movie Theater, Chicago Style Caramel & Cheese and Smoky Queso. For those looking for a bit of indulgence we have a range of decadent Drizzlecorn® flavors including Black & White, Dark Fudge Sea Salt Caramel, Dark Fudge Pretzel & Dark Fudge Peppermint.

All Popcorn, Indiana products are certified gluten-free by the GFCO, are made from non-GMO corn and contain whole grains. Popcorn, Indiana snacks are available at national, regional and local retailers across the U.S. and Canada.

Connect with Popcorn, Indiana – Facebook: Facebook.com/popcornindiana | Twitter: @popcorn_indiana

What products from the BabbleBoxx Fall collection are you most excited to try?

The Ankle Detail Jean: Style For Everybody #EverydayRunway

Lolli — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 00:40:59 +0000

Yes, it’s me again with a fashion post. I still feel so out of place in the fashion world, but if nothing else happened because of my Fall style session with Kohl’s in September, I’ve been more aware of how I dress and I’m making a greater effort. You can see my first #EverydayRunway post (all about the new fall sweater) HERE.

Although I was not compensated for this fashion shoot, my travel and accommodations were covered….and since people keep asking, yes, I did get to take a few of my favorite pieces home with me. Affiliate links are used within this post.

I tend to wear comfortable clothes. Since I work at home, I throw on some jeans or leggings and whatever shirt will cover up my belly and call it good. When I go out, I tend to feel frumpy and unfashionable around all the other women.

So when I put on a pair of skinny jeans with some gorgeous black heels, I felt completely different. I felt beautiful. It was THIS outfit that changed my perspective on the shoes that I wear. I’ve had foot problems for so long that I’ve just become accustomed to wearing comfort shoes. I couldn’t believe what a difference heels made. Heels are everything!

Suddenly, the pain is worth it.

I absolutely love the way I feel in heels!

What I’m Wearing:

Women’s SONOMA Goods for Life Release Hem Skinny Jeans
Women’s Jennifer Lopez Shirred Lace-Up Top
LC Lauren Conrad Women’s Lace High Heels
REED Gallery Mini Crossbody Wallet

I loved our little selfie session at the end of the video!

What Everyone Else is Wearing:

The other ladies rocked their styles. There were a couple of duplicate jeans (Stacie and I were both wearing skinny jeans and Marissa and Mary both had bootcut jeans) but I love that everyone looked totally different and beautiful in their own, unique way.

The Ankle Detail Jeans:

Women’s LC Lauren Conrad Ripped Skinny Jeans
Plus Size SONOMA Goods for Life Release-Hem Skinny Jeans
Women’s Rock & Republic® Kassandra Faded Bootcut Jeans

On Top:

Plus Size Apt. 9® Cold-Shoulder A-Line Tee
Women’s SONOMA Goods for Life Essential Chambray Shirt
Women’s SONOMA Goods for Life Josie Anorak Jacket
Women’s LC Lauren Conrad Pleated Top
Women’s Jennifer Lopez Embellished V-Neck Sweater

The Shoes

LC Lauren Conrad Women’s Dress Heels
Apt. 9® Women’s Pointed-Toe High Heels
LC Lauren Conrad Women’s Strappy Ballet Flats
Jennifer Lopez Women’s Lace-Up High Heels

What were your favorite looks? If you could pick one pair of jeans, one top, and one pair of shoes, which ones would you choose?

Check out the other ladies’ posts….and then be sure to check back soon to see the other trends that we explored!

Mad For Fashion For Less!
Stacie Raye
Curly Byrdie Chirps

5 Fun Family Road Trips for Fall Foliage

Lolli — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 18:55:48 +0000

Fall is the perfect time to take a family road trip and enjoy some quality time together on the road. The weather is cool, the crowds may be thinned out, and if you go during the right time, the trees will be full of vibrant leaves waiting to be kissed by the sun.

Exploring the country in the fall means you’ll get to do some sight-seeing at gorgeous locations that are decked out in autumn splendor. America is full of many scenic locations that make for perfect road trips, so why not plan a trip to one of the five below?

Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway spans 500 miles and is a great route to take for a road trip because you get to enjoy a variety of farmland and forests. The drive takes you near some popular cities such as Asheville, North Carolina and smaller mountain towns like Blowing Rock and Galax, which is a popular destination for bluegrass fans because of the Blue Ridge Music Center.

Another popular road trip destination in Virginia is the Shenandoah National Park. You could plan two separate trips and enjoy the sights that both routes have to offer. The Shenandoah National Park is home to Skyline Drive, which is a 105-mile road that goes through the park and has abundant views.

No matter which route you decide to take, be sure to check the foliage update on the state’s website to go during peak viewing season. You might want to plan ahead and book a hotel in advance during the peak season because rooms go quickly in the area.

Vermont’s Green Mountain and Mad River Byways

Vermont is a very popular destination for travelers who love seeing the fall foliage. You can drive leisurely on one-lane highways that take you through mountains and valleys that are full of color. To get the best views, start where the Mad River flows in Waitsfield, travel through Waterbury, and go on to Stowe. Stowe is home to the highest colorful peak in Vermont. The entire route is a short 23.9 miles.

While you’re there, you can enjoy a cider tasting at Cold Hollow Cider Mill or go shopping at the Cabot Annex, which happens to include the famous Cabot Cheese and Lake Champlain Chocolates. These little attractions are a perfect follow-up after a beautiful drive such as the one in Vermont. Since it’s a short route, you will still have some time and energy to explore the area.

The Coast of Michigan

Michigan’s coast offers plenty of opportunities to view breathtaking fall foliage. The route starts in Traverse City and runs 100 miles through Northeast Michigan. You will see fishing towns to explore and sweet coves from Lake Michigan’s shores as well as beautiful, fiery-red oak and maple leaves contrasting against the green fir, pine and spruce trees of Grand Traverse Bay.

You can stop and enjoy the views from Inspiration Point, walk through the idyllic villages of Omena and Peshwabestown that are located by the lake or visit an attraction from the 19^th Century, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. There is something for the whole family to enjoy in Michigan.

Lake Moosehead, Maine

Lake Moosehead is Maine’s largest lake and is lined with vibrant trees full of fall foliage for you to enjoy. To see the best views, start at Maine’s white-water-rafting location, The Forks, and travel to Jackman and into the North Woods. Be sure to stop at the Attean Overlook to see its famous views that extend all the way to the Canadian border.

Then go on over to Rockwood towards Lake Moosehead’s shores and stay a while in Greenville before driving under the trees as you take unpaved logging roads that boast beautiful sights. The entire route spans 75.2 miles.

If you and your family are feeling up for a challenge – why not hop on the 3,271 mile path of The Oregon Trail? It begins in Maine and takes you on the path the American settlers took across the nation to Oregon and you’ll see miles of beautiful country along the way.

Before you plan your trip, check the state’s website for the best times to see the leaves at their peak.

New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

This 84-mile route is home to some of the best views in the southwest. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway runs from Taos to Eagle Nest, through Angel Fire, and then back to Taos again. There are many things to see along the route.

Eagle Nest is home to Wheeler Peak, a 13,161-foot peak. Along the route, you will see aspens in shades of orange, cinquefoil in purple and cottonwoods in red and yellow. You might spot some of the wildlife as well, such as black bear, eagles and elk.

In this area you can visit Elizabethtown, which is an old gold-mining town, or stop by the Taos Fall Arts Festival if you’re in the area when it’s open.

So the next time you get the itch to enjoy a long drive on some open road with beautiful scenery, consider one of these destinations during the fall. Grab a map and plan your trip so you won’t miss out anything. All that’s left to do is pack your suitcases and load up the family for your next adventure.

About the Author

Jennifer Landis is a foodie, mama, and healthy living blogger. She loves yoga, tea, and running really far (but not really fast). Follow her on Twitter @JenniferELandis and check out her blog, Mindfulness Mama.

Caramel Apple Croissant Donut + Dunkin’ Donuts Giveaway

Lolli — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 15:52:34 +0000

This post is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts through Blog Meets Brand but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

There are so many things I love about the fall – the cooler weather, the kids heading back to school, my birthday, the changing colors, and all things pumpkin and apple and caramel! Oh my! Seriously, fall food is my absolute favorite. I love baked goods, and I swear that fall has the best baked treats of the entire year.

I headed to Dunkin’ Donuts this week for a mid-day treat. Sometimes I just need to get away from my desk for a little while, get in the car, and get something to pep me up. I was so excited to find the new Caramel Apple Croissant Donut at the Dunkin’ Donuts around the corner from my house. I LOVE caramel and I love baked apple treats, and the Caramel Apple Croissant Donut is a perfect marriage of the two. Plus, I am a huge fan of the croissant donut. Flaky layers of goodness? Yes, please!

Dunkin’ Donuts is celebrating the return of fall (both the weather and the delicious flavors of fall!) with a bunch of delicious fall-inspired menu items, including the Caramel Apple Croissant Donut – a glazed croissant donut with apple filling, finished with caramel icing drizzle. The Caramel Apple Croissant Donut and other fall menu items are available for a limited time at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants.

Of course, I couldn’t head to Dunkin’ Donuts without bringing home a dozen donuts to share with the rest of the family. My kids are more traditionalists and always go for original glazed or chocolate and vanilla glazed. I treated them to some fun fall sprinkled donuts and kept the Caramel Apple Croissant Donut for myself.

It was not too sweet, but just sweet enough. It was light and flaky and filled with the most delicious apple filling and covered with a tasty caramel drizzle. I can’t wait to have another one!

Dunkin’ Donuts fall flavors

Dunkin’ Donuts’ full menu, including breakfast items, are available all-day…because Dunkin’ Donuts understands that we live in a 24-hour world and sometimes we want breakfast in the middle of the day. Breakfast isn’t just for breakfast anymore. Which

Pumpkin flavored coffee, lattes and macchiatos, served hot or cold.
Pumpkin Macchiato is served hot or iced, and is a handcrafted, layered espresso beverage made with steamed milk and pumpkin flavored swirl, then topped with a double shot of Dunkin’ Donuts’ rich, freshly-brewed espresso.
Pumpkin Donut – a glazed pumpkin cake donut that can also be enjoyed as bite-size MUNCHKINS® donut hole treats.
Pumpkin Muffin – a pumpkin spiced autumn delight topped with white icing and sweet streusel crumbs.
Reese’s® Peanut Butter Squares – filled with rich, creamy Reese’s® peanut butter buttercreme & topped with chocolate icing.
For brewing at home – Dunkin’ Donuts Pumpkin flavored K-Cup® pods are available in a box of 14 individually-sized portions, and Dunkin’ Donuts’ packaged Pumpkin flavored coffee is available in a 16 oz. size. Both are available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants as well as online at https://shop.dunkindonuts.com.

Connect with Dunkin’ Donuts

Facebook: Facebook.com/DunkinDonuts
Twitter: @DunkinDonuts
Instagram: @dunkindonuts

WIN a Dunkin’ Donuts $25 mGift

How would you like to win a Dunkin’ Donuts $25 mGift (a virtual DD card) to try the Caramel Apple Croissant Donut and the rest of Dunkin’ Donuts’ fall lineup? Enter asking readers to Tweet @DunkinDonuts about the giveaway for a chance to try the Caramel Apple Croissant Donut and the rest of Dunkin’ Donuts’ delicious fall treats.

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Style for Everybody: Classic Fall Sweater #EverydayRunway

Lolli — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 17:21:12 +0000

Me….a fashionista? Never in a million years would I have dreamed that I would be invited by Kohl’s to participate in an #EverydayRunway fall fashion campaign.

Kohl’s flew me and 3 other #Yes2YouRewards members (and an adorable Kohl’s employee) to Milwaukee last month where we met with Maggie, Kohl’s senior fashion consultant.

Over 2 very full days, we discussed a few of this Fall’s hottest fashion trends and got to try them for ourselves. The BEST part of this experience was meeting the other Yes2You Rewards bloggers. We arrived as strangers and left as sisters. These ladies are some of the best people out there, and it was a pleasure to spend a few days with them.

The other thing that was absolutely amazing was that we were all within a couple of years of 40 and over a size 10. These are REAL WOMEN.

Yes, we got pampered and primped with a full team of hair and makeup and the nicest, most complementary photographer, but behind it all we were (and still are) just normal women with normal bodies. I love Kohl’s focus on style for everybody….and every BODY.

My major take-away from this experience was that we can all look beautiful, regardless of size, shape, or age.

The New Sweater

The first trend that we discussed with Maggie was The New Sweater – gorgeous fall-friendly blush-colored sweaters can be paired with jeans, skirts, shorts, and even dressy wide-leg ankle pants. Check out the first video of our experience in Milwaukee:

What I’m wearing:

Here’s what everyone was wearing….what are your favorite pieces?

I loved Mary’s faux leather skirt and Stacie totally rocked the skinny jeans. We all loved Marisa’s knee-high boots and Berty’s lace up heels were gorgeous (she always rocks the heels!).

Check out the other ladies’ posts….and then be sure to check back soon to see the other trends that we explored!

DIY Cold and Flu Care Package

Lolli — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 19:08:44 +0000

This post is brought to you by Puff Plus Lotion at Sam’s Club but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

It’s cold and flu season (bummer!) and it’s already made it’s way to our house. Stuffy noses, sore throats, coughs…it’s no fun to get sick, and I hate that it always seems to happen right after the new school year starts. A couple of my kids got sick last week, right before my press trip, and I prayed that I would be able to make it through my busy traveling week without getting hit with whatever bug they brought home.

I was doing well until this morning, and I can feel the aches and the sore throat inching in on me.

I think the hardest job of all is being a mom when you’re sick. No one stops for mom. Kids still need to be taken to school and practices, dinner still needs to be made, and the milk won’t buy itself.

Luckily, even before the first sign of sniffles in our house, I picked up a 10-pack of Puffs Plus Lotion at Sam’s Club so I was well-prepared for everyone to have a stock of tissues on hand near their bed, in the kitchen, in the bathrooms, and in the family room. We love Puffs Plus Lotion because it is the most soothing and soft tissue ever….and that makes a huge difference when we’re wiping noses constantly!

Because I know what it feels like to be sick with no mom around to pamper me (don’t you wish your mom could come visit every time you got sick??), I decided to create a fun DIY cold and flu care package to give to a friend (preferably a fellow mom who needs extra pampering). It was so easy to put together, and I know that I would love to receive something like this from a friend when I’m feeling under the weather.

How to Make a Cold and Flu Care Package with Puffs Plus Lotion

I grabbed a cute basket and filled it with a variety of products to help comfort and soothe anyone who’s been beaten by one of the many bugs that go around during the fall. I’m excited to deliver this to a friend in need – not that I would ever wish that a friend get sick!

Here are some ideas of items to include in the care basket:

Puffs Plus Lotion
A favorite magazine or two
Nyquil/Dayquil
Vitamins
Snacks and candy
Herbal tea
Nail polish
Water bottle
New toothbrush
Breath mints

What would you include in a care basket?

Get the Puffs Plus Lotion 10-pack – NEW at Sam’s Club! It’s the most soothing tissue around, and it’s available in club and on SamsClub.com at an amazing value so that you can be prepared for whatever life brings you this cold and flu and allergy season.

Enter to WIN two $250 Gift Cards for Sam’s Club #SoothingSoreNoses

Enter on the widget below to win TWO gift cards to Sam’s Club – (1) $250 to GET and (1) $250 to GIVE to a friend (now THAT would be an amazing addition to your cold and flu care basket, don’t you think??). Share the soothing softness of Puffs Plus Lotion with your family and friends!

Puffs Plus Lotion

DIY Autumn Acorn Wreath Craft

Lolli — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 18:56:03 +0000

On one of my recent morning walks, I stumbled on a massive collection of acorns that had all washed down the street to one huge pile. The local squirrels must have been very happy. I thought about those acorns for several days, and finally set out on another walk with a big cup and a plastic bag. I knew I wanted to make something with the acorns, but I wasn’t sure what that something should be.

I let the acorns sit in a bowl for a few days, tossing out any that had cracked. When I finally sat down to make my craft (I decided on a wreath) I learned 2 things: it takes a whole lot of hot glue to attach all those acorns and once they’re attached, they are heavy!

My wreath may not be perfection, but I love how it looks hanging on my door! Now if I can just figure out a way to guarantee that the squirrels won’t find a way to hang on my door frame and eat all of the acorns off…

Note: affiliate links used for supplies.

Supplies Needed:

Lots of acorns (check for cracks or holes)
Foam wreath base
Burlap ribbon
Faux fall leaf bouquet
Hot glue gun with plenty of extra glue sticks
Wreath hanger

How to Make an Acorn Wreath:

Note: acorns can be purchased at a craft store, but I’d recommend collecting them from the ground if possible. Lots cheaper!

To prepare your acorns for crafting, clean and dry acorns and then spread them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in a 200°F oven for 2-3 hours. Let cool before handling.
Wrap wreath base in burlap and glue it down. Note: I used tacky glue for the burlap, which worked just fine, but hot glue would be faster…that’s what I’d use next time.

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Use hot glue to glue acorns to the burlap-covered wreath. Attach a few acorns at a time (glue dries fast).
Separate leaves and other decorations from the dried “flower” bouquet. Glue leaves and decorations onto wreath. Since decorations will vary, use your creativity to make it your own!
Hang proudly throughout the fall season!