Food Fun Family

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Lolli — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 20:19:14 +0000

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pampers at Sam’s Club. The opinions and text are all mine.

At the beginning of the year, we sat down as a family and talked about some of the things we would like to do in the coming year to make our own family life and the lives of those around us better. One of the main things that we discussed doing differently in 2018 was actively looking for opportunities to lift others up. I stressed the fact that helping or serving others doesn’t have to be a big effort. Sometimes saying hi, sitting next to someone who is alone, or helping someone who has dropped something is all it takes to make another person’s day.

Most of the time, random acts of kindness don’t require any planning ahead or much time from the giver at all. Acts of kindness can include a text to say “I’m thinking about you,” a surprise raking of leaves for a neighbor, a batch of cookies for a friend, or a hug for someone who looks like they could use some support.

Just this past month, I brought a package of Pampers diapers and wipes to a friend who is about to have her second child. She had mentioned that she had plenty of clothes and supplies from her first child, so I figured that diapers and wipes would be the ideal gift. Random acts of kindness can reach to your community, as well. We love to take our older kids to a women’s shelter to serve meals a few times a year. We also participate in school supply drives and put backpacks full of supplies together for kids before the start of a new school year. When I was a teenager, I enjoyed visiting with elderly residents at a rest home. Another easy but very appreciated community service is dropping off diapers at a diaper bank or women’s shelter.

I remember how much a simple phone call or a visit from a friend meant to me when I was a young mother with little ones under foot. That adult contact was a lifeline! I’ve also seen how much a friend to sit with at lunch can change the entire day of a child who’s feeling lonely at school. Lots of us think of the month of February as being the month of love, thanks to Valentine’s Day. But did you know that February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day? What better way to show love to those closest to you as well as those throughout your community than to search out opportunities to bring happiness to others? This month, you can get an instant savings of $8 off the purchase of 2 Pampers products at Sam’s Club. Plus, you can get a $10 Sam’s Club eGift Card when you purchase $50 worth of Pampers diapers or wipes. So even if your kids are out of diapers like my kids are, you can take advantage of the savings to touch someone’s life (and get a little back for yourself, too!). That “someone” may be a neighbor who just had a new baby, a family member with multiple little ones (I vividly remember being there!), or a diaper bank (they can always use more diapers!). Head over to Sam’s Club now to take advantage of the instant savings and the eGift Card offer when you purchase Pampers! How will you and your family reach out to those close to you and those in your community on Random Acts of Kindness Day? I’d love to hear your ideas or things you have done in the past that have made an impact!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pampers at Sam’s Club. The opinions and text are all mine.

Aly

Lolli — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 12:00:05 +0000

If you’re a regular Food Fun Family reader, you’re probably looking for our weekly Delicious Dishes Recipe Party today. We took a two-week break for the holidays so that we could enjoy time with our families, and we were excited to post a new party again today. Except that last night, we received some pretty shocking news about one of our fellow hostesses.

We are posting with heavy hearts this week as we learned that our friend and colleague, Aly, passed away suddenly. We are dedicating this week in her memory. She was a friend and an incredible food blogger. Aly will be missed by her family, friends, readers and her beloved dog, Jeffie.

Aly’s recipes always made my mouth water (and made me a little jealous of her talent!). Here is just a sample of the incredibly delicious food Aly created. Please head over to her blog to see her recipe index here. The other hosts and myself will be back next week. For now, we’re still trying to come to terms that Aly is no longer with us.

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

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

Lobsterfest is Back at Red Lobster #LobsterWorthy

Lolli — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 03:03:30 +0000

Lobsterfest is back at Red Lobster! I’m sharing some of the #lobsterworthy moments in my life as part of a Red Lobster sponsored series for Socialstars, but all thoughts are my own.

I don’t get out with friends as much as I should, so when I had the opportunity to join some friends on a girls night out this past week, I jumped at the chance. I was thrilled when I heard that we’d be meeting up at Red Lobster…especially because I knew that Lobsterfest was back with some pretty amazing menu items.

What’s so amazing about Lobsterfest? Oh, it’s just the year’s largest variety of lobster dishes – that means even more ways to enjoy lobster…grilled, baked, topped, and paired with even more lobster.

I typically enjoy lobster as an ingredient in a dish (like Lobster Scampi Linguini or my favorite appetizer at Red Lobster – the Langostino Lobster-Artichoke-and-Seafood Dip. Seriously, guys….if you haven’t tried this, you need to get to your nearest Red Lobster and try it right away!). But this past visit, I decided to let lobster take a front seat and shine on its own.

You want to know a secret? I didn’t know I LOVED lobster until I started ordering it at Red Lobster. Let me tell you…it’s something I crave now. Red Lobster KNOWS lobster!

Check out some of the lobster dishes you can order during Lobsterfest:

Lobster Lover’s Dream®
NEW! Steakhouse Lobster Surf & Turf*
NEW! Langostino Lobster-Topped Tilapia with Mushroom Cream Sauce
Roasted Maine Lobster Bake
Wood-Grilled Lobster, Shrimp, and Salmon
Ultimate Feast®
Lobster Scampi Linguini
Seaport Lobster & Shrimp
NEW! Chilled Lobster-and-Shrimp Cocktail
Lobster Punch
NEW! Red Lobster Sunset

See the Lobsterfest menu here.

On my latest visit, I ordered the Steakhouse Lobster Surf & Turf. I was in HEAVEN. Listen to this description: “Split Maine lobster tail medallions with our seafood stuffing, paired with a grilled sirloin topped with Cliean langostino lobster in a three-cheese sauce with roasted mushrooms. Served with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans and sundried tomatoes.”

I think I may have a hard time ordering anything else on the menu after having that….although the Wood-Grilled Lobster, Shrimp, and Salmon IS looking pretty tempting!

Share your favorite way to enjoy lobster on social, and include the hashtag #lobsterworthycontest when you do. When you share, you’ll be entered to win some pretty cool prizes throughout Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest.

On the Road Again #PSF

Lolli — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 21:15:43 +0000

I’m sitting at LAX on a layover from San Jose to home in Maryland. My computer isn’t working, so I’m typing on my iPad while I eat a quesadilla with carne asada…hoping that this was an ok choice before heading on a 5 hour flight. Although I have so much I could say about my last 2 days in San Jose, that will have to wait. Until then…here is a glimpse at the fun I’ve had in San Jose.

I’m bare-bones today…but please link up your photo posts from this week! Until the next time.

An InLinkz Link-up

Finding the Confidence to Step Out of My Comfort Zone #GoodNeighbor

Lolli — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 12:19:17 +0000

It’s not every day that a post leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy, but this one did. This story is mine, and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I’m grateful to State Farm for giving me the prompt to write my thoughts down!

This is my friend Kristin’s family. Kristin and her family were my very first photography clients, back when her girls were in pigtails.

If you were to ask me to describe myself during childhood in just a few words, I’d probably say, “Happy but shy.” My shy and quiet nature certainly carried with me into adulthood as well. People may not be as quick to label me as “shy” anymore, but one thing has remained constant – I don’t love to be the center of attention and I rarely take personal risks.

A few years ago, I was discovering my love for photography. I enjoyed doing it for myself, but I lacked confidence in my abilities, and I was extremely uncomfortable with the idea of putting myself out there. I have loved taking photos for as long as I can remember, but venturing into that realm where I could call myself a photographer….that put me far out of my comfort zone.

The difference between taking photos of my own kids and the world around me versus taking pictures for other people was huge in my mind. When I took pictures for other people, something very personal was being put on display. Not only did I have to step out from behind my camera (a very comfortable place to hide!) but I had to allow myself to be ope and vulnerable to critiques.

It was almost to much for me, and I might not have ever found the confidence to give photography a try had it not been for the enthusiastic support of Kristin.

Kristin was not only a good friend, but she provided me with just the right amount of encouragement so that I believed in myself enough to take that leap of faith.

It’s very possible that Kristin’s support and encouragement in my photography are what gave me the confidence to start a blog, which is an even more public, vulnerable, and critiqued platform than photography. She believed in me until I believed in myself.

My little blog may not be changing the world, but the encouragement of one special friend certainly changed me.

Have you had a friend – or a neighbor – or a teacher – or a mentor – who has encouraged you and inspired you with confidence to reach your dreams? I’d love to hear who those people have been in your life!

Like a good neighbor State Farm is there.

Connect with State Farm

State Farm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StateFarm
State Farm Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateFarm
State Farm Instagram: https://instagram.com/statefarm

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

Transitions and Growing Up #GoodNeighbor

Lolli — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 12:00:16 +0000

Compensation was provided by State Farm via Mode Media. All opinions and statements within this post are my own.

Our recent cross-country trek from Maryland to Utah to deliver our oldest daughter to college has gotten me thinking about a cross-country trek that I took many years ago, when we were very young parents heading away from college and off to our very first job-after-school.

It was a time of transitions – and growing up – and we were nervous.

As a young married couple with our first baby (yes, that same baby who is now a college student herself) leaving our college basement apartment, we didn’t have much in the way of possessions. We thought that we’d load up our little maroon Geo Prism, install a trailer hitch on back, and rent a trailer for the bulk of our things. We had quite a drive ahead of us – similar to the drive in the opposite direction that we just completed last month.

My husband drove our little Geo to have the trailer hitch installed and met someone who gave him some advice – advice that he didn’t appreciate until a few thousand miles later.

This stranger recommended that we change our plans. Instead of installing a hitch and renting a trailer to haul our possessions over mountains and across the country, he recommended that we rent a small moving van and haul our car behind us instead.

He seemed to know what he was talking about (and we admitted that we were total novices when it came to relocating!) so we rented the moving van and set off on our journey to our new life on the East Coast.

Somewhere in the middle of our drive, maybe in Kansas, we passed another young couple on the side of the road. A short while later, we saw that same young family at a rest stop, waiting for hours for their car to be repaired. Their little car was hauling a trailer behind it…and it was not holding up.

We began to see the wisdom of the stranger who had recommended that our little car might not be up to the task of hauling a trailer across the country.

Several days later, after making a few stops along the way, we unloaded that moving van at the home of a family that I had never before met. They took us in and treated us like part of their family while we looked for a job and a place to live.

They fed us, gave us a temporary place to stay, and made us feel at home…and allowed us to gain the confidence that we needed – in a comfortable environment – to get on our own feet.

I’m not sure how we could have made that move and the transition to living so far away from family and school and everything we had known without their support.

Has someone helped you through a rough period or a huge transition? Who was it, and how did they help? Did the help give you the confidence to get past your trials or a transition like it did for us?

Like a good neighbor State Farm is there.

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

Connect with State Farm: State Farm Facebook | State Farm Twitter | State Farm Instagram

Join Me For The #PayItFwdDay Twitter Party 4/22

Lolli — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 12:20:26 +0000

This is a sponsored post and twitter party but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Just recently, I benefitted from the kindness of two friends. They didn’t have to do what they did, but they did it willingly, nonetheless. I’m grateful for their kindness, and I’m excited to pay it forward now myself.

Have you ever paid it forward or been the recipient of a random act of kindness? Doesn’t it make you feel amazing?

This coming week, I’m teaming up with Savings Bank Life Insurance Company (SBLI) and the Pay it Forward Foundation for a Pay it Forward Day Twitter Party. SBLI wants to help protect families by providing affordable life insurance. They are also committed improving the lives of others through simple acts of kindness. The goal of the Pay it Forward Foundation is to inspire people to perform random acts of kindness for others, thus making the world a better place. What awesome companies to team with!

#PayitFwdDay Twitter party details

International Pay it Forward Day coming up on April 24, 2014 and we’re celebrating this coming Tuesday 4/22 with a #PayItFwdDay Twitter Party!

What: We will be sharing Pay it Forward stories, ideas for how YOU and your family can Pay it Forward, as well as how to teach your children the importance of spreading kindness and paying it forward. And prizes, of course!

Pay it Forward – to perform any act of kindness without asking for or expecting anything in return, only that the person do something nice for someone else. It’s a simple, yet powerful concept that can change the lives of those around us, make us healthier and happier, and even make the world a better place for future generations.

When: Tuesday, April 22, at 1:00-2:00 pm ET

Where: Follow the #PayitFwdDay hashtag on Twitter. You can see the details and RSVP HERE.

Prizes: We will be giving away five prizes to randomly selected winners. Five winners who answer trivia questions during the party will receive $50 VISA gift cards and a Pay it Forward bracelet!

Hosts: @SavingsBankLife and @charleypif

Co-hosts:

Brandy, Happily Blended – @brandyellen
Chrysa, Thrifty Jinxy – @ThriftyJinxy
Dawn, Homemaking Hacks – @dawnchats
Debra, A Frugal Friend – @AFrugalFriend
Ellen, Thrifty and Chic Mom – @ThriftyChicMom
Emily, Nap Time is My Time – @naptimeismytime
Jenn, The Rebel Chick – @TheRebelChick
Kristen, Mudpies and Tiaras – @MudpiesandTiara
Lolli, Better in Bulk – @1momof5
Shauna, Adventures of 8 – @adventuresof8
Stefani, Mommy Enterprises – @mommye
Tiffany, Broward Saves – @BrowardSaves

Find out more:

Pay it Forward Foundation Website: https://www.payitforwardfoundation.org/
Pay it Forward Foundation Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/payitforwardexperience
SBLI Website: https://www.sbli.com/
SBLI Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mySBLI/app_599788450050788

Hope to see you there!

The Non Importance of Being Liked and Things Being Fair

Lolli — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 12:00:39 +0000

Please welcome my good friend, Jodi, who is guest posting today. Jodi is the mother of Michael, the blogger behind Jodifur.com, and a fellow DC-area resident (which means I get to bump in to her every once in a while…or catch a day-time, just-for-fun movie together).

This picture is one that I took of my nieces on Easter 2 years ago. It has nothing to do with Jodi’s post except that I can imagine my niece saying “It’s not fair!”

It used to really matter to me that people “like” me. Much more than it should. To the point that if people didn’t like me, I would make it my personal quest to make them like me. I would kill them with kindness. I would become the ultimate suck up. I would say things like, “I just don’t understand why they don’t like me. I am immensely likeable.”

This, of course, backfired. When you get in the face of someone who doesn’t like you, they like you less, not more.

Somewhere along the way, probably in the last 5 years or so, I stopped caring. Go ahead, don’t like me. I care more about how people TREAT me, and less about how they actually feel about me. It is like I tell Michael, “it is okay to not like someone, you are entitled to your feelings. But there is no reason to be mean. You need to at least be kind. And treat people with respect.”

I find, more and more, we have lost that. A basic level of respect and decency when we interact with each other. And I am not perfect either. I yell and strangers more than I should. I lose my patience at store clerks more than I should. I speak harshly, more than I should.

It doesn’t matter if we like each other, it matters how we treat each other.

I spend a lot of time talking to Michael lately about fairness. Yes, we discuss the old “life isn’t fair” adage, and he has encountered what he believes is unfairness recently, and we talk about what he could have done to have things work out differently. But what matters to me is not the WHY this happened, but how he reacts to it. Does he stomp his feet and rally at the world? (Because in all honesty, my worst quality is my utter inability to let things go.) Michael, on the other hand, manages to pick his head up and keep going. I admire that about him. I’m trying to learn that skill from him.

I want him to know that even when you think you are treated unfairly, or someone doesn’t like you, that doesn’t mean you have to retaliate. It also doesn’t mean you have to suck up, like I used to do. Just keep your head up, and keep going. I believe, at least I’m starting to believe, at least I’m TRYING to believe, it all evens out in the end.

There is I really good quote in a book I read over the weekend “Lunch in the Park.” “Fair is not everyone getting the same thing. Fair is everyone getting what the need.” My husband taught me that. He likes to say, “people get what they need, not what is fair.”

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts on being “fair.”

Jodi blogs at Jodifur about life, motherhood, working, and shoes. Mostly shoes.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Girls’ Night Out {Plus #PGBestForMe Giveaway}

Lolli — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:18:21 +0000

These Girls’ Night Out tips and giveaway are sponsored by P&G through SheSpeaks. All opinions are my own.

When my kids were little, Girls’ Night Outs were my lifeline. Luckily, I have a very understanding and supportive husband who not only encouraged me to take as many Girls’ Nights as possible, but sometimes nudged me to go out with my friends when what I thought I needed was a lazy evening in my sweats.

As much as I have always loved being a mom – and as fulfilled as I was doing the 3-Cs of mothering (cooking, cleaning and changing diapers) – I really did crave the companionship of other women my age. As tired as I was at the end of the day, and as much as I didn’t *think* I wanted to get dressed up and go out, GNO always did me a world of good.

Here are a few things I have learned over the years about creating the perfect Girls’ Night Out:

Girls’ Night Out doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Sometimes we just meet for chips and ice cream at the local Mexican restaurant and chat in the booth until they kick us out. Other times, a few of us will drive around and just laugh (and chat) in the car together. The destination is always secondary to the time we get to spend together.
Put your best face on (even if no one is going to notice!). At the end of a long day, I don’t always feel like getting dressed up or putting much effort into the way I look. I just need to get out of the house. But without fail, when I put a fresh coat of make up on, do my nails, and pull out an outfit that I love, I always feel 1000 times better.
Size doesn’t matter! Girls’ Night Out with all your best buddies is fun, but so is a date with just one other friend. Sometimes I enjoy the energy of a big group and other times I need to bond or vent or just relax with one friend.
Plan something regular. I love having something set on the calendar. It gives me something to look forward to each month, and it helps to eliminate the last minute excuse. Not everyone can come each month, and that’s ok. We know we’ll always have the next month to look forward to.
Invite someone new. As much as Girls’ Night Out has helped me over the years, I try to remember how I can pass the love on and reach out to someone new. It gives them a boost (that is probably sorely needed) and I make a new friend.

What do you love to do on Girls Night Out? What have you done to make it a success?

#PGBestForMe P&G Prize Pack Giveaway ($70+ value!)

I am thrilled to give away a fantastic package FULL of some of the best products from P&G, worth over $70!

The Giveaway Package Includes:
CoverGirl Line Exact Liquid Liner
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss
CoverGirl FlamedOut Mascara
Secret Clinical Strength Light & Fresh Scent
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Select-A-Size
Old Spice Fiji Body Wash
Crest 3D White Strips

This giveaway will run through April 22 at 11:59pm. Open to residents of the US only. A winner will be chosen at random and notified via email after the giveaway has ended. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P&G can help you find the best products for your special occasion. P&G’s beauty, grooming and home care brands have received hundreds of awards and recognitions from leading magazines, so you know you’ll get the look that works for you, no matter what. Create the perfect look for your special occasion this spring with P&G’s award-winning products.

Connect with P&G Everyday:

P&G everyday on Twitter: @PGeveryday
P&G everyday on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PGEveryday
P&G online store: https://pgestore.com/

Join the #PGBestForMe Twitter Party!

WHEN: Thursday, April 17 at 9pm ET
HASHTAG: #PGBestForMe