How Can I Create When I'm Hungry?

This SNICKERS® snack #WhenImHungry shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions and hunger-driven experiences are mine alone. #CollectiveBias

How do you act when you're hungry?

Okay, I'll go first... I am definitely Medusa when I am running on empty. Bad temper, and my glare could turn even the most well-intentioned to stone. I don't like to get to that point, but as a a busy Mom facing toddler tantrums, 100 questions and 200 issues that require a, "Mom!", I can run out of energy fast.

And there is no way I can create new recipe ideas or make new crafts to share here when my inner monster is running loose!

Yes, hunger can bring out the worst in us. SNICKERS® understands that at times we may act like divas, curmudgeons or even babies when we are hungry. They created a fun meme generator where you can show off who you become when you get a little "hangry". 

Enter the SNICKERS® "Who are you when you're hungry?" contest by uploading a personal photo or video from your Computer, Facebook, Instagram or use the SNICKERS® Meme Generator to create something new! Voting begins at Noon on 5/11/15 and ends at 11:59:59AM ET on 7/15/15.

I tend to not realize I'm hungry for a while, but my family sure understands the signs! I created this little .gif to show how I feel inside when I finally take time to grab something like a SNICKERS® bar.

Of course, making a .gif was only possible because I wasn't hungry...

SNICKERS® is one of my favorites and I just recently learned that my favorite snack comes in 3 other great flavors.  I picked up the SNICKERS® Extreme, Peanut Butter Squares, and SNICKERS® Almond on my last trip to Walmart. I wanted to have these stashed away for those moments when my family looks at me like I'm Medusa.

And since I often don't feel like myself in the late afternoon, when the kids are napping, I created my own little SNICKERS® Almond Berry Hungry Parfait.

SNICKERS® Almond Berry Hungry Parfait

You Will Need:

• 1 SNICKERS® Almond bar, chopped
• Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt
• Frozen Blueberries
• Cajeta to drizzle on top

Alternate layers of yogurt, chopped candy and blueberries, then drizzle with a little cajeta. 

This little treat is cold, creamy and sweet! This calms my inner Gorgon in no time!

You can pick up all the great SNICKERS® varieties right in the check-out aisle of your local Walmart. See more great SNICKERS® recipes and fun stories on the SNICKERS® social hub.

Now you know what I'm like when I'm hungry, what about you? Who do you become?

An Event to Remember...Or Forget by Melissa Baldwin

I was provided a review copy from Promotional Book Tours to facilitate a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 



Sienna Harris is a girl with a plan. Her days of slaving away at Carrie’s Classic Events and More are numbered as she is on the brink of launching her own event planning company. Her relationship with Luke Price is headed in the right direction and they are approaching their one-year mark. The future is looking bright and she knows that life could not get any better . . . That is until her perfectly planned world is thrown upside down by the unexpected arrival of someone from Luke’s past. She receives the shock of her life on the night of the biggest event of her career. Sienna will now have to pull it all together without a list or a plan. The question is, can she do it?

Buy on Amazon | B&N | Kobo

 

Just released!!!!!!!!

The exquisite dress, the dazzling menu, the family drama . . . It’s the day every girl dreams of, and Madison Wales is no exception. Her wedding plans seem to be going perfectly thanks to her very talented wedding planner, Sienna Harris. That is, until her grandmother and her two overachieving, bullying cousins suddenly want to become very involved in her big day. But . . . why? Madison’s perfect wedding dreams are dashed as things slowly start to unravel. With family drama in her midst, she wonders if her cousins are behind each disaster or if she has truly become a paranoid bridezilla. Will Madison be able to withstand all of the pressure and finally stand up for herself? The idea of eloping with her fiancé, Cole, is looking better everyday, even if it means leaving her dream wedding behind. Will she make the right choice?

Buy now on Amazon

 

About the author:

Melissa graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications; she has always had a love for writing. An avid journal keeper, she fulfilled her dream with her debut novel, An Event To Remember . . . Or Forget. Melissa resides in Orlando, Florida, with her husband and young daughter. She is a master at organization and multi-tasking. Her daily jobs include mother, chauffeur, wife, PTA President, Fitness Trainer, and now Author. When she has free time, she enjoys traveling, fitness, decorating, fashion, and taking a Disney Cruise every now and then.

Find Melissa on:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

 My Review:

An Event to Remember...or Forget was a fun and entertaining read. I have to say, if you are looking for a light and humorous book to stuff in your beach bag this Summer, this romantic comedy is the perfect choice!

As a busy Mom I want a book with good characters, witty writing and a memorable enough plot line to take me away from a chaotic house during nap time, and not let me forget why I want to pick it back up when the next spare moment presents itself. This book kept me wanting more, with just enough twists in the plot line that I found it enjoyable, but not so much so that I had reader whiplash.

Told in 1st person, the writing is casual, familiar, almost like I was talking to myself. And at several points in the book I could relate to Sienna. Yes, I liked Sienna.

Paired with a glass of iced tea and a comfortable chair, you might be tempted to down this whole book (all 219 pages) in just one sitting. Go ahead, I won't judge you. In fact, I bet you'll love it!

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Planting Our Yard for the Butterflies and Bees this Summer

The end of Marsh seems almost too early to think about gardening and buying plants here in Oregon. But, with the unseasonably warm Winter we had, many plants came through the Winter season just fine and things are already sprouting all over the yard. Just check out all the new sprouts in my Mint barrel.

I have great plans for my own backyard garden, but I also have high hopes for landscaping the front of the house. It has gone quite wild in the past two years since my youngest was born. I love a well-groomed yard full of flowering plants. Mine is not, but this Spring is as good a season to get started on that dream as any.

My budget is small, but I have a small work crew willing to help with a lot of the "dirty work".  My only problem is motivating them.

Kids love to play in the dirt, and will even help out with yard work if they have a goal in mind. Our motivation this year are these little guys...

For Spring break this year, I ordered my children caterpillars. They come with food, a habitat and instructions. We will watch them grow, form a chrysalis and then emerge as butterflies to be released. It is all to teach children first-hand about the life cycle of a beautiful butterfly.

I think it is a great time to work on the yard as a family and plant flowers and bushes that will attract and feed butterflies like the ones we are observing.

To get started, I went to the Monrovia website to learn more about the plants that would attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds to our yard. Monrovia plants are available at local garden centers and Lowe's home centers across the country. They also have a site that is packed with information about caring for and selecting the right plants for your yard.

I found a few articles on the site that talked about the best ways to attract butterflies and bees. I learned that butterflies love purple and yellow flowers.

Of course, while at Lowe's, I also read the back of each tag in the Monrovia plants. They list sun, water and temperature needs, as well as if they attract butterflies or other attributes. I purchased the Dianthus and Salvia especially because they both are enjoyed by butterflies.

All these bright colors and beautiful flowers will also be a great way to attract bees to the yard to help pollinate our apple tree, blueberries and Summer vegetable garden.

Other tips for attracting butterflies:

1. Choose a sunny spot. Butterflies enjoy basking in the sun, they also love the nectar of plants that often take partial to full sun. Our front yard is the perfect spot for this. 
2. Offer places the butterflies can drink. Using dishes with moistened sand will give butterfly neighbors a safe and great place to drink.
3. Plant a variety of flowering plants to attract different types of butterflies. And really, doesn't a variety of colorful flowers make the yard look better, too?

You can find more tips, including plant suggestions on the Monrovia website.

I can't wait to get all these plants in the ground. First I have a little weed clean-up to tackle with my crew. I am crossing my fingers that all the stray grasses and weeds can be pulled for the price of a popsicle or two.

And while we enjoy our treat in the heat this year, maybe we will have the chance to enjoy watching those busy bees and graceful butterflies play in the yard that we created.

What plans do you have for gardening or landscaping this Spring? Have you checked out the selection of plants Monrovia has to offer?

Grilled Burrito Recipe and More with RO*TEL Savings at Walmart

 This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #JustAddRotel #CollectiveBias

You might have noticed that RO*TEL shows up in quite a few of my favorite recipes. It is a pantry staple in our house and a can added to an everyday recipe is a great way to kick up the flavor and fun. Since warm weather means we will be outside shooting hoops instead of cooking in the kitchen, why not take advantage of the coupon below to stock up for easy meals and snacks. 

Also, check out two of my favorite RO*TEL recipes below.

Great Savings on RO*TEL at Walmart!

Are you creating a big snacking spread for the Big Tournament? Looking for ways to spice up game day and save money at the same time? #JustAddRotel is the perfect way to spice up your favorite recipes. From guacamole to pot roast sliders, adding a can of RO*TEL makes a traditional game day recipe into something extraordinary. Click this link http://cbi.as/4wqx  to print a Walmart coupon where you buy 3 cans of RO*TEL, you will get 1 can free!

Hurry, this coupon expires on April 6th and is only while supplies last!

Be sure to look for RO*TEL in either the Pasta or Hispanic aisle in Walmart!

For my hungry crew I love to whip up a large batch of Grilled Burritos. I can keep the ingredients on hand in the pantry for this simple, but delicious meatless meal option.

Grilled Burritos

You Will Need:

• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• olive oil
• 1 can black beans
• 1/2 c. chicken stock
• 1 can RO*TEL
• 1 c. frozen corn
• 2 c. cheese, shredded
• 8 large flour tortillas
• lime wedges for serving
• sour cream, as desired

In a large skillet warm the garlic and olive oil over medium heat for about a minute, then add in the black beans and chicken stock. Let this come up to a simmer slightly mashing some of the beans. Continue to cook for about 10 minutes.

Stir in the can of RO*TEL and corn and let this heat through. Add a splash of lime juice now, if desired. Turn off the heat.

Get a cast iron skillet or large frying pan heated to medium on the stove, then begin assembling the burritos. Sprinkle a little cheese in the middle of each tortilla then spoon about 1/4 c. of filling into the center. Fold up the burrito, starting with one end, then the side, the other end and wrapping it closed.  Repeat with all the remaining burritos.

Working in batches, place the folded side down in the frying pan and cook until it starts to turn golden brown. Flip and cook the other side.

Serve with remaining lime wedges and sour cream.

Enjoy!

Also check out my Mexican Penne Casserole Recipe featuring RO*TEL. 

Be sure to stock up on Ro*Tel for your favorite recipes. How do you use Ro*Tel?

Kahlúa Crêpe Cake

There is something amazingly decadent about a crêpe cake. All those lusciously delicate layers with  whipped cream filling in between.

I actually had my first crepe cake at the oddest place. It was Tokyo, Japan and I was an intern during college. I lived with a family and commuted to work in the city each day. Some days I packed a lunch, other days I ran across the street to the "combini" (convenience store) which quickly became a single person's salvation in Japan. Just thinking about that store brings up fragrant memories of Oden and Pork Buns in the Winter.  I could grab lunch, a snack, something sweet or a drink there. I must have ducked in there a thousand times to grab a bottle of water or iced tea. The Summer was so humid.

I probably tried every confection that particular combini offered. One of the items was a single serve slice of crepe cake. It was just a basic crepe with a whipped cream filling, but it was cold, light and amazing.

Now that I have broken in my crepe pan, I thought it was about time to tackle my own crepe cake at home.

I was feeling a little adventurous and just happened to have a bottle of Kahlua handy. Now, you could leave out the rum and coffee liqueur and just add the good cocoa, or add a nice vanilla bean paste. This particular day though, I wanted chocolate and Kahlua.

I started with a simple crepe recipe and set out to make at least 20 individual crepes. Crepes don't stick, so you can cook them ahead of time and assemble as needed. You can even refrigerate them and assemble the following day if needed.

You can find my basic crepe recipe below, but if you have a favorite, feel free to use it here.

I went ahead and created the chocolate ganache and the Kahlua chocolate whipped cream while my crepes were cooling. Then I put everything out for quick assembly.

I wanted my layers to be as thin as possible, so I used a pastry brush to spread the ganache later on top of each crepe.

Then I put a thin, but even layer of the whipped cream on top with an offset spatula. There are a lot of layers to go (I think I had 19 or 20) so don't use all your whipped cream too quickly. I kept layering till I ran out of filling.

Also a thinner layer gives more stability to the cake.

Once finished (or out of the whipped filling), pour remaining ganache on top of the cake, then dust with powdered sugar.

For my last parting tip, let the cake chill well before serving and slice with a sharp, but not serrated knife, for best presentation.

And above all else, don't forget to clean up every last bite and Kahlua cream smear. It is so good!

Kahlúa Crêpe Cake

You Will Need:
For the Crepes

• 6 Tbsp. melted butter, unsalated
• 6 large eggs
• 3 c. milk
• 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
• 5 Tbsp. sugar
• pinch of salt

Ganache

• 1 lb. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 c. heavy cream
• 2 Tbsp. Kahlua

For the Filling

• 3 c. heavy cream
• 3 Tbsp. sugar
• 1/4 c. powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp. Kahlua
• 3 Tbsp. cocoa

Start by making the crepes. The batter can be made up ahead of time, but needs to rest for at least 30 minutes. Put all the ingredients in the blender and mix well. Pour into a bowl to let rest for 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge,.

Preheat your pan on medium with a tiny bit of butter, or non-stick spray. Pour a scant 1/4 cup batter into the pan, then lift and swirl the batter so the entire pan is evenly coated. Cook till the crepe top is dry and the bottom has a little color, then with a spatula, flip the crepe and continue to cook for another 30 seconds or so. Take out of the pan and set on a plate. Repeat with the rest of the crepes, using a little dab of butter if the crepes stick.

While the crepes are cooling, make the ganache and Kalhua whipped cream filling.

To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan. Whisk till it starts to simmer. Turn off the heat and pour over the chopped chocolate. Stir in the Kahlua and continue to stir till it is all melted and smooth.

Whip the filling ingredients in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled until you are ready to assemble the cake.

To assemble, lay down a crepe, then spread a thin layer of ganach over the top. Do not go all the way out to the edges. Then top with a very thin and even layer of filling. Add another crepe on top and repeat. Reserve a small amount of ganache for the top of the cake.  Keep going until the cake reaches your desired height, or you run out of filling. Then spread with remaining ganache and sprinkle with powdered sugar to serve.

Chill before serving and enjoy!

Have you ever tried a crepe cake? Do you have a favorite flavor?

NEW Dial Sugar Cane Husk Scrub with Giveaway

Dial provided me with a sample of Dial Sugar Cane Husk Scrub hand soap in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and experiences are my own.

There has been a whole lot of hand washing going on this Winter. Now into Spring, I don't want the routine to stop. With a busy kitchen, diapers to change and life in general to wash away, I like to pick a scent I love and a hand soap formula that leaves my hands feeling clean and soft.

My newest find is this Dial Sugar Cane Husk Scrub. Oh, boy this stuff smells amazing!

I put this in our highest traffic area, the kitchen sink.

The smell is subtle, warm and sweet. It smells like fresh sugar cane and doesn't overpower the room or take over. I could almost call it, "yummy".

This hand soap from Dial's Boutique Collection contains micro-scrubbers for a deep clean, as well as a moisturizing formula designed to leave your hands smooth. That is important to me considering how many times I am stopping at my kitchen sink throughout the day to wash my hands. Other great scents in the line include:

• Yellow Raspberry and Black Sugar
• Water Blossoms
• Coconut Lime Verbena

Now, I do have a confession. The smell and feel of my hand soap does have an effect on how often (or how eager I am) to wash my hand. Am I right? If I pick up a new hand soap with an exciting scent, I find myself going back more often... and even enjoying those few minutes when I lather up.

Keep an eye out for the Dial Sugar Cane Husk Scrub in your local stores But, you can also enter below for a chance to win your own coupons (2) to try this product for yourself.

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Family Movie Night - Grab Your Copy of Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

I received a complimentary movie copy and goodies to start off our family movie night as a Vocalpoint member. All opinions and experiences are my own. #VPMovieNight

We love a good family movie night, and this month we popped our popcorn for the final installment of Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb now available on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital HD.

I can't believe the first movie came out when I was pregnant with my oldest. In fact, Night at the Museum was one of the last movies I went to the theater to see with my husband before our first baby was born. It left quite an impression on us. It was funny, magical and had an all-star cast of historical and Hollywood names.

The third movie in the series did not disappoint..

We showed the kids the first movie, so they were familiar with all the characters, well except Lancelot (played by Dan Stevens) and British Museum night guard Tilly (played by Rebel Wilson) who joined in the fun for Secret of the Tomb.

To get ready for the fun, we spent a warm Spring break afternoon showing Flat Dexter around the farm. Do you remember this mischievous monkey from the movies? He is a big favorite with all my kids, especially the toddler.

Flat Dexter popped up in our cherry orchard, then started sneaking around the tall grass around our house.

Yes, my kids had a blast seeing what kind of trouble they could get their Flat Dexter into.

He even made an appearance during our movie night. My daughter was so into the movie, it was a while before she noticed her brother had "Flat Dexter'd" her.

We also downloaded a few fun movie activities like these dress-up printables the kids could color and then wear to become Sacajawea, Jedidiah and Teddy.

But of course the main attraction was the movie. Well, my youngest was really into stealing his brother and sister's popcorn, but the older kids fell in love with Night at the Museum: Secrets of the Tomb. My kids enjoyed the suspense, jokes and learning a little about history through the movie.

I thought it was a great movie for my whole family to watch and enjoy together.

Grab a $8 off coupon for your own copy of Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, and download your own fun printables on the Vocalpoint site. 

I also have one digital download to give away here to one lucky reader! The winner will be able to download this movie through the usual download channels (Google Play, iTunes, or Playstation.

Enter below, and good luck!

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