Pillsbury Ready to Bake™ Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ok....so, you are walking thru Publix, and you see this:
 
 Pillsbury Ready to Bake™ Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies


What do you do?

Yeah, you throw them in the buggy and hurry home :)
Ok...well, that's just what we did!

First of all. The smell.
They smell so minty and yum! when you take them out of the package.

 

We put them on the our Pampered Chef (can't live without) baking stone.

And then 12 minutes later....yum!
Now...we like our cookies a little bit medium-rare, and not crunchy.
So,


Then, ready to serve!

And, I will admit, they are super cute on my Christmas dishes.

They were so yummy! The cookie was yum! Not too minty, and plenty of chocolate!

These will be on my "go-to" list for Christmas Parties!

And...to save a little $$ - Printable coupons available at www.ReadyPlanSave.com






“Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.”

Chex mix

Chex Mix?

Would you like to make some Mexican Chex Mix?

Why, of course I would!

I received this box of yummies just before Thanksgiving, and decided to give it a try, and let the family be my Taste Testers.

They did not argue :)

And...as a bonus....check this out...the cereals are all Gluten Free! And when I tell you, they are good...what I mean is....the box lasted about 2 days, after I finished making the Chex Mix! Yum!

 

This was pretty much a mix, melt and eat kind-of recipe and those...are my favorite :)

I think from cover to cover, it took me maybe 15 minutes.

The reason for the "Mexican" name is the little hint of Cinnamon in the mix...but we later tried it with adding peanut butter morsels, and skipping the cinnamon, and that was yum-o!

Here's the recipe....if you make it, be sure to come back and let me know you did!

For more Chex Mix recipes...check these out: http://chexpartymix.com/recipes/

Typically, there are a few printable coupons here, and a quick trip to Publix and you will be set!

“Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.”

Captain D's New Look

So, in our continued effort to eat healthier, and to remove some of the "trash food" from our lives, one of those things that we eat almost NONE of, is Fried Food.

That being said, it really does limit the choices on Fast Food.

Needless to say, I was pretty excited to hear about the "D's New Look"---and I had no idea what it was, so I looked a little further.

Captain D's has jumped on board, with a healthier initiative, and they have rolled out a few new menu items that are TOPS on our list!

ShrimpSkewerandBeef =  Surf & Turf

Kids Grilled Fish Tenders-Salad

I wish this Grilled Fish Kids Meal had been an option when my kids were little. They LOVE "baked" fish, so they would have loved this!

I LOVE these new options, and I love Captain D's for jumping on board with this!
Check out more of their grilled menu here.

And if you haven't joined the D's club, you should! Some of this great info, straight to your inbox!
Sign up here!

And, while you are at it, go "like" them on Facebook!

And let me know if you stop in your nearest Captain D's, to check out D's New Look!

Smore Sensation?! Thank you Pillsbury :)

Cookies. Yes. Cookies.

These little beauties just jumped in my buggy.

I know. I know. I couldn't help it.

So, we did a "trial run" with the first pack. S'more Sensation.

I almost chose the Melts Molten Fudge Cake filled cookies, but...the S'mores won!

And let's just say that Chappy gave it a two thumbs up.

So, they are super easy.
Like cookies...but better.


Pop them in the over, and then ice them.



Hey...I never said the "icing" had to be pretty :)

He ate them right out of the oven, and then had the leftovers the next day.


He said he preferred them warm & gooey :)



And then, even better...they are a Box Tops product...so we were giving to a good cause :)






“Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.”

New music from Train

So....I just received the award "Best Mom EVER!"

Ok, ok. There was no trophy, no OSCAR, no TV show host to present it to me...but Chap squeezed me like I was a big husky football player, and exclaimed it in the kitchen.

that counts for something, right?

Ok....so, the new album from Train: Bulletproof Picasso will be released later this month, and I got my hands on a fresh copy, BEFORE it hit the stores.

That's like a gold mine, to my musically inclined child.

So, he says mom..." does it have Angel in Blue jeans"
me: "yes"
him: "does it have give it all"
me: "yes"
him: "mom, don't tease"


I mean, had I known this would hold so much value, I really could've gotten some work done outta the kid, first :)

So, we gave it a listen, and it does NOT disappoint!

I am already a fan of Train, but this, just keeps it going!

We've already loaded on the ipod, the iphone and the laptop. The kid is in Train heaven!!!

You can pre-order a copy here:
  * iTunes: http://smarturl.it/bulletproofpicasso
  * Amazon: http://smarturl.it/bulletproofpicassoAM





I participated in the Train Bulletproof Picasso album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own. 

Fiber One Streusel Bars

Ok, so, I was sent a fun little care package from Fiber One, with a few new products, that are now available at Publix.

My boys had a good time doing the taste test with the cookies.
The Chocolate Chunk won the "quickest to disappear"  :)

So, then we tried the Streusel Bars.
Hey, no kidding. These things are good!

I like the Strawberry just fine, but I like the Blueberry, even better!
Pick up a box of these. They are good!

Visit www.everydaysaver.com/F1NewItems to clip and print your coupons. Coupons available while supplies last.

Save $0.75 off one Fiber One Streusel Bar
Save $0.75 off one Fiber Soft-Baked Cookies
And make sure to check out all the Fiber One Options, available at Publix®.


For more info, check out the Ready Plan Save site, before your next trip to Publix®.



And, let me know if you try them! I would be interested to see which one is your fave!




“Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.”

Big G breakfast at Publix

 

In my quest to try a few new things, I was THRILLED when I received a box full of new General Mills products to take for a test drive!

 

The new Gluten Free Chex Oatmeal made me happy.

 

I know. Oatmeal? Made me happy?

Yes...yes it did!!!

 

 

Gluten Free Chex™ Chex Oatmeal Variety Pack

 

 

   
Looking to take advantage of the summer season by kicking off a smarter eating routine? Let General Mills and Big G cereals help with two new tasty breakfast options – Cheerios Protein and Chex Gluten Free Oatmeal!

Available in two delicious flavors – Oats & Honey and Cinnamon Almond – new Cheerios Protein offers your family that long-lasting energy needed to start your day with a taste and crunch your family will love.

New Chex Gluten Free Oatmeal is the perfect way to get your day started! With flavors such as Apple Cinnamon, Maple Brown Sugar and Original there are a variety of ways to enjoy a warm gluten free breakfast. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Like Chex cereal it’s made with simple ingredients and made for you.



Look for great savings on these Big G items starting July 26 at Publix!

In-Store Savings

Offers available in-store from 7/26 – 8/15, available at Publix. Look for more details in the Back to School grocery flyer.

Save $2 off crayons, markers, pens or pencils when you buy any 1 Chex Gluten Free Oatmeal.
Save $2 when you buy any 1 Cheerios 10.9oz or larger AND any 1 100% Florida Orange Juice 59oz or larger. This sale includes both new flavors of Cheerios Protein.
Printable Coupons

Visit www.ReadyPlanSave.com to clip and print your coupons. Available while supplies last.

July: $1/2 Select Cheerios
August: $1/2 Cheerios Franchise
- Publix.com | Also, find Publix on Facebook






“Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.”

Sweet. Salty. Or Cheddar?

I was invited to do a little taste test of the new Chex Mix Popped!

It was a fun little adventure. 

When these goodies arrived, I knew my guys would love it. 

 

So, we dig right in.

The first is Sweet & Salty. 

The next is White Cheddar

I think of the two, we all 4 agreed we liked the Sweet & Salty best. 

It was a pleasant mix of both! 

And, this would be a hit in the Fall for the dozens of tailgate parties. 

Grab a bag, and everyone's happy!!

Sweet. Salty.

Follow them on facebook, for more details on this fun new item!

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op, however, the fun little taste test, and the real-life thoughts are my own :)

 

Fuel Your Better

So. I received a package of Vega Sport in the mail.

I'm not too skeptical. And I'm already looking to improve my fitness routine. So I gave it a try. 

I must say. I like it. 

I received pre-workout Energizer. 

Acai Berry. 

It's gluten, dairy, and soy free. 

I mixed it with my bottle of Dasani. 

Drank it. 

And then about 15 minutes late began my workout. 

I like it! 

No crazy jitters. No side effects. 

I'm a fan!

 

Want to learn more? Be sure to follow:

•    Twitter: @Vegateam

•    Instagram: @vega_team

A little taste test

The lovely folks at Annie's Homegrown sent me a coupon to try one of their Family Style Frozen Entrees.

So, off to Target we went.

The thing is...the Annie's Homegrown family of foods is all organic and when you start reading the labels, you instantly fall in love with how good it is for the family.

So, I thought, let's try it and see! And we just might find a new favorite!



I had Chap with me (14 years old) and we couldn't decide.

So we tried both. The Shells & White Cheddar with Chicken and the Classic Macaroni & Cheese.

And then we had a taste test.

I liked the shells/cheese of the Shells & White Cheddar (but I didn't love the Chicken as much as I wanted to)--- but don't get me wrong...I cleaned my plate:)

Chap LOVED and I mean LOVED the Classic Macaroni and Cheese.

So, next time, I think we are going to try the Lasagna!

I feel like it is gonna find a home here :)

Why would they doubt me?!

So last night...we were trying to decide where to eat. 

We have some of our favorite. Tried and true. 

But we always like to make each trip fun and unique. And try new stuff. 

My guys haven't been to Splitsville yet. 

So I suggested it. 

Bowling?! They were like "mom...we want to eat"

But...they went along. Like good guys do :)

So....then the food arrived! 

Boom! 

Mom wins again! 

Why would they doubt me :)

Old Navy Activewear?!

So....in my running/workout attire, I have typically been somewhat a snob.

Now, that usually varies with what I am doing (casual running, marathon training, etc)

But, I typically am a Nike girl, and then, well...and then I discovered LuLulemon.

So, I have pretty much stuck with that until last weekend.

I was out doing a little "retail therapy" and I wandered into Old Navy, and they had some cute, bright colors in their activewear line.

So, I mosied on over, and started browsing. Hey, this stuff is super duper cute.

Wait. Hold up.

It's only $10!

Hello, it was on sale, and yet,did I fill my arms with a few new items :)

And wow! I am glad I did.

Who knew that I would be attempting this race with a very swollen belly, just 5 days post-op (gallbladder removal)

So, this bubble top was MUCHO FABULOUSO!! (ok, I don't speak spanish, but you get what I mean!)

And these compression capri pants.

Yes, they are tight, and they fit perfect, in all of the right spots!

And  yes, that's right.

Even the sports bra! It was old Navy too. Mostly because I just didn't have a white one, already in my stash, so I grabbed it.

Nope, this is not a sponsored post. And no, Old Navy didn't give me any props for pimping them out today.

I'm just sayin....if you are looking for a good line of active wear, and very easy on the budget... give this line a chance!

I love it!

(infact, I love it so much, I came home and ordered a few more pieces...hoping they arrive today!)

 

  

Busy Snacks

So, one of the challenges of being a family, is balancing, schedule, life, down-time and more!

That includes eating good, and not constantly eating trash all the time, because that's what is so easily available.



I was pretty excited to receive this pile of goodies from General Mills &  Target.

The plan is to use a few of these items as a "quick breakfast" or "quick snack", yet keeping it on the healthier side of life!

So...here's what we have:
•1 pouch Nature Valley® Protein Granola
•1 box Nature Valley® Granola Bars
•1 box Honey Nut Cheerios® Medley Crunch™ cereal
•1 box Trix® cereal
•1 package Quaker® Oats
•1 jar Jif® peanut butter
•1 package Nutella® mini cups
•1 pouch Grandma Hoerner’s® Big Slice™ apples snack

Now...let's be honest...no one in my family even wanted to attempt the "pouch" of fruit.
BUT--- my mother-in-law LOVED it! So, I might have to re-visit the idea (after a trip to Target)

Then, my first "problem" was the I tried the Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch, all by itself.


I was a little intrigued by this cereal, so I tore right into the box. And my first "healthy" snack was born! I didn't mix it with anything! It is the perfect "grab a handful and go" snack! So, I divided a few ziploc bags, and now we have a snack, or breakfast, on the ready!  So, easy as that!!

 You can take a look at a few more ideas here: Target.com/BreakfastTwist



  Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op

Anyone wanna get Pretty Muddy?

So, let's talk about Mud Runs??

Yes, or no?

Are you a fan?

Personally, I am not a fan of dirt. At all.

But...take a look at Pretty Muddy!!!

 

But, the "cause" of this one, is just enough to make me want to dive right in!!!!

It's a women-only mud race, and they have partnered with Susan G. Komen to make all of the dirt, and laughter benefit a good cause!

So, here's the fun part!

I've got a few entries to give away!!

So, spend a little time checking out their site! Which race, which location would you want to do???  And then check back here in a few days, and I will post the giveaway!! Oh yeah, even better...it's a giveaway for you AND a friend! Whoop Whoop! Ok, see ya in a few days!

Here are a few links for you to browse: Pretty Muddy Runs

Pretty Muddy Run - Dallas TX April 26,2014

Pretty Muddy Run - Sacramento, CA May 03,2014

Pretty Muddy Run - Chicago, IL August 16, 2014

Pretty Muddy Run - Richmond, VA September 20,2014

And if you want to register today, and don't want to wait for the giveaway, you can use the discount code: GIRLSGONESPORTY and save some $$

You can catch them on Twitter too: @pretty_muddy

Cheerios Love Breakfast. Share Breakfast

While you’re enjoying the Big Game this Sunday, be sure to keep an eye out for the premiere of Cheerios first-ever game day commercial!

Cheerios is also partnering with a non-profit organization called The Family Dinner Project, to bring you The Family Breakfast Project, which provides tips, recipes and activities to help families connect over breakfast. Use the limited time, buy one get one free coupon to get begin experimenting with the Family Breakfast Project recipes and activities.
The coupon is valid only until February 15th, and limited to only one million first come first served respondents – download it here, and be sure to share with your friends as well.
Be sure to visit Cheerios.com to join the Family Breakfast Project, or to watch the commercial!
If you plan on tweeting about this event, be sure to use the hashtag #familybreakfast

Free Frozen Movie Ticket with Disney Movie Purchase

Have you seen this deal at Amazon?

Free Frozen Movie Ticket with Disney Movie Purchase

Buy any eligible title in the list below and receive a reward code which you can redeem for a certificate valid for one admission (up to $10 value) to see the movie Frozen beginning November 27, 2013 at participating theaters.

---

Step 1: Complete your purchase of any eligible title in the list below between November 11, 2013 and December 21, 2013 only. Offer only applies to Amazon.com offers and not from other sellers.

Step 2: Once shipment of the disc occurs you will receive an email within 48 hours containing your reward code, click the link contained in the email to go to https://www.activaterewards.com/frozenticket and redeem your reward code.

Step 3: On the http://www.activaterewards.com/frozenticket website, follow the instructions to enter your reward code and other required information and print your certificate. Reward code expires on January 5, 2014 or until "Frozen" is no longer in theaters (whichever comes first).

Sprite Cranberry, be still my heart!

Fresh off of the assembly line, I was so excited when this showed up at my house!

Sprite with Cranberry....and I will just say, this is a home run from Coca Cola!

I absolutely cannot wait until this hits the shelves in my local grocery stores!

I believe it is slated as a limited edition Holiday Flavor, but I truly hope that the powers that be will hear my voice, loud and clear...because I love it!

I am already dreaming of a few fun holiday party recipes!!!

Thankful to be able to Give Back--free $5 donation

Do you remember him? Stephen Paletta?! He won Oprah's Give Big challenge and she "shared the love" with him so he could do something good for others!

Well, he did! He started GiveBack.org. It's a simple way for you to manage your charitable giving! Although the site is still in Beta right now, I was offered the opportunity to test it out...so you know I did!

It's so easy! Just sign up! And, right now, when you register...they are giving YOU $5 to get things started!

Then, you just choose the foundation you want to give to.

I chose ShowHope. It is the foundation started by Steven Curtis Chapman and Mary Beth Chapman...to help fund adoptions for families. If you have never checked it out, go now!

And, that's it!!!
So easy.

So easy to give back.

And, then. At the end of the year, they will send one itemized report for your Tax Deductions. Win. Win.

So, do something good on Thanksgiving today. Give Back.

Randy Houser - They Call Me Cadillac

When I got this CD in the mail......I did not wait ONE little second!!! I opened it immediately, to begin my "official review"! (hey, it's a hard job, I know!)

So, it only took me a second to remember that the sound of his voice, mixed with the mad skills of the musicians he works with, is enough to keep me listening all day!

This CD is NO exception! His talents are crazy good, and Country Music is just that much better because we have the likes of Randy Houser!

Not to mention, that his bad boy look mixed with his country boy charm, is enough to make me swoon, driving down the road!

What? Another track or two...yes, please! I'll keep listening!

...and I did!

I also love that you can find some of the background info on the songs on his site.

Here's what he has to say about the Title Song "They call me Cadillac"

"My buddy Davidson just started calling me 'Cadillac' one day. Everybody asks me how he came up with that name, and I just tell them "it's because I like everything real smooth. I like everything laid back like that. I don't like anyboyd messing with my good time'! Along those same lines, Brice [Long] and I were on the bus and I started playing that bluesy lick and the verse just came out. "I've been known to lay around all day...." The rest of it came flying out, like it was one of those things that just cosmically happened. I couldn't think of a better name for the record."

The history on this project:
Randy Houser's second album, They Call Me Cadillac, will be released Sept. 14 by Show Dog-Universal Music. Houser wrote the first single from the album, "I'm All About It." Lee Ann Womack sings harmony on one of the tracks, "Addicted." The album was co-produced by Cliff Audretch and Mark Wright. "I put my heart into this record," Houser said. "We went into the studio with a direction in mind, conceptually, for the album, and the result is something I'm really proud of. I think people are ready to hear real country music again, and I'm one of them." Houser's hits include "Anything Goes," "Boots On" and "Whistlin' Dixie."

Christmas Cards already?!

Yes, I am in the mood! Already thinking of what my Christmas Cards are gonna be!

I have said it time and again, but.....yes, you know, one more time can't hurt!

One of my very favorite parts about Christmas is all of the Photo Cards. I love every single day checking the mail.

Waiting for new ones to arrive. Looking at beautiful families, creative card makers, and fabulous photos. Oh, how I love getting them in the mail.

So, I always want mine to be special. A personal touch.

For the past few years, I have turned to Shutterfly to help with that! I would LOVE to handmake every single one, but honestly, I just love toooooo many people to do that! I have to make them "by hand" on Shutterfly :)

Here's a link to some I am loving right now!

Can you imagine how cute my family would be in this one!




Oh, and then I was thinking, I could wait and do some fun New Years Cards!

I mean, is this the cutest card EVER!!!



Well, and then, I was checking out the Christmas Thank You cards! Do any of you do this?! I am wondering if I am terrible because we have never done this! What are your thoughts?



So, while I was checking all of this out, and thinking about which one I want, I noticed this little treasure, and I thought I'd pass along the savings, to you!!!

Early Bird gets the worm....or atleast the really cute photos!
Shutterfly is offering 20% off all holiday cards!!! Get started NOW, so you don't have to worry about them, um, say....December 23rd and you are paying like a gazillion bucks extra for shipping! Order today!

Ok, ok, enough for now. I need to quit playing and really be productive! I mean, after all...what would people say if I actually got my cards done in November :)

*Disclaimer: I am participating in Shutterfly's Holiday Card promotion. I was offered free Shutterfly cards for my post, but as always, the opinions are my own....and for the record, I love Shutterfly...every day of the year*