Archive for December, 2014
Holidays and sweet treats go hand in hand just as a Crock Pots and easy breezy cooking does. When family and friends gather together for potlucks and parties it should be stress-free and fun. So here’s a quick and easy sweet treat that you can make using Planters Winter Spice Mix and chocolate chips for your next holiday gathering. Crock Pot Chocolate Covered Nuts for #collectivebias #GoNutsForNuts #shop
Head over to your local Walmart and look for the Planters #GoNutsForNuts holiday Sleigh Display, I found mine near the dairy case. Then grab a couple bags of chocolate chips.
With this recipe you’ll only need two ingredients, Planters Winter Spiced Mix Nuts and 2 bags of chocolate chips, I chose to mix dark and white chips, and you can use any seasonal Planters nut item but I like the variety of the Winter Spiced Mix because it includes Honey Roasted Peanuts, Almonds, Honey Roasted Sesame Sticks , Cashews and Pecans.
Directions:
Pour peanuts into slow cooker
Layer chocolate chips over the peanuts
Pour another layer of peanuts over the chips
Layer white chips over the peanuts
Top with remaining nuts
Cook on low for 2 hours before stirring to mix evenly. Line baking pans or trays with parchment or wax paper. Scoop out spoonfuls of the peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Place in refrigerator until the candies harden, cover and then store in a cool place.
This is such an easy recipe that it will give you an opportunity to do other things around the house while it’s cooking . So have fun and use your Smartphone to download the Blippar app and scan the can of Planter’s Peanuts.
Once you scan (or blip) any of the Planter’s seasonal nut items a mobile site will populate and provide a menu bar with the following choices:
Take A Selfie with Mr. Peanut
Browse a list of seasonal Planter’s holiday gift tips and recipes
There is also a tab that gives you some interesting facts about Mr. Peanut. Did you know that he was “born” in 1916 and is a Virgo just like me, another reason to love this cool dude!
If you need more inspiration, check out the Cooking Up Good website. They have recipes, sweepstakes, loyalty programs, coupons and more! What’s not to love? If you’re looking for a new dinner idea or a chance to win some awesome prizes, be sure to check it out!
Happy Holidays!
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends, I hope all is well in your world. What do you think of when I say ‘classic wardrobe pieces’. If you said, maxi skirts and animal prints then you are today’s winner of the “guess that combination” contest. Actually, it’s not a contest but just a fun way to start the day, and you know we all need a little stress relief and fun these days.
This first maxi skirt mixed with an animal print was thrifted from Goodwill last year, and the top was a gift from hubby for Eid al Fitr in 2013.
I made the necklace with pieces purchased from Michael’s and the boots were thrifted new also from Goodwill.
I threw on a few sets of bangles and grabbed this purse from Avon to complete the look. Gotta love the classic maxi especially when it’s animal print.
With this outfit, I paired another thrifted maxi skirt with a very old sweater and wrapped it with an animal print scarf. The animal print purse is also thrifted, gotta love people who donate some of these accessories! The shoes were purchased from Ross.
So which pairing of the maxi and animal prints do you like best? How do you mix and max your animal prints?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED PRODUCT FREE IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THIS REVIEW, HOWEVER, OPINIONS ARE 100% MY OWN
Hello friends, what is your favorite breakfast food? In our house, eggs rule the roost – literally.
My son has been making scrambled eggs since he was tall enough to reach the knobs on the stove. He loves scrambled eggs but hates to cleanup the pan afterwards. I recently had an opportunity to review the Ozeri Green Earth Pan and this has definitely solved the problem.
The Ozeri Green Earth Pan is coated naturally in ceramic and is free of harmful chemicals or toxins which can be released at high temperatures. It cooks fast and easy on medium heat and no oils or butters were required. You can however, use oils or butter, but I try to keep my caloric intact to a minimum. I used a non-scratching plastic spatula to remove the eggs and made a delicious breakfast sandwich.
Check out this short video of me making a version of an Egg McMuffin, oh and by the way, the pan clean up was just as easy as the frying of the egg.
The Ozeri pan is just the right size and weight for all users in our house and is oven safe to 180 degrees. A full warranty is available and it ships quickly so if you want to have one for the holidays, order today from Amazon.com.
So what is your favorite breakfast sandwich?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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After we reach age 50, are there still some things that mom knows best? Well, as you’ll see in this funny video “The Other Talk”, the answer is a resounding YES, especially when it comes to postmenopause.
“The Other Talk” uses the premise of ‘the talk’ recognized as a cultural event in life where mothers talk with their teenage daughters about sex. “The Other Talk” expands this coming of age tradition to the next generation with a hilarious take on how that conversation unfolds some 40 years later!
“Until recently, I was unaware that many women are uncomfortable or embarrassed to discuss symptoms of postmenopause, and therefore, suffer in silence,” says Emmy-nominated actress Brenda Strong, who is known for her role on Desperate Housewives and Dallas. “That’s why I welcomed the opportunity to work with Pfizer on the “Let’s Talk About Change” campaign to help transform the way we think and talk about postmenopause and empower women to take action to find relief.”
She also encourages women to take the following steps to help manage the physical changes that happen after menopause and change their mindset about aging and postmenopause.
CHANGE YOUR AWARENESS
Both menopause and postmenopause are a normal part of aging. Menopause is what happens when a woman’s menstrual period stops for 12 months in a row, typically around the age of 51. While each woman’s experience is different, some women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, trouble sleeping, night sweats, moodiness and urinary problems. However, postmenopause also brings changes to women’s bodies. Postmenopausal vaginal atrophy (or the thinning of vaginal tissues) can occur, and without treatment, symptoms can worsen. Symptoms may include: severe vaginal itching, burning and dryness, painful intercourse, urinary urgency, and painful urination.
CHANGE THE DIALOGUE
If you’re experiencing these postmenopausal symptoms, you’re not alone! Nearly one third of women experience these symptoms after menopause. To help find relief, it’s important to speak openly and honestly with your healthcare professional as well as your partner. Find some tips for starting these conversations here: Change the Dialogue.
CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK
What else can you do to help manage the stress that can sometimes come with menopause and postmenopause? Laugh! Menopause is a normal, natural event—not a disease—so why not have a little fun with it? Check out “The Other Talk,” which features Strong to help raise awareness about the symptoms of postmenopause and encourage women to speak up and take action to find relief.
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Hello friends and welcome to the 2nd feature of the special Holiday series created by fellow thriftinista FashionPlaceKC. This one is entitled Sparkle & Shine for the Holidays.
I love dressing up for the holidays, but not totally glitz and glam because I am more of a “Stay At Home” party person. Years ago, pre-marriage I would get all dressed up and hit the clubs, but now it’s more like visiting family or the neighbors and then home by midnight.
I do love glitter and these shoes and purse were actually purchased from Payless a few years ago for a holiday party. The top was thrifted from Goodwill and when I posted a pic of it two weeks ago on Instagram I received a lot of compliments. The necklace is Jewelrymax.net and the bracelet/ring is Avon. The mink stoles belonged to my grandmother, and I very rarely if ever wear them, but I will also never ever part with them.
Believe it or not, I just threw on a pair of stretch pants to complete this comfy, house party outfit.
I also found this cute top and sequin belt at Goodwill. I decided to wear them over a pair of leggings but for this picture only. Hubby didn’t think they were something that I should have featured because I would never wear them out of the house. Oh well, the outfit is kinda cute so I’ll probably just wear it around the house, sans the heels, belt and purse of course. What do you think?
Now pop over to FashionPlateKC‘s blog and link up your holiday sparkle and shine outfits, and don’t forget to bring the wine!
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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The Gift of Grief
It doesn’t matter if you’ve lost a loved one this year or twenty years ago, the holidays only intensifies the grief. My sister, Gloria and I loved this time of year, our little Charlie Brown tree was always fully decorated by the end of Thanksgiving dinner, and shopping trips to the Christiana Mall were great times to bond.
She was killed in a car accident in 1992, at the age of 29, yet every year I put the last gift I ever gave her under the tree as well as hang a personalized Dove ornament in her memory. The grief and sadness of her loss hits hard and early in December, well before the 25th. Christmas was also my grandmother’s favorite holiday, she too is deceased, but being blessed with a wonderful husband and two fantastic sons is what keeps me from crawling into bed and pulling the covers over my head until after the new year.
If you are also dealing with grief and depression during the holidays, or know someone who is, here are a few tips to help cope with the gift of grief written by Dawn Schatz, LCSW, DVS
For the bereaved
Most importantly, take care of yourself during this difficult time, making yourself a priority: allow yourself an adequate sleep schedule and nutritious meals. ASK FOR HELP! Let friends, relatives, co-workers, neighbors, your church community, etc. know that you welcome meals, help with childcare, someone to run errands, etc.
For those recently bereaved, give yourself permission to scale back or even opt out of your usual holiday activities.
If some time has passed since your loss, consider what traditions you want to continue this year, which you want to adapt or stop altogether. It’s not necessary to do things just because you always have nor is it necessary to abandon traditions that are meaningful to you.
Check in with yourself emotionally.
Ask: Do I feel selfish because I want to be alone? Do I feel guilty if I I’m grumpy with others or don’t want to do what others want me to do? Allow yourself to feel your feelings. Don’t ignore the sadness. Let the tears come.
Actively remember your loved one.
There are many ways to memorialize your loved one: visit special places, look at pictures, write, sing a special song, make a donation to a favorite charity or cause, take time to share fond memories with others, purchase a new holiday ornament or other memorabilia each year.
For support persons
Small acts of love and kindness go a long way.
Send a card or note; bring gifts of food, especially fruits and vegetables and no-prep meals; offer to watch the children; take the pet dog for a walk, offer to pick up items during your grocery trip, etc. Don’t wait to be asked, just do it and continue doing so long after the loss.
Check in with your friend or loved one in the days, weeks and months following their loss.Don’t be afraid to ask how they are doing. Accept where they are in the grief process without pressure to think or feel differently. Don’t take it personally if they decline invitations or aren’t reaching out to you.
Be there, don’t avoid.
In loss, it’s not unusual for others to shy away from the bereaved, often out of discomfort or fear or not knowing what to say. For those grieving, having others listen and “just be” with them as they grieve is more important that hearing the “right” words (there are none).
‘Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.”– Earl Grollman
For local support groups and other resources, please visit the Delaware Grief Awareness Consortium website at www.degac.org
Read more: http://www.middletowntranscript.com/article/20141126/Lifestyle/141129828#ixzz3Kg7B8Xo1
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014
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Disclosure: I am participating in a Vibrant Influencer Network campaign for L’Oreal Age Perfect. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with L’Oreal Age Perfect and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.
Hello friends, it has been almost a month since I started using the L’Oreal Paris New Age Perfect Cell Renewal, and I wanted to show you the results. Using the regiment that I wrote about in this post my face seems to be a bit more vibrant, but I’ll let you be the judge.
I also created a video so you can see how I have been using the products, check it out below.
BEFORE
AFTER
L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Creams would make a great holiday gift, so here’s a coupon to help you save a little money (click here).
Have a Golden Day!
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014
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With two sons in college this year, the gift selections are going to be a lot different than in previous years. Although their stockings will still be filled with the traditional Pez Dispensers, toothbrushes and socks, this year’s gifts will be specific to their needs and not their wants. Malik lives in the dormitory at Bowie State University so here are the gifts that I have selected for him:
Mini Keurig
he is not a coffee drinker so I will include Tea K-cups
Tide Pods
these are so much easier to carry down to the laundry room as opposed to a large bottle of detergent
I won’t forget the quarters
Rapid Ramen Noodles Cooker for the Microwave
this is a new product that I may have to buy for myself – I still eat Ramen Noodles, so don’t judge!
Heavy Hooded Jacket
walking across campus in the cold snow, rain and winds, he’ll definitely need a heavy, insulated jacket, gloves and hat
Heavy hooded jacket to wear as he walks across the yard
Tayair on the other hand lives at home and drives to the University of Delaware. He, however, catches a shuttle bus and also walks on campus so he’ll also need a heavy winter jacket, hat and gloves, along with these items:
Headphones
shuttle buses run pretty regularly but while sitting in the bus shelter he can listen to music or a podcast while he waits
Gaming Chair
the chair he has now is flat on the floor causing him to look up, so, a style like this would eliminate the back strain that he must be feeling
In addition to a few gift cards and gas money I’ll also get them a few Avon products including a fragrance gift set and new slippers which they both need.
Now I guess it’s time to start working on a list for hubby, but he’s easy to shop for.
Have you started shopping for gifts yet?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014
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Hello friends, Happy 1st Sunday. I trust you all had a wonderful weekend and were able to spend some time with family, friends and perhaps do a little shopping. We had a soggy Saturday, but that didn’t stop a lot of people from heading out. Hubby and I actually spent a few hours at Wally World (Walmart) but not to do any Christmas shopping, it was groceries only.
Believe it or not, I haven’t put up one decoration nor brought the tree up from the basement! I’m not into the spirit just yet, however, I do know that by this time next weekend everything will be done!
This weekend may have been cold and soggy, but last weekend it was nice and sunny so this is what I wore to church. The pencil skirt is JC Penney and the top is so old, that I can’t remember where it was purchased, I do know that it was a suit and I donated the pants.
The clutch was purchased from DSW and the Traci Lynn Necklaces and Bracelet were a gift from hubby.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your day, I’m heading down to Smyrna, for the 2nd Goodwill Stylist pull for the 2015 Runway Show.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends, and Happy Friday eve. It feels like this week dragged by, I guess with the Thanksgiving holiday it spoiled me for not having to work 5 days which was a great mini-vacation. Oh well, I am getting back into the swing of things because December is going to be a very busy month.
Last Thursday I, like many others were thankful for the opportunity to spend time with my family and especially for having our son home from college. This Thursday, I am thankful that he is back in school studying hard for finals (yea, I said it…don’t laugh) and for also having an opportunity to be the Social Media Manager for B.O.S.S., which I will tell you more about next week.
Today, I am also thankful for being invited by FashionPlateKc, to participate in a special holiday fashion series, and this week the first post is entitled Mad for Holiday Plaid.
Plaid is a classic pattern, but most times you think of it being worn only by girls in school uniforms. I have several plaid blazers in my closet but they are black and grey and I wanted something more festive. I kinda lucked out when I found this green plaid blazer at Goodwill last week.
Even after removing the shoulder pads and pushing up the sleeves it was still too snug so I’ll have to re-donate it. The sleeveless turtleneck and skirt as well as the Nine West purse were also thrifted.
The beads were a great find from a Flea Market Vendor and the brown colorblock shoes are from Rugged Wearhouse.
Fortunately, I also found another plaid blazer and if you didn’t know, Goodwill is the best place to find a large assortment of blazers, most have shoulder pads, but hey, you can always cut them out.
I am calling this outfit Plaid and Pearls which I paired with fur trimmed grey booties and purse. All I needed was a fur hat and I would have been ready for old man winter!
The last outfit is with a plaid blazer which I bought well over 20 years ago but I still love it. The blouse is thrifted and the pencil skirt is from JC. Penney. Time for the tights and booties because Jack Frost has been getting nippy!
Okay, now it’s your turn, to participate in this link up so just follow these three simple rules:
At least one item must be thrifted.
At least one item must be plaid.
You must display your personal thrift style.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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