The Blog

Grab Some Pistachios and Enter the Shine Like the Stars Sweepstakes

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Pistachio Health Institute.

I have loved Pistachios since I was a little kid. My Grandma used to visit me every so often and she would always bring me bags of them. To this day, I eat pistachios and now my whole family enjoys them as a snack. Since my new year resolution was to eat healthier to improve my overall health, you guessed it – pistachios are my favorite snacking item because they’re delicious, nutritious and completely satisfying! The great part is, a serving of 30 pistachios is only 100 calories.

You can find all sorts of useful information about pistachios from The Pistachio Health Institute. You can find out why pistachios are heart healthy, leartn about research studies and so much more. It’s a great site loaded full of all the information you could ever want to know about pistachios and the benefits of eating them.

Valerie Waters is a celebrity trainer and she gave some great tips in the infographic above. I especially like her tip – Know “The Pistachio Principle”. Basically, she says that a mindful snack is a smart snack and when you snack on pistachios, just seeing how many shells lie before you might help curb consumption. Plus you have to crack each shell open, so you’ll eat slower, helping to not over-consume. And, did you know this? Pistachios are one of the lowest calorie and lowest fat nuts, not to mention the highest in protein. They also happen to be cholesterol-free and 90& of the fat is unsaturated, so it’s still healthy! Given all of this great information and after working on this campaign, I will definitely be eating even more pistachios!

Enter the Shine Like the Stars Sweepstakes!

There’s a pretty awesome sweepstakes going on right now at the Pistachio Health Institute’s Facebook page and you could be among 3 winners who will receive a ?Shine like the Stars Sweepstakes? prize pack! Each prize pack contains the following:

(1) Valslides autographed by celebrity fitness trainer, Valerie Waters
(1) Valerie Waters workout DVD
(1) Valerie Waters workout instructions
(1) Pistachio Health tote bag
(1) Pistachio Health nut container
(3) 8 oz. bags of pistachios
(1) $100 VISA Gift Card

Entering is easy, just click the link above to go to the Pistachio Health Institute’s Facebook page, give them a “Like” and enter your contact information! You can enter once each day, until February 14th at 3pm PDT. Good luck everyone!

So, now that all of this information has been shared with you, I hope that you’ll join me on the pistachio band wagon and strive to be a healthier you! What are your health and fitness goals in 2014?

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Pistachio Health Institute.

DIY Butterfly Love Bug Hair Bow Tutorial

Blog· Crafts

I love making creations for my daughters. My girls are going through a fancy period and love to accessorize. I made my three-year-old a Butterfly Love Bug Hair Bow using all my leftover ribbon. I wanted to keep the hair bow in the PINK family to wear for Valentine’s Day. As I often mention I am a hoarder and this is another of my endless supplies I hoard. It’s so nice to see or come up with a new idea, and not have to make a trip to the store.

MATERIALS

Grosgrain Ribbon
4? 3″
4? 2.5″
4? 2″
1? 1.25″
3? .75″ Pom-poms
1? lined Alligator Clip
Hot Glue Gun
Hot Glue sticks
No Fray liquid/lighter

The Butterfly Love Bug Hair Bow is very easy to make. The worst part is getting all the glue strings off your finished product. It should take you about 30 minutes or less to make.

STEP 1
First you need to cut all your ribbon, if you do not have Grosgrain ribbon you can still make this hair bow, but will not be able to make the antenna (it would still be adorable). Make sure you singe the ends of your ribbon with a lighter (you may also use the No Fray liquid) so that they do not fray.

STEP 2
You will take the two of your 3″ ribbons and glue them together to make a right angle.

STEP 3
Next you will glue the opposite end the same way, but cross the ribbon the opposite way (if you glue on top the ribbon for the first right angle, then glue to the bottom for the opposite angle/end).

STEP 4
Complete STEP 2 and 3 for all your ribbon except your 1.25″ piece. You should have two of each size when you finish. The pieces will be curved like little boats.

STEP 5
Now that you have all your pieces assembled you can begin making your heart wings. You will layer all three wings: largest to smallest (on top) curved upward. Then you will begin gluing your wings together by having them all meet in the corner of one end make sure your pieces do not meet flush with one another they need a margin (like stairs from largest to smallest).

STEP 6
Your ribbon pieces are already curved in the direction you will be folding your heart wings. Now starting with your smallest wing just fold your end to the other end and leave a slight margin (pieces should not be flush) and glue. Repeat this step for the other two wings.

STEP 7
Once you have glued your hearts together when you flip it over it should look like this.

Once you complete both heart wings they will look like this.

STEP 8
Before you can add your wings to your Alligator Clip you must line it with ribbon. Any kind of ribbon will work for this. First you open the Alligator Clip and glue to the inside of the top of the clip then glue it to the top. Wrap it around to the top of the clip (where you pinch it open) and secure with glue on the opposite side.

STEP 9
Now you are ready to make your antenna. You will be using the 1.25″ piece of ribbon. Cut along the right edge of the ribbed area of the ribbon to mid way then do the same for the left edge of the ribbon. Once both your cuts are about the same size cut the center of the ribbon out like the example. You will use a lighter of your choice and lightly singe the antenna area (you can also use the NO Fray liquid). Be careful it is easy to burn the ribbon.

STEP 10
Now you are ready to glue your antenna to the tip of your Alligator Clip. Once you antenna are secure glue your wings on at the end of your antenna (that should be about a quarter of the way).

Once you glue the other wing your butterfly is complete. All you have left to do is glue the pom-poms on if you choose.

The New Quaker Oats with Quaker Warm & Crunchy Granola & Real Medleys Ready-to-Eat Cereal!

Blog· Review

~I received Quaker Oats new products for review. Opinions and stories are my own.~

Like many of you, I grew up on Quaker Oatmeal. I have this memory of the mornings we spent at my Grandmother’s when she would make each of us bowls of our favorite instant favorites and added just a touch of butter. For some reason that little extra bit always made it special, but just as we have changed over the many years since we were young, so has Quaker Oats. Their new flavors and varieties offer everything from real fruit and nuts, to a satisfyingly new crunch, without taking away the warmth of home that they’ve always had.

I was given the opportunity to review Quaker Oats new products:

Quaker Warm & Crunchy Granola
Real Medley’s Ready-to-Eat Cereal
Quaker Instant Oatmeal Cups

Each of the new products offers not only the great taste of Quaker Oats, especially with the upgrade, but also allows for convenience for families on the go in the mornings!

The Warm & Crunchy Granola is a great new upgrade to their instant line. They come in singular packs that you pour into a bowl and then add in milk, in 30 seconds you have a warm bowl of granola that is a mix between your typical flavored oatmeal and a crunchy granola cereal! The Apples & Cinnamon is especially my favorite.

Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Cups have changed up their flavors, adding in different fruits and nuts. They’re still just a fast and easy to whip up as the earlier versions, but have the convenience of the bowl! I love this option because they can go anywhere with you.

The Real Medley’s Ready-to-Eat Cereal is a great addition. If you like granola cereals then you are going to love, love, love Real Medley’s. With mixes like the Cherry, Almond & Pecan Multigrain and Apple Walnut, they’re like grownup versions of our favorite breakfasts!

The next time you are at the grocery store looking for cereals or oatmeal, make sure to check out Quaker Oats new line. It’s a great way to start your own tradition and offer the memories to a new generation.

You can find more information about Quaker Oats new products on their website. You can also check out the other products, like the Real Medley’s Granola Bars!

Connect: You can follow Quaker Oatmeal on their Facebook Page and/or @Quaker on Twitter to keep up with news and product updates as well.

5 Engagement Rings Your Fiance Will Swoon Over

Blog

It’s no secret that after two children and fourteen years of being together, my husband and I finally decided to tie the knot about a year and a half ago. There were many reasons for the delay, mostly financial – so it didn’t have anything to do with the fact that we didn’t love each other. In fact, it’s just the opposite with us. We love each other so whole-heartedly, that we still wanted to get married after all that time together. That’s how I know our love will last a lifetime.

Of course I know that’s not how it works with every couple – not even close in most cases. That’s why I’m here to help you. If you’ve decided to take that leap and have plans to propose on Valentine’s Day, then make sure you keep reading. Or even if you’re a woman trying to get your man to pop the question I’ve found some gorgeous engagement rings that’ll knock everyone’s socks {and possibly more} off! Then when the big day finally does arrive, you’ll find an assortment of beautiful wedding sets from Anjolee.

5 Engagement Rings Your Fiance Will Swoon Over

Shared Prong Eternity Style Engagement Ring – I just adore the way the diamonds wrap all the way around this ring. It’s a whole lot of bling without being overly tacky and large.
Princess Cut Gemstone and Diamond Engagement Ring – If you’re into a pop of color sort of thing, then this ring is a definite win and completely gorgeous!
Timeless Princess Cut Engagement Ring – This is definitely my personal favorite. I love the squareness of this ring!
Eight Prongs Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring – If I were to ever get a simple solitaire ring, this would be it.
Rounded Band 3 Stone Engagement Ring – This beauty has 3 diamonds and reminds me of my own engagement ring – simply breathtaking!

You may also consider going secondhand if you’re in the market for an engagement ring. Not only is it more sustainable (think: less mining and resource extraction), but it can also save you some serious cash. Plus, there’s something unique and special about giving a piece of jewelry with a history and a story behind it. Try looking at consignment stores for pre-loved or vintage engagement rings, and you just might find the perfect one.

Big Game Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

Recipes

This was originally a sponsored post, and has been updated.

The Big Game is just around the corner, and there is no accompaniment more suitable for this Big Game than the Chili Cheese Dip Recipe! Personally, I don’t watch the Big Game for the game. Heavens no – I watch for the commercials and the food! Oh my, tailgating food is just the best and just thinking of it is making my mouth water right at this moment. I recently shared a post featuring 10 Mouth Watering Game Day Recipes, but this latest recipe I tried surpasses them all!

You see, this Chili Cheese Dip is so easy to make and only calls for two ingredients – Hormel Chili and Velveeta Cheese! You could make this Fun and Festive Chili Cheese Dip for games that you’re hosting at home, or you could even take the stuff with you to make at another party that you’re attending. It really is that easy and I’ll prove it to you!

The only prep work you’ll have to do to create this recipe is cutting up the Velveeta Cheese. Simply cut it into 1/2 inch pieces and that’s it.

Next, you’ll mix the Velveeta Cheese and can of Hormel? Chili in a microwave safe bowl, cover, then microwave on high for about 4.5 to 5 minutes. I took mine out halfway to just give it a good stir and help the cheese to melt better. But that’s it, literally. 5 minutes in the microwave and you have a delicious Chili Cheese Dip that will knock the socks off all of the football fans!

Serve it up with some tortilla chips and it’s sure to be one of the best appetizers at the party! I made this for my family last night and couldn’t believe how fast it went. As soon as I was done taking photos, they just devoured it – right at the counter. You know boys, they don’t really believe in plates! I will definitely be making this Chili Cheese Dip very often, so I’ll have to stock up on Hormel? Chili and Velveeta Cheese to keep things Fun and Festive. It’s quick, easy and people love it! It’s so simple to make, that even if I’m running late and don’t have time to make a dish to take to a party, I can just grab some Hormel? Chili and Velveeta Cheese along with my glass bowl and lid and just make it there!

What ingredients will I need to make Big Game Chili Cheese Dip Recipe?

To prepare the you require the following ingredients:

Big Game Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

Ingredients

Hormel Chili
Velveeta Cheese

Instructions

1. Cut the Velveeta Cheese into 1/2 inch pieces.

2. Mix the Velveeta Cheese and can of Hormel Chili.

3. Microwave on high for about 4.5 to 5 minutes.

4. Serve it up with some tortilla chips.Â Â

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 157Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7.5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 246mgCarbohydrates: 2.5gFiber: 0.3gSugar: 1.2gProtein: 7.1g

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