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Jennifer

How We Keep our Pug Mix Dogs Ready for Fall Walks

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of on behalf of the J.M. Smucker Company for IZEA Worldwide. All opinions are 100% mine.

We have two pug mix dogs who bring incredible joy to our lives. It's up to us to make sure we keep them as happy and ready for adventures as possible. As humans, we know our diet plays a huge role in how we feel; the same goes for pets. Proper nutrition acts as fuel for all of us. Rich nutrients and natural ingredients have everyone eager to get out and explore.

20% off with mPerks – any Nature’s Recipe dog food from 9/23 – 10/20/18

We love to take our pug mix dogs for fall walks

Our Pug Mix Dogs

Pets have zero control over who adopts them. The thought occurred to me the other day and immediately made me question my position as a pet parent. Are we doing enough for our animals? Dog lives are shorter than ours and should be packed with love, attention, comfort, and fun. Now that the weather is cooling a bit, we can go for walks more often. Pug mix dogs, especially, have a difficult time in the heat. So, we avoided long walks for a significant portion of the summer. On our way for an adventure with the dogs Fall is the best season to head to Lake Katherine, a nature park close to home. Shelley and I took the Grump and Bea for a much-needed mini adventure. The Grump is a Boston terrier pug mix, and Bea is a chihuahua pug mix. Of course, due to them being rescue animals, these guesses on breed mixtures are just that, guesses. Knowing that pugs tire out quicker than other breeds, we carefully observe them during activities. Nature's Recipe Grain Free dog food for fuel on fall walks We made sure to properly #fuelthewag with Nature’s Recipe dog food. As soon as they hear the bag of Nature's Recipe, the tails start wagging up a storm. The little Bea even spins around in a circle in a dancing frenzy of excitement. The dogs gobble up the food in no time. It's super easy for me to get Nature's Recipe since there's a huge selection available at Meijer. No more extra trip to the pet store necessary since I can just grab a bag while I grocery shop. Nature's Recipe dog food comes with us for refueling on adventures With ingredients from nature – like chicken, sweet potato, and pumpkin, I feel great about feeding our dogs Nature's Recipe Grain Free. Chicken is the #1 ingredient, and there's no poultry by-product meal. Choose from premium recipes that have active nutrients and antioxidants to support your dog's overall health. There's no wheat, no corn, and no soy protein, and the food is easy to digest. Two pug mix breeds enjoying a walk on a nature path During our walk, we saw people, ducks, geese, other dogs, bugs, and even fish. Surrounding the dogs with all of this outside stimulation helps prevent boredom and keeps them happy. The physical activity and socializing is beneficial to both pets and their people. It's amazing how much even a quick walk strengthens the bond between pet and owner. You can see the appreciation and love in their eyes. Dogs looking at the waterfall

Things to Bring on a Fall Walk

  • Harness: A collar alone is not enough to gain full control over your dog should you need it. Our little Bea thinks she's the boss of the land. She saw a large husky and tried with all of her 5.5-pound-might to break free from me to get him. Thankfully, the harness keeps her secure for me to scoop her up and turn her away from other dogs.
  • Portable bowls: Keep collapsible bowls on you to quickly give the dogs food and water. We bring Nature's Recipe for quick refueling, and of course, water. It's important to give dogs plenty of water during walks no matter the temperature.  Dogs drinking water out of collapsible bowls
  • Double leash: If you have two dogs a double leash is a game changer. This was the first time we used the double leash, and I have no idea why it took me so long. No more tangled mess of animals trying to take me down, the dual dog leash keeps them on the right path. Double leash is a game changer for walking two dogs
  • Flea and tick prevention: We stay on monthly prevention meds all year round. It's not worth the risk to skip a dose, especially if you like to take your dogs to nature paths and wooded areas. Pug mixes on the stairs
  • Baggies: Please be respectful and pick up after your pet.
  • Pet-friendly wipes: Wipe muddy paws off before reentering your vehicle.

Ready for fall walks with the dogs I keep a tote bag filled with all doggy supplies, so we're ready for impromptu outings at any time. Don't miss a chance to get out and explore with your furry friends. When we are all eating right and feeling good, any day can lead to an adventure!

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Easy Three Bean Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

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Slow cooker chili is an excellent way to welcome the fall season. This three bean chili recipe is quite easy and perfect for busy nights. Are you ready to fire up your Crockpot? Be sure to give this chili recipe a pin.

Easy Three Bean Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

The older I get, the more I look forward to fall. Once upon a time, I never thought I'd lose my love for the extreme heat of the summer. I still enjoy the sunshine and warmth, but definitely can't take the humidity or scorching temperatures for too long. Thankfully, Mike is on the same page. Now, when we discuss our dream retirement goals, the locations shift into areas that don't contain a desert.

Easy Three Bean Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Ready for Slow Cooker Dinners

What I love about fall the most is the coziness. We get to trade in our sandals and tank tops for boots and hoodies, and I'm all for it. Get rid of the harsh chill of the air conditioner and fire up the fireplace. Put away the fans and bring out the soft blankets. Swap out the iced tea for warm mugs of hot chocolate. And, the best part, slow cooker meals.

No matter how reliable I think my meal planning skills are, I still manage to freak out daily about dinner. Throwing all the ingredients into the slow cooker early in the day helps with the supper struggle. I can focus on work a lot easier when I know dinner will be ready when we are. The house fills with delicious smells, and it's that cozy feeling all over again.

Three bean slow cooker chili is ideal for game day celebrations, family dinners, or just any weeknight meal. No special occasion necessary for chili, but it serves up to eight people. Either invite guests or leave some for leftovers if you don't have a large family.

Add in some ground beef or ground turkey if you like meat in your chili. Otherwise, the only meat in this recipe is the beef broth. The beans pack a protein and fiber punch, so meat is definitely optional.

Three bean chili in the slow cooker

Benefits of Beans:

We know beans are good for us, right? Sometimes it helps to know exactly why each bean is beneficial to our health. There are a lot of health benefits for each bean, but here are a few that made me want to eat this chili even more.

  • Black beans help prevent cardiovascular diseases and a reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
  • Garbanzo beans (chickpeas) contain vitamin K, folate, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, choline, and selenium.
  • Kidney beans are so high in protein that they serve as an ideal substitute for meat for vegetarians.
  • Lentils contain soluble fiber which traps carbohydrates, slowing down digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels.

More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try:

Three bean chili recipe steps

Three Bean Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
5 from 1 vote
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Three Bean Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Quick and easy chili recipe perfect for fall and winter. It's spicy with the chili seasoning, so it has some heat. 

Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword beans, chili, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 582 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients, except cheese, to a slow cooker and mix well. 

  2. Set on low for 8-10 hours.

  3. Serve topped with shredded cheddar cheese. 

Nutrition Facts
Three Bean Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 582 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Cholesterol 59mg 20%
Sodium 977mg 41%
Potassium 1252mg 36%
Total Carbohydrates 62g 21%
Dietary Fiber 23g 92%
Sugars 7g
Protein 37g 74%
Vitamin A 60.9%
Vitamin C 11.4%
Calcium 51.1%
Iron 47.4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Do you like to make slow cooker chili? 

Honey Mint Wild Rice Salad Recipe

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Wild rice salad is a unique cold salad to try. If you're looking to add color and texture to your diet, add this honey mint salad to your recipe list. Whip up a batch of wild rice salad to bring to a gathering, serve as a side dish, or eat as a meal (another great Meatless Monday option). The dominant flavor is mint, so you can add “refreshing” to the list of adjectives used to describe this recipe.

Honey Mint Wild Rice Salad Recipe

Wild Rice Health Benefits

Wild rice in a salad? Sure, why not? At first, I thought rice in a salad was odd, but we use pasta in salads, so it's not that far off. Wild rice has many health benefits, so any chance to eat more of it is welcome.

Wild rice salad

We've reached the season where immune-boosting is a priority. Not only is wild rice high in fiber, but it packs an impressive amount of vitamins and antioxidants. Eating this tasty grain regularly may even improve your heart health and help decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Wild rice salad recipe with honey and mint

Keep this recipe in mind if you have mint to use up from your garden, or if you plan to go apple picking. If neither of those two scenarios applies, I suggest buying the ingredients anyway. 😉

If you're into meal planning for the week, you might be able to scoop out a couple of days worth of this salad. I haven't tried yet, but I imagine anything more than two days would be soggy. However, you can prepare most of the mixture and slice a fresh apple on the day you plan to eat it.

Wild rice salad with apples, honey, and mint

If you're looking for more heart-healthy salads, here's one with quinoa and sprouts. You may also want to learn how to grow your own sprouts in just a few days.

Wild rice salad steps

Honey Mint Wild Rice Salad Recipe
5 from 1 vote
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Honey Mint Wild Rice Salad Recipe

A cold salad with lots of color, flavor, and texture. It has a minty flavor that pairs well with the sweet apple. 

Course Dinner, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword apple, rice
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Fridge Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 55 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 206 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup wild rice uncooked
  • 2 apples chopped into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup almonds sliced
  • 2 tablespoons mint fresh, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook rice according to package instructions and cool completely. 

  2. Combine apple chunks with lemon juice and mix well. 

  3. In a small bowl, add orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper and whisk well. Set aside. 

  4. In a large bowl, combine rice, apples, almonds, and mint and mix well. Add orange sauce and mix well to evenly coat. 

  5. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until serving. 

  6. Serves 6-8.

Recipe Notes

The ingredients list "uncooked rice" because it's easier to measure. You can definitely cook the wild rice ahead of time since it can take up to 45 minutes. Once the rice is cooked, the salad can be done in about 10 minutes. 

It's up to you if you want to peel the apple or not. 

Nutrition Facts
Honey Mint Wild Rice Salad Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 206 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 6%
Sodium 197mg 8%
Potassium 271mg 8%
Total Carbohydrates 38g 13%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 14g
Protein 5g 10%
Vitamin A 2.9%
Vitamin C 18.9%
Calcium 3.1%
Iron 5.2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you ever tried a wild rice salad? 

Peach Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

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If your weekly meal planning has you craving some new flavors, add this peach chicken sheet pan dinner to your menu. The sweet and tangy flavors of this chicken recipe are sure to liven up dinnertime. Sheet pan dinners are extra convenient since they tend to dirty up fewer dishes.

Peach chicken sheet pan dinner recipe

Add Sheet Pan Dinners to your Meal Plan

Back to school time often means back to strict meal planning time. Busy parents all around are trying to manage their days with packed schedules and adult obligations. If you plan your meals ahead of time, food is one less stressor for the day. Of course, meal planning is a chore in itself. But, if you block out the time to get organized, get all the shopping done, and follow your plan, it's well worth it.

Peach chicken recipe

Due to lack of creativity in the kitchen, chicken dinners got a bad name in this household. Since we try to cut down on red meat, I need to have lots of unique and tasty chicken recipes lined up. No one should complain about boring chicken again if it's served in a variety of ways.

Chicken with peach preserves dinner recipe

Peach chicken will quickly earn a spot on the regular meal planning rotation. The dark meat chicken is a switch in itself. Add the rich blend of flavorings and peach chicken is a treat the family will request.

If you're looking to use up a lot of peaches, maybe you can make your own peach preserves for this recipe.

More Chicken Recipes to Try:

Peach chicken dinner steps

Peach chicken sheet pan dinner recipe
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Peach Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

Looking for a tasty way to make chicken? Try this peach chicken sheet pan recipe. 

Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian
Keyword chicken, sheet pan
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 445 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 and grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken on baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. 

  2. In a large bowl, add broccoli, oil, and potatoes and mix well to coat evenly with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle onto prepared baking sheet, making sure vegetables are in a single layer. 

  3. In a saucepan, add oil, preserves, soy sauce, vinegar, and mustard and mix well. Heat on medium low heat mixing constantly just until boiling. Remove from heat and baste or spoon onto chicken. 

  4. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the center. 

Recipe Notes

Swap peach preserves for orange if you'd like.

You may want to line your baking sheet with foil. The one pictured cleans easily so it's not lined. 

Peach chicken dinner

Nutrition Facts
Peach Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 445 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 90mg 30%
Sodium 275mg 11%
Potassium 1058mg 30%
Total Carbohydrates 52g 17%
Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
Sugars 21g
Protein 22g 44%
Vitamin A 10.7%
Vitamin C 105.9%
Calcium 9.5%
Iron 33.7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

What's your favorite way to serve chicken? Do you think your family will like this peach chicken recipe?

Mistakes to Avoid as a New Reseller

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A resale business, whether ran through eBay alone or multiple outlets, can be a very profitable way to make money from home. Plenty of resellers make six-figure incomes. However, there are many more people who start a resale business and fail. Why? Because there are so many easy mistakes to make while you're learning. Making the same mistakes as a new reseller over and over will kill your business. Let’s take a closer look at mistakes resellers make.

Mistakes to Avoid as a New Reseller

New Reseller? Try to Avoid These Mistakes

Not Researching an Item Before Buying It

One of the biggest mistakes is buying an item for resale without knowing anything about that item. For example, if you’re buying clothing from a thrift store, you might think that anything “new with tags” is a great purchase. Wrong. You need to research the brand and see what similar things have sold for on eBay. The same goes for anything else you’re about to purchase. Take the time to look the item up on eBay and see what the item has sold for in previous listings.

Not Taking Enough Pictures

You want to take as many pictures as possible when listing an item online. You also want to have the best lighting and camera you can afford. If there’s the least bit of damage on the item, you want to make sure this is shown clearly in pictures. Since the buyer can’t physically touch the product, you want to disclose as much as possible to lower the chance of a return.

Not Knowing the True Shipping Cost

A lot of resellers offer free shipping. It’s a great little incentive to get buyers to buy from you. However, not knowing the actual shipping cost of something can really hurt your bottom line. Before listing an item, make sure to calculate what the item will cost to ship and price your product accordingly.

Not Researching a Pallet or Wholesale Company

Purchasing from a pallet or wholesale company can be a profitable decision. It allows you to get a lot of product for resale at deep discounts. The only problem is there are a lot of scammers out there. You want to carefully research the company and make sure you’re investing in a safe option. A bulk order can cost thousands of dollars. Don't make this expensive mistake.

Not Accessing More Than One Source for Items to Resell

Last, but not least, don’t stick to one source for your merchandise. Hit thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, flea markets, clearance aisles, going out of business sales, etc. There are so many places to find items to resell. Branch out as much as possible.

Reselling is one of the many side hustle adventures we are trying on our quest to add additional revenue streams to our business.

A resale business can be very profitable. However, you must make sure you don’t make these rookie mistakes. If you want to be successful, spend the time to do your research. Research is one of the most important things you can do as a reseller.

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

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Soon, you'll be able to roll up to your local Starbucks and order all the pumpkin spice drinks. However, use this pumpkin spice latte recipe to enjoy the deliciousness all year round. Maybe it's because Fall is my favorite season, but I think pumpkin goodies should be available at all times. When you create a good copycat Starbucks recipe, you can make your favorites at home whenever you please.

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

It all started with my Starbucks green tea frappuccino obsession. Shelley and I drank them every day during our first blogging conference. The refreshing beverage was like a magical fuel on our busy days. After that, I was in love with the steady energy Matcha green tea gave me. I created a green tea frappuccino recipe that I can make from home that's a lot nicer to my bank account.

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Remember when Starbucks had that birthday cake frappuccino for a mere three days or some sneaky amount of time? Well, we hurried to make a similar recipe on that one, too. The raspberry whipped cream on that drink is a treat on its own.

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Now we can add a pumpkin spice latte to our Starbucks copycat recipes. This recipe creation doesn't mean we've abandoned our favorite coffeehouse; it's simply for convenience. Making coffee drinks at home saves money, allows you to control the ingredients, and saves you a trip if you aren't going anywhere else.

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
5 from 2 votes
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Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Love pumpkin spice lattes? Here's a Starbucks copycat recipe for you to make at home. This recipe makes one 16 oz. drink. 

Course Drinks
Cuisine Drinks
Keyword coffee, pumpkin
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 Drink
Calories 331 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Add pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin pie spice, and milk to a saucepan and heat on medium low whisking to combine ingredients.

  2. Once mixture begins to bubble, add coffee and reduce heat to simmer.

  3. Continue to whisk until hot and steamy. 

  4. Pour into mug and top with whipped cream and additional pumpkin pie spice. 

Recipe Notes

Pumpkin spice latte in process

If you prefer your latte to be extra sweet, increase the sweetened condensed milk to 1/4 cup. Using the 2 tablespoons listed might make it a tad less sweet than a typical Starbucks PSL. 

Nutrition Facts
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 331 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 49mg 16%
Sodium 163mg 7%
Potassium 648mg 19%
Total Carbohydrates 38g 13%
Sugars 36g
Protein 12g 24%
Vitamin A 105.5%
Vitamin C 2.8%
Calcium 40.5%
Iron 3.4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Do you like the pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks? Do you ever make copycat recipes at home? 

Kale Pasta Recipe – Meatless Monday Idea

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If you're looking for meatless meals, here is a kale pasta recipe to try. Before you run away at the mention of “kale,” know that this pasta recipe has good flavor. You don't have to be the biggest fan of kale to enjoy this dinner. Give it a shot.

Kale Pasta Recipe - Meatless Monday Idea

Kale – One of the Superfoods

Sometimes if I don't like something, I can trick myself into tolerating it if I know it's great for me. Kale is one of those foods. I don't hate kale, but it's not something I dream of and try to summon into an empty fridge. Mind trickery is definitely a big part of adding kale to my diet. Mike is the same way. He'll ask me every time I put a food he doesn't love on his plate — why is this good for me again?

Skillet pasta recipe with kale

A quick google search will give you all the benefits of kale. The nutrient that motivates me to eat kale is lutein. We have a lot of eye issues in the family, so we love to load up on any vitamins and minerals that help eye health. The dark, leafy green also packs quite a punch of protein and fiber per serving.

Meatless pasta recipe with kale

After that reminder, let's smother some kale in a creamy sauce with pasta, shall we? 😉

Add some chicken breast or ground sausage if you don't want this pasta dish meatless.

More Skillet Dinner Ideas:

kale pasta recipe
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Kale Pasta Recipe

A tasty way to add kale to your diet. Add this kale pasta recipe to your meatless meal ideas. 

Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword kale, meatless, pasta, skillet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 367 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup onions chopped
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes sliced in half
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta
  • 3 cups kale chopped
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet add oil, garlic, and onions and heat over medium heat until onions are tender. 

  2. Add tomatoes, broth, and pasta and heat until pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.

  3. Stir in cream and kale and heat another 1-2 minutes or until heated through. 

  4. Season with salt and pepper and top with shredded cheese before serving. 

Recipe Notes

The tomatoes used are called wild wonders gourmet medley tomatoes. They come in a package with all the colors of tomatoes shown. 

Kale pasta recipe in process

Nutrition Facts
Kale Pasta Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 367 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 572mg 24%
Potassium 816mg 23%
Total Carbohydrates 55g 18%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 5g
Protein 14g 28%
Vitamin A 123.2%
Vitamin C 105.6%
Calcium 22%
Iron 11.6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Would your family enjoy this kale pasta recipe? 

Cranberry No Bake Energy Bites Recipe

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Energy bites make excellent little snacks for after school, throughout the day, or as an afternoon pick-me-up. No bake energy bites are relatively easy to make. You get to control the ingredients and tweak to your liking. Grabbing these bites for a boost is usually way better than the packaged alternative.

Cranberry No Bake Energy Bites Recipe

No Bake Energy Bites

Many recipes for energy bites contain peanut butter. We made peanut butter oatmeal energy balls and loved them. Due to common peanut allergies, they are not the option for everyone. Even if your kids aren't allergic to peanut butter, you don't want to worry about their friends coming over after school who might have an allergy. Another much-loved attempt at homemade energy balls were pumpkin spice granola bites. These tasty morsels are packed with all sorts of nutrients and fiber and excellent for busy kids with crazy schedules.

Cranberry No Bake Energy Bites Recipe

Copycat Aussie Bites are another winner in the snack department. When we went hiking last month, we loaded up on trail mix and added in some of our favorite energy bites. During a strenuous adventure, the power snacks are the ultimate treat to have on hand. Taking small food and water breaks allowed us to explore Matthiessen State Park further during the intense heat.

Cranberry No Bake Energy Bites Recipe

Now, we have another scrumptious recipe to add to the power snacker lineup – cranberry no bake energy bites.

Cranberry No Bake Energy Bites Recipe

Cranberry No Bake Energy Bites Recipe

Cranberry No Bake Energy Bites Recipe
5 from 5 votes
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Cranberry No Bake Energy Bites Recipe

Busy schedules got the family needing power snacks? Try these homemade cranberry energy bites. 

Course Snacks
Cuisine American
Keyword bites, energy
Prep Time 20 minutes
Fridge time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 16 Bites
Calories 95 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Add oatmeal and coconut in a food processor and process for 10 seconds or until fine.

  2. Add flaxseed, chia seeds, honey, coconut oil and vanilla and process until combined, about 15-20 seconds.


  3. Fold in cranberries. 

  4. Use a 1 tablespoon portion scoop to shape into balls. 

  5. Set in refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up. Store in a resealable bag. 

Recipe Notes

Cranberry bites in process

Nutrition Facts
Cranberry No Bake Energy Bites Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 95 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Potassium 69mg 2%
Total Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 7g
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin C 0.1%
Calcium 1.9%
Iron 3.3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Will your family like these cranberry energy bites? 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Recipe

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The next time you crave a sweet treat, consider this peanut butter cookie dough recipe. No need to fire up the oven; we aren't baking the cookies. Simply grab a spoon and enjoy this indulgent dessert. With its fudge-like texture, it's sure to please anyone with a big sweet tooth. Chocolate and peanut butter fans, this one is for you.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Recipe

You know we love our cookie dough dip recipes, but this one requires only a spoon. The cookie dough is so rich and flavorful, no dippers necessary. Get some tiny tasting spoons to serve at your next celebration.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Recipe

Another idea is to use the cookie dough as an ice cream topping. Roll it into small balls to make vanilla ice cream explode with flavor. Make truffles or add to other candy recipes. Once you have your safe-to-eat cookie dough, get creative with how you use it.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Recipe

Edible cookie dough is a childhood dream come true. The only reason I wanted to make cookies as a kid was in hopes to sneak some dough. Thankfully, there are now loads of egg-free recipes to satisfy fellow dough-lovers' cravings.

More edible cookie dough recipes:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Recipe
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Recipe in process

Course Dessert
Cuisine Dessert
Keyword cookie dough, dips
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 310 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons softened butter
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup mini Reese's peanut butter cups cut into quarters

Instructions

  1. Beat butter and sugar in a mixing bowl for 3 minutes, scraping down sides as necessary.
  2. Add vanilla and milk and beat well.
  3. Add flour, cocoa powder, powdered peanut butter, and salt in a small bowl and mix well.
  4. Add flour mixture to the dough and beat until mixed well.
  5. Fold in peanut butter cups.
  6. Eat by the spoonful!
    Peanut butter cookie dough dessert recipe
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 310 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 467mg 19%
Potassium 96mg 3%
Total Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 21g
Protein 4g 8%
Vitamin A 7%
Calcium 2.1%
Iron 6.2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Do you think you'd like this peanut butter cookie dough recipe? 

What to Buy from Thrift Stores to Sell Online as a Reseller

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One of the most significant sources of merchandise to sell online for resellers is a thrift store. Thrift stores hold a treasure trove of fabulous items. Best of all, there are many thrift stores that price items based on their category. For example, all video games might be $1.50 each. This flat rate price means that a bit of digging can lead to big scores. Let’s take a closer look at thrift store items worth reselling.

Thrift store items worth reselling

Items to Sell Online from Thrift Stores

Clothing, Shoes, Accessories

Hands down, one of the most popular items resellers look for is clothing. There are so many clothing items to look out for, especially for vintage apparel. You might find an original Tommy Hilfiger sweater for $4.99 and be able to resell it for $45. Some resellers even hit the Goodwill Outlet stores and purchase clothing by the pound to resell for major money. You can also score big name handbags, shoes, and accessories for deep discounts to sell online for a nice profit.

Video Games

You might think that an old video game isn’t worth much. Oh, how wrong you are. There are so many video games out there that people are searching for to add to their collection. These old games turn up in thrift stores and sell for very little. For example, you can purchase video games from Goodwill for $1.50 each. Even if these games sell for $10 a piece, after shipping and fees, you’re still doubling your money and then some. Some games sell for a lot more.

Toys

Everyone wants a piece of their childhood. Finding a toy from the 1980s or 1990s can be a big deal. People seek out those original Polly Pockets, Barbies, and Lego sets. Of course, even Lego sets that aren’t that old can do rather well on eBay and Amazon.

Sporting Goods

Sporting goods are expensive. The expense is why many people opt for used items when first getting into a sport. The other thing is many people get tired of sports quickly and donate their sporting goods. You can turn around and sell those gently used items to those that are just getting into the sport. Cha-ching!

Books

There are a lot of books that can do well for resellers. You’ll want to make sure any newer books you purchase are in good condition. Vintage books are a different story. If you stumble across a vintage book for an excellent price, research it. Find out what it’s selling for ASAP. Vintage books can sell for big money.

Board Games

Board games are another thing that people want in order to relive their childhood. Older editions of Monopoly, Candyland, The Game of Life, Operation, etc. can sell online well.

Craft Supplies

Last, but not least, do not overlook the craft supplies. Vintage sewing patterns and Cricut accessories, for example, are often worth buying to sell online.

A thrift store can be overwhelming for new resellers, but there are so many great things to make a profit on. Do your research and see what things are going for. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Read next if you sell online:

What items do you buy from thrift stores to sell online? 

Chicken and Peach Pasta Salad Recipe

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If you're looking for a unique pasta salad recipe, give this one a pin. This chicken and peach pasta salad recipe may seem like an odd flavor combo. The sweetness of the peaches blends well with the chicken and pasta, giving each bite a burst of flavor. Anyone that enjoys trying different types of macaroni salad should give this recipe a try.

Chicken and Peach Pasta Salad Recipe

Summer might be flying by, but a good cold pasta salad doesn't have to be seasonal. Pasta salads are frequently a dish brought to parties but don't forget about them during the rest of the year. Whip up a homemade pasta salad to keep in your house for hungry snackers. Or, as a ready-made side dish to go with dinners.

Chicken and Peach Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta side dishes are perfect to make the day before an event. If you are hosting or attending a party, shave some pressure off by doing as much as possible the day before.

Chicken and Peach Pasta Salad Recipe

More recipes for cold salads:

Chicken and Peach pasta salad recipe
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Chicken and Peach Pasta Salad Recipe

Chicken and Peach Pasta Salad Recipe in process

Course pasta salad, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Keyword pasta salad
Prep Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 4 hours
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 390 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta cooked and rinsed with cold water
  • 1 cup shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 4 ounces cheddar cheese cubed
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 3 fresh peaches pit removed and sliced into chunks
  • 1/2 cup real mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place pasta, chicken, peas, celery, cheese, basil, and peaches in a large bowl and mix well.
  2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt and pepper and mix well.
  3. Pour over pasta mixture and mix well to evenly coat.
  4. Refrigerate 2-4 hours and serve cold. 
    Chicken and Peach pasta salad recipe
Nutrition Facts
Chicken and Peach Pasta Salad Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 390 Calories from Fat 234
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 55mg 18%
Sodium 712mg 30%
Potassium 338mg 10%
Total Carbohydrates 25g 8%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 8g
Protein 14g 28%
Vitamin A 15.3%
Vitamin C 15%
Calcium 17.8%
Iron 5.4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Do you think you would like this creamy chicken pasta salad? 

Chocolatey S’more Eggless Cookie Dough Recipe

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This eggless cookie dough recipe is especially for anyone who loves s'mores. The chocolatey dough with tiny marshmallows goes perfectly with graham cracker dippers. As with all of our edible cookie dough recipes, we're in it for the dough only. Give the oven a rest and enjoy the recipes as no-bake desserts.

Chocolatey S'more Eggless Cookie Dough Recipe

The mini marshmallows used are crunchy and taste like cereal marshmallows. Adjust the amount used depending on your love for marshmallows. The chocolate dough is really tasty. You may find the dough better with fewer marshmallows.

Chocolatey S'more Eggless Cookie Dough Recipe

Break the graham crackers and then cut them into smaller pieces using a butter knife to get a good serving size. The graham cracker with the cookie dough gives the full s'more flavor. However, the cookie dough is also good enough to eat with a spoon.

Chocolatey S'more Eggless Cookie Dough Recipe

S'more cookie dough is scrumptious as a dip but feel free to get creative and use it as an ingredient in other desserts. We love cookie dough truffles or using the dough as a topping on ice cream.

Chocolatey S'more Eggless Cookie Dough Recipe

More Eggless Cookie Dough Recipes:

Chocolatey S'more Eggless Cookie Dough Recipe
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S'more Eggless Cookie Dough Recipe

S'more Eggless Cookie Dough Recipe in process

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword cookie dough
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 449 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons softened butter
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup marshmallow bits
  • 1/2 package graham crackers for dipping

Instructions

  1. Beat butter and sugar in a mixing bowl for 3 minutes, scraping down sides as necessary.
  2. Add vanilla and milk and beat well.
  3. Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a small bowl and mix well.
  4. Add flour mixture to the dough and beat until mixed well.
  5. Fold in the marshmallow bits.
  6. Eat by the spoonful or serve with graham crackers.
    Smore cookie dough dip recipe
Nutrition Facts
S'more Eggless Cookie Dough Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 449 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 734mg 31%
Potassium 126mg 4%
Total Carbohydrates 69g 23%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 28g
Protein 5g 10%
Vitamin A 7%
Calcium 4.8%
Iron 16.7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Do you know someone who loves s'mores that would eat up this eggless cookie dough recipe? 

Strawberry Cheesecake Popsicle Recipe

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Nothing beats a refreshing popsicle recipe on these hot summer days. Of course, you can quickly stock up on store-bought frozen treats, but it's fun to make your own ice pops in your favorite flavors, as well. If you're looking for tasty popsicle recipes, be sure to give these strawberry cheesecake pops a try.

Strawberry cheesecake popsicle recipe

When you make your own popsicles at home, it's the perfect opportunity to experiment with ingredients and flavor combos. Here we have fresh strawberries, cheesecake pudding, and vanilla wafers which tastes like strawberry cheesecake. The crushed cookies are like the cheesecake crust. You can use vanilla pudding for strawberries and cream instead. Try your favorite flavors to see what kind of pudding pops you can whip up.

Strawberry cream ice pops recipe

We love all frozen treats in this house. Our freezers are always well stocked with ice cream, freeze pops, and popsicles. There are tons of goodies found in our grocer's freezer aisle. But, when you make your own, there's something to look forward to. Using ingredients you choose, flavors you love, and the anticipation while you wait for the ice pops to freeze, just makes them taste even better.

Strawberry cheesecake pudding pops recipe

More DIY Popsicle Recipes

If you're looking for more ways to make your own popsicles, try these recipes out.

Strawberry cheesecake popsicles

Strawberry cream ice pops recipe
5 from 1 vote
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Strawberry Cheesecake Popsicle Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Pops in process

Course Dessert
Cuisine Frozen Treats
Keyword popsicles
Prep Time 10 minutes
Freezing Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 10 popsicles
Calories 111 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, add strawberries, sugar, and water and mix well. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, add pudding and milk. Whisk well to combine. Stir in crushed cookies.
  3. Use a 2 tablespoon portion scoop to add pudding to a popsicle mold. A 1 tablespoon of strawberry mixture as the next layer, and finally another 2 tablespoons of pudding to the popsicle mold.
  4. Gently tap mold to release bubbles and place top on mold. Insert popsicle sticks into the mold and freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  5. To remove popsicles from mold, run warm water on the mold and gently pull the popsicles out of the mold. Store in an airtight container or resealable bag in the freezer. 
    Strawberry Cheesecake Popsicles Recipe

Recipe Notes

Use skim milk and sugar-free pudding to lower the calories. 

Nutrition Facts
Strawberry Cheesecake Popsicle Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 popsicle)
Calories 111 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 183mg 8%
Potassium 81mg 2%
Total Carbohydrates 19g 6%
Sugars 14g
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin A 1.6%
Vitamin C 5.1%
Calcium 5.6%
Iron 0.2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Strawberry cheesecake pops recipe

Do you like to make popsicles at home? What's your favorite popsicle recipe?

Backyard BBQ Tips and the Best Burger Recipe

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Be ready for a backyard BBQ any summer night this season. After what felt like the longest winter of time, we are on a mission to enjoy our yard this summer more than ever. Post sponsored by Mirum. Opinions are 100% my own.

Best burger recipe with Hellman's

Hosting a backyard BBQ doesn't have to be stressful. If you're any bit of an over-thinker like I am, any gathering might bring on the nerves. Just get yourself organized, have a routine, and soon enough you'll be throwing BBQ's like a pro.

Backyard BBQ with Less Stress

Here are some things to keep in mind during BBQ season.

Things to stock up on for your backyard BBQ

Ingredients:  Stock up on frequently used ingredients like Hellmann’s®. We all know Hellman's is the not-so-secret ingredient in a ton of BBQ favorites. Be sure to grab a Hellmann's Mayonnaise 30 oz jar for recipes and the 20 oz squeeze bottle to use as a condiment. Take a look at the recipes you make the most for a backyard BBQ and keep as many ingredients as you can in stock.

Burger recipe

Recipes:  Speaking of recipes, find your favorites and stick to them. I tend to think that I always need to try new recipes, when in fact, the family looks forward to the favorites. No need to mess with perfection. Once you find the best burger recipe (hint* it's Hellman's recipe) and a few sides, you'll be armed with scrumptious foods to serve at your BBQ.

The best burger recipe

Shopping:  Walmart has everything you need to throw the best backyard BBQ. From all of the food you need to backyard games, Walmart is the one-stop-shop for family fun. Use Walmart Online Grocery Pickup to shave even more stress off of party planning.

Tunes:  Can't agree on music? Try Real Backyard Fun Hosted by Hellman's Pandora Station as a party playlist for your BBQ.

Comfort:  Be sure to have shady spots or a cooling station for guests. It's blisteringly hot out there lately, and you don't want anyone to overheat.

Burger and coleslaw recipe from Hellmann's

We tried two recipes from the Hellman's website. I am happy to report that both recipes were delicious. I plan to add the burger and the coleslaw to my must-make for a backyard BBQ list. Each recipe is easy, quick to make, and full of flavor. I bought the large Hellmann's jar from Walmart, so I'm able to make quite a few recipes with that. I also purchased the squeeze bottle so guests can easily add mayo to their food without the mess.

The Best Burger Recipe

Make your own burger patties with two simple ingredients. Simply mix together 1 pound of ground beef with 1/4 cup Hellmann's Mayonnaise. Mix well and form into four patties. Grill or broil until done. Squeeze Hellmann's Mayo onto the bun and top with lettuce, tomato, onion, or your favorite toppings.

Backyard BBQ burger toppings

Get the recipe for classic coleslaw that we made for the side dish. I didn't think I'd like the green peppers, but this is the best coleslaw I have tried hands down.

Burger and side recipe

Find more recipes on the Hellmann's website. They even have dessert like the chocolate mayo cake!

Easy Cheesy Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

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This garlic butter spread recipe is sponsored by Mirum. Opinions are 100% my own. The fierce summer temperatures make me want to lighten up recipes whenever possible. If there's a way to replace heavy ingredients with something lighter without sacrificing flavor, I am on a mission to do so.

Cheesy garlic butter spread recipe

Mike loves meat and cheese as an appetizer. He's pulled to charcuterie boards like a magnet should one be served at a gathering. I decided to make one myself this time, including a garlic spread for the bread and crackers. I used a recipe given to me by my aunt but replaced the butter with Brummel & Brown Yogurt Spread. We had a small family gathering by the pool, and everyone gobbled up the garlic butter spread as they grazed the appetizers.

Charcuterie board with garlic spread

Brummel & Brown Yogurt Spread is extremely versatile. Use it on its own for a delicious and buttery flavor. Or, try it out as a butter replacement to cut out some fat and calories this summer. Brummel & Brown is made with plant-based oils, purified water, and yogurt giving it a sweet taste and creamy texture.

Garlic spread made with Brummel and Brown

Instead of buying packaged dips and spreads, I'm making a habit to create homemade recipes. I like the fact that I can control the ingredients, and also that the food is a lot fresher. By no means are we on a health kick, but every little tweak in the right direction counts for something, right? 😉

Meat and cheese board with garlic spread for bread

==> Using the money-saving MyMixx Coupon at my Jewel-Osco, I saved $1.00 on Brummel & Brown. Be sure to grab the coupon yourself – valid until 7/31/18.

Garlic butter spread for bread and crackers

Try to swap out butter for Brummel & Brown in some of your favorite recipes. Make this garlic butter spread recipe to enjoy on bread and crackers. Serve it up on a meat and cheese board which is a favorite appetizer all year round.

Cheesy garlic butter spread recipe
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Spread Recipe

Garlic spread ingredients

Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Keyword spread
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 123 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Brummel & Brown Yogurt Spread
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients well in a bowl.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Use as a spread on bread and crackers. 
    Cheesy garlic spread recipe
Nutrition Facts
Cheesy Garlic Butter Spread Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 123 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 32mg 11%
Sodium 276mg 12%
Potassium 39mg 1%
Total Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin A 7.6%
Vitamin C 0.3%
Calcium 4.6%
Iron 1.1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Light and Crunchy Banana Nut Coffee Cake Recipe

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This banana nut coffee cake recipe is a tasty treat for breakfast. The flavor is not overly sweet, and the crunch of the nut combined with the softness of the cake is just what the taste buds crave. If you're looking for a way to use up ripe bananas, add this banana nut coffee cake to your list of recipes.

Light and Crunchy Banana Nut Coffee Cake Recipe

Banana nut coffee cake is excellent for family gatherings that take place around brunch time. If you have guests staying with you, wake them up with the delicious aroma of freshly baked banana bread. Banana coffee cake hits the spot all year round.

Light and Crunchy Banana Nut Coffee Cake Recipe

More Recipes that Use Ripe Bananas

Light and Crunchy Banana Nut Coffee Cake Recipe

Light and Crunchy Banana Nut Coffee Cake Recipe
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Banana Nut Coffee Cake Recipe

Banana Nut Coffee Cake in process

Course Breakfast
Cuisine Bread
Keyword banana
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 16 squares
Calories 135 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

  • 2-1/3 cups flour divided
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup 1 stick butter softened and divided
  • 1-1/4 cup sugar divided
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 ripe bananas mashed
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 and spray a square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, add 2 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, add 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter and 3/4 cup sugar. Beat for 3 minutes.
  4. Add egg and vanilla and beat well.
  5. Fold in mashed bananas.
  6. Add flour mixture and milk and beat just until combined.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, add remaining 1/2 stick (1/4 cup butter), 1/3 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon and walnuts.
  9. Use a pastry blender to blend all ingredients together until you have small pea-sized chunks. Spread mixture on top of batter in pan.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Nutrition Facts
Banana Nut Coffee Cake Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 135 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 26mg 9%
Sodium 131mg 5%
Potassium 165mg 5%
Total Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Sugars 6g
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin A 4.4%
Vitamin C 2.3%
Calcium 3.9%
Iron 2.7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Do you think you would like these banana nut coffee cake squares? 

Don’t Let Frequent Heartburn Symptoms Ruin Hikes

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Remember when you could start your day with a fresh, warm donut for breakfast? I don't. My stomach has not allowed such shenanigans since I was a wee one. Frequent heartburn symptoms as a young adult quickly changed my breakfast adventures. This post is sponsored by Mirum, but opinions expressed are my own.

Don't Let Frequent Heartburn Symptoms Ruin Summer Fun

Don't Let Frequent Heartburn Symptoms Ruin Hikes

We have a vacation villa a little over an hour away from our home. It was supposed to be an investment property, but I'll save you the boring details about how it basically became a second home. It's near Starved Rock, Illinois and many other gorgeous hiking locations.

Since a mini road trip is involved, my brain thinks a trip to the villa means we are on vacation. Getaway-mode activates, and it's time to eat all the snacks. My stomach quickly reminds me that it doesn't tolerate that nonsense and turns into what feels like a fire pit.

Don't Let Frequent Heartburn Symptoms Ruin Hikes

My frequent heartburn symptoms have been so severe that I've stayed home while others hiked. Skipping out on memory-making activities is not okay. Especially when it's something as treatable as heartburn.

Thankfully, our Sam's Club now has Omeprazole Orally Disintegrating Tablet (also referred to as ODT). Sam's Club is on the way to our villa, and close enough to our house where it's a convenient stop to pickup Member’s Mark Omeprazole ODT whenever we need it. Member’s Mark Omeprazole Orally Disintegrating Tablet at Sam’s Club is a brand new innovation for treating heartburn. The store brand is also more affordable than national brands.

Don't Let Frequent Heartburn Symptoms Ruin Hikes

No water needed, there's no need to worry about swallowing a pill. Even on a hike, I can take one if I run out of water. The tablets are perfect to keep everywhere. Your gym bag, purse, glove box, and anywhere that's convenient for you. The strawberry flavor is pleasant as the pill easily dissolves on your tongue. Use as directed for 14 days to treat frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more days a week). May take 1-4 days for full effect. Not intended for immediate relief. 

I now look forward to more hikes and further exploration when we visit our villa. There are so many spots we haven't hit yet. Stay tuned for pictures of our adventures. I think I'll even visit a few ice cream shops and bakeries I've had my eye on. 😉

Don't Let Frequent Heartburn Symptoms Ruin Hikes

If you suffer from frequent heartburn symptoms, visit your Sam's Club and grab some Omeprazole ODT. It works like the current Member’s Mark Omeprazole Tablet, but now in a dissolving form.

Sam’s Club ibotta offer:

Be sure to grab the current ibotta offer ==> Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Omeprazole ODT 42 count: $3 off

Have frequent heartburn symptoms ever ruined your plans?

Lemon Cookie Dough Dip Recipe – Sweet Treat for Summer

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Lemon cookie dough dip is light, fluffy, and a sweet treat for any occasion. There's something about the tangy sweetness of lemon desserts that make them perfect for spring and summer. Pin this recipe for upcoming graduation parties, BBQ's, pool parties, Father's day, or whenever you are craving a scrumptious treat.

Lemon Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

Cookie dough dips are always welcome at parties. The next time you need to bring a dish to a party, consider a cookie dough dip. There is usually no shortage of savory dips, so a dessert dip is a sweet alternative.

Lemon Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

What should you dip in this lemon cookie dough dip recipe? Well, you could just serve with tiny spoons. Animal crackers, graham crackers, pretzels, or fruit are other great choices. The salty and sweet combo of pretzels is a party for your taste buds.

Lemon Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

This recipe is modified from our Snickerdoodle edible cookie dough recipe. You can also use this edible cookie dough recipe as an ingredient for other desserts. Add to ice cream, cake frosting, or get creative to make different kinds of candies.

More Lemon Dessert Recipes:

Lemon Cookie Dough Dip Recipe
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Lemon Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

Lemon Cookie Dough Dip Recipe in process

Course Dessert
Cuisine Dessert
Keyword cookie dough, dips
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 295 kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons softened butter
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • zest of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 lemon sandwich cookies crushed

Instructions

  1. Beat butter and sugar in a mixing bowl for 3 minutes, scraping down sides as necessary.
  2. Add lemon juice and milk and beat well.
  3. Add lemon zest and beat well.
  4. Add flour and salt in a small bowl and mix well.
  5. Add flour to the dough and beat until mixed well.
  6. Fold in the crushed cookies.
  7. Eat by the spoonful or serve with dipping crackers such as animal crackers.
  8. Garnish with a fresh lemon slice if desired. 
    Lemon cookie dough recipe

Recipe Notes

==> Use a pastry shaper to crush Lemon Oreos. Or, put cookies in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. 

==> Serve with tasting spoons or animal crackers. 

 

Nutrition Facts
Lemon Cookie Dough Dip Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 295 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 455mg 19%
Potassium 33mg 1%
Total Carbohydrates 37g 12%
Sugars 19g
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin A 7%
Vitamin C 1.8%
Calcium 1.2%
Iron 6.2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Where would you serve this lemon cookie dough dip recipe? 

What to Buy at the Dollar Tree to Sell for a Profit

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If you shop at the Dollar Tree on a regular basis, chances are you’ve noticed that the store often gets name brand items. Stores that are clearing out old merchandise often sell those items to the Dollar Tree. This means that you can get killer deals for only one dollar. While it’s nice to snatch up those items for yourself, it’s also an opportunity to make a profit from those items. Let’s look at what to buy at the Dollar Tree to sell for a profit. Reselling is one of the several ways we make money from home.

What to Buy at the Dollar Tree to Sell for a Profit

What to Buy at the Dollar Tree to Sell for a Profit

As Seen on TV Items

The Dollar Tree store often gets As Seen on TV items. These items retailed for $14.99 or $19.99 when they were new. The products may not sell as well now, but chances are they are worth more than a dollar. If you get enough of these items, it can be worth it to resell them. An example is a ceramic egg cooker that recently sold at the store. These are selling on Amazon for $12.97 each. That’s a decent profit. (Check your fees — the margins might be tight if you use Amazon FBA.) Whenever you see these items, check Amazon and eBay to see what they’re selling for and if there’s a demand.

Books

The Dollar Tree often gets incredible books. An example is the True Blood Cookbook. Dollar Tree recently had this book, and it’s currently selling on Amazon for $9.49. Another example is a Mike Holmes book that is selling for $9 to $18 on Amazon. You can sometimes even find signed copies of books. In other words, if you’ve got the patience to look through the book section, it can be well worth it.

Toys

Yes, the Dollar Tree sells many cheap toys. However, there are some name brand toys to keep your eyes on. The Dollar Tree often gets Hot Wheels that sell for $5 or more in stores like Walmart. These are usually licensed cars. An example is that the Dollar Tree recently had the 40th Anniversary Edition Star Wars Hot Wheels. These are currently selling on Amazon for up to $6 each. That’s not all though. The store often gets in toys that other stores no longer carry. The Dollar Tree has had Ty Beanie Babies, full-sized Pillow Pets, and many other name brand toys that sell for much more than a dollar. Again, check your margins. The fees might be too much to use FBA.

Party Supplies

The Dollar Tree carries a number of themed party supplies. Examples include Disney princesses and Mickey Mouse. The options change from time to time. However, bundling these items into party supply packages can be profitable. Many people don’t know these items are available and bundling everything together makes it so easy for them. You can often triple your investment on this purchase, and everything can be shipped inexpensively, which means more profit for you.

The Dollar Tree is an amazing place to find your everyday needs, but it can also be a place to find items to resell. Keep your eyes open because you never know what the Dollar Tree will have. Just make sure to check eBay and Amazon to see if the items are selling before you make an investment.

Rainbow Cookie Dough Dip Recipe you Can Eat with a Spoon

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Rainbow cookie dough dip is most definitely a recipe you should have at your fingertips. It's safe-to-eat cookie dough. What more do you need to know? If I am totally honest, I love cookie dough more than baked cookies. So, bring on the cookie dough goodies!

Rainbow cookie dough dip is most definitely a recipe you should have at your fingertips. It's safe-to-eat cookie dough. What more do you need to know? If I am totally honest, I love cookie dough more than baked cookies. So, bring on the cookie dough goodies!

It's only right that we have a rainbow mix in our variety of cookie dough dips. Our unicorn mascot would insist upon it. Summer is coming, and that means BBQ's, graduation parties, baby showers, wedding showers, Father's day, and many more occasions where a dip is appreciated.

Rainbow cookie dough dip is most definitely a recipe you should have at your fingertips. It's safe-to-eat cookie dough. What more do you need to know? If I am totally honest, I love cookie dough more than baked cookies. So, bring on the cookie dough goodies!

We love to have a sweet dip in addition to any savory dips on the table during gatherings. It seems like there is always something to dip chips and veggies in. It's only right to have another dip for cookies and fruit. Honestly, all you need is a tiny spoon for cookie dough dip.

Rainbow Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

You can also use the edible cookie dough in other recipes. We love the cookie dough truffles we made using snickerdoodle cookie dough. You can toss some in with ice cream, or get creative. Use as a fruit dip or eat with a spoon. This is a judgment-free zone. 😉

Rainbow Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

Switch up the color of sprinkles if you have a special event you'd like to match. There is a lot of room for creativity with this recipe.

Rainbow Cookie Dough Dip Recipe
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Rainbow Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

Rainbow Cookie Dough Dip Recipe in process

Course Dip
Cuisine Dessert
Keyword dips
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 295 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons softened butter
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla together for 3 minutes, scraping bowl as necessary until fluffy.
  2. Add milk, flour, and salt and beat well.
  3. Stir in sprinkles.
  4. Serve with animal crackers or eat with a spoon!
    Rainbow Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

Recipe Notes

==> The flour may look like it won't come together at first. Just keep beating and it will! 

==> Super cute tasting spoons here. 

Nutrition Facts
Rainbow Cookie Dough Dip Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 295 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 392mg 16%
Potassium 16mg 0%
Total Carbohydrates 43g 14%
Sugars 31g
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin A 7%
Calcium 0.8%
Iron 4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Where would you serve rainbow cookie dough dip?

How to Make Money Reselling Thrift Store Finds

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Do you love to shop thrift stores? Do you know a good deal when you see one? Reselling thrift store finds is a huge business. Search YouTube, and you’ll find several channels devoted to this income-generating activity. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? The idea of getting paid to shop is many peoples' dream. Well, if you know what you’re doing, it can be a reality. Let’s look at how to flip thrift store finds for a profit. Reselling is one of the ways we are trying to make money from home.

How to Make Money Reselling Thrift Store Finds

How to Make Money Reselling Thrift Store Finds

Choose Your Areas of Expertise

Here’s the thing. It’s impossible to know what to shop for in every category. Most sellers have one or two categories they stick to. For example, you may choose to shop for clothing and accessories because you know which brands are high-dollar. It’s much, much easier to stick with one or two categories than try to hunt down every item that might sell.

Check the Numbers Before You Buy

You can easily add the eBay app to your smartphone and search to see what items have sold for recently. The price will let you know if an item is worth buying for resale. You want to shoot to at least double your money on all purchases. This number is after you consider shipping and fees. This extra step takes time but can prevent wasted money.

Be Willing to Put in a Bit of Work

Sometimes you’ll find fantastic items that just need a little love. For example, you might find a high-dollar brand handbag that has a stain. This stain usually means you’ll score the item for cheap. If you know how to get that stain out, you’ll be able to flip that item for a nice profit. The same goes for electronics. If you know how to fix something, you can make more substantial profits.

Give Items a Good Cleaning

You want items to look their best before posting. Wipe down surfaces, wash clothing (if needed), etc. If an item needs professional cleaning, find someone who has cleaned that item before and knows how to do it properly. An example of this would be a painting that needs a bit of restorative cleaning before being sold.

Take Awesome Pictures

You want to take as many pictures as the site you’re selling on will allow. The more pictures, the better. If the item does have any defects, take pictures of them. You want buyers to be aware of exactly what they’re getting. Be sure to have the best lighting possible when shooting your photos.

List on the Right Sites

There are several sites you can list items for sale. The key is post items to the sites that they’re most likely to sell on. For example, many people sell clothing on eBay but don’t forget about the Poshmark app that is specifically for selling clothing and accessories. Amazon Marketplace is another great place to resell thrift store finds for a profit. If you’re serious about this business, download the Amazon Seller app that will help you determine which items are selling or in demand on Amazon. You can merchant fulfill or use Amazon FBA (fulfillment by Amazon) which means you ship a box of many items to Amazon and they take it from there.

You can make quite a bit of money shopping thrift stores and flipping those items. The biggest thing is to know what you’re buying and if it will sell. Try your hand at it and see what happens. Start with $100, or whatever you can afford, see if the items you buy generate enough return to keep going. If so, invest what you made on more items. Soon, you’ll have a successful business or side hustle.

Have you ever tried reselling thrift store finds for a profit?

Cookies and Cream Edible Cookie Dough Recipe

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Cookies and cream edible cookie dough is good enough to eat with a tiny spoon. You can use it as a cookie dough dip, but the treat is delicious on its own. One of the biggest perks of being an adult is you're allowed to eat cookie dough with a spoon. Thankfully, we have safe recipes for edible cookie dough.

Cookies and Cream Edible Cookie Dough Recipe

Chocolate lovers, we're looking at you with this recipe. Cookies and cream cookie dough is a chocolaty delight. Use the dough as a dip, toss it into ice cream, or just grab a spoon. The dessert is versatile as an ingredient or standalone. The small tasting spoons are found at the Dollar Tree. Or, here are tasting spoons on Amazon.

Cookies and Cream Edible Cookie Dough Recipe

This recipe is ideal for an at-home treat, or bring it to a party as a dip. If you're craving cookie dough, no need to go through the whole cookie-making process when all you want is the unbaked part. Just whip up a batch of dough that's meant to eat raw. No eggs to worry about (not that I ever did, to be honest). As a child of the '80's, no one blinked an eye while I ate more cookie dough than baked cookies. 😉

Cookies and Cream Edible Cookie Dough Recipe

If you like edible cookie dough or cookies and cream, here are more recipes you might enjoy:

5 from 2 votes
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Cookies and Cream Edible Cookie Dough Recipe

Cookies and Cream Edible Cookie Dough Recipe in process

Course Dessert
Cuisine Dessert
Keyword cookie dough, dips
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 281 kcal
Author Jennifer

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 5 sandwich cookies crumbled

Instructions

  1. Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla with a mixer until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add flour, salt, and milk and beat well until combined.
  3. The mixture will most likely crumble apart. Keep beating as it will come together.
  4. Fold in crushed cookies.
  5. Enjoy with a spoon!
    Cookies and Cream Edible Cookie Dough Recipe with a spoon
Nutrition Facts
Cookies and Cream Edible Cookie Dough Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 281 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 461mg 19%
Potassium 48mg 1%
Total Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Sugars 18g
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin A 7%
Calcium 1.1%
Iron 11.3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Do you like cookies and cream? Who do you know that would love this edible cookie dough?

Best Ice Cream Brands for Candy Lovers and How to Earn Rewards

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We found the best ice cream brands for candy and cookie lovers. It's ice cream season, and we are stocking up at Jewel-Osco now while we are rewarded for doing so. Post sponsored by Mirum. Opinions are 100% my own.

Best Ice Cream Brands for Candy Lovers and How to Earn Rewards

Best Ice Cream Brands for Candy Lovers and How to Earn Rewards

For those of us who love candy, cookies, and ice cream, we sure are in luck when it comes to choices. We love sweets in this house. I can ignore a bag of chips but put ice cream in front of me, and I cannot resist. Our Jewel-Osco has an ice cream aisle plucked straight from dreams. There are so many ice creams to choose from, and something for everyone. Right now, stocking your freezer scores you rewards.

Breyer's 2-in-1 Snickers and M&M's

How to earn Ice Cream Rewards #EarnIceCreamRewards

  1. Head to Jewel-Osco.
  2. Stock up on your favorites of Breyer’s 2-in-1’s, Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake, and Talenti Gelato Pints.
  3. Take a photo of your receipt and upload it here.
  4. When you spend $20 on participating Unilever Ice Cream brands, you’ll receive a $5 digital reward of your choice (A Visa Rewards Virtual gift card, a FandangoNOW reward or a Print-at-Home Movie Certificate).
  5. Purchases must be made between 5/1/2018 and 9/30/2018
  6. Don't forget to enter the sweepstakes! Get your chance to win free ice cream for an entire year.

Ice cream rewards

Have you seen the flavors of Talenti Gelato? Oh my goodness, they are the best way to relax and indulge a bit. Talenti Gelato is so flavor-packed, even I will share it. 😉 There's something extra scrumptious about the texture of gelato. I consider Talenti Gelato a reward in itself.

Talenti GelatoTalenti Gelato

Mike loves to grab a Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake after a hard day's work. It's a sweet treat to cool off after the long drive home. The perfect way to unwind and de-stress before dinner. Dessert before dinner is all good over here. 😉

Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake

On movie nights we love to snack on candy or ice cream. Now, we can have the best of both worlds with Breyer's 2-in-1's. Not only are your favorite candies combined with ice cream but there are two flavors combos in each carton. Our taste buds are dancing with glee.

Breyer's 2-in-1 Reese's Breyer's 2-in-1 Reese's

Can't decide on Snickers or M&M's? No problem, get Breyer's 2-in-1 with both candies swirled perfectly together. Torn between your favorite peanut butter candies? There's a 2-in-1 for that, too.

Breyer's 2-in-1's

Breyer's 2-in-1's are ideal for creating milkshakes. You can get all kinds of creative with shakes. I can't wait to try all of the flavors of Breyer's 2-in-1's.

via GIPHY

If you reward yourself with ice cream treats like we do, be sure to earn rewards by stocking up! Head to Jewel-Osco and grab the best ice cream brands today.

Spring Cleaning Ideas for People who Don’t Love to Clean

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Here are some spring cleaning ideas if you dread the task. Some people love to clean. Well, I'm here to tell you that they are strange. Just kidding, I'm just not one of them. I absolutely love the end result of a clean house, but the actual chore of cleaning is not a joy in my life.

Spring Cleaning Ideas for People who Don't Love to Clean

Clean Safer with Open Nature™

The first thing to do is spring clean your cleaning supplies. Toss out all the old chemical-laden bottles and replace with fresh and safe cleaning supplies. Starting off with a new batch of supplies is the best first step. When you know you're using products that are safe for your home and family, even better.

Open Nature Spring Cleaning Supplies

Grab the Open Nature™ line of products to know you're making a safe choice without sacrificing efficiency. Bright Green brand household products rebranded to Open Nature. The new Open Nature cleaning products are available in Chicago exclusively at Jewel-Osco, making it extra convenient for me to get them while I grocery shop. If you don’t live near a Jewel don’t worry. You can also buy Open Nature products at any of the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, ACME Markets, Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, and Carrs/Safeway.

Gram and Open Nature dishwashing liquid

I enlisted my Gram to help me unbox the items we received from Open Nature. Surprisingly, I cannot wait to use them. Me — the person who can't stand cleaning — got more excited with each new cleaning product unveiled. There's something about the clean and clear packaging that just screams CLEAN.

Open Nature all purpose cleaner

Here is what we received:

Open Nature household products are premium and safe for your home and family. The paper towels use 100% recycled paper and all Open Nature cleaning products are dye-free. The brand has fragrance and perfume-free options and does no animal testing. The whole line provides effective cleaning power for your toughest messes.

Open Nature hand soap

After you have your Open Nature cleaning products, here are some fun spring cleaning ideas:

  • Family affair. Depending on the size of your family, it's a great idea to involve everyone. Assign each family member a room or a job. Treat it like an assembly line, or have each person do an entire room.
  • Dance party. In our house, we normally tackle cleaning with a cleaning dance party. It's the best way to give the energy boost needed to become cleaning machines.
  • Swap houses. Grab a friend and help each other. Once you both clean your house, head on over to their house. Seeing how another person cleans may give you some great tips along the way, too.
  • Learn something. Throw on some headphones and listen to an educational podcast or a course while you clean. Learning is an excellent way to take your mind off of the daunting chore that cleaning can be.
  • Read a book. Or, rather, have a book read to you. Listen to an audiobook while you detail your windows. Catching up on a great read is definitely a mood booster.

Open Nature window cleaner

No matter how you pass the time while cleaning, keep your eye on the prize. Once that deep spring detailing is done, it's so worth it. Kick back and relax in your safely cleaned home!

Do you have any spring cleaning ideas to make it fun?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Albertsons Companies. The opinions and text are all mine.