Shelley

Name: Rainbow Crumbs Celebration Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 people
Ingredients: 1 9 inch round prepared frosted cake (white); 1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets (red); 1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets (orange); 1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets (yellow); 1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets (green); 1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets (blue); 1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets (indigo); 1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets (violet); 1/4 cup Celebration by Frey Sweet Shapes Stars

About Shelley

Mother of two (Adam, 17, and Chesney, 13), successfully divorced--we're really good friends. Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Benedictine University with a BS in nutrition science. I love food, fitness, reading, and all things science. I'm the sister that travels.
You can also connect with me on Google+

Easy Cake Decorating to Make Any Occasion Magical

[heart_this] · Sep 12, 2018 · 4 Comments

In front of me sits a blank white cake and enough rainbow candies to fill an Olympic size ball pit. The white frosting glaring back at me is like a blank canvas demanding a paint brush. I've never decorated a cake before, so this could go down the road of magical or take a flying leap into the realm of a mess. Thankfully, Celebration by Frey products make this a fun and easy cake decorating operation. I participated in Mom Blog Tour Sweets & Snacks Expo on behalf of Wendy's Bloggers. I received Celebration by Frey products to facilitate my post, but my opinion and creative content are my own.

Fun & Easy Cake Decorating

First, I highly encourage you to visit the Celebration by Frey website. You can shop by color, event, or candy type and stock up on any color scheme for seriously any occasion.

To make things super easy on yourself, you can purchase a blank cake at your local grocery store. Of course, you can make your own as well, but I'll do anything for a shortcut now that the kids and I have schedules that make us all dizzy on a daily basis.

So, snag a white cake and have some fun. Let the kids get in on the action and make this a new tradition for all your cake-requiring events.

Rainbow Crumbs Celebration Cake

It's helpful to separate and sort all your candies into bowls by colors for ease of designing. If you were using paint and a brush, this would be your palette.

Start designing! We went with a Rainbow Crumbs theme because of our logo and blog theme. We really are A Magical Mess! Our unicorn logo is eating his rainbow and leaving a trail of crumbs, so this cake fits his style perfectly!

Super easy cake decorating for a magical event!

5 from 4 votes

Rainbow Crumbs Celebration Cake

Make any occasion magical with this colorful cake!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Dessert

Keyword cake, decorating

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 12 people

Ingredients

1 9 inch round prepared frosted cake white
1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets red
1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets orange
1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets yellow
1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets green
1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets blue
1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets indigo
1/3 cup Celebration by Frey Sixlets violet
1/4 cup Celebration by Frey Sweet Shapes Stars

Instructions

Place your cake on a decorative serving dish or board.
Starting with the red Sixlets, arrange one row in preferred rainbow shape on the top of the cake. I did an 'S' shape, but you could do a zig-zag or the traditional arch. Press each Sixlets into the frosting lightly so they stay in place.
Following the line of the red Sixlets, repeat with remaining colors in the ROYGBIV order--red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.
Use the remaining Sixlets to decorate the base of the cake. Create a rainbow pattern with individual candies in a row or make color blocks as shown.
Press a few Sweet Shapes stars into the side of the cake where the rainbow ends.
Refrigerate until ready to eat.

Check out the Celebration by Frey selection on Amazon!

The creative ideas for colored candies are endless. If you have a kids' party, consider putting together a candy buffet using clear paint buckets. Before the kids eat, they can create a piece of art. Give them each a plate with a lip and teach them to paint with the colored candies in a paint-by-numbers fashion. I threw together this slightly terrifying unicorn in a cookie sheet as an example.

Don't let that moderately hideous creation scare you; there are so many cute ways to implement this activity. You could even print little templates for flowers, fish, or anything to follow your party theme. Kids and adults will love it!

Connect with Celebration by Frey:
Facebook
Pinterest

Enter for your Chance to Win the $1500 Colossal Giveaway

12 Things I Didn’t Know Would Affect My Credit Score

[heart_this] · Sep 10, 2018 · 3 Comments

This post was sponsored by Lexington Law Firm.
The world of credit can be a confusing place. The native language of finance might sound familiar, but little seems to make sense for so many. Logic applies only sometimes and the rest is often a mystery. Thankfully, friendly guides are available–if you know where to look–to give a tour of the credit landscape and help along your journey. This post has been sponsored by Lexington Law Firm, but everything in this blog is based on my thoughts and opinions.

Much like exploring a new land, you’re likely to get a little lost and maybe trip over some obstacles along the way. You may even accumulate unexpected bumps and bruises during your journey, leaving scars that run deeper than you know.

My Credit Score

During my time thus far in ‘Creditlandia,’ I’ve uncovered answers and gained insight into how this world works, including how to climb to the top of the ranks.

There are obvious ways to negatively affect your credit score, such as making late payments or cancelling cards without paying the balance. However, I’ve also discovered numerous surprise elements affecting my credit score that I’d like to share with you.

Not Using Credit Cards

Allowing cards to sit inactive for long periods of time may result in the issuer cancelling the account. In the event the card is cancelled, your available credit is decreased which may throw off your ratio of credit used to credit available–aka credit utilization. If your percentage of credit used is above 30%, this could ding your credit score. You’ll also lose any benefits associated with the account. To prevent an inactive account, consider putting a small recurring charge on it or leave it in your wallet for small purchases.

Having No Debt

Some debt is healthy. When paid on time, this is how we prove our financial responsibility and show lenders we’re a safe investment.

Divorce

It’s not the divorce itself that can lower your credit score, it’s that financial trauma is typically associated with the split. Depending on the circumstances, if there is debt at the time of the divorce, one spouse may have to absorb more debt than the other, or, in many cases more debt is racked up on legal fees and the liquidation of assets. The most important thing you can do is make sure you keep making timely payments. These can be easily overlooked during such an emotional time. Make sure you set reminders and use bookmarks to pay your bills on time.

Inquiries

Every time you open a new credit account, loan, or mortgage, your credit will be run by the lender to determine your creditworthiness. If multiple inquiries are made in a short time period, this can have a negative impact on your credit score.

New Accounts

Most credit scoring models consider the age of your accounts when scoring. Older accounts show a longer credit history and are therefore good for your overall score. Some models take an average of the ages and if you have several newer accounts, this could negatively affect that number.

Number of Accounts in Use

If you have a lot of accounts, be sure they are all being used and paid on time–this can be good for your score. The likeliness of mistakes, such as late payments, increases with the number of accounts. Therefore, without a long credit history, too many accounts may have a negative impact on your score. Make sure you keep your accounts safe to reduce the risk of fraudulent activity, and avoid cancelling any if you’ve had them for a long period of time.

Types of Credit You Use

Having different types of loans is actually a good thing. Mortgage, car payment, school loan, and credit cards–all in good standing–show a good balance of debt. However, if your only debt is that of several credit cards, that will decrease your credit score.

Being on my Mom’s Account

When I was sixteen, my mom put me on one of her Visa accounts. I had no idea at the time that this was a way to establish credit as a teen. However, by the time I was an adult, I was on my way to having great credit, since I didn’t abuse that privilege and she always paid her bills on time.

Medical Debt

If a medical bill is sent to collections, it will show up on your credit report, however, it may not affect your score as harshly as other debts. New changes have recently been made to allow more time for repayment or reduce the impact of late payments. In some cases, those marks may be omitted entirely when calculating your score.

Identity Theft

The goal of the thief is to use or open accounts in your name and run up as many charges as possible before you catch on. Thankfully, most credit cards offer protection and notify you if they notice abnormal spending habits. However, in many cases, the damage is done and your score pays the price.

Revolving Balance

If you have a card with a $5,000 limit and the balance is consistently at $4,900 or more, this affects your credit score. Try to pay more than just the minimum payments on your credit cards.

Inaccuracies

Nothing in the world is perfect, and the paperwork in Creditlandia is no different. Sometimes things may end up on your report that don’t belong there. If you notice unrecognizable marks on your report, consult Lexington Law Firm right away. They offer affordable help for a low monthly fee.

I am not a credit expert, but I’ve been a resident in the land of credit for more than half of my life. I’m 34 years old and I’ve made a plethora of mistakes. I’m a young mom, divorced, and put myself through school with minimal financial help, outside of loans. I have used a considerable amount of credit to get through the tough times and I’m so grateful it was there when I needed it. I’ve never made a late payment in my life, and my credit score reflects that fact. I am by no means debt free, but thanks to a high credit score, my financial life isn’t in shambles. I can’t stress the importance of this point enough:

Take good care of your credit score. Teach your kids to do the same, and if you need help, don’t hesitate to consult the professionals at Lexington Law Firm.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe

[heart_this] · Sep 7, 2018 · 2 Comments

This post is sponsored by Mirum, but opinions expressed are my own.
For frequent heartburn sufferers, we know foods don’t need to be spicy to cause discomfort. The effects of heartburn and acid reflux can cause dread for a majority of foods and the pills needed to find relief. Anything that has to be swallowed, while passing through the traumatized route to the tummy, can be a miserable experience. However, finding relief is now easier and more affordable, so enjoying foods like these delicious slow cooker sweet potatoes is possible again–recipe below.

The pain in your chest from heartburn isn’t quickly forgotten. Eating, drinking, laying down, and leaning over become excruciating. I’ve had heartburn so severe, I’ve felt it in my ears. When I was in college it was so bad that focusing on professors, taking tests, and leaning over lab tables was nearly impossible–I experienced a sensation that felt like an internal volcano was erupting. Even sipping water left me feeling like I could breathe fire.

Convenient and Affordable Heartburn Treatment

Equate Omeprazole Orally Disintegrating Tablet (also referred to as ODT) is a quick dissolving tablet which doesn’t require water to swallow. It has a pleasant strawberry flavor and comes in 14-day treatment packs, which are easily taken on the go. If you have heartburn two or more days a week, Equate Omeprazole ODT is an affordable option. Use as directed for 14 days to treat frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more days a week). It may take 1-4 days for full effect and is not intended for immediate relief. You shouldn’t take it for more than 14 days or more often than every four months unless directed by your doctor.

Absent of any unpleasant aftertaste or chalkiness, these tablets are something you can look forward to taking each day. They taste great and aren’t painful to swallow because they melt in your mouth. Also, since it’s a store brand, this heartburn relief option is more budget-friendly and can be found in your local Walmart pharmacy.

That’s enough about the misery of acid reflux, let’s get to the yummy things we can thoroughly enjoy once we’ve gotten it under control.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

If you've never used your slow cooker for potatoes, you are in for a treat. Using your Crockpot to prepare potatoes is easy, delicious, and frees up oven space should you need it.

The sweet and crunchy topping on these slow cooker sweet potatoes provides a nutty flavor perfect for fall. Make a meal out of these sweet potatoes or serve them as a side. While you might not think of sweet potatoes as a heartburn-inducing food, the butter in this recipe can be a worthy foe for such a condition.

5 from 2 votes

Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe

Potatoes in the slow cooker? Absolutely. Top these sweet potatoes with the crunchy pecan topping for a delicious fall meal.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword potatoes, slow cooker

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes

Servings 4 potatoes

Calories 298 kcal

Author Shelley

Ingredients

4 sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Maple Pecan Topping

1/4 cup pecans chopped
1/4 cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Wash and dry sweet potatoes. Poke holes in them with a fork.
Place a small amount of vegetable oil into a resealable bag and place the potato in the bag. Swirl the bag around to coat the potato in oil. Place the potato onto a sheet of aluminum foil and wrap around the potato.
Place the potatoes into a slow cooker and set on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. When cooking is complete, unwrap potatoes and cut a slit in the center and fill with Maple Pecan Topping.

Topping Instructions

Add chopped pecans, oatmeal, and butter to a small pan. Heat on medium, stirring frequently for about 3 minutes or until pecans are toasted, being careful they don't burn.
Reduce heat to low and stir in brown sugar and cinnamon and heat for another 1-2 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.
Spoon onto sweet potatoes and enjoy.

Recipe Notes

The topping works well on 4-6 potatoes.

It takes about 5-6 minutes to make the topping.

You can substitute the pecans for walnuts if you choose.

Maple pecan topping

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 298 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 17g 26%

Saturated Fat 9g 45%

Cholesterol 15mg 5%

Sodium 123mg 5%

Potassium 473mg 14%

Total Carbohydrates 34g 11%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Sugars 11g

Protein 3g 6%

Vitamin A 372.4%

Vitamin C 3.8%

Calcium 4.8%

Iron 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Upcycling Projects to Turn Your Home Décor Into a Brand New Style

[heart_this] · Sep 5, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Let’s face it, tastes change. While you may have loved one style a few years ago, you may have moved on. Instead of rushing out and hitting your favorite home décor store, why not try to upcycle those old home décor items into something new? Whether you break out the spray paint or get creative with fabric, upcycling projects for your home décor are seemingly endless. Don't forget the backyard! There are also a plethora of upcycling ideas using garbage in the garden.

Upcycling Projects for your Home Decor

Break Out the Spray Paint

You will be amazed at how much better something can look by simply spray painting it. For example, let’s say you love birds, but hate the bluebird figurines in your entryway. That’s an easy fix. Try spray painting them white, rose gold, or any other color. If you love the farmhouse look, you can paint the birds black and then antique white. Use sandpaper to rough up some of the edges for the black to show through, and the birds will look weathered. Either way, spray paint can make old things look brand new.

Rework That Painting

Do you have a canvas print that you’re tired of? Instead of donating it, paint the canvas a solid color and create your own artwork on top–canvases can be expensive. There are so many easy designs you can make that will give your walls a brand new look on a tiny budget.

Create New Pillow Covers

Who knows why, but throw pillows are insanely expensive for what they are. Instead of buying new ones to match your style, purchase some fabric to make new covers. This will save you so much money. And, if you’re not good with a sewing machine, use some hemming tape to fasten the fabric together.

Update an Outdated Rug

Area rugs are also very expensive. The cool thing is that you can do so many different things to update their look. You can use a stencil to apply patterns, dye the rug a different color, and so much more. The site Apartment Therapy offers some amazing suggestions.

Give Your Bookcase an Update

People often think to paint their bookcase, but what about the actual contents of your bookshelf? Merely arranging the books in different ways can give your home a new look. If you’re a book lover with several bookcases in your home, you want to pay special attention to this area. You can arrange books by colors, stack them in different ways, and break up the rows with figurines.

Use Items in New Ways

Sometimes you just need to rethink the way you use something. Just because it’s made for one purpose doesn’t mean you can’t use it for another. For example, you can turn an old box grater upside down and attach it to the wall to serve as a towel and utensil holder. Just be creative.

You don’t have to rush out and spend a fortune to get a new look. You can create a brand new style by simply upcycling what you already have. Even on the smallest budget, you can make a huge difference.

When was the last time you took on an upcycling project to transform something old into something renewed?

2 Years of Migraine Relief Thanks to the Daith Piercing – Now What?

[heart_this] · Aug 31, 2018 · 2 Comments

Eight hundred and twenty seven days with no pain or tension, clear vision, and total freedom. I ate without worry, slept peacefully, and even the weather changes were no match for my daith piercing. The migraine relief was complete. My doctors seemed impressed and even told some of their other patients about my success. So, following over two years of bliss, what happened? Why did I start feeling the migraine symptoms creep back into my life? Now, what will I do to carry on with the looming, daily threat of intense pain?

WHY Did My Daith Piercing Stop Working?

I spent quite a bit of time speaking with Dr. Chris Blatchley of the London Migraine Clinic, where he studies the effectiveness of the daith piercing for migraines. He explained that the reason I had relief is believed to be due to the stimulation of a branch of the vagus nerve located near the ear canal. Piercing this spot, known as a daith piercing, causes swelling and a lengthy healing process. It’s this healing process that causes the nerve stimulation/migraine relief. After 2 years, the site is typically fully healed and thus, the stimulation ends, along with the glorious migraine symptom relief I experienced.

For me, this science proves true. At the onset of my recent aura, I frantically began twisting the ring. It didn’t hurt, which told me the area really had healed. If I twisted and tugged enough, I could make it hurt which immediately alleviated some of the migraine symptoms, but only for brief moments. So, I took the earring out.

For five days, I was miserable. I had horrendous anxiety, tension, and the aura got worse each subsequent day. I went back to the tattoo shop and had a new piece of jewelry put in. Some of the hole had healed in those five days, so it was somewhat like getting it repierced. The MOMENT he broke through the bit of cartilage that had reformed, I melted into the chair with relief. It was as if all the anxiety and pain evaporated from my body. I got another 2 pain-free months out of this “new” piercing before all the symptoms started reappearing.

I took the daith earring out, and I'm now letting the area fully heal. I plan to have the piercing redone in a few months after the hole has fully closed. My hope is to get another 2 years out of a fresh piercing. However, these few months are off to a rough start. I saw my doctor and she could see it all over my face,–the defeat, the desperation. After experiencing life without migraines, it’s cataclysmic to face the reality of their return. How can I provide for my family? Be a present parent? Do any sort of humaning?

She quickly ran down a list of medications to treat the pain. Triptans make me feel like my brain is burning, ibuprofen and acetaminophen now cause severe flank pain, and the others either make you impossibly drowsy or cost a fortune. I explained that while I’m desperate, I really don’t want to flood my system with medications that will surely cause more side effects and stress. I am more interested prevention than pain management.

Migraine Relief After the Daith Piercing

After doing her own research, my doctor suggested I take 400mg of riboflavin a day. She found a product on Amazon, which included magnesium and feverfew specifically for migraine sufferers. I ordered it immediately. This is not medical advice. Please consult your own doctor before taking any supplements.

To get through these few months while my piercing site fully heals, I’ve reinstated every tactic from my former migraine days. I’m using my back buddy to reduce the tension in my shoulder, washing my hair with mint shampoo, balancing my diet, getting plenty of sleep, and rubbing migraine gel on the back of my neck.

It’s been 17 days since I took out my daith piercing. I’ve had three full blown migraines lasting 2-3 days each. I started the riboflavin supplement, Migrelief, four days ago and it seems to be helping. The first day I took it during an aura, and the pain never arrived.

I’ve also stopped drinking coffee. It lowers my blood sugar which can bring on a migraine attack. For the last 5 weeks, I’ve been taking 1 capsule (half the recommended dose) of a brain booster supplement that contains caffeine. It provides a steady release of energy and I’m not jittery or anxious. My focus has improved and even my skin has a new glow. I miss coffee more than I’d like to admit and I'm currently looking for something to fill that void, but I have to admit, I haven’t felt this good, mentally, in a long time.

To recap, here’s what is working for me:

Half dose of Neuro Force supplement in the morning
1 tablet of Migrelief in the morning
At least 50 oz of water a day
Back Buddy massage, as needed
Migraine Gel, as needed
Mint shampoo and conditioner–this is my new fave
Heating pad on upper back, as needed

Once my daith fully heals, I plan to have the migraine piercing redone. Having experienced such a long symptom-free period, I am super aware of how much anxiety I battle each day. We’ve heard that the daith piercing could help treat anxiety, but I was so focused on the migraine relief, I didn’t notice how anxious I was prior to the piercing. While I’m having good results from the methods listed above, nothing beat the migraine and anxiety relief from the daith piercing.

How To Establish Credit for Teens

[heart_this] · Aug 24, 2018 · 4 Comments

This post was sponsored by Lexington Law Firm.
Learning how to establish credit can be done at any age, but it’s far more valuable to start the process early in life. Parents, this post is for you. Teens, read on, then arrange a family meeting to implement the strategies you learn. Schools covering K-12, generally, are not teaching our kids about credit scores and financial responsibility, so the task falls on us as parents. Helping your teens establish credit is much like starting a college fund or investing in an extra layer of insurance–it’s setting them off on the right path into adulthood. This post has been sponsored by Lexington Law Firm, but everything in this blog is based on my thoughts and opinions.

How To Establish Credit

Credit isn’t like a grade in school–you don’t start with an A and work to maintain it. Your credit score starts low and it takes time, discipline, and the right knowledge to establish a higher score. In addition to teaching kids the importance of their credit rating, there are several things we can do to help them start establishing credit, even before they’re of legal age.

Their First Job

As soon as they’re able to enter the workforce, getting that first job is a valuable step to learning responsibility and the value of money. My dad always used to calculate how many hours he’d have to work to pay for something. When I wanted something ridiculously overpriced, he’d ask me, “How many hours would you have to work to pay for those jeans?” Once I had my first job as a waitress, I understood what he was talking about and my impulsive spending ceased.

Teen Checking and Savings

Learning how to balance and manage checking and savings accounts is a big deal, especially if a debit card is involved. Avoiding overdrafts is essential for building credit, so teaching teens how to keep track of their spending is paramount. Most of these tasks can be done via an app, so it’s much more convenient, but still requires attention and discipline.

Their First Credit Card

Many credit card companies allow you to add family members to your account. Teens as young as sixteen can recieve their own card, but the balance accumulates on the same bill and they have access to your available credit. For obvious reasons, this requires an extremely high level of trust, which is why, when this privilege is not abused, the teen’s credit score reflects good behavior.

There are also cards available specifically for teens with limits between $250 and $1000, depending on the parent’s credit.

I’m setting up my seventeen-year-old son with a card on one of my accounts with a pretty high limit. I’m giving him his allowance in the form of credit, so he can spend up to a certain amount each week on this card. Anything over that agreed amount will be handled in house, meaning I become his credit bureau. He will have to pay for the difference–with interest–if he can’t come up with the funds when the bill is due. Because I will always pay the bill on the time, he can follow my example of good habits–it’s like cosigning for your kids’ financial responsibility.

Protect Personal Information

Protecting a child’s personal info, like social security numbers, account numbers, and birthdates becomes a parent’s job soon after they’re born. I’ve heard horror stories of toddlers’ identities being stolen and used for racking up debt, ruining their credit before they’ve even taken their first steps. Issues such as these can be resolved, but it’s better to avoid the whole mess and take preventative measures.

Once kids are online–which is practically at birth nowadays–they should be taught how to keep their information safe. It takes constant reminders to never share account information like logins and passwords, and always avoid suspicious links and download prompts.

Real Life Bills

Putting a monthly bill in your child’s name–perhaps their cell phone, or car insurance–can significantly help build credit when paid consistently on time.

Let them Be Kids

It’s so important that we find that seemingly impossible balance of teaching them how to adult while allowing them to still be carefree kids. Keep it fun, and start teaching the lessons early so it doesn’t become overwhelming. The earlier they form good habits, the better.

Lexington Law

In a perfect world, teens would never need a service to clean up their credit report, but in some cases, help is necessary. For a low monthly fee, teams of experts at Lexington Law Firm are at the ready to aid in the clean up of marks on your report. Nip those issues in the bud.

A Teen with Good Credit

Preparing our kids for the real world is our job. Helping them establish credit early is like providing a launch pad, giving them a boost and power to get better jobs, loans, and opportunities. Don't let a low credit score be the pebble in their shoe.

Start the discussion today.

Sneaky Cheeseburger Recipe with Moon Cheese – $1500 Colossal Giveaway

[heart_this] · Aug 22, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Earlier this year, I attended the Sweets & Snacks Expo with a lovely group of fellow bloggers. While perusing the vast aisles, loaded with booth after booth of candies, snacks, and innovative foods, we landed in the Moon Cheese booth. We excitedly sampled each flavor, discussed the progress of the product with the creators, and brainstormed recipe ideas. Prior to tasting this crunchy, dehydrated cheese, I assumed cheddar would be my favorite and that I may not have a palate for the other flavors. To my surprise, each space-rock shaped bite was more delicious than the last. I participated in Mom Blog Tour Sweets & Snacks Expo on behalf of Wendy's Bloggers. I received Moon Cheese products to facilitate my post, but my opinion and creative content are my own.

Moon Cheese

Moon Cheese comes in a variety of flavors including Cheddar, Gouda, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, and now they even have Mix ‘Ems for even more of a flavor punch.

It's delicious on its own, added to trail mix, salads, or soups, and the best part–it really is just cheese. This snack is keto-friendly, gluten-free, and high in protein. Because it's dehydrated, it doesn't require refrigeration making it perfect for on-the-go munching. But, that's too easy. We decided to see what other fun ways Moon Cheese could be used so; we give you: Sneaky Cheese Burgers. You'll taste the cheesy goodness, but you won't see it.

Sneaky Cheese Burgers

Typically, homemade hamburger recipes call for breadcrumbs. Instead, try using crushed Moon Cheese! The resulting flavor and consistency are outstanding.

This recipe calls for just Gouda, but you can pick your favorite cheese crumbles, and I suggest adding crushed Mix ‘Ems. I added 1/4 cup of crushed Tomato & Basil Pesto to 1/4 cup of Gouda, and it was a great success. Everyone wanted more!

By eliminating the breadcrumbs, these are a gluten free burger. The dehydrated cheese crumbles add wonderful flavor and hold the burger together nicely. Even using the George Foreman grill–which I tilted to the highest level to drain the fat from the grass-fed ground beef, resulted in a juicy burger.

0 from 0 votes

Moon Cheese Burgers

These are the most flavorful and juiciest hamburgers you'll ever make!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword burger

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 4 burgers

Calories 663 kcal

Author Shelley

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1 egg beaten
1/2 cup Moon Cheese crushed, Gouda
2 tbsp evaporated milk
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat indoor or outdoor grill for high heat. I used my George Foreman grill.
Add preferred variety of Moon Cheese--I used half Gouda and half Tomato and Basil Pesto, to a zippered plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin to a fine crumble.
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, Moon Cheese crumbles, evaporated milk, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder using your hands.
Form the mixture into 8 hamburger patties.
Lightly oil your grill and cook the patties 5 minutes per side, or until done.

Nutrition Facts

Moon Cheese Burgers

Amount Per Serving

Calories 663 Calories from Fat 450

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 50g 77%

Saturated Fat 20g 100%

Cholesterol 219mg 73%

Sodium 401mg 17%

Potassium 727mg 21%

Total Carbohydrates 3g 1%

Sugars 1g

Protein 44g 88%

Vitamin A 3%

Vitamin C 1.3%

Calcium 18.8%

Iron 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Follow Moon Cheese on all their channels:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook

Register for a Chance to Win a $1500 Prize Pack!

How to Build Credit as a Single Mom on a Budget

[heart_this] · Aug 17, 2018 · 1 Comment

This post was sponsored by Lexington Law Firm.
In a perfect world, we’d all be taught how to build credit at an early age so we can be prepared for the future. For many of us, that’s not the case and, through a series of financial missteps, we end up requiring credit repair before the building process can begin. If you’re a single parent on a tight budget, this entire ordeal can be even more daunting. However, you don’t need to feel overwhelmed or resigned to a long history of bad credit. With a little discipline and the right knowledge, you can get back on track to an excellent credit score. This post has been sponsored by Lexington Law Firm, but everything in this blog is based on my thoughts and opinions.

How to Build Credit – Tips for Single Parents

Strong Foundation

When it comes to building anything, you should start with a strong foundation. First, if there are negative marks on your credit report you don't recognize or don't believe are yours, focus on getting those resolved. If you don’t know where to start, head over to Lexington Law Firm and they’ll assist you through the entire process. For an affordable monthly fee, you’ll have a team working on your behalf to clean up your report.

Figure Out Your Budget

Let’s begin with any credit card debt you’ve accumulated, which is often the most frightening to get a handle on. Always try to pay more than the minimum amounts to get out from under high-interest rates quicker. If eligible, you might want to consider transferring balances to cards with zero interest promotions. I found myself in $20,000 credit card debt, alone, and opted to take this route. I was able to transfer several thousand to cards with no interest, then structured a plan to pay them off before the promotional period expired–I had 12 months on one and 18 months on another. This plan requires discipline, so make sure you stay organized and NEVER make a late payment.

Once you determine your budget, stick to it. It takes discipline, and you need your family on board. My kids know we won’t be eating out, except for special occasions. We do weekly grocery shopping (at multiple stores to get the best prices on every item) and prepare almost all meals at home. The kids feel empowered because they know we’re working as a team. They’re older now and understand that my credit card debt provided them opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. My son is a black belt in Tae kwon do, and it was worth every cent–including the interest–to make that happen for his physical and mental wellbeing. It taught him discipline during a time it was needed most.

To keep your team motivated, consider printing visual updates of your progress. I keep a spreadsheet of all running debt, and every couple of months, the kids and I review it together. It’s incredible to see the debt we owe getting smaller and our savings getting bigger.

Don’t Forget to SAVE

While getting out of debt is important, saving money is just as vital. Even if it’s only ten dollars a week, make sure you’re putting something in savings.

Use Your Credit Cards

Once your debt is under control, try to use your credit cards often. Get cards with a points program that make the most sense for your lifestyle. If you love to travel, get a card that offers bonus airline miles or hotel stays. Do your research carefully because, in some cases, airline and hotel programs work collaboratively. If you love to shop at Old Navy, get their card and receive “Bucks Back.” If you’re spending money, you should absolutely be getting rewards! During our recent back-to-school clothes shopping, we had had over $100 in credit at Old Navy because I use their card and maximize points every chance I get.

Pay off your credit cards every month to avoid paying interest. If your budget is planned, use your credit cards for purchases that you know you can pay in full. This way, you’ll get the points, too. Again, I can’t stress enough to never make a late payment on any of your monthly bills. Paying on time is the easiest way to build your credit score.

Don’t Abuse Spending Limits

Your ratio of debt to credit available is a huge factor when determining your credit score. Having a good amount of available credit shows that you’re not going to spend it just because you can. I have a card with a $10,000 limit and I never owe more than a couple hundred dollars–and they keep automatically raising my limit! It’s awesome to know that credit’s available if I ever need it. If my planning works out, I’ll be able to use that when I can pay it off in full and get maximum awards benefits!

If you’re in a situation where you don’t have any credit cards and your credit score is low, start small. You might be able to get a card with a low limit and high interest. Use it and pay it off every month to avoid that high fee. Regular use of that card and timely payments will put your credit journey back on track. You’ll be rewarded for your good behavior with a higher score and increased spending limits. However, it’s important that you pay all your debts consistently and on time–not just credit cards. Rents, mortgages, insurance, cell phone bills, utilities, and all services need to be paid on time to avoid marks on your credit report. We all have those moments of forgetfulness, resulting in a late payment. If it happens to you, call the company immediately. They’ll usually wave late penalties if you’re not habitually late with payments.

Stay Organized

I pay all my bills online. This is a recent development because I had become so accustomed to writing checks, I found it difficult to make the switch. I now arrange bookmarks in my browser that lead to every account I have to pay. I title the bookmark with the date the payment is due so I can run down the list quickly and efficiently. I’ll be totally honest here, as a single parent on a budget, I don’t always have what I need in my checking account for the whole month and have to get creative. Sometimes I pay minimums; sometimes I pay my phone bill with a credit card to just buy some time. However, I ALWAYS pay on time and make up the shortcoming by paying more than the minimums whenever possible.

Balance Your Checkbook

However you need to learn, do it. Balancing your checkbook will save you so much money and help build credit. Overdraft fees are easily avoidable if you keep up with how much you have in your account. With mobile apps, this is easier than ever, but if you’re using your debit card without considering your balance, you’re creating complications. I avoid using debit and only use credit cards. With education and discipline, it’s how I was able to build excellent credit.

Wherever you are on the journey, it's never too late to recover.

RoWrite – The Smartest Writing Pad for Back to School

[heart_this] · Aug 15, 2018 · 22 Comments

According to a recent study published in the journal, Psychological Science, using pen and paper, not laptops, to take notes boosts memory and the ability to retain and understand concepts. There is just something about writing what you’re hearing, reading, or thinking that seems to reinforce the subject in your mind. Now that we’re firmly planted in the digital age, a lot of notes are delivered or taken electronically. Just in time for the back to school season, we have a product that seamlessly melds the worlds of digital and physical: RoWrite, the smartest writing pad I’ve ever used. We received a unit for review and one for giveaway, but this blog contains only my honest opinions based on my experience with the device.

Taking Notes

To study for exams in college, I used to handwrite notes during class and while reading the textbook, then transfer the most vital information onto one piece of paper. During the test, I could visualize the information–the color of ink used, the position on the page, and what my hand looked like when writing it. It was these study methods that got me through some of the most difficult courses. My kids–my son especially–is really struggling to find study methods that work for him. His high school provides a Chromebook for much of the educational materials and coursework that’s required, but I rarely see him hand write notes.

An artist at his core, he’s been drawing and using his hands to transfer what’s in his head since he was old enough to hold a crayon. Like many, he’s a visual learner. I encouraged him to take notes in class during the end of last year, but he complained it was difficult to keep everything organized. With so much of his materials digitally stored, paper was getting lost in the shuffle.

RoWrite – Smart Writing Pad

Unlike other digital apps I’ve attempted to use for note taking, RoWrite uses a real pen and actual paper. You can rest your hand like you would naturally, without worry that it will smudge the digital copy. Via a Bluetooth connection, this smart writing pad picks up your pen strokes and makes them instantly available on your chosen device as digital copy. Drawings, notes, doodles, math problems, or whatever else you create will be available within the app. My son is currently studying his football plays.

via GIPHY

Also within the app, you can edit your work, add color, convert your handwriting to editable text, share it with friends and classmates, and even record video of your creative process.

The device uses a battery-powered pen and A5 paper. Pen strokes within the guide marks will be captured. While regular-sized paper can be used, it is not recommended. The RoWrite pads are designed with two guide holes, and their thickness is optimized to capture every pen stroke. The package also includes a beautiful folio, ink refill, (2) A5 notepads, a charging cord, and ink refill extractor.

Once the RoWrite app was installed on my Android phone (also available for iOS), I was capturing my writing within minutes. The entire set up is incredibly user-friendly, and I can’t wait to see how my kids will apply this to their learning process. While your phone and smart writing pad are paired, you can write freely, then push the sync button to see your work in the app. If you add to the paper, simply hit the sync button again and it will show up as a separate document. To merge all additions, you simply long hold each selected document, then hit merge for one, continuous document. Once you’re satisfied, you can then add color, additional graphics, or animate the document to show how your work unfolded. You can save to cloud services and share your creations with friends, family, and co-workers.

Imagine the possibilities! Sharing notes with classmates has never been easier. Documents can be saved as video, JPG, PDF, or PNG files and added to other apps like Evernote, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

Enter for Your Chance to Win

One lucky winner will receive a RoWrite Smart Writing Pad of their own!
GIVEAWAY ENDED — WINNER: Marci C. from SD.

I Died Once, and My Son Saved Me

[heart_this] · Aug 12, 2018 · 7 Comments

It felt like waking up from an unplanned nap–confusing, unsure of the day or time, yet I remember the moment with total clarity. My eyelids lifted, revealing the emergency room privacy curtain on either side but open towards the front of the makeshift cloth room. The stabbing pain with my first coherent breath and seeing the look on my mom’s face as she hastily turned into the open fabric to see me laying in that bed, I knew I was alive.

The immediate sense of disappointment I felt was alarming, even to me. I didn’t set out to kill myself that day. I was sixteen and had no self respect. I didn’t care what happened to my body–reckless, and without self love, I was seeking approval from other lost, confused souls around me.

The drugs were so easy to get. My friend and I had the tiny, travel-size mouthwash bottles in our purses and walked right into the club. A cap-full was all it would take to feel the effect. I remember the loud music, dancing on a stage, and feeling wildly drunk. Why I kept taking more is still beyond me. Was I trying to be cool? Impress someone? Get attention? Maybe.

The room in the distance was blurry and spinning but everything closest to me remained clear. I knew I was going to vomit and got off the stage to head towards the bathroom. It was then I realized my body wasn’t working. I must’ve told someone I was going to throw up and needed to get to the restroom because I remember hands holding me up. While en route, I bumped into a classmate and recall actually smiling at her and saying hi. The look of disapproval on her face is seared into my memory.

After those moments, my memory is spotty. I remember being in the back rooms of the club where the owner kept asking me for my parent’s phone number. A time before cell phones, I gave them the land line that was on the other side of the house knowing my mom wouldn’t hear it. I didn’t want to trouble her.

They brought my friend back and after asking repeatedly, she must’ve told them what I had taken. My deteriorating condition finally meriting an honest response. Heaving into a trash bag, and slumped against a wall, I had a brief moment of clarity–I knew I wasn’t getting better. I told them my mom’s phone number.

The owner drove me to the emergency room in his brand new SUV, so I was super careful to make sure any vomit got into the black bag I was holding–pathetically considerate and pleasing others even when dying.

The rest is blank.

I woke up to the look on my mom’s face and my aching chest–a painful reminder that being resuscitated is violent business. My mom’s first question, “Who did this to you?” would have been easy to answer with a lie–pass the blame, continue the party. But I told her the truth, “I did.”

The doctors came in and I tried to listen, but processing their words was like trying to eat pudding with a fork–so much slipping past before I could get it. “Lethal dose” and “the size of a pencil eraser” ring a bell. I drank somewhere around an ounce of the “Liquid G.”

I never wanted to hurt anyone. I just didn’t care about myself. I was hurting, and without the language to tell anyone what I was feeling, I was trapped in the sadness of my own skull.

Despite all of this, it was just three weeks before I was back to the club, this time experimenting with a different class of drugs.

I found out I was pregnant very early in the pregnancy. Thankfully it was during a brief drug-free period. There were a few tiny moments where I considered my options, but it was my mom’s significant other, Ben, who found out I was pregnant first. His face lit up–his first reaction to the thought of having the baby rather than what would usually happen to a sixteen year old girl still in highschool. He was so excited.

That was the pivotal moment.

I was in charge of taking care of someone else.

I never touched a drug again. I even stopped drinking pop and threw myself into a lifestyle of obsessive healthy eating and habits.

My son saved my life, and Ben helped him.

It’s been seventeen years and Adam still saves me everyday. He was born a hero–it’s who he is.

Sometimes I feel like I’m more of a sibling than a mother because on so many levels we’ve grown up together. My mom and Ben have rallied through every tough time, every struggle, every bit of confusion or mistake. It certainly does take a village.

But this is supposed to be about Adam. I didn’t give him the best landing pad here on earth. Despite all my struggles with motherhood, growing up, and depression, he has become the most impressive man.

Selfless, thoughtful, driven, accountable, talented, and wise are words often used to describe him, even as a teenager. Taking him anywhere is a treat. Anyone who spends more than five minutes with him becomes immediately aware of how special he is. When he asks how you are doing, he genuinely wants to know.

Last year, for Adam’s sixteenth birthday, we got tattoos together. Mine, to honor him, and his the symbol of his birth month, Leo.

This year, at seventeen and approaching the legally deemed age of adulthood, he just wants a pair of shoes and to play his video game–currently in a beta phase, which is apparently quite exciting.

He doesn’t go to parties or have a ton of friends. He doesn’t entirely fit in with his age group. He’s a big thinker. He thinks of his future, which is something my teenage brain wasn’t capable of processing. He understands and respects consequences.

For his senior year, he begged to join the football team. He’s wanted to be on the team since his freshman year, but I was against it for fear of injuries. He trained everyday–working out, building his strength, and eating, well, everything to prove he could handle it. He’s so strong. His mind and body matching in power.

To say I’m proud of this boy is almost laughable. I am enamoured, enchanted, impressed beyond belief that this person was given to me. He is a gift to the planet.

As I’m writing this, the tears are falling. I can’t help but feel like I could’ve done better–grown up faster, given him more, because if anyone deserves it, it’s him. But, he’s so wonderful, perhaps because of the struggle, that I wouldn’t change anything. Moving forward, I aim to impress him. His journey is just beginning. He wants to do so much and he can do anything.

For whoever or whatever reason I have him in my life, thank you. Thank you for everyone that has contributed to his character. My mom, Bim, you made up for all my shortcomings and made sure I grew up with my son.

I had Adam on this day, in the evening after 19 hours of hard labor. Jen was there–she helped me bring him into the world. This was the day magic was introduced to my mess.

PANDAS Movie Narrated by Kristen Bell

[heart_this] · Aug 8, 2018 · 6 Comments

Warner Bros. recently had us giggling in the theater for Teen Titans GO! To the Movies, and now they’re bringing us back for more feels with the new PANDAS movie, narrated by Kristen Bell. We’ll have one week, August 17th through the 24th, to catch this film in IMAX theaters, and you can enter below for a chance to win tickets. This documentary film is rated G, so plan on bringing the whole family!

Experience the New PANDAS Movie

These fluffy, rolly bears are adored by many, and now is our chance to follow the journey of one very special Panda, Qian Qian. She’s about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. With the help of her many human friends, this captive-born cub will be set free to live in the wild.

Love these clumsy puffballs! Baby panda going down a slide — A Giant Panda cub at China’s Chengdu Panda Base as seen in the new IMAX® film, “PANDAS,” an
IMAX Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Drew Fellman

While Qian Qian has a lot to learn, it took an international collaboration of scientists and trainers to teach this adorable puffball how to fend for herself.

Giant Panda from IMAX PANDAS — Qian Qian, a Giant Panda raised in captivity, eats bamboo, which represents nearly 99% of a panda’s diet, at her home in the Liziping Nature Reserve as seen in the new IMAX® film, “Pandas,” an IMAX Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Drew Fellman

At Chengdu Panda Base in China, scientists are taking the captive breeding program to the next level by preparing their cubs for the wild. The film follows one researcher, whose passion leads her to initiate a new technique inspired by a black bear rehabilitator in rural New Hampshire.

The new PANDAS movie looks so cute! — A Giant Panda cub at China’s Chengdu Panda Base as seen in the new IMAX® film, “PANDAS,” an
IMAX Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Drew Fellman

The documentary, captured with IMAX cameras, follows Qian Qian into the mountains of Sichuan, as she experiences nature for the first time and discovers her inner wild panda.

Kristen Bell

Someone has been quite busy! This Bad (-ass) Mom has been all over the place lately. Kristen Bell graced us with her time at the Mom 2.0 Summit just a few months ago–and I can’t wait to spill the beans on what happened there. She voiced the spunky producer, Jade Wilson, in Teen Titans GO! To The Movies, and we all know and love her as Anna in Frozen. Hearing her sweet and animated voice narrate the tales of these clumsy, black and white puffballs is going to be a treat.

Attention Homeschooling Parents

Take a field trip to the theater! Click the link to download a 41-page activity booklet. Use this guide to help enhance the discussion and reflection of PANDAS, which supports the classroom treatment of life science and earth science standards for third through eighth grade.

The process of preparing helpless creatures for the world is something all parents can agree is emotionally taxing, beautiful, and the scariest of ordeals. Whether it’s a Chinese jungle or one made of concrete, our job is to teach our kids to trust their instincts. For us, it’s also about loving ourselves enough to listen to all those gut feelings and stick to our true passions. It’s all in there–we just have to dig it out and celebrate it.

For his bears, the researcher in New Hampshire is an excellent bear dad. “I don’t teach bears how to be bears–the knowledge is already inside them.”

Just like our kids were all born with a gift, it’s our job as parents to coax it out of our kids. So, play, learn, collaborate, and celebrate.

For more information, visit IMAX PANDAS online.

One lucky winner will receive a family four pack of tickets to see the new PANDAS movie in IMAX theaters. NOTE: The film will only be in IMAX theaters from August 17 through the 24th!
US only. Ends August 15, 2018.
Giveaway ended. Winner: Margaret C.

The Average Credit Score for Americans in their 20s and Why It Needs Attention

[heart_this] · Aug 8, 2018 · Leave a Comment

This post was sponsored by Lexington Law Firm.
While researching the average credit score for Americans in their 20s, several notable facts were often presented. Perhaps not surprisingly, on average, younger consumers have lower credit scores. The average for Generation Z and trailing millennials is around 632–which is considered “poor credit.” This reality is somewhat expected because younger people likely haven’t had time to build credit. However, a lack of knowledge and solid examples causes many to miss credit-building opportunities. The “fix it later” mentality seems to run the show for those concerned with almost anything outside of personal finances. This post has been sponsored by Lexington Law Firm, but everything in this blog is based on my thoughts and opinions.

Let's Help Raise the Average Credit Score for Gen Z

Education Gap

One primary concern–one that can be easily remedied–is lack of education about finances and how they can affect you in the short and long term. It seems ridiculous that comprehensive financial literacy isn’t part of a standard education curriculum, especially during incredibly difficult economic times for so many. The world of credit is a daunting place, where even adults can be found wandering aimlessly. This complaint was expressed across numerous comments from people struggling with their credit scores. Several admitted their own faults, but also proclaimed that no one ever taught them how to manage their finances. So many of them also had no examples of good credit-building behavior growing up. If their parents were struggling financially, they paid the most important bills first and paid the rest when they could. When those same parents had additional income, they often spent $.99 of every dollar. Unfortunately, bad habits truly do start at home.

Discipline

As with so many of life’s lessons, simply learning how to be financially responsible doesn’t necessarily make it easy. When you get your first job and have money of your own, temptations can be found everywhere, especially when you’re surrounded by a world of quick, online purchases and status-hungry peers. Add a credit card with no tangible paper summary to hold count of purchases, and overspending becomes a breeze. Making mistakes is part of the learning process, but when it takes time to recover–and a superhuman amount of discipline and sacrifice to develop new behaviors–raising low credit scores can feel like climbing out of quicksand.

More Cash

A growing number of those in their 20s and 30s have watched their parents struggle with credit and have simply opted out altogether. They only use debit cards or cash in an attempt to avoid the entire credit issue completely. However, unless their incomes can support large purchases, this can create problems when they want to purchase a home or need a bank loan. Without establishing a healthy credit history–paying on time, respecting available limits, and proving personal responsibility over time–banks are not likely to hand over loans without a good credit score.

What Can We Do?

Learning is painful, and we’re human, so don’t expect perfection. It’s okay to make mistakes, just know how to fix them or ask for help. The knowledgeable team at Lexington Law Firm can help you clean up your credit report and get you back on track to a better credit score.

As parents, we should vow to teach our children where schools may come up short. Educational institutions experience their own financial burdens, so teaching personal finance may seem more like an enrichment program than necessary curriculum. I recall very basic instruction in finance, but nothing within those lessons taught me the real-life impact of my decisions. I was fortunate to have my sister and mom as great examples of smart credit use, and I am taking every opportunity to teach my kids the same. There are many benefits to having a high score, so it’s a shame more people aren’t aware of this until they’re old enough to need it. It’s a sad reality that “need it” often means the attempt to get out of financial distress.

For those with good credit, the ability to get a bank loan is much easier and with lower interest rates, when needed; they can show potential employers a high level of financial responsibility and organization, and they have the comfort of holding an increased amount of available credit for a rainy day. Having a good chunk of available credit shows others you possess self-discipline and skills to make complicated life decisions, and it’s a wonderful feeling to know it’s there if you ever need it–that’s maintaining your own personal equity.

Visit Lexington Law Firm to see all the affordable services they offer to help get you on track for a higher credit score.

The Cutest and Derpiest Animals of Bearizona

[heart_this] · Aug 3, 2018 · 8 Comments

Located just 30 minutes from our lovely home for the week in Flagstaff, Bearizona offers a day full of laughs, education, and adventure. We’ve experienced our fair share of zoos, but this one offers a unique experience–you get to drive through the animal habitats! During our drive, we had a black bear saunter right up to the car door, and she (or he) even gave us a love tap! At the end of the driving portion, you can also visit a beautiful walking zoo, which gave my family an opportunity to learn about a variety of fascinating animals. As you’ll see, Bearizona is also full of hilarious characters! Why did so many creatures stick their tongue out at me?! We received complimentary access to the park, but everything shared here is based on our honest opinions.

You've got to see our hotel in Flagstaff.

The 2019 Kia Sorento entered the drive-thru zoo with windows down and wide-eyed teens anxious to see all the animals. It only took a few minutes before we were greeted by a rather shabby, sheepish creature going through a rough molt, but smiling regardless. Reindeer, wolves, bears, and bison were also seen on our tree-lined route. Just remember to keep your windows up and doors locked–yes the bears can open doors–when making your way through the wolf and bear habitats. Scenes from Jurassic Park were floating through my head as we looked out each car window, including the Sorento’s massive panoramic sunroof to see animals, even in the trees.

Bearizona – The Derpiest Animals

When you smell the coffee but getting out of bed is just too much effort.
This badger is my morning spirit animal.

Right: Me scolding my kids.
Left: Them.

When vegan is written all over your face.

Smile for the camera, Horace.

I just really need to focus on my art right now.

I can see you, Clarence. You’re a bear!

Chauncey doesn’t care about your problems.

Keto got me sniffin’ carbs like…

Low carb farts, George.

We all have that friend.

It’s funny because he’s fat.

Humid day and trying a new hair product? You’ll be fine.

Which way is my butt?

This rock gets me.

I’m not happy about this. It’s just my face.

Ugh, I feel for this guy. You know that infernal feeling of when your sock is only half on and if it’s not remedied immediately it’s only a matter of seconds before you’re completely mad? Yeah. He’s a far better sport about whatever is going on with his situation.

Cutest Animals of Bearizona

If cats lived in water, they’d be North American River Otters.

Someday I’d like to have three Bearded Dragons. Shelley, Mother of … too far?

But, why does this duck have human eyes?

This red fox is painfully perfect, and she knows it. Good job foxy lady.

The brown bear is brown.

I was today years old when I learned white peacocks are a thing.

The real mailer daemon.

If you’re planning a trip to Arizona, Bearizona needs to be on your list of places to visit. You can find out about the animals, how to donate, admission prices, and membership on their website. But, nothing beats meeting these hilarious derpy guys in person.

I tried to be funny, and I'm really not.

Do you have any funny captions for these photos? If so, comment below and I'll make them into memes!

Follow Bearizona on all their social channels and let us know if you're planning to visit!

Muscle Building Foods – Scrumptious Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

[heart_this] · Aug 1, 2018 · 4 Comments

The vast world of nutrition and nutrition science can be difficult to navigate. Do you count calories? Omit carbs? How do you track macro- and micronutrients to make sure you're getting all you need? If you're working out, are you eating enough muscle building foods? Even after earning my degree in nutrition science, I still find all of this overwhelming. For me, food is more emotional than scientific. Yes, I want to be healthy and well-nourished, but my meals, gosh darn, better be yummy and satisfying, too.

Muscle Building Foods

As stated above, you’re presented with the founding principle behind making pancakes “healthier.” However, the term healthier is a somewhat ambiguous, hot-button term in the realm of food studies. What is “healthy” for one person, might be (is often) different for another. Barring any medical issues, I have found all of this really does come back to the often misunderstood “b” word: balance–especially when aiming to gain muscle tone and mass.

When lifting weights, your muscles require protein and carbs to grow, even more so following an intense workout. Carbohydrates help fuel the delivery of proteins to your hungry muscle fibers. So, if you're weight training, carbs are not the enemy. Aim for a balanced diet that's rich in high-quality protein.

Our favorite muscle building foods are protein pancakes. They're yummy, convenient, and satisfy those cravings for sweet treats, which are often devoid of beneficial nutrients.

Cinnamon Roll Protein Pancakes

While we have numerous variations of this recipe for the best tasting protein pancakes, this version is arguably the most indulgent…I mean, scrumptious. Take a look at the full nutrient breakdown by clicking the link in the nutrition label below:

Muscle Building Foods - Scrumptious Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

5 from 3 votes

Cinnamon Roll Protein Pancakes

Enjoy that cinnamon roll flavor without the dreaded sugar crash after. Protein pancakes are well-balanced and make a great treat any time of day.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword pancakes, protein

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 5 pancakes

Calories 110.6 kcal

Ingredients

Pancake Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats
1 tablespoon coconut flour
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 egg white
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon SteviaFor Cinnamon Topping:
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamonFor Icing Topping:
2 tablespoons powdered sugar dissolved in 1/2 teaspoon water

Instructions

Cinnamon Topping Directions:

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and pour into a re-sealable sandwich bag or squeeze bottle. Set aside.

Icing Topping Directions:

Mix the water and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add additonal water if necessary--a little at a time.
Top pancakes. Pancake Directions:
Add oats to a food processor and process for 30 seconds until you have a fine powder.
Add flour, protein powder, yogurt, egg white, milk, baking powder, and Stevia.
Process for about 20 seconds until mixed well.
Use a 3 tablespoon portion scoop to spoon batter onto a pre-heated, greased skillet.
Snip the tip of the bag containing the cinnamon topping and drizzle in a spiral shape onto each pancake.
Heat 2-3 minutes per side.
When finished, top pancakes with sugar icing.

Nutrition Facts

Cinnamon Roll Protein Pancakes

Amount Per Serving (1 pancake)

Calories 110.6 Calories from Fat 32

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 3.6g 6%

Saturated Fat 2g 10%

Trans Fat 0.1g

Cholesterol 17.7mg 6%

Sodium 142.5mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 13.6g 5%

Dietary Fiber 1.7g 7%

Sugars 6.4g

Protein 6.8g 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

What other muscle building foods do you include in your diet?

Teen Titans GO To The Movies Screening

[heart_this] · Jul 27, 2018 · 20 Comments

We cohosted our first movie screening! Jen and I own every bit our brand, A Magical Mess. We are run by stress, anxiety, and a superhuman load of genetic mental mayhem. It's far easier for me to handle social stressors than it is for her, but we were both thrilled to have the opportunity to cohost a free screening of the new Teen Titans Go movie–Teen Titans GO! To The Movies. This post and experience has been sponsored by Warner Bros. Everything shared here is based on our experience and honest opinions.

Jen was excited, but carried a level of worry in equal measure. Would we get enough sign-ups? Would too many people arrive and present a mob of angry parents? Were we facing a Build-A-Bear Pay Your Age sized level of “success” or our worst high school birthday party nightmare of no shows?

Teen Titans GO! To The Movies

Teen Titans GO! To The Movies is a colorful adventure for families that instills life lessons while laughing and smiling. The theater was over half-full with 112 of the 183 reclining seats occupied. Having “sold” 204 free tickets, we considered this a win. The wonderful rep that came to hold our newbie hands assured us that this was a good turnout for such an event.

From behind my seat, I heard children cracking up and turned back to see a few silently belly laughing throughout many moments during the film. Adults were also heard chuckling and loudly giggling during more scenes than I can count.

Just previewed #TeenTitansGOMovie and the sounds of kids giggling and laughing from the theater will keep this smile on my face for days! @TeenTitansMovie comes to theaters this Friday! Take the fam! It's hilarious! pic.twitter.com/MqQD0BCpEu

— Shelley (@teenybod) July 25, 2018

Watch the Trailer

Whether you are a fan of the show or not, the movie won't disappoint. It's great for families of all ages–there is a bit of adult humor, but none of the parents of youngsters seemed to mind.

Teen Titans GO! To The Movies will be in theaters July 27th!

Enter for a Chance to WIN!

Two lucky winners will receive a Teen Titans GO! Brain Food book, a family four-pack of Fandango codes to see the movie, and four t-shirts.

US residents only. Ends August 2, 2018.
Giveaway is over — Congrats to winners Nemo N. and Allison B.

Who will you bring to see Teen Titans GO! To The Movies?

Finding the Best Hotel Near Grand Canyon for an Unforgettable Family Vacation

[heart_this] · Jul 25, 2018 · 1 Comment

Pinterest has a way of making bucket list vacations seem easily within reach. It just takes proper planning, right? I found myself repinning dozens of photographs containing bright blue water, rippling between red sandstone walls, with bikini-clad girls whimsically wading in the magical river while letting cascading waterfalls wash over their bodies. Eager to sign up for such an experience, I consulted the almighty Google. It didn’t take long for me to realize hotels near the Grand Canyon are sparse–and if you want to stay in the canyon…well, I’ll get to that later. We received complementary accommodations in exchange for our content. Everything shared is based solely on our experience and honest opinions.

A Grand Canyon Vacation

Having never visited this Southwest region of the United States, but when the Sorento Family trip to Canyon City, Colorado landed in the books, I knew we’d be presented with an extended road trip opportunity–the 2019 Kia Sorento demands it. The kids and I agreed that exploring the Grand Canyon was a must. I was shocked to discover how difficult it is to thoroughly experience those commonly pinned areas of the canyon without years of planning. It makes sense because some of the area is protected tribal land, but my ignorance and naivety was in for a surprise.

To gain access to those mesmerizing blue waters, such as those you’ll find in Havasupai Falls, you first have to obtain permission and gain access through a lottery system that is booked solid through next year. Then, if you’re lucky enough to obtain it, you have to be willing to hike for days, or pay an outrageous fee to the ONE helicopter company that has licence to land inside the canyon.

Best Hotel Near the Grand Canyon

So, I continued the search for where to stay on our Grand Canyon vacation. I accepted that we wouldn’t be hiking to the bottom of the canyon. The kids and I are physically fit, but that trip would require training that we didn’t have time to complete. We could ride mules down, but that’s an overnight trip, and getting reservations at the Lodge–the only hotel at the bottom–is also a process needing months or years to secure. Camping at the bottom is an option, but we didn’t want to invest in a lot of expensive gear.

A day trip it is! As a single mom of teens, I wasn’t in a hurry to parade our suburban sensibilities into this dangerous terrain alone. Thanks to the friendly staff at our hotel, we were able to plan a guided hike with All-Star Grand Canyon Tours–we cannot recommend them with higher praise. They provide an exceptional experience. Speaking of our hotel…

Little America Flagstaff

We drove from Canyon City, through New Mexico, to Flagstaff. Miles of desert landscape, containing moments of supreme beauty, as twists in the road opened up scenic views to a towering mesa or striking butte. The Southwest provides some of the most stunning visions I’ve ever experienced, all within some of the harshest conditions on Earth. The odometer was clocking mile after mile, while the road trip allowed a welcomed serenity to settle between our ears–we drove for hours in silence, broken only by the low rumble of road and occasional observational point made about the painted desert or a sand-dusted oddity. As the sun set over a solitary triangle of mountain in the distance, the road sign numbers next to ‘Flagstaff’ reached single digits.

We arrived at Little America as the stars began to show against the darkening sky. Smiling faces from behind the counter of the turquoise-highlighted, eye-widening lobby greeted us with excitement. After stopping several times to admire the impressive geode pieces and natural wood furniture decor, we followed the instructions we were given to reach our room in Lodge 1.

The spacious two-queen room, with a color palette ink dropped from the view found just outside our window, offered a plush landing after a day spent foraging for occasional roadside adventure.

Silver Pine Restaurant

Sounds from our bellies drew us out of our slumbers and straight into the Silver Pine Restaurant, located just off the lobby or via a charming, tree-laden outdoor path. Eager to take advantage of the gorgeous desert evening, we meandered through stunning solid wood tabletops to find our own place under the stars. Sounds from a waterfall trickling next to us, partnered with the twinkly lights hanging overhead, created a wonderful ambiance for dinner. Our wonderful waiter suggested menu items that would soon prove to be new culinary favorites. He even got Adam to try creamed asparagus soup–and he loved it! The food was exceptional, and the service was like visiting a thoughtful friend. We joined Silver Pine again for breakfast and had an equally satisfying experience, fueling up for another day full of adventure.

Take a little tour by watching this video:

Little America Flagstaff is just an hour from the South Rim and All-Star Grand Canyon Tours will pick you up from the lobby. The beautiful scenic drive, accompanied with a knowledgeable guide, became a quite educational experience. Our guide, Jason, answered every question we could think of about the terrain, vegetation, and local wildlife. Did you know forest fires are required for ponderosa pines to reproduce? Their pine cones have to reach 240 degrees in order to open and release their seeds, thus contributing to the expanding greenery. The ponderosa bark is fire resistant, which allows fires along the base of the tree to heat the pine cones above. For years, implementation of fire prevention methods were causing a drop in ponderosa numbers until scientists realized what was happening. Isn’t nature just fascinating?!

While we didn’t see the famed blue waters, our day at the Grand Canyon was unforgettable. We now have a white water rafting expedition through the canyon–with Jason–on our bucket list.

Watch and learn from our highlight reel we put together of our day:

Bearizona

Again, following the advice of our hotel friends, we planned a visit to the coolest drive-thru zoo, Bearizona, which is located about thirty minutes from our temporary home base. We’re from Chicago, so we’re no strangers to cool zoos, but Bearizona is a truly unique experience. A black bear punched our car; at least 17 animals stuck their tongues out at me; and we got to meet Elvis and Don King. Go ahead and see for yourself in my Derpiest Animals of Bearizona post. (Coming soon.)

After spending hours looking down at creatures, and across miles of expansive canyon, we turned our eyes to the sky at the Lowell Observatory, located just 10 minutes from Little America.

Lowell Observatory

Among the oldest observatories in the United States, Lowell Observatory is where Pluto was first discovered! Yes, they still consider Pluto a planet–in a charmingly defiant way. You can visit the sprawling grounds, dotted with domed buildings housing enormous telescopes, during the day or evening. Check their site for hours and the full list of activities. There’s a lot to take in and lines can get a bit long, so make sure you give yourself enough time to experience this incredible sky gazer’s dream. We visited for about three hours, but that was not enough time to take it all in.

We joined in on one of the fascinating constellation tours. The guides aren’t just wicked smart, they’re also fantastic storytellers. Utilizing laser pointers that require a license because of their intensity and reach, the celestial chaperone points out the constellations in the night sky and explains their history. From this evening experience, something happened to Adam–he has now become obsessed with astronomy and astrology. I’ve never seen him read with so much enthusiasm about about a new interest! For that alone, thank you to Lowell Observatory for awakening a passion in my teen son!

We stood in a few lines for opportunities to look through the same eyepiece as every astronaut who has worked for NASA. Peering at individual craters of the moon and glimpsing Venus in glowing detail is a life-changing moment in perspective. Thanks to the strict light pollution laws in Flagstaff, the views while waiting in line are breathtaking. The entire property is beautifully landscaped and I hope to return to see it during the day. Plan your visit, become a member, or make a donation to the Lowell Observatory!

Returning to homebase…

Little America’s Backyard

With 500 acres of ponderosa forest and a friendly path to follow, one doesn’t even need to leave the property to enjoy the area. The trail entrance is right outside of your hotel backdoor and offers beautiful scenery and opportunities to see wildlife.

Pool, hot tub, beach volleyball, playground, horseshoes, and open spaces of lush grass make Little America the oasis anyone would love to call a home away from home. We watched a couple take their vows, business people conduct meetings, and families enjoy their time together all in happy luxury. Little America is, by far, the best of the Flagstaff hotels and in a perfect spot for a Grand vacation.

Visit Little America Hotel online to learn about all their locations and plan your own unforgettable family vacation!

How Your Credit Score Can Affect Apartment Shopping

[heart_this] · Jul 13, 2018 · Leave a Comment

This post was sponsored by Lexington Law Firm.
Growing up doesn’t come with instructions. While, we learn a lot from school, our parents, and peers, I don’t know anyone who has come up with a true recipe for success. One area that is lacking serious guidance–especially in adolescence–is managing and building your credit score. The importance of this score cannot be minimized because a high score can open so many doors. If your credit score is less than desired, fear not, there are many things you can do to clean up that spotty report. This post has been sponsored by Lexington Law, but everything in this blog is based on my thoughts and opinions.

What your Credit Score Says About You…

As much as your credit score is not a reflection of your character, it does let people know several things about you. It is absolutely not a reason to pass judgement, but if entering into a financial agreement, this number can offer some level of trust–or not.

When Getting a Job

It’s less common to have your credit score come up when applying for a job, but if the position requires a high level of financial responsibility, the chances are high that your score will be in question. When preparing to enter the workforce, prepare answers to these job interview questions, and always keep an eye on your credit score.

When Getting a Loan

Buying your first home or car? Unless you’ve got the cash to spare, you’ll probably be asking to borrow money from a bank. This is arguably the most important reason for keeping the highest credit score possible–it can save you thousands of dollars and award more buying power. With a strong score, you’ll be eligible for lower interest rates and potentially larger loans.

When Apartment Shopping

I’m still learning how to adult. I’ve lived in my parent’s home, then a house my ex-husband and I bought together, and then back to my parent’s where we split the bills. I’ve never had to shop for an apartment, but in a year or two, that’s going to be my focus.

My ex-husband still owns the house we purchased. He rents it out and has shared numerous landlord stories with me. He’s had tenants who were a pleasure to have in the home–paying on time every month and taking great care of the property. He’s also had the worst kind of renters. The type that don’t pay on time, neglect the house, and create a disturbance in the neighborhood. It’s for these types of reasons that a credit check is usually required before a rental agreement for an apartment or home is put into place. The owner is responsible for the financial and physical care of the property and if the tenant has a bad history with finances, it means a potentially high risk for the owner.

This doesn’t mean you can’t get into an apartment if your credit score isn’t perfect. However, before applying for an apartment, check your credit report. If there are any issues, consider using a trusted source to help clean up the discrepancies. Pay off any outstanding debt and, if possible, give your score time to reflect these changes. Also, make sure you’re not applying to numerous apartments. If your credit is run too many times in a short period, this could lower it even further.

Once you’ve found the apartment you want, provide proof of employment so the owner knows you have the income needed to pay the rent. Providing references that can vouch for your ability to be an upstanding tenant, and finding a cosigner or roommate can also help your chances of getting into your desired rental abode.

Thanks Jen 🙂

I have my big sister to thank for my good credit. We weren’t raised together, so we received dramatically different upbringings. She was raised with a lot of business sense, while I was raised in art-focused surroundings. I was around 13 when I started paying attention to how she handled finances. I was standing at a register with her while shopping and saw her accordion wallet filled with an array of plastic. Noticing my wide eyes, she said, “I am obsessed with getting maximum rewards for all my purchases, but I pay every single one of these off every month.” In that simple moment, I wanted to be just like her. I started asking questions and observing all of her financial habits. To this day, she is obsessively protective of her excellent credit and it’s a huge part of why mine has remained in good standing, despite being a single mom with debt and a tight budget.

If you’ve checked your credit report and found concerning red flags, consider asking Lexington Law for help. They have a team of professionals available to you for a low monthly price.

High Protein Recipes – Delightful Peach Raspberry Pancakes

[heart_this] · Jul 9, 2018 · 1 Comment

Having several delicious, high protein recipes at your disposal makes morning meals a far more successful piece of your daily meal plan. I’ve found that even kids love these creations. Every time my kids have their friends sleep over, they often want pancakes to start the day. It's a fun tradition, but I was getting tired of the unbalanced, high sugar, standard pancake stacks that inevitably cause a nasty energy crash later in the day. By adding more protein, this meal provides a more even distribution of macronutrients to fuel your day.

High Protein Recipes

By adding fresh raspberries and peaches, the sugar content may be a little higher, but the added flavor is excellent. You’re also getting some additional dietary fiber, which is key to good intestinal health. With 7.8 net carbs and 7 grams of protein per pancake, these are sure to please any health-conscious crowd, and they don’t even require syrup!

As a result of the ingredients used in these recipes, you can expect protein pancakes to be denser than the typical, fluffy flapjack. It’s a small sacrifice for the nutritional benefit and steady energy you’ll have throughout the day.

If there’s a farmer’s market in your area, try to snag some locally sourced peach marmalade!

For more of the best tasting protein pancakes, make sure you scope out all our recipes!

High Protein Recipes - Delightful Peach Raspberry Pancakes

0 from 0 votes

Peach Raspberry Protein Pancakes

If you're looking to get more protein into your diet, these pancakes are a tasty way to do so.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword pancakes, protein

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 5 pancakes

Calories 108.1 kcal

Author Shelley

Ingredients

1/2 cup oats
1 tablespoon coconut flour
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 egg white
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons peach preserves plus more for serving
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon Stevia
fresh raspberries
fresh sliced peaches

Instructions

Add oats to a food processor and process for 30 seconds until you have a fine powder.
Add flour, protein powder, yogurt, egg white, milk, peach preserves, baking powder, and Stevia.
Process for about 20 seconds until mixed well.
Use a 3 tablespoon portion scoop to spoon batter onto a pre-heated, greased skillet.
Heat 2-3 minutes per side.
When finished, top pancakes with additional peach preserves, fresh peach slices and raspberries.

Nutrition Facts

Peach Raspberry Protein Pancakes

Amount Per Serving (1 pancake)

Calories 108.1 Calories from Fat 12

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 1.3g 2%

Saturated Fat 0.6g 3%

Cholesterol 11.6mg 4%

Sodium 141.6mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 18.1g 6%

Dietary Fiber 2.2g 9%

Sugars 10g

Protein 7g 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

What other high protein recipes do you have in your kitchen arsenal?

The Best Midsize SUV for Family Road Trips – 2019 Kia Sorento

[heart_this] · Jul 6, 2018 · 1 Comment

After spending some quality time in the 2019 Kia Sorento with friends, family, and a few Kia representatives in Colorado, I began to think about vision and mission statements. I once had to write one of each for an assignment in college and, admittedly, I did not take it seriously. While driving through the scenic mountain terrain, feeling incredibly grateful for the safety features and security of the Sorento, I made a mental note to Google what Kia came up with for their mission statements. This post was made possible by Kia Motors America. All of my opinions always remain my own.

Humanity

A business management philosophy outlines a company's reason for being while serving as a fundamental guideline that shapes the mindset and behavior of employees. The following three key phrases sum up the management philosophy at Kia: full accountability, realizing potential, and practicing humanity. These key values are encapsulated in a single mantra: ‘Building a new future and realizing humanity’s dreams by thinking creatively and tackling challenges head on.’

One word, in particular, jumped out at me: humanity. Through all my experiences with the brand, I’ve consistently felt a truly human connection to the product and brand story. The company has made mistakes, owned them, learned, listened, and persevered. Their expanding line of vehicles, from the fun and reliable, Rio subcompact, to the award-winning Stinger GT reflect life lessons, both in development and final product. If a car could possess wisdom, it’d be a Kia.

Road Tripping in the Best Midsize SUV

I’ve spent several months getting thoroughly acquainted with the 2018 Kia Sorento and falling for a plethora of irresistible features. It was no surprise to hop in the 2019 Kia Sorento and find new and improved additions.

8-speed transmission
Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control AWD system
Lane keep assist
Steering wheel design
Button layout on dash
Wireless charging pad
Harman Kardon Audio System
3rd row now standard
SMART Mode

SMART Mode

The vehicles we drive are getting stronger…and smarter. While I’ve experienced both Eco and Sport modes in previous Kia vehicles, I first became acquainted with the Smart Shift and Drive feature in the 2018 Stinger, which automatically chooses the best drive mode for you, based on your driving style. You also have the ability to choose Eco, Comfort, or Sport mode on your own. So, when you need some passing power, select Sport mode and experience the power you need with the smooth acceleration you want from the 8-speed transmission.

Dynamic Torque Vectoring

I also have to include, since I was able to learn quite a lot about AWD systems, the Dynamic Torque Vectoring system in the Sorento. At times, features such as this seem too overwhelming for an average car buyer to understand. However, with a little research, I learned why it’s such an incredible addition to a vehicle costing under $50k, fully loaded. In driving conditions requiring added control of your vehicle, the system will react to your driving and road conditions by applying power and braking force to the front and rear wheels, as needed. This system is found in much more expensive offerings from brands like Audi. Even without an education in automotive engineering, you can understand why that’s reassuring for a mom transporting her family. Like so much about the 2019 Sorento, these features help provide a premium driving experience without paying a premium price.

Charged and Cozy

The luxury features in the Sorento keep getting better and more advanced, as well. The driver and passengers benefit from an abundance of charging ports–my favorite being the wireless charging pad that brings my Note 8 from near death to full of life ridiculously quick. The 2nd row has heated seats that recline, but a 3rd row of seats is now standard across every Sorento trim level. With the panoramic sunroof, backseat passengers can kick back and enjoy quite a view. Up front, there is a ventilated seat option that is quite refreshing on a hot day. With the new button layout, both on the updated and gorgeous steering wheel and center stack, controllable options are even easier reach–clearly with safety and convenience in mind.

Quality Sound

Last year, I had the honor of visiting the Harman Experience Center in California and learned all about what goes into Harman Kardon car speakers. The quick course in audio technology had me thoroughly impressed by the engineering that goes into music listening. The 2018 Sorento kept me happy with its Infinity (by Harman) audio system, but I was excited to learn that the 2019 version comes with an optional 630-watt, 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, with window-shaking features I experienced in the Stinger GT. Check out Harman to learn about features like Clari-Fi and QuantumLogic–I think you’ll understand why I was so impressed.

Life is Heavy

As life carries on with all the heavy lessons, the hunk of metal out in the driveway that’s learned and grown with me feels like a friend–my favorite companion for soul-searching through adventure.

Watch this trailer I created for the #SorentoFamily event:

Head over to your local Kia Dealership and get in a 2019 Kia Sorento to feel the quality for yourself!

Bodybuilding Breakfast – Luscious Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

[heart_this] · Jun 27, 2018 · Leave a Comment

The smell of apples and cinnamon flood my mind with warm and happy memories of Nana’s house on the river. She had access to acres of apple trees and was always coming up with something scrumptious in her kitchen. When deciding on a new variation of our best tasting protein pancakes, I knew this familiar flavor combination would be a success. While Nana wasn’t concerned with making a bodybuilding breakfast, she sure knew how to make darn good pancakes. I think even she’d approve of these luscious apple cinnamon protein pancakes.

Bodybuilding Breakfast

While you’ll find these in our ‘breakfast’ category, they’re also a fine choice for any time of the day–especially as a pre- or post workout meal. When prepared with a good quality protein supplement, the final product will be good for your bodybuilding diet.

For this recipe, we used Gala apples, but experiment with your favorite apple varieties. I think something tart, like a Granny Smith, could be a fun flavor experience as well. When fall season arrives, you’ll find us in nearby orchards picking all sorts of apples to use in the kitchen. Have you tried Sweet Tango apples?! They’re SO delicious.

0 from 0 votes

Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

Eat these protein pancakes before or after you hit the gym. Anyone can enjoy these flavorful pancakes that won't leave you with a sugar crash.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Pancakes

Keyword pancakes, protein

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 5 Pancakes

Calories 81.5 kcal

Author Shelley

Ingredients

Pancake Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats
1 tablespoon coconut flour
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 egg white
1/4 cup milk
1/2 apple peeled, cored and cut into slices
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon Stevia
1/2 teaspoon cinnamonFor Topping:
2 slices apple peeled and cut into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 packet Stevia

Instructions

Topping Directions:
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside. Apple juice will help to dissolve the Stevia.
Mix before topping pancakes.

Pancake Directions:

Add oats to a food processor and process for 30 seconds until you have a fine powder.
Add flour, protein powder, yogurt, egg, milk, apple, baking powder, Stevia, and cinnamon.
Process for about 20 seconds until mixed well.
Use a 3 tablespoon portion scoop to spoon batter onto a pre-heated, greased skillet.
Heat 2-3 minutes per side. When finished, top pancakes with apple cinnamon topping.

Recipe Notes

Remember, cook each side for 2-3 minutes or you'll struggle to flip them.

Nutrition Facts

Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

Amount Per Serving (1 pancake)

Calories 81.5 Calories from Fat 12

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 1.3g 2%

Saturated Fat 0.6g 3%

Cholesterol 11.6mg 4%

Sodium 141.8mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 11.4g 4%

Dietary Fiber 2.2g 9%

Sugars 3.6g

Protein 6.8g 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Do you start your day with a bodybuilding breakfast?

My Daughter is Learning How to Play Drums and So Much More

[heart_this] · Jun 22, 2018 · Leave a Comment

There are individuals and companies that stand apart from the field–their stories always go beyond the common narrative of their industry or profession. The best of them create community and culture around their passions. For Guitar Center, the community of music, musicians, and musicianship is exemplified in their approach to instrument sales, customer service, and music lesson instruction. Over the years, each time I’ve visited a Guitar Center location–which isn’t difficult when there are over 200 locations, nationally–I’ve always taken comfort in knowing I’m amongst the most knowledgeable and passionate people in the industry. So, when my music-obsessed daughter expressed interest in learning how to play drums, I knew the experts at Guitar Center were going to turn her interest into passion. We have not been disappointed. This post has been sponsored by The Motherhood and Guitar Center. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It's A “Chesney Thing”

The hands of my daughter, Chesney, have been a source of conversation since she was very young. Whenever excited, both of her hands would twist and shake. I was genuinely worried and asked her doctor if this was a symptom of something medical. Because Ches had been on target for all other developmental milestones, her doctor assured me that they’d keep an eye on it but, likely, it’s just a “Chesney thing.”

Growing up, Ches became aware of her quirky “spirit hands,” as we’d often call them. Although, it’s never caused her to be self-conscious–she even owns it with a certain amount of pride. I remember one particular day, I was sitting with her and looking outside her bedroom window. Her curiosity often led to moments of staring and wondering. We began talking about family traits, and she excitedly said, “Yeah! I do this!” as she demonstrated her wildly active hands.

As a teenager, she’s, for the most part, able to control the attention-grabbing movement, but in moments of overwhelming joy, I’ll catch her hands emoting. It always makes me smile because I know she’s very excited and, literally, cannot contain it.

Learning How to Play Drums

As Ches has grown older, her passion for music has intensified. Her interest made me wonder, as a parent, whether I was doing enough to help her discover self-expression in music. She is a music fan, but clearly craves more from the arts. Academically, music often provides her the calm to concentrate and create, so this opportunity to engage her in an enrichment program like drum lessons has resulted in remarkable benefits, in a short space of time.

Her self-confidence has grown recently, which I directly attribute to the progress she’s made with her Guitar Center instructor, Rudy, whose enthusiasm is positively infectious! The Guitar Center approach to curriculum, which provides instruction by focusing on examples of contemporary music, couldn’t be more perfect for Ches. Rudy learned of Ches’ love of the Beatles and, in particular, Ringo Starr, so he quickly transferred theory into practice by asking her to try out a Fab Four beat. The expression on her face while replicating a song she’d heard so many times was something I’ll never forget.

Despite being the beginning of summer vacation, which is generally a time for laziness and disconnect, Ches is working with a discipline I’ve only seen in spurts throughout the school year. While my daughter is a solid student, Guitar Center and Rudy have clearly unlocked something in her that’s been waiting to come out–perhaps those moving hands were just the impatience of wanting to hold drumsticks!

The Perfect Fit

All the musical moments of Ches’ life make perfect sense now. The moment she had those sticks in her hands, the beats started flowing, and her artistic purpose became clear. I don’t know why I didn’t see it sooner, but I’m so glad Guitar Center has stepped into her life now. She’s been a drummer at heart–and wrist–since infancy!

Immediately after the first Guitar Center lesson, we made the easy decision to purchase a drum set, which provides her an opportunity to practice all she’s learning. She wasted no time breaking a sweat, jamming on her own. Each week, she’s excited to learn from Rudy, and his enthusiasm to teach is just as strong.

Follow Guitar Center on Instagram
and Facebook

The Big 6 Job Interview Questions You’ll Want to Prepare for in Advance

[heart_this] · Jun 20, 2018 · Leave a Comment

This post was sponsored by Lexington Law Firm.
The job market for desirable, well-paid positions is very competitive. You need to give yourself the best chance of landing that dream gig, but you may have only one chance to impress your potential employer. For that reason, it’s important to be prepared–perhaps, even over prepared. While your resume may be excellent, some employers will be looking for that something extra, setting you apart from the stacks of talent. So, prepare for the job interview questions you could be facing in this new job market. This post has been sponsored by Lexington Law, but everything in this blog is based on my thoughts and opinions.

Behind the Job Interview Questions

While you can find many popularly discussed interview questions, there are also reasons behind those questions. Instead of prepping answers for specific queries, understanding the thoughts behind them will not only impress your interviewer, but it’ll also position you as a standout candidate for the job.

As industries evolve, so does the interview process. For example, being asked where you see yourself in five years is probably the most familiar question to many. You’ve seen it being asked in television and movies–sometimes dating back 50-60 years. However, does it actually reveal much in the contemporary job space? Understanding a person’s skill set, their creative process, and their ideas is likely more valuable than any pre-scripted answer about the future.

In most job places, collaboration is key. For that reason, individual skill strength and knowledge may only tell part of your story as a job candidate. Your ability to work in partnerships or group environments is a highly regarded skill, so understanding how you can position yourself in those collaborative environments will provide you with talking points during an interview. Fear not, because even introverts can thrive in a creative brainstorming session.

Do you know your personality type or if you’re an introvert or extrovert? I was shocked to discover that I’m an introvert. Which is odd because, compared to my closest family members, I’m extremely social. However, when it comes to how I emotionally recharge, that’s largely a lone affair. Finding this out about myself has allowed me to understand what I need to be my most productive and creative self.

The Big 6 Job Interview Questions

Before you walk into the your next interview, you should consider several questions:

Are you familiar with the industry in which you’re applying for the position?
- Knowledge of the industry means you’re ready to start working from day one.
Do you have some knowledge of the company with whom you’re interviewing?
- Creativity and confidence are born from solid understanding. Do your homework about the company’s history and achievements.
Are you comfortable with a conversational-type interview?
- Potential employers want leaders, which requires speaking and organizational thought skills. Be prepared for more than a list of questions.
What are your interests outside of work?
- You need to have work/life balance or you run the risk of underperforming or burning out.
Are your personal finances in order?
- As pointed out earlier, give yourself every opportunity to succeed. Potential employers may ask for a credit report, but it’s vital to have your finances in healthy order, regardless.
- If you’ve got negative items on your report, it’s time to get them resolved. Financial stress outside of the job has the potential of carrying over into your career. Go into an interview with the confidence you gain from financial stability.
Thus far in your life or career, what do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
- This reveals a lot about leadership skills. You should be able to thoughtfully discuss the impact of that moment or event.

Lastly, ask questions of your friends and family who may have recently interviewed for a job. They likely have the expert job interview tips and insight you need to supplement your own preparation.

High Protein Breakfast – Yummy Snickerdoodle Protein Pancakes

[heart_this] · Jun 18, 2018 · 1 Comment

Whether you're a bodybuilder needing extra protein or just trying to get enough of this macronutrient each day, this high protein breakfast is a delicious way to reach your nutritional goals. These pancakes are not keto-friendly, but they do offer a good balance of macros. We’ve developed several protein pancake recipes offering flavors for every palate but, personally, I am a huge fan of cinnamon-y things. One of my favorite cookies is the tasty snickerdoodle, so it's a dream come true to wake up to a stack of these mouth-watering flapjacks.

High Protein Breakfast

Unless I make eggs every morning, I find it rather difficult to get enough protein from my breakfast. I'm not big on greasy breakfast meats, and eggs alone can get somewhat boring. If I were to eat just standard, sugar-laden pancakes after waking, I'd set myself up for an energy crash before noon.

I'm a huge advocate for eating what you crave to avoid deprivation-induced binging. If I restrict myself from having what I really want, it's only a matter of time before I cave under the pressure and make bad food choices. Our brains want yummy things!

So, to give in without giving up my whole diet plan, I opt to make yummy things more nutritionally balanced. These recipes provide what you want for your body and taste buds!

Snickerdoodle Protein Pancakes

As with all of our protein pancake recipes, this one is great to make and freeze. Just prepare the pancakes as directed below, then stack with wax paper in between each one and store in a freezer bag. To reheat, you can either microwave or put them in a toaster oven.

Check out this post for more yummy ways to include protein supplements in your diet.

5 from 1 vote

Snickerdoodle Protein Pancakes

Protein pancakes are a delicious way to start your morning off right. Snickerdoodle pancakes make a tasty breakfast or after workout snack.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword pancakes, protein

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 5 pancakes

Calories 83 kcal

Author Shelley

Ingredients

1/2 cup oats
1 tablespoon coconut flour
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 egg white
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon Stevia
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
whipped topping and additional ground cinnamon for serving

Instructions

Add oats to a food processor and process for 30 seconds until you have a fine powder.
Add flour, protein powder, yogurt, egg, milk, vanilla, baking powder, Stevia, and cinnamon.
Process for about 20 seconds until mixed well.
Use a 3 tablespoon portion scoop to spoon batter onto a pre-heated, greased skillet.
Heat 2-3 minutes per side.
When finished, top pancakes with whipped topping and ground cinnamon

Nutrition Facts

Snickerdoodle Protein Pancakes

Amount Per Serving (1 pancake)

Calories 83 Calories from Fat 16

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 1.8g 3%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Cholesterol 11.7mg 4%

Sodium 144.4mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 9.9g 3%

Dietary Fiber 1.8g 7%

Sugars 2.7g

Protein 7g 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

What are your favorite high protein breakfast recipes?

A Kia Sorento Road Trip with Wrinkles, Change, Discovery, and Waterfalls

[heart_this] · Jun 15, 2018 · 2 Comments

This story was made possible by Kia and the luxurious 2018 Sorento. All opinions remain my own.

It was a hot summer day, and I realized change is magical. It’s also violent, painful, and scarring.

With our water bottles filled to the brim and hiking shoes laced tight, my sister, Jen, my daughter, Chesney, and I climbed into the 2018 Kia Sorento to begin our journey to Utica, IL.

Road Tripping in Illinois

If you blink more than twice while driving south on IL-178, you’ll miss the tiny village of North Utica–commonly referred to as just Utica–a town populated by less than 1,500 people. Established in 1852, Utica consists of adorable and historical storefronts and buildings. As you leave the one-block town, you’ll see charmingly strange shops along the sides of the road, before crossing the lofty truss bridge over Illinois River.

Just over the bridge, a left turn brings you to the Starved Rock State Park entrance. However, our particular journey would take us right and the entrance to Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Lodge–our home for the next three days. Jen owns a vacation villa on the property, and it’s the ideal abode for peace and creativity.

The automatic liftgate of the Sorento opened, we unloaded, and then began neatly putting all of our possessions and gear into the villa. We were greeted with a fantastical surprise, as a gorgeous peacock couple provided nature’s welcome.

With plenty of daylight remaining and camera equipment ready, we set off to explore Matthiessen State Park–just five minutes from our home base. We parked the trusty Sorento under a shady tree, applied bug spray, re-tied our shoes, and descended the burly, wooden stairs behind a life-sized Lincoln Log Cabin.

Matthiessen State Park

The temperature cooled with every step, leading us deeper into the canyon–shielded on both sides by sandstone layers, bright green moss, oak and cedar trees–until we found ourselves quite comfortable with the light breeze at the bottom. There are unmistakable footpaths and humanmade stepping stones along much of the hike, but it’s easy to find yourself searching for a good foothold. The area is riddled with evidence that this peaceful, babbling brook has, at times, turn into a screaming rapid, disrupting everything in its path.

It was while I was craning my neck to gaze upon the breathtaking rock wall peaks that I realized we’re walking in nature’s wrinkle–a line carved into mother earth’s surface over time. This is something only age can create. Aggressive shifts in weather repeatedly cause the water to freeze, creating cracks in her tough exterior. As the harsh seasons relent, warm summer waters wash away the signs of pain and reveal the beauty underneath.

I looked at my sister, then my daughter. Jen has visible signs of her life struggles, but she’s no less beautiful than my daughter, who’s still unscathed by time and experience.

Where Jen hesitated, Ches leapt across the stones in the riverbed, much like their own thoughts. Untarnished by life’s erosive moments, Ches is trusting and free–her mind flowing like fresh rain. My sister’s emotional scars created questions with every footstep, forcing caution and extra care. As I watched these two explore with wonder, their differences didn’t make me sad. Instead, I found myself rather grateful. I was seeing past time and events unfold like a flashback. Much like the striations in the glistening mineral-laden walls telling their story, my daughter and sister were telling theirs as they hunted for waterfalls.

Change is Wonderful

I walked along, pondering the realities of age, wisdom, appearance, and my own definition of myself. Throughout my life, I’ve been presented with many challenging moments. As thoughts revealed understanding and acceptance, I’ve never had more respect for the lines on my skin and scars in my mind.

We didn’t listen to music while driving home. Instead, we sat for long moments in silence and reflected on the beauty we discovered while catching waterfalls and of our time spent together, which was long overdue.

While experiences like ours can be accomplished in a number of ways/settings, the road trip provides an opportunity to reflect, which often produces clarity. It’s within those moments of clarity that uncertainty diminishes and acceptance can be achieved. Planning your trip, packing the vehicle, and then just letting life happen can be healing, but it can also help define your path.

An element of that confidence comes from your companions–the road, that one song, and your vehicle. Much like a writer’s table, you can establish your creative environment with a vehicle. As I sit back in the Sorento, my hands immediately begin the process of customizing my office. Depending on the weather, I reach to either heat or cool my seat, open the panoramic sunroof to reveal nature’s ever-changing ceiling, program the destination–or not, and bring the radio to life, choosing the soundtrack for my journey. With every turn, each movement forward and backward, pages are added to my story. It’s comfortably confined freedom, wrapped in safety, while being exposed to new experiences.

Just living means your story is being written, but allow yourself to truly experience the fullness of your journey. Find a road, trust your companion, and create a new chapter.

When was the last time you went on a road trip?