Can you believe how fast summer is flying by? When you're constantly on the go, that's what happens.... time flies!
We spend a lot of our summer doing day trips, visiting family, play dates, catching up on dr and dentist visits, and the dreaded running errands.
My toddler isn't in sports and extra activities yet but I know many that are running to VBS, ball games, practices, lessons, and more so I know I'm not the only one running the roads these days.
AND, when I'm on the go a lot, I tend to get unorganized, stay tired, spend more money, and stay stressed. And let's face it, a tired, stressed out momma with no shoe shopping money is not a pretty picture.
So I've got 10 tips making both mine and your life easier and more efficient while on the go!
1. I have Monkey's bag always ready by her door with wipes, a bottled water, book, game, and sunglasses for when we will be in the car a bit. So when I'm running out the door I don't have to stop and pack it up, I've already made it a habit to keep it packed and ready.
2. I keep baggies of fruit and raw veggies in the fridge. I like to cut them out and we can grab a few and have healthy snacks on the go AND I'm not spending more money by stopping at the gas station or running through the drive through.
3. I set my iphone calendar to go off with appointments that not only tells me what I'm going to but I include the address and phone number so I just click on the address and my google maps pulls it up and give me directions from my location.
4. Be Gumby! You know the flexible green guy. Yes be flexible, if things need to change in the middle of what you have planned, just go with it. Try not to sweat it and know that having a schedule is great, but sometimes getting off schedule can be a fun adventure!
5. MAKE A LIST!! If I'm out running errands I have a list of the places I'm going and the things I'm picking up. This helps me from over spending and getting home and realizing I forgot something.
6. Combine errands for when I'm going to be out and about. I don't want to have to get out of the house and in the heat everyday so if we have an appointment or play date scheduled, I go ahead and schedule my errands around those. This saves me time and gas money!
7. On days I'm going to be on the go I make sure to get up as early as possible. One reason is to make sure I've got everything ready to go, but more importantly so that I can spend some quality quite time before my day gets loud and hectic.
8. DON'T over schedule. Between birthday parties, play dates, activities, family visits, you can quickly find yourself forgetting what your husband or house looks like. It's ok to say no to an invite and try again another time.
9. Prepare Ready Made Meals. Take one day of the week and put together a few ready made meals that can be frozen and then just popped in the oven so when you get home from a long day of on the go, supper is practically ready. Some of my favs are Lasagna, Baked Spaghetti, King Ranch Chicken, and Enchilladas.
10. COFFEE!! All the running around tends to keep me tired so a little pick up of Seattle's Canned Iced Latte always does the trick to keep me going when my body is wanting to shut down. I like to have a little cooler in the Jeep and pull one out if I'm waiting in the Dr's office or out at a park play date. Keeps me refreshed and alert!
So what do you do to make your life easier on the go? I hope this list helps you out, I know I'm going to take my own advise and use these tips and put more time, money, and energy in my pocket!!!!
I know something else that can make life easier is coupons and Seattle's Best Coffee has great coffee and great coupons for my readers.
About Seattle’s Best Coffee
As coffee blenders and roasters since 1970, we’ve seen a lot come and go. We went from a tiny shop on the Seattle waterfront to being declared Seattle’s Best Coffee in a local competition. In 2003, we joined the Starbucks family which has allowed us to place more resources into further honing our special way of crafting delicious, impossibly smooth coffee. Every step of the process, from coffee cherry to your cup, is managed to fit our exacting standards and our premium approach to coffee. Now, we’re making it easier to find your perfect coffee with our new Level System.
Save $1.50 on a 4 pack today!
It’s low calorie: Just 130 calories per can.
It’s affordable: A premium latte for just $1.49? And a 4-pack is an even better deal, at just $4.99.
It’s everywhere: Available in major grocery, convenience and other retail stores.
More info on Seattle’s Best Coffee: http://www.seattlesbest.com/
Seattle’s Best Coffee on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SeattlesBestCoffee
Follow @SeattlesBest on Twitter
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seattle’s Best Coffee blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Mama Mia I Heart Pasta!
If I had to choose one food to eat for the rest of my life it would be pasta! I mean who doesn't love pasta? And there's so much that you can do with it. It is a go to staple in my kitchen and I never feel like I'm eating the same thing over and over. I love creating something fantastic with pasta but what I love even more is going out to eat and having it served to me on a big platter. And when we go out for Italian I love going to Carrabba's.
So in my day dreaming of plates of spaghetti and lasagna I went over to Carrabba's Facebook page and took their Pasta Personality Quiz.
My pasta personality is Spaghetti which means that I'm genuine and well loved, like Carrabba’s Spaghetti and Meatballs. Your warm and comforting personality makes you everybody’s best friend. So go for our equally popular hand-prepared meatballs over perfectly cooked imported spaghetti.
I'd say that is pretty darn accuarate of my personality.
I do love me some spaghetti but one of my go to favorite dishes to make with pasta is
Creamy Tomato Chicken Spaghetti:
When I first got married I was constantly looking for recipes that would look homemade, taste like I slaved all day, but be easy peasy! And this one always did the trick. Poppa would always think I had this simmering away all day and praise me after he ate 2 bowls full. I still haven't let him on the secret of how easy it is.
What You Need
1/2 lb. spaghetti, uncooked
2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables
1 Tbsp. oil
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup Italian Dressing ( I prefer using the zesty kind)
1/2 cup Cream Cheese or cream cheese Spread
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Directions:
COOK spaghetti in large saucepan as directed on package, adding stir-fry vegetables to the boiling water for the last 3 min.
MEANWHILE, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes and dressing and bring to boil. Simmer on medium heat for about 5 min., stirring occasionally. Add cream cheese and cook and stir until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended.
DRAIN spaghetti mixture; place in large bowl. Add chicken mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve in pasta bowls with a side salad and garlic bread and viola you are going to get lots of kisses for the cook.
What's your favorite pasta recipe? Ready to see what your personality would be? Check out the Carrabba's Pasta Personality Test yourself.
Now that I probably have your mouth watering for some pasta, Carrabba's has got some amazing signature dishes and limited time offers to tease you with as well.
Signature Pasta Meals, featuring seven distinctive dishes served with choice of soup or fresh salad starting at $10. There’s no better place than Carrabba’s to enjoy a complete Italian meal – any day of the week.
CARRABBA’S PASTA: Carrabba’s makes every pasta dish by hand with the freshest ingredients. Pasta is cooked perfectly every time and signature sauces are made from scratch daily. Creative flavors and combinations of ingredients are part of Carrabba’s authentic family recipes as well as new creations.
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Now through July 2011.
Featured Signature Pasta Meal:
Pasto Rambo – Named for the chef who created it, it’s made with shrimp tossed with imported Italian linguine, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes sautéed in our basil lemon butter sauce. Lobster is available instead of shrimp for an additional cost.
Other Limited Time Offers:
Parmesan-crusted Chicken – Topped with fresh arugula and grape tomatoes tossed in a hand-prepared lemon vinaigrette, served with choice of side. Substitution of wood-grilled chicken also available. Pairs well with Estancia Pinot Grigio.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin – Three pork tenderloin medallions wrapped with prosciutto, wood-grilled and topped with an apple and fig infused port wine sauce, served with the vegetable of the day. Pairs well with Coppola Pinot Noir.
Limoncello Bread Pudding – Back by popular demand! Brioche bread pudding made with fresh Madagascar vanilla beans and a rich custard, served hot out of the oven. Topped with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream and drizzled with Carrabba’s homemade Caravella Limoncello liqueur sauce.
Now Introducing:
Peach Sangria – Carrabba’s new light and fruity Peach Sangria blends Copper Ridge White Zinfandel, Absolut Apeach vodka and Patrón Citrónge with a splash of citrus. Topped with a fresh lemon wedge and strawberry, it’s a taste of the Amalfi Coast in spring.
Locations: Visit www.carrabbas.com for the closest Carrabba’s location. There are more than 230 locations nationwide.
I know we all love making wonderful dishes for our families but when those time arise for you to be served and enjoy a meal out, consider Carrabba's and have an extra special family time together. They will take the time to create something amazing for you and leave you singing Mama Mia I Heart Carrabba's!
Disclosure:
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Carrabba’s blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”
Be sure to show Carrabba's some Love:
Follow Carrabba’s on Twitter: @Carrabba’s
Carrabba’s on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Carrabbas
So in my day dreaming of plates of spaghetti and lasagna I went over to Carrabba's Facebook page and took their Pasta Personality Quiz.
My pasta personality is Spaghetti which means that I'm genuine and well loved, like Carrabba’s Spaghetti and Meatballs. Your warm and comforting personality makes you everybody’s best friend. So go for our equally popular hand-prepared meatballs over perfectly cooked imported spaghetti.
I'd say that is pretty darn accuarate of my personality.
I do love me some spaghetti but one of my go to favorite dishes to make with pasta is
Creamy Tomato Chicken Spaghetti:
When I first got married I was constantly looking for recipes that would look homemade, taste like I slaved all day, but be easy peasy! And this one always did the trick. Poppa would always think I had this simmering away all day and praise me after he ate 2 bowls full. I still haven't let him on the secret of how easy it is.
What You Need
1/2 lb. spaghetti, uncooked
2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables
1 Tbsp. oil
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup Italian Dressing ( I prefer using the zesty kind)
1/2 cup Cream Cheese or cream cheese Spread
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Directions:
COOK spaghetti in large saucepan as directed on package, adding stir-fry vegetables to the boiling water for the last 3 min.
MEANWHILE, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes and dressing and bring to boil. Simmer on medium heat for about 5 min., stirring occasionally. Add cream cheese and cook and stir until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended.
DRAIN spaghetti mixture; place in large bowl. Add chicken mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve in pasta bowls with a side salad and garlic bread and viola you are going to get lots of kisses for the cook.
What's your favorite pasta recipe? Ready to see what your personality would be? Check out the Carrabba's Pasta Personality Test yourself.
Now that I probably have your mouth watering for some pasta, Carrabba's has got some amazing signature dishes and limited time offers to tease you with as well.
Signature Pasta Meals, featuring seven distinctive dishes served with choice of soup or fresh salad starting at $10. There’s no better place than Carrabba’s to enjoy a complete Italian meal – any day of the week.
CARRABBA’S PASTA: Carrabba’s makes every pasta dish by hand with the freshest ingredients. Pasta is cooked perfectly every time and signature sauces are made from scratch daily. Creative flavors and combinations of ingredients are part of Carrabba’s authentic family recipes as well as new creations.
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Now through July 2011.
Featured Signature Pasta Meal:
Pasto Rambo – Named for the chef who created it, it’s made with shrimp tossed with imported Italian linguine, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes sautéed in our basil lemon butter sauce. Lobster is available instead of shrimp for an additional cost.
Other Limited Time Offers:
Parmesan-crusted Chicken – Topped with fresh arugula and grape tomatoes tossed in a hand-prepared lemon vinaigrette, served with choice of side. Substitution of wood-grilled chicken also available. Pairs well with Estancia Pinot Grigio.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin – Three pork tenderloin medallions wrapped with prosciutto, wood-grilled and topped with an apple and fig infused port wine sauce, served with the vegetable of the day. Pairs well with Coppola Pinot Noir.
Limoncello Bread Pudding – Back by popular demand! Brioche bread pudding made with fresh Madagascar vanilla beans and a rich custard, served hot out of the oven. Topped with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream and drizzled with Carrabba’s homemade Caravella Limoncello liqueur sauce.
Now Introducing:
Peach Sangria – Carrabba’s new light and fruity Peach Sangria blends Copper Ridge White Zinfandel, Absolut Apeach vodka and Patrón Citrónge with a splash of citrus. Topped with a fresh lemon wedge and strawberry, it’s a taste of the Amalfi Coast in spring.
Locations: Visit www.carrabbas.com for the closest Carrabba’s location. There are more than 230 locations nationwide.
I know we all love making wonderful dishes for our families but when those time arise for you to be served and enjoy a meal out, consider Carrabba's and have an extra special family time together. They will take the time to create something amazing for you and leave you singing Mama Mia I Heart Carrabba's!
Disclosure:
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Carrabba’s blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”
Be sure to show Carrabba's some Love:
Follow Carrabba’s on Twitter: @Carrabba’s
Carrabba’s on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Carrabbas
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Blogmania Is Here! CLOSED - Winner Announced
Blogmania is Closed and I had a blast. Thank you to all of my sponsors and to all of you who entered. I really wish I could give something to all of you. I have gone through the entries and worked on verifying every entry and my eyes are crossed and I'm tired but I'm happy to announce a winner.
Congrats to Mom to Three, you are my Blogmania winner. Please check your inbox. If my winner does not confirm, a new winner will be drawn!
It's Here It's Here, Blogmania is finally Here! I am so excited and hope you are too! Thank you for stopping by and entering and showing all of my sponsors some Texas Monkey Love!
Let's get started.
My Theme is Pinkalicious. Every girl whether it's a newborn or a grandma can use a little pink in their life. There is power in pink ya know! My prize package is over $300 and is filled with not only pink items but items that will make you feel pretty and loved! And you are!
Sponsor #1
With summer right around the corner everyone is getting ready for swim suit season. Whether it's for you or for your little girl, you are sure to find something Pinkalicious at Swim Spot. Swim Spot is giving my winner a $100 Gift Certificate to their store.
Sponsor #2
Misty from Thirty One Gifts wants my winner to take their lunch to work or school in style with a lunch tote. Thank you Misty!
Sponsor #3
Misty also knows that you can't have a Pinkalicious theme without the ultimate Pink Mary Kay gift. She's offering my winner a $25 gift certificate to her Mary Kay site.
Sponsor #4
Cari, owner of CCARIA Jewelry is giving my winner this beautiful baby blue pearl necklace. It's one of a kind and even though it's not pink, it's sure to make any girl feel pretty! Thank you Cari.
Sponsor #5
Cheri from Orglamix is offering my winner their choice of 3 eyeshadows. And with the new Champagne Bubbles added to the line, I know you are going to have a hard time picking just three. I want them all!
Sponsor #6
Mable Labels is everyone's answer to losing "stuff!" Your child will love these little cuties that dress up his or her possessions and you will love not losing their stuff in a sea of cups and backpacks at school.
Sponsor #7
EverSave is where you can get awesome deals at half the price and what better way to get started than a $10 credit on your account!
Sponsor #8
Glenda is offering my winner a $10 gift certificate to purchase a book for your little reader and help you make memories of sharing reading time together. Thank you Glenda.
Sponsor #9
Texas Monkey is providing this beautiful Pinkalicious Petti Skirt Set with crochet bodice and hand rolled rosette headband for your little monkey AND mom will receive a matching hand rolled rosette necklace.
Mandatory Entry
Tell me in a comment what prize you are most excited about. Please make this a real comment, not a generic, "I want to win" My sponsors have worked hard at providing for this giveaway and I'd like for us to show them som true love!
Bonus Entries ( 1 Each)
Like me on Facebook
Follow me on GFC
Leave a comment for each entry, 3 entries total.
Please note that Texas Monkey, Blogmania or the Blogmania bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner we will... contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to me to send one big winner's package to you. We will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor please notify the blog you won a prize from within 30 days for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.
Happy Blogmania Weekend Ya'll
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Blogmania Sponsor Spotlight: Mabel's Lables
My Monkey loves "stuff!" She loves filling a bag or purse with "her stuff." Her stuff consists of books, cups, bowls, crayons, anything she feels is "stuff" worthy. I catch myself saying "my stuff" so at least she gets it honestly. Well when she's toting her bag of stuff every where we go, it's easy to lose some of it or get it mixed up with another child's bag of stuff. So I'm constantly pulling my hair out and getting frustrated not only at losing stuff but at stickers and lables not staying put.
That is until I found Mabel's Lables!
I was sent a great set of Label Out Loud Sticky Lables to review.
Choose the name, up to 20 characters, and the design from 20 different motifs. I chose the pink princess for my Monkey. They are bright and fun. I was quick to label all of her "stuff."
This line is:
Dishwasher safe
Microwave safe
UV resistant
Peel and stick
In need of labels in other areas? Mabel's Labels has you covered. From clothing, skinny labels, bag tags, household labels, etc. There is something for all of your labeling needs.
I am excited to have Mabel's Labels as one of my Blogmania Sponsors (April 9-11). One of my lucky readers will receive a set like mine from the Label Out Loud Stick Labels with the name and motif of your choice ($21 value).
Connect with Mabel's Labels online
Follow them on Twitter
Like them on Facebook : Mabel's Labels
Follow their Blog
That is until I found Mabel's Lables!
I was sent a great set of Label Out Loud Sticky Lables to review.
Choose the name, up to 20 characters, and the design from 20 different motifs. I chose the pink princess for my Monkey. They are bright and fun. I was quick to label all of her "stuff."
This line is:
Dishwasher safe
Microwave safe
UV resistant
Peel and stick
In need of labels in other areas? Mabel's Labels has you covered. From clothing, skinny labels, bag tags, household labels, etc. There is something for all of your labeling needs.
I am excited to have Mabel's Labels as one of my Blogmania Sponsors (April 9-11). One of my lucky readers will receive a set like mine from the Label Out Loud Stick Labels with the name and motif of your choice ($21 value).
Connect with Mabel's Labels online
Follow them on Twitter
Like them on Facebook : Mabel's Labels
Follow their Blog
Monday, April 4, 2011
All About You Monday Party and Giveaway
It's Time For All About You Monday! Our weekly session where we get to show off our projects and creations.
But first I have a great giveaway for you and want to introduce you to one of Texas Monkey's Blogmania sponsors.
Misty from Thirty - One Gifts and Mary Kay has some great goodies in store for a winner on this giveaway AND on the Blogmania giveaway. How great is she?!
Misty is a local consultant for these 2 great companies but no fear if you don't live near her, shipping is available and so reasonable.
One winner on this giveaway is going to win a fun and trendy lunch tote from Thirty-One Gifts AND a $25 gift certificate to use at Mary Kay on Misty's site! I don't know about you but with Mother's Day right around the corner both of these great products would make great gifts to any mom including yourself!
So how do you enter?
Winner will have 48 hours to respond, contest ends on April 9th. US only. I was not provided any compensation or products to run this giveaway.
Good Luck
NOW, Let's see what you've been working on.
Happy Monday Ya'll
But first I have a great giveaway for you and want to introduce you to one of Texas Monkey's Blogmania sponsors.
Misty from Thirty - One Gifts and Mary Kay has some great goodies in store for a winner on this giveaway AND on the Blogmania giveaway. How great is she?!
Misty is a local consultant for these 2 great companies but no fear if you don't live near her, shipping is available and so reasonable.
One winner on this giveaway is going to win a fun and trendy lunch tote from Thirty-One Gifts AND a $25 gift certificate to use at Mary Kay on Misty's site! I don't know about you but with Mother's Day right around the corner both of these great products would make great gifts to any mom including yourself!
Please note that design you will receive varies.
- Sign Up for Misty's Thirty-One Gifts Website to receive all the latest info and news by leaving your email in the comment section so that Misty can add you to her email blasts.
- Sign Up for Misty's Mary Kay Website to receive all the latest info and news
- Refer 3 friends to sign up under your name and you are entered into a seperate drawing for the bag.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond, contest ends on April 9th. US only. I was not provided any compensation or products to run this giveaway.
Good Luck
NOW, Let's see what you've been working on.
- Link up to your post, not to your main blog.
- Link up your craft, DIY, project, recipe, party, or post about you.
- Grab the button and put on your post or sidebar.
- Enjoy visiting other post link ups and learning more about fellow bloggers and tell them you're visiting from All About You.
- I will choose the features from those that carry the button on their post or sidebar and that visit and comment on the other link ups.
- If you follow me let me know in a comment so that I can follow you back.
Happy Monday Ya'll
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