Hummus Mini Turkey Burgers with Foster Farms Buzzer Beaters #FFBuzzerBeaters #ad

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. #FFBuzzerBeaters #ad

March is College Basketball Tournament time and we love to find reasons to have more basketball fun. We like to shoot some hoops before a game, make some great food and cheer on our favorite college teams. I like to try new recipes but still include our favorite dunkable foods. I always buy the Foster Farms brand to support a California based company.

To celebrate College Basketball Foster Farms has a fun online game called Buzzer Beaters. My son and I have been in a fierce competition of who can make the most baskets in 30 seconds! So far we have won a promo code for Fanatics.com where we can get a discount on fan gear and some coupons for our favorite Foster Farm products. As a frugal Mom I love discount codes! My son always jokes that I can beat him in real basketball since I am taller and closer to the hoop. With Buzzer Beaters the odds are even and actually in his favor since he is an ace at online game play. He was elated that he was beating Mom and the winner! How many baskets can you make in the 30 seconds? Have you beat the home team?

Game time always calls for good food. I bought my sons favorite, Foster Farms Mini Corn Dogs since they are easy to make and easy to dunk into tasty dips. I also made a new recipe using Foster Farms Ground Turkey. I have really been into hummus and wanted to try to find a way to incorporate it other than a dip. I made Hummus Mini Turkey Burgers that I served in pita pockets.

Hummus Mini Turkey Burgers

1 pound Foster Farms Ground Turkey
2/3 cup of your favorite hummus ( recipe for my homemade Basic Hummus)
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon fennel

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together until hummus and spices are fully incorporated into the ground turkey. Form into small balls, flatten into small burgers. Brush pan with olive oil and tops of burgers. Cook in oven at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes. (adjust cooking time with your pan and oven as needed)

Serve mini turkey burgers on pita bread cut into quarters from the whole pieces of pita bread. Add sliced avocado, yellow and red sweet peppers, top with yogurt based blue cheese dressing and a dash of pepper. Turn on your favorite College Basketball game and enjoy your snacking!

We always include a "dunkable" item in our College Basketball celebrations. This time I served mini corn dog and sweet pepper kabobs that can be dunked into a spicy black bean dip. Delicious!

Giveaway:

Enter in the Rafflecopter form below to win $69 in Foster Farms Coupons ($21 in Foster Farms Ground Turkey Coupons, $20 in Foster Farms Frozen Cooked Chicken Coupons and $28 in Foster Farms Corn Dog Coupons)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 26, 2018 and ends on April 3, 2018 at 12:01 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

Naked Energy Pre-Workout Supplement Smoothies #ad

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. #ad

Post by Laura

My husband has been a big fan of Naked Nutrition products for a few years now. He did tons of research and taste tests before he picked a Whey Protein Powder that he would have in his diet. He is very health conscious about all aspects in his life, so much so I envy his dedication to it.

When he decided to step up his work outs to match his healthy eating he looked into products that could enhance work outs. An obviously choice was to look into Naked Nutrition products, we discovered Naked Energy.

He tried it as directed on the jar to add to water but without and added sugars or flavors it was not very appealing in taste, but then again he was not drinking it for the flavor. The main reason for it was a more natural boost to his workouts. He said it was like a caffeine boost without the jittery side effects of other supplements.

Information from the website:

"Naked Energy is a pure, unflavored pre-workout that has been formulated with only premium, non-gmo ingredients. Naked Nutrition’s #1 objective is to help you perform at your highest levels with the cleanest products available. Our pre-workout will give you the energy you need to take your workouts to the next level.**"

The Naked Difference:

• Only 10, High-Quality Ingredients
• Designed to Enhance Athletic Performance*
• Formulated to Impact Your Workout*
• Made in the USA
• No Added Artificial Sweeteners, Colors or Flavors
• Non-GMO and Vegan
• Heavy Metals Testing Conducted by a Third-Party Laboratory
• No Added Sugar or Salt
• Soy and Gluten Free

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

I decided to make him a fruit smoothie and adding the Naked Energy before he started to workout. It definitely improved the flavor! I added the recommended amount of powder with some fruit we had on hand, I included strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and peaches with ice and coconut water.

Naked Nutrition Blog has some recipe suggestions on their website for smoothies and more

If you are adding a pre-workout to your workout regimen I do recommend using a more natural supplement like Naked Energy. I like that it is made in the USA and tested for heavy metals.

Practically Perfect! MARY POPPINS RETURNS Trailer #MaryPoppinsReturns

Post by: Laura

I seriously screamed when I saw the trailer for the new Mary Poppins Returns movie!! I grew up watching the original movie and it is a part of my childhood. I have watched it hundreds of times and still as an adult watch it. I make my son watch it with me and do the dancing with the songs. He may have rolled his eyes a few times at me while we do it too! I fondly remember my siblings and I dancing and singing along with the movie too, it fills with my heart with joy. In elementary school we even had our school concert singing all the songs from the movie! Mary Poppins is a part of who I am!!!

:

In the sequel, which arrives in theaters this Christmas, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives. MARY POPPINS RETURNS stars Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure; Lin-Manuel Miranda as her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London; Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; and Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy. The film also introduces three new Banks’ children played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.

You can Like MARY POPPINS RETURNS on Facebook

MARY POPPINS RETURNS arrives in theaters everywhere on December 25, 2018!

Chicken Spinach Pizza with White Sauce

I think that making pizza is one of the very best ways to get creative in the kitchen. There are so many toppings, sauces, and kinds of pizza dough to make, that you could literally make a different pizza every night of the year.
This recipe for a chicken pizza with spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers is one of my favorites. The white sauce is a snap to make, and you can certainly add more of your favorite toppings. One thing I have started doing is buying pizza toppings from my favorite little grocery store's salad bar. For this pizza I bought the all the toppings there, including the already cooked chicken. So easy, and a real money saver, too.
I have made my own pizza dough in the past, and I definitely want to start experimenting with making it again. I used an already made crust for this pizza, and it still very good, but nothing beats homemade.
I actually made two of these yummy pizzas, but the following recipe is for one pizza.

Ingredients to make one large pizza:

1 4oz. package of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup chicken, cut up
1 cup chopped spinach
1 cup mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced red bell peppers
1 large pizza crust, homemade or store bought


Directions:

To make the sauce, stir together cream cheese, ranch dressing, onion and garlic. Spread evenly over pizza crust. Top with chicken, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and cheese.
Cook in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Cheesy Whole Wheat Dog Treats

-Post by Patricia

Dare I admit that I have never really been a dog person? I know many people love their dogs like they might love their own children, but I have never been one of those people.

When you are raising five children, the amount of pee, poop, and vomit you deal with is no small amount. And I just never wanted to deal with that when it came to adding a dog to the family.

But that changed when a certain dog came into my life. A dog I like so much (ok, love) that I actually bake dog treats for him. Go figure.

This is our sweet Chewie. The guy really lives up to him name too. He has been know to destroy everything from a fabulous pair of new high-heels, to a complete set of wooden toy blocks.

But he is always forgiven, of course. Just look at that face.

I whipped up this batch of easy cheesy dog treats for Chewie, and he loved them. They look especially cute when you use a bone shaped cookie-cutter, and it's an easy shape for your dog to eat.

These treats are great to give as gifts too, around the holidays, to the dog and dog-lover in your life.
I guarantee the pups will gobble them up.


Recipe for Cheesy Whole Wheat Dog Treats

Ingredients:

3 cups whole wheat flour
11/2 cups cheddar cheese
1 egg
1 cup water or beef broth

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place flour in medium bowl, add cheese, egg, and water or broth. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Roll out dough on floured surface to about 3/8 of an inch thick.
Use cookie cutter to cut shapes. Place them on a foil lined cookie sheet and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until firm.

Makes about 2 dozen treats, depending on cookie-cutter size.

California H20 Water Challenge for Classrooms #ad #SaveH20 #MomsMeet

*I am writing this sponsored post for Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to share this information and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own.

As a Californian I know how important our water is to the state. We need it for farms, for homes and for business to function. We take pride in our ability to conserve and protect our watershed. Even in our school system we teach how Californians use water and how important it is to us all. I just completed teaching my own son the ways we use water in our state and how to use less of it.

In our home we make sure we turn off water while brushing our teeth, we don't over water our garden, we only wash dishes and laundry if its a full load and we limit our use of water wasting activities like washing the car.

Jenkinson Lake Drinking Water Reservior 

Many of our beautiful lakes and rivers are an important part of our drinking water that are also our outdoor activities areas. We are extra careful when we are out enjoying our local waterways as to not pollute it or cause waste.

The California Water Service hosts an annual contest to challenge teachers and students to learn more about water conservation through project based learning that aligns California Common Core Standards curriculum.

Information About Cal Water H2O Challenge’s Classroom Challenge:

• The students of participating classrooms initiate, develop, and

implement a 4-8 week-long project (or longer at teacher discretion),

focusing on caring for water. This class-based project explores water as

a global resource and as a local resource, while tackling a local water

problem in an individual and community-based endeavor.

• A handbook can be found at challenge.calwater.com/resources,

including a guide for the flow of the project, and sample lesson plans.

• Upon completion of the project, students create a final portfolio

documenting their work. This portfolio, along with accompanying

cover sheets, student reflections, and a teacher reflection, constitute

the final submission. Sample Portfolios can be found in the resource

section.

• Early Registration closes Dec. 31, 2017. Final Registration closes Jan 31,

2018. Submissions are due February 28, 2018.

• Curriculum Alignment: Common Core State Standards and is

complementary to the Next Generation Science Standards. In aligning

the curriculum, sample lesson plans were developed incorporating

these guidelines.

• Project-Based Learning: Developed with the help of the WestEd /

K-12 Alliance and the North American Association for Environmental

Education, their project-based learning model offers an effective

and engaging manner to inspire students to community action while

achieving curriculum standards.

• Objective Rubric: Judging of the competition will be conducted by a

panel of experts working in education and/or an environmental field.

It will use an objective rubric, developed with the help of the West Ed

/ K-12 Alliance. This rubric evaluates the water topic choice, project

goals, action plan, and outcomes, long term benefits, integration with

student learning and curriculum, student participation, impact on

student learning, presentation, and impact on teacher practice.

You can learn more about the Cal H20 Water Challenge here.

Here is a video of last years winners of the Cal Water H20 Challenge:

Winners of the Cal Water H2O Classroom Challenge will receive:

Grand Prize
Class Celebration: Classroom tent-camping trip to the Santa Monica Mountains with NatureBridge
Class Funding: $3,500 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

2nd Place
Class Celebration: A Pizza Party
Class Funding: $2,500 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

3rd Place
Class Funding: $2,000 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

4th Place
Class Funding: $1,000 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

All Participant Prizes
Student Recognition: An official certificate of participation for every student
Teacher Recognition: A teacher certificate
Teacher Gift: An AMEX gift card

Waterfall at Lake Jenkinson

Let's Live Well With Michele: An Introduction to Essential Oils for Pregnancy

Happy Holidays Everyone!

I wanted to introduce a good friend of mine to all our readers, Michele, she is a new Mom and trying to reach out to other Moms about the benefits of Essential Oils. I am not affiliated with Doterra or its products, I am helping a fellow Mom out to help her build her business.

Let's Live Well with Michele

Doterra Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth & Babies

Online Class

Who: Anyone! If you're not pregnant & don't have kids, tag a friend who does!

What: Hop online in your pjs :: grab a cup of coffee & a notebook! I just had my sweet baby boy & am ecstatic to share with you some of the experiences we've had with our oils! I'll share recipes & tips on how to create a relaxing, inviting, happy environment for your little bundle!

When: Saturday 12/16 :: 10 to 11 am

Where: Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/letslivewellwithmichele/

Why: I am all about doterra essential oils. They have changed my life in many ways, and I can't help but share & educate others on the amazingness I've experienced! I'm passionate about oil education and am always here to answer any questions you may have.

*Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Michele R.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letslivewellwithmichele/

Instagram: @letslivewellwithmichele

Email: 

letslivewellwithmichele@gmail.com

Foster Farms 49ers Feed Your Fandom Game Day Recipe & Giveaway #FeedYourFandom #ad

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. #FeedYourFandom #ad

Football and food are forever linked through the parties families host to celebrate their favorite teams. In my home we love to support what we consider our local team, The San Francisco 49ers. I think our whole family would agree we are Red & Gold! My brother in law has moved a few times over the years to different states but he still is a 49er fan! I want my son to grow up to be a 49ers fan as well. I have been watching football games with my son since he was a baby and throwing a football around with him since he could walk. Football is also a part of our family Thanksgiving tradition starting back to when I was a kid.

Football games are always a good reason to make recipes your family enjoys on special occasions. For the San Francisco 49ers game I had planned on making a drumstick recipe that I love but my son convinced me that we really, really needed to make wings. I was so glad we made wings, the recipe was spicy and delicious!

Recipe for Spicy Parmesan Wings
2 lbs. of fresh Foster Farms Simply Raised Party Wings
1 cup of flour
3 tbsp. your favorite taco seasoning
1 egg white
1/4 cup your favorite hot sauce
1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese

Mix in a bowl the flour and the spices. In a separate bowl whisk egg white. Dip chicken into the egg white bowl, then into the flour bowl lightly coating the chicken in the flour and spice mixture. Place chicken on a large baking sheet or stainless steel pan. Cook chicken at 400 for 45 minutes, adjust your cooking time for your oven as need be. When chicken is done, take it out of the oven and drizzle the top of the chicken with your favorite hot sauce. Wait 5 minutes then toss the chicken wings in a bowl with chopped fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese. Serve with cold pasta salad to balance the spiciness of the chicken wings.

Foster Farms has a great line of products to create fantastic tailgates and game day spreads. Ground turkey for tacos, chili or burgers, chicken breast and legs marinated in a favorite sauce and grilled to perfection. Sliced turkey for game time hoagies and sandwiches. Plus wings, nuggets, strips, buffalo wings, corn dogs and much more! In my house we eat Foster Farms chicken simply because it is a California company. We want to support California the state we live in and love, just like our love for the 49ers.

Foster Farms has an exciting promotion running called Feed Your Fandom – because as the official chicken and turkey of the San Francisco 49ers, Foster Farms is uniquely qualified to do just that!

To get involved and enter the exciting Feed Your Fandom promotion just pick up specially-marked packages of Foster Farms at area Safeway, Savemart, Lucky, Foodmaxx, Raley’s or Nob Hill stores.

Enter by taking a photo of your receipt and upload it by text or by uploading the receipt at http://feedyourfandom.com

Look for these labels on Foster Farms products in store

There are 49 great prizes daily from 49ers tickets to upcoming home games on 11/5 versus the Arizona Cardinals, 11/12 versus the New York Giants and 11/26 versus the Seattle Seahawks, to 49ers merchandise and also Foster Farms coupons for chicken or turkey products. Plus all entries are eligible for chance to win the Grand Prize, a VIP Suite Experience for 16 friends and family to the December 17th 49ers home game. Every entry helps feed the hungry!

For official rules and free method of entry visit http://feedyourfandom.com No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. Game ends 11/30/17

What would your ultimate fan outfit look like if you went to a game?!? Here I am rocking my red pom pom style wig and red sparkle sunglasses while we watched the last game and ate our spicy wings. I plan on entering the Feed Your Fandom Sweepstakes myself since I have never attended a NFL game. My family would love to see the 49ers play in person and of course enjoy all the amazing food at the stadium.

GIVEAWAY

I am hosting a giveaway on my blog for Foster Farm coupons so you can create your own football day recipes to share with your loved ones. Plus you can enter to win the Feed Your Fandom Sweepstakes with your receipts.

One winner (US Only) will win $70 in Foster Farms Coupons (7 coupons worth $9.99 good for any one (1) Foster Farms Chicken or Turkey products, all varieties.). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Oct. 27 2017 and ends on Nov. 10, 2017 at 12:01 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

Giveaway: Disney on Ice Dream Big Golden 1 Center Sacramento CA #Ad #DisneyonIce

Disclosure: This is a giveaway post. I was not paid or provided tickets.

Disney Princesses Create Their Own Happily Ever After When

DISNEY ON ICE presents DREAM BIG

Skates Into Sacramento, November 2–5, 2017

Believing is just the beginning when dreamers throughout Sacramento witness the empowering tales of Disney’s most courageous leading ladies told through artistic skating and acrobatics in Disney On Ice presents Dream Big. Audiences are invited to join eight Disney Princesses – Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White – as they embark on incredible adventures, determined to make their dreams come true. In addition, experience the sisterly love that has captivated millions as Disney’s Frozen is brought to life on the icy stage. Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is playing the Golden 1 Center from November 2^nd – 5^th.

Audiences will be transported to a world where imaginations soar and anything can happen. Through enchanted pixie-dust, Tinker Bell takes audiences on a journey of beloved Disney tales. Make a splash with the fearless dreamer Ariel as she yearns to explore life above the waves. Watch Rapunzel, Cinderella and Belle as they learn about the power to make their own magic. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman Olaf from Disney’s Frozen as they learn that true love is the greatest magic of all. Be there to discover a whole new world with the daring Jasmine, and join Snow White, Aurora and Tiana as they remind you that strength and kindness go hand-in-hand. High-flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends make Disney On Ice presents Dream Big an experience your family will never forget!

WHEN: Thursday, November 2 – Sunday, November 5

• Thursday, Nov. 2 7:00 PM
• Friday, Nov. 3 7:00 PM
• Saturday, Nov. 4 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
• Sunday, Nov. 5 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM

WHERE:          Golden 1 Center – 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, CA 95814

My family recently visited the Golden 1 Center for the first time last month for a different event. It was easy to find and park. We used a parking app recommended by Golden 1 to pre-purchase a parking spot. The arena is huge and the food was great!

We are hosting a GIVEAWAY for 4-pack of tickets to opening night on Thurs, Nov. 2nd at 7pm, Golden 1 Center. Giveaway ends Thursday Oct. 26th 2017 and winner has 48 hours to confirm winning. Tickets will be held at Will Call at Golden 1 Center.

Enter in the Rafflecopter Form Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Oct. 20,2017 and ends on Oct. 26, 2017 at 12:01 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

Pumpkin Banana Bread

It's that time of year again, time for me to start pulling out all my favorite pumpkin flavored recipes. I'm also inspired to try some new recipes this year too, like this super yummy Pumpkin Banana Bread. You might be like me and think that sounds like sort of a funky combination, pumpkin and bananas together. But trust me, it's delicious! The bananas give it such a great flavor, and add so much moistness to the bread.

This recipe makes two loaves, perfect for giving one to a friend or neighbor. Or you can freeze the other for use at a later date. It's definitely nice to know you have something this delicious in your freezer to enjoy with tea or coffee when you want it.

This bread can also be made without the walnuts in it too. I actually only made one of the loaves with walnuts, and the other without. My grandchildren aren't very fond of nuts added to baked goods, and I wanted them to enjoy this treat too.

Fall is my favorite season and here in Nevada the temperatures have already dropped a lot. I needed a jacket this morning on my walk around the neighborhood. It's fun to see how so many people here get into the Halloween spirit with all their decorations on the houses and porches.

I hope you give this Pumpkin Banana Bread a try. It's sure to become a favorite like it has for me. My family loves it!

Recipe for Pumpkin Banana Bread

Ingredients:

2 sticks butter, melted
2 1/2 cups white granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
5 ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts (if using)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two loaf pans with non-stick baking spray and set aside.

Place softened butter and sugar into a large mixing bowl. With an electric mixer, cream together until well combined. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add canned pumpkin and mix together. Add in flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until combined. Stir in mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and walnuts, if using.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake in the oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Check for doneness by using a knife or long wooden skewer.  

Makes 2 loaves.

This recipe is inspired by the wonderful Pizzazzerie Entertain In Style Blog.

Post by Patricia