Throwing a Party Is Simple With HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays

I received free product in exchange for my honest review

Throwing a last minute party has never been so simple!

  I love having people over for parties and enjoy making the food for the party. The other weekend my husband wanted to have some people over for a game day gathering. I was hesitant to say yes as my week was super busy and I just did not have time for any party planning. My husband said don't worry about making lots of fancy food as I could just pick up some appetizers at the store. I agreed and hoped that I could find some easy appetizers at the store that were ready-made as I was in no mood to cook. When I got to the store, I decided to look in the deli section of the store and I saw some HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays that looked like an easy appetizer that could give me a stress-free party.

I really like that everything was included in the party tray, even the tray looked nice. So I grabbed two of the HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays, some carrots, and some chocolate. Every party needs chocolate! The party trays were so simple to serve. All I had to do was open up the packages of meat, cheese, and crackers. There were even compartments to place all the food in. I loved that I did not have to search my kitchen for any platters! All the meat and cheese were fresh and the crackers were crisp. My favorite part of the game day tray was the olives.

These party trays looked so delicious and it took me less than 15 minutes to set up everything for my gathering. I used paper plates and plastic silverware so I would not have to dishes later. Hosting this gathering for the game was so easy. My table was ready and I could now relax and enjoy hosting a party for my friends at my home.

If there were any leftovers, the party trays came with lids so it would be so easy to cover and place back in the fridge. I am thinking the next time I get invited to a party that I will be bringing a HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays with me.

My boys sure did enjoy being able to choose their favorites from the party trays. The food was so easy for people to grab and enjoy while watching the game.

                          Find out more about HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays

                                             http://www.hormel.com/Brands/PartyTray

                                                     Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Youtube

LG Appliances Help Me Prep For The Holidays

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

  I get all excited for the holiday season as to me it means family and time spent together. It also means cookie exchanges. I love cookie exchanges as it means I get to bake lots of cookies and then gather with friends who then give me more cookies. I love eating cookies. I also love baking cookies. When I bake cookies, it is an all-day affair. I have at least seven cookie sheets so I can do a baking marathon of many different kinds of cookies. When I bake, I usually bake at least three different kinds of cookies as cookies also make great gifts. I mean who would turn down a plate of delicious homemade cookies. Sometimes the different cookie recipes will bake at different temperatures so having a double oven with ProBake Convection makes all the difference to me when it comes to holiday baking. I have my eye on an LG Double Oven with ProBake at Best Buy as this oven circulates air evenly throughout the lower oven and the ProBake Convection speeds cooking times for fast and flavorful meals. I told my husband that if we buy this LG Double Oven we can Save up to $600 on an LG Kitchen Appliance Package.

 My husband liked that idea as our appliances are over ten years old and will need to be replaced soon. While we were at Best Buy browsing through the appliance section, my husband really liked the LG - InstaView™ Door-in-Door® Refrigerator. Who here has fun looking at appliances and all the new features? I know I do. It is so fun opening refrigerator doors and seeing all the cool things inside and out. I agree with my husband that the LG-InstaView is a cool refrigerator. This refrigerator features a sleek glass panel that illuminates with two quick knocks on the right-hand refrigerator door, letting you see inside the easy-access compartment without ever opening the door. If I had this fridge, I would no longer have to scream at my boys to close the fridge door. Does your family open the refrigerator door and stare inside hoping that the selection has changed? 

  My family thinks the refrigerator is a TV! They sometimes don't have a clue when it comes to the opening the door forever. Why would I buy new food when they won't eat it? My two favorite LG appliances are just two of the many LG appliances that included in this great Best Buy deal: Save up to $600 on an LG Kitchen Appliance Package. The holidays are a perfect reason to get some new LG appliances for your kitchen. Just think of all the wonderful baking that you could be doing. New appliances could help you prep for the holidays. Just think of it as an early Christmas present to yourself. Check out all the LG appliances that are included in this awesome deal at the 

Best Buy Holiday Prep link

Decorating With Floating Flowers

These floating flowers are so pretty and have so many uses!

Sponsored post: I received a bag of floating flowers to facilitate this post.

  I love decorating with flowers. I do like fresh flowers as they smell so good but they don't last long once picked. I also do not have a green thumb. It is quite black, I have even killed a cactus. So I love decorating inside and outside with silk and foam flowers. I recently found these gorgeous 

Pink Floating Flowers and I knew they would look wonderful in my backyard fountain. I just love how they float and look so real. They look like pretty lily pads. I even added a stone frog to my fountain!

These Floating Flowers are also great for weddings and parties. These flowers come in many different colors too. You can place some of the flowers in a glass bowl as they float, You can also add lights or color glass stones for a special touch. For a beach party theme, you could add seashells for that special touch.

 For a special touch at a wedding or party, place a single flower on the plate. They make the table look so pretty. The flowers are also be used to make name tags next to the plates. These flowers are made from foam are durable so they can be reused again. They also are made to withstand water so the rain will not harm them when used outside.

The pink flowers also look great on a decorative plate. These floating flowers can also be used in craft projects and so much more. They would look great in an aquarium. They come eight to a package and come in other colors like purple, white, orange and coral.

  How would you decorate with these pretty Pink Floating Flowers?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0737MK1WC

Having a Grown Up Dinner Party? Don't Do These Things!

Having a grown up dinner party can be a lot of fun, especially if you have a babysitter. This can be a great time to catch up with friends and loved ones! However, there are a few things you definitely shouldn’t do.

Set A Bad Atmosphere

If you’ve been rushing around all day and now you’re in a bad mood, the worst thing you can do is make that known to guests. They will take a hint from you, so make sure you are happy and welcoming!

Cook Something You’ve Never Cooked Before

Now is not the time to try a new recipe. You want your guests to be wowed with your cooking, so cook something you are confident with.

Let Your Pets Run Riot

Pet hairs can get everywhere, and you don’t want them all over your guests. Even worse, you don’t want them in their food! Make sure you put your pets somewhere safe, such as in another room with the door shut. Some people don’t like pets or have allergies.

Serve The Wrong Kind Of Wine

You should select a drink that goes well with the food you are eating. Read the label to work out what’s best for your food. Make sure you have non-alcoholic beverages too!

Serve The Wine At The Wrong Temperature

The wine needs to be the right temperature. Many people don’t realize that this is super important! If you’re confused about the temperature of your wine, the infographic below can help you figure it out.

credit to winecoolers.reviews

Gifted Movie Giveaway

“This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Fox Searchlight. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

My younger boys are considered gifted by the school system as they both participate in the gifted class at their school. That simply means they get extra help with their learning as their regular school work is too easy for them. I like that my boys are able to get a couple hours a day of challenging work. I much prefer my boys working with the gifted teacher rather than skipping a grade. Skipping a grade would present social challenges for most kids. My boys may be smart but they are still kids who need a normal childhood. 

  When I think of the girl in the Gifted movie, the word prodigy comes to my mind as her giftedness is way beyond my boy's smartness. My boys may learn new things quickly and as my ten-year-old says "we learn differently from others" but they are far from being as smart as Mary (Mckenna Grace) in the movie Gifted. When her grandmother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), discovers that Mary has mathematical abilities way beyond her age, she wants to separate her from her uncle Frank Adler (Chris Evans) who has custody of Mary. Frank just wants Mary to have a normal life and has to fight to keep Mary, as he promised his deceased sister that he would do just that. Frank's sister wanted Mary to be raised like a normal child and have friends. Octavia Spencer plays Roberta, Frank and Mary’s landlady and best friend who helps Frank to fight for the right to raise Mary.  Jenny Slate is Mary’s teacher, Bonnie, a young woman whose concern for her student develops into a connection with her uncle as well. 

You need to watch the trailer!

SOCIAL
Website: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/gifted/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GiftedtheMovie
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GiftedMovie/

Are you excited to see the movie Gifted? I know I am and I can't wait until April 7th which is the release date for the movie Gifted. While you are waiting for this awesome movie be sure to enter the below giveaway to win some cool swag from the movie.

                          Giveaway
Enter to win a swag bag filled with fun items from the movie Gifted. Enter on the form below and good luck!
Giveaway open to US only. Giveaway includes a GIFTED Softside Thermal Lunchbox, Cat Keychain, GIFTED Pencil Case, and GIFTED Calculator. Retail Value is $25


This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years of age or older.  Chances of winning this giveaway depends on the number of entries. All entries will be verified. The winner will be notified within 24 hours of the end of the contest and will then have 48 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be chosen. Sponsor is responsible for shipping out the prize. Void where prohibited

Entry-Form

Bedtime Stories Are The Best With National Geographic Kids Leveled Readers

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own.

  My Boys love bedtime stories and so do I. My boys will quickly get ready for bed when I announce that I am ready to read them a story. Even at eight and ten, they are never too old for bedtime stories. When I forget to read to them, they always ask "do we get a story tonight?" and unless it is way past their bedtime, I never refuse that sweet request. Reading to my boys is not only a great time for them to learn but it is also a great way to end the day with bonding time. I hope my boys will keep asking for bedtime stories for many more years. Some nights, I do all the reading and other nights my boys help me with the reading. I just love my bedtime reading with my boys, as it is a perfect way to end my day.

  I know my boys are excellent readers because of bedtime stories. The ten-year-old reads at a high school level and the eight-year-old reads at a 6th-grade level so finding books that they enjoy can be challenging. My boys and have fallen in love with books from National Geographic Kids a while back. So when we had the opportunity to review some more books from their National Geographic Kids Super Readers Program, my boys were so excited. We love these books for bedtime stories for many reasons. These books have taught us such a wealth of information. I have even learned new information. The books have colorful real life pictures that make reading them exciting. Through these books, my boys and I have learned new things about animals, space, and more. I love that these books come in different four reading levels and provide a great interactive reading experience for my boys.

 When these books arrived, my ten-year-old wanted to start with a Level 3 book called Sacagawea and he wanted to do the reading at bedtime. We learned that Sacagawea was a young Native American who was a brave explorer during the time of Lewis and Clark. I love that my son learned new words as he was reading. After my son read the book to his brother and me, he then said, "mom, I have a quiz for you to see if you were paying attention to the story." I am glad the quiz at the back of the book had multiple choice answers and I was able to get most of them right! Then my other son read a Level 3 book about Mars and we learned that there are four seasons on Mars.

Here are the four levels of the National Geographic Kids Super Reader books.

Pre-reader - for kids who are ready to read. These books feature short sentences and are great for kids building their vocabulary.

Level 1 - for kids who are starting to read. These books feature a shared reading experience between younger readers and a parent, older sibling or friend.

Level 2 - for kids who are reading independently. These books feature longer sentences and more complex vocabulary. They also have a color glossary.

Level 3 - for kids who are fluent readers. These books feature more complex sentences and more challenging vocabulary. Books also have a quiz at the end so kids can test themselves on what they've read.

  Kids can even earn prizes and rewards when they read these wonderful books. What a great way to encourage my boys to read more. You can find out more about this cool program at the below link.      http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/superreaders  I love that kids can dive deeper into what they learned about the books also at the website. The website also has activities and games to play. This has become my boy's new favorite website to visit when they have computer time.

These books can be found at all major bookstores as well as the National Geographic site and Amazon.com. Each book retails for $3.99.

Connect with National Geographic Kids:
Facebook - http://facebook.com/nationalgeographickids
Twitter - http://twitter.com/NGKids
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/natgeo
Instagram - http://instagram.com/natgeo
             Website: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/super-readers/

Ten Unique Facts That You Must Know About Mardi Gras

 Last December, I was able to visit New Orleans or NOLA as the locals call it. I was there for a conference so I did not have much time to explore the city, but I was able to experience some food and fun. My husband did not go with me but told me that I had to bring some jambalaya back with me while the boys wanted me to get pictures of alligators. While I was not able to do either of these items for my family, I could just imagine the mess in my bag from the jambalaya, I did bring back Chicory coffee, alligator meat in a can, and alligator heads. I also took a picture of the etouffee that I had for dinner one night. I discovered the alligator heads along with the meat in a gift shop when I went down to explore the famous Bourbon street. My boys loved the alligator heads and the teen snarfed down the alligator meat. My husband and I both enjoyed the Chicory coffee.

      The one thing NOLA is known for beyond their food is knowing how to party. Did you know that their biggest celebration Mardi Gras actually starts in January? Called the "carnivale" season, it  officially begins each year on January 6. This Feast of the Epiphany, 'King's Day', starts with traditional balls occurring in the weeks that lead up to the big event- Mardi Gras. The people of NOLA love to celebrate weekly with the delicious King Cake. This is a traditional sweet cake that has a plastic baby(the King) in it and who every finds the baby has to bring the next cake the following week. We all know that coffee goes great with cake, so Community© Coffee introduced Mardi Gras King Cake coffee late last December so people could have a great cup of coffee to go with their cake.

 I may not be able to be in NOLA to experience Mardi Gras in February, but I am glad that I can enjoy their MARDI GRAS KING CAKE coffee. This coffee has flavors of vanilla and cinnamon and reminds me of the sweet King Cake. This coffee smells like a cake baking! When my husband tried this coffee, he said that we need to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. I told maybe next year. He then said that I should make a weekly King Cake instead. I think I will surprise him with a cake on Mardi Gras. I will have to find a good recipe as I doubt that any bakers in Albuquerque know how to make this king cake.

                     So grab a cup of this delicious Mardi Gras King Cake coffee and celebrate! Enjoy the MARDI GRAS TOP 10 COUNTDOWN while you sip this delicious coffee!

NUMBER 10

How to spell “krewe” and “flambeaux” and “Mardi Gras” and, well, you get the point.

NUMBER 9

Technically, Carnival is a season, and Mardi Gras is a day. But we tend to generalize and refer to the weeks of parades leading up to Fat Tuesday as Mardi Gras.

NUMBER 8

The Mardi Gras colors are purple, green and gold. Remember to coordinate your outfit appropriately.

NUMBER 7

The Captain of the Krewe is more important than the King. But the King gets all the glory, while the Captain does all the work.

NUMBER 6

If you miss a doubloon thrown from a float, never reach down to pick it up. Always put your foot on it. If you go with your hand, you're either too late or you'll get your fingers stepped on.

NUMBER 5

If you bite into a plastic baby in a King Cake, that's a good thing.

NUMBER 4

Any beads shorter than two feet long are unacceptable unless they are made of glass -- the bigger and longer the beads, the better.

NUMBER 3

Once any beads have touched the ground, they are sullied and should not be picked up unless under the rarest of circumstances.

NUMBER 2

The vast majority of people in the French Quarter during Carnival are from out of town.

NUMBER 1

The Number 1 thing you must know about Mardi Gras season is that Community© Mardi Gras King Cake coffee hits the shelves. We suggest you celebrate with the “king” of all flavored coffees, our delicious Mardi Gras King Cake coffee with light vanilla and cinnamon flavoring.

Look for Mardi Gras King Cake coffee at your favorite store or purchase a bag or two at the below link.

http://www.communitycoffee.com/products/coffee/12-oz-ground-mardi-gras-king-cake

"These opinions are my own and I received samples of Mardi Gras King Cake coffee to faciliate this post."

No-bake Healthy Protein Bites & Giveaway

These tasty bites will give you a boost of energy and are so easy to make.

   I have a sweet tooth and will eat cookies if they are in the house. So I try not to bring cookies into the house. Over the holidays, I gained five pounds from the cookies people gave us. I have discovered a way to satisfy my sweet tooth with a healthy snack that is easy to make. These protein bites are great substitutes for granola and protein bars. I will serve these to my boys for an after school snack and they love them.They are also great for breakfast too. My youngest boy does not eat meat and will only eat yogurt and peanut butter for protein so I love that he is getting some extra protein with this healthy snack. These protein bites are easy to make and you can vary the flavor by using vanilla or chocolate protein powder. I made mine with extra chocolate as I used chocolate peanut butter and chocolate protein powder along with chocolate chips. I also snuck some green veggies into my protein bites without my boys knowing as I used Garden Of Life Raw Protein & greens chocolate protein powder. This delicious plant-based protein power has green veggies in it along with probiotics and omegas and the cool thing is it does not taste like green veggies. It tastes like chocolate milk. This protein powder also comes in vanilla and lightly sweetened. You can see my review of this protein powder at the below link and enter to win a canister through 2/24/2016.
 http://www.momknowsbest.net/2016/01/how-to-make-green-smoothie-that-does.html

                                No-bake Healthy Protein Bites

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder, I like Garden Of Life Raw Protein & greens
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 T chia seeds
1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter (or any nut butter)*
3 T natural honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup raisins, chocolate chips, craisins or preferred add-in

2-4 T liquid (almond milk, milk, water etc...)

1. Add oats, protein powder, cinnamon and chia seeds to a large bowl.
2. Add in peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
3. Add in raisins (or preferred add-in). Mixture should be slightly sticky but still crumbly.
4. Slowly add in liquid 1 tablespoon at a time and using hands (get dirty!) combine until it comes together in a sticky ball that holds together. If mixture is too dry, add in more liquid but not so much that it won't hold shape.
5.Place in a container to set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
6. Store in fridge until ready to eat. Makes 16-20 bites.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years of age or older.  Chances of winning giveaway depends on number of entries. All entries will be verified. Winner will be notified within 24 hours of end of contest and will then have 48 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be chosen. Sponsor is responsible for shipping out prize. Void where prohibited.

We Love Disney Features Great DIsney Songs Featuring The Hottest Artists

  I can never get enough of Disney songs. I just love listening to them and singing along. My boys also love singing Disney songs. When I sing the songs I get great memories of Disney movies that I have watch.

  Verve Records and Walt Disney Records have announced the 12 artists who are included on the upcoming compilation album We Love Disney, which will be released on October 30th. The album features the hottest artists from across the pop, rock, R&B, and country worlds delivering their own unique interpretations of classic Disney songs.

I had a chance to preview the We Love Disney album and I just love the fresh twist the these singers have brought to old favorite Disney songs. I enjoyed singing along while listening to the music. Here are the songs and artists that are on this new Disney album.

NE-YO “Friend Like Me” (Aladdin)

Jessie J “Part of Your World “(The Little Mermaid)

Jason Derulo “Can You Feel the Love Tonight / Nants’ Ingonyama” (The Lion King)

Gwen Stefani “The Rainbow Connection” (The Muppet Movie)

Ariana Grande “Zero To Hero” (Hercules)

Jhené Aiko “In a World of My Own/Very Good Advice” (Alice in Wonderland)

Fall Out Boy “I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)” (The Jungle Book)

Tori Kelly “Colors of the Wind” (Pocahontas)

Kacey Musgraves “A Spoonful of Sugar” (Mary Poppins)

Charles Perry “Ev’rybody Wants To Be a Cat” (The Aristocats)

Jessie Ware “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” (Cinderella)

Lucy Hale & Rascal Flatts “Let It Go” (Frozen)

Various Artists “It’s a Small World”

Bonus tracks on Deluxe CD, Vinyl, and Picture Disc:

Brenna Whitaker “It’s Not Easy Being Green” (The Muppet Show)

Yuna “A Whole New World” (Aladdin)



We Love Disney will also be available as a Collector’s Edition Box Set, which includes:

• the digital deluxe album
• limited-edition double vinyl,
• standard-edition double vinyl
• limited-edition CD
• standard-edition CD
• limited-edition double-picture disc
• four numbered lithographs
• a DVD of “The Magic Behind We Love Disney”
• a limited-edition T-shirt featuring a one-time only design
• an exclusive tote bag
• and a Certificate of Authenticity

Watch and listen to one of the songs from the We Love Disney

                Order your copy of We Love Disney at these websites.

                                  iTunes: http://bit.ly/WeLoveDisneyMusicO2O

                                       Amazon: http://bit.ly/WLDO2O


 I participated in the We Love Disney album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.