Dinner’s Ready with Reynold’s Heat & Heat

This post is sponsored by Reynolds™ but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

When I get home from a long day the LAST thing on my mind is “what’s for dinner?”  I’ve told y’all before I’m not the best cook.  I have a handful of go-to meals up my sleeve for the weeknights, but I would really like to start cooking more at home to save money.

I recently tried these new containers by Reynolds Disposable Heat & Eat.  These can be found at your local Walmart and are priced very reasonably.

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These Reynolds Disposable Heat & Eat containers are a great alternative to plastic and are made with natural plant fibers.  These are good for reheating dinners at home or work in the microwave too!

We had tacos for dinner last night.  I put our meat and beans in the Reynolds Disposable Heat & Eat containers and I had a taco salad for lunch today!  

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No more melting plastic in my microwave!
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Like my Mom always said “Waist not, want not”.  Next time you’re at Walmart check out the Reynolds Disposable Heat & Eat in the food container isle.  

GET YOUR $1.00 OFF COUPON HERE!

Life Update…Fa La La La FALL!

I’m already seeing the glimmer of Christmas bulbs in Target people!  You know if Target has it then it must be true….I mean you can’t trust Hobby Lobby or Michaels because it’s basically Christmas 24 hours a day/ 365 at those joints.

Like seriously I’m so anxious to decorate this house because I have more Christmas decorations that I actually have regular decorations so it sort of makes my house look shall we say….”decorated“???

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This week begins my very favorite Christmas shopping event in DFW Christmas in Cowtown 🙂

Check out our past shopping adventures HERE.

Update on the house…well, we had to buy a pool pump and my washing machine broke along with a thousand other things that need to get done, but that’s okay we have a lifetime right?  I’m not going to sell a kidney just yet.

Check out our entry way.  Gone is the tuscan Olive Garden feel and welcome sleek and modern clean walls and lighting from Savoy House.

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At least all the messy stuff is over and we can relax a bit.  I’ve been getting into Snapchat lately: Username: thejavamama

Connor has been having a lot of fun playing soccer again.  We are about to start boy scouts too!

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I did the prettiest engagement shoot for my friend Kelly’s daughter.  The Dallas Arboretum is so gorgeous this time of year and they have pumpkins EVERYWHERE!
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Aren’t they the cutest???

Well, that’s about it besides the daily routine of school and work.  I’m loving the new show “This is Us”.  If you haven’t watched it….DO IT.  My parents are coming in for a visit in the next couple of weeks and I can’t wait!  For the daily you can find me on Instagram 🙂

xo Becky

It’s Fall & All

I can’t believe we are already into October.  I mean we have like 80 something days until CHRISTMAS!  If you ask anyone and everyone that knows me Christmas time is my absolute favorite ever!  When I was pregnant with Connor the very first thing we bought for our new home was a Christmas tree because Terence knew how important that was to me 🙂  I’m so excited to put up our tree this year…it may be the only thing in our dining room right now, but that is perfectly fine with me.

We went really bold on this color.  New lighting to come soon!

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Oh the joys of moving into a new home….so far our washing machine has broken, the pool pump broke, and we’ve also spent a ton of money updating the house.  But, hoping we will be here for the long haul and all this will be worth it.  I absolutely LOVE our neighborhood and everyone is so friendly.  Connor’s school is only a few streets away….I mean God knew y’all.  He really did.  Why do I question Him so much?

Speaking of school….Toyota sent us back to school in strait up style.

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All the room for all the THINGS!  Connor started soccer again…so we are hauling chairs, soccer balls, school stuff.
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Seat bun warmers and coolers…yes ma’am!DSC_5412 DSC_5408

I like to be in charge of everything.  And I am with all the buttons and the nice little shelf for my phone.  I meeeeaaaan….I have officially decided my next car is an SUV.  DSC_5411

I can’t believe he’s in first grade.  My baby…he’s growing up so fast.  I need another one before I turn into an infertile myrtle.  Waaaahhhh!DSC_4519

Yep, lots of changes going on and YES– I am behind on just about everything in life right now.

We get to do so many fun things as bloggers and social media divas.  I just love the community of women I’ve met.  Over the last 10 years a lot has changed, but the one thing that will never change is my love of writing and reading.  I did say 10 years because my little blog here is TEN YEARS OLD this year!  What????

I can’t believe it.  Time flies.  Enjoy every second.  Reflect, love, learn, grow, reap, sew, and for the love of blogging and pen and paper WRITE IT DOWN.  Because some day when you are old and senile you will want to remember all the little bitty things in life you forgot.

Maybe one day my grandkids could read this blog?  Gulp.

Anyways…that’s a ways off….until then coffee cats 🙂

*House updates to come soon!

Ready for Fall with ChapStick® + Enter to WIN!

The ChapStick® product, information and gift have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

Well, as you all know we just moved into our new HOME!  Praise the Lord!

Our bodies are a bit tired and we are a little achy, but are super excited for this chapter in our lives and the memories to be made in our new house.  We are still unpacking and getting things in order.  I can’t wait to share all the things we’ve been doing to update the house.  I think it’s a lot of fun!  There are definitely great things about owning a new house like our last home, but the character in an older home, the mature trees in the yard, and little “fixes” make for a fun adventure!

Yesterday I had all the windows open and it was a cool 68 degrees…it finally feels like FALL!  Woohoo!  My favorite season 🙂

I’m super excited to bust out those boots and scarves that have been sitting in storage.  I always get SUPER dry lips in the fall/winter months too.  It’s something that happens to me every single year.

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This year I’m fully stocked with ChapStick®, America’s favorite lip balm, and I’m ready for the cold fronts baby!  I keep one in my purse, in Connor’s backpack, and in my car.  I’m always prepared and ready for the chill.
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ChapStick® is available in so many varieties and flavors.  I just saw “Pumpkin Pie” flavor at the store the other day!  You can also purchase at Chapstick®’s new online store!  Healthy & happy lips are only a click away! (Please note: there is a minimum quantity requirement of 3 items in order to proceed with checkout.)

My personal favorite is a Classic Cherry.  Yum…Yum…

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Be ready for fall with ChapStick® – no matter what gets thrown your way!

ENTER TO WIN A CHAPSTICK LUNCHBOX FILLED WITH ChapStick® GOODIES!

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Recipients must be 18 years or older and reside in U.S.

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It’s Football Time with KING’S HAWAIIAN! #GameTimeGrilling

This blog post was sponsored by KING’S HAWAIIAN® but the opinions are all my own.

It’s FOOTBALL time y’all!  We are big TCU fans in our house.  Of course I am torn between two families…my family in Arkansas are big Razorback fans, and my husband went to TCU.  Arkansas just played TCU and lost…. 🙁

There’s nothing like a fall weekend with friends and family eating good food and watching football.  It’s the obligatory thing to do on the weekends am I right?

So, we love our football…but we also love good FOOD!  Last weekend the boys were watching the game and I headed to HEB to make some yummy ham & cheese sliders.  This is definitely one of my go-to recipes for football and party food!hawaain

KING’S HAWAIIAN® rolls are great for lots of sandwiches, but this is our favorite!

HAM AND CHEESE MELTS:

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You can choose the original or go a little spicy with the Jalapeno rolls
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Cut the entire package in halfdsc_5509

Layer with ham

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Top with cheese 🙂

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Put the tops back on the KING’S HAWAIIAN® rollsdsc_5517

Spread the butter/mustard/poppy seed mixture on top!dsc_5519

And ENJOY like my precious boys here 🙂  They love watching football together…it gets a bit loud in there I must say!  Ha ha!
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KING’S HAWAIIAN® also has a fab new line of grilling sauces & we LOOOOVE to grill while the weather is still nice outside.  Here is my hubby cooking up some yumminess on the grill!  That’s the KING’S HAWAIIAN® Kona Coffee BBQ sauce!07042010-25

We try to cook at home during the week to help save and prepare our meals in advance.  These sauces make preparation easy and simple!

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Also, I was browsing in the Food Network Magazine this weekend and LOOK!!!  These cute little “spooky sliders” using KING’S HAWAIIAN® rolls are so adorable!  See recipes below:

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Happy Football season from our little Horned Frog to yours!

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RECIPE:

HAWAIIAN HAM AND CHEESE SLIDERS

INGREDIENTS

  • 3/4 cup melted Butter
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Poppy Seeds
  • 2 tsp Dried Minced Onion
  • 12 King’s Hawaiian Dinner Rolls
  • 9 oz thin sliced Deli Ham
  • 8 oz thin sliced Swiss Cheese

DIRECTIONS

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Combine butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, poppy seeds, and dried onion.
  • Slice the rolls to make sandwiches. Remove tops and set aside.
  • Place the bottom pieces into the prepared baking dish.
  • Layer the ham onto the rolls.
  • Top the ham with the Swiss cheese.
  • Place the tops of the rolls onto the sandwiches.
  • Brush or pour the liquid mixture evenly over the rolls.
  • Bake 20 minutes or until the rolls are lightly browned and cheese has melted.
  • Separate into individual sandwiches to serve.

 

Fall into a Good Routine with ProNamel® for Kids

The ProNamel® brand has compensated me in connection with statements made in this post.

It’s time for back to school and making sure your kiddos are in tip-top shape this year! Bring on the back to school shopping, the school supplies, and yearly physicals.   I’ve talked with you all before how important taking care of your child’s teeth is.  In my opinion it’s just as important as a well check-up.  A healthy mouth can help your child’s overall immune system and prevent infections in the future.

I was at Connor’s class visiting one day and I was astonished as I sat there and saw so many kids with fingers in their MOUTHS!  Ugh…

I know we can’t be there to remind them 24/7 not to stick their hands in their mouth & tell them how nasty it is, but we can instill good dental hygiene to help prevent germs and bacteria from growing.

ProNamel® 6-12 Years Toothpaste for Kids is the toothpaste we use and it works great to keep Connor’s teeth healthy!  Tooth enamel is precious and needs to be protected, starting at an early age. Acid Erosion compromises the strength of enamel. This is where ProNamel® 6-12 Years Toothpaste for Kids comes in. ProNamel® for Kids actively strengthens enamel and protects against everyday acids and cavities. I work for a Dental office and our Doctor also recommends ProNamel® to our patients.

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It’s never too early or too LATE to start good oral hygiene habits in your kids.

We try to make brushing our teeth fun and we also tell Connor how important it is to keep his teeth healthy.  Now that he’s getting his permanent teeth in he knows he’ll only get one set of those.  It’s important to take care of your smile, because it’s the only one you’re going to get 🙂

We have another tooth on the loose!  Ha ha!

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Here are some tips to make brushing fun for your kids:

  • Let them pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste, they have an opinion too!  Toothbrushes come in so many fun styles these days- some have lights and even music!
  • Show them how to brush their teeth in a routine way.  Side to side, back to front.
  • Try rhyming or music to make brushing teeth fun.
  • Tell them how sparkly and pretty their teeth look when they are done.  It helps build self esteem.

As you get ready for back to school, send your child out there with confidence.  A bright smile can go a long way.  Education is key and having the right tools and great products help make this Mom’s life a lot easier.

 

COUPONS ARE AVAILABLE HERE.

Follow along for all the latest on ProNamel® for Kids on Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube.

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The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 9/13 – 9/30

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10 Years of Blogging: Then vs. Now

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My blog is a little over 10 years old this year.  That blows my mind!  When I first started my blog I remember people asking “What is a BLOG?”  I remember my first post, it was basically nothing.  I started blogging about my favorite books, or shows I watched, things I did randomly during the day.  It was real and authentic and exactly why I started to blog because it was more of a journal than anything else.

I got comments (yes actual COMMENTS) on posts that I wrote.  Over the years comments have trickled off and people would rather communicate via Instagram,Twitter, or Facebook.  Some of my very favorite bloggers have quit and I understand life changes and we go through seasons.  I miss the interaction I first had as a blogger – that authentic communication.  I met some of my best friends through blogging.

I know at times I’m goofy.  I’m not the best writer by any means.  Does anyone remember the Starbucks wall of shame that used to be on my site?  Ha!  I know not everything I write about is Earth shattering…but it’s real.

I’ve tried to stick with it.  I know a lot of my post have become “sponsored” or I get items for free to review.  Let’s face it…it’s hard to turn down free stuff right?  Especially when some of the things are really cool things you couldn’t afford on your own.  There is some judgement behind that…but I still try to remain true to myself, while I’m not going to lie the income really helps my family.  Especially when you are going through a house remodel that seems to be bleeding you dry right now!  Eeeek!

There is a fine balance between having all sponsored content and remaining true to your audience.  I’m not sure I’ve found my perfect middle yet, but I’m working on it.  I miss the kinship I found with other bloggers.  I’m not saying I’m going to stop doing sponsored content because I really do enjoy it, I just want to find the right middle ground.

Ten years ago it wasn’t about “look what opportunity I got!” or “I made this much $$$ on this post” or “I got to go to a special event because obviously…I’m special!”  Uhm…no.

Nobody wants to hear that stuff and it doesn’t create authentic and real relationships.  We should support each other, comment on actual content – not just a photo, don’t rub things in other bloggers faces.  Support-Connect-SHARE-Love one another!!!

Be PROUD that you have what you have and OWN IT.  Don’t sit there wishing you were someone else because you are YOU and that’s what matters.

As you all probably noticed on my Instagram account I did get a great opportunity as a brand rep at Megaphone Conference.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

BUT- every.single.time I tried to authentically get to know a blogger they went into stats, opportunities, analytics, they won’t share sources because heaven forbid they have any competition or SHARE something.  It came off as a bunch of content hungry and opportunity driven women that will only write a post if the price is right.  It’s a pure and utter mind suck.  When someone thinks your only value is as good as how many followers you have.  I’m here to tell you ladies and gentlemen you CAN write content that is well written and wonderful without a price tag attached.

EXCUSE ME?

We are bloggers and we are extremely blessed to get to do what we do.  At the same time we must realize that it’s not all about the MONEY.  Most of my favorite posts are learning about someone’s family or an event that happened in their lives.

Let’s try to not step on everyone’s toes now shall we?  Support one another like the good old days.  I know I’m being very blunt in this post, but it’s something that has been on my heart for a while.

I miss all my blogger friends from years ago and secretly hope they will come back into the blogosphere.  I know it’s not the same…but hopefully we can try to uplift and support & not be so greedy at times.  If a new blogger asks you for help, please for the love of coffee…don’t sit there like you just ate a sour lemon.  Share with them, open up and connect.  Don’t feed them lines and give them ZERO actual sources or information because you are trying to hoard the legit information for yourself.   That’s crazy selfish of you!  Let’s put the heart and soul back into blogging.  It’s not all about follows and likes…everyone knows those can be bought at a price.

In the end all you really have are the memories and not the money.

Meanwhile……

RED CUP SEASON IS ONLY A COUPLE MONTHS AWAY!!!  WOOHOO!!!

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