It is not huge secret that my husband and I are big coffee fans. I blame it on my husband for my coffee addiction. When we first met, I did not drink coffee at all. If you see my husband, he usually has a coffee cup in hand.  75% of the time it is a Dunkin’ Donuts cup in his hand. You can imagine where my husband was every morning when we lived in Raleigh, NC. We lived right across the street from Dunkin’ Donuts. He misses it for sure.

Once we found out from Mom Central that we were selected to host a Dunkin’ Donuts party, we did a big high five to each other. The three flavors that they have launched for their new seasonal line will amaze you. Who would have thought?

Coconut – Sometimes you feel like fresh coconut coffee flavor. And sometimes, you really feel like it.

Triple Berry – You know what they say, “Three berries are better than one.” That’s a saying, right?

Strawberry Shortcake – Just one sip of our strawberry-flavored coffee and you’ll agree: Dessert should come first.

I was able to gather friends and family and have a fun cook-out. We passed out the flavors at the cook-out and most of the reactions were very surprising. They didn’t realize how good the flavors would taste.

My favorite is the coconut. Coconut is a weakness for me and anything associated with coconut is more than likely a winner. My Dad and Brother are big fans of the strawberry shortcake. This came as a big surprise to me because my Dad always wants to drink his coffee with no flavors.

Since the weather is warmer, iced coffee has become my new addiction. You have to try out this Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee recipe.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup of your favorite ground Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee3 cups of cold water, divided
1/3 cup of sugar
1/2 cup half-and-half
Whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Brew coffee in coffee maker using 3/4 cup ground coffee and 1 1/2 cups cold water.
2. Combine hot brewed coffee, sugar and half-and-half in pitcher. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Blend in 1 1/2 cups cold water. Chill until ready to serve.
3. Pour over ice in tall glasses or mugs. Top with whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately.

These seasonal coffees will only be available in grocery stores for a limited time. I recommend purchasing them before they are gone. I think you will really enjoy the new flavors based on my family and friend’s reaction. It helps celebrate the warmer seasons too!

I can no longer pretend that I remember everything. Point in check with this morning’s conversation:

Madisyn: Mom, you can’t remember. Where is your phone?
Me: Why?
Madisyn: Because, I am going to set reminders on your phone.
Me: haha!!!

My child has spilled it to the world that her mom cannot remember anything. Honestly, I am not sure where my memory went but it is not here. Once I had my girls, my memory just got lost. Someone can tell me something and then 10 minutes later if I didn’t write it down, I am scratching my head trying to remember what they said?

Exams at school, the information will stay in my brain… but everyday life situations, I cannot remember anything. I use to lose my glasses all the time when I would take them off at night but now I have resolved that problem. The glasses go under my pillow every single night.

Maybe the gray hairs popping up on my head are destroying my memory further since my youngest L let it be known about my gray hairs.

Lyndsee: Mom let’s play I spy.
Me: Ok, sure! I spy something gray.
Lyndsee: Your hair.
Me: What?!

I love my girls. They will keep me in line for sure.

The Motherhood contacted me to see if I would like to work with them on a campaign with Lactaid. I was eager so L could try out this milk option. There were a few worries as she is a very picky person with her drink and food choices.

What exactly is Lactose Intolerant?

• Most people produce that natural enzyme, lactase, which breaks down lactose (sugar in milk). The amount of lactase your body produces will determine how much lactose your body can break down

• Everyone has different levels of lactose intolerance

• It is common for lactose intolerance to be progressive; many people develop a lactose intolerance later in life.

What is LACTAID?

• LACTAID® products without stomach discomfort so they can enjoy the creamy, delicious taste of dairy that they love

• LACTAID provides the lactase that the body can’t produce enough of, which helps you break down lactose

• LACTAID® Products can help people who have a lactose sensitivity to digest dairy Dairy Products are 100% real dairy, just with a natural yeast-derived

• Lactose-Free Products include Milks, Cottage Cheese, Ice Cream and is the nation’s #1 lactose-free dairy brand.

Tips for eating with Lactose Intolerance:

• Important note: if someone who is lactose intolerant consumes products containing lactose on an empty stomach, they will be more prone not to tolerate it. Eating lactose with other food will help you digest it more easily

• Many lactose-intolerant people find that yogurt doesn’t bother them

o Yogurt has live and active cultures in it that help digest the lactose

o Greek yogurt has double the protein and fewer carbs, which means less lactose and easier to digest

o If tolerated, yogurt is a great way to get nutrients and calcium needed in an everyday diet!

• Rule of thumb for eating cheese: the harder the cheese, the less moisture or whey in it—as a result, the less lactose in it.

We are looking forward to see how this works with L’s diet. She was not an almond milk fan at all, so we were both excited to try this milk. It tastes just like regular milk. The taste is what won me over right away. I will keep you posted on our changeover to Lactaid. Also, I love that Lactaid has an ice cream line too.

LACTAID® Ice Cream

• Available in 5 flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Cookies & Cream, Strawberries & Cream, Butter Pecan

• All flavors of ice cream except for Cookies & Cream are gluten free

• Half-cup of chocolate ice cream is 160 calories and 8 grams of fat

WIN! Courtesy of The Motherhood and Lactaid, I am able to offer
one awesome reader a free coupon to try Lactaid. Enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from The Motherhood and Lactaid. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

After the big event, the video sits on your phone. You do your best to figure out how to get the video to all your family and friends. I have just the app for you to solve this dilemma. Introducing Joya, a new iPhone app that allows you to easily send one or more videos with friends and family regardless of file size.

“We wanted our loved ones to share in our kids’ everyday lives but Skype was too difficult. By the time we got it set up, the kids were too wiggly, antsy and upset to be on camera,” said Vlada. “We needed an easy way to remain connected to our favorite people on our own time and in a much more private way than blasting videos out on Facebook or Youtube.”

Here’s how it works:

· Download the Joya app on your iPhone

· Add contact information for your favorite people (cell or email) to your “favorites”

· Connect to your iPhone library

· Send one or multiple videos to your list of favorites

· The recipient will receive a link via text or email, click it and watch it. No iPhone or software required.

It is such a simple app and finally allows you to send video without sending large amounts of data through your text messages. We all want to show off our beautiful talented kids right? All your family or friends will have to do is open up their email and click to play. It is that simple.

This app helps with privacy issues as well. I do not share a ton of video on my Facebook or Twitter. You just never know who is lurking out in the social media world and will see your video. There are some things that you would like to keep private with just family and close friends. Since this app only sends videos to the people you select, you do not have to worry about any outsiders being able to watch your video. It really is a win-win for everyone.

Now what are you waiting for …  download the app and free your videos!

Joya is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 5.1 or later.

During the midst of the final exam craziness, my talented M was preparing for her first school theatre production. She was a seagull in the Little Mermaid. To say I was proud of her would probably be an understatement. She really had the audience laughing and exceeded everyone’s expectations as usual. I received an email from her play director yesterday with this:

“…Thank you for allowing M to perform with us. She has a future on stage.” My smile could be seen for miles. She makes us proud each and everyday.

As preparing for the production was not enough, M and I decided to run our first 5K together. She just amazes me. She pushed forward so much during the race and never wanted to give up even once. It was told to me by her though, that she wasn’t exactly looking forward to the next one. Too cute. We did have fun together though and I will not schedule the next one during the time she is putting on a huge production.

Time didn’t slow down this past weekend at all as my family spoiled and helped me celebrate a wonderful birthday/mother’s day weekend. I kept telling myself that I am very blessed. Family means so much to me and it is not the material things that I even look for, it is just spending quality time with my family. We had a cook-out yesterday and we are all looking forward to more over the Summer.

The weekend was topped off with some fro-yo!

Living life to the fullest…. Life is good!

After hearing her story, I was so thankful that ThermalStrike had sent me their newest line of heated luggage to do a review. ThermalStrike is bed bug-proof luxury luggage that uses state-of-the-art infrared heat technology to actively kill bed bugs. This type of technology will prevent you from taking the bed bugs into your home. There are no worries about taking this luggage with you onto a flight as it is both TSA and FAA compliant.

My husband has put his claim on this luggage. He used it for the first time on our recent trip to Raleigh this past weekend and was very impressed with out it maneuvered throughout the hotel. There are four wheels that have a 360 degree rotation.

The luggage is available in two sizes, a 20″ carry-on and 24″ upright. The luggage is equipped with a thermometer that will automatically turn the heating system off when the desired temperature has been reached to kill all the bed bugs. As you can see from the picture above, the luggage is very stylish and modern. You will not have to compromise your style in order to prevent bed bugs from crawling home with you.

My husband and I both were very happy with the feel, the weight and the storage room of the luggage.

WIN!

To help keep your mattress clear and safe from bed bugs, ThermalStrike is providing us with a Protect-A-Bed’s BugLock® Mattress Encasement to give to one lucky reader.

Disclosure: ThermalStrike and Global Influence provided the luggage for the sole purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

Going on a family vacation on an airplane?

Child going to after school activities?

Child heading to the grandparents house for the night?

One of the first thoughts that goes through your head is – Let me get his/her booster seat! You no longer have to worry about getting the booster seat out of your car with the BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat. This is such an cost-effective, portable, foldable and loveable booster seat. As you can see from the picture above, L absolutely loves this booster seat. It is so convenient for us when she is riding car pool with another parent or going to town with my step-daughter or riding with someone to a kid’s church event.

BubbleBum was founded by Safekids USA Certified CPST Grainne Kelly from Northern Ireland who, like many other parents, was appalled by the lack of car booster seats available from car rental desks even when booked in advance.

She believes that every child deserves to be protected. Through her research she discovered that some of the main barriers for use of boosters and the lack of information or education available to parents along with the inconvenience of the conventional rigid designs and resistance of children to use a “baby seat”.

As a mother of two, Grainne set out to solve this problem while working closely with her children and the children of local schools.

The feedback from a child that now uses our product was priceless! The children helped with the “cheeky” name and the funky color and design, giving reasons about what they like about BubbleBum as opposed to existing rigid boosters:-

1. They found it easier to carry as it is lightweight and compact.
2. They were not embarrassed to bring it to school in their backpack, it was cool!
3. It was more comfortable than the conventional rigid options already on the market
4. They liked the fact that it was for “big kids”

BubbleBum removed the barrier to entry from children and the inconvenience factor as it is so easy to inflate and deflate for storage. Now Grandmas and sitters can carry one with ease in the glovebox or simply in their purse.

When the seat first arrived for us to review, my first thought was it would be hard to inflate. It inflates in maybe 30 seconds flat. It is that easy. It comes in a very convenient bag to store so it easily transitions with the child from place to place. The size puts L at the right height for her seat belt to hit in the right place. This won me over with safety. The seat is for kids 4 – 11. The booster seat does come with extra shoulder straps to help position your child just right.

It is very hip as well with other kids. All of L’s friends have commented on the seat and want one. Too cute! The car seat is available at Target stores all across the country as well as online order from the BubbleBum website.

You can win one now!

It is an amazing feeling when the Holy Spirit surrounds you and gives you chills from top to bottom. Oh how I love Jesus!

We had the honor of visiting the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove last Sunday for their monthly “Evening at The Cove.” We were guests of The Cove and the following is a recap of our time.

Once you arrive at The Cove and walk into the lobby. You will feel the beautiful presence of the Lord.

Each month a special concert guest arrives at The Cove for a spiritual-filled evening concert. This month, grammy award winner Matthew West, was the special guest. In the weeks prior, the girls would talk about attending their first real concert. They have had the opportunity of seeing smaller-scale or catching glimpse of concerts but this was their first real concert. I couldn’t have been happier with Matthew West having this honor. The girls have been singing his songs for a long while now, and to see him in person was just mesmerizing to them.

Before the concert, we went on a little tour of The Cove. This is a spiritual retreat that I recommend you visiting with your church’s bible study, with your husband or with best friends. You are able to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and really get connected with the Lord on a personal level. Believe me, we all need this ever so often. It helps with growing our relationship with Christ and like the title, you really get to enjoy his spirit.

There is a prayer room with a prayer bench as portrayed above. Heaven on earth. Praying and overlooking the beautiful mountains. Oh the joy just fills my heart.

After our tour, we made our way into the dining room. The meal was delicious and there were plenty of gluten-free options. Win-win for the entire family.

Delicious food and we had time to head out onto the deck over-looking the Western North Carolina Mountains with our friends. Some people may say it was coincidence that we were at The Cove the same time as our Best Friends, but I say it was a total God thing. I had called Malise and said, I heard you were going to The Cove on April 14th? She said yes… I said we are too! God knew we needed our families together and we like to think he made this happen for us. God is so good.

It was so refreshing to talk and catch-up with our friends and enjoy God’s country. It is just so peaceful and time could have stood still.

It was time for the moment we had been waiting for – Matthew West! We all had smiles and just couldn’t wait to head in and praise God’s name. During the concert, I was moved to tears. To sit and watch our kids praising God and singing the songs word for word… my heart melted. We are raising our kids in this mixed-up world but yet they know who to follow in this world/life – God!

M mentioned to me that this was better than church service. She really was moved so much during the concert and I know God was dealing with her heart. At one time, she was brought to tears. This was a genuine-filled wholesome good time for the entire family.

Matthew West had us laughing, crying and praising all in one night. He is that good.

After the concert, Matthew greeted and talked with each and every guest. He also gave everyone the chance to take a photograph and give his autograph. You do not see many artists take the time with each family, but Matthew West did and I hear all the guests at The Evening at The Cove take this special time after each concert.

As you can see, this is a spirit-filled evening that you will enjoy so much. Check out The Cove website for future concerts. You will not be disappointed and I know you will leave The Cove feeling so uplifted!

As infants gain more weight, carrying them in their car seat can be hard on the arm and elbow. Charlotte, NC mompreneur, Michelle Walsh, has designed a cover that envelops the entire top of the uncomfortable plastic car seat handle. The cover is made with colorful, durable corduroy and memory foam cushioning. Parents and caregivers can now tote their babies in comfort and style. Check out Baby Jackson with his Cocoonies on his car seat handle.

Michelle Walsh, owner of Cocoonies, is a mother of four and former attorney.

“By the time I had my fourth child, I was beyond frustrated with how unbearable it was to carry around the car seat – my mission was to design a product that was fashionable and functional. It fits on most car seats, features adjustable straps, and a toy tag for maximum usability.”

My step-daughter loves carrying Baby Jackson with the Cocoonies on the handle. She loves the padding feeling and also the included toy ring. The padding feels like memory foam. Each time I have carried Jackson in his car seat, I have loved it as well.

Cocoonies is also spreading goodwill towards military families through involvement with Operation
Shower, a non-profit organization that provides baby showers to military moms-to-be, easing the burden of their spouses’ deployment. By donating product to baby showers planned around the U.S. this year, Cocoonies joins in the efforts to celebrate these women who are often forgotten.

Visit Cocoonies to see all the fabric styles and to order. We are all big fans and highly recommend!

As you know, we are trying to cut costs out of our budget. My husband is actually the one that came up with the idea of us making our own laundry detergent. He made the trip to the store and bought the ingredients and we are loving how easy it is, not to mention how cheap!

You need the following ingredients:

- 1 cup of Borax
- 1 cup of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
- 1/2 bar of Fels-Naptha
-1/2 bar of soap (we use Lever 2000)

You do not have to use a 1/2 bar of soap. You can use the entire bar of Fels-Naptha but I just like using the soap to give it a  more fresher scent.

Pour in 1 cup of Borax and 1 cup of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda into a bowl. Then use a grater to shred the bars of soap.

Stir ingredients really good until they are mixed well.

You are finished. It really is that easy. Use one tablespoon per laundry load. You can use two if you have a very soiled laundry. Your decision.