Ninja Coffee Bar® System Giveaway + Cookies and Cream Frappe Recipe (Giveaway Ends 12/18)

December 12, 2016 by Jenni 2,338 Comments

This post was created in partnership with Ninja Coffee Bar^® System. I received complimentary products in order to create the cookies and cream frappe – and compensation to facilitate my review, but all opinions within are my own.

We’re in the midst of the crazy holiday season. Between shopping, wrapping, decorating, and baking – we need to take our caffeine breaks along the way! At least I do!! Momma needs this cookies and cream frappe, yes. Yes, she does!

We have a lot of family and friends to entertain through the holiday. Most of which are big coffee drinkers. A regular cup of coffee is perfect for everyday – but special occasions call for special coffee drinks!

I certainly don’t look like Sofia Vergara, or sound like her. However, with my new Ninja Coffee Bar^® System — I can make a cup of coffee just as good as hers! Whether we want a full pot of regular brewed coffee or a single cup of coffee. Iced coffee, or a delicious coffee, or cookies and cream frappe. The Ninja Coffee Bar^® System does it ALL.

5 Reasons You’ll Love theNinja Coffee Bar^® System:

The built-in hot and cold frother.

There’s nothing like a nice amount of froth on your coffee. Enjoy a cold froth for your cold coffee drinks, or iced coffees. Or, enjoy a warm and luscious froth for your hot coffee drinks! Froth for you, froth for me, froth for everybody!

The Scoop.

Guys. There is a spot right on the side of the coffeemaker for the measuring scoop!!! No more digging into the endless can of coffee looking for the coffee scoop!

No More Filters, Pods, or Cups!

It comes with the reusable filter. No more paper filters or expensive pods or individual disposable KCups. Just dump the coffee grounds each time, rinse, and voila! Good to go for your next magical coffee experience! In our case, the cookies and cream frappe! The recipe is coming up…promise!!

6 Different Brew Sizes.

Whether you’re a whole pot kinda drinker, or a single cup drinker….this system does it ALL. You can brew a

9.5 oz. cup
11.5 oz. cup
14 oz. travel mug
18 oz. multi-serve cup
half carafe (5 cup)
full carafe (10 cup)

Five different Brew Types.

If your family is a diverse group of coffee drinkers, then you’re going to love this feature!! Personally, my husband likes his coffee a tad bit stronger than I do – so this works perfectly for us.

Classic Brew
Rich Brew
Over Ice Brew
Specialty Brew (concentrated 4 oz.)
Cafe Forte (8 oz.)*
*this brew amplifies the natural subtle flavors of your favorite coffee.

Allows Your Inner Barista to Shine.

This machine is seriously like having 4 or 5 different coffee machines and/or other gadgets all in one. Instead of having multiple machines sitting on your counter or under your cabinet…the Ninja Coffee Bar^® System really just does it ALL. And then some. And then a little more. For realz!

Makes YOU the Hostess with the Mostess.

Yeah. Just think…you could make all of your guests the coffee drink of their dreams! They’ll be ready to come to your house for all the holidays and then tell all their friends how awesome your coffee maker is!! BOOM! Coffee making envy! Your coffee will bring all the boys to the yard!!

I love that it comes with a fantastic recipe book full of 20 different coffeehouse-style recipes that you can easily make at home! Now, I don’t know about you, but I personally don’t have the time to stop by the nearest coffee shop every day NOR do I have the money to splurge on that kinda coffee every day. Seriously, the Ninja Coffee Bar^® System is like having my own local coffee shop right inside my kitchen!

My favorite recipe from the recipe book is the Coffee, Cookies and Cream Frappe. I want to share this yummy drink with you. Cheers!

Cookies and Cream Frappe Ingredients:

3 Ninja® Big Scoops (or 4 tablespoons) ground coffee
2 cups ice
1/2 cup coffee ice cream
4 chocolate sandwich cookies, plus 1 chopped for garnish
1/4 cup milk
whipped cream, for garnish

Directions:

Following the measurements provided, place the ground coffee into the brew basket.
Place the ice into a large plastic cup; set cup into place to brew in the Ninja Coffee Bar^® System.
Press the Specialty button. (this button brews a very strong 4 oz. of coffee)
When the brew is complete, combine coffee and ice with ice cream, cookies, and milk in a 24 oz. or larger blender.
Blend until smooth, about 25 seconds.
Divide between 2 glasses; top with whipped cream and chopped cookie.

Ready for a Giveaway?

One lucky reader will win their very own Ninja Coffee Bar^®System (ARV $200). US residents only, age 18 or older, are eligible to win. Giveaway ends Sunday, December 18th at 11:59pm EST. Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as a part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central and must reside in the United States. Ninja Coffee Bar^® System giveaway is the same product as the review product.

We’d love it if you followed our partner on their social media channels below!

Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/ninjacoffeebar
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ninjacoffeebar
Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/ninjakitchen/
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ninjacoffeebar/

K’NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster Building Set Fun + Tips and Tricks

November 17, 2016 by Jenni 627 Comments

This post was sponsored on behalf of K’NEX, however, all opinions and building fun are 100% our own.

K'NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster Building Set

Building things is just something that is naturally fun! Especially for the guys in my life. K’NEX recently sent us the new K’NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster building set to put together. You should have seen my husband’s and son’s eyes light up when it arrived!

My husband has been working SO much overtime lately – so he and Eli only have the evenings to work on it at the moment. Last night, they pulled it from the box and got to work.

Here are a few tips to help get you going on the K’NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster building set!

K'NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster Building Set

#1 – Build in a Low Traffic Area

Seriously. My guys jumped the gun and just dumped everything out into the middle of my kitchen floor. HELLO?! Find a spot or corner where there isn’t much traffic through the house to build. Also, keep pets in mind. They get nosy and like to knock things over!

K'NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster Building Set

#2 – Separate into Piles

Again. My guys jumped the gun on this one too. They just dumped it all out into the floor and then decided after just a few minutes that they should have separated the pieces into nice little piles.

K'NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster Building Set

#3 – Be patient

Rome wasn’t built in a day, right?! If you’re like us and short on time – pick a time to build with your kids if they need help! Choose weeknights, after dinner. Or on the weekends! We’ll be finishing ours up on Thanksgiving break!

#4 – Have FUN and Encourage REAL Play

Today, our kids are so into digital and electronic play. We can build things, with just a click on a computer screen. It doesn’t use as much “brain power” as physically building an actual building set! The K’NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster building set is perfect for digging in and encouraging real building and playing!

More about K’NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster:

Seriously! Get ready for the ride of your life!! This bad boy stands over 2 1/2 feet high! This creepy carnival themed coaster works by a motorized chain lift that shoots the coaster car through 14 FEET of twists and turns!

Thankfully, it comes with easy to follow, step by step building instructions. Everyone can build it!! There are even instructions for a 2nd coaster that you can download from knex.com! It’s the perfect gift this holiday season or ANYtime for that matter! You can find it exclusively at Walmart! You can also find other massive, moving, motortized roller coaster toys, ferris wheels, and more from K’NEX!

K’NEX wants to show kids that the only limit to building is the size of your imagination! After 25 years of business, K’NEX prides itself on connecting science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with imagination.

Visit K’NEX on social media to see what they’re up to!

Facebook: KNEX / Twitter: @KNEX / Instagram: @knexbrands / Pinterest: K’NEX Brands

Tell us, would your family love the K’NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster?!

Shower Upgrade Ideas Featuring Delta

October 31, 2016 by Jenni 86 Comments

This post was brought to you by the Delta Faucet Company. I received free product from Delta Faucet to write this post, but all opinions expressed are my own.

I have the “if you give a mouse a cookie” mentality.

This is true with almost everything I do. Recently, I got a new Delta H₂Okinetic^® showerhead. When I installed this – I was in awe of how pretty it was. Bright and shiny! Like a new diamond.

Then there was the ugly shower caddy that had years worth of gross soap scum all over it. You give me a new showerhead, and I’m going to want a new shiny shower caddy to match. When you give me a new shower caddy – I’m going to want a new shower curtain. When you give me a new shower curtain, I’m going to want a new bath mat. Well, you get the picture…….”if you give a mouse a cookie” mentality.

If you’re looking for some new ideas for a shower upgrade, I’ve got some for you…

1. Upgrade your shower head! ASAP.

Get rid of that crusty old shower head that barely spits out enough water to wet your eyebrow! I’m obsessed with my new Delta H₂Okinetic^® showerhead! This baby has multiple settings and the showerhead itself, is HUGE! Makes you feel like you’re showering in a rain forest. Ahhhhhhhhhh.

I love it because I can change it to whatever setting I’m in the mood for. My husband always changes it to something different, so when I get in the shower it’s like a box of chocolate candy….you never know what you’re gonna get! HA!

The Delta H₂Okinetic^® showerhead is 2 showers in 1! A showerhead and hand shower that can operate seperately, or both at the same time.

It has 3x the coverage of a standard showerhead. Larger droplets and a unique wave pattern that creates the feeling of more pressure and a warmer shower experience. The showerhead also stays put! When you pull the hand showerhead out and place it back, it’s kept firmly in place with a powerful magnet.

Another favorite feature that I love is the “pause” feature! You just push a small button that pauses the water flow so that you can lather up, shampoo your hair, or shave! I LOVE that!!!

2. A new shower caddy

Once you put in your new showerhead, your old shower caddy will just look SO out of place! Do yourself a favor and get a new caddy. Pick one that’s large enough to hold your shampoo, conditioner, body washes, and razors!

3. A new shower curtain

I don’t know about you, but our shower curtains get GROSS. Really fast. Especially at the bottom of the curtain. New shower curtains are cheap – so grab a new one that matches your bathroom design and style!

4. A new bathmat

I love our microfiber bathmat! They’re really soft and spongy – and they absorb a lot of water! If you have slick bathroom floors, a bathmat is a MUST anyway, especially if you have kids! Get one that adds a pop of color to your bathroom!

5. Yummy scents

To top off the best shower experience ever – go buy a new body wash and shampoo. I love trying new scents! While you’re at it, grab some body scrubs too! Winter is coming soon and we gotta get prepared to get rid of all that dead and dry skin this upcoming cold and chilly season!!

Do you have any shower upgrade ideas? We’d love to hear them!

Have Seafood Night in at Home with Michael Angelo’s

October 12, 2016 by Jenni

All ideas, recipes, & opinions are entirely my own however, this is a sponsored post on behalf of Michael Angelo’s™.

Guys. Get this. You NO longer have to leave home and get out of your comfy PJ’s and slippers to indulge in Seafood night!

We’ve fallen head over heels in love with the new Michael Angelo’s Seafood Meals, and so will you! It’s an upgrade from frozen fish sticks that the kids love! Nothing wrong with those, we’ll just leave those to the kiddos while we indulge in the big people stuff!

The new Michael Angelo’s Salmon Piccata is CRAZY good! It’s turned off chilly here this week and I really enjoyed warming up and having this for dinner. Perfection! Made with wild-caught Alaskan salmon, spring vegetables, and a fluffy brown rice in a piccata sauce. It’s super flavorful, and the portion was perfect for me!

I’ve been a fan of Michael Angelo’s foods for a long time now, and most people love the amazing flavor. What they don’t know is that the ingredients are simple, and clean.

Want a night off from having to cook?

Want a super quick and easy seafood night at home?

Grab some Michael Angelo’s Seafood Meals, straight from the frozen aisle at your local grocery store. I got ours at Kroger – but you can also find them at Walmart and Publix. Visit their store locator page to see where you can snag yours!

You’ll love that you’ll be able to read and understand everything on the label. Real ingredients. No preservatives. Nothing artificial. BAM! Their salmon is wild caught and their shrimp is chemical free!

Each week now when I write out our weekly menu plan, I make sure to reserve at least one night for Seafood Night! The family is always super excited – and THIS momma is super excited that I don’t have to slave over a hot stove!

Go ahead and visit Michael Angelo’s on their social channels below to see what’s the latest and greatest!

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Some of the other products include…

Michael Angelo’s Shrimp & Kale Piccata

Michael Angelo’s Seafood Primavera

Michael Angelo’s Salmon Piccata

Have you tried any of these seafood meals yet? If so, which was your fave or which would you love to try?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Michael Angelo’s . The opinions and text are all mine.

Seriously Fast & Easy Baked Italian Chicken with NEW Idahoan Signature Russet Mashed Potatoes

September 29, 2016 by Jenni 1,914 Comments

I’ve partnered with Idahoan on this sponsored post and all opinions stated are my own.

Let’s face it. Potatoes are an integral part of dinnertime. Especially at our house. My husband is one of those “meat and potatoes” kinda guys.

There’s just one thing though. This momma don’t have the time, NOR the energy to stand and peel potatoes, cut potatoes, boil potatoes, and then mash the heck out of them to get all the lumps out. Don’t get me wrong, I do love me some mashed potatoes – but the real deal around our house isn’t as often as I’d like.

Ahem. Until NOW.

I’ve always been a huge fan of Idahoan because they are the best tasting “instant” out there, in my opinion. Well, they have overwhelmingly upped their game!!!

The new Idahoan Signature Russets Mashed Potatoes are SO STINKING GOOOOOOOOOOOD! You’d swear to the heavens above, that these were 100% completely homemade at your grandma-ma’s house! Not even kidding!

They have a very smooth taste, just like original homemade mashed potatoes with just a hint of butter and cream.

My husband is always a griper about my mashed potatoes. It wouldn’t matter if they were liquid gold, he’d still find a complaint. Not this time. He ate 2 huge helpings, and then came back and basically licked the pot clean. Kidding (sooooo not kidding!) 😉

I made these the other night with one of my super quick and easy chicken recipes. We’re having some remodeling done on the house, and this particular night — by the time dinner time came – I was too tired and needed something hearty for dinner! This was a HIT.

2 Ingredient Baked Italian Chicken Recipe ingredients:

3-4 chicken breasts, thawed
1/2 cup (give or take) Zesty Italian Salad Dressing

Instructions:

Place chicken breasts in a plastic container or large zip lock bag with Italian dressing. Shake around until chicken is well coated. Stick in fridge to marinate for 30 minutes or so.
Place chicken in baking dish or pan, pour leftover dressing from the baggie over top. Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until no longer pink.
Spoon some of the hot dressing from the pan over chicken.
Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite veggies!

More reasons why I love the new Idahoan Signature Russets:

They’re delicious. Oh, wait…did I already say that?!
Makes any meal taste like Sunday dinner!
More than 6 pounds of premium Idahoan russet potatoes go into every 16 oz. pouch.
They use a new processing method that let’s the potatoes keep their natural goodness and texture. In the end, they taste as good as if you had peeled, boiled, and mashed them yourself!
Takes just 5 minutes using milk and butter….or just water!
You can get them in a 4 serving, 12 serving, or 20 serving pouch – and the pouches are resealable.
You can find them nationwide, including Walmart and Kroger NOW!

What’s your go-to recipes with mashed potatoes as a side dish?

College Safety Tips for Girls (and Guys) That You Never Think Of

September 12, 2016 by Jenni 544 Comments

This post brought to you by Wearsafe. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Sweet Pennies From Heaven.

College Safety Tips for Girls and Guys You Never Think Of!

The kids are all grown up and leaving for college. They think they already know everything, right?! Yeah, they’re pretty smart – but they’re probably also still really naive. My niece, Hannah – my “mini me” – has just started her first year.

Bathroom selfies and all… (God love her heart!). I love her to pieces.

College kids HAVE to be equipped with some “smarts” when it comes to their safety since we’re not there to protect them. Here are 7 college safety tips for girls (and guys) that most of them won’t ever think of…until we tell them!

College Safety Tips for Girls (and guys)

1 . Have car/dorm keys handy BEFORE you get to the car or your dorm room. Don’t wait until you’re there before you start digging around for keys.

2 . Keep pepper spray handy. Most people think about having pepper spray on them, but most of the time they never even buy any.

3 . Use your car alarm! If a stranger is following you in the parking lot – press that alarm button on your key ring. More than likely, they’ll run the opposite direction!

4 . Don’t leave your drinks/food unattended. I know this one has been said over and over and over again – but for realz! Keep an eye on your drinks. You never know what weird creeper will drop something in it!

5 . Never go to the ATM machine alone, especially at night. Make your bestie or room mate tag along with you. If she/he complains, offer them $5 or something off the dollar menu at Taco Bell. Guarantee they’ll take you up on that!

6 . Keep your expensive stuff like laptops and electronic devices hidden away in your backpack or bag when heading out to the car or to the library.

7 . Use Wearsafe! It’s a teeny tiny Tag that keeps the kids and their family/friends one step ahead of an unsafe situation. In this event – it can be hard to get help when you’re fumbling around for your phone. I just set one up, and it was so easy to do!

This super small Wearsafe Tag uses your phone to alert your friends and family – by sending them audio from the scene. It starts a chat room where they can coordinate, and/or call 911. Even when your phone is OUT OF SIGHT!!

The Wearsafe Tag works with both iPhones and Androids. The app is only $5 a month and comes with a FREE device/tag! You cannot beat that — and there are NO commitments!!! You can Try it free now!!!

You won’t find another product out there that will keep your college kids safer than Wearsafe. It’s the only one to offer audio, GPS, and group chat! The Wearsafe Tag is SO small that a stranger don’t even know it’s there! All the while, in a situation, they have NO idea that 911 may already be on the way, thanks to Wearsafe!

APP/DEVICE DETAILS:

GPS information – recognizes if you are traveling or moving or stationary but that alone is not enough
Audio from the scene – push of button sends audio file of 60 seconds before ‘event’. Being able to hear what is going on gives the context of what is happening
Group chat – all those in selected network are in group chat to create a virtual situation room. Connects people who may not be connected on a daily basis. They can connect as a team to address how to help person in distress and assess the situation.

This gives parents and the college kids both a sense of security. Even while you’re not close to one another, you’re still able to protect them at a moments notice! For just $5 a month. Mind blown. What other college safety tips do you have?!

We’d love to hear them. Leave us a comment below or follow us on social media!

Curb Hunger with Meta Appetite Control

July 12, 2016 by Jenni 438 Comments

This post was sponsored byMeta Appetite Control as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

Since the new year – I’ve tried to get a little more fit and eat better. The biggest problem is my snacking habits, especially during the late mornings/early afternoon. Breaking that habit isn’t easy, so I need this little orange zest drink to help curb my appetite.

I found out about Meta Appetite Control – and wanted to give it a shot. It’s a fiber supplement that reduces your appetite for up to 4 hours. That’s exactly what I need to get me through that snacky slump in the middle of the day!

Best part is that you can enter to receive a digital $5 off coupon and product sample for yourself to try out! Woohoo! You’ll find out how, towards the end of the post.

You just add a couple heaping teaspoons of Meta Appetite Control into some ice cold water, and stir. I like to add ice to mine too, the colder – the better! I really like the Orange Zest flavor – but then again, I’m a sucker for anything orange!

You could also add a couple spoonfuls into your morning or afternoon smoothies – to help keep you fuller, longer too!

More about Meta Appetite Control…

It’s the #1 recommended fiber brand by doctors. It’s made with 100% natural psyllium fiber*!

It’s been clinically proven to keep you full between meals, and reduce your hunger. The psyllium fiber in the powder forms a thick gel when it thickens. Thus, giving you a more full sensation.

You can find Meta Appetite Control now, in the digestive wellness aisle at Walgreens nationwide!

*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.

Digital Coupon Opportunity:

I-C is hosting a coupon opportunity for Meta Appetite Control through the form allowing you a $5 off coupon upon filling out the form.
Giveaway opens on Tuesday, June 7^th and closes when all coupons have been redeemed.

Fill out my online form.

Influence Central will select and handle all product and coupon fulfillment.

Have you tried it yet? What do you think?!

5 Reasons Your Kid Needs a Puddle Jumper This Summer

May 29, 2015 by Jenni 1,339 Comments

This post brought to you by Stearns Puddle Jumpers®. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Sweet Pennies From Heaven.

Warm weather is here! Are you enjoying the sunny days already?! We’re so lucky that we have a swimming pool and can cool off outside when it’s really reallllly hot. The kiddo gets more brave each year and he’s sooooo close to getting his float down. He’s almost there!

StearnsFlotation.com is an outdoor water equipment expert and one of the products in their line that we love is Puddle Jumper. These flotation devices for children are truly awesome! They’re sort of an all-in-one flotation device that are unlike regular life jackets. Puddle Jumpers are designed to enable kiddos to move about more freely when swimming, yet ensure full safety. You can buy them directly from the Stearns website.

5 Reasons Why You Should Choose Stearns Puddle Jumpers

1. Coast Guard Approved…

I mean, come on. If it’s Coast Guard approved, it has to be a great product! We’ve used Puddle Jumpers for years, and with multiple kids in the family, and we all love them. You just slide the kids arm through the arm sections and then fasten the belt around them, at the back. Puddle Jumpers are for kids that weigh between 30-50 lbs.

2. Gives Kids Confidence and a Sense of Independence…

Kids hit a certain age where they want to wade out a little deeper, and not always with mom or dad. They get brave – yet we know they’re not old enough or big enough to be without a flotation device. Puddle Jumpers gives them confidence and a little more independence. Keep in mind, these do NOT take the place of adult supervision. I can’t leave this paragraph without being a mom: Never, ever, ever leave your kids unattended in water.

3. Cute & Colorful Designs…

We’ve had a few different Stearns Puddle Jumpers over the last few years. Between my nephews who live next door and my own son, we have a few floating around here. They offer so many cute and colorful designs. Something that will match every kids’ personality!

4. Easy to Take Care of…

After jumping out of the pool, we just hang ours up to dry or let it lay in the yard in the sun for a bit. After summer is over, we just pack ours away in the garage so it’s ready to go the next year. Also, there’s no worry with having to blow them up like other flotation devices. These are not inflatable.

5. They’re Vacation Ready…

Heading on vacation? Or just a day trip to the beach, lake or maybe a pool party? Don’t forget the Puddle Jumper! Sometimes being in new places and in water can make kids a little hesitant. Their Puddle Jumper will comfort them and give them the confidence to splash and play and have ALL the fun in the world. Puddle Jumpers don’t take up much space so you’ll be glad you brought it with you!

Do you think Puddle Jumpers would give your kiddo the boost of confidence they need in the water?

Spaghetti and Homemade Italian Meatballs

March 23, 2015 by Jenni 278 Comments

This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Bounty, however all opinions and spaghetti sauce splatters are my own.

Homemade Italian Meatballs

I’ve really been trying hard this past week to watch what I’m eating. I decided to give myself one day on the weekends as my “cheat” day and enjoy something that I love. We decided on spaghetti and meatballs. No argument from the family, either. We all love spaghetti.

These homemade Italian meatballs were sooooo good and really simple to make. I’m going to share the recipe with you. Just prepare spaghetti the way you normally do to pair with these yummy meatballs.

Okay, on to the recipe. You’ll also find a printable recipe down near the bottom of this post. Just print it off and stick back in your recipe box!

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 cup dried Italian breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray
Combine beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg and salt in a mixing bowl
Roll into 1 1/4″ sized balls and place in muffin tins
Bake until cooked through, about 20 minutes

*About halfway through cooking, turn meatballs in the tins to brown the other side.

** To brown the meatballs really well, turn on the broiler for the last couple of minutes. Watch carefully so you don’t burn them.

(SEEEE the Spaghetti Sauce Splatter?!?!)

We recently remodeled and updated our kitchen. I wanted a white farmhouse kitchen, and that’s what I got. However, the beadboard backsplash around the counter and the panel behind the stove is white and shows ALL kinds of splatters. Spaghetti making the worst messes, naturally. The sauce is yummy, but it’s also messy. When it bubbles, it pops and splatters everywhere. Do you have the same issue?

I also opted for all white dish towels and dish cloths. I just love the way they look in a kitchen. So fresh and crisp. I never even thought how EVERY thing that you clean up stains those pretty white towels and cloths and they get really dingy really fast.

Bounty recently came out with a BRAND new kind of paper towel. It’s Bounty with Dawn, ya’ll. With Dawn. They’re thicker than your average paper towel and you just activate them with water. Then they get all nice and sudsy! I am in LOVE with these. You can rinse and wring these puppies out so you can clean up the whole mess with ONE paper towel instead of 10!

Dawn is awesome at fighting grease so that combined with the thickness of these new Bounty with Dawn paper towels is a double-whammy! The towels were good at breaking up dried on food too. I had the oven on, baking the meatballs and the sauce and spaghetti on the stovetop. The heat from the stove made the sauce dry up and after dinner, the new Bounty with Dawn paper towel wiped it up in just a couple of swipes. I was VERY impressed!

Make sure to check out the new Bounty with Dawn paper towels the next time you’re at Walmart and pick up a roll to try for yourself. I think you’ll love them as much as I do. Keep in mind that these do not replace paper towels for food prep. My husband almost stuck the meatballs out of the oven onto one of these to soak the grease up. I was like, noooooooo!!!! I don’t want my meatballs to taste like Dawn dish soap, hahaha!!!

Visit Bounty on Facebook and on Twitter for news, updates and promotions!

Messy Spaghetti and Homemade Italian Meatballs and Easy Cleanup #BountyatWalmart

Author: Jenni

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 cup dried Italian breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray
Combine beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg and salt in a mixing bowl
Roll into 1 1/4″ sized balls and place in muffin tins
Bake until cooked through, about 20 minutes

What do you typically use to clean up tough messes?

Nioxin Hair Care 30 Day Challenge and Giveaway #NIOXINChallenge

March 18, 2015 by Jenni 694 Comments

I participated in the NIOXIN Challenge blog program as a member of One2One Network. I received free product and compensation but all opinions are my own.

All of my life I’ve had thin and really fine hair. I have always struggled with getting curls to stay in or when I style my hair, it just flops after a couple of hours. I remember my mom jumping on me for using rubber bands as ponytail holders cause she said it would break my hair off. They were perfect ponytail holders for me though, because just about anything else would end up loosening and sliding off.

I found out about the NIOXIN Hair System Kits and jumped at the chance to review one. I had heard rave reviews so I really wanted to try it out. I was asked to do the NIOXIN 30 Day Challenge and then share my experience. NIOXIN has 6 different hair system kits and I chose system 3 for normal to thin-looking hair with color treatment (yes, I color my hair!). Each kit includes an easy 3 step daily regimen including shampoo, conditioner and a treatment.

(Both photos are without styling. Just air dried after washing.)

My experience…

The first thing I noticed when starting the 30 day challenge was the tingling and refreshing sensation on my scalp. Other than that, I didn’t really notice a big difference that first week in my hair. Then by the middle of the 2nd week, I started noticing that my hair was much easier to fix and that my hairstyle would last longer than usual. It just felt fuller as I would curl or straighten my hair.

By the end of the 30 day challenge, my husband even noticed a difference just by looking at my hair. He knew that I had a new product in the shower (which I dared him to use, haha!) but he usually doesn’t pay much attention. He’s used to it being flat as a pancake and he came home from work one day and asked if I’d been to my “hair guy”. HA! Overall, my hair feels much fuller. I’m very pleased with NIOXIN and will continue using it!

Take the 30 Day Challenge Yourself:

We encourage YOU to take the NIOXIN 30 Day Challenge and see if you don’t notice fuller, thicker hair. Click HERE to find the NIOXIN system kit that best suits your needs. Start the challenge and then share your results with before and after photos on the NIOXIN Facebook and Twitter pages using #NIOXINChallenge.

SYSTEM KITS

System Kit 1 – Specially designed for normal to thin-looking, fine, natural hair. It amplifies hair texture while refreshing the scalp and delivering a healthy shine.
System Kit 2 – Specially designed for noticeably thinning, fine, natural (no chemical processes like color or relaxing) hair. It delivers denser-looking hair and a healthy shine while protecting the scalp.
System Kit 3 – Specially designed for normal to thin-looking, fine, chemically treated hair. It amplifies hair texture while refreshing the scalp and providing moisture balanced to colored hair.
System Kit 4 – Specially designed for noticeably thinning, fine, chemically treated hair. It delivers denser-looking hair while protecting the scalp and providing moisture balance to colored hair
System Kit 5 – Specially designed for normal to thin-looking, medium to coarse, natural (no chemical processes like color or relaxing) or chemically treated hair. It delivers smoothing control to hair while refreshing the scalp and restoring moisture balance.
System Kit 6 – Specially designed for noticeably thinning, medium to coarse, natural (no chemical processes like color or relaxing) or chemically treated hair. It delivers smoothing control to hair while protecting the scalp and restoring moisture balance.

Are you ready for a Giveaway?!

One lucky reader will win a NIOXIN Hair System Kit of their own. Juse use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Giveaway ends 3/25 at 11:59pm EST. US residents only, 18 or older eligible.

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Small Changes Equal Big Results – Healthy and Fast Breakfast Options with Jimmy Dean Delights

January 19, 2015 by Jenni 453 Comments

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jimmy Dean® for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

My new mantra for 2015 is Small Changes = Big Results

I’m one of those baby steps kinda people. I can’t give up pizza or chocolate, but I can make small changes that will bring big results in the end game. Eating breakfast EVERY day is one of those small changes, but I reallllly don’t have time through the work week to crack an egg in a skillet or whip up a batch of waffles. I just don’t. Ain’t no use in pretendin’.

I’ve been buying the Jimmy Dean Delights breakfast sandwiches for awhile now and they’re my absolute fave because they’re perfect, straight outta the microwave. Cooked to perfection in like, less than 3 minutes. By the time I make my coffee, BOOM my breakfast is ready! My husband jokes with me because when we have those in the house – that’s the only time I eat breakfast. He’s not fooling me though, he loves when I buy them and he really likes the flatbread sandwiches.

But guys, I am seriously in LOVE with them. Other breakfast sandwiches that I’ve tried turned out too spongy or whatever. Just bleck…never good. Not with Jimmy Dean though. They’re just perfect, like every part of the sandwich was cooked fresh and put together. I guess it helps that Jimmy Dean uses REAL eggs, REAL sausage and REAL cheese!

{Under 300 calories, folks!}

Again, since making small changes, (small changes = big results) is one of my goals, I grabbed some of their under 300 calorie sandwiches at Meijer the other day. I’d normally never buy turkey sausage, just because I’m not usually a big fan but man ohh mannnnn. Those babies were good! Just as good as their regular sausage sandwiches. I would never have guessed it was turkey. Ever. They’re also made with egg whites vs. regular eggs and they use english muffins, flat bread or croissants! I more than love all of them and I haven’t skipped breakfast in over a week now.

Small change = BIG results. BAM!

Next time you’re grocery shopping, grab a box and give them a try. You can’t go wrong with them. Great healthy breakfast option, ready in minutes, packed with protein and they’re what I consider a “breakfast on the go” food. Snatch a $1 off Jimmy Dean Mperk coupon from Meijer.com to save on a box. Just login to your mPerks, head to the coupons section and then use the search filter for “Frozen Foods”. You’ll find it right there.

Connect with Jimmy Dean:

www.JimmyDean.com (website)

Follow Jimmy Dean on Pinterest

What’s your morning/breakfast routine?

VTech Switch & Go Dinos Turbo Bronco the RC Triceratops Review and Giveaway

November 25, 2014 by Jenni 1,488 Comments

Disclosure: We received a VTech Switch & Go Dinos Turbo Bronco the RC Triceratops for free in exchange for a review. All opinions are 100% our own.

Over the past couple of years, our son has fallen in love with the VTech Switch & Go Dinos. He’s had a few of them, and most recently VTech sent him a Turbo Bronco the RC Triceratops! He’s so excited to have a remote control dino!!

VTech® Switch & Go Dinos® Turbo Bronco the RC Triceratops™ (Ages 3-8 years, MSRP: $44.99)

Bronco the RC Triceratops, the first dynamic remote control dino from Switch & Go Dinos Turbo, transforms from a fierce Triceratops to a sleek race car with the push of a button on his remote control!
Use the remote control to move forward, backward, left and right in both vehicle and dino modes. Then charge the turbo boost lever to give him a burst of speed!
Press the buttons on the remote to turn on his headlights, hear realistic sound effects and learn cool dino facts.
Bronco’s LCD screen displays cool customizable dinosaur eyes and driver animations, and kids can choose from four different styles.

This little guy runs great on carpet in Eli’s bedroom but he really enjoys playing with it on the hardwood floors, because it goes a little faster. The dogs do NOT know what to think about Bronco, at all! It’s so fun to watch the dogs try to play too. I really love that the dino transforms with the remote control with just the push of a button. With some of the other dinos’ that Eli’s had, it’s been kind of difficult at first to figure out how to get them from car mode, to dino mode.

Eli really loves the turbo boost lever feature. He loves getting it to go faster! For me, I’ve always thought it was awesome that the Switch & Go Dino’s spoke and that they gave facts about dinosaurs. It’s a great feature for learning while playing. The best part yet, is that we’ve had these dino’s for awhile and they’re are virtually indestructable! I have NO idea how many times they’ve been dropped on hard wood floors or stomped on by my 2 dogs.

If you’re learning for a fun new toy as a Christmas gift idea, this is a great option! Make sure to check VTech Switch & Go Dinos website out and also visit them on Twitter and Facebook!

VTech® Switch & Go Dinos® Turbo Bronco the RC Triceratops™
GIVEAWAY!!!

One lucky reader will win a VTech® Switch & Go Dinos® Turbo Bronco the RC Triceratops™ of their own. Simply use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. US residents only, 18 or older. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on Dec. 1st.

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Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to US 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

5 Simple Ways to Prevent Dry Winter Skin

November 19, 2014 by Jenni 409 Comments

This post brought to you by Vaseline. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Sweet Pennies From Heaven.

We just went from 70 degree weather to sub zero temps with wind chill, like….overnight. I just got back from my trip to Florida and we went straight into full on WINTER mode. So, with that – I’ve already started my regimen to prevent dry winter skin! Itchy, dry and scaly skin in the winter is NO fun. My husband tends to fight it more than I do, but I still have my fair share. So does our little man. If you fight the terrible itchy winter skin woes, then make sure that you’re doing these few simple tricks to combat it.

5 Tips to Prevent Dry Winter Skin

1. Turn down the heat. The warmer your house is, the drier your skin gets. We keep our thermostat set somewhere between 67 and 70 degrees.

2. Use a humidifier. I sing praises to our humidifiers! They put moisture back in the air that your heat is taking away. The moisture is excellent for your skin AND your sinusus. Keeping a little moisture in your home can also prevent sinus infections? True!

3. Take warm (not hot!) showers. Even when you come in out of the cold and want that super hot shower….don’t do it! It may feel good, but that hot water is drying your skin out.

4. Gloves! Yes…I know that seems like a no-brainer but how many times have you gone outside without gloves on? Then complain that your hands are cracking?! I know…I do it too but I’ve gotten to where I keep gloves IN my coat pockets so I can easily slip them on. More than just keeping your hands warm, they’re a protective barrier against cold wind chapping your skin.

5. Use an excellent moisturizing lotion – like Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair. This moisturizer is “The Official Lotion of Winter”! It’s clinically proven to heal very dry skin in 5 days!

More about Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair

It’s a deep moisturizer that relieves very dry skin from the first use. It contains a specially designed blend of glycerin and micro-droplets of Vaseline Jelly, plus dimethicone which locks the moisture in! It’s perfect for anyone who fights severe dry skin all year long, especially in the winter months!

Vaseline sent me an awesome package a few days ago and I instantly put it to the test, considering I already had signs of really dry skin starting. Included in the package, were test strips to test how dry my skin really was. So, in order to get an accurate comparison for this post, I only used the lotion on my right leg for 5 days. I didn’t apply any to my left leg. You can see for youself the difference in the strips. The one on the left was used on my left leg (with no lotion) and the one on the right was used on my right leg which I had been applying the lotion. Pretty cool and gross at the same time, huh?! HAHA!

They also sent me a yummy container of Godiva Hot Chocolate Mix and an awesome mug personalized with my Twitter handle @sweetpennies. How awesome is that!!

Omgee! I have a new coffee mug personalized with my Twitter handle!! Gahhh!! Thank you @VaselineBrand and @Godiva. I'll be enjoying these goodies this week! #Vaseline

A photo posted by Jenni Eaves (@sweetpennies) on Nov 11, 2014 at 2:55pm PST

I can really tell a massive difference in my skin overall when I use it daily and at night. I love to put it on my feet and then put on thick socks before going to sleep. It makes my feet feel so good! The Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair retails for just $4.99 for a 10 oz. bottle and can be found at your local stores.

Buzz Lightyear to Star Command – Halloween Express Review and Giveaway! #HalloWin

September 24, 2014 by Jenni 1,803 Comments

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Halloween Express. All opinions, and our love for Toy Story and Buzz Lightyear are our own! #HalloWin

Buzz Lightyear to Star Command, Come in Star Command!

Have you and the kids decided what everyone is gonna be for Halloween yet? I know it’s early but folks, the leaves are changing colors already and I have pumpkin and spice scents in all my candle warmers. Fall is here and Halloween is just right around the corner! Little man was Sheriff Woody last year and this year, he wants to be Buzz Lightyear!! So, Buzz Lightyear he will be! We’re keeping Toy Story alive around here!

I don’t like taking Eli shopping in the Halloween stores because most of them aren’t so “family friendly” if you want my personal opinion. They can be pretty scary too, for a little kid. This year we opted to just shop from the comfort of our PJ’s – at home on the computer – from Halloween Express. The name says it all! They have tons of costumes for the whole family…kids, adults, pets and then of course they have all the awesome party supplies and decorations too! Plus, all the extra accessories like wigs, gloves, hats, masks, etc.

The Halloween Express website is so easy to navigate and search to find the perfect costume, and they have it all, including your favorite Disney characters and super heros. They have plenty of creepy and scary costumes too. If you’re leary of ordering your costumes online, don’t worry! They have an awesome sizing chart to help you figure out what size will be the right fit. If you’re not sure, I always recommend going up a size just so that wearing a layer of clothes underneath will be comfy.

He adores his Buzz Lightyear costume! It fits perfectly, with a little extra room so he’ll for sure be able to wear it through the year too when playing, and going to well, you know – Infinity and Beyond! He had no problems going down the slide, although we thought for a minute that Buzz’s jetpack might not fit through, thank goodness it’s inflatable!!

Fun character costumes

Things I love about Halloween Express:

The massive selection of costumes, accessories, party supplies and home decor.
The super FAST shipping! His costume arrived even BEFORE it was supposed to!
The costumes are superior quality.
Prices are usually cheaper than most other places because they’re always offering discount codes!

Halloween Express Discounts

I have some awesome discount codes for you to use at Halloween Express. Both are valid through Oct. 20th and only one code can be used per purchase. Use code: FSMCID2014ZLA to score free shipping on your order. Or use code: MCI2014D to get 15% off your order (no minimums! Woot!).

Regular free shipping offer: Just an FYI. Halloween Express automatically offers free economy shipping on orders of $65 or more with no code needed. So figure out which code will be worth the most according to your cart order.

Halloween Express Giveaway – (2) $100 Gift Cards!

Now, for some FUN – we’re giving away (2) $100 Halloween Express gift cards! Two winners will each win a $100 gift card to buy your Halloween costumes and decor! On us!!! Just use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Giveaway is open to US residents, age 18 or older. Giveaway ends October 2nd, at 11:59pm EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure to stay up to date with Halloween Express via their Facebook page and their Twitter account for all the fun news, updates and promotions!

What do your kids want to be for Halloween?

Why We Switched to the Straight Talk Wireless $45 Monthly Unlimited Plan

September 24, 2014 by Jenni 1,113 Comments

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk Wireless. All opinions are 100% mine.

Back years ago, my husband and I got stuck in a cellphone contract. OMGeeze, we couldn’t wait for that contract to be up! It just got to where we couldn’t afford it anymore, but we couldn’t afford NOT to pay it either. Have you been there too? Are you there NOW? At the time, my husband had lost his job and we were just stuck. S-T-U-C-K in that cellphone contract. The late fees adding up because we couldn’t pay on time were downright EVIL.

Last day of the contract = aaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

That moment was the equivalent of getting home from the longest day on earth and taking off your bra, ladies. THAT’S how good it felt!

Needless to say, once that contract was up…….so were we. We were up off our butts and headed to Walmart to buy new phones and pay-as-you-go Straight Talk Wireless services for both of us. Going from what we were paying to just $45 a month was like a breath of fresh air. I ain’t even kiddin’ and we have never looked back!

Straight Talk Wireless has the same smart phones and iPhones you love, on the same networks you are used to, just without those super inflated and over-priced plans.

My husband has a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and I have an iPhone 5. Both through Straight Talk Wireless. We get 3GB of high-speed data, umlimited talk and texts for just $45 a month, and YOU can too! My sister in law and her family are FINALLY switching over! After years and years of being stuck in their contract, they’re finally making the switch! I think we’ll throw them a part-ayyy! haha! In case you didn’t know, 3GB of data is quite a bit! Do you know what you can do with that much data? I didn’t either really, but this will give you an idea.

3GB of data is equal to:

105 hours of Pandora radio
2,460 webpage views
41,900 emails
1,920 Flickr image uploads
153 hours of Facebook browsing
85 hours of Google Maps usage

BEST PART!

Besides the savings, of course….is that you can keep your phone (if you’re in love with your current one!), your number and your network with the Straight Talk Bring Your Own Phone program! Whoop-whoop!

No-contract plans are perfect for the first-time phone owners in your family too. We bought my dad one, just a simple one and it’s all he needs. You have the flexibility to pay-as-you-go so it’s perfect for teenagers too or for the pre-teen who is learning the responsibility of owning a cellphone.

Who in your family do you want to get a Straight Talk Wireless phone for?

Ooey Gooey Goodness – S’mores Cookies from Pillsbury Melts

September 18, 2014 by Jenni 864 Comments

Disclosure: The information and products received have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.

S’mores Cookies

If you’re not a fan of ooey gooey – warm and yummy cookies, then you might ought to just turn around and leave now. I wouldn’t want to be friends with you anyway…I don’t need that sort of negativity in my life. Now, my cookie friends, check out these insane S’mores Cookies!!!

Cookies are just pure pleasure. Especially when they’re warm, straight outta the oven. AND even more especially – when they’re filled with S’more gooey-ness! HELLO!!! These new Pillsbury Melts are INSANELY delish! They are filled on the inside with yummy goo and topped with a chocolate drizzle. Oh, and in 2 different flavors….Molten Fudge Cake and S’more Sensation! You can find both of these in the refrigerated cookie dough section. Which is where I spend about 85.677777% of my time when I’m grocery shopping.

Baking was easy peasy…just like the other Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookies, they’re already made into little cookie balls for you. SWEET! Just plop them on a pan and bake for a few minutes. After they’ve cooled a bit, just drizzle that yummy chocolate on top! Mmmm. Well, the whole pan was demolished within minutes. I’ll just say that much.

We tried the S’mores cookies and man oh mannnn. They were sooo good! I’m saving the Molten Fudge Cake cookies for this weekend. That way my husband can get at least ONE cookie before they’re el-gono! These cookies are perfect for anytime, but I’m sure I’ll be making these around the holidays too. So easy…and so yummy.

Which one of these new Pillsbury Melts cookies are you excited to try? Or do you just want to try BOTH?!

You might want to visit the Pillsbury Facebook page too, they’re always sharing FAN-flipping tastic recipes that are easy and delicious.

Yummy and Easy Cookie Cutter Sandwiches for your Picky Eater

September 11, 2014 by Jenni 945 Comments

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Roman Meal. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Fun Cookie Cutter Sandwiches
for the picky eaters!

M’kay, so my little man is a picky eater but he isn’t too picky about bread, thank goodness. Having texture issues and being a picky eater, we have many struggles in the kitchen, but thank GOD – he don’t “make waves” about bread. I’m actually the one who makes the waves around here when it comes to bread.

I don’t like chewy, grainy, stinky bread. I like soft bread that doesn’t have an overwhelming wheat-y flavor or scent. Know what I mean? My mom always bought Roman Meal bread when I was growing up and that’s the whole grain bread I like. It’s soft! It’s not like some others. You know the ones – where the more you chew, the bigger it gets. Bleck!

Now, because little man IS a picky eater, I have to play around with his sandwiches. I made these fun cookie cutter sandwiches with peanut butter and jelly, and then some with just plain cheese and mayo for him. Nothing super frilly and fancy – but these turned out so cute! You could totally make ANY kind of cookie cutter sandwich depending on the occasion or what your kiddos like! I just used what we had on hand.

If your family or kids are picky about whole grain bread, you have to try the Roman Meal bread!

You know, I had NO idea that it’s baked fresh, locally in bakeries all over the US and shipped to the local stores. That’s why you always get a really fresh loaf of bread!! Roman Meal also has a ton of delicious recipes on their site too! I eyeballed a few sandwiches I’m gonna try and then I also found a rustic italian flat bread pizza recipe I’m gonna try this weekend! YESS!!

I bet you didn’t know…

whole grains are a good source of vitamin D, calcium and of course – fiber!
whole grains help with digestion and weight management.
whole grains may reduce the risk of heart disease. (that was a biggie I didn’t know!)
whole grain fact, (courtesy of my dad!). He swears that enriched breads give him heartburn or make his acid reflux worse. He won’t touch the stuff.

GIVEAWAY Time…

Hey…guess what GUYS!!!!! Roman Meal is wanting to hold a giveaway for you here on my blog! One lucky reader will win a Roman Meal bread coupon voucher! This voucher is redeemable for one free loaf of Roman Meal bread. US residents, age 18 or older only are eligible to win. Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on 9/17/14.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

But WAIT…
Check out the Roman Meal Baked Fresh Sweepstakes

Click HERE to enter the sweepstakes on their Facebook page!!

One grand prize winner will receive $2,500; several others will win free bread coupons!
This sweepstakes ends September 30th.
You will receive a $1 off coupon when you enter the sweepstakes.

You can also connect with Roman Meal bread on:

RomanMeal.com – Facebook – Twitter

and subscribe to the Roman Meal Newsletter for news, savings and other ideas HERE!

Experience the #SwifferEffect with the #BigGreenBox

August 30, 2014 by 555 Comments

If you’re like me, you LOVE the commercials where people are surprised with the #BigGreenBox at the doorstep and it’s filled with Swiffer products that make their lives easier. The elderly couple always cracks me up! It’s my favorite. Swiffer offers consumers easy-to-use sweeping, mopping and dusting tools for virtually every household surface. So, needless to say, I was totally excited to experience the #SwifferEffect myself AND get to share it with someone else.

Check out this quick (and funny) video presented by Swiffer and featuring Eric Stonestreet. See how Eric keeps it clean when his mom comes to visit!

My big green box showed up and I immediately ripped that sucker open to a sea of green and the clean fresh scent of the Swiffer Sweeper wet cloths. It was delightful! With 2 dogs and 3 cats plus a tween, a teen and a husband…plus my kids’ friends…in and out of the house…my floors never get a break. I didn’t even hesitate to snap my Swiffer Sweeper together. It’s a simple tool that can be used to sweep and mop virtually all hard surfaces using both dry and wet cloths. It wen’t together, literally, with a snap (or 3). I put on a dry cloth and went to sweeping. I was pretty amazed at the amount of hair and dirt it picked up. I didn’t even try to give it a fair shake by vacuuming first! Then I put on a wet cloth and was pleasantly surprised again. It picked up a LOT of dirt and left my floor shining.

Next up was the Swiffer Duster. This thing uses thousands of fluffy fibers that change shape to fit anywhere to trap and lock dust without spreading it around the home. I have quite a few knick knacks around and the kids have their video game consoles and games that I try to keep as dust free as possible. My daughter LOVES to dust and the Swiffer Duster is her most favorite tool. No sprays, no cloths and no pushing dust around from place to place. She can dust, and make things clean without a ton of effort. Plus the Swiffer Duster can fit in some pretty tight places! She went to work immediately and dusted off the shelves and tables in the living room. Needless to say, she was pretty proud as she discovered just how much dust those fluffy fibers trapped and then she could just throw it away. Swiffer makes it easy for anyone in the household to pitch in to make cleaning a little bit happier and life just a little bit better.

In a matter of a few minutes, the living room was transformed. Even my leather couch and loveseat were dust and pet hair free! It was amazing. Funny how quick everybody is to help me clean when we get cool products to try! I’ll take all the help I can get!! Oh and let me not forget to mention how fresh everything smells thanks to the added scents of Gain and Febreeze!!

Now, for the best part. I was sent a 2nd #BigGreenBox so that I could share the #SwifferEffect with someone. It was not an easy choice, at first. I contacted a couple of friends but they declined. They weren’t keen about having their pictures on the internet. I was set to surprise another friend, who recently bought a home. Then, she had to leave town on short notice. So, I went with the easy choice…my momma! She’s 73 and though she’s in great health, I knew she’d appreciate getting a few products to make cleaning easier.

We were planning to visit anyway. So, I told her I was bringing her something that we got for review. She’s always tickled with freebies. We arrived with the box in hand and plopped it down on the coffee table. When she opened it, she grinned ear to ear. I knew she would love it. She used to be a housekeeper and these kinds of things never displease her. Plus, anything that makes her life easier is always welcomed. She swept her floor with a dry cloth and said she would mop later this weekend. She didn’t want to waste our time there with cleaning. It was enough for me just to see her smile and to know that some of her household chores won’t be quite as taxing thanks to Swiffer!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Perfect Lunch Idea or Easy Weeknight Side Dish with Suddenly Grain Salad

August 28, 2014 by Jenni 502 Comments

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op. #SuddenlyGrainSalad #PlatefullCoOp #paid

You wanna know something? I try to get my kid to eat whole grains – but I won’t hardly eat them myself. I love whole grain cereals, but bread is a whole ‘nother ballgame. I just can’t do it. Unless I toast it….yeah, I can sorta eat whole grain bread toasted. Otherwise, I feel like I’m chewing on a cereal box.

So…I try to get my whole grains in other forms like the cereals but then I found out that Suddenly Salad (love their bacon/ranch pasta salad. Mmmm.) came out with – wait for it…

The new Suddenly Grain Salad™ mixes! Yes’sireee. And omgeee. They’re GOOD!!! I love the taste, texture, and the way it looks. It just looks pretty to me, and I love to eat pretty food! The new Suddenly Grain Salad™ mixes have blends like brown rice, wild rice, quinoa and then they’re dolled up with herbs and spices in a boil-in-a-bag for easy cooking! They also have dried fruit (YUM), vegetables and/or nut mix-ins along with a dressing packet to top the whole thing off!

We were sent 3 different varieties to try and we tried the Harvest Grains one first. The Southwest Grains and the Tuscan Grains are still in my cabinet, but I’m telling you – if they’re as good as this Harvest Grains one, then I’m ALLLLLL in!!!! I’m in love with this stuff. The Harvest Grain variety includes yummy dried cranberries and almonds.

Dale isn’t much of a rice man, so that’s just fine. I get to keep it all to myself. I made it for lunch, and had plenty with some leftover for the next day too. But these are perfect to incorporate into your main dish or as a side dish for a quick weeknight meal.

If you wanna try these new Suddenly Grain Salad™ mixes, you can find them in your rice and grains, or pasta aisle at the grocery store!

Do you think these new Suddenly Grain Salads are something you’d like to try? If so, which flav-ah??!! Inquiring minds want to know…drop us a comment below!

Chicken and Veggie Pizza – from Tailgate to Table with Gourmet Grillware

August 17, 2014 by 433 Comments

Friends, football season is coming! It’s not THAT far away and I am so excited! I love football and fall weather. It’s the Tennessee gal’s favorite time of the year. I can almost smell the crisp fall air and hear the roar of the fans in the stadium. That just makes me smile!!

We are making an effort to eat healthier and so we wanted to take something we love…pizza…and give it a healthy tailgating twist without losing any flavor or fun! So I was super excited to try this new pizza tray grill pan from Gourmet Grillware.

This pizza tray is so versatile. It withstands heat up to 1000°F and can be used on the grill, on the stove or in the oven. It’s even freezer safe!! It’s made of food safe aluminum alloy which makes for even heating and easy browning on any surface. It also means it isn’t dishwasher safe. But, it’s so easy to clean you won’t even care!

Let’s talk about this delish pizza my hubby came up with! The crust is homemade, the veggies are from our garden and the cheese is just what we had on hand. So easy and delicious that your tailgating buddies will be amazed. There’s also a secret ingredient in the crust…beer. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s only a small amount and can be replaced with water or milk if you don’t want the alcohol content. But I promise it’s just enough to kick up the flavor to another level. Here’s the scoop…

Chicken and Veggie Pizza

I know you don’t believe me when I say that this homemade pizza is simple. But trust me, it is SO easy to make! You can whip it up in no time flat.

Crust Ingredients

2 1/2 cups self rising flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup of your favorite beer (or other liquid of choice)

Mix all ingredients together until you have a dough similar to biscuit dough. It’s not a firm dough. It will be somewhat spreadable.

Place your Gourmet Grillware Pizza Tray onto a stove eye on medium/high heat. Spray on some non-stick cooking spray or spread a little vegetable oil on the pan. Plop your dough on and spread it to the thickness that you desire. Let is sit for a bit and brown. Once it’s nice and golden, flip it and brown the other side. Use potholders to carefully remove the pan from the eye. Preheat your oven to 400° at this point.

Pizza Toppings

We chose chicken, zucchinni, onions, garlic and spinach. In a medium pan, with a tablespoon of olive oil my hubby sauteed all the veggies together with a pinch of salt. We keep cooked chicken on hand. He grabbed a chicken breast, chopped it up and threw it in the pan. Once everything was heated through and the onions were translucent, the heat is turned off.

Assemble Your Pizza

This pizza has NO SAUCE! No, I am not kidding. It’s a waste of calories and would overpower the flavors of the veggies. All you do is pour your cooked toppings onto your crust and sprinkle on whatever shredded cheese you may have on hand. Cheese isn’t necessary but can act as a glue to hold all the veggies on the pizza. Throw the pan into your preheated oven and wait for everything to heat up and the cheese to melt.

Carefully remove your pizza on the Gourmet Grillware Pizza Tray, from the oven. Let it stand for 10 minutes then cut and serve. Another great thing about this pizza tray is that it is also a great serving dish. So you can cut the pizza right on the tough tray and then carry it straight to the table and enjoy!!

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