Sweet Pennies from Heaven

Keeping Dogs with Disabilities Happy with Milk-Bone Active Toys

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This post was sponsored by Milk-Bone as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

 

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Dogs. Aren’t they just the best?!

There isn’t a time in my life that I don’t ever remember a dog being a part of it. My husband and I have also, always owned dogs throughout our marriage!

 

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Just a little back story on our sweet rat terrier, Pepper. She is blind…caused from glaucoma. She started losing her sight awhile back and ended up having to have one eye removed. Her other eye is deteriorating and so that one will need to be removed as well.

That makes us SO sad, but the thing is…..Pepper is still pretty young, active, and happy! However, since losing her sight she is a lot more skittish and unsure of herself. She loves loves loves herself some treats, though!!! So, when I saw the new Milk-Bone® ActiveTM Toys I was like……

“A-Ha!!”

She will love this! These are made of high-quality, durable, non-toxic material made specifically to work with Milk-Bone biscuits!

 

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I mean, what dog doesn’t love treats?! So. Treats inside this ball that bounces and rolls to drive her playful instincts – it keeps her moving and active! AND it rewards her with yummy treats! Win win win!!!

 

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I found the Milk-Bone Active Toy at Meijer in the dog toy aisle! There are 4 different Active Toys to choose from! They come in 2 different styles and 2 different sizes. Each one correlate with different Milk-Bone biscuit sizes.

  • Medium Dispensing Ball (recommended for dogs 25 – 49 lbs) – Medium biscuits
  • Medium Treat Tumbler (recommended for dogs 25 – 49 lbs) – Minis biscuits
  • Small Dispensing Ball (recommended for dogs up to 24 lbs) – Small biscuits
  • Small Treat Tumbler (recommended for dogs up to 24 lbs) – Minis biscuits

 

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We got the medium dispensing ball with medium biscuits! The toy came with a small trial sized package of biscuits and they just slid easily right into the holes of the ball. They don’t slide out easily which is great – because it really makes your dog work for that treat!!! We also grabbed a box of the Milk-Bone Peanut Butter flavor variety packs! She loves peanut butter, just like her momma. (me!)

 

pepper collage 2

Pepper finally got a nibble of one and kept going back for more! She rolled that ball all over the yard! That was so fun to watch and it kept her moving!! With her vision loss, she’s using her other senses a lot more. We knew that would happen, but it’s been cool to see how she compensates in her normal everyday routine. I love that the Active Toys are a fun way to keep her mentally stimulated as well. I know she can tend to get bored, so this keeps her entertained.

 

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When you head to Meijer to grab your dogs their own Milk-Bone Active Toys, make sure to use this SA-WEEET mPerks offer for $2 off the Small toys and $3 off the Medium toys, valid until 3/17/18!! That’s a huge savings!!! Also….be on the look out because several of the toys I saw, had a peel off coupon for $1 off a box of Milk-Bone biscuits! Yeah!!!

 

Grilled Smores Sandwich – Creating Happy Family Moments

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This post was sponsored by Hello Happy. Hello Hershey’s. as part of an Ambassador Activation for Influence Central.

 

Grilled Smores Sandwich. Such an ooey and gooey treat!

Grilled Smores Sandwich

 

Did you know that even the smallest thing can create a chain reaction of happiness? We all love to make our family happy, and it doesn’t really take too much – especially if it’s just a grilled Smores sandwich! Do these things make you happy?

  • a morning hug and a kiss
  • a surprise “I love you” text or lunchbox note
  • making the family’s favorite treat

Those are just a few things that instantly come to my mind…small things that make me happy.

Nothing suits a belly better than a grilled Smores sandwich! Ever had one?

 

Grilled Smores Sandwich. Such an ooey and gooey treat!

Buttery on the outside, and full of ooey gooey chocolaty and marshmallowy goodness on the inside.

Mercy.

You won’t believe how easy these are to make, here’s what you need…

 

 

Grilled Smores Sandwich. Such an ooey and gooey treat!

Grilled Smores Sandwich Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp. of softened butter
  • 2 slices sandwich bread (wheat or white)
  • 1 HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bar (or substitute with HERSHEY’S Chocolate Spreads)
  • 1 graham cracker sheet
  • 4 marshmallows, cut in half horizontally

 

Grilled Smores Sandwich. Such an ooey and gooey treat!

Grilled Smores Sandwich Directions:

  • Butter one slice of bread with half the butter. Place buttered side down in a cold skillet.
  • Break chocolate bar into sections and evenly place them on the unbuttered side of bread.
  • Layer with graham cracker, breaking to fit.
  • Top with marshmallow halves.
  • Butter one side of second piece of bread, and lay down buttered side up.
  • Heat over medium/low heat, until bottom of sandwich is golden brown. VERY VERY carefully flip the sandwich, and heat until the bottom is golden brown on that side as well. Remove from the skillet, cut and serve.

 

What are your happy moments throughout the day?

I’d love to know what little things make you happy! Maybe it can give me and everyone else a little more insight!

I’m really pumped to be working with HERSHEY’S on this Hello Happy Moments campaign. The idea behind it is to make us think about how to create happy moments – even in places or at times where we’re not usually happy, like during our morning commute, at work, or when our weekend plans have been rained out.

Check out this video. I bet you’ll cry, just like I did – so grab a tissue!

 

 

Blowing dandelions and makin’ wishes. ?????

A photo posted by Jenni Eaves (@sweetpennies) on

9 Fun and Easy Ways to Spark Happy Family Moments:

  • blow dandelions, and make wishes!
  • have a family bake day
  • have a family dance off
  • surprise tea party or picnic
  • water balloon fight
  • weird family science experiment (something gross and gooey!)
  • pitch a tent in the backyard and roast S’Mores
  • family karaoke night
  • catch lightning bugs in a jar

 

Another fun family moment that’s coming up is “Take Your Kids to Work Day”. Although this day is officially set for April 28th, it can really be celebrated any day. It’s a great time to spark some fun, happy moments and for parents to show off their careers to inspire their kids to be whatever they want to be.

 

 

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Ready for a SWEET Giveaway?

In celebration of Hello Happy, Hello Hershey’s — one lucky reader will win a HERSHEY’S Products Prize Package! US residents only, age 18+ are eligible. You can enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends May 3rd, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. The prize package will include:

  • HERSHEY’S Chocolate Syrup – one bottle
  • HERSHEY’S Spreads in Chocolate – one container
  • HERSHEY’S Cocoa – one container
  • HERSHEY’S KISSES – one bag
  • HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Chips – one bag
  • HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bars – two bars
  • Bag of Marshmallows
  • Box of Graham Crackers

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central.

 

 

Spring Caramel Corn (12 Days of Easter Recipes and Crafts)

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spring-caramel-corn

Today is Day #2 in our 12 Days of Easter Recipes and Crafts series. This Spring Caramel Corn recipe from Olivia at This N’ That With Olivia is a FUN one! I love yummy and pretty snack mixes like this, and of course so does the whole family. Make sure to click here for the full recipe and enjoy!

Check the linky out below with all of the other 12 Days of Easter posts.



Day 7 – Mint Oreo Cookie in a Cookie (12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day Recipes and Crafts)

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Today is day #7 in our 12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day Recipes and Crafts series!!! This Mint Oreo Cookie in a Cookie recipe from Stefanie at Making of a Mom is incredible! Another yummy mint and chocolate combo recipe that is too easy to fall in love with. I love that you get the crunch of the mini Oreos inside this soft cookie. NOM! Click here for the full recipe!

If you’ve missed our other 12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day recipes and crafts, they’re all in the linky below. Enjoy!



Day 6 – St. Patrick’s Day Parfait (12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day Recipes and Crafts)

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Pot o Gold pudding parfait

Today is day #6 in our 12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day Recipes and Crafts series!!! It’s actually MY day to share but I’ve already posted the recipe, a few days ago. It was for this delicious, colorful and fun Hidden Pot O’ Gold Pudding Parfait! The kids love these because of all the color. They just look fun to eat because it’s layered with all their favorites! Click here for the full recipe.

If you’ve missed our other 12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day recipes and crafts, they’re all in the linky below. Enjoy!



Day 5 – Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies (12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day Recipes and Crafts)

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Today is day #4 in our 12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day Recipes and Crafts series!!! These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies from Olivia at This N That with Olivia look delicious! I love a mint and chocolate combination…it’s actually one of my favorite flavor combos! Click here for the full recipe!

If you’ve missed our other 12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day recipes and crafts, they’re all in the linky below. Enjoy!



Day 4 – Mint Cake Pops (12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day Recipes and Crafts)

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Today is day #4 in our 12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day Recipes and Crafts series!!! This Mint Cake Pops recipe from Mandee at Raising My 5 Sons is such a fun one!! Who doesn’t love cake pops?! I absolutely love how pretty and decorative these are. It’s a super fun recipe to make with the kiddos and they’re bound to be fun to eat. Anything on a stick is more fun to eat, right?! Click here for the full recipe!

If you’ve missed our other 12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day recipes and crafts, they’re all in the linky below. Enjoy!



4 Really Strange and Yummy #StrangeMagic Recipes

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Strange Magic recipes

Oh my goodness! Sooo, my husband and I have been talking alot lately about the new George Lucas film, Strange Magic! It’s hitting the theaters next week…on January 23rd, 2015. Gahhh!!!!! Cannot wait. So – just for fun I wanted to share these 4 fun Strange Magic recipes below!

Just click on each one below to open up the PDF files if you’d like to print or view a larger image. Enjoy!!! Stay tuned, I’ll be sharing some awesome Strange Magic crafts and activity sheets soon!

Ohh, but wait. Before I share the recipes with you…..here’s a FUN new musical clip from the movie called “Elf-Sized Serenade”. Awwww!!

 

Okay, now for those strangely yummy Strange Magic recipes!

strange magic recipes mud pieStrange Magic Bog King Mud Pie recipe

 

Strange Magic recipesStrange Magic Cookie Bars

 

Strange Magic recipesStrange Magic Hot Cocoa

 

Strange-Magic-PotionStrange Magic Potion

 

 More about the new George Lucas film, Strange Magic:

“Strange Magic,” a new animated film from Lucasfilm Ltd., is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic bring to life the fanciful forest turned upside down with world-class animation and visual effects. Directed by Gary Rydstrom (“Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation,” “Lifted”) from a story by George Lucas, “Strange Magic” will be released by Touchstone Pictures on Jan. 23, 2015.

Like STRANGE MAGIC on Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeMagicMovie

Follow STRANGE MAGIC on Twitter: http://twitter.com/StrangeMagic

Follow STRANGE MAGIC on Instagram: http://instagram.com/StrangeMagicMovie

Follow STRANGE MAGIC on Vine: @StrangeMagic

STRANGE MAGIC opens in theatres everywhere on January 23rd!

Pumpkin Pie Puppy Chow Recipe

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pumpkin pie puppy chow

Pumpkin Pie Puppy Chow

I stinking love this stuff. Puppy chow or muddy buddies…whatever YOU call it. I can eat my weight in this stuff. Before I know it, an entire bowl is just gone. I’m like, “Where the heck did all the puppy chow go?!” ……and then my husband is all like “Uhhh — you ate it all!”. Since fall is my most favorite time of year, what better than a yummy Pumpkin Pie Puppy Chow recipe!!! If you’re into seasonal puppy chow recipes, you can also check out our Strawberry Muddy Buddies which is perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Okay, on to this pumpkin pie flavored delicious-ness!! Stop licking your screen, and just go get the stuff and make this. Like now. YES!! Right now!! Make it now, and you can thank me later. The printable recipe is down below, just scroll down. Print it off and stick it back in your recipe box!

 

Pumpkin Pie Puppy Chow Ingredients:
8 cup Chex Cereal
12 oz Pumpkin Spice Candy Melts or White Candy Melts (Wilton or store brand)
*candy melts melt SO much easier than the chips or blocks 
2 cup Powdered Sugar
3 tsp Pumpkin Spice
1 cup Fall Color M&M’s or other Fall favorite candy

 

 

 

DIRECTIONS
Melt candy melts by microwaving 30 seconds then stirring and repeating until melted. Stir in the 3 tsp. of pumpkin spice to the melted candy melts mixture.

Next comes the fun part. Pour cereal into a large mixing bowl or onto a large tray. Pour the melted candy melts over the cereal and using a spatula or spoon, gently fold and combine the mixture into the cereal until it’s thoroughly covered.

Put half of the powdered sugar mixture into 1 gallon size ziploc bag, and the rest in a 2nd gallon size ziploc bag.

Spoon half the cereal mixture into each bag, and shake shake shake shake shake!!! Shake until all of the cereal is coated in white sugary goodness. If there are any pieces that are clumped together, try to separate and then shake some more. Do the same thing with the 2nd bag.

After the cereal is all coated, pour in a single layer onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Allow to dry and then add M&M’s before putting in airtight containers or your serving bowls.

Pumpkin Pie Puppy Chow Snack
Author: Jenni
Ingredients
  • 8 cup Chex Cereal
  • 12 oz Pumpkin Spice or White Candy Melts
  • 2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 3 tsp Pumpkin Spice
  • 1 cup Fall Color M&M’s
Instructions
  1. Melt candy melts by microwaving 30 seconds then stirring and repeating until melted.
  2. Add Pumpkin spice and stir to combine.
  3. Pour cereal into a large mixing bowl or onto a large tray.
  4. Pour the pumpkin/candy melt mixture over the cereal and using a spatula or spoon, gently fold and combine the mixture into the cereal until it’s thoroughly covered.
  5. Put half of the powdered sugar mixture into 1 gallon size ziploc bag, and the rest in a 2nd gallon size ziploc bag.
  6. Spoon half the cereal mixture into each bag, and shake until all of the cereal is coated. If there are any pieces that are clumped together, try to separate and then shake some more. Do the same thing with the 2nd bag.
  7. After the cereal is all coated, pour in a single layer onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Allow to dry and then add M&M’s before putting in airtight containers or your serving bowls.

 

If you loved this recipe, then you might enjoy some other fan favorites below!

Reese Cup Peanut Butter Bars

 Reese’s Cup Peanut Butter Bars

 

Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut Butter Ball Pops

 

Pumpkin MuffinsPumpkin Spice Muffins (2 ingredient, low fat!!!)

What are your favorite fall desserts?
Drop us a comment, and let us know!

 

Easter Peeps S’Mores – Includes Gluten Free Options

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Easter Peeps S'Mores

Easter Peeps S’Mores (Gluten Free Option too)

Can you believe it?! Spring is almost here!!! Squeeeeeee.

This might gross some people out, but I’m ready to stick my bare feet into some warm, fresh dirt!! Okay, that might gross me out too, considering you’ve landed here for a recipe. Yuck. Sorry about that. :/

{That’s a fib…I’m really not sorry.}

Peeps are so much fun. I have to say though that I can’t really eat them just plain, right out of the package. I much prefer them warm and gooey – and stuffed between graham crackers and warm-melty chocolate. Just check out these Easter Peeps S’Mores!! It’s obvious that I have a “thang” for S’Mores considering I also just made these Tagalongs Peanut Butter S’Mores the other day. Ohh, yes. I did!!

*P.S. If your family lives a gluten free lifestyle, you can enjoy these too. Peeps and the chocolate bars are gluten free already, and I’m giving you a link to some gluten free graham crackers options below. Be sure to check your grocery stores too!

Ohh…the printable recipe is further down below in case you want to print and put back in your recipe box!

Here’s what you need:

Easter Peeps S'Mores

Instructions:

  • Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper
  • Break the graham cracker in half and put one half on the bottom
  • Add 2 Hershey’s Chocolate Squares and top with a Peep
  • Do not add the top graham cracker while baking
  • Bake for 3-5 minutes, depending on how gooey you want the chocolate
  • Remove from the oven and place the second piece of Graham cracker on the top and squish down gently
  • Grab a few napkins and enjoy!

Easter Peeps S'Mores

Easter Peeps S’Mores – Includes Gluten Free Options
Author: Jenni
Ingredients
  • Graham Crackers (regular or gluten free)
  • Hershey’s Chocolate Bars
  • Easter Peeps (any color)
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees
  2. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper
  3. Break the graham cracker in half and put one half on the bottom
  4. Add 2 Hershey’s Chocolate Squares and top with a Peep
  5. Do not add the top graham cracker while baking
  6. Bake for 3-5 minutes, depending on how gooey you want the chocolate
  7. Remove from the oven and place the second piece of Graham cracker on the top and squish down gently
  8. Enjoy!


the chick behind this blog! I'm your ordinary, everyday wife and mom to an incredible pair of stinky guys! I am a self diagnosed coffee addict with a ginormous sweet tooth, preferably baked goods!! My hope is to help you, teach you, and entertain you on your way to a more thrifty and frugal lifestyle! Along the way, you'll find awesome recipes, great tips, and tons of randomness! We have loads of fun, so ya'll come back now, ya hear?!

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