Macy’s One Day Sale is happening now

This post is sponsored by Sivan Social. All comments and opinions are my own.

Have some last minute shopping to do? Did you know that Macy’s One Day Sale is happening now! I have to say with Black Friday Shopping being a bust, I am still not finished Holiday Shopping. Anyone else?

These Madixe Wide-Calf Riding Boots are my personal favorites at $19.99!! I have these in both black and brown. See what other great One Day finds you can score HERE.

Want to enjoy shopping from the comforts of your home??  Then take advantage of the Savings.com exclusive $30 rebate on orders of $100+ REBATE HERE. Just remember rebates are only valid with orders made between 12/18 - 12/20 or while offer lasts.

Slow Cooker Olive Garden COPYCAT Chicken Pasta Recipe

I found this recipe by watching one of those Facebook Videos in my feed. I swear it came up a zillion times until I watched it. You know what Social Media Marketing works because now we make this dinner frequently. I changed a few things and gave you some advice after making this several times now, enjoy!

What you will need:

Boneless skinless chicken breast (We use the package pictured) 

16 oz. Olive Garden Italian dressing (or any Italian dressing you like) 

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 

1/4 tsp. black pepper 

1- 8 oz. cream cheese block

1 box of Penne noodles ( We LOVE Barilla)

First add the chicken breasts to your slow cooker. 

Next, pour over the Olive Garden Italian dressing and sprinkle over the parmesan cheese and pepper. 

Side Notes: I tried to find the Olive garden dressing but it was sold out everywhere so we tried the Aldi version pictured first. It was a tad bit vinegary,

when i did find the Olive Garden dressing it was a bit salty. Our favorite dressing has been the Organic Italian dressing found at Aldi.

Lastly, place the cream cheese on top (as pictured). Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. 

A half an hour before it's done cooking, cook your pasta on the stove top. Follow the directions on the box of your pasta, I use Barilla noodles. 

Then, shred the chicken with 2 forks.

Drain your pasta and add to the chicken sauce. Stir. 

Sprinkle over the remaining parmesan cheese to Serve & Enjoy!

Do you enjoy Slow Cooker & Cooker Pot meals?

What is your favorite Slow Cooker meal??

Tips to get your Home Ready for the Holidays

In October I finally paid off my Victorian style home. When I bought it at the age of twenty, I saved all the Oak wood trim, stairs and flooring. While we have updated a few thing we saved much of the character. Part of that was using quality products to help maintain them. If you have any wood in your home I couldn't recommend Scott’s Liquid Gold Wood Cleaners more!

This is a partner post with Scott’s Liquid Gold. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

To get ready for the holidays I decided to give them a nice good clean before setting up the Christmas tree. I would recommend the Scott’s Liquid Gold, multi-surface foaming cleaner for wood on the trim. It helps keep them clean, dust free but also leaves a nice finish. When my son was young we had a real tree. These days we use a lovely fake one because we tend to travel this time of year. With the pandemic we stayed in more but decided to go all out and decorate.

We went with the Buffalo plaid this year. 

Did you go all out and decorate? 

Some tips to help with cleaning up before and after the holidays:

1. Pick a room and work from there. Try not to get distracted with any messes just focus on a small task.

2. Dust before cleaning your floors. Don't forget bookcases, shelves, and window sills. 

3. Start getting organizing and cleaning about a week or two before Christmas or Christmas Eve. This way, you can go slow and make sure things are finished on time. 

4. Make a schedule or check list to help organize your cleaning. This is also helpful if you have a family. I find by having a checklist everyone can pitch in and help.

Scott’s Liquid Gold Wood Cleaner and Preservative restores, preserves and protects all types of natural wood. Their new product One Clean Home, is a multi-surface foaming cleaner for wood and more. It's what I tested out on my wood surfaces for this Holiday Season.

Did you know Scott's was originally sold door-to-door in the early 20th century, a customer by the name of Ida Goldstein purchased the company in 1951 (for $175!) as a business opportunity for her three growing children. It is now run by Ida's grandson, Mark, who has grown the company into what we recognize it as today.

25 Last Minute Gift Ideas for 2020

All gifts in this guide presented a sample for quality control to ensure the best suggestions were being given. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

1. A great gift for the little builder in your life are these play sets from Snap Ships. Each set includes all pieces needed to build a fun and interactive play set. You can also download the snap ships app for added interactive builds and play! These sets are rated 8 and up. You can check them out at Snap Ships.

2. A perfect gift for the athlete in your life would have to be the shirts from Intelligent Threads. These shirts are designed to help athletes perform at their highest level.  The material used to make these shirts are infused with Myo-Equilibration technology to help with faster muscle recovery, improve body alignment, relieve pain and much much more.  

Shop Intelligent Threads Here.

3. Endless Game Puzzles are the perfect gift for many ages, from children to adults alike they will keep your mind occupied for hours at a time. Their beautiful, bright, high quality puzzles make it so enjoyable to see the puzzle picture come together. The pictures are exquisite and full of vibrant colors. 

A truly enjoyable activity for all!

4. Lego Trolls World Tour Pop Village Celebration Since the hit sequel came out this past spring, Trolls World Tour has confirmed that the colorful party enthusiasts are here to stay!  Lego has created this 380 piece Trolls village set to allow your child to recreate the celebratory atmosphere.  Characters in this set include Poppy, Branch, Guy Diamond (my favorite), Cooper (my 2nd favorite) and Tiny Diamond (the cutest).  Bring the party under your Christmas tree with this Lego Trolls World Tour Pop Village Celebration set - oh snap! Shop HERE.

5. Light up your scientific exploration with The Young Scientists Club’s Plasma Globe. Spark curiosity with this fun way to explore the wonders of electricity! Plug in your plasma globe and watch it react to your touch or switch over to sound mode and watch it respond to your voice or your favorite song. Don’t forget to customize your globe with your glow in the dark stickers to make it uniquely your own! The perfect gift for all the little scientists in your life!

6. Amongst the beauty of winter comes cold and flu season. Why not have peace of mind using a homeopathic & paraben free product to nip those illnesses in the bud. Hylands has provided products for little ones that are free of dyes and additives,  are all natural, and most importantly, work to relieve symptoms in children.  From stuffy noses to stubborn coughs, Hylands is the perfect stocking stuffer to keep your little one happy and healthy this long winter ahead.

7. Are you looking for a unique educational gift this holiday? A great choice for the curious kids in your life. Blimey box is full of fine motor- hands on - STEM and critical thinking fun. Blimey Box sets up “ an escape room, lockbox experience, treasure hunt experience “ to learn math, numbers, solve puzzles,  and much more. Blimey Box is innovative , creative  and unique,  in the way it forces children to think critically ,and solve tasks to open the locks. Blimey Box is portable so you can enjoy fun at home , on the go , on special days , regular days , and all the days in between . Blimey Box makes the perfect gift! 

Check out all the Blimey Boxes & pintable's HERE.

8. Envirosax has been at the forefront of design-led reusable bags - just check out all the unique and fun creations they have come up with! Their motto - lighter than a lipstick, stronger than a suitcase - has been personally tested and verified to be TRUE! With a design for everyone, these easy clean bags can help bring in the groceries, serve as a quick diaper bag, carry your beach items or help get your belongings to work. Rolls up so teeny tiny yet can hold so much! Perfect gift for anyone who needs a dependable helping hand. 

9. Holidays are hard because these days everyone has so much stuff! But do you know what every single one of us need more of? LOVE! Little Love Jar is the perfect way to collect all of that affection from people near and far and literally bottle it up for a day when you need a beautiful reminder of all of the people in your life that care for you. Little Love Jar will gather words of kindness and encouragement from all of the important people in your world and print them out on beautiful little notes you can pull out when you need a pick me up. Show someone you care for just how much they mean with a heartfelt & unique gift!

10. The Original Stomp Rocket - it easy fun! Stomp Rocket is easy to set up , and easy to use for year round fun! Stomp Rocket soars up to 200 feet and includes 4 foam rockets so you have extras, in case one gets lost. Run - Jump - Stomp and Gift , The Original Stomp Rocket this holiday ! Stomp Rocket is a fun simple outside STEM activity allowing kids to learn through play about gravity , trajectory , force , and the power of air ! Check them out HERE.

11. TMC books are awesome for any classic movie enthusiast! From the silent era to the 1980's, these books have tons of information on all your favorites! So many great pictures of your favorite stars, like Marylin Monroe, James Dean, Grace Kelly, Judy Garland, and so many more! Behind the scenes and on set pictures and details! The quality of these books is fantastic! The picture quality is also excellent. They are large books, each with approximately 300 pages! I personally know a few people who would absolutely love these books! They would make a wonderful and thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys movies and celebrities! 

12. Liveoutlaw.com makes a variety of men's soaps and cologne in the USA. ranging from bar soap to hair and body wash, cologne sprays, solid cologne and deodorant. Not sure which item to try first? Grab a gift box which includes: milled bar soap, deodorant, solid cologne and an air freshener.  With the fall season coming to an end and snow in the forecast Fire in the Hole is the perfect scent to keep that earthy outdoor scent with you.  A mix of campfire, whiskey, gunpowder and hints of sage.

13. Have you felt off or just  drained? Check out Organic Crystal Harmony Bath Salts & Serum. Crystal Harmony is a sea salt with botanicals and green Crystal's, there is also a mix of sweet orange, grapefruit, and vanilla. Just fill the mesh bag provided and place it in your water and then all you have to do is soak your worries away. The serum is amazing as well and is a mixture of oils and is lightly scented and leaves your skin feeling amazing and smooth. A green adventuring crystal is in the bottle as well and amplify tour energy, adjusts your vibrational field, and transforms negative energy into positive ones.

14. Know someone who wants to clean without a plethora of chemicals? The Persik’s Pure Sky Cleaning cloth only needs water to work! Perfect for cleaning granite counter tops, which easily show every finger print! If you know someone who is constantly whipping their counters, this cloth is for them! Also a great gift for households with allergies, children, pets, and sensitivities to chemicals!

15. Woman can be hard to buy for, for a number of reasons. A co-worker you don't know all that well, an aunt that you're not really sure her style, or that friend that just has everything and you never know what to get them...the scenarios just never end. This Isabellegrace jewelry initial bracelet is an excellent option for any of those situations! It would make a great gift for any occasion too! It has a classy elegance, yet a simplicity that fits anyone's personal style. The beads have a marble look to them, with a touch of gray rolled in with the classic white. No clasp or annoying closures to mess with. It has the perfect stretch to just glide onto your wrist. Shop HERE. 

16. What I first noticed about these Elyptol Cleaning Wipes was the fresh eucalyptus scent when I opened the container. I was so excited to put these cleaning wipes to the test. The size of each soft sheet is perfect for all of my cleaning needs. These wipes are great for hard surfaces and are made with only 3 ingredients: Eucalyptus essential oil, Natural Ethanol (alcohol), and water leaving these safe for my skin and the surfaces that I am cleaning. These will make a perfect gift for the holidays during a Pandemic.

17. If you are looking to pay for experiences and turn them into precious keepsakes, then this is the perfect gift for you and your loved ones. The Adventure Challenge is a book full of creative adventures that you scratch off to reveal a new challenge. The only catch is that you have to complete the challenge! This is a great way to get the family to engage in fun together and take a picture of each challenge to document it. Each adventure is meant to bring the family closer together. It is also great for when in Quarantine. There are challenges for inside the home and out. When you are all finished completing the challenges, you are left with a book full of memories to look back on.

18. Looking for the perfect present for the movie fans in your life? Bendy figs are fun all ages! Whether you’re buying for your avid collector friend or for your kiddo who just can get enough of their favorite characters, this gift is sure to please! Bend and play or put them on display. These beautifully detailed figures come in characters ranging from Harry Potter to DC making them a versatile gift for many different interests. Snag your favorites or collect them all.

19. Have a coffee lover?? The perfect compliment to a cup of coffee is a slice of Clarkson Ave Classic Crumb Cake. The thick sweet cake is moist and delectable. While the crumb topping is generously covering every bite exploding with large crumbles of savory cinnamon flavor. Check out the variety of crumb cakes and crumbkins on their website: https://clarksonavecrumb.com

20. Pando is the trivia game about us! The game is simple and fun. One player picks a card from the draw pile and another player tries to answer all three personal trivia questions correctly. Whichever player reaches 5 points first is the winner! There is no need for extra materials, the cards are the points! Pando has been backed by the staff at Kickstarter, and for a good reason. There has never been a better time to get to know one another. Bring Pando to your next family or friend gathering and you will not be disappointed! This game is for four or more players and ages 14+.

21. There are two types of parents in this world - those who don't mind playdough and those who DESPISE it!  If you fall under the latter category, this kit is perfect for your household! The Mixy Squish Lap Desk is the perfect set up to let your kids be creative without the mess or the smell!  Included are 10 1 oz. blocks of colored and textured air-dry clay, 14 different sculpting tools, 3 double sided molds and lap desk.  All of the items can be stored within the lap desk for easy travel!  Kids will love the spongy feel of their creations after they have dried - between 24-48 hours.  The kit also includes glitter and mini foam balls for more texture fun. Perfect gift for your budding artists that won't leave a giant mess! 

 22. Every one could benefit from a reliable Eat Cleaner® All Natural Fruit + Vegetable Wash. Even if you buy organic, they can still have soil and bacteria on them. Cleaning them is important! Did you know that more than water is needed to really get them clean? This handy spray lifts pesticides, chemicals and wax off our food. It has no taste and no smell. I notice how different apples look and feel after using this product on them! Absolutely no waxy feel after use! This spray also helps the food last longer! It came with a pack of 32 wipes too, great for on the go! Perfect to keep at work for lunch time, take on trips, on keep nearby for kids to use on their fruit before eating it. This is a product every home should have!

23. Playful Pandas represent the first major launch in the girls toy category for Far Out Toys. Playful Pandas are musical, magical, Pandorable friends with limitless responses. Kids just sing any song to their Panda and she will sing back in her own Panda language! Playful Pandas come in four styles including Sweetie, Slumber, Foodie and Fashionista each with her own personality and signature song. And, when kids collect two or more Pandas they will sing in harmony. For even more fun, each Panda responds to a child’s touch – tickle her belly, kiss her nose or pat her head and the Panda will laugh, move and respond!

24. Earth Baby’s products are non-toxic, gentle, and effective on baby skin, hair, and body. You will love how you feel using these organic ingredients on your children and using their aromatherapy mist around your home as your eyes are glued to the 2020 Election results on TV. Earth Baby products provide immediate moisturization and superior hydration, emollient oils and vitamins with a time-controlled release, and dramatically reduced need for high levels of UV filters.

25. For the past three years we have bought the Package From Santa. It has always been jam packed with goodies but here are just a few. A piece of Santa's red Suit, hot cocoa, a photo of Santa, Reindeer food, candy cane, sugar cookie and more. Read my full review HERE.

Shepard's Pie Recipe featuring Marc Zboch

I do from time to time frequent the internet for inspiration. With this particular dish, I ventured out of my comfort zone. You WILL not be disappointed, if you also make this!! It has been a family favorite and on our meal plan rotation for years.

What you will need: 

4-6 Potatoes 

1 stick of Butter 

1 table spoon olive oil 

1 onion, diced 

2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 

1 package of hamburger (turkey or lamb) 

Small glass red wine 

1 can of diced tomatoes 

1 packet of gravy powder 

1 sprig rosemary half a bag of frozen peas (we used fresh snap peas from our garden)

 Grated cheddar cheese to taste.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the mince and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes until browned. Add the red wine, the chopped tomatoes, gravy and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper and simmer. Finally add the peas. 

2. Put the potatoes in a large pan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Cook for 10 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with the butter. Season with freshly ground black pepper and set aside. 

3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4. Spoon the beef mixture into a large oven proof dish. Top with the mashed potato, cheddar cheese and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

This is a delicious meal you just HAVE to try. Serve & Enjoy!

Need more recipe inspirations? Check out Marc Zboch.

Have you ever tried Shepard's Pie Recipe?

What is your favorite go-to dinner recipe??

My Journey with Endometriosis and What you need to know

Thank you Edelweiss Study for sponsoring this post. Be sure to visit the Edelweiss Endometriosis Study landing page to see if you or a loved one qualifies to participate.

If you have been on my website before you might know, we are pretty active. Before the pandemic, we traveled weekly and participated in sporting events. But, when you suffer from Endometriosis, as I do, these everyday things are not always easy or possible. Endometriosis is a common, but truly misunderstood disease, that can affect any female who has menstrual cycles!

I personally have struggled with it since I was 18 years old. At first, it presented as pains in my female parts once in a while. Then it progressed to constant, and daily pains. Now clinical trials, such as the Edelweiss study, can help drive progress towards more successful treatment options that may make a difference for women living with endometriosis.

Over the years I have done these treatments in the hopes to alleviate the pain and discomfort. My doctors have been working closely with me as I present a few obstacles. I am extremely allergic to narcotics and pain relievers. I can name on one hand the amount I can use if absolutely necessary. Luckily, in conjunction with this, my body has grown a pretty high pain tolerance. What might be painful to someone else I can tolerate but when I do feel pain it's excruciating. As my son got older it was harder to explain why Mommy could not do things because the pain was so bad.

Have you ever experienced Endometriosis pain? Don’t suffer in silence!! Dealing with symptoms that others might not understand can be frustrating, but you’re not alone. Trust me. I would also suggest looking into the Edelweiss study, to see if you could qualify to be a participant. It focuses on those of us who are living with moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. There is no medical cure for endometriosis, but there are many treatment options to greatly improve patients' quality of life. Some ways of treating the symptoms include birth control, painkillers, hormone therapy, acupuncture, or even changes in your diet.

 I tried several of these options with the support of my doctors. I wish I had reached out right when I was first diagnosed at age 18. It took almost ten years of living in pain before I finally took my health seriously and got answers! 

Last year, I ended my struggle by having a full hysterectomy. After a 5-hour surgery, 23 stitches, 11 staples, 2 blood transfusions, I finally closed that chapter of my life. This is not an option for everyone and in my case, it was due to also having Cancer. I only share this part of my journey because I wished I hadn't waited so long to get help! After a year to the date of my surgery, I am out visiting Sun Flower fields with my family!

Endometriosis is a common women’s health problem. I always felt like I was "broken" or something was "wrong" with me. I promise that is NOT the case. If you are suffering from this kind of pain and can’t participate in daily activities or even while having intercourse, reach out to your gynecologist. It should not always be painful. I spent so much time beating myself up, I truly wish I had read an article like this one, from another woman experiencing the same symptoms! 

It is so common in women during their reproductive years no matter their race, age or socioeconomic status. You are NOT alone please speak up! 

Learn more here.

Christmas Gift Guide for Baby to Toddlers

As a Mom shopping for little ones can be tricky because they are constantly changing their likes and dislikes daily. This gift guide is a perfect way to get lots of ideas for the holidays.

1. When I first became a Mother I was gifted a diaper bag. Can I just tell you they have come a LONG way since then! This fabulous Nanobébé backpack is the perfect gift for a new Mom. It's durable, has waterproof fabric, dual zippers designed to take you from newborn baby to toddlerhood and beyond. Best part?It features multiple sections!! Complete with plenty of easy access pockets and designated compartments to keep your phone and wallet safe Large Capacity. They can enjoy it on a day trip, every day errands, daycare, or a visit with family. Shop Nanobébé HERE. 

2. The HandiGuru Refillable Silicone Wristband Set is the perfect gift to give someone during a pandemic. The silicone wristband is soft and smooth for comfort for all day use. There are a great variety of wristband colors for children or adults. The applicator is easy to fill the hand sanitizer of your choice into the wristband. The wristband dispenser makes it so easy to just squeeze the sanitizer on your hands. This is perfect for every day travels or to use at work. This would make a perfect stocking stuffer! Shop HaniGuru HERE.

3. Looking for the perfect educational toy for the preschooler in your life? Get ready to take flight with this fantastic addition to your little learner’s toy box. Smarty JOJO not only speaks English and Spanish but also has over 150 actions, making each interaction is different. Motion sensors encourage physical play while children learn colors, shapes, directions, and opposites. Encourage emotional intelligence while JOJO calls out feelings and helping kids recognize their own emotions. Using smart technology JOJO can even identify colors! Let Smarty JOJO make learning even more fun. More details online HERE. 

4. Watch your little one’s eyes light up when they slide open this beautiful reusable box and find a sweet little mouse friend asleep inside. Commemorate special moments and milestones in your little one’s life with Matchbox mice and Friends adorable options like Pearl the pink tooth fairy and Susy school mouse. 

Get your family their very own tooth fairy HERE.

5. BooginHead’s baby gift sets are the perfect gift for your newest addition. Make losing those pesky pacifiers a thing of the past with their sweet stuffed characters and reliable and stylish Pacigrips. The bandana teether bib is perfect to keep baby clean, dry, and occupied with it’s conveniently placed food grade silicone teether. These awesome gift sets also come in four different themes for you little one to enjoy. It’s like they always say... Keep your friends close and your pacifiers closer?

6. Magformer's Tileblox are perfect for learning to build and create whatever you can imagine. When building with these magnetic geometic shapes the possibilities are endless. Make a rocket ready to blast off into space, or a castle for your princess. The convenient magnets not only make building fun but also makes staking blocks easy for storage. Tileblox work great for STEM education and are compatible with all other Magformers. These are sure to be the perfect gift for any creative child on your list. Shop HERE.

7. Feltman Brothers' pajamas are the perfect gift for your little ones this holiday season. You are sure to create memories like no other while wearing beautifully crafted vintage pajamas that can be passed down from generation to generation. This velour holiday set will keep your little ones warm and cozy on cold winter nights. Snuggle up with a hot cocoa and watch your holiday favorites in style. This design pays tribute to the tradition many families share of picking the perfect Christmas tree to bring home. Available in a night gown, lounge set, and a baby romper, sizes newborn -6 years. Shop more styles HERE.

8. Spark your child's imagination by allowing them to craft their own stories with My fabulous storyteller By Lunii. Select your hero, object, place or even language and let your adventure begin. Stories are from a variety of genres such as fairytale, science, adventure and so much more. This engaging, screen-free and emission-free storyteller allows your child to expand their vocabulary, discover art, travel the world, and learn about topics like diversity and bullying. Lunii is popular in many countries and it's storyteller has been the number one toy on Amazon in France. There is no better way to explore with your mind and imagination than with Lunii's my fabulous storyteller. 

9. Join the a Family of Lapphund pups on their adventure to save Christmas after Santa's reindeer have mysteriously disappeared. In "A Very Lappy Christmas" these pups learn the importance of teamwork and get support from dogs and cats all around the world to be sure Christmas isn't ruined. This heart warming story illuminates the importance of friendship, love, giving and serving during the holiday season.