Socially Distant Activities to Fight the Winter Blues

“Reclaim your curiosity, your sense of adventure, & have some fun”.⁣

Snow has arrived in New York ⁣. Not our 1st snowfall this year but it was a welcome change of scenery. I’m NOT the person who is excited about snow BUT what else do we have to look forward to these days . 

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Need some great Socially Distant activities to fight the Winter Blues?⁣

🐾 Make or leave some Painted rocks⁣. Do you remember these?? I wrote a post about them when they were first becoming popular and honestly we still love them. Not only is it fun to find them but also make them. Check out some Painted Rock creations HERE.
🐾 Do some Geocaching⁣- This idea was actually given to us over major Lockdown here in New York. I had never heard of this but we love finding treasure so it works.

🐾 Visit your local Audubon & or walk some trails⁣. I have a HUGE list of places to "take a hike". Click HERE for all of my articles!!

🐾 Participate in the hidden Compass Courses. I was introduced to this fun idea when we visited the Asbury Woods Nature Center Trails in Pennsylvania. If you are in the area I highly recommend a day trip there but also check out their Compass Course.

🐾 Play Pokemon Go⁣- I know this is not as popular BUT it's still around. We were super into it when the phase started and now not so much.

What do you like to do when it snows?? ⁣

How do YOU fight the Winter Blues?⁣

Tornado Cake Recipe

I won't lie to anyone my strong points are NOT baking. I can do it depending on the sophistication of the recipe! We had a birthday in our house and since we don't generally like cake ( I know we are weird) I scanned the inter-webs to look for something else. I found this Tornado Cake recipe to try out. It claims it is SUPER easy and ANYONE can do it. I agree! Here are my tweaks to the recipe since the one I found was a tad to sweet AND to moist for my taste.

What you will Need:

2 cups all purpose flour 

1 teaspoons baking soda 

1 1/2 cup sugar 

2 large eggs 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1/2 half of a 20oz can of crushed pineapples ( I used a whole can the first go around and it was SUPER moist, if you like that add the whole can if not keep it to a half). 

Topping:

1/2 cup butter 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

2/3 cup evaporated milk 

3/4 cup sugar 

1 cup chopped pecans 

1 cup sweetened coconut flakes 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a baking pan with butter I used a round pan). In a large bowl, mix together: flour, sugar, baking soda, eggs, vanilla, and crushed pineapple. Once combine pour into your baking pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Poke several holes in the cake (this is for the topping).

In a sauce pan, heat your Topping ingredients: butter, sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla until it reaches a boil. Next mix in your chopped pecans, coconut flakes and continue cooking for 2-5 minutes on medium heat, stirring constantly. 

Slice & Enjoy!

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

I have been a HUGE advocate of Slow Cooker (Crockpot) meals lately. I never realized how many of them there were until this past year! Truth be told, I am not usually home as much either. This is another recipe in my "dump & go" category!!

What you will need: 

1-2 Boneless Chicken Breasts

1 bell pepper ( Also added a few sweet peppers), diced

2-4 cups Chicken broth

1 Can of Diced tomatoes ( you could also use fresh)

1 can of Black beans

1 tsp minced garlic

1/2 packet of Chili mix

1 tbs. Garlic powder,

1 tbs. onion powder

1 Cream Cheese

Place all items in the crockpot except for the Cream Cheese. I set mine on low for 6 hours. When the Chicken is fully cooked I take out and shred it!

An hour before you are ready to serve, add the Cream Cheese in. I like to dice it up as best I can so it incorporates. Serve & Enjoy!

Have you ever made Chicken tortilla Soup??

Do you enjoy "Dump & go Recipes??

Valentine's Day Gift Guide for 2021

 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.

Tis' the Season of Love, life and gift giving! I won't lie and say that we don't call Valentine's Day a "card holiday". because honestly for many years it feels exactly that. We show our love year round not just on one day. This year, I have such a different take on Holidays. We want to celebrate all of them. So if you need a unique or last minute valentine Gift for someone in your life look no further!

Punchbowl offers beautiful 2021 collection of Digital Valentine's Day Cards! Did you know you can send them along with gift cards?? These digital greeting cards have everything you love about traditional paper cards with the convenience of at home/work sending. Not to mention they have fun Video recording greetings you can also send along with your digital card. Choose from a variety of designs, colors and themes.

Send a Digital Valentine's Day Card on the Punchbowl Website.

Timeless Timepiece is the perfect gift for the special man in your life. Groovy guy gifts put careful thought into designing a simple but classy watch. The beautiful sandalwood adds a unique accent to any outfit.  You can even personalize the back with a special saying or anniversary date. This sentimental accessory will be sure to be a new favorite in his collection.

More items available on the Groovy Guy Gifts Website.

Geekey It’s time to think outside the toolbox with the Geekey. This expertly combined go-to tool is the size of a key, so be ready to upgrade your keychain. It's fully equipped with more than 16+ functions to help you tackle those common, everyday problems, and when you’re done, simply toss it back in your pocket. Don’t let its size fool you. This award-winning work of art and engineering is crafted out of a solid chunk of 420 Stainless Steel to take on big and “tough as nails”  jobs.

Shop the Geekey Website.

BRAID & WOOD Design Studio creates beautiful plant hangers that your houseplant hobbyist is bound to adore. Their contemporary, minimalist designs are artfully crafted using natural materials like wood, metal, leather and cotton.  With both suspended and wall mounted designs in multiple sizes you can bring life to your home or office without losing precious counter space. Help the plant lover in your life showcase their green thumbs like a beautiful work of art!

More products on the BRAID & WOOD Design Studio website. 

Wifey Rosé Italian Sparkling Wine is the first varietal within the Wifey line extensions. It's produced in the scenic Veneto region of northern Italy. It houses delicate aromas of strawberry and raspberry. A bubbly, crisp well-balanced wine perfect for date night, celebratory beverage or Virtual night in with the girls. 

More Details to purchase Wifey Website.

Have someone who enjoys alcoholic beverages?? How about this personalized Groovy Girls Gifts, stainless-steel 6-pc wine accessory set with wood set holder. The set includes a corkscrew, bottle stopper, wine aerator pourer, wine drip stop, foil cutter, and wood holding base. A perfect addition for a home bar or to take with you on your travels!

Shop more gifts on the Groovy Girls Gifts website.

Sonoma Wool Company believes the qualities of wool are ideal to be used for practical products to make your home a more natural and soothing place.  From luxurious bedding to simple, long-lasting dish drying mats, you’ll fall in love with all things wool. Wool is water-wicking. The same qualities that make wool breathable, also allow it to wick water away, and remain bacteria, mold and mildew-free. Drying dishes is a breeze with Sonoma Wool Company’s Wool Dish Drying Mat with Linen Sleeve. Eliminate the synthetics and plastics around your sink area and take comfort in these all-natural fibers that are uniquely superior to anything else on the market.

Shop the Sonoma Wool Company website. 

Bésame Cosmetics released an exclusive, limited edition of “The Disney Mary Poppins Collection.” From artwork inspired by the film to a recreation of Mary’s compact, these collectible cosmetics celebrate the women of 17 Cherry Tree Lane. The Bésame Cosmetics “Disney Mary Poppins Collection” is sold in two sets: “The Mary Poppins Set” and “The Mrs. Banks Set” with Poppins Red Lipstick also sold separately ( both sets pictured above).

Shop “The Disney Mary Poppins Collection" at Bésame Cosmetics.

Topfoxx, provides high quality, style and functional sunglasses. If you looking for something to surprise you girlfriends with or just need a fancy new pair. Some are limited addition and or collaborations with our favorite influencers! These pictured are the Amelia Rose Gold. Perfect for all year wear!!

Shop more Sunglasses on the Topfoxx website.

These Delicora earrings are as unique as the person who wears them. Designed with simplicity and classic style. Every unique collection is made using hypoallergenic 14k gold filled and sterling silver materials for even sensitive skin to enjoy. From classic to bohemian to sophisticated styles, the collection includes a wide range of semi-precious stones intended to capture a woman’s confidence, natural beauty and individual style. 

More Styles and Jewelry on the Delicora Website.

Caribbrew is bringing the centuries-old coffee and cocoa flavors and aromas of the Caribbean to the states. Enjoy a cup of coffee or cocoa as well as coffee-based skincare products that are premium single-origin and direct trade. All Caribbrew products are cruelty-free, vegan, and handmade with the best ingredients. As the brand likes to say, their coffee keeps you woke by sourcing responsibly, creating opportunities for everyone in their supply chain, and keeping you pleasantly awake on a busy day!

Purchase on the Caribbrew Website.

Lehi Mills is a premium baking mix company that recently launched their Certified Vegan Line. With over 100 years of milling experience, quality has always been their first ingredient.  Included in the Lehi Mills Certified Vegan Line is the delicious Vegan Pancake and Waffle Mix, Vegan Raspberry Muffin Mix and Vegan Double Fudge Brownie. All of which are plant-based and perfect for when you want a wholesome, vegan treat.

Shop Lehi Mills on their website.

Sovány is the first sparkling water made with USDA organic fruit. Sovány is the brainchild of health- conscious Entrepreneur Marcella Fodor who first developed the idea for this unique sparkling water a home while trying to create a refreshing and healthy beverage.

More about Sovány on their wbesite.

Halos® mandarins are not just a perfect snack but they make so pretty cute Valetine crafts! The sweet, juicy, seedless, flavor mixed with how easy they are for little hands to peel; what's not to LOVE! Did I mention they are also Non-GMO?? Hey need a fun Valentine School craft idea or something to just do with the kids at home?? Check out are Halo love Bug Craft here.

For more crafts & Snacks head to the Halos® mandarins website.

Boundless blooms goal is to help our children grow into mindful and compassionate adults. Their Mindful moments is full of creative tools to help caregivers teach children how to grow emotionally and build a strong connection with the world around them. This set includes mindfulness activity cards to help calm busy little bodies and mantra cards that have positive affirmations to encourage emotional intelligence. Every child is sure to benefit from the repeated use of these cards by learning to ground and calm themselves.

More on the Boundless blooms website.

Build your imagination with Creatto's Magical Moose and forest friends. This easy crafting system is composed of plastic weaving pieces and led lights to make your creations shine. Create countless 3D  designs such as a Moose, beetle, dinosaur, tree and so much more. No additional hardware or materials are required and your creations are perfect for display or play. The crafting possibilities are endless with Creatto.

Shop more products on the Creatto Website.

Check out this fabulous line of toys by Magformers. Stick-O is creative , innovative , magnetic fun for 18 months and up. Magnetic food pieces to connect and encourage imaginative play. Stick- O keeps little ones busy at play in magnetic magic way, and would surely make a great gift for the little loves in your life. My little girl loves her Stick-O cooking set and looks forward to playing and creating each day.

More Fun products on the Magformers website.

Check out the new Bug Hunter Set by Thin Air. Which includes a night vison light and removable bug chamber. It also comes with a Critter Barn good for Bugs, Fish, Frogs, worms and other creatures you may find out in the wild. Good for kids 6 & up, who like to hunt for outdoor critters. 

Purchase more fun products on the ThinAir website. 

Valentine Halos Love Bugs Craft

The giving of love is an education in itself. Eleanor Roosevelt

We were extremely blessed to have halos send us some of their delicious produce to have a craft with! I used to do little crafts like this when my son was a toddler and even now that he is a preteen he will still do them. I can't take any of the credit this idea was on the Halos website. Check out the FULL details HERE.

"What you will need: 

Halos mandarins 

Foam hearts in two sizes, large and small 

Toothpicks 

Googly eyes 

Glitter glue 

Glue spots"

Side note: a fellow Mom & I crafted these pictured while my son was on his Zoom learning. I have to say it was fun to giggle and make these. We both enjoyed it!

Perfect for at-home crafting, and super easy to bag up to give as gifts!

Do you like doing fun Crafts like these??

Have you ever made Halos bugs?

14 Romantic Shows and Movies on Netflix

Who enjoys a good Romantic show? It is the month of "love" after all. One thing about watching these shows was the ability to make me laugh, smile and fantasize!

1. Firefly Lane- I was SUPER lucky to interview the cast on this book to screen adaptation! Let me tell you it's a great dramatic show that keeps you guessing what will happen next. If you enjoy reading, the book was also good.

2. Beauty and the Beast

3. Bridgerton - If you haven't heard about this gossip show by now are you living in the streaming world? It was advertised everywhere it seemed. It is DRAMATIC, so if you like that it's binge worthy. Again not to many steamy scenes but does have some graphic sex once in a while. Plus, the rumors have confirmed a second season!!

4. 365 Days

5. Outlander - Now I understand they moved this to Starz but you can start the series on Netflix! Talk about a steamy show mixed with time travel and Scottish accents. I am a sucker for a historical romance! The sex scenes are pretty graphic so keep that in mind ;)

6. My Perfect Romance

7. A walk to Remember- Classic, great movie.

8. Reign- While an older series it has steamy romance you might just enjoy. The love triangles and marriages are just never ending. I will say some of the plots get a bit cheesy.

9. Yellowstone

10. The Last Kingdom- Set in Viking times this show is both action packed and romantic. I will say if your looking for steamy scenes you won't see much of those. I personally liked the story line and hope they add more episodes!

11. Falling INN love

12. Love, Guaranteed. This was a great, fun, entertaining movie. Set with someone suing an app for falsely guaranteeing a love match. I don't want to spoil it but it's as close to a Hallmark movie you are going to get IMO.

13. The Kissing Booth 1 & 2

14. H♥lidate- I watched this over the Christmas Holiday and seriously laughed. It was such a great representation of the dating scene in today's society! Funny, corky and of course has cheesy scenes!

What is your favorite Romantic Show/Movie on Netflix? 

Let us know in the comments below!

The Best Samsung Galaxy s9+ Cases to Use

The Best Samsung Galaxy s9+ Cases to Use

If you have recently purchased the highly-rated Samsung Galaxy s9+, now is the time to buy a durable case for it. Having a case on the phone is the perfect way to protect it. If you do not use a case, you could end up with scratches and damage to an expensive smartphone. Avoid the damage that would require repairs by purchasing one of the best Samsung Galaxy S9+ cases for you. Check out this list of some of the best cases that offer maximum protection.

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with CG-Mobile, all opinions and experiences expressed are my own.

1. YOUMAKER Heavy-Duty Protection Case.

When you want the maximum level of protection for your phone, consider getting the YOUMAKER Heavy-Duty Protection Case. It is a shockproof case that comes with a screen protector to prevent scratches and cracks. It comes in several colors, including black, white, blue, and orange. This is one of the best Samsung Galaxy s9+ cases to use.

The case has an adjustable kickstand attached to it. You can use the kickstand to set your phone on a table while watching movies and music videos. Although it offers plenty of protection, the case is not bulky. It is an excellent addition to the Samsung Galaxy s9+.

2. OtterBox Defender Series

You may have heard of OtterBox cases in the past. The company has a reputation for providing high-quality cases for both androids and iPhones. The OtterBox Defender Series is a case available for the Samsung Galaxy s9+.

It has a screenless design that comes in handy due to the curved touchscreen. It comes equipped with a clip to attach to your pants to keep the phone by your side. The phone case is composed of synthetic rubber and polycarbonate material, both of which are incredibly durable. If you want to get a case that you can depend on to protect your phone, this is an excellent choice.

3. LUMARKE Heavy-Duty Case

When you want a protective piece with a unique appearance, the LUMARKE Heavy-Duty Case is a terrific option. The heavy-duty case is available in many beautiful colors, including shades of purple, pink, red, and blue. It has a built-in magnetic ring with a kickstand for convenience.

The case protects both the phone’s exterior as well as its camera and screen. If you want to avoid a cracked screen and other exterior damage to your phone, this case is ideal. It is also one of the most affordable heavy-duty cases available for the Samsung Galaxy s9+. If you decide to get this case, make sure to choose the s9+ option instead of the typical s9 case to ensure that it fits.

If you have the Samsung Galaxy S9+, invest in one of these heavy duty Samsung Galaxy s9+ cases to keep it protected. The last thing you want to do is drop it or damage it in some way without a case on it. Using a case is the best way to keep your phone in excellent condition for years.

No matter your budget, there is a heavy-duty option within your price range that you can order. Once you receive your case, be sure to carefully and correctly put it on to protect the phone.

Ways To Fight Negative Thoughts

 “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in” ― Leonard Cohen

I took almost a week off IG 😱. People say you are your own worst enemy but gosh this pandemic has really heightened this for me. ⁣ ⁣Seriously, one persons opinion of my work got me so down. It made me think I’m prolly not the only one that goes through this! “Bad mental health days” is what I like to call it.⁣

Ways I use to get out of my funk:⁣ 

🔅 Change your scenery- I usually take a nice long hike (especially in the Winter time).  ⁣We can't do a whole lot during this pandemic, getting out in the fresh air helps fight the blues.

🔅 Take up a hobby- I enjoy reading, I just finished the "The Return" by Nicholas Sparks.⁣ I have been an avid lover of his works but I have to say THIS book was one of his worst, IMO. The main character was very relatable in that he was a "typical guy". Full of himself, made lude comments and pretty much every women out there has met someone like him. While I appreciate his ability to capture a real life example of these types of men I would rather have the fictitious romantic I have come to love from his past characters. Fight me on this if you want but my favorite book he ever wrote is still "Three weeks with my Brother".

🔅 Chat with your tribe- I have several Facebook group chats for just this! It helps to bounce ideas with them and really connect. Since many of my tribe live in different states it can be hard to get together anyway. With the pandemic we got extra creative!⁣ 

🔅 Name 3 things that are positive- I’m still working on this one. It does change your mind to a happier place⁣ when you utilize this technique.

🔅 Prove them WRONG- in my case I simply took a Social Media detox. When I  came back it was with a vengeance 💪. Everyone may be entitled to there opinion of you but that does not mean YOU have to live there. That is ONE opinion. Often times it is NOT true nor is it even about YOU. They could be having a bad day, exhibiting jealousy etc. It shows so much of their character rather than yours when they say negative things your way. 

Do you have these days? 

If so, what are some of YOUR tips???