The holiday season gets crazy...then in my family we go straight into birthday season.  From December 31st- mid February I have 17 birthdays for friends and family.  17!  That is nutso!  Even better, 4 out of the 5 members in this house have birthdays within a 2.5 week time span. Gabby is a lucky lady to have a summer birthday!

My sister is turning 16 on December 31st...I cannot believe it.  Right now, I don't think she's too happy about celebrating her birthday with New Year's Eve, but I think that she'll enjoy it in the future.  Everyone will want to celebrate on her big day. Yes or No? (Nicole! I know you have the same bday...living in NYC no less.  Does it get better?)

I do know that celebrating close to the holidays kinda sucks, since my birthday is January 16th.  Here are some tips to make holiday season birthdays a bit more special:

1. Don't try to do the one gift for two holidays.  Yes, my blog is called Being Cheap is Easy, but that's plain rude.  Now, if it's a nice BIG gift...that's different.
2. Focus on the person who is having the birthday.  If possible, avoid talking about Christmas or other holiday plans...unless the birthday girl/boy brings it up.
3. Avoid holiday colored decorations at the party. This also includes extra holiday leftovers...no one wants those 2 week old cookies!

So many Hallmark options at Walmart!

For 2014, one of my goals is to do a better job at keeping in touch with people.  I thought I would start off by sending cards for birthdays.  It's a simple way to say you're thinking of someone.  I am always drawn to Hallmark cards because they have so many options.  There are budget, musical, funny, sentimental...whatever you might be feeling.  At Walmart, they had 3 aisles of cards!  I spent 20 minutes browsing, trying to not seem super creepy when I was cracking up.  I found so many great cards, except a perfect Sweet 16 one for my sister.  There were TWO 16 cards...so sad!

I did find a few perfect cards.  Not sure who this one is for yet, but it was simple, yet funny.

The minute I saw this one, I knew that I had to get it.  I call my girls "little monsters" all of the time and there just happens to be 3 on this card! 

For more ideas, check out the Live SoFab Holiday Digital Magazine.

What kind of card are you drawn to?  Funny and Inappropriate or Sappy and Meaningful?

I thought I would end with a little giggle....

My (Belated) BlogHer Food 2013 Recap

I have over 100 pictures of food.  It was CRAZY!

Remember when I was talking about BlogHer Food 2013 all.of.the.time?  I cannot believe it was over six months ago!  Right after I got back (in June!) my computer crashed and I temporarily lost all of my pics.  Then, I kind of forgot that I didn't share them yet.

In some ways, maybe it's better that I'm sharing my input now since some people are starting to consider the trip to Miami in May for BlogHer 2014.  My advice: if you can, DO IT.  I had an amazing time, met fun people and connected with awesome brands.  As part of my "Countdown to 30" mentality, I found a roommate through the volunteer board (Hi, Singrit!) and headed to Austin, Texas alone without knowing anyone.  Of course, I was super nervous at first, but once I got of the plane I was excited!

For all of you non-bloggers out there, you may wonder "Why do bloggers need conferences?".  Before I started this site, I had no clue there were such conferences.  The biggest reason I try to go to at least one conference a year? The connections.  It's a great way to get your name out there!!

There are different BlogHer conferences each year.  The main event is regular BlogHer, which was in Chicago last July.  Although I would love to maybe go someday, it is HUGE.  People everywhere and I've heard it's crazy.  Not quite my cup of tea.  I had an opportunity to volunteer for BlogHer Food in Austin and I jumped at the chance (and free ticket!).  The food conference is MUCH smaller and intimate.  Yes, there are still over 500 people, but it's small potatoes compared to the THOUSANDS at the larger conference.  I felt like I had many opportunities to actually get to know some brands and since the conference I've had many great offers come my way.  Plus the chances of winning prizes is much better...I walked away with quite a few goodies, including an iPad Mini!

One of my favorite stops: Gourdoughs. I don't even LIKE doughnuts and I was drooling!

One thing you need to prepare for if you're attending BlogHer Food: the amount of food you are given.  From samples from brands, jaw dropping displays for lunches and off-site events, you are ALWAYS eating.  I felt like I got to fall in love with Austin while I was there too!  Since it was super hot while we were there, I didn't feel so bad stuffing my face with every little morsel that was handed to me.  (True story: I was doing Weight Watchers and my weigh-in the next week I actually lost 3 pounds!  It had to be all of the walking and sweating!)

Bring an extra bag for swag.  A lot of companies offered to ship larger swag, which was so generous.  I still had to try to fly home with a hotel bed worth of goodies. While my bag was being scanned at the airport, the guy just kinda looked at me like "She must really like to eat!".

The parties are crazy.  The first night we had a rooftop event at the most beautiful Whole Foods I've ever seen.  They had music and at least 20 tables of local samples for us...plus a swag bag.  BlogHer knows how to make you feel special, that's for sure!  The next night we had excursions around Austin to check out the town.  Each group had 4 stops.  I picked the taco & tequila one, go figure.  The final night we had a huge closing party at the famous Franklin's BBQ.  So basically you eat, learn and meet great people.  The 3 days seem like a week!  I love how they made sure we got out of the conference rooms.

I am going to do whatever I can do make it to Miami this May for the 2014 conference. (Email me if you would like to sponsor me!) I still talk to many of the people I met and I have great connections with brands still to this day.  I felt like it was worth every penny I spent!  I am kind of in the middle...I wouldn't call myself a food blogger, but I post mostly food.  I'm a food & family blogger, I would say.  If you are considering going to the conference, but aren't sure you aren't foodie enough, I wouldn't worry.  Yes, there are some hardcore foodies (hello, Pioneer Woman), but there are regular people like me there also. It's a learning experience for everyone!

Have you been to a BlogHer? 

Cookie Swap 2013: Cocoa Chewy Gooey Cookies

If you're looking for a pretty, delicate cookie, this might not be for you.  This recipe is a combination of a few things.  First of all, last October Stefanie at Sarcastic Cooking (you have to follow her blog, the recipes are ah-mazing) posted this recipe and we've been obsessed.  I'd never thought to put Corn Flakes in a cookie before! Normally we make the traditional green cornflake wreaths, but I thought I should just make cookies!  Last spring, I found some mint chocolate marshmallows on clearance (they're still good, lol) and I had to use them!  So here we are: cocoa, marshmallow, Corn Flake and chocolate cookies. I decided to call them Cocoa Chewy Gooey Cookies, since it makes the girls smile.  

Here's what you need:

• 1 cup of coconut butter (or 2 sticks of butter)
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2/3 cup of brown sugar, packed
•  1 egg
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (Trader Joe's mint cocoa is awesome too!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups of flour
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 cups Corn Flakes (Don't substitute Special K, I tried...no bueno)
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1.5 cups mint chocolate marshmallows (or plain mini)

Let's Bake!

1. I highly recommend a stand mixer, but a hand one will work too!  Use the paddle attachment.  Add butter and sugars.  After about 3 minutes of mixing, scrape down the sides, and add egg, cocoa and vanilla. Mix for another 4 minutes. (If you are hand mixing, this totally counts as a workout!)
2. In a small bowl (I like to use a clean quart yogurt container) mix flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add flour mixture.  Mix on low for no more than a minute. 
3. Add the cornflakes, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. Mix together just until combined.
4. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or a Silpat, which is on my Christmas dream list!).
5. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop out portions of dough and place them on the parchment. Cover the cookies and press the dough down so it is more of a flat disc. Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 375.
7. Line additional baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Place dough on cookie sheets, leaving 2 inches in between since they spread out.  Bake cookies for 10-13 minutes, until the edges become lightly golden.
9. Let the cookies cool for a bit, before putting on cooling racks. Cookies will continue to harden as they cool.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies...if you don't eat the dough like I do. 


These are addicting!  I love the chocolaty, chewy, crunchy, gooey combo...plus the subtle mint flavor.  Mmmm, mmm! Santa would love these too.

What do you have baking this season?  Recipes please! 

Visiting Chicago? Check out the World's Fair Exhibit at the Field Museum!

This past weekend, Ricky and I took a trip together to visit Chicago.  I love that we are only 2.5 hours away here in Michigan!  Instead of driving, we took the MegaBus (more on that later...) and it was nice to not have to worry about parking!

We stayed with my friend Cori and she lives within walking distance of the Field Museum.  It was so fun to wake up and see a quiet Chicago.  The only people on the sidewalks were runners of a Santa 5K.  I haven't been to the Field Museum since I was a teenager, so I was super excited!

Have you checked out the new World's Fair exhibit yet?  If you are close, make sure you do!  We learned SO much.  It will be running through September 2014, so you have plenty of time.

So much has changed since I have last visited the Field Museum.  Now there is an interactive Field Museum app which guides you through the museum with videos and extra information.  I used my iPad and it was so helpful...I just wish I had headphones!  Throughout the exhibits there are QR codes that you scan for extra tidbits of information.

Here are a few screenshots from the app.

To be honest, I really didn't know much about the World's Fair before visiting the exhibit.  I had no clue how large it was!  At the time, there were 67 million people in the country and 25 million people visited the Fair!  It was the first time many people were exposed to different cultures and information.  After the Chicago fire, the city had a rebirth with the Fair.  Over 200 new buildings were built!  People remorgaged their homes to visit from all over the country, and even the world!

This exhibit is called "opening the vault" since there are artifacts that have never been seen before.  Although the Field Museum wasn't built for the Fair, it was built later to commemorate the huge event.

What I found most interesting was the information about different cultures.  Whole groups of people from all over the world would set up a camp to be put on "display" so visitors of the Fair could experience other cultures--"travel" to faraway lands.  The downfall of this was that they were looked down upon.  Instead of highlighting the differences between Western and non-Western civilizations, it created a sense of entitlement from some visitors.  There was even one photo which showed a group of women laughing at people in one of the villages.

The World's Fair also allowed people to see animals that they could only imagine before.  Many stuffed animals were put on display for people to see...they also gained new information about new foods and jewels.  Since almost everything was for sale, people could purchase these new goods from the over 63,000 exhibits.

What's hard to believe is that the Field Museum holds over 50,000 objects from the World's Fair, so this is just a small component of what they have.  Everything is kept in such impecable condition...some items almost looked artificial!

I could ramble on forever about the exhibit, but I don't want to ruin it for you!

Another exhibit that you have to check out is Images of the Afterlife.   They were able to use technology to scan mummies and create what the people would have looked like.  It is CRAZY when you see how they do it.  There is a King Tut bust and it looks so lifelike. 

We had a wonderful few hours at the Field Museum and learned so much!  It's nice to get out of our little bubble and go exploring sometimes...especially without the kids!

When is the last time you've gone to the Field Museum?

 

Sue says "Hello!"

I was selected for this opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, however all content and opinions expressed here are my own.

TODAY ONLY: Melissa & Doug 50% off on Amazon!

We love Melissa & Doug toys!  The price is always great for such quality toys, especially today when a lot of items are 50% off! Hurry, though...items are selling out quickly!  Two items in my cart are already gone.

Our favorite?  The play food!


We also really love the play dolls.  They keep all 3 ladies occupied for quite a while, which is nice when I'm trying to make dinner!

$9.99!  These are at least $15 elsewhere!

The puzzles are HUGE and super sturdy.

$9.99 for TWO!

What toys are on your list?  I'm going mostly arts & crafts this year!

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used in this post. 

Holiday Card Time: Check Out Minted!

This is an outtake...this will NOT be our holiday card. It's pretty darn cute though!

Happy Holidays!! It's the most wonderful time of the year...right?  The day after Thanksgiving, we rushed to get the girls' photos done.  My goal: get cards out in time.  We shall see if that actually happens!

There are a million photo sites out there, but Minted is on of my favorites.  Their designs are so unique and beautiful.  Lucky for us, they've just launched a new holiday series.  I spent like 15 minutes just flipping through the cards...I love the new gold foil designs!

Thinking "I don't have time for that!"?  Minted has a solution for you: Find it Fast! Just upload the picture you want and it will be displayed on multiple designs.  Also, if you don't feel like having a photo this year, there is a huge selection of holiday cards you can customize. 

Another perk?  They will address your cards for free!  I end up wasting envelopes because I forget what I'm doing and mess up.  Yes, it may take a moment to upload your addresses...but once you do they are there for the future!

What are you waiting for?  Get those cards done!  (I'll try to listen to my own advice!)

Better Baking with M&Ms! {Coupon alert!!}

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and its client.

Want to impress your friends with your baking skills?  Bake a dessert that will be the highlight of every meal with M&M's® chocolate candies!   

Print out your coupon, buy some M&M's® at Walmart, and pre-heat the oven, because whether you have an office or class party, or just want to treat your family, it's time to get out the oven mitts and start baking! #BakingIdeas

I like to keep M&Ms on hand for a quick dessert or snack.  Cookie bars can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes.  

Need some fresh M&M ideas?  Check out the Bright Ideas website! 

 

What do you bake with M&Ms?! I'm always looking for new ideas.  Enjoy the coupon!

Shake It with Just Dance Kids 2014!

As a child of the '80s, I grew up with Nintendo.  I was only lucky enough to have a GameBoy, so my video game skills are kind of weak.  When we first got the Nintendo Wii, I was the girl who took 15 minutes to sign her name to create my little Wii gal. (To be fair, my name DOES have 8 letters!) 

Now that the girls have grown older, they are starting to show interest in the Wii too.  It's sad to admit, but they are much better at the Wii remote than I am.  Their favorite game: Just Dance.  (No lie, it's my favorite, too) I love how the songs include classic kid songs, as well as more popular ones. 

Normally, we check out the games at the library, but those tend to be a bit skippy...which leads to cranky kids.  Once I saw there was a Just Dance 2014, I added it to our Christmas List right away! I was so thankful to review this game for Clever Girls...it was an early holiday treat for the girls. 

Olivia informed me, after taking these photos, that I should have let her "do her hair".  Oh 4 year olds...

Verdict on the game: WE LOVE IT!  Yes, I said we: I'm learning some dance moves too.  Watch out next time I'm at a wedding, I have some new moves!

I know my girls are a bit young to completely understand all aspects of the game (like the scoring or following the moves exactly), yet they do so well with remembering the songs and dance moves.  I set it to the team mode, so the twins can both use the remotes.

When you put the game in play mode, there is a timer and you can pick which type of songs are played, as well as the level of difficulty.  Normally, I set it for 15 minutes and they dance the whole time!

Like I said before, I love the variety of songs they use also.  They play childhood classics (Hickory Dickory), Yo Gabba Gabba songs and then they throw in some newer songs (One Direction!).  This version has "Footloose" and "The Hustle" too.  Olivia was looking at me like "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" when I started dancing to "Footloose".  At age 4, I'm already embarrassing her!

Look how much fun they are having!  Sometimes, I even let them go past their 15 minute limit...it is exercise too!

With the long winter ahead, I am so grateful to have this game!  As they grow tired of the easy songs, we can advance to other ones.  I highly recommend this game for parents of kids 4 and up.  Gabby (at 2), is way too young to control the remote but she LOVES to dance along, as you can see in the video. 

As I was uploading these, 90% of the Maddie pics were a blur.  She's a fast dancing machine!

You can find Just Dance 2014 at all of your favorite retailers...I tend to find the best prices on Amazon though!  I also like to keep an eye for deals on the Ubisoft blog...Cyber Monday is tomorrow.

Do you enjoy dancing video games as much as we do?

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