This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TheMoodStrikes #CollectiveBias

This post is a little step out of my normal cooking/family friendly topic.  Although it is a bit out of my comfort zone, I thought I would face my fears make a fun date-night inspired post.  Here goes nothin! As Murray says in Clueless "I'm keepin' it real"...

Do you ever stop to think about how much your life can change in a matter of years? In the past decade, I have gone through quite a few life changing moments: moving, marriage, babies, turning 30, traveling...to name a few.  Ricky and I are coming up on our 10 year anniversary and it's so funny to think of how different our lives are, the three little ladies being the biggest change!  Keeping the spark alive isn't always easy when we are both so busy...but it's something we are trying to put more emphasis on with fun date nights at home. With K-Y® Liquibeads, you can have the freedom to be spontaneous without worry! 

When we first started dating, we were both serving at Smokey Bones BBQ and didn't have too many responsibilities.  If we wanted a date night, we would just plan one!  Now, we are averaging about 4-5 dates a year...and it's a HUGE pain to try to schedule one.  Between finding a babysitter, having the budget for one and finding a free night, we almost always give up!

One thing I like to emphasize is that date nights can be AT HOME.  Why waste money when you can cook and have fun at home!  Make sure you still keep it special, though.  We are huge fans of game nights, especially trivia or pop culture ones.  It's fun to simply play cards, too.  Instead of going out to a movie, rent one you've both been dying to see (or On Demand is a lifesaver) and cook up a meal.  You'll save at least $50!

We love to try new micro-brews, especially local ones.  Instead of buying 6-packs of one type of beer, take advantage of the MYO 6-Pack at Walmart!  For $9, you can get a variety that you both will love.  I tend to lean towards IPAs or dark beer, whereas Ricky likes ciders or new seasonal brews.  If you think about how much a single micro-brew can be at a restaurant, you're saving SO much.  Many other stores have this option, but I love that Walmart has a set price.  

If beer isn't your thing, there are many inexpensive bottles of wine out there.  Walmart has a HUGE selection ranging from as low as $2.97 to $15 that are all decent.  For our date night at home, I always pick out a red blend or a sweet white we can chill.  Bubbly is always special too!

When it comes to making dinner, the slow cooker can be your lifesaver.  Start the meal in the morning and by the time the kiddos are in bed, you can both finish up the meal together.  For the date night at home nights, I recommend letting the kiddos have a simple meal--mac n cheese and smoked sausage in our house!  Clean up the dishes so you'll have a nice clean kitchen for your date night.  

Another idea is to look on Pinterest for your favorite restaurant meal and try to make it at home.  There are many simple copycat recipes out there.  If you haven't noticed, I added a recipe list above to help you find some tasty recipes right on here!  It doesn't matter what you're making, the quality time together is what's important, even if you have to eat a little later than normal! 

Here are a few suggestions:

• Stuffed Lasagna Shells - serve with red wine & toasty bread
• Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore - All you'll need to do is make up some pasta and a veggie/salad! The slow cooker does the work for you during the day!  
• Slow-Cooker Carnitas- Have a fiesta night with some guacamole and frosty strawberry margs! 
• If you're both craving some Chinese take-out, this Beef + Broccoli w/ Fried Quinoa will hit the spot.  
• Just looking for a dessert?  These Spiked Frozen Hot Chocolates are perfect! Cuddle up on the couch with a blanket together. 

With three kids at home 5 and under, I'll admit it's difficult to find some time alone...if you know what I'm saying. Also, it's hard for me to turn off my mind and relax when I know the girls could barge in the room at any moment (like, how many times can a little one go potty each night?!).  K-Y® liquibeads help us ladies be ready at any moment with a super convenient bead that is inserted every few days so that when the mood strikes, your body is ready to go without needing any extra messy lubrication. Now that I'm over the 30 mark, I can already tell my body is changing!  Case in point: during wedding season this summer, hangovers are BRUTAL.  

At first, shopping for these made me a bit nervous...especially since they were like RIGHT THERE in the cart, but I sucked it up.  I used to be the same way buying tampons as a teenager.  Why is that?  If you are interested in trying these K-Y® Liquibeads out, there is $1 off coupon available now!  Note: if you are pregnant or nursing, please consult your doctor to be sure this is the right product for you!

So no more excuses...let's reignite the flame with date nights at home! Save money AND get some QT in with your loved one. 

Don't be shy!  What tips do you have for keeping the sparks alive?  What's your favorite date night at home activity?

Fun Thanksgiving Treat: #OREOCookieBalls Little Turkeys!

This #OREOCookieBalls shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

I am more of a cook than a baker.  Have you noticed how people seem to be one or the other?  I like to throw ingredients in without measuring and the precision of baking intimidates me.  That being said, OREO cookies are my weakness and I have been seeing seasonal OREO balls all over Pinterest: Easter eggs, pumpkins, flag themed, you name it.  They are too cute, but I assumed they were complicated.  WRONG!

Three ingredients and with the help of microwavable chocolate, these can be finished in less than 15 minutes.  You do need to allow time for chilling, but these are super simple and kid friendly!  A bit messy, yes, but the girls would love to help make the cute turkey faces.  (I call my girls "little turkeys", so I thought these would be a perfect Thanksgiving treat for them to enjoy). I searched high and low for candy eyes at Walmart, but they were nowhere to be found... I improvised with mini OREO cookies.

(Side note: I had all intentions of letting the girls help me with this recipe, but we have some major flu bugs floating around this house--boogies and baking don't mix!)

What I love the most about this recipe is that it is really easy to customize.  You don't have to do pops like I did, just add festive sprinkles.  Or they are really cute served in mini-cupcake liners. For a fun family activity, get a few dishes of toppers out and let your kids decorate them however they want! Instead of turkey, owls would be cute too.

Pumpkin Spiced OREO Cookie Balls

Here's what you need: 

• 1 package (8 oz.) brick Philadelphia light cream cheese, softened
• 1 package of Pumpkin Spiced OREO cookies, crushed
• Can't find the pumpkin spiced? Try golden OREOs with a dash of pumpkin spice seasoning
• 2 packages Bakers microwavable milk chocolate
• Optional ingredients to "turkey-fy" the balls: Mini OREO cookies for eyes (or candy eyes), candy corn for feathers and candy pop sticks

Make it!

• MIX cream cheese and cookie crumbs until blended. I found a fork was super helpful. 
• SHAPE into 1-inch balls. Freeze 10 min. While waiting, melt chocolate in the microwave.
• DIP balls in melted chocolate; place in single layer in shallow waxed paper-lined pan. For pops, be sure to add the stick BEFORE dipping.
• CUSTOMIZE it with your own ingredient additions! 
• Fall colored sprinkles would be perfect!
• For my turkey faces (make sure to add while chocolate is melted!): add cookie eyes and feathers after dipping.
• REFRIGERATE 1 hour or until firm.

Have you tried OREO balls before? I have a feeling I'm going to be addicted!

Fight Off the Flu with Bigelow Tea {Strawberry-Mint Iced Green Tea Recipe!} #AmericasTea

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Here in Michigan the weather has been hot, then cold, then cool, then hot again.  I have to constantly look at my weather app to know how to dress the girls appropriately in the morning--and usually by the time we walk home, they are peeling off layers.  Ahh, the joys of living in the Midwest!  I'm ready for fall to come and stay, no snow yet please!

From all of this change, the first round of sniffles are looming over our house.  Right now I feel like a truck hit me: I have chills, no appetite and I'm exhausted.  Eeek!  To fight of this cold, I've been drinking tea like it's my job.  I love Bigelow Tea because it comes in a variety of tasty flavors and I can drink it hot or cold.  Green tea gives me a little kick of caffeine that I need, plus antioxidants (the mint variety is my favorite!) and the Lemon Ginger probiotic tea soothes my sore throat.  I like to prepare my tea hot and cold, depending on my temperature and about once an hour.  Local honey is a great addition to tea.. At farmer's markets, you can usually pick up honey sticks in different flavors which are perfect for adding to tea!

Did you know Bigelow Tea's Charleston tea garden is the largest in America?  They have been making tea since 1945, so I think they know a thing or two about creating flavorful, amazing tea.  I like to support American companies whenever I can! You can keep up with them on Facebook and Twitter.  If you happen to be in the Charleston area, you can tour the tea garden for a great taste of Southern tradition.  Someone I know even attended a wedding there!

Yesterday, got up bright and early to head over to Walmart to restock my tea collection (yes, I wore my yoga pants...I totally ignored Ricky's eye roll).  I am determined to kick this flu in the butt before it takes over my body! Staying hydrated is key!  I picked up my favorites: green mint and lemon ginger.  The Vanilla Chai k-cups are a huge hit in this house too, especially in the fall.

When you're under the weather, it's super important to stay hydrated--but sometimes hot tea doesn't sound appealing.  A pitcher of strawberry mint iced green tea can be made up in the morning and sipped on over ice all day long.  The mint adds a pop of flavor, the green tea has caffeine and antioxidants and the strawberries give you a boost of Vitamin C! Basically, it's a flu fighting formula!


Here's what you'll need:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, cleaned
• 1 tablespoon of honey, raw works best
• 1 cup filtered water
• Brewed Bigelow Mint Green Tea
• 1-2 mint leaves per glass
• Did you know you can awaken mint by clapping your hands around it? Just put it in your hand and clap!

1. In a small saucepan, add strawberries, honey and water.  Over low heat, bring to a bubble for 10-15 minutes.  Add more honey to taste.  
2. Allow to cool, then blend until the mixture is a puree.  I store this in a jar for my iced tea for the week!  

•  For a glass: pour brewed green mint tea over ice.  Add 2 tablespoons of strawberry mixture and stir.  Add a mint.  If too bitter for your liking, add more honey and lemon
• To make a pitcher: add 1/2 cup strawberry mixture with brewed Bigelow Mint Green Tea. Add more berries or honey to taste.  Lemon is nice to squeeze in there, too!

Probiotics are very important for keeping you healthy, inside to out--Bigelow Lemon Ginger this tea is a great way to stay healthy all through the season! When you're feeling under the weather, ginger keeps your stomach settled and the hot tea soothes your throat.

So: are you ready to fight off this flu season?  What's your special trick?

#BirthdaySmiles with Hallmark!

 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....

Quick & Easy Pumpkin Spice Frozen Coffee!

A couple of months ago, I stumbled into the kitchen early one morning, desperately needing my cup of coffee...only to find my relatively new coffee maker was broken.  A little piece of plastic was going to cost $75.  No way!  I tried to return it, but it was past the 3 month return period.  Frustrated, I decided to give up brewed coffee for a bit.

I never thought I would like instant coffee, but I'm here to tell you all that it has come a LONG way from when my Great Grandma used to make it!  It's so quick and easy in the morning, since I already have the teapot going for oatmeal anyway.

Another issue we have is a tiny fridge.  I love flavored creamers, but we barely have enough room for our milk situation (2%, skim and almond milk...oy!), let alone creamers.  Powdered creamer is much easier for us!  Plus, you can use it in recipes and it's healthier.

 

In the morning, I make my instant coffee in a 2 cup Pyrex measuring cup.  From there I either make a tasty homemade PSL (pumpkin spice latte for all of you non-Starbucks junkies) or this frozen coffee.  Seriously, it's whipped up in less than 1 minute.  Perfect for our crazy school mornings.  If I have any coffee left, I pop it in the fridge for later.

TIP: When using powdered creamer, dissolve it in the hot coffee before putting it in the blender...it's hard to dissolve the creamer in cold liquids

In a blender (check out my sweet green Hamilton Beach smoothie blender), combine coffee/creamer mixture, 1 teaspoon white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup milk and ice.  Blend and top with whipped cream and caramel.  So quick and easy...and cheaper than a coffee shop!

During the holiday season, convenience is key.  Plus, think about all of those family moments when you can use a quick pick me up.  Make some instant coffee to save time.  I also like how portable instant coffee and powdered creamers are.  If you are heading to a tailgate, all you need is some hot water to warm up!

One surprising treat we came about during our big Sunday breakfast this weekend was a Pumpkin Pie Parfait.   I added the creamer to vanilla yogurt and it was amazing! The girls had graham cracker crumbs in their yogurt, I added granola and bananas.

Aside from the Pumpkin Spice, the other seasonal flavor is Peppermint Mocha...which I love, but I'm waiting until after Thanksgiving!  Don't you feel like Turkey Day is already getting trampled on by Christmas?!

What's your favorite creamer flavor? Have you tried instant coffee lately?

Want more coffee ideas?  Check out the holiday digital magazine with Coffeemate ideas!

NickMom Has It Goin' On! {Check out Instant Mom!}

By 6:30, this Mom is ready for bedtime.  I love my ladies, but they wear me out some days.  Okay, most days.  When 8:00 hits and they are in bed, I like to just veg out and relax.  Of course, by the time I clean up the dishes and catch up on my email, it's after 10:00!

One night, I was kind of spacing out, playing on my laptop after I turned on the TV (I have to do 3 things at once....drives Ricky crazy!).  It took me a few minutes to realize that the show I was enjoying was on NickMom!  Pretty clever to put awesome shows on a channel that is most likely on the TV when you turn it off!

NickMom starts at 10:00 every night, with new episodes on Sundays.  I started adding the shows to my DVR, so I could catch them whenever I wanted.  Although these shows are all #MotherFunny, I catch Ricky watching them with me too. 

My favorite new addition to NickMom is Instant Mom with Tia Mowry-Hardrict.  Stephanie (Tia) plays a new stepmother learning the ropes.  Something happens and she now has the kids full time.  Her husband works long hours as a doctor, so she is primarily home with the kids, solving the crazy problems.  (I love that she is a food blogger)  Stephanie wants to be liked by the kids, but she also learns she needs to set some rules as well.  I loved Sister, Sister growing up and now Tia & Tamera, so of course I am a fan.  This is a new kind of role for Tia and it's great to see her as a mom since she is also one in real life now.

Other great shows to catch on NickMom:

• MFF: Mom Friends Forever is so funny.  Judi & Kate are normal, everyday moms.  Their reality show actually seems real and they crack me up.
• Parental Discretion hosted by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor, with comedy and interviews.  They always cover great topics!
• NickMom Night Out hosted by Sherri Shepherd features comedians.  I'm a sucker for a great stand up special...Ricky will usually watch this with me. 

NickMom is the perfect channel to veg out and watch with a glass of wine after a long day.  The shows are funny and nothing is too sugar coated....they're keeping it real! 

The other night, I had some of my friends over and I created a perfect cocktail...and it's even a skinny one!  I named it the "Mama's Had a Long Day" Punch.  Whip up a batch of these with your ladies (or hubby) and the day will seem much better!  Since my friends hadn't seen Instant Mom yet, we caught up on some episodes and gossip.  Perfect Moms-night-in: no jeans required! 

"Mama's Had a Long Day" Punch

• 1 shot Parrot Bay passion fruit rum (or 2...)
• 1/2 cup water.  Add Crystal Light Peach Bellini, to taste.
• Splash of OJ
• Splash of Sprite Zero

Pour in a cup with ice.  Put your feet up and relax!

I was thinking back at some of the crazy moments I've had with my kids and they have always kept it interesting for us!  I found a few photo gems to share.

We've had quite a few marker mishaps...no matter where you put them, kids will find them!  The photo on top is when Maddie decided to squeeze an entire bottle of bronzer in the sink and put it on her face "like Mama".  OY!

What #MotherFunny moments have happened in your house?

Be sure to check out NickMom every night at 10 and check out their uber fun website! I love the comedy sketches.