Family * Travel * Food

Feb 13th is Valentine’s for Dogs – Say I LOVE YOU with treats! #ValentinesForDogs (Giveaway)

It's officially the Valentine's season and we give flowers, chocolates and gifts with those we love the most. Of course, we can't forget our fur babies. Dogs give so much unconditional love to their families that we must give some love back. This year, let's celebrate our wonderful animal companions by making February 13th Valentine's Day For Dogs (#valentinesfordogs).  On this day, we make sure we're also giving our pups the attention they deserve. How? I might take them out for a special walk at their favorite dog park, buy them a fluffy and comfy pet bed, or give them Milk-Bone dog treats. The good folks at Milk-Bone, Pup-Peroni, Milo's Kitchen, and Canine Carry Outs have made it easy for you this year with a doggie Valentine's Day card.


Aren't these cards adorable? Aside from my dog, I think the neighbor's dogs would appreciate a special Valentine's treat from their dog buddy.  Get yours today at https://www.bigheartpetvalentines.com/  They are super easy to download and print. All you do is cut them out, insert a special treat and share with your favorite dog pals.

Also, check out this fun info graphic with hilarious findings about pets and their pet parents. It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.


If you participate in any Valentine's activities with you dog, be sure to share on social media using the #ValentinesForDogs hashtag directed at @milkbone.

How would you like to win an assortment of treats to spoil your pup with? Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on February 18, 2015. Winner will be contacted via email to claim prize. Mom Files does not directly ship prizes and is NOT responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a prize pack in exchange for spreading the word about the doggy Valentine's from Milk-Bone and hosting a reader giveaway. All opinions are my own. 
SHARE:

Ditch the "Mom jeans" for Slim-sation Jeans


As a mother of 3, I know a little something about having an extra bit of “fluff” on my body. Although my weight is ideal for my height and age, I still have that mid-section that is so hard to get rid of. I have to dress in creative ways to mask my mom-tummy. When I received a pair of Slim-sation Spring Slimming jeans to review, I was excited. I picked out a dark wash, straight leg style and it came very nicely packaged when it arrived at my home.

The jeans are well made and the material is soft, yet strong. I tried them on and was so pleased at how nicely they fit and they did indeed control my tummy! They fit higher on the waist without looking like your typical “Mom jeans”. I can now wear a fitted tee or sweater and not have to worry about seeing extra lumps, bumps or fluff. I did find that the jeans were slightly on the long side, but they still look great tucked inside my boots. I’m short, so that is something to keep in mind with sizing. I washed the jeans in cold water and they did not fade and had minimal shrinkage. I think they will last for a long time. I'm so happy to have them in my closet because it is so hard to find jeans that fit my body properly.

The Slim-sation Jeans offer:

  • Flexible tummy control panel that smooths & slims tummy, thighs and rear
  • Get a perfect custom fit with Shape Recovery Technology
  • Reduce tummy bulge
  • Drop 1 size instantly 
  • Look and feel up to 10 pounds lighter

Slim-sation makes a variety of styles of jeans, capris, pants and leggings. They are all designed to help lift and smooth while feeling super comfortable. Check them out online at the Slim-sation site as well as on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions. If you sign up for their newsletter, you can get 10% off. I plan to order some capris for the spring and some leggings to wear with sweaters.

I received a sample for review purposes and all opinions are 100% my own. 
SHARE:

Valentine's Getaway for Parents at Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts #MyMyrtleBeach

My family visits Myrtle Beach several times a year and have stayed at a couple of the Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts locations. The beach is the perfect getaway no matter what time of year it is and oceanfront accommodations makes it even better. We being able to be soothed and refreshed by the sounds of the ocean, while being able to get to restaurants and shopping nearby. With Valentine's Day coming up, Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts announces their ‘Be Mine!’ Valentine’s Day Package.

Celebrate with Oceanfront Accommodations, Romantic Dinner, Champagne and More

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts (MBSR) – operator of the area’s premier oceanfront condo-hotel and vacation rental properties – announces the release of its “Be Mine” Valentine’s Day package.

Available at five MBSR resorts (Avista, Grande Shores, Horizon at 77th, Prince and Seaside) from Feb. 11-18, 2015, the “Be Mine” features oceanfront accommodations, champagne, chocolates, Valentine’s balloon bouquet and rose petal turndown service. Bookings at select properties also include a romantic dinner at area eateries like Just Off Main, 3500 and Shoreline Café, as well as breakfast in bed.

Rates start at $281 and are based on a two-night stay for two adults in a one-bedroom condo.

“We’re rolling out the red carpet this upcoming Valentine’s Day with one of our best holiday offers in recent memory,” says Jim Eggen, General Manager of MBSR. “Day-time highs that frequently hit the 60s and 70s are perfect for exploring the Grand Strand’s renowned sugar sand beaches, exceptional shopping, diverse dining options and other calling cards.”

Myrtle Beach is within a half-day’s drive of population centers like Washington D.C., Raleigh, Charlotte and Atlanta. Moreover, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is conveniently located to all MBSR properties. Serviced by Delta, Continental, Spirit Airlines and US Airways, it features daily, nonstop flights to over 25 destinations including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Newark, N.J. and Chicago.

For additional information and reservations: Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, 888.571.4104.

About Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts is a collection of six oceanfront and ocean view condo-hotels in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Avista Resort, Prince Resort, Horizon at 77th, Grande Shores, Seaside and the Towers at North Myrtle Beach all provide the comforts of full-service resort hotels with the space and luxury of condominiums.

Each property features modern décor that reflects a coastal lifestyle and breathtaking views of the pristine northern region of the world-famous Grand Strand. Elegant yet affordable, units are spacious one to three bedrooms with fully-equipped kitchens, washer / dryer, and private balconies. Most hotels have fitness centers, an array of indoor and outdoor pools, on-site dining and access to world-class beaches.
SHARE:

Crispy oven-baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

I wanted to share one of my must-have foods at a Super Bowl party. Flavorful chicken wings in a variety of sauces is a staple, and my husband is obsessed with my oven-baked version. They are just as crispy as if you deep fried them. The secret is using my favorite dried seasonings (minus the salt) along with a few tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Cooking on parchment paper in a 400 degree oven on convection for 35 minutes helps to crisp them up. If you don't have a convection setting on your oven, no worries. Just bake at 415 for 35-45 minutes. The good thing about parchment paper is that nothing sticks.
We LOVE all flats and are lucky to find them at our local Kroger store in a 5 pound bag. 
One of my favorite ways to take my crispy wings to the next level is to jazz them up with garlic and Parmesan


To make these crispy oven-baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, you will need: 


2.5-3 pounds of chicken wings (drumettes and flats)

Your favorite dry seasonings including 1 1/2 tbs of garlic powder (here are mine)
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp dried parsley flakes

Bake wings according to directions above. Toss wings in the Parmesan cheese and parsley flakes. Serve with Bleu cheese dressing and enjoy! 

Tip: Make sure after you wash your chicken that you dry them extremely well with paper towels. Excess moisture will cause your chicken to steam in the oven and you will not achieve crispy skin. 
SHARE:

3-Ingredient Jalapeno-Ranch Deviled Eggs for your Super Bowl Party #NaturallyFresh (Giveaway)

This post is part of the blogger program by Naturally Fresh® and The Motherhood, who compensated me for my time and the development of this recipe. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

There has been so much excitement all over the country with the football playoffs and the long-waited event of the year, the Super Bowl. We love watching The Super Bowl together as a family and I go all out with yummy game food and drinks. I have been playing around with some better-for-you recipe ideas and wanted to share one of them with you. 

Of course, a party isn't a party without the deviled eggs! I can't think of a more simple and delicious finger food, and I always include them on the menu. I came up with a tasty version for our upcoming Super Bowl party that only requires three ingredients. Can it get any more simple than that? These jalapeno-ranch deviled eggs are sure to please your guests. 
To make these scrumptious eggs, all you need is:
  • Hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
  • Naturally Fresh Classic Ranch Dressing 
  • Pickled jalapeno pepper rings (you can use the tamed version if you don't like spicy) 

All you have to do is separate your hard-boiled yolks in a medium size bowl and mash them finely with a fork. You then add the desired amount of Naturally Fresh Classic Ranch dressing until you reach the correct consistency you are looking for. At this point, you can add a little cracked pepper to taste if you like. Next step is to simple scoop your egg yolk mixture into you egg whites or pipe it in using a large star tip like I did. Add a half of a jalapeno ring on the top and sprinkle with paprika to make them look fancy. That's it! So super simple and you can even use the Light Ranch if you want to cut out some extra calories. 

Naturally Fresh makes their ranch dressing with their very own buttermilk and the Lite Ranch is made with their nonfat buttermilk (half the calories of the original). Naturally Fresh is a line of high-quality, homemade-tasting salad dressings and dips with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. These dressing and dips are always sold in the refrigerated section of your grocery stores because they don't have any artificial flavors or preservatives. Naturally Fresh does not use MSG either. 
You really can taste the difference in these products. You really can't go wrong with wholesome ingredients packed with flavor. Find Naturally Fresh products at most Publix or Kroger stores and you can also find other locations using the free mobile app. Their website offers plenty of recipes too!

Enter to win one of five coupons for one FREE 12 ounce bottle of Naturally Fresh Dressing below:a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on January 26, 2015. Winners will be contacted via email to claim prize. Mom Files is NOT responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!
SHARE:
Blogger Template Created For Mom Files All Rights Reserved