Family * Travel * Food

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.
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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. 
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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!
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$3 Wine that is actually good?

Hey, y'all! I just wanted to share a great wine I stumbled upon in my local Kroger store a couple months ago. I noticed that they have cases of the Bay Bridge Vineyards brand of wines displayed at the front of the wine aisle and I would walk past it because, how good can a $3 wine be? I see people picking up 3 and 4 bottles at a time and the display cases sometimes look like they have been hit hard. This heightened my curiosity *ahem* 

I finally decided to try the Merlot, since I figured I can always cook with it if I wasn't too crazy about it. It turns out that I LOVE it, and love the price even more! I was so surprised that it really does taste really nice and I can stock up without feeling a big hit to my wallet. I have not seen this brand in any other store before so if you have a Kroger in your area, it is worth trying a bottle. Let me know if you do! Enjoy :)
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Behind the Taste with Bruegger's Bagels #BehindTheTaste #spon $25 GC Giveaway


Do you ever crave certain foods and insist that it must be authentic? You know, the real deal. No shortcuts, no substitutions. This is how I am with bagels. Living in NYC as a kid, you know you don't mess around with certain foods. A proper bagel is a must and anything less won't cut it. Bruegger's Bagels are certainly the real deal with that signature texture and chew that really sets the bar on bagel quality-- truly authentic New York Style. Lucky for us, Bruegger's bagels is not just exclusive to NYC residents. They have locations in various parts of the U.S. so you get a chance at having the real thing. Yes, even in South Carolina, I get to experience a fine New York Style bagel. I tell ya, there's nothing like it! I was excited when I found out that they were launching their new "Behind the Taste" website. There is a new video each month through April that you can "unlock". *Hint: there might just be a little surprise at the end!

Bruegger's Bagels has a really nice breakfast and lunch menu that offers something for everyone. I tried their Pastrami, Egg & Swiss breakfast sandwich and it was delicious! I love how much care goes into preparing your order and that you can watch the magic happen from behind the counter.
Check out this short video to see how Bruegger's keeps tradition alive and what makes their bagels so unique.

If you haven't experienced Bruegger's for yourself, you are truly missing out! Go here to see of there is a location near you. And again, be sure to check out their brand new "Behind the Taste" website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions.

Bruegger's Bagels have provided me with 2 gift cards to give away to my lovely readers. Each winner will get a $25 Bruegger's bagel gift card. Enter below:        a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on January 16, 2015. Two winners will be picked at random and mandatory entry will be verified. Mom Files is NOT responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged prizes.

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own as always.
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Drink MORE water with the New PUR Ultimate Pitcher

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2015 already. I admit, I'm not into New Year's resolutions at all. I am a goal setter more than anything. One goal I have had for many years was to increase my water intake. I have noticed that water affects me in so many ways. If I don't drink enough I will notice that my skin is dry or my muscles ache. I don't feel well overall when I have not had at least 80 ounces a day. I know most people have a hard time drinking water, but really want to improve. One great tool is to have a dedicated container filled with the amount you need for the day. You can easily gage your progress that way. The new PUR Ultimate Pitcher is perfect to get your water-drinking goals under control. It comes in a 7-cup and 11-cup size. The 7-cup is perfect to start out with. It is also an earth friendly option over expensive water bottles that end up overtaking landfills.

The overall design of the pitcher is absolutely brilliant! The space-saving shape makes it easy to store in your refrigerator, especially the door. Not everyone has a water filtration system on their fridge so this is wonderful to have. It is easy to fill with a thumb activated lid, has a comfort grip handle and has a covered pour spout to prevent odor and particles from getting into your clean water. PUR Ultimate Series featuring MAXION filtration technology. MAXION technology is PUR’s highly specialized formula for maximum contaminant reduction.

PUR Ultimate Pitchers are certified to reduce contaminants including by-products from chlorine, mercury and industrial pollutants (to name a few) and remove twice as many contaminants as Brita’s filters. Keep track of your filter life with a built-in Electronic Filter Life Indicator. The indicator flashes green, yellow or red so you'll always know when it's time for a replacement filter. I absolutely love this feature. The filters are recyclable and pitchers are BPA free.

Your water tastes clean and refreshing, similar to bottled water. I will be keeping my 7-cup Ultimate Pitcher on my office desk so I don't forget or make excuses why I didn't drink enough. Makes PURfect sense!

You can find the PUR Ultimate Pitchers at select retailers and at PURwater.com, starting at $16.99. Be sure to follow PUR on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions.

I received a complimentary pitcher for testing purposes. All opinions are 100% my own as always. 
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