September 16, 2016

Help Students Start with Science AND a $50 Giveaway!

Today I'm partnering with Orkin and DonorChoose.org to spread the word about the Start with Science initiative. Regardless, all opinions expressed below are my own.

Help a classroom with something they really need... Find out how you can join Orkin & DonorChoose.org for the Start with Science initiative!

It's already September and that means school is back in session for all. With so many people in my life affected by school systems, from my mother in law who is a teacher, to my nieces and nephews who attend elementary school, and friends who have school aged kids, I'm constantly hearing about different schools and how their funding has been cut. It's sad to realize that our future and our children's future depends on funds that are currently limited... and with the realization that certain types of learners aren't having their needs met because a school district can't afford the items needed for classrooms, I'm just devastated.


Help a classroom with something they really need... Find out how you can join Orkin & DonorChoose.org for the Start with Science initiative!

So when I heard Orkin and DonorChoose.org partnered up for the Start with Science initiative I was ecstatic, to say the least. This initiative supports science education and helps teachers bring their classroom projects to life! With so many amazing teachers in the United States, it's easy to see why Orkin would want to help them out and spread awareness so that students can get the items their classrooms so greatly need. Actually, Orkin has donated over $325,000 to fund 1,400+ projects for more than 123,000 U.S. public school students! I love that they aren't just handing out the usual cheesy textbooks and expecting students to teach themselves, they are using their influence to promote STEM activities which help foster a hands-on classroom approach that entices children to learn and most of the classrooms they've donated funds to are classrooms in need!

Help a classroom with something they really need... Find out how you can join Orkin & DonorChoose.org for the Start with Science initiative!

Speaking of classrooms in need, I was able to recently donate $250 to a classroom that I felt compelled to help out. I decided to go with Ms. Papillon's classroom in St. Petersburg, Florida after reading through a ton of requests. I decided to help out her classroom after learning she has a classroom full of diverse and curious learners that need additional accommodations in reading, writing, and math and many don't have access to the needed technology in their homes! I felt like it was imperative that they are able to access the technology while at school and wanted to do my part to help them out.

Help a classroom with something they really need... Find out how you can join Orkin & DonorChoose.org for the Start with Science initiative!

Instead of hoping for something good to happen, Ms. Papillon is requesting twenty-five Kindle Fire tablets for her kids, to help provide a one-on-one technology experience for each child student in the classroom, creating a fully integrated technology environment - something her classroom greatly needs! With the small donation I was able to make towards her request, her students will now be able to research, explore, create, and collaborate in a new way, while also developing skills for a 21st century learner.

Help a classroom with something they really need... Find out how you can join Orkin & DonorChoose.org for the Start with Science initiative!

Instead of just talking about rocks and learning about geology via a lecture, they can now "travel the world" with their tablets and learn science hands-on while also building their technology skills. While learning math in the traditional sense is tough for most kids, learning while playing a game on their tablet could be life-changing... I know when I finally took a math course via a computer in college, it changed the way I was able to work the problems and actually helped me understand. It's interesting how different students learn in different ways and I'm glad I was able to help change the way Ms. Papillon's classroom is functioning.

Help a classroom with something they really need... Find out how you can join Orkin & DonorChoose.org for the Start with Science initiative!

I'm so excited I was able to help out a classroom in my community with something they greatly need. If only I could help every classroom in my community... and I think we all feel that way. While it's not possible to help every student in every classroom, today I'm offering YOU the chance to help out a classroom in need as well. Click here to pick your favorite project to donate to and then enter to win a $50 giveaway so that you can donate to that project with the giveaway tools form below!


September 14, 2016

Little Wins for New Mamas #ZonePerfectLittleWins

I have been compensated by ZonePerfect for this post; however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own.

Life as a new mom is so rewarding but sometimes you need to treat yourself to a "little win". Find out more... #ZonePerfectLittleWins #LittleWins

Life as a new mama has proven to be an interesting adventure. While it's definitely the most rewarding and amazing thing I've experienced in my life, it's also been tiring and intense. I'm not complaining, having little Miss Delainey is everything I've ever wanted... but some days I need a moment to myself that includes something that'll boost my energy level, my mindset, or sometimes just a little something to help me adjust my attitude. While it's easier said than done, today I want to share 7 tips to help a new mama adjust to life with a newborn... I hope these tips help at least one other new mom out, I know they definitely work for me.

Life as a new mom is so rewarding but sometimes you need to treat yourself to a "little win". Find out more... #ZonePerfectLittleWins #LittleWins

1. Accept the help! I know it can be difficult to sit back and let others do things for you, especially when you have a nurturing personality... but sometimes you just HAVE to let others do things for you. After having a baby, you really need to step back and let others "do" for you. Whether you need the dishes loaded in the dishwasher, your shower scrubbed, or your laundry washed - be sure to designate duties to family members when they come over to visit your little bundle of joy!

Life as a new mom is so rewarding but sometimes you need to treat yourself to a "little win". Find out more... #ZonePerfectLittleWins #LittleWins

2. Sometimes you just need to take a moment and eat something delicious and sweet. As a breastfeeding mama, I occasionally feel like I'm drained - for more reasons than just not sleeping enough. When I start feeling that low energy level I like to grab a ZonePerfect bar (I up my stash at Walmart) and give myself a moment to enjoy. Whether I'm in the car or Netflixing on the couch, it's nice to have a healthy snack to enjoy and in flavors like fudge graham or dark chocolate almond, it's easy to see why I'm such a fan! Life is all about the little wins and I like to celebrate the #ZonePerfectLittleWins!

Life as a new mom is so rewarding but sometimes you need to treat yourself to a "little win". Find out more... #ZonePerfectLittleWins #LittleWins


3. Let your creativity flow. You would think creating life would be a huge creative outlet, but it isn't really the same. Whether you want to create something for your babe's nursery wall or take a moment to scribble with a marker in a coloring book - take a little bit of time and let your creative juices flow.  While your health won't necessarily improve just from coloring or getting creative, it's bound to help you keep your stress levels lower making for one happy mama!

Life as a new mom is so rewarding but sometimes you need to treat yourself to a "little win". Find out more... #ZonePerfectLittleWins #LittleWins

4. Spend time skin-to-skin with baby - this isn't just for baby's benefit either. Spending time skin-to-skin with your little bundle of joy helps trigger hormones that make you happy - like Oxytocin! Plus, your giving your baby the love and affection they crave, making for one happy baby, which makes you the happiest mama on the block!

Life as a new mom is so rewarding but sometimes you need to treat yourself to a "little win". Find out more... #ZonePerfectLittleWins #LittleWins

5. Don't stress about numbers! I know I personally expected weight to fall off of myself, my dear daughter to gain weight like a champion, the amount of milk I was producing to pick up, the amount of diapers I was changing to adjust... and none of these numbers adjusted the way I was hoping, at least not at first. That's when I stopped paying as close of attention and things started falling into place.

Life as a new mom is so rewarding but sometimes you need to treat yourself to a "little win". Find out more... #ZonePerfectLittleWins #LittleWins


6. Don't compare yourself to your other mama friends! This is something I knew before becoming a mama, but it's hard when a handful of people you know are at the same stage in life and your wondering how they are doing so much more than you... some days it's hard for any of us to get up and get a family dressed and out the door, other days it's amazing how much you can accomplish.

Life as a new mom is so rewarding but sometimes you need to treat yourself to a "little win". Find out more... #ZonePerfectLittleWins #LittleWins

7. Treat yourself. Spend a little bit of dough on yourself and grab a Starbucks on your way home from running errands or a pediatrician's appointment. Take a few hours to yourself and get a manicure and pedicure at least once a month. Allow yourself time to indulge in yourself and you'll be happier and a better mama because of it!

So tell me, are you a mama...? If so, do you reward yourself with "little wins"? I'd love to hear all about your little wins in the comments below!

September 11, 2016

Sinfully Delicious and SIMPLE Stuffed Breakfast Sliders

Thanks to Martin's Potato Rolls for sponsoring today's post, regardless opinions expressed below are completely my own.

Breakfast made simple and delicious! Try this super amazing Stuffed Slider recipe and make your family (and your tummy) happy! #ReadytoRoll

Here's the deal, I'm a big fan of make ahead meals... always have been, always will be. Now that we have a baby in our home, I'm an even bigger fan of not stressing about cooking. I think any new parent will agree, spending time with a newborn is much more important than standing over the stove preparing breakfast for your family every morning... yet, no one wants to leave their family hungry in the morning.

Breakfast made simple and delicious! Try this super amazing Stuffed Slider recipe and make your family (and your tummy) happy! #ReadytoRoll

That's where this super simple recipe for sinfully delicious stuffed breakfast sliders comes into play. I stuff delicious little Martin's Party Potato Rolls full of sausage, top them with chipotle gouda cheese, and eggs and bake them... then I add in my own little special sauce before handing them off to my family and cuddling up with Delainey. The best part is... I can make a batch of TWENTY-FOUR at a time with the Martin's Party Potato Rolls and my little family (even with visitors here to see Delainey) has enough to snack on in the mornings for a couple of days! I love Martin's Potato Rolls so much because they only use high quality ingredients and their dedication to excellence is the real reason that they are the preferred choice in America - and they have been for the past 50 years!

Breakfast made simple and delicious! Try this super amazing Stuffed Slider recipe and make your family (and your tummy) happy! #ReadytoRoll

Do you want to make your mornings a little easier and tastier? Here's your chance! I'm sharing my recipe for these simple & delicious stuffed breakfast sliders, so you can go ahead and thank me now...

Breakfast made simple and delicious! Try this super amazing Stuffed Slider recipe and make your family (and your tummy) happy! #ReadytoRoll

For this recipe you will need:

1 package of 24 Martin's Party Potato Rolls
1 Roll of Sausage
3 eggs, scrambled with salt & pepper to taste
1 package of Chipotle Gouda Cheese
1 avocado
1/2 lime
Cilantro to taste
1/4 Cup Oil
1/4 Cup Water
TBPS Garlic
TSP Salt

You'll begin making this recipe by preparing the sausage, make 24 tiny patties and pan fry them until they are ready to nibble on.

Now go ahead and use the same pan and make scramble your eggs while you place your Martin's Party Potato Rolls on a baking pan and begin prepping the "special sauce" ingredients.

In a food processor combine avocado, lime, cilantro, oil, water and seasoning. Mix until liquidy consistency and set aside.

Your eggs should be scrambled now and ready to serve, so you'll want to cut up a small portion for each sandwich. You'll want to cut off a block of cheese similar in size for each sandwich as well.

Now's the time to combine it all, stacking the sausage on top of the potato roll, then place a small bit of eggs and a smidge of cheese on each roll as well.

Breakfast made simple and delicious! Try this super amazing Stuffed Slider recipe and make your family (and your tummy) happy! #ReadytoRoll

Place in oven, preheated to 350 degrees for about 5 minutes. Once they look delicious enough to snack on, drizzle a little bit of creamy avocado sauce over the top of each sandwich, place the top part of the sandwich roll upon the stack and serve.


Breakfast made simple and delicious! Try this super amazing Stuffed Slider recipe and make your family (and your tummy) happy! #ReadytoRoll


ENJOY!

Breakfast made simple and delicious! Try this super amazing Stuffed Slider recipe and make your family (and your tummy) happy! #ReadytoRoll

It's seriously that easy to make your family happy in the morning... and if you're craving brunch, you may just have these little breakfast stuffed sliders for lunch as well!

Breakfast made simple and delicious! Try this super amazing Stuffed Slider recipe and make your family (and your tummy) happy! #ReadytoRoll

So tell me, do you have any go-to recipes for busy times in your life? This one is definitely going to be added to my regular cooking schedule... who doesn't love a little tasty slider in their life...? If you're #ReadytoRoll, tell me your favorite Potato Roll recipe below!

September 7, 2016

My Favorite Part of Parenthood + a Carter's Coupon!

This post is sponsored by Carter’s; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Being a parent has brought all kinds of joy into my life, but one thing I love the most about being a mom to a baby girl is all of the adorable fashions I get to style her in... Get the details on some of my favorite Newborn styles from Carter's, snag a coupon, and find out how you could win 1 of many $100 Gift Cards! #LoveCarters #BodySuitSweepstakes

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it's official - Delainey Kate Harmon has made her way into this world! She came early and unexpectedly on September 2nd, weighing in at a whopping 7lbs 10oz and measuring 20 inches long. She's a little bit of sunshine arriving just after the tropical storm hit our area and I'd be lying if I didn't share that we love her with our whole hearts and souls.

Being a parent has brought all kinds of joy into my life, but one thing I love the most about being a mom to a baby girl is all of the adorable fashions I get to style her in... Get the details on some of my favorite Newborn styles from Carter's, snag a coupon, and find out how you could win 1 of many $100 Gift Cards! #LoveCarters #BodySuitSweepstakes

Now, I may be biased, but she really has the most perfect little personality already. We giggle about her funny little habits (like the mean mugging face you see above), we stare at her in awe when she does something new, and we have already spent hours talking about her, her future, and what she will accomplish. So, I guess you could say my hubby and I have become doting parents and we couldn't be more proud, she's perfect in our eyes. She's stolen our hearts and it's 100% confirmed, my husband and I are both madly in love with her and this love is something we both have never felt before... it's unexplainable and amazing - yet, I know other parents know exactly what I mean.

Being a parent has brought all kinds of joy into my life, but one thing I love the most about being a mom to a baby girl is all of the adorable fashions I get to style her in... Get the details on some of my favorite Newborn styles from Carter's, snag a coupon, and find out how you could win 1 of many $100 Gift Cards! #LoveCarters #BodySuitSweepstakes

While I absolutely love every single second I spend with her, I'll admit that my favorite part of parenthood so far may just be getting to chose adorable little outfits that compliment her personality perfectly. As a shopaholic and a fashion enthusiast, it's easy to see why I'm such a fan of tiny little adorable outfits!

Being a parent has brought all kinds of joy into my life, but one thing I love the most about being a mom to a baby girl is all of the adorable fashions I get to style her in... Get the details on some of my favorite Newborn styles from Carter's, snag a coupon, and find out how you could win 1 of many $100 Gift Cards! #LoveCarters #BodySuitSweepstakes

It's safe to say we have a ton of cute clothing for her... maybe because shopping and adding pieces to her wardrobe has been a priority for me since we found out we were expecting; but I'll admit all the pieces that I love the most in her collection of cuteness are from Carter's! It may be because they have the cutest bodysuits on the planet... or the fact that I can mix and match almost all of the pieces in her wardrobe to make even more adorable outfits, but I must say Carter's is my go-to store when we're talking fashion for my Delainey Kate.

Being a parent has brought all kinds of joy into my life, but one thing I love the most about being a mom to a baby girl is all of the adorable fashions I get to style her in... Get the details on some of my favorite Newborn styles from Carter's, snag a coupon, and find out how you could win 1 of many $100 Gift Cards! #LoveCarters #BodySuitSweepstakes

Why do I love the brand so much? Carter's offers a variety of sizes, which means I can keep my little darling fashionable through out every stage in her life... not just this one! While she's super cute now in her newborn outfits, I can't wait until fall when I can put her in her oh-so-fashionable 3 month outfit sets and then, when Spring rolls around in 2017 we will definitely have a full Carter's 6 month wardrobe to share with you again... because as I mentioned, I'm a little obsessed!
Being a parent has brought all kinds of joy into my life, but one thing I love the most about being a mom to a baby girl is all of the adorable fashions I get to style her in... Get the details on some of my favorite Newborn styles from Carter's, snag a coupon, and find out how you could win 1 of many $100 Gift Cards! #LoveCarters #BodySuitSweepstakes

I noticed recently that my Carter's location has stocked up on a great variety of holiday outfits, including Halloween costumes! They actually offer such a great array, it was hard to decide what to get Delainey on our most recent shopping trip for her. While I didn't buy her costume from Carter's, yet... I did find a Halloween outfit that I think her daddy will just adore. With such a cute style, I'm pretty keen on it as well and I've actually decided I'll be buying her Thanksgiving outfit on our next visit and I just know the little turkey will look adorable in it!

Being a parent has brought all kinds of joy into my life, but one thing I love the most about being a mom to a baby girl is all of the adorable fashions I get to style her in... Get the details on some of my favorite Newborn styles from Carter's, snag a coupon, and find out how you could win 1 of many $100 Gift Cards! #LoveCarters #BodySuitSweepstakes

If you're like me, you probably don't even need another reason to love Carter's, but these character sets are just too cute for words so I have to share. After seeing the great price point on these beauties, it only made sense to me to stock up on a variety of cozy fall looks for my gal. From foxes to scottie dogs, Delainey will be stylin' in these sets while the fall weather rolls in and since they have short sleeve and long sleeve options - they are perfect for Florida winter too!

Being a parent has brought all kinds of joy into my life, but one thing I love the most about being a mom to a baby girl is all of the adorable fashions I get to style her in... Get the details on some of my favorite Newborn styles from Carter's, snag a coupon, and find out how you could win 1 of many $100 Gift Cards! #LoveCarters #BodySuitSweepstakes

While the sets are almost too adorable, with a pair of pants and a bodysuit or two included, it's my duty to continue sharing all the great finds available at Carter's! After I saw their newer boho-looking collection, I knew she had to have a few pieces to rock during my favorite season!

Being a parent has brought all kinds of joy into my life, but one thing I love the most about being a mom to a baby girl is all of the adorable fashions I get to style her in... Get the details on some of my favorite Newborn styles from Carter's, snag a coupon, and find out how you could win 1 of many $100 Gift Cards! #LoveCarters #BodySuitSweepstakes

With feathers and fringe everywhere, it's easy to see why I was gaga over these pieces... I almost walked out without buying a single piece of the line though, because all the items in littler sizes were already snagged by other adoring mothers. But luckily the awesome staff at my location took this bodysuit and feathery pant set off the manikin just so Delainey could rock the look this fall! While I managed to snag this look, I plan on looking at the other location nearby me to find the rest of the collection... because you can't ever have enough fringe and feathers on a baby, am I right?!

Being a parent has brought all kinds of joy into my life, but one thing I love the most about being a mom to a baby girl is all of the adorable fashions I get to style her in... Get the details on some of my favorite Newborn styles from Carter's, snag a coupon, and find out how you could win 1 of many $100 Gift Cards! #LoveCarters #BodySuitSweepstakes

While I've bragged about all of my awesome finds recently, I feel the need to share the main reason I love Carter's so much for Delainey. You make think it's because they thrive on babysoft knits, making every outfit snuggly, cozy, and color-coordinated and that's a great guess... but I really love the brand so much because I can buy almost everything I need for her at one place! From cutesie bibs, to fun burp cloths, to tiny little shoes, they have every accessory and adorable addition to a baby collection a mama could need!

Being a parent has brought all kinds of joy into my life, but one thing I love the most about being a mom to a baby girl is all of the adorable fashions I get to style her in... Get the details on some of my favorite Newborn styles from Carter's, snag a coupon, and find out how you could win 1 of many $100 Gift Cards! #LoveCarters #BodySuitSweepstakes

Now that you know that I'm a Carter's fanatic, I need to know - are you expecting or do you have a little one in your life that needs some cute new items in their wardrobe? Click here to find a Carter's nearby you (or shop online) and check out the items Carter's has for your little fashionable gal or guy! Don't forget to use the coupon below to help you save 25% off your purchase of $40 or more!

Being a parent has brought all kinds of joy into my life, but one thing I love the most about being a mom to a baby girl is all of the adorable fashions I get to style her in... Get the details on some of my favorite Newborn styles from Carter's, snag a coupon, and find out how you could win 1 of many $100 Gift Cards! #LoveCarters #BodySuitSweepstakes

Also, if you're also a Carter's shopping fanatic, you'll want to take a second to enter the Carter's cutest baby's first outfit giveaway on pinterest! The contest runs until 9/26 and 75 people will randomly win a $50 Carter's gift certificate! To enter, all you have to do is choose your favorite baby's first outfit via this link and pin! That's it! Good luck and I hope you win!

https://api.curalate.com/v2/contests/379720520