Valentine's Day is just around the corner and with so many little sweethearts in my life, I thought it'd be a fun way to celebrate the holiday by sharing some of my favorite Day of Love themed books for kids. Are you planning on naming your little one your Valentine this year? My nieces and nephews all are the perfect little Valentines and these books are a super fun (and inexpensive) way to celebrate the day of love with any little sweetheart this year.
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Now that I've shared ten super cute Valentine's Day books, I'd love to hear all about your favorite Valentine's Day activity to do with you little sweetie? Tell me all about it in the comments below!
January 17, 2016
Enlightenment, Entitlement and Encouragement
I've always been a pretty big fan of Humans of New York and the messages they share. With so much enlightenment and wisdom in each post, whether it's about an elderly lady embracing her unique sense of style or a young life-saving Surgeon saying he "only handles small procedures"; there's always some sort of deep and sometimes mind-expanding message and many, many feelings inspired by their posts.
So when I saw this simple photo of a young woman's hands kind of questioning the world, I knew this post would be interesting. Let me go off on a tangent and just say that I love the photos without faces, the stories seem to be deeper and more relatable... Regardless, this post about life and the sense of entitlement that some seem to feel really hit home with me and inspired me to expand on the topic somewhat.
“I think I felt entitled to success because I’m smart and I’m good at stuff and I work hard. Maybe ‘entitled’ isn’t the...
Posted by Humans of New York on Saturday, January 16, 2016
Here in America, raised in the millennial generation, we grew up with a community telling us "we can be anything we want to be" since the time we were born, entitlement is just part of our upbringing. Even though we feel like the world should be served to us on a silver platter, life just doesn't happen that way and most of us figure that out with time. But for some reason, I feel compelled to give a little bit of advice today - for anyone working towards their goals in life, whatever they may be.
We all need to realize we need to work to become who we want to be, we need determination and drive to make things happen, and simply put, things don't just happen, we have to make them happen. We need to push ourselves, step outside of our comfort zones, and occasionally, we need to fail to succeed. I'm still learning these lessons myself; but after having a successful year in 2015, I've truly learned the importance of hard work and determination.
I can remember several people telling me to "get a job" ... and to be honest, I probably should have. But I knew with enough determination I would make things happen. I didn't feel entitled to receive money based on my blog, but I knew that if I worked hard enough at my craft... I would gain readers (like you - side note: I truly appreciate you), I would be able to work with companies, and eventually I would make an income doing something I love.
Sharing stories and my feelings with you is something that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, I found my happy place right here on the internet and I'm so proud of myself for working so hard to make things happen exactly as I wanted... but I still struggle with entitlement some days, as we all do and reality often bites me in the butt when I'm feeling that way. Luckily, even with reality's cold hard truth hitting some days, I know that committing to a goal and finally achieving that goal is the most rewarding experience I've ever felt so I keep on keeping on and so far my hard work has really paid off.
Instead of rambling on about determination, I guess what I'm saying is this: you CAN be anything you want to be and accomplish practically anything... IF, and only if, you are determined enough to make it happen. While I love encouraging kids to follow their dreams, THIS is what we should be teaching the next generation.
So tell me, what goals are you working towards in 2016? Do you have a 10-year plan that involves accomplishing some great feats? I'd love to hear all about your life, your determination, and your plans in the comments below... Plus, if you have any tips on learning to focus and achieve your goals I'm dying to hear all about them!
January 12, 2016
Live Well in The New Year: How BabbleBoxx Helped Revamp My Morning Routine!
Thanks to BabbleBoxx for sponsoring today's discussion, regardless all opinions are my own.
January 11, 2016
Valentine's Day Favorites From Shabby Apple!
This post contains affiliate links, regardless all opinions expressed below are my own.
I recently shared how much I love my Nutcracker Dress from Shabby Apple, so it probably comes as no surprise that I want to share more of my favorite pieces in their collection. With an amazing 30 to 75 percent off of everything sale happening RIGHT NOW, you are bound to find something stunning to add to your wardrobe!
Plus, with Valentine's Day coming up on us quickly, I wanted to share a little shopping guide (and/or wishlist) of the perfect flirty frocks to rock! So go ahead and grab your credit card, you're about to meet your soul mate in dress form!
We'll start with this beauty, the "With this Ring Rose Dress" features an antique pink under a layer of cream lace. This dress just exudes class and femininity and would be perfect to wear on a Valentine's Date... and don't be surprised if your date wants to say I do when he sees you in this gorgeousness.
If you want to have a fun Valentine's Day, you have to dress the part! With a rainbow of colors and a playful diamond print, this Tutti-Frutti pencil skirt is bound to have you playing the leading role in a rom-com type romance by the end of the day!
Photo Credit: Shabby Apple
January 9, 2016
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Rice Krispies: The Most Delicious + Simple Valentine's Day Treat!
This post contains affiliate links, regardless all opinions expressed below are my own.
I know what you're thinking, it's still January... Talking about Valentine's Day may seem a bit premature, but if you think about it - there's only FIVE weeks to figure out what you're getting your honey! So instead of procrastinating and buying something lame last minute, start planning how you're going to treat your sweetie now!
Valentine's Strawberry Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients:
5 tablespoons of butter
1 - 16oz bag of mini marshmallows
1/2 tablespoon of strawberry JELL-O powder
Ingredients:
5 tablespoons of butter
1 - 16oz bag of mini marshmallows
1/2 tablespoon of strawberry JELL-O powder
9 cups Rice Krispies cereal
8 oz bag Jet Puffed HeartMallows strawberry flavor
To begin this recipe, you need to spray a sheet cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Add gelatin powder and mix well.
Remove from heat and mix in cereal until fully mixed. Add strawberry marshmallows and mix lightly so they don't melt. Spread the cereal treats in an even layer in the sheet cake pan.
Spray your hands with non-stick spray to gently press the cereal treats into a flat, even layer. Cool for one hour. Use various heart shaped cookie cutters to cut hearts out of the cereal treats.
January 8, 2016
The Perfect Homemade Winter Candies with Coconut Buttercream Filling
This post contains affiliate links, regardless all opinions are my own.
The Perfect Winter Candies with Coconut Buttercream Filling
Ingredients:
Time: 2 hours Yields: 12 Candies Ingredients
1 cup Wilton White Candy Melts
Blue Coloring Paste
1½ cup Powdered Sugar
1 stick Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 tbsp. Milk
½ cup Shredded Coconut
Icing Decorations
1 Wilton Stack-N-Melt Candy Mold (also sold at Michaels Online)
Instructions:
In medium mixing bowl, cream butter with electric mixer until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar while mixing on slow speed. Add vanilla extract and milk until combined.
Now that I've shared this super yummy candy recipe, I'd love to know what your favorite homemade candy flavor is? Are you a fan of strawberry filling or a gooey chocolate center? Tell me all about your candy love in the comments below!
January 7, 2016
It's a Football Fiesta with Spicy Mexican Chicken Casserole
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #KickUpTheFlavor #CollectiveBias
Are you a die hard football fan that likes to yell at the TV to try and encourage the players or are you the football foodie who stands near the snacks and devours them all as quickly as possible?
Today I'm going to share one of my favorite foods to bring with me when we are invited to watch the game at a friend's place... It's only polite to add a delicious dish to the snack table when we show up and THIS ridiculously cheesy and perfectly spicy dish is one of the first to be eaten, each & every time! While this is a great surprise to bring with you to a friend's, I'll be honest and share that I often make this recipe to have a little fiesta of a meal while watching the game at home as well!
With just a handful of ingredients that you can quickly grab at Walmart, this recipe is SO easy to prep and it's so flavorful in each bite, definitely a recipe you'll want to make again and again.
For My Spicy Mexican Chicken Casserole you will need:
1 cup Pace® Picante (Medium)
2-3 Chicken Breast, Boiled & Shredded
1 Can of Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 Can Black Beans
1 Package of Mexican Cheese
3 handfuls Cheesy Chips
Sour Cream & Avocado (optional)
2-3 Chicken Breast, Boiled & Shredded
1 Can of Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 Can Black Beans
1 Package of Mexican Cheese
3 handfuls Cheesy Chips
Sour Cream & Avocado (optional)
You'll begin this recipe by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and combining the shredded chicken, cheese, black beans, and Pace® in one large mixing bowl. Set aside.
Enjoy!
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