tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172064400369745602024-03-16T11:48:41.532-07:00Fancy That!Lifestyle News, Reviews, and GiveawaysNicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comBlogger453125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-61787296737981742112024-03-10T14:00:00.000-07:002024-03-10T14:00:13.271-07:00My Review of Nutty Novelties Nut Butters<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qEK6Ba__0FKv1BUnI7CXhCoKbFX6oQz7rMZA464yTUsMYDTyby7pinxitexh2DY0Qe07oChcr64G6dpoPyboZNR4fmszW5NrpD6U5BLAstFFUO3QlXe1JJIGhcsH-fPVf9q4SsS0mPd_OCSzgIhZo7OAYsKsnQ5RWjVuTA1ntxjIwGUSxcLxMvcz2gt_/s4624/20240220_180452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qEK6Ba__0FKv1BUnI7CXhCoKbFX6oQz7rMZA464yTUsMYDTyby7pinxitexh2DY0Qe07oChcr64G6dpoPyboZNR4fmszW5NrpD6U5BLAstFFUO3QlXe1JJIGhcsH-fPVf9q4SsS0mPd_OCSzgIhZo7OAYsKsnQ5RWjVuTA1ntxjIwGUSxcLxMvcz2gt_/s320/20240220_180452.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Does anyone else love nut butter as much as I do? It's such a healthy protein and great for breakfast or lunch, depending on how you like to enjoy yours. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Recently, I had the chance to try some by a brand called Nutty Novelties. I ended up choosing their simple blends, like Classic Peanut Butter, Pistachio Butter, Almond Butter, and Cashew Butter. I loved each jar and thought it was just simply delicious. However, they offer a ton of unique varieties that you don't want to miss out on. They have <a href="https://www.nuttynovelties.com/collections/nut-butters/products/honey-roasted-peanut-butter" target="_blank">Honey Roasted Peanut Butter</a>, <a href="https://www.nuttynovelties.com/collections/nut-butters/products/cinnamon-almond-butter" target="_blank">Cinnamon Almond Butter</a>, and <a href="https://www.nuttynovelties.com/collections/nut-butters/products/dark-chocolate-almond-butter" target="_blank">Dark Chocolate Almond Butter</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That's only the beginning! They have a ton more jars, plus they're prices are really reasonable. Many of their jar's prices start at $4 a jar, making it a delicious and affordable price. The jars aren't very big but they go a long way because of how packed they are with flavor.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What I really appreciate about this brand is that it's a small business and run by real people you can see and get to know. Check out the people behind this <a href="https://www.nuttynovelties.com/pages/about" target="_blank">amazing product here</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope you check out this brand and make them your top choice for any nut butter needs in your life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Best of all, I get to give away a prize to you all! You have the chance to win their <a href="https://www.nuttynovelties.com/collections/nut-butters/products/tree-nut-sampler" target="_blank">Tree Nut Sampler</a> which includes Cinnamon Almond Butter, Dark Chocolate Almond Butter, White Chocolate Walnut Butter, and Pistachio Butter. All you have to do is enter via the Rafflecopter below. Enter to win by March 24th.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-79836429957860517432024-02-17T16:05:00.000-08:002024-02-17T16:05:08.161-08:00You'll Love the Hoboken Farms Pasta Sauce: Review & Giveaway<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rNsTr2jGgBoA-oDysLrOUUkEhbCY_8vXe2du0kbOF64LqqP8W7ryd4x-PwhBwLHd-eJvflZVNhNpHuf4ib8PxokZbcN85qeTMso9x-YoQw12RNzrFxakng2dml_6oL7EzuDWRcPAI2LvETWzz5VDBjYjjsxChLYHtgb_Del3VU0umrMBziGcbGL9J-Lj/s4624/20240206_170440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rNsTr2jGgBoA-oDysLrOUUkEhbCY_8vXe2du0kbOF64LqqP8W7ryd4x-PwhBwLHd-eJvflZVNhNpHuf4ib8PxokZbcN85qeTMso9x-YoQw12RNzrFxakng2dml_6oL7EzuDWRcPAI2LvETWzz5VDBjYjjsxChLYHtgb_Del3VU0umrMBziGcbGL9J-Lj/s320/20240206_170440.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I am such a huge fan of pasta! Anytime that is the main course, I'm a happy lady. However, making my own pasta sauce has never really been my thing. I know there are recipes out there. The truth is, though, there are also so many awesome jar sauces that I don't find a need to make my own.</p><p>Recently, I had the chance to try out the Hoboken Farms pasta sauce. And wow! It's such a good experience. I can't wait to tell you about it.</p><p>First of all, it has some major plusses right out of the gate:</p><p>It is NON-GMO. That's a major factor for me, because I don't want genetically modified ingredients in my spaghetti. It's also low sodium and gluten-free. And another major perk, it's vegan! So it already has a lot of factors that make me like it right away.</p><p>I had the chance to try their Marinara and Basil Marinara. What I love about both of these jars are the ingredients. You won't find anything weird about it. The marinara has just whole tomatoes, olive oil, onion, garlic, sea salt, basil, and spices. The basil marinara has similar simple ingredients.</p><p>Now for the taste. I loved it! They tasted fantastic. You can have them plain top of noodles or on top of chicken. I really didn't need to add many spices to it.</p><p>Make sure you buy some of your own to try at <a href="http://hobokenfarms.com">hobokenfarms.com</a>. You can even <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hoboken-Farms-Marinara-Gourmet-Pasta/dp/B07MVN9D33" target="_blank">buy it on Amazon</a>!</p><p>The coolest thing is I get to give away two jars of sauce to one lucky winner. Enter via the Rafflecopter below. US only please. Giveaway ends March 3rd.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
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<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-13287275496337276662024-01-21T14:26:00.000-08:002024-01-21T14:51:13.647-08:00Try Certified Organic Coffee by The Bean Coffee Company: Review + Giveaway<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hhzUFKwU1kD4D3DQEs_EfA2K5QiS3UrxBnzZy-WS0UqTYje4PYW9OzT8nTVRj5ZZGfAxSmpXflnPd6UdbyOfobJaDZF8v0F4x0jKgvteH6eCPVc2V8FcYxzrjta6BQBKKVKuAf7rr3rrHavf4oaP2XrP4w2STQGMaAOri-P4VS8gsohekGj-VA-Yz09U/s4624/20240102_181601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hhzUFKwU1kD4D3DQEs_EfA2K5QiS3UrxBnzZy-WS0UqTYje4PYW9OzT8nTVRj5ZZGfAxSmpXflnPd6UdbyOfobJaDZF8v0F4x0jKgvteH6eCPVc2V8FcYxzrjta6BQBKKVKuAf7rr3rrHavf4oaP2XrP4w2STQGMaAOri-P4VS8gsohekGj-VA-Yz09U/w400-h300/20240102_181601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do you purchase organic coffee? I haven't always had the budget for organic coffee, but I know there are so many benefits to purchasing organic foods and beverages. Coffee is no exception.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Why Choose Organic Coffee? </h2><div>Organic coffee is so much better for the planet. As stated by the <a href="https://www.ccof.org/page/what-organic" target="_blank">CCOF</a>, "Organic standards address many factors: soil quality, animal raising, pest and weed control, and use of input materials." It's far better for the environment and minimizes your global footprint. It helps farms and completely avoids the use of <a href="https://www.drinktrade.com/blogs/education/certified-organic-coffee-guide" target="_blank">chemical fertilizers</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Bean Coffee Company is not only USDA-certified organic. They are also certified by the CCOF, which stands for the California Certified Organic Farmers. The CCOF has its own standards. It's quite an extensive process to achieve this level of certification, which is one of the standout reasons that I loved trying their coffee.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>What I Thought About The Bean Coffee Company Coffee</b></h2><div>I have a fairly simple and straightforward coffee routine. It's my go-to morning beverage and I make it with a pretty cheap drip coffee maker. I loved my first impression when opening my bag of organic french roast coffee:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiad84SoDiHIAZgKOILaAblMjkzyGyzcGhX4fZQoAX7A442dtYl3R-c9Fo4SA_7ecU0Le6TZfYvnrwEVwPPhLiCPtROOv8VHluCnLxou9kFevXfWIKnziDnCEx9BzZGYifnUfIxGhkUbGDe1KlE9dAypRoFCErqBHpaPwFNb1sVjIQp5nq6rSwSz_72VHAt/s4624/20240102_181833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiad84SoDiHIAZgKOILaAblMjkzyGyzcGhX4fZQoAX7A442dtYl3R-c9Fo4SA_7ecU0Le6TZfYvnrwEVwPPhLiCPtROOv8VHluCnLxou9kFevXfWIKnziDnCEx9BzZGYifnUfIxGhkUbGDe1KlE9dAypRoFCErqBHpaPwFNb1sVjIQp5nq6rSwSz_72VHAt/w300-h400/20240102_181833.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br />Look at those shiny dark beans! That's what I love to see when opening up a bag of coffee. I prefer dark roast, so seeing shiny beans is common with this kind. I love the taste of this kind of roast and it's even been known to have some <a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-black-coffee" target="_blank">unique benefits</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I tried both their Italian dark roast and Organic Le Bean French dark roast. What a flavor! The coffee didn't taste burnt and there were unique flavor notes in the Italian dark roast that I spotted. You can taste the maker of this coffee took so much time and consideration into their roasting process. It's no surprise considering The Bean Coffee Company has been around for 25 years.</div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see in my photo above, I also tried the flavored coffee. It's perfect for the afternoon! The Organic Milky Way had a touch of chocolate and cinnamon flavors without tasting overly processed. I added my own seasonings, too to give it that extra oomph of taste. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's also a small thing, but I love that the bag was 16 ounces. This was a nice-sized bag of coffee. Too often the only choice in the store is 12 ounces, which can go faster for me. Also, the price is reasonable too. It's only <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bean-Coffee-Company-Espresso-16-Ounce/dp/B00MW63Q38/" target="_blank">$14.99 on Amazon</a> for a 16 ounce bag. To me, that is really good pricing considering you are getting organic coffee from a small roaster. Another small but great benefit: the bag is resealable. No more clumsy bag clips or tape! You can just seal it closed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, I'm a big fan of The Bean Coffee Company and I highly recommend their products. Make sure you <a href="https://www.thebeancoffeecompany.com/pages/about-us" target="_blank">check them out on their website</a>. They don't just brew dark roasts! They have all kinds of roasts <a href="https://www.thebeancoffeecompany.com/collections" target="_blank">available</a>, including cold brew, decaf, and more.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Now, for your chance to win:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I'm so excited that I get the chance to host this giveaway. You'll have the opportunity to win a two-month subscription to their coffee. It includes 2 x 1lb bags each month including shipping. US only entrants please. Giveaway ends on February 4, 2024.</div><div><br /></div>
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<div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I received a delivery of coffee in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-72751909377216116872023-12-01T01:30:00.000-08:002023-12-01T01:30:00.132-08:00Breaking Up with Alcohol in Middle Age by Lisa May Bennett<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBAjVlny3ct0yXJF3EuQkQIPaGffUDQrC1ffRsai1CNa7q-4BrO8dnoDXILYqVc6yMe06HJUJUDmkXsgwqYbnSuuTKnHuXC-brSUe7AutygWaN3mxg5hVayK2Qv-HDJ3n4q43K9LF59OHtAJTeM07ks9pwYkRnVZRRc8ivNKY0EvBi7ModahLAjhGVUMx/s2560/My%20Unfurling%20Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBAjVlny3ct0yXJF3EuQkQIPaGffUDQrC1ffRsai1CNa7q-4BrO8dnoDXILYqVc6yMe06HJUJUDmkXsgwqYbnSuuTKnHuXC-brSUe7AutygWaN3mxg5hVayK2Qv-HDJ3n4q43K9LF59OHtAJTeM07ks9pwYkRnVZRRc8ivNKY0EvBi7ModahLAjhGVUMx/s320/My%20Unfurling%20Cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div><i>I'm honored to have author Lisa May Bennett part of my blog today. She shares a helpful guest post as part of her blog tour of her memoir <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60734851-my-unfurling" target="_blank">MY UNFURLING</a>.</i> <div><br /></div><div>Nine years ago, I completed my first Whole30. In case you’re not familiar, Whole30 is a food elimination program in which you don’t eat grains, dairy, added sugar, legumes, or alcohol for thirty days. I was looking for something to make me feel healthier, and I was very pleased with the results. To this day, I eat much less of the foods in some of those groups, and I can see exactly how eating them affects my body. </div><div><br /></div><div> But my biggest discovery that month was how much better I felt without alcohol. I had been drinking regularly since I was 16—for more than three decades! I didn’t think I had a serious problem, but something didn’t feel quite right about the persistent nature of my habit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, even with positive evidence in hand, I celebrated the first day after my Whole30 with a glass of wine. It would take me nearly three more years to finally break up with alcohol for good. </div><div><br /></div><div>By that time, I had reached my fifties. Drinking was still a given—an automatic part of my life in so many ways. Dinners out, celebrations, getting together with friends, relaxing after a rough week, and so many other activities both big and small were accompanied by multiple adult beverages. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not only had I started questioning whether all that alcohol was good for my health, but I was also wondering if it was affecting me emotionally and holding me back from my dream of becoming a published writer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Alcohol is a toxic substance, and as I reached middle age, my body was having a harder time processing it. Several bad experiences with getting intoxicated much quicker than usual convinced me that something was up. Maybe hormonal changes were contributing to my decreased tolerance. </div><div><br /></div><div>But feeling stuck in life was what finally convinced me to quit. I was in a rut, and I needed to climb out, but alcohol kept washing over me, pushing me back down again and again. </div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve now been sober for six and a half years. In that time, my health has improved; issues that I thought were “just me” are mostly gone—like my gastrointestinal and sleep issues. </div><div><br /></div><div>Removing alcohol wasn’t a magic fix, of course. It was more like unlocking a door. I still had to walk through that door and explore what was on the other side. I had to figure out why I had been okay with living behind that locked door for so long. And I found other doors to open, other areas of my life and mind to examine. </div><div><br /></div><div>I finally wrote a memoir and self-published it, and now I’m finishing up my second book. I’ve been exercising and meditating and trying new things. I’ve even been helping others with self-publishing their own books. None of this would have happened if I had not quit drinking. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes I wish I made this change sooner. Why did I wait until I was in my fifties? Perhaps because I was waiting for a rock bottom that might never have occurred. But here I am, living proof that you can make a change in middle age, even if your life isn’t falling apart, and still see amazing results.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Add her book to your <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60734851-my-unfurling" target="_blank">GoodReads reading list.</a> Or purchase a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Unfurling-Emerging-Self-Doubt-Drinking/dp/B09WZJXBCZ/" target="_blank">copy on Amazon</a>.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>About <i>My Unfurling</i></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div>Wicked hangovers. Scary blackouts. Ugly fights with friends. The results of binge drinking weigh heavily on Lisa May Bennett. She tries repeatedly to savor “just a few” glasses of wine—only to find herself passed out on the couch again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lisa has a bucket list full of exciting adventures with zero check marks next to them. Her anxiety and self-doubt are crying out for real solutions, not more booze. And her dream of becoming a published writer is fading away. She worries that her love of a good buzz will keep her stuck in this rut. Can she take charge of her life, or is she headed for a disastrous rock bottom?</div><div><br /></div><div>This touching and funny memoir explores the childhood experiences that paved the way for Lisa’s drinking habit. She examines her complicated relationship with her mother, her experiences as a late bloomer, and her ongoing search for validation. In an engaging and relatable voice, the author shares how she began to “unfurl” without alcohol holding her back. But will she stay sober and discover how to truly thrive?</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone wondering if they'll ever burst out and follow their dreams will find My Unfurling compelling and hopeful.</div></div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-71517152102334574622023-11-07T01:30:00.001-08:002023-11-07T01:30:00.135-08:00Five Things I Learned Hiking the John Muir Trail by Joan M. Griffin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRDP9oN3pHg7BD-_jtLG4MT98JNlEiqTkAtPg3DGjxiOBj6dZVvvpEcItA3D8aAPrL4L-uaU-phQyTJufIj2955qM7qze7ehGjYSUnMbOsc4dYaGDppAu2Da3p1R7p1ZctignXQb9izB-ryKrd6thWvhMp-4sW6ZFGLwCyPHBax5UJ3K23Chq_WPDIE9m/s2048/DH000092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRDP9oN3pHg7BD-_jtLG4MT98JNlEiqTkAtPg3DGjxiOBj6dZVvvpEcItA3D8aAPrL4L-uaU-phQyTJufIj2955qM7qze7ehGjYSUnMbOsc4dYaGDppAu2Da3p1R7p1ZctignXQb9izB-ryKrd6thWvhMp-4sW6ZFGLwCyPHBax5UJ3K23Chq_WPDIE9m/s320/DH000092.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Bonus #0. </b>Something I’ve long known was especially important during the John Muir Trail adventure that became my memoir, <i>Force of Nature.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Plan ahead thoroughly, but be ready to adjust and embrace surprises</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I’m a planner. I like to do all the organizing early—creating Plans A, B, and C—so I can relax and enjoy the trip. For example, I had to organize my meals for a month, break food up into packages for each day, and then send boxes ahead to food caching sites to be picked up. One box was even delivered to the trail by packhorse. Out in the wilderness, I was confident my supplies would be waiting for me at the next stop.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>1. <b>Have patience with myself that I will rise to the occasion—I will get stronger or I’ll adjust. I am brave (even when I’m scared). </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Early in our adventure, I was terrified of walking across logs over rivers. I felt top-heavy with forty pounds on my back and didn’t trust my feet on rough curved logs. I pictured myself falling headlong into the river below! But I kept working on my balance and my confidence, so that by halfway, I was practically skipping across rivers on logs! </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>2. <b>Being in community makes everything better! </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Though I enjoy solitude, I actually need to be with people. Hiking with a friend makes most things easier. The Three Women supported one another with problem-solving, like when we had to fix a serious issue with our tent before we got to the High Sierra, where nighttime temperatures were below freezing. We encouraged each other when one of us faltered or grew tired. We shared laughter and awe, too. Those “Wow!” moments when we stood alone on a 12,000-foot mountain pass with nothing but open sky on all sides were made to be embraced together. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Nature is immense and majestic, and I’m in awe. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>I knew Mother Nature was beautiful. I’d hiked in California’s Sierra Nevada for years, but being far from civilization surrounded by wilderness day after day is a completely different experience. Being alone and immersed in the natural world is life-changing. It instills a sense of awe that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. I know even small daily doses of nature make my life better—a whiff of fresh air, the lush green of a hillside, the cerulean blue of the sky, the whisper of a psithurism (the sound of wind blowing through pines).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. Break a hard thing into a bunch of tiny things. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>One time, when faced with 99 steep switchbacks that climbed up the side of a ridge, my hiking partner suggested we stop at number 33 for a snack break and again at number 66 to rest. We counted each switch aloud, making a game out of it. Suddenly, with less effort than we expected, we popped up at the top! Spread out in front of us was a broad meadow lush with wildflowers! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Do one thing at a time. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>I learned this painful lesson on the very first day of our twenty-seven-day adventure. We were chatting and admiring the wildflowers growing between the river and the trail. Mid-sentence, I was on the ground! I’d stepped awkwardly on a stone and twisted my ankle. Like a turtle on its shell, I was on my backpack and stuck! My hiking partners helped me up and dusted me off. Embarrassed, I limped determinedly on with an ace bandage around my ankle. The lesson? Watch your feet. Stop to admire the scenery. NO multitasking on the trail! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Bonus #6. Something I learned a decade later—while reflecting on time and aging: Do it now, or as soon as you can, because you won’t always be able to. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Time flies and our bodies age. In my 70th year, I can’t walk 200 miles carrying a 40-pound pack. I am so grateful I experienced this amazing JMT adventure when I did! So, be realistic, but be bold. Know what you can do, and then do it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>About the Memoir <i>Force of Nature</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNPxsUWpABwaeoRAwJ3HfoY-a3eldnXZjLM_lEmjsufg5_L4BrNeqgRZJyfmRVLxXG8YRvNMIRfN_v7PtuKTzd2X07L6-YJ9GzOT7Y5jmi5SnFZKX1Q9gR_bNMyM4PhPvb6UtmJ41ZmnVelvvCzRbwaJoKjr297-wW-UzqGxrK2-_AsDKnsvhUApsriHY/s2773/Force%20of%20Nature%20Cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2773" data-original-width="1822" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNPxsUWpABwaeoRAwJ3HfoY-a3eldnXZjLM_lEmjsufg5_L4BrNeqgRZJyfmRVLxXG8YRvNMIRfN_v7PtuKTzd2X07L6-YJ9GzOT7Y5jmi5SnFZKX1Q9gR_bNMyM4PhPvb6UtmJ41ZmnVelvvCzRbwaJoKjr297-wW-UzqGxrK2-_AsDKnsvhUApsriHY/s320/Force%20of%20Nature%20Cover.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><div>Three friends, women in their fifties, set out to hike “the most beautiful long-distance trail in the world,” the John Muir Trail. From the outset, their adventure is complicated by self-inflicted accidents and ferocious weather, then enriched when they “adopt” a young hiker abandoned by her partner along the trail.</div><div><br /></div><div>The women experience the terror of lightning at eleven-thousand feet, the thrill of walking through a towering waterfall, and the joy of dancing among midnight moonshadows. For a month, they live immersed in vast natural beauty, tackle the trail’s physical demands, and find camaraderie among an ensemble cast of eccentric trail characters. Together, they are pulled forward toward the trail’s end atop the highest peak in the High Sierra, Mt. Whitney, and the culmination of their transformative journey.</div><div style="font-style: italic;"><br /></div></div><div>Purchase a copy of Force of Nature on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Force-Nature-Three-Women-Tackle-ebook/dp/B0CGRP2V35/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1143979995" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a>, and <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/force-of-nature-three-women-tackle-the-john-muir-trail-joan-m-griffin/20467727?ean=9781685132811">Bookshop.org</a>. You can also add this to your <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/196232451-force-of-nature?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=XDTqIFVcyr&rank=1" target="_blank">GoodReads reading list.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>About the Author, Joan M. Griffin</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_eBdmhabdNje5bH_vzbEz8fhBvEri2fZVQVRQbg4OI_zILhBc-S37dMiN_vH8cm42oHYOcRAaD8fmRyHdE10Gdu_Z8qnDGpaVnGi6WFVrig-QwyX6K1EkXzBnMAZe9sNZth21lRHu2y52SayBlxE8po8_IKDcDlSN_22q3q5AD9fzoLmZlbNmBd9WFxk/s3348/Joan%20M.%20Griffin%20Author%20Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3348" data-original-width="3067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_eBdmhabdNje5bH_vzbEz8fhBvEri2fZVQVRQbg4OI_zILhBc-S37dMiN_vH8cm42oHYOcRAaD8fmRyHdE10Gdu_Z8qnDGpaVnGi6WFVrig-QwyX6K1EkXzBnMAZe9sNZth21lRHu2y52SayBlxE8po8_IKDcDlSN_22q3q5AD9fzoLmZlbNmBd9WFxk/s320/Joan%20M.%20Griffin%20Author%20Photo.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div>Joan lives under the spell of wanderlust. She takes wing, whenever possible, for actual destinations near and far and for literary locales in the pages of books. A native Californian, Joan lives in the Northern California foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada, a world she loves exploring. Joan navigated her way through two careers—marketing computers, then sailboats—before applying her love of storytelling to her dual passions for teaching and writing.</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to working on her next book, Joan teaches women's history and literature for the OLLI programs at Sierra College and UC Davis Extension.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>You can find her online at:</div><div><br /></div><div>Website – <a href="https://www.joangriffin.us/">https://www.joangriffin.us/</a></div><div>Substack/Blog – <a href="https://joangriffin.substack.com/">https://joangriffin.substack.com/</a></div><div>Facebook Author – <a href="http://www.facebook.com/joangriffinauthor">www.facebook.com/joangriffinauthor</a></div><div>Instagram – <a href="https://www.instagram.com/griffin.joan/">https://www.instagram.com/griffin.joan/</a></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div></div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-30030023341571359652023-10-27T16:42:00.001-07:002023-10-27T16:42:06.709-07:00A Healthy Appreciation for Bugs! By Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KFE1XlEbPh7epFwkfr7-3iwvv2YlXBzd90kUxcC5IplmHnxO5Dk1EBOFtswlYNJAWYK300_j1RzlfDt-bG1Z9uurPJFiA_TpsLca2K9zli6xkhMvyAwgHoir7LUdX-sWA7QWgBzVl5WIKbXKhVIfheCTZxfx2k_wrhtPlE0vNErxQRWz4qWsl_BheTHE/s1271/Bee%20pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KFE1XlEbPh7epFwkfr7-3iwvv2YlXBzd90kUxcC5IplmHnxO5Dk1EBOFtswlYNJAWYK300_j1RzlfDt-bG1Z9uurPJFiA_TpsLca2K9zli6xkhMvyAwgHoir7LUdX-sWA7QWgBzVl5WIKbXKhVIfheCTZxfx2k_wrhtPlE0vNErxQRWz4qWsl_BheTHE/s320/Bee%20pic.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br /><div><i>Thank you Rebecca for joining in today! She's doing a blog tour with WOW! Women on Writing about her book "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/182106986-when-mama-grows-with-me?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=jRPSRUGuPA&rank=1" target="_blank">When Mama Grows With Me</a>"</i></div><div><br /></div>My preschooler loves to ask: “What’s your favorite fill-in-the-blank?”. And I love that he asks these questions, because he’s probing for what the other person appreciates and not what they hate! Though when my son asks the bug question, the other person’s immediate response tends to be a narrowing of the eyes and scrunching of the nose. Currently, my son’s favorite bug is a grasshopper. Consider this: when the adult cringes in response to a question that has no wrong answer, what message is that sending to the child?<br /><br />Many people would not place the words appreciation and bugs in the same sentence. Bottom line, bugs keep our ecosystem in balance. Without bugs, human existence couldn’t thrive. According to <a href="https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/the-thought-experiment-what-would-happen-if-all-earths-insects-vanished">BBC Science Focus</a>, if all bugs suddenly disappeared, we would have complete ecological collapse and global famine. That is enough to convince me! Bugs pollinate crops, enrich the soil, control pests, and serve as food for many species. <br /><br />Even the cringiest of all bugs, the cockroach, serves a purpose (although I would much prefer he serves his purpose in my yard and not my house). Cockroaches are decomposers. They eat decaying plant matter, and in turn, deposit nitrogen back into the soil. Nitrogen is crucial for healthy plant growth. Am I saying don’t terminate the critter if you find him in your house? No, as cockroaches do carry bacteria and trigger allergies, but if you see him outside in his appropriate habitat, let him decompose that organic matter in peace.<br /><br />It’s one thing to shrink in disgust at a cockroach, but what about the amazing pollinators, like butterflies, moths, beetles, and bees? Media often centers on the honeybee, but there are over 20,000 species of bees. With the focus on honeybees, one would assume it’s the endangered bee, when in actuality, the native bees are threatened ones. See <a href="https://www.nwf.org/Home/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2021/June-July/Gardening/Honey-Bees">The National Wildlife Federation</a> for more detail. Native bees like a natural habitat, which you can create in your own backyard. For a list of pollinator-friendly plants by region click <a href="https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/pollinator-friendly-plant-lists">here</a>, and check out <a href="https://www.rebeccawwheeler.com/blog/gardening-writing-and-the-between">my tips</a> on creating a pollinator garden.<br /><br />If your child is squeamish around bugs, try the following:<br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Acknowledge their feelings and talk through fears. Consider your own reactions to bugs and how those reactions might be impacting your child.</li><li>Talk with your child about bug safety. Some bugs are best observed at a safe distance, like bees and wasps. Other bugs, like ladybugs and dragonflies, are safe at close range. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to have a dragonfly land on you!</li><li>Teaching your child to remain calm around bugs will also improve safety. Kids understand size differences. Bugs are tiny, and they are probably more scared of you! Rather than shrieking and flailing when you see a bug, practice remaining calm. If you stay calm, the bug is more likely to stay calm as well.</li></ul>And most importantly, talk about how important bugs are to our ecosystem.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIQBytywcd9pN5ZMlr47CI5v-RiDsVi7a2aOJTwq24fPcsC2qAkXASNFcQa4AUX11hXUCq-Pu2TjKd89SScrd2JmP_6YOs5Wftf-hjqXi9WNBfxrV4cHqjcmMbUPZzhrAx9VeBu2QF-u8bpt426nluu6u9-LNNzq2jTRxILrQ5JGnrIWlw3Wlg_7ekx-M/s3150/Pg18-19.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3150" data-original-width="2250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIQBytywcd9pN5ZMlr47CI5v-RiDsVi7a2aOJTwq24fPcsC2qAkXASNFcQa4AUX11hXUCq-Pu2TjKd89SScrd2JmP_6YOs5Wftf-hjqXi9WNBfxrV4cHqjcmMbUPZzhrAx9VeBu2QF-u8bpt426nluu6u9-LNNzq2jTRxILrQ5JGnrIWlw3Wlg_7ekx-M/s320/Pg18-19.tif" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br />In my second yoga-inspired picture book When Mama Grows with Me, Mama models how to calmly observe the bees, and the pair practices bee’s breath in honor of their fuzzy friends!<br /><br /><blockquote>“During the daytime, Mama and I stand very still so we can hear the buzzing bees. The sound comes from their wings beating very fast, which makes the air vibrate. To our ears, the vibrations sound like a hum.<br /><br />I know all the waiting has been worth it since the bees love our colorful flowers! Mama and I thank the bees for keeping our garden healthy by making our own bee sounds.”</blockquote><br />-from When Mama Grows with Me<br /><br />The next time you’re asked, “What’s your favorite bug?” I hope you have a long list!</div><div><br /></div>Purchase a copy on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Grows-Rebecca-Wenrich-Wheeler/dp/195875465X/">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-mama-grows-with-me-rebecca-wheeler/1143718124">Barnes and Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/when-mama-grows-with-me_rebecca-wheeler/39366190/#edition=67654751&idiq=58105966">Thrift Books</a>, or <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/when-mama-grows-with-me-rebecca-wheeler/20214486?ean=9781958754658">Bookshop.org</a>. Make sure you add it to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/182106986-when-mama-grows-with-me">your GoodReads reading list.</a><br /><br /><div><i>Thank you Rebecca!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div>About the Author, Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler</div><div><br /></div><div>Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler was raised in West Point, a small town in the Tidewater region of Virginia. From the moment she submitted her first short story to a young author’s contest in second grade, Rebecca knew she wanted to be a writer. Her love of writing led her to earn a BA in English and an MEd in English education. She spent several years as a high school teacher, during which she also developed a passion for mental health advocacy. Rebecca completed an MA in professional counseling and now works in school-based mental health and as a college adjunct psychology instructor.</div><div> </div><div>Rebecca also teaches yoga for the young and the young at heart, and she likes to infuse yoga and breathwork in her counseling practice wherever she can. She believes the most valuable use of her time is teaching youth how to love and care for each other and the world around them. Her stories share this focus on positive relationships and a love of nature. Rebecca now lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her husband, two children, and two spoiled Siamese cats.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>When Mama Grows with Me</i> is Rebecca’s third book. Her first picture book in the yoga series, <i>When Daddy Shows Me the Sky</i> released November 2021, and her first YA novel, <i>Whispering Through Water</i>, released January 2023. </div><div> </div><div>You can follow her on Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/rebeccawwheeler_author," target="_blank">@rebeccawwheeler_author</a>, Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/RWW_author" target="_blank">@RWW_author</a> and <a href="http://www.rebeccawwheeler.com">www.rebeccawwheeler.com</a></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><br /></div></div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-4906529930761639262023-09-28T15:15:00.003-07:002023-09-28T15:29:26.837-07:00Enter to Win 4 Tickets to the Encanto The Sing Along Film Concert (Giveaway Ends 10/13)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpjA2CwZQTPV0sCG9je_B90yoMWr0sewvqcRTTI0A9SaX6KMGDAuh34Y_mQlwyVldqxUfaQB0y7BhKeYQiZRiEuHFvXc4P_MJybQbxqEKFTMEzFa4KJAZwC9dDWjclC9rv9lQd1o90Wl-2zadS-2YTetc6YMHArFLMbj-ZN41FWZqW280uRKPQzPc85ar/s1080/EncantoSingALong_Clean_1080x1080.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpjA2CwZQTPV0sCG9je_B90yoMWr0sewvqcRTTI0A9SaX6KMGDAuh34Y_mQlwyVldqxUfaQB0y7BhKeYQiZRiEuHFvXc4P_MJybQbxqEKFTMEzFa4KJAZwC9dDWjclC9rv9lQd1o90Wl-2zadS-2YTetc6YMHArFLMbj-ZN41FWZqW280uRKPQzPc85ar/s320/EncantoSingALong_Clean_1080x1080.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How many of you are huge fans of <a href="http://www.encantosingalongconcert.com/" target="_blank">Disney's <i>Encanto</i></a>? If so, you are going to love this giveaway I have for you! In this sing along film concert, you'll have a chance to watch the entire feature-length film and an on-stage band celebrating all the record-breaking hit songs from the beloved soundtrack. The entire band will lead the audience in performing all of the hit songs in sync with the film! I don't know about you but that sounds amazing. Find out more information on <a href="http://www.encantosingalongconcert.com/" target="_blank">their website</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Just watch this video below:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_NzC3hZrAng?si=ymStb-F4qZH7TiOa" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And I get to giveaway four tickets to one lucky winner! Giveaway is for a US only winner. It ends on 10/13/2023. And you'll be choosing from one of these dates/locations:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 12pt;">***Tickets available for only the dates below</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 641px;"><tbody><tr style="height: 15.75pt;"><td nowrap="" style="border: 1pt solid black; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="88"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><br /></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: 1pt solid windowtext; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 118.5pt;" valign="top" width="158"></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: 1pt solid windowtext; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 296pt;" valign="top" width="395"></td></tr><tr style="height: 15.75pt;"><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="88"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">10/17/2023<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 118.5pt;" valign="top" width="158"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Toledo, OH<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 296pt;" valign="top" width="395"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Stranahan Theater<u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 15.75pt;"><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="88"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">10/21/2023<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 118.5pt;" valign="top" width="158"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Schenectady, NY<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 296pt;" valign="top" width="395"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Proctors Theatre<u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 15.75pt;"><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="88"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">10/24/2023<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 118.5pt;" valign="top" width="158"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Wheeling, WV<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 296pt;" valign="top" width="395"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The Capitol Theatre - WV<u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 15.75pt;"><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="88"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">11/2/2023<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 118.5pt;" valign="top" width="158"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Roanoke, VA<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 296pt;" valign="top" width="395"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Berglund Performing Arts Theatre<u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 15.75pt;"><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="88"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">11/3/2023<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 118.5pt;" valign="top" width="158"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Richmond, KY<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 296pt;" valign="top" width="395"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">EKU Center for the Arts<u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 15.75pt;"><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="88"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">11/5/2023<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 118.5pt;" valign="top" width="158"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Savannah, GA<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 296pt;" valign="top" width="395"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Johnny Mercer Theatre<u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 15.75pt;"><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="88"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">11/7/2023<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 118.5pt;" valign="top" width="158"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Birmingham, AL<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 296pt;" valign="top" width="395"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">BJCC Concert Hall<u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 15.75pt;"><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="88"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">11/8/2023<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 118.5pt;" valign="top" width="158"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Atlanta, GA<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 296pt;" valign="top" width="395"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Fox Theatre<u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 15.75pt;"><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 65.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="88"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">11/11/2023<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 118.5pt;" valign="top" width="158"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Clearwater, FL<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 296pt;" valign="top" width="395"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Ruth Eckerd Hall</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Enter via the Rafflecopter below:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="916cf682257" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/916cf682257/" id="rcwidget_yare4b9e" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-18913020995503403772023-09-27T14:53:00.004-07:002023-09-27T14:53:46.378-07:00Getting Started With Solar Energy With Your Solar Starter Kit<div><i>This post contains an affiliate link for which I will receive small compensation if you purchase through my link.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTPZbASg7gB_kIlBIXehDyCgwbQ5vpMvbL4reGeEjNY-EBCLWGJkdRX6AlQiNHXvhxGxT7a6BuSdGzfz6yFtZlcpETXiV398Xx94gLOHt91mrZNehpXjbAI-9txqYu_reio7Rwc3FCrRa0WHRUPPsEZ04gMW4V-F2AayfbSES78Q6FVoBZ9MJ8YMqb5-n/s640/RNG-KIT-STARTER100D-WND30-G3_06__77009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTPZbASg7gB_kIlBIXehDyCgwbQ5vpMvbL4reGeEjNY-EBCLWGJkdRX6AlQiNHXvhxGxT7a6BuSdGzfz6yFtZlcpETXiV398Xx94gLOHt91mrZNehpXjbAI-9txqYu_reio7Rwc3FCrRa0WHRUPPsEZ04gMW4V-F2AayfbSES78Q6FVoBZ9MJ8YMqb5-n/s320/RNG-KIT-STARTER100D-WND30-G3_06__77009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div>Have you been looking for a new solar starter kit, only to find yourself feeling unsure of where to begin? If this is the case for you, the <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1529919&u=678939&m=96785&urllink=www%2Erenogy%2Ecom%2Frenogy%2D100w%2D12v%2Fstarter%2Dkit%2F&afftrack=" target="_blank">Renogy 100W solar starter kit</a> might just be everything you need to begin harnessing solar energy for small loads.<div><br /></div><div><b>Key Features </b></div><div><br /></div><div>As far as solar starter kits go, the <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1529919&u=678939&m=96785&urllink=www%2Erenogy%2Ecom%2Frenogy%2D100w%2D12v%2Fstarter%2Dkit%2F&afftrack=" target="_blank">Renogy 100W Solar Starter Kit</a> undoubtedly provides a great range of products, all bundled into a single cost-saving package. The key includes a 100W 12V monocrystalline solar panel, a BT-1 Bluetooth Model, and a 1000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter. Together, these allow you to create your own small-scale solar starter kit, ideal for many applications. </div><div><br /></div><div>The maximum cell efficiency of the panel is 22%, which helps produce around 500Wh of solar-powered energy daily. The system is also designed to work with several different battery types, giving greater freedom for users. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Pros and Cons </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Pros:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Contains the main things you’ll need to get started with solar panel technology</li><li>Cells are protected from damage thanks to advanced encapsulation materials </li><li>The system’s ease of installation makes getting started with solar panels easier</li><li>Environmental protection is provided by waterproof solar connectors and protective casing</li><li>Made with a quality, corrosion-resistant aluminum frame for longer-lasting performance</li><li>Fully compatible with numerous battery types (lithium, gel, flooded, and sealed)</li><li>Compact and space-saving design is ideal for many surfaces, including car roofs</li></ul>Cons:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Some customers receive an incomplete bundle</li><li>Can be more costly than other packages</li><li>Limited energy storage capacity</li><li>Does not come with a battery for energy storage </li></ul><b>How Does it Perform?</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, the Renogy 100W Solar Starter Kit performs very well, with the vast majority of past customers having a great experience with the brand and the panel performing very reliably. However, the biggest criticism is generally that the bundle is a little overpriced compared to some alternate models; it’s also worth checking that all of the parts arrive as expected, as it’s not unheard of for parts to be missing.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are ready to get started with solar power, get started with the <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1529919&u=678939&m=96785&urllink=www%2Erenogy%2Ecom%2Frenogy%2D100w%2D12v%2Fstarter%2Dkit%2F&afftrack=" target="_blank">100W solar starter kit</a>. You'll want to take advantage now because of their current sales event will give you a deep discount. Purchase your starter kit for only $130. A savings of $96!</div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-67699500772235203822023-08-30T15:47:00.002-07:002023-08-30T16:00:50.025-07:00Raise Your Glass to Ultimate Wine Bliss: 14 Benefits of Joining a Wine Club<div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post contains affiliate links.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D3ReFoR8t-z-nDVaMx9wH6V7AgRFxoMsmfLqgaWn2ITZf3laTFWKJXepUqBslAKOu2PQXRDQ8ukel8bClc4Whc0kvQLvq6MOAhEEmmJQwhRvCkVcXVvfcWLdZ6WL9KcuHEfw0bz7Ns726zEN4ZkStgghBzC5om-gnVcCZqLKddjlx-pvFOQkNRGD5ug2/s640/aperitif-2027177_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="640" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D3ReFoR8t-z-nDVaMx9wH6V7AgRFxoMsmfLqgaWn2ITZf3laTFWKJXepUqBslAKOu2PQXRDQ8ukel8bClc4Whc0kvQLvq6MOAhEEmmJQwhRvCkVcXVvfcWLdZ6WL9KcuHEfw0bz7Ns726zEN4ZkStgghBzC5om-gnVcCZqLKddjlx-pvFOQkNRGD5ug2/s320/aperitif-2027177_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i>Have you ever wanted to indulge in a wine experience that goes beyond just a shipment of bottles? Well, get your palate ready, because I'm about to introduce you to the ultimate wine lover's haven: the <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=58022&u=678939&m=10286&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">California Wine Club</a>. Discover all the benefits of joining a wine club that cares just as much as about its recipients as it does its wineries: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Educate Yourself </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />In every shipment, you'll receive their exclusive wine club magazine, <i>Uncorked</i>. It is like a treasure of wine knowledge. You'll find fascinating wine facts, winery tales, tasting notes, and food pairing tips. It's like having an experienced sommelier right in your home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />2. Customized Your Wine Choices</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Red, white, or perhaps both? <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=58022&u=678939&m=10286&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">The California Wine Club</a> lets you call the shots. Mix and match club levels, change up bottle quantities, and decide how often your wines arrive. Your wine journey, your rules. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />3. You Choose Your Flavor</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Why stick to one flavor when you can enjoy a variety? With this club, you can easily hop between various wine club <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=58022&u=678939&m=10286&urllink=www%2Ecawineclub%2Ecom%2Fclub%2Dbenefits&afftrack=" target="_blank">subscriptions</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />4. Don't Love Your Bottle? Don't Worry<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Say goodbye to sipping wines that you don't love. Their Love It Guarantee is like a safety net for your palate. If a wine isn't your ideal choice, they'll make it right—no questions asked. It's all about sipping happiness. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />5. Keep Track With Your Wine Cellar</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Imagine a virtual cellar that's just for you. Your virtual wine Cellar keeps your bottles organized and at your fingertips. You'll never have to scramble to remember what that bottle was you once enjoyed. It will be right there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">6. Exclusive Savings</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />You can enjoy $1 shipping to most states on 6 or 12 bottle purchases and unlock access to exclusive savings and exceptional wines. Your wine won't gather in the cabinet alone any longer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">7. Easy Account Management</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Change of plans? No problemo! Managing your account is as effortless as sipping your favorite wine. Pause, start, customize deliveries, track your packages, and fine-tune your selections with a simple click. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />8. Access Personal Wine Consultants</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Got a wine-related question at the back of your mind? The Personal Wine Consultants will make your wine club experience even sweeter. Chat with them Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm PST, and let their expertise guide you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> 9. VIP Treatment: Winery Adventures Await</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Planning a wine-centric getaway? You can enjoy VIP tours at the best of wineries around the world. Let the club know, and they'll help plan your trip for an unforgettable experience. They're even in the know about dog-friendly options!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />10. Share the Joy, Reap the Rewards: Refer a Friend</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Give your friends a discount while reaping the rewards yourself. Refer a friend, and when they take the plunge, you'll score a fabulous $100 credit. It's like spreading joy, one bottle at a time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />11. Keep Your Wines Safe in Storage</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Vacation on the horizon? Your wines are in good hands. They offer complimentary storage and will hold your shipments in their temperature-controlled warehouse. They'll be ready to be enjoyed when you return. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />12. Support Wineries</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Behind every sip is a winery with real people who love what they do. By joining this club, you're supporting the dreams of small family wineries. Joining this wine club is all about nurturing a community of passionate wine artisans. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />So, fellow wine drinkers, are you ready to dive into a world of flavors and stories? <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=58022&u=678939&m=10286&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">The California Wine Club</a> is enjoy a sip with you. Cheers to a journey that's as extraordinary as the wines themselves. And it's a <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=58022&u=678939&m=10286&urllink=www%2Ecawineclub%2Ecom%2Fclub%2Dbenefits&afftrack=" target="_blank">great </a>gift to give a friend this holiday season (or yourself, <i>ahem</i>).</div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-32734060700336223322023-07-11T20:20:00.002-07:002023-07-11T20:20:44.670-07:007 Tips on Saving Money on Instacart<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaNUDdokxHTOBW_4daWIM2rGuquANXFyM9fnhYQ-ydsGj_abnDyiKdaCDavN--1V0mHDuRvXLW-nDDdohzwCA8gyJMjvwujQexum3TAqHiPm8X6z_nE8Rzme0TJqOq_veC4baq-pMuiRtTMwz3eyVF_1gz9wrCCbIlejl70SbP9JnqP23qQ2JAPsrq3Uo/s640/supermarket-g296f24ff6_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaNUDdokxHTOBW_4daWIM2rGuquANXFyM9fnhYQ-ydsGj_abnDyiKdaCDavN--1V0mHDuRvXLW-nDDdohzwCA8gyJMjvwujQexum3TAqHiPm8X6z_nE8Rzme0TJqOq_veC4baq-pMuiRtTMwz3eyVF_1gz9wrCCbIlejl70SbP9JnqP23qQ2JAPsrq3Uo/s320/supermarket-g296f24ff6_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post may contain affiliate links where I'll receive a small amount of compensation if you purchase through my link.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm a huge fan of grocery shopping online. It's convenient, especially since I don't have a car. I also love having one convenient app where I can virtually shop at multiple stores for groceries (and other non-grocery items) that my household needs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />My preferred online grocery store service is <a href="http://instacart.oloiyb.net/5EE92" target="_blank">Instacart</a> (second to that, Vitacost). It comes with major benefits you don't see elsewhere. You can chat with your shopper, easily add last-minute items, choose fast shopping times, and be very specific about your expectations (by adding a note on your product choice and by selecting replacement item preferences). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />However, I'm not always a fan of the price.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Sometimes Instacart can be costly. Their prices can be higher than if you shopped in the store and many customers have complained about grocery items being swapped for more expensive options. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Today, I wanted to review a few ways of saving money on Instacart. Keep in mind, if you are the type to use a ton of coupons in your grocery shopping service, you may not like Instacart. You probably are already saving money if you can shop in the store with coupons. But that brings me to the question:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><h2 style="text-align: left;">Why Should Anyone Use Instacart?</h2><div>Instacart was launched in June 2012. I confess I was an early user. I started shopping there back when they used to bring groceries in cloth bags, and you can shop for Whole Foods through the app. So, if you are wondering if Instacart is right for your specific shopping needs, I wanted to review that with you. Instacart is ideal if you:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tend to be an impulse shopper in the grocery store</li><li>Have a terrible time sticking to a shopping list</li><li>Don't have a car</li><li>Don't have time to shop</li><li>Hate grocery shopping in general</li></ul><div>If any of those qualities sound like, you are the perfect person for <a href="http://instacart.oloiyb.net/5EE92" target="_blank">Instacart</a>. But let's go back to the reason why you visited this post in the first place: how can you save money using this service?</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's review a few tips:</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">How to Save Money Shopping on Instacart</h2><div>There are ways to spend <i>less money </i>on Instacart. However, if you already use coupons and frugally grocery shop, you may not need Instacart. It's not exactly the most money-saving way to get groceries, but there are techniques that you can apply to make your grocery total a lot cheaper. Here's how:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Choose a store with in-store pricing.</li></ul><div>Each store can vary according to its pricing policy. You see, some stores offer in-store pricing, and others do not. Here's what to look for:</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvB5weuipwzTE2GQ0DCxBddJuvPf15hgc2pwvkQnS7V3-6HYXHmVoi6SMRdC-LKiIkKybvDH_FzQnntXgEbqo8l_cLOFXxuLvQBZw9DAzD8-GydDEcQZvuFxAUg5zWJonfdYdbNfA0y_vdJm0A77yWJ89ynabOshB-OonAOtnC6FLl6mwpw8kLL4T-PL0J/s1345/Screenshot%202023-07-11%207.30.10%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="1345" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvB5weuipwzTE2GQ0DCxBddJuvPf15hgc2pwvkQnS7V3-6HYXHmVoi6SMRdC-LKiIkKybvDH_FzQnntXgEbqo8l_cLOFXxuLvQBZw9DAzD8-GydDEcQZvuFxAUg5zWJonfdYdbNfA0y_vdJm0A77yWJ89ynabOshB-OonAOtnC6FLl6mwpw8kLL4T-PL0J/w640-h246/Screenshot%202023-07-11%207.30.10%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Pictured above are the stores you'd see if you were shopping in my area (Portland, Oregon). Do you see the stores that say "in-store prices" right below their delivery information? (For the screenshot I shared, that includes just Petco and CVS. So, not the longest list.) The ones that say "in-store prices" are the ones that go with an in-store pricing model. Usually (but not always) that can mean they have lower prices.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can find out what yours does when you select the store you want to shop at and click their pricing policy. My preferred store tends to be New Seasons, and if you see in this top-right section, you can learn what their pricing policy is:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrNLJZYkFcf8T9fARNXkZBp397pSel5IRHAM5BKTSGxVy-3EPIX625fwdr5C22SajovxhqhoJy4Qz8Xn8lbO2JN_S-m7CgmpiIuA2hD1V0QCjKO-A18MCgBtjrGAasDFP_2BR2DQKPdAf-fBJqYLqLZvYacGMpofBtAUejTTIZhTeLAPPQJGZWkjmgkl0/s611/Screenshot%202023-07-11%207.30.53%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="611" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrNLJZYkFcf8T9fARNXkZBp397pSel5IRHAM5BKTSGxVy-3EPIX625fwdr5C22SajovxhqhoJy4Qz8Xn8lbO2JN_S-m7CgmpiIuA2hD1V0QCjKO-A18MCgBtjrGAasDFP_2BR2DQKPdAf-fBJqYLqLZvYacGMpofBtAUejTTIZhTeLAPPQJGZWkjmgkl0/s320/Screenshot%202023-07-11%207.30.53%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>For this store, they have different prices than what you see in the actual store. Usually, that means they're more expensive.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, if you are trying to be as frugal as possible, go with the stores that follow in-store pricing.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Compare prices for products.</li></ul><div>Let's pretend you are shopping for Swiss cheese. But not any Swiss cheese. You want <i>Sargento </i>Swiss cheese. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>At the very top of the website (or at the bottom, on the app), you can search for items in particular. I searched for Sargento Swiss cheese. It gave me a whole list of stores that not only carry Sargento Swiss cheese but all KINDS of Swiss cheese. But the first one listed was Fred Meyer. For argument's sake, let's say I'm not a Fred Meyer shopper, but rather, a Safeaway shopper.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the pricing for Safeway's Sargento Swiss cheese:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2AkL8witMI4YruT0CaeTQWeyyp1G9FP57Z4HcLCvAadNPIOBCiBw_5FYZQDgjrXmGu__okAhzyoZl61zxi7NyaSh6HBJkbL9ycU_s2m_OmXHIrH4h_6g_6QpmI3WaOHQgt9bC69KRQrBixvXhanIc4XJPmqnC_8eT8mLsUtrkv1vJPm68VNEpuwzYmbI/s1331/Screenshot%202023-07-11%207.41.14%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1331" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2AkL8witMI4YruT0CaeTQWeyyp1G9FP57Z4HcLCvAadNPIOBCiBw_5FYZQDgjrXmGu__okAhzyoZl61zxi7NyaSh6HBJkbL9ycU_s2m_OmXHIrH4h_6g_6QpmI3WaOHQgt9bC69KRQrBixvXhanIc4XJPmqnC_8eT8mLsUtrkv1vJPm68VNEpuwzYmbI/w640-h274/Screenshot%202023-07-11%207.41.14%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>You see? Safeway lists the cheese as $4.69 down from $4.99. Deal, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, hold your horses. Because I want to point out something. Let's go to Fred Meyer and see THEIR pricing for Sargento Swiss cheese:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGv5oZLtib2P7eI-0Qe-kLRJCRye8ozq0FP4TD3kFBGvrWbutqOb1XkQQbXw03NK3KJYKmMP8QPOplv-rwZPo1qaIYWZUjcUlKLHI8ytxYalnprkFgrsV5ooOhmbMl7oZdlPM3Qw0GYTUQkM51UGzidEraAieVB4lpalM77euWWBEkJH5DcRid879ZKaN/s1331/Screenshot%202023-07-11%207.42.19%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1331" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGv5oZLtib2P7eI-0Qe-kLRJCRye8ozq0FP4TD3kFBGvrWbutqOb1XkQQbXw03NK3KJYKmMP8QPOplv-rwZPo1qaIYWZUjcUlKLHI8ytxYalnprkFgrsV5ooOhmbMl7oZdlPM3Qw0GYTUQkM51UGzidEraAieVB4lpalM77euWWBEkJH5DcRid879ZKaN/w640-h274/Screenshot%202023-07-11%207.42.19%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Fred Meyer lists their cheese as $3.79. Now, that may not seem like a big deal, but that's a $.90 difference. And that can make a big difference at your grocery bill.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, while I don't recommend you go down this massive rabbit hole of price comparison (because I've done that/do that and it doesn't end up being worth it), it's at least worth comparing. Even if you aren't looking for a particular name brand, other stores may be listing a lower price than your usual go-to store and it's worth looking at. It's also important to note that neither Safeway nor Fred Meyer have in-store pricing and Fred Meyer's is still cheaper than Safeway. So, that's why it's worth the comparison. But like I said, the end price of the grocery store total, may not be <i>that noticeable, </i>but it can make a difference.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Take advantage of their deals, when you can.</li></ul><div>I'm not exactly the type to encourage people to take advantage of deals just for the sake of a deal. In fact, you can end up spending a lot more just to buy things that are on sale. However, if you <i>know </i>you'll buy a particular brand or product, and you have the funds to buy things more than you need at the moment in order to save money, go for the deal.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>With that in mind, Instacart has a lot of deals. And it's worthy of taking a look at. However, don't go for it to just save $5 when in reality you really don't use the items you've bought (or you are open to a cheaper choice). </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Join Instacart Plus.</li></ul><div>I am part of <a href="http://instacart.oloiyb.net/5EE92" target="_blank">Instacart Plus</a>, and it's worth every penny. I joined because of the sheer amount I use Instacart. I'm shopping at least every other day (I prefer doing smaller orders rather than one large bulk order for the week). You get free delivery over $35 and get faster delivery. Plus, if you choose to pick up your order, you can save 5 percent. You also get lower service fees.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't like having to pay service fees any more than the next person. However, every delivery service has them. And what I like the most about Instacart is their reliable service and communicative shoppers. So, if you start using Instacart regularly, join their Instacart Plus program.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Select your replacement items (or add notes).</li></ul><div>One of the complaints I've heard is people is they don't like the is that shoppers may choose more expensive alternatives if the original item isn't available. I highly recommend that you choose an alternative item or make a note about what you want the shopper to choose.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, these are people like you and me who are prone to mistakes and missing the mark. Many shoppers are doing multiple orders, so it's easy to lose track. </div><div><br /></div><div>I recommend choosing an alternative or saying don't replace. Here's how you do that:</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's pretend I want this Q Mixers ginger ale, so I've added it to my cart. When you do, you can scroll down on the website (and in the app) and select a replacement:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0obZTXCRERtbZB4Mh1_Iqc-CiylnKmLAzq0ey-NvRKdTPpBhIUKQpfvHfDL0lzlwNZqrnSBa7YaCpDxuxxEOlWWeDknMBhhSJPrDsqzak4Spqz6j_I-AZGyMN-9zc_1J0s18xLYLP-W2BSNQxCv3ApFYYlnjoIdUnMy4eAljVqk7gdIz5POZYUibl5K0/s1288/Screenshot%202023-07-11%207.56.31%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="1288" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0obZTXCRERtbZB4Mh1_Iqc-CiylnKmLAzq0ey-NvRKdTPpBhIUKQpfvHfDL0lzlwNZqrnSBa7YaCpDxuxxEOlWWeDknMBhhSJPrDsqzak4Spqz6j_I-AZGyMN-9zc_1J0s18xLYLP-W2BSNQxCv3ApFYYlnjoIdUnMy4eAljVqk7gdIz5POZYUibl5K0/w640-h194/Screenshot%202023-07-11%207.56.31%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>So they may recommend a replacement, which you can go ahead and accept. Or, you can add a note there. However, if you want an alternative option, go ahead and select, "other options" and they'll allow you to choose an alternative. Give yourself the best possible experience by choosing an alternate.</div><div><br /></div><div>You do save money in the long run by doing this. I always check my order when I receive it to make sure I got what I wanted, however, not everyone may do this. So, save yourself time and money by selecting alternatives in advance.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Review your order when you receive it (and let Instacart know about any wrong choices/mistakes)</li></ul><div>I always review my order when I receive it to make sure I wasn't charged for anything missed, charged for poorly chosen items, etc. Make sure you review your order once you receive it. Instacart has been really good about giving me store credit or refunds for anything I shouldn't have received and was charged for (or items I didn't receive and was charged for).</div></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Take advantage of their $35 free delivery minimum.</li></ul><div>This is something that you may only notice if you are an <a href="http://instacart.oloiyb.net/EKZvB4" target="_blank">Instacart Plus</a> member. Instacart does have stores that will do a free delivery at a $10 minimum with a much faster delivery time than the original store. The prices for products found at the "now" versions of your favorite store are higher. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Remember that Q Mixers ginger ale I wanted?</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the price at the normal New Seasons store I like:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLwLui9-xYEn-jEezhgVwAhTPcXDgJvLlrCHnkH_6hZn7Xx7CawhnMHpQBAxHnc2NOxLriioD4I-GjcqR8GQC_MAH_QlsBqFfw95jWdNOfsI_Q_lhk7o26i4tRR2405_MQTwNnQHO6OLwCMCrASRwRQvY6l8L7E2Yo3b6GulUFzwbRS3X1vbbnfcAMfMf/s1365/Screenshot%202023-07-11%208.03.22%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1365" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLwLui9-xYEn-jEezhgVwAhTPcXDgJvLlrCHnkH_6hZn7Xx7CawhnMHpQBAxHnc2NOxLriioD4I-GjcqR8GQC_MAH_QlsBqFfw95jWdNOfsI_Q_lhk7o26i4tRR2405_MQTwNnQHO6OLwCMCrASRwRQvY6l8L7E2Yo3b6GulUFzwbRS3X1vbbnfcAMfMf/w640-h270/Screenshot%202023-07-11%208.03.22%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>And this is the price at New Seasons Now:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPLpV6cav5mK2ue4UKwj6aGHWASAfPLmAa_v3cE8fleQ6UBqYEtuszbXrz5JNuVlG4uuvWz-x7LXkuV3fiUAhSh9hyPr91iLyAar2mnMoFQJBfM80KdLLwL7tg_zuK6Su-lh3YY5PDSGhBw_hokcpfP_-W6YqhFyK3dwlcmZ1aOhZBbPM-mEo4ii7TYEd/s1365/Screenshot%202023-07-11%208.03.10%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1365" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPLpV6cav5mK2ue4UKwj6aGHWASAfPLmAa_v3cE8fleQ6UBqYEtuszbXrz5JNuVlG4uuvWz-x7LXkuV3fiUAhSh9hyPr91iLyAar2mnMoFQJBfM80KdLLwL7tg_zuK6Su-lh3YY5PDSGhBw_hokcpfP_-W6YqhFyK3dwlcmZ1aOhZBbPM-mEo4ii7TYEd/w640-h270/Screenshot%202023-07-11%208.03.10%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>That's more than a dollar more for this soda at <i>the same store</i>. It's not worth it! The "now" version of your store where you get free delivery at a $10 minimum is ideal if you truly just want one item. Otherwise, it's not worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope I've offered some helpful tips for saving money on <a href="http://instacart.oloiyb.net/5EE92" target="_blank">Instacart</a>. If you have other tips to share, let me know in the comments! I</div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-79293207219290272732023-07-06T10:32:00.004-07:002023-07-06T10:33:15.552-07:00Five Things To Stop Doing For Healthier Skin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugqFuaK4GefCv5WC1VYZ4NfnjgAJMtX8eEJw2RZF86KOBdwM9JGhcSPQPLZs-dhKL3CnsKLDJh0RXvvnvAVTLAzRQdJDm-3tHHgj2ejmJPVGO99hxwzmGGNxQ_5oky4_eZZ7Xy3Dtb3fbV9NhgazgvEa3-F9pdXz-NGgLOOWkiJ0v0dYUffWeXWlufRGH/s640/beauty-g82b8ca155_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugqFuaK4GefCv5WC1VYZ4NfnjgAJMtX8eEJw2RZF86KOBdwM9JGhcSPQPLZs-dhKL3CnsKLDJh0RXvvnvAVTLAzRQdJDm-3tHHgj2ejmJPVGO99hxwzmGGNxQ_5oky4_eZZ7Xy3Dtb3fbV9NhgazgvEa3-F9pdXz-NGgLOOWkiJ0v0dYUffWeXWlufRGH/s320/beauty-g82b8ca155_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When you look in the mirror, if you are troubled by the skin quality that you see, you may be the cause
of it. We're all committing skin faux pas on a regular basis. Keep in mind that it's entirely possible to
have healthier skin without paying hundreds of dollars on skincare products. Sometimes the healthiest
skin can come around by quitting these simple habits:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Going to bed with makeup on. </b></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You're tired. You've had a bad day. Maybe you've had a late night. Or maybe you're stressed out and can
barely manage to brush your teeth. Likely, the last thing you want to do is worry about is your nightly
skincare routine before bed. Unfortunately, you are doing more harm to your skin than good if you are
going to bed with makeup on. At the very least, keep makeup wipes handy, so no matter how tired you
are you can get rid of the makeup and grime from the day. This single habit alone will make your skin
happier and healthier. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Not getting enough sleep. </b></li></ul><div><b><br /></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Want the secret to movie star skin? More sleep. A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25266053/" target="_blank">study</a> recently showed that poor sleep quality can increase the signs of aging. So, make sure to get at
least eight hours of sleep as well. It will impact how you are feeling and how you look. Get some more
beauty sleep and wake up refreshed and renewed. Your skin will thank you. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Touching your face. </b></li></ul><div><b><br /></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stop touching your face! You're likely doing it right now as you read the article. Any dirt and grime on
your hands goes right into your pores when you touch your face. Unfortunately, you are probably doing
this without even noticing, such as when you are nervous, frustrated, or anxious. Maybe you are leaning
on your hand as you read this very article. So, if you feel like you are a chronic face-toucher, recruit
friends and family to call you on it anytime you start the habit again. The less you touch your face, the
healthier your skin will be. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Eating unhealthy junk foods. </b></li></ul><div><b><br /></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">You know the expression – “We are what we eat”? Well, it's true. What we eat has a direct impact on
our skin health (as well as impacting the rest of our well-being). So, this time of year may not be the
instinctive "eat healthy" season (all that ice cream for hot days!). However, fight the urge to indulge in sugary foods as much as you can. Eat more
of the foods that have a healthy impact such as olive oil, Greek yogurt, almonds, and fish such as
salmon. Be sure to think of it not as a temporary restriction during the summer season though. For the
true benefit of eating healthy for your skin, make it a lifestyle change. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Hot showers. </b></li></ul><div><b><br /></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">This may not be as much of a problem during the summer season, but you might not be able to resist a hot shower on a cold day. Because, really, an ice-cold shower in the winter can be as appealing as walking in the snow with flip-flops. However,
keep in mind that the hot showers you love in the winter do a lot of damage to your skin. Hot water can
strip your skin of essential oils and even stress out your skin. Turn the temperature down a little bit on
the shower and take lukewarm showers instead.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hopefully, you have spotted a few habits you need to break to protect the health of your skin. Just by incorporating a few changes, you'll see the benefits on your face in the long term.</div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-62595444928114006052023-07-05T01:00:00.001-07:002023-07-06T19:10:49.905-07:00What Ever Happened To The Dinosaurs?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Does anyone else remember this TV show?<i> The Dinosaurs </i>ran during the 90s, which was a classic time for those family comedies. Except this time it was dinosaurs. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I only vaguely recall this show in my mind. It had the father (in my now mid-30s mind's eye) being a bit like Dan Conner from <i>The Dinosaurs</i>, the grandma in a wheelchair (somewhat of an older Roseanne?), and a baby that just didn't like the father at all. I vaguely remember the teen characters. It was one of the strange TV shows that seemed like a dream rather than reality.<br />
<br />I confess, despite the fact that I'm a child of the 90s, I completely missed the final episode. However, that doesn't mean I'm unaware of the controversy behind it. (Oh, you didn't know?) Apparently, there was some buzz about it being one of the worst finales (which to me, makes sense, considering the comet hit the characters that also killed the dinosaurs way back when).</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I encourage you to read this fun article with the producers talking about the <a href="https://variety.com/2022/tv/features/dinosaurs-ending-explained-1235354087/" target="_blank">dino</a> characters. The comment, "They're just chilly" definitely made me smile.</div></div>
Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-34333697443448632092022-12-27T17:01:00.006-08:002023-07-06T19:19:56.556-07:00Cento Fine Foods Offers Must-Have Foods for Your Pantry<div style="text-align: left;">When it comes to what you buy for your pantry, you want foods that have real ingredients and not weird fillers you can't pronounce. Not only that, you want a company that you can trust too. On top of that, you want it affordable! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I was excited to try some products from Cento Fine Foods and I encourage you to add them to your pantry shopping list. I had quite a wide variety of samples but here are just a few of my favorites:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1P-qgr2IXpDuT9PMH8BQ-rJhKFeuVZyFMoO2oRQlBocsgytYO30nVg9BXRygSojOr0oeGpPAvEEnWqLWN53DWAuyfIuUuMgITZ-8_GyBhebTAAVZSMN3kQ66v0jNddF1K8ZaYpe6NwfbBm5WX9NCQjircG5R3SJvouHX2Wo8unYn8H-0AOBY_EcbMw/s7908/20221130_140026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6362" data-original-width="7908" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1P-qgr2IXpDuT9PMH8BQ-rJhKFeuVZyFMoO2oRQlBocsgytYO30nVg9BXRygSojOr0oeGpPAvEEnWqLWN53DWAuyfIuUuMgITZ-8_GyBhebTAAVZSMN3kQ66v0jNddF1K8ZaYpe6NwfbBm5WX9NCQjircG5R3SJvouHX2Wo8unYn8H-0AOBY_EcbMw/w353-h284/20221130_140026.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>All of these are now new favorite staples in my pantry! I love chick peas and toss in a bunch of spices and cook them in the oven for like 20 minutes. Yum! They also have some really great marinated artichokes. Those are always something that make for a great snack or added to an Italian pasta salad!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Most of all, I love their olive oil and tomatoes. In fact, they go the extra mile to make sure you know they have quality sourced ingredients. With the olive oil, you can trace it back to the grove where the <a href="https://www.cento.com/brands/cento/bottle-to-branch.php" target="_blank">olives were grown</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />To me, this is obviously a company that wants you to trust what you feed yourself and your family. And another amazing thing is how incredibly affordable their products are to purchase online.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />You don't want to miss their products! Make sure you check them out on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cento&ref=nb_sb_noss" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or<a href="https://www.cento.com/" target="_blank"> shop on their online store</a>. Shipping costs can be a bit high so make sure you request them in a store near you!</div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-22895668146125452132022-10-24T18:42:00.003-07:002022-10-24T18:57:12.111-07:00Win Tickets to Disney Princess - The Concert<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWzpyq5U4KGY80cstzCB7AvT_YvgiNJWihaK0uwrhBiND-Y91R1il6PO94EMssY5uWm03tSYQfgx8bRxR3WGwWpYNCqXE3rfi4uY_GHV5qHTLwW9sBM6zy5fCrCuik8irvYbER-1UUntOwW88X3fHy7w6Jq2XNmBDW-bEY41YZd3Yk9rm3_IhCEZ3vg/s800/image002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="800" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWzpyq5U4KGY80cstzCB7AvT_YvgiNJWihaK0uwrhBiND-Y91R1il6PO94EMssY5uWm03tSYQfgx8bRxR3WGwWpYNCqXE3rfi4uY_GHV5qHTLwW9sBM6zy5fCrCuik8irvYbER-1UUntOwW88X3fHy7w6Jq2XNmBDW-bEY41YZd3Yk9rm3_IhCEZ3vg/w640-h336/image002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't believe I am sharing this amazing giveaway with you all! One lucky reader of my blog will have the chance to win 4 tickets to Disney Princess – The Concert!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>About Disney Princess – The Concert</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b>For generations, Disney’s Princesses have enchanted us with their courage and kindness. Their music has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, for the first time in forever, that beloved music will be celebrated in Disney Princess – The Concert! Be our guest as an all-star quartet of Broadway and animated film icons celebrate all the Disney Princesses and Frozen Queens in an unforgettable evening of songs, animation, and stories, alongside their magical Music Director and enchanting Prince.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Check out this fun video!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtjQ8lmUYVw" width="320" youtube-src-id="HtjQ8lmUYVw"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So in order to win the 4 tickets to the show, you must be able to attend one of the following shows dates/locations:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstGnE8cR2mjUOO-C-8w8Ixs6gvIRDfFvmMoliB8H_FlWgdDxN2rrPB-fzukGKg-YfSXksuxViT50zLNKJj4silwazplB0XDCtT5Lxh_UJYfLLc3rfnUqYpI0oHdauYxZCUbqUAwboHhh0k9Hq5wWNCkbaTWQsoKziQk_Q4dh4FwsnRl641xD57CeiDw/s1485/Untitled%20spreadsheet%20-%20Sheet1%20(1)-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="1271" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstGnE8cR2mjUOO-C-8w8Ixs6gvIRDfFvmMoliB8H_FlWgdDxN2rrPB-fzukGKg-YfSXksuxViT50zLNKJj4silwazplB0XDCtT5Lxh_UJYfLLc3rfnUqYpI0oHdauYxZCUbqUAwboHhh0k9Hq5wWNCkbaTWQsoKziQk_Q4dh4FwsnRl641xD57CeiDw/w548-h640/Untitled%20spreadsheet%20-%20Sheet1%20(1)-1.jpg" width="548" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ready to win? Simply enter via Rafflecopter below! The winner will choose which event they will be able to attend and I'll make sure they get those tickets. Giveaway ends October 31st and I'll reach out to the winner on November 1st!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="916cf682253" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/916cf682253/" id="rcwidget_k1ijel6e" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-18048547757368345312022-10-16T18:22:00.004-07:002023-07-06T19:20:39.285-07:003 Ways to Recover After Your Workout<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ2CMoh5do4F5KUXUB8-CukUAL9YyY9_nHCah7CoMyMBUeM3m3p59ILlvhvhdDyJFa4UCGZihF8UKbAvKh6Nhne0m_CJqJrmsQ-5ewkMmmkM4-cGJ2o9833Uxn4yp1wg0OCdtjvnXlwdZPYoO0jYBZ5lp4w9S6zprkYlTlpHWpvkGIe3P06DVzcWBKg/s640/woman-g5683478c6_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ2CMoh5do4F5KUXUB8-CukUAL9YyY9_nHCah7CoMyMBUeM3m3p59ILlvhvhdDyJFa4UCGZihF8UKbAvKh6Nhne0m_CJqJrmsQ-5ewkMmmkM4-cGJ2o9833Uxn4yp1wg0OCdtjvnXlwdZPYoO0jYBZ5lp4w9S6zprkYlTlpHWpvkGIe3P06DVzcWBKg/s320/woman-g5683478c6_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been pushing yourself during your workout, without making sure you rest and recover, you may be experience results that don't feel all that good. By giving your body time to restore itself, you are giving yourself the best chance at coming back stronger and reducing the risk of injury. Consider some of these best practices to improve your workout recovery time and get stronger every day.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1. Get more rest.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting a good night's sleep is essential to your overall health, both mentally and physically. If you aren't getting enough rest, you are missing one of the benefits of sleep to your post-workout recovery. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep will improve your workout performance and recovery time. If you are the type to exercise or train earlier in the day, take a short twenty-minute nap a couple of hours after your workout. It'll re-energize you and won't get in the way of your nocturnal sleep.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>2. Improve your protein intake.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20045506" target="_blank">Protein helps</a> the body in a variety of ways, and the benefits of protein vary based on the time you are eating it. For example, eating protein right before bed can help your muscles repair while you sleep. Having protein in during the morning can help rebuild your muscles and give you an energy boost for the day. If you haven't eaten for a while since finishing your workout, make sure you get a protein boost afterward between 20-50 grams, based on your weight. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>3. Drink plenty of fluids.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Any athlete or individual with an active exercise lifestyle knows that hydration is essential to your body's wellbeing. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28126906/" target="_blank">Having a proper amount of water</a> before and after a workout helps prevent dehydration. Many people have water before a workout but forget to do it afterward, which can lead to dehydration. If you sweat excessively during your workout, replacing the fluids in your body is even more essential. <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">These simple tips we have listed above are the easiest ways to make sure you recover after a workout and reduce soreness. Keep in mind though as you continue to push yourself during your workouts, some soreness is expected. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-48233270152918217632022-07-27T11:00:00.001-07:002023-07-06T19:22:07.336-07:005 Memorable Backyard Camping Ideas <p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHxd7giOYbTqf0ll3669tB2NVaVXIf35f6GsxGHEgGXO17hJNxbWm3iEBwl1iegE4cthoPh_GvDDxKSSdUsL9iPo0IxSjCveKfswkvbypYhmEK288xNz8v6kHK9usXOLOOpIMBKDNYdwCn5G8u3bHG8giJtfCZ2r0TOsawtBQVBy7fKxdfFJ7k-NDAw/s640/barn-gaca89df7e_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHxd7giOYbTqf0ll3669tB2NVaVXIf35f6GsxGHEgGXO17hJNxbWm3iEBwl1iegE4cthoPh_GvDDxKSSdUsL9iPo0IxSjCveKfswkvbypYhmEK288xNz8v6kHK9usXOLOOpIMBKDNYdwCn5G8u3bHG8giJtfCZ2r0TOsawtBQVBy7fKxdfFJ7k-NDAw/s320/barn-gaca89df7e_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Camping in your backyard is a great way to introduce kids to the outdoor lifestyle within a safe atmosphere. With the right setup, your backyard campout can be as memorable as ever. So, if you're in the mood for s'mores and sleeping under the stars, we have a few backyard camping ideas for you to make it an unforgettable experience. <div><br />1) Get the tent out. </div><div><br />For your campout, and before night falls, have the whole family work together to set up the tent. Use this time to instruct your child about how the tent serves as not only shelter but also protection from any possible dangers you may experience in the outdoors. </div><div><br />2) Utilize that fire pit. </div><div><br />A fire pit is ideal for camping in the backyard. You can use it for cooking up s'mores and telling scary stories. You will want your fire pit to be of good quality. Before you know it, your fire pit will become one of your favorite aspects of your backyard. </div><div><br />3) Pack some good food. </div><div><br />To have the right type of campout, make sure you pack all the food you need for your backyard adventure. For dinner, get all the items you need for your grill, such as hot dogs, burgers, and all the fixings. Prepare some tasty sides, such as potato or macaroni salad the day before. Get some chips, vegetables, and dip. Not to mention, pack all the ingredients for s'mores. For breakfast, you can get your griddle pan to make pancakes or fried eggs. </div><div><br />4) Get the right lighting. </div><div><br />You will want to have the right lighting, so you can still enjoy your backyard as it gets dark. Adding string lights can create a unique atmosphere, and will likely be something you leave up all season long. Give your kids flashlights and play a game of flashlight tag. Don't forget to bring the flashlights out when it's time to tell scary stories. </div><div><br />5) Play fun, outdoor games. </div><div><br /><a href="https://www.wired.com/2009/08/simpleoutdoorplay/" target="_blank">Outdoor games</a> are a great way to enjoy your backyard camping trip. If you are up for the challenge, plan a scavenger hunt for your kids. Play games like Frisbee, tag, and yard games like croquet. Be sure to include toys and games your kids can play while you cook, like board games, puzzles, and coloring books. <br />Camping in the backyard can be a fun way to show your kids how to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you can't have a traditional camping adventure this season for any reason, this is still an excellent way to make memories and enjoy the fresh air. <br /><p></p></div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-13796842894337947862022-07-19T10:42:00.002-07:002023-07-06T19:22:58.063-07:00Top 5 Outdoor Living Space Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwniUb3t-yGp26jsEeO927n5K8T92FxDDzAUm0ctrjo7YfqGxAqNzqmXIB9Rg7CH_tuGmHL0mMHjWYldNfvbHnDwXtSo7nOnw3GPG81PZHKQ08OfsZ_GpkXAK4diMtZAcDVjkmVwOpLmkPHecKLTyDz-BVWmlqwsN9PoHPELe6d4y0gUGIaSA4ySfoQ/s640/seating-gb531bcc95_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwniUb3t-yGp26jsEeO927n5K8T92FxDDzAUm0ctrjo7YfqGxAqNzqmXIB9Rg7CH_tuGmHL0mMHjWYldNfvbHnDwXtSo7nOnw3GPG81PZHKQ08OfsZ_GpkXAK4diMtZAcDVjkmVwOpLmkPHecKLTyDz-BVWmlqwsN9PoHPELe6d4y0gUGIaSA4ySfoQ/s320/seating-gb531bcc95_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Summer is upon us and it's not too late to give your backyard some much-needed attention. We're sharing a few outdoor living space ideas to make it an appealing place for you and your crew to enjoy. Whether you need an upgrade to your existing space, looking to remodel, or have no idea where to begin, here are a few easy ways for you to begin:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />1) A variety of comfortable seating choices. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Having comfortable places to sit and relax is essential to an outdoor living space. As you select your seating options, consider the purpose of the seating area, and how many people you want to be able to accommodate. If you want the area to feel more like a living room, you will want to have a few comfortable sofas and chairs. If you want the ability to have meals outdoors, you will want to the seating and the table to accommodate this expectation. Be sure you still have enough room for people to walk, play, and move around in the space. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />2) Appropriate lighting. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />During the evening and late-night hours, you will want lighting that will add an ambiance while also makes sure people see where they are going. For your seating areas, consider using torches, lamps, and string lights to cast a warm, inviting glow around your space. If you don't like dealing with outdoor lighting and electrical questions, consider looking into a few solar lighting options. Also, be sure to install accent lighting to highlight pathways and other designated areas. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />3) Add some shade. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />In the summer months, make sure you shade yourself and your loved ones from the sun and the heat. Umbrellas will easily add shade around seating areas. A canopy, such as a fabric sail shade, over your backyard, will protect you and your guests from the sun and add privacy to your outdoor living space. <br />4) Include a little warmth. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Fireplaces or fire pits are a must-have item that you can accommodate any budget. You don't need an elaborate outdoor fireplace for your outdoor living space. Fire pits can be very affordable and very stylish. They also serve a variety of purposes. If you have the budget, installing a pizza oven can also be a fun addition to your outdoor living space - and can add some tasty memories to your home. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />5) Don't forget the plants. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />As you finalize the must-haves for your outdoor living space, don't forget about adding a little bit of green to your outdoor living space. You don't need an established garden area, but consider planting a few seasonal plants for changing color. Planting vines can also provide extra shade and privacy as well as style. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />While the summer lingers, be sure to consider these top outdoor living space ideas.</div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-25346181710995179332021-11-07T13:22:00.001-08:002023-07-06T19:25:21.393-07:0010 Gift Ideas for The Most Difficult Person On Your List<div style="text-align: left;">The holiday season is upon us and earlier than ever! Looking for the right gift has never been easy, but if you are stumped for ideas, it can be even harder. Of course, it's the thought that counts, but we still want our gifts to be thoughtful, regularly used, and not donated or sold after a few weeks. It's especially difficult when you can't decide what to get for someone really particular. Whether you want to upgrade their gear or give them something they won't be able to forget, we have just the right gift for this holiday season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>AJNA 37L DuraDiamond™ Travel and Adventure Camera Backpack ($349.99, <a href="https://shop.fstopgear.com/camera-bags/ajna-37l-duradiamond-travel-and-adventure-camera-backpack/">fstopgear.com</a>)</b></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD53h5J_Ss2pZs2yeTZJSS-ZbCTn5lfTKsGxTkbcsqFBe-G8qvFNZOWuK2BcNL_3yNBOMj4d31lblBbrwDsEQ9lzYkV4J13NVhYu5adrfLs6xBEV0HJRF300WsdhkAazq2UngRheCY2m4E/s768/fstop_DuraDiamond_Ajna_Magma_Front.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD53h5J_Ss2pZs2yeTZJSS-ZbCTn5lfTKsGxTkbcsqFBe-G8qvFNZOWuK2BcNL_3yNBOMj4d31lblBbrwDsEQ9lzYkV4J13NVhYu5adrfLs6xBEV0HJRF300WsdhkAazq2UngRheCY2m4E/s320/fstop_DuraDiamond_Ajna_Magma_Front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>f-stop is the world's leading camera bag and accessory company and their new Ajna backpack is a major step up in their designs. Perfect for the outdoorsy type, the travel-obsessed, or the photographer on your list, this lightweight carry-on compatible pack is weather-resistant with improved strength and organization. The DuraDiamond™ material is proprietary to f-stop and in combination with the T6 aluminum and plastic hardware adds strength to critical carry components. Thanks to the aluminum frame, it shifts the pack's weight to the hips, making it a comfortable carry all day long. <p></p><p><b>Analog Waking Clock ($299.00, <a href="https://oneclock.co/products/analog-waking-clock">OneClock.co</a>)</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrlv3WeAmPL76lLTutNSQbq5SV39eBiI-hKJCD3QAE5gCucaWTafO5CM4y-iqNOxl83hEdEhsRyzbTJffz_KrN_MYWt32Rj5hrZW27vEgvmH1mMVzC4yMmJhVb0CxgPt7vZ_WI64qtJKh/s800/OneClock_Product_Preview.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrlv3WeAmPL76lLTutNSQbq5SV39eBiI-hKJCD3QAE5gCucaWTafO5CM4y-iqNOxl83hEdEhsRyzbTJffz_KrN_MYWt32Rj5hrZW27vEgvmH1mMVzC4yMmJhVb0CxgPt7vZ_WI64qtJKh/s320/OneClock_Product_Preview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Launched in early 2021, OneClock has designed a minimalist analog clock that will gently wake you up using science-based sounds. Perfect for the minimalist, the tech overloaded, or sleep-deprived on your shopping list, this device was purposely designed to keep tech out of the bedroom and improve sleeping habits. It doesn't have Bluetooth, WiFi, or apps; in fact, it doesn't even have a snooze button. The OneClock is built by hand using high-quality, long-lasting parts with a precision machined aluminum enclosure, solid wood front and back, and a low glare glass face. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cleo+Coco Daily Essentials Kit ($49, <a href="https://cleoandcoco.com/products/daily-essentials" target="_blank">CleoAndCoco.com)</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcky6UTNigCYJTBLc5kFd9g1S6rjN6iapUCw93AjNw16QvBkhiYfg4ZMKopZSZ33M2x9PDLN4oN-VQr9K1B1lvzTAihC76ZDqSD9JqsAWzZUcbE9w_7uor2dSYVthwrkUy3QgZC0JGsfAo/s1250/cc-daily-essentials_1024x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="940" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcky6UTNigCYJTBLc5kFd9g1S6rjN6iapUCw93AjNw16QvBkhiYfg4ZMKopZSZ33M2x9PDLN4oN-VQr9K1B1lvzTAihC76ZDqSD9JqsAWzZUcbE9w_7uor2dSYVthwrkUy3QgZC0JGsfAo/s320/cc-daily-essentials_1024x.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The expectation for clean products is on the rise, and that person on your list who wants to save the planet, but also get good skincare products, will love the Cleo+Coco products. Their Daily Essentials skincare kit is a perfect bundle to give, which includes their Coconut Cleanse Face+Body Bar, Mineral Cleanse Hand+Body Bar, Charcoal Deodorant, and Dry Shampoo+Body Powder. Not only are these products free of aluminum and petroleum, but are free of synthetic fragrances that normally hide dangerous ingredients like parabens. So much more than a deodorant, this is a luxury skincare item that will please even the most particular on your list. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Motif Passion Flowers by Luz Flora ($39.00, <a href="https://luzflora.com/collections/holidays/products/passion-motif-multi-flower-arrangement?variant=39528712962179">LuzFlora.com</a>)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoYEW5jVdfdeDuAnrbZtZsFmhyzQVB3vd8tRCCBPcFt39KXEYYelNF9UqHfO2iGp1Uid6p5oAPG2r0aRF5K8LECjBhxgOCcqnwcYNM3dWmClv-v004qvAb4_d1dQ8vJp_kdkntoRYJ8zr/s659/Untitled-3-10_900x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="659" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoYEW5jVdfdeDuAnrbZtZsFmhyzQVB3vd8tRCCBPcFt39KXEYYelNF9UqHfO2iGp1Uid6p5oAPG2r0aRF5K8LECjBhxgOCcqnwcYNM3dWmClv-v004qvAb4_d1dQ8vJp_kdkntoRYJ8zr/s320/Untitled-3-10_900x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Founded by former filmmaker and author Macarena Luz Bianchi, Luz Flora was designed to brighten someone's day and bring joy to someone even in the midst of a difficult time. Purchase her red Motif Passion bouquet containing the blooms: Rose, Gerbera, Alstroemeria, Protea Pincushion, Cocculus, Hypericum. The Haute Couture arrangement contains 50 stems, and the Glamour Grande contains 25 steams. Add one of Bianchi's keepsake books to your gift to make this a long-lasting gift, perfect for someone who needs the touch of a bouquet of flowers for the holiday season. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Elderflower Liqueur ($220, <a href="https://www.reservebar.com/products/st-germain-x-anna-sui-bottle-tote">ReserveBar.com</a>)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIa196QCuRmtGMQsSqhIOsOk7mekJpjjZqgT8-nbW-6oUmVEdb6GCGm7SYV2QhrOq_OEHGfmadnM5G8AJr6cM2cyPa0hJUkjJMUnZcwSwFqO4fH6geGzdPfvMKfbZmE81fFJFFP6wRB62A/s768/St_Germain_Anna_Sui_Tote.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIa196QCuRmtGMQsSqhIOsOk7mekJpjjZqgT8-nbW-6oUmVEdb6GCGm7SYV2QhrOq_OEHGfmadnM5G8AJr6cM2cyPa0hJUkjJMUnZcwSwFqO4fH6geGzdPfvMKfbZmE81fFJFFP6wRB62A/s320/St_Germain_Anna_Sui_Tote.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Made with 1,000 handpicked elderflowers, St-Germain® launches a limited-edition partnership of their St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur with iconic fashion designer Anna Sui. Encasing a 750ml of St. Germain is a tote designed with Anne Sui's signature touch and whimsical aesthetic. The tote features an intricate blue and green floral crochet design that matches the bright flavors of the liqueur it holds. This gift is perfect for the hostess in your home and she will delight at the dash of inspiration this liqueur brings to the cocktails of the season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>JURA Chrome E8 Coffee Machine ($2,499.00, <a href="https://shopjura.com/e8-chrome-naa.html">ShopJura.com</a>)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHScK2F_C1JTKP1vyTi6ORr_YTQHQlvPx6rm8gubF7eDQ6IAzvfSxcRoiTvH1GgcHgStv2pAy02cQ0m1MtiBnlUM9b64pDajKJJAxyQe6hWvJJYvilePzJ401WXk4UrZ2zJij04M1wb87/s400/JURA_E8_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHScK2F_C1JTKP1vyTi6ORr_YTQHQlvPx6rm8gubF7eDQ6IAzvfSxcRoiTvH1GgcHgStv2pAy02cQ0m1MtiBnlUM9b64pDajKJJAxyQe6hWvJJYvilePzJ401WXk4UrZ2zJij04M1wb87/s320/JURA_E8_Chrome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">JURA's new generation of coffee makers blends versatility and luxury with increased functionality is a phenomenal choice for the coffee lover on your list. Included in the device are a Professional Aroma Grinder and JURA's state-of-the-art Pulse Extraction Process where the best coffee aromas develop. With their Fine Foam Frother, Extra Shot Function, and intelligent pre-heating along with the ability to control the device from a smartphone, this is an innovative machine designed to make cafe-quality coffee from home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>EttaVee Designed Planners (price per item varies; <a href="http://ErinCondren.com">ErinCondren.com</a>)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQ4RijY0s1Sroi_RxzO2Z9NfqeTpHyc4-XVJMC5pF3JYhp17rBZ9FDsdOq50_Zi9zO4OfpoJZaFPuAecnkt6_eVkue9517W74aThbQxge8s0Ll_RYovvMExHznk_rGu7I8vcXygHTwztL/s2000/Erin_Condren_Photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQ4RijY0s1Sroi_RxzO2Z9NfqeTpHyc4-XVJMC5pF3JYhp17rBZ9FDsdOq50_Zi9zO4OfpoJZaFPuAecnkt6_eVkue9517W74aThbQxge8s0Ll_RYovvMExHznk_rGu7I8vcXygHTwztL/s320/Erin_Condren_Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the ultimate planner, you'll want to give them a piece from the newest Erin Condren collection who has partnered with lifestyle brand, EttaVee. Featuring vibrant hand-painted designs by EttaVee, this collection inspires people to see the beauty in the world around us. Select from a variety of planners and notebooks along with personalized stationery and stickers. An excellent gift to give to the person in your life who loves planning ahead and adores artsy-inspired collections like this.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>G-Shock Analog-Digital GA900VB-1A Men's Watch ($140, <a href="https://www.gshock.com/watches/analog-digital/ga900vb-1a">GShock.com</a>)</b></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_gFcwSYh7CO04XBua1M5llyemdhehKiLbkqt6yYuHbEFjyguqe7dQHXeUBhNxlM0VqOCLkhBk4zSzU5gEcKJYElIXcKAE9jGEyh_016PxQBakjvhM5RL5zH_9_YQPHV0SWLQkY4wbXQv/s809/GA900VB-1A_hd.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_gFcwSYh7CO04XBua1M5llyemdhehKiLbkqt6yYuHbEFjyguqe7dQHXeUBhNxlM0VqOCLkhBk4zSzU5gEcKJYElIXcKAE9jGEyh_016PxQBakjvhM5RL5zH_9_YQPHV0SWLQkY4wbXQv/s320/GA900VB-1A_hd.png" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Part of the new line-up of men's G-SHOCK timepieces, the Virtual World collection evokes a futuristic style as seen in many virtual reality concerts, video games, and movies. It has the signature toughness and designs of previous G-SHOCK models with a striking, bold blue-violet color that appears to be from another world or time. The GA900VB-1A watch has a standout octagonal bezel and thin case featuring a carbon core guard structure, as well as a unique light fade-out feature on the dial. It's the most eye-catching gift that would be perfect for someone who loves a classic, but futuristic-looking timepiece.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>BURST Oral Care Lavender Water Flosser and Sonic Toothbrush ($79.99 each, <a href="https://www.macys.com/shop/featured/burst">Macys.com</a>)</b></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdru4yhmosMx23TYcRLXYH4svIl8wae_h6w60oYCxxNr1Dj7Ce3MhLVJO6oOR7NixmwHc5a2CTkmOyAMRdctb2hrzu14knk6DjSp0Wl26_Zdo-Zd27Yrk-uUWcHlAfo59PinuuiqvE6m7/s768/burst_lavender_still.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdru4yhmosMx23TYcRLXYH4svIl8wae_h6w60oYCxxNr1Dj7Ce3MhLVJO6oOR7NixmwHc5a2CTkmOyAMRdctb2hrzu14knk6DjSp0Wl26_Zdo-Zd27Yrk-uUWcHlAfo59PinuuiqvE6m7/s320/burst_lavender_still.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">BURST Oral Care brings luxury to oral care with their new limited edition Lavender Water Flosser and Sonic Toothbrush. Wrapped in a matte lavender, this duo will elevate your teeth cleaning routine. The Sonic Toothbrush is a hygenist favorite with amazing results and glowing reviews from consumers. The Water Flosser is a go-to for people looking for a compact device that lasts 80-days on a single charge. At the intersection of beauty and home, this limited edition pairing is an excellent gift to give to the one with a mega-watt smile (and want to keep it that way).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Barmy Home Spa Gift Set ($29.99, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G4J12DB?maas=maas_adg_FDE8B59CCB781BF847D0216131B24D7B_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas">Amazon.com</a>)</b></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkFbbvMdhgBCWRMwueRRcDHxOUdnndLQ3b7hcQru_fpBLzkgtCdgWhwd4W_4M-RLLhwT3jh9POFHHh4mB5yoITxXqvyOfdsiDKRptn1S7zMX44YIW-Z-NXv0C6jCMGzMeUqOphUf15Sho/s2048/21BARM_LuxurySpa_Set_Amazon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkFbbvMdhgBCWRMwueRRcDHxOUdnndLQ3b7hcQru_fpBLzkgtCdgWhwd4W_4M-RLLhwT3jh9POFHHh4mB5yoITxXqvyOfdsiDKRptn1S7zMX44YIW-Z-NXv0C6jCMGzMeUqOphUf15Sho/s320/21BARM_LuxurySpa_Set_Amazon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Who doesn't need a spa day? Handmade in the USA, Barmy offers up an affordable luxury gift designed to give you the spa experience you may be missing out on. The set contains four large Bath Bombs, Goat's Milk Soap, and Bath Salt. Each item is made with quality ingredients and comes in an exquisitely designed gift box. Thanks to being in the USA, you won't run into any supply-chain issues like you may with some other items. </div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-75236723218577040712021-08-23T12:14:00.000-07:002021-08-23T12:14:13.198-07:00$1 Deals at PaperMart & a Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEmhiF5-H_SrJGYKaRxRlZUaUFVsEevehp_0M3cAaaUs5fGg50f2UkooKKthTX-9diF6MBvHJnhQ_ELUnw4L_fjkyHZwLsC58CQ84yPYISf372z8832pAoLNnTYe03qtPN-BDdMaeVBaH/s656/106472978_10156972640881986_4655520640966654042_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="656" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEmhiF5-H_SrJGYKaRxRlZUaUFVsEevehp_0M3cAaaUs5fGg50f2UkooKKthTX-9diF6MBvHJnhQ_ELUnw4L_fjkyHZwLsC58CQ84yPYISf372z8832pAoLNnTYe03qtPN-BDdMaeVBaH/s320/106472978_10156972640881986_4655520640966654042_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As we say goodbye to summer and embrace the fall season, we're preparing for many upcoming holidays and times of the year. School season, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more! If you feel overwhelmed by the prospects of having to get all the right wrapping and packaging for your upcoming holiday plans, places like Papermart are perfect to add to your must-shop list. </p><p>PaperMart has the largest in-stock selections and has been around for years! They offer everything from bulk bags, shipping supplies, food packaging, party materials, and so much more.</p><p>So coolest of all, Paper Mart is having a MAJOR anniversary sale! Starting 8/23 through 8/29 they are marking down items to just $1! You don't even need a coupon to take advantage of this deal. </p><p>I'm really excited about their wrapping items, like these <a href="https://m.svnlnk.com/m/p/25925415/8574186/c/935966/r?afsrc=1&dl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.papermart.com%2Fp%2Fchristmas-poly-pull-bows%2F38078" target="_blank">Christmas bow</a>s available in this deal that started today. Items like this are so wonderful to have on hand as early as possible for the upcoming holiday season. Perfect for gift-giving, and for people who have birthdays around the holiday season like yours truly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.papermart.com/Images/Item/large/44579-index-w.jpg?rnd=2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="600" src="https://www.papermart.com/Images/Item/large/44579-index-w.jpg?rnd=2" width="600" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>And I'm so excited to announce an amazing giveaway where you can win one of 10 $20 Papermart GIft Godes. Make sure to enter via my giveaway link <a href="https://www.savings.com/coupons/papermart.com#i-5771001" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p>Giveaway ends on August 25th at 11:59 PM PST. All you do enter your email address on the form <a href="https://www.savings.com/coupons/papermart.com#i-5771001" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">page</a>. You'll be notified by email on Thursday 8/26. See complete <a href="https://www.savings.com/terms.html?id=326" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Official Rules</a> for entry instructions, full prize descriptions, restrictions and other important details.</p><p><i>T<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">his post is sponsored by Sivan Social. All comments and opinions are my own.</span></i></p>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-22784324035994513922021-08-03T02:00:00.001-07:002021-08-03T02:00:00.205-07:0020 Tasty Watermelon Recipes You Don't Want to Miss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiea3wxTIYoblp4SsYrO2cO7MvDhdsIGaHZzLPCw-go0gy8i-uA7H0PznYKgBRMoEsRh_-AaUM9O-QF9AKm-1COhnw-mh6KB5AigZZbbPhA465d3w4AepFu4a4PhoQHW27CqV9uGWRszgWL/s1500/Food+Blog+Breakfast+Recipes+Pinterest+Pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiea3wxTIYoblp4SsYrO2cO7MvDhdsIGaHZzLPCw-go0gy8i-uA7H0PznYKgBRMoEsRh_-AaUM9O-QF9AKm-1COhnw-mh6KB5AigZZbbPhA465d3w4AepFu4a4PhoQHW27CqV9uGWRszgWL/w213-h320/Food+Blog+Breakfast+Recipes+Pinterest+Pin.png" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Did you know that August 3rd is National Watermelon Day? In honor of this day, I put together a collection of 20 tasty and unique watermelon recipes that are sure to inspire your palate. Try some zesty and unique salads, and blend together some frosty drinks. Our favorite summer fruit has never looked so good!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://inmamamaggieskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Watermelon-Agua-Fresca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="483" height="320" src="https://inmamamaggieskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Watermelon-Agua-Fresca.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Try this refreshing and light <a href="https://inmamamaggieskitchen.com/watermelon-agua-fresca/" target="_blank">Watermelon Agua Fresca</a> to cool down on warm days. Made simply with watermelon, water, and sugar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://celebrationgeneration.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Watermelon-Wine-Pinterest.jpg.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://celebrationgeneration.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Watermelon-Wine-Pinterest.jpg.webp" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://celebrationgeneration.com/homemade-watermelon-wine" target="_blank">Homemade Watermelon Wine</a> is tasty, easy to make and a unique choice for summer imbibing. Making it requires only fairly basic ingredients.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/WatermelonLemonade-3-768x960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/WatermelonLemonade-3-768x960.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There’s no better way to freshen up than with a cold and thirst-quenching drink! <a href="https://plantbasedonabudget.com/recipe/cucumber-watermelon-lemonade/" target="_blank">This cucumber watermelon lemonade</a> is perfect for those hot summer days when sitting in the shade sipping a cold drink.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://littlesunnykitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Watermelon-Salad-with-feta-1-1024x1536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://littlesunnykitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Watermelon-Salad-with-feta-1-1024x1536.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This <a href="https://littlesunnykitchen.com/watermelon-salad/" target="_blank">refreshing watermelon and feta salad</a> is the perfect side for your BBQs and pizza nights!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://midwesternhomelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_8146-Edit-1152x1536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://midwesternhomelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_8146-Edit-1152x1536.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://midwesternhomelife.com/watermelon-angel-food-cake-with-honey-lime-yogurt-sauce/" target="_blank">Watermelon angel food cake</a> is an easy dessert recipe that’s perfect for summertime. And the best part is it’s made with just 3 ingredients: angel food cake mix, watermelon puree, and lime. It’s sweet and zesty and tastes a-maz-ing topped with fresh berries and honey-lime yogurt sauce.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://alekasgettogether.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Boozy-Watermelon-Mojito-Skewers-3-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="776" height="320" src="https://alekasgettogether.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Boozy-Watermelon-Mojito-Skewers-3-2.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These <a href="https://alekasgettogether.com/boozy-watermelon-mojito-skewers" target="_blank">Boozy Watermelon Mojito Skewers</a> are the essence of summer! Soaked in rum, mint and lime juice, what more could you ask for? Serve these skewers at your next Summer bash and your friends may need to stay the night! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ud0_ue68Azvmadn61-YOqNgasRPPc67AqFHSES9i90Ni0_cAkt1cJ-jPMvviWIHIFIaFmYogJBBitfVO3IAIxI9pCM8dKYTBj4h6Q3FusfaU0s73eJleXcqKtEBIyI-fEuktOv7YqtI/s600/gluten+free+vegan+layered+watermelon+berry+fruit+cake-min.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ud0_ue68Azvmadn61-YOqNgasRPPc67AqFHSES9i90Ni0_cAkt1cJ-jPMvviWIHIFIaFmYogJBBitfVO3IAIxI9pCM8dKYTBj4h6Q3FusfaU0s73eJleXcqKtEBIyI-fEuktOv7YqtI/w320-h213/gluten+free+vegan+layered+watermelon+berry+fruit+cake-min.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Use watermelon to make a gluten-free fruit cake! This <a href="https://www.creativegreenliving.com/2016/05/sponsored-how-to-make-layered-watermelon-berry-gluten-grain-free-cake-recipe.html" target="_blank">yummy, vegan watermelon cake</a> is topped with berries and coconut cream frosting.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amycaseycooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Webp.net-resizeimage-2021-07-21T172541.988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://amycaseycooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Webp.net-resizeimage-2021-07-21T172541.988.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amycaseycooks.com/cucumber-watermelon-appetizers-with-blue-cheese/" target="_blank">Cucumber Watermelon Appetizers with Blue Cheese</a> are the perfect cool snack on a hot summer day. Top cucumber rounds with cubes of watermelon, salty blue cheese crumbles, blueberries, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of kosher salt and chopped fresh parsley. A fun summery nibble!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://foodfolksandfun.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6303b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://foodfolksandfun.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6303b.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Try some fabulous kid-friendly food with this <a href="https://foodfolksandfun.net/watermelon-pizza/" target="_blank">watermelon pizza recipe</a>! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://inthekitch.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tuna-and-Watermelon-Tartare-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://inthekitch.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tuna-and-Watermelon-Tartare-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Try something unexpected with the watermelon and salty tuna in this <a href="https://inthekitch.net/tuna-and-watermelon-tartare/" target="_blank">tartare recipe</a> - a delicious match!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://marleysmenu.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Watermelon-Basil-Margarita-Featured-Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://marleysmenu.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Watermelon-Basil-Margarita-Featured-Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://marleysmenu.com/watermelon-basil-margarita/" target="_blank">This Watermelon Basil Margarita</a> is refreshing and slightly sweet, with fresh basil and citrus to make it taste like summer in a glass!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://kellyneil.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Watermelon-Pavlova-8A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://kellyneil.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Watermelon-Pavlova-8A.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://kellyneil.com/watermelon-pavlova-recipe/" target="_blank">Watermelon pavlova</a> is a simple dessert, perfect for hot days. Fresh lime, mint, and ginger mingle with summer’s quintessential fruit on a crisp meringue shell.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9717cb_47ffdadcbe364e0798b727646ae86501~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_925,h_617,al_c,q_90/9717cb_47ffdadcbe364e0798b727646ae86501~mv2.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9717cb_47ffdadcbe364e0798b727646ae86501~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_925,h_617,al_c,q_90/9717cb_47ffdadcbe364e0798b727646ae86501~mv2.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There’s nothing better than biting into a giant slice of fresh, juicy, sweet watermelon in the summer, but these fun and super cute <a href="https://www.barthbakery.com/post/watermelon-cupcakes" target="_blank">cupcakes</a> are the next best thing. These sweet, adorable, and festive cupcakes are a summertime delight perfect to share at pool parties, BBQs, birthday parties, and summer holidays.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.healthyrecipes101.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/homemade-watermelon-arugula-salad-recipe-540x810.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://cdn.healthyrecipes101.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/homemade-watermelon-arugula-salad-recipe-540x810.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This <a href="https://healthyrecipes101.com/watermelon-arugula-salad-recipe/">healthy watermelon arugula salad recipe</a> is simple and takes very little time to do. It’s crunchy and peppery, and the juicy watermelon cubes just complete it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rosalynndaniels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Creamy-Watermelon-Coconut-Smoothie-6-1025x1536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="320" src="https://www.rosalynndaniels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Creamy-Watermelon-Coconut-Smoothie-6-1025x1536.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.rosalynndaniels.com/creamy-watermelon-coconut-smoothie/" target="_blank">Creamy Watermelon Coconut Smoothies</a> is THE PERFECT refreshing drink to serve during a warm day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/theshortordercook.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_7797.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://i0.wp.com/theshortordercook.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_7797.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://theshortordercook.com/watermelon-pico-de-gallo-salsa/" target="_blank">Watermelon pico de gallo</a> is a sweet, spicy, & juicy salsa. It’s a delicious unique dip with tortilla chips & also fantastic on fish tacos.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://v1.nitrocdn.com/NudIVQSBzPosZRqTEDsEkOZzsRghIhjM/assets/static/source/rev-a6b7245/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sprouted-watermelon-seed-butter-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://v1.nitrocdn.com/NudIVQSBzPosZRqTEDsEkOZzsRghIhjM/assets/static/source/rev-a6b7245/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sprouted-watermelon-seed-butter-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2 ingredients are that's needed to make this delicious <a href="https://moonandspoonandyum.com/sprouted-watermelon-seed-butter-vegan-gluten-free/" target="_blank">sprouted watermelon seed butter</a>! Not only is it slightly nutty and salty, but it's also good for you, too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://happykitchen.rocks/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Watermelon-gazpacho-632x953.jpg.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="531" height="320" src="https://happykitchen.rocks/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Watermelon-gazpacho-632x953.jpg.webp" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Refreshing and light <a href="https://happykitchen.rocks/watermelon-gazpacho/" target="_blank">watermelon gazpacho</a> is a perfect vegan and raw summer soup. This easy recipe only takes 15 minutes to make!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://budgetdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/grilled-watermelon-salad-13-of-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://budgetdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/grilled-watermelon-salad-13-of-24.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Sweet, colorful, and fresh <a href="https://budgetdelicious.com/grilled-watermelon-salad/" target="_blank">Grilled Watermelon Salad</a> with feta and blueberries is ready in under 20 minutes and makes an easy side dish for Memorial day celebrations, hot summer days or every day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ourhappymess.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Watermelon-Arugula-Salad-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://www.ourhappymess.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Watermelon-Arugula-Salad-3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.ourhappymess.com/watermelon-salad/" target="_blank">Watermelon salad with a Mexican twist</a>! Crunchy toasted pepitas, salty queso fresco, fresh cilantro and a tangy lime vinaigrette make this a delicious side with tacos or any grilled meat.</div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-59749197170163793252021-07-30T16:03:00.001-07:002021-07-30T16:03:04.977-07:005 Fun Back to School Items to Add to Your List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIrdPag32Tnr8iEI9U_pPOM-BeYaSDtqCxrRxEB1dY9xDI_F-MDv6Dfav0zGzuRLxMmqZ6SJFXP_X_dyutZLHKWab0FLrAkXfkAMlMGbmIFQIN9ChwTw6t63FWVf-ghAVMDdr1j5dRhLK/s640/kids-160168_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="640" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIrdPag32Tnr8iEI9U_pPOM-BeYaSDtqCxrRxEB1dY9xDI_F-MDv6Dfav0zGzuRLxMmqZ6SJFXP_X_dyutZLHKWab0FLrAkXfkAMlMGbmIFQIN9ChwTw6t63FWVf-ghAVMDdr1j5dRhLK/s320/kids-160168_640.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>It's hard to believe we're already shopping for back-to-school supplies. Before you know, we're going to be talking about holiday gift lists, and then deciding on some New Year's Resolutions. But let's not get ahead of ourselves of course! Alongside your list for backpacks, pens, pencils, lunch bags, crayons, and let's face it, masks and hand sanitizer, I have a few items that will be perfect for you - or your child - this fall school season.</p><p><b>Festive fall-themed stickers and charms</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIrT5MurFVkjEsejVOTOLZdMcyhow7Wjifq1gjd8Red6GJAS3s9skxRl360Nt3BZVTKNo8H5rbC6AgN-pECiJchOKQoTxUpFEUe0iBe0AT5H0F5a6GV1dBGxJPQHPZVkDOO8pP9oBuntb/s851/Christina_Veillette__Fall_stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIrT5MurFVkjEsejVOTOLZdMcyhow7Wjifq1gjd8Red6GJAS3s9skxRl360Nt3BZVTKNo8H5rbC6AgN-pECiJchOKQoTxUpFEUe0iBe0AT5H0F5a6GV1dBGxJPQHPZVkDOO8pP9oBuntb/s320/Christina_Veillette__Fall_stickers.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Designer and artist Christina Veillette just released her brand-new fall collection items, each hand-made by the artist herself. Exclusively sold on <a href="http://christinaveillette.com" target="_blank">Christina's website</a>, these waterproof die-cut stickers are perfect to place on water bottles, tumblers, laptops, planners, and notebooks. Her adorable acrylic charms are adorable additions to purses, keys, and bags.</p><p><b>Customizable Backpacks</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhus5WD8NbRrk01Jtli66vT5_dFikFVTF4uYPu-XPlOrZ_XWyF0FRamtp2HB9CBwKR0YZFPL4FxmH8mY_lcgV5kWHnR7A_qkdmV6UhqEhVD6D3K5d3_X53RPGe4VDr8s2b3PiSxjujQ7PCi/s438/romp7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="438" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhus5WD8NbRrk01Jtli66vT5_dFikFVTF4uYPu-XPlOrZ_XWyF0FRamtp2HB9CBwKR0YZFPL4FxmH8mY_lcgV5kWHnR7A_qkdmV6UhqEhVD6D3K5d3_X53RPGe4VDr8s2b3PiSxjujQ7PCi/s320/romp7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Stand out from the sea of standard nylon backpacks, with a bag made by <a href="https://www.romp7.com/" target="_blank">romp7</a>. They offer over twenty patches designed to make your backpack unique and creative - just like you. In addition, the backpacks offer premium durability and functionality. </p><p><b>Get organized</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA18qZ-QJJ20EeF64dxkIDyNFxo_C6Og81l4D7t7ElBzQvI6e5ueuychEbrfYYRdNWblX6QkBq3Zv-dlRFIwV8eJHZc9gYD29Mf1Da2sHPNTqczlZ29bx1nB09K_TvxzHcogC39RX9vQn/s400/Spectrum_Diversified_Designs_Hexa_Gray_Craft_ID.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA18qZ-QJJ20EeF64dxkIDyNFxo_C6Og81l4D7t7ElBzQvI6e5ueuychEbrfYYRdNWblX6QkBq3Zv-dlRFIwV8eJHZc9gYD29Mf1Da2sHPNTqczlZ29bx1nB09K_TvxzHcogC39RX9vQn/s320/Spectrum_Diversified_Designs_Hexa_Gray_Craft_ID.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Something about living through such a hectic and chaotic time period has inspired me to get organized. I guess being able to control something in my life appeals to me in a big way. I'd recommend storage solutions by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/BB27885C-3F80-46FE-9196-FB88A4555FCB?ingress=2&visitId=4cb732c8-7aa0-454b-95fb-5605f21730c8&ref_=ast_bln" target="_blank">Spectrum Diversified Designs</a>. Their in-draw organizers help you maintain the functional space of your draw but offer up various ways to keep everything neat and tidy. </p><p><b>Bio-degradable Sandwich Bags</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSwfHBIo_7KNpPjUfOREZDuqoWZGyJXOyuKvZDQ-TCiKHcObnIsB8uGM4siV_9fTZIUepbCZGo6CV1R-_U62mbatgJetCCS7U_t_9fDMms0AdBxCQGTLeJCsiq8P6GAfE504jQn6UOjhJ/s500/Lunchskins_Plastic_Free_Starter_Kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSwfHBIo_7KNpPjUfOREZDuqoWZGyJXOyuKvZDQ-TCiKHcObnIsB8uGM4siV_9fTZIUepbCZGo6CV1R-_U62mbatgJetCCS7U_t_9fDMms0AdBxCQGTLeJCsiq8P6GAfE504jQn6UOjhJ/s320/Lunchskins_Plastic_Free_Starter_Kit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I'm a huge fan of packing a bag lunch even if I'm working (or schooling) from home. Something about that tradition feels fun and familiar to me. So, <a href="https://www.lunchskins.com/" target="_blank">Lunchskins</a> offers up a biodegradable solution to the standard sandwich baggies. Their options are made from pure wood pulp and are eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. Their plastic-free starter kit also includes paper straws too. </p><p><b>Reusable Water Bottles</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZXm-07x1svGwpweWUqCJ30hvmC2HunxOiTVJSr0rKeAKl4nZ8Idn-FtJZAHTKyqSgTLe2KViL7S_YCJjMRaKY7PTRNGHlwbTffupxKw3maOEHVuJdvBE-g37RNX2X33Aom3fnegmFtDG/s2048/Contigo_Reusable_Water_Bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZXm-07x1svGwpweWUqCJ30hvmC2HunxOiTVJSr0rKeAKl4nZ8Idn-FtJZAHTKyqSgTLe2KViL7S_YCJjMRaKY7PTRNGHlwbTffupxKw3maOEHVuJdvBE-g37RNX2X33Aom3fnegmFtDG/s320/Contigo_Reusable_Water_Bottle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I think most of us are trying to be better about our carbon footprint and having a to-go water bottle that doesn't leak and is spillproof is really important. Whether you want it for yourself to hold coffee, or one to take with you when your child goes back to school, <a href="https://www.gocontigo.com/leak-and-spill-proof-water-bottles.html" target="_blank"></a> offers up an excellent selection. The ones for kids are easy to clean, easy to use, and also spillproof, plus made with trendy patterns your kids will love.</p>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-42230108111104951282020-10-08T01:30:00.001-07:002020-10-08T01:30:04.830-07:00My Favorite Brand Organic Italian Tomatoes and Garbanzo Beans (And Giveaway!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80CYvhDfyxIZjyilU4p4nnri4Y2sTPy8XRykiO8D3fYZE7nR45ojon22_zxjJJ0QGC4ATFpk7X7xQM84V-QumvtIpTNDe-ellfglZsqKBf24AuBHWIgUZnXacvxKr3O8bEBIBtuPEpvuc/s1080/My+Favorite+Canned+Tomatoes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="canned tomatoes recipes" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80CYvhDfyxIZjyilU4p4nnri4Y2sTPy8XRykiO8D3fYZE7nR45ojon22_zxjJJ0QGC4ATFpk7X7xQM84V-QumvtIpTNDe-ellfglZsqKBf24AuBHWIgUZnXacvxKr3O8bEBIBtuPEpvuc/w400-h400/My+Favorite+Canned+Tomatoes.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>As the fall draws near, I am so excited about trying new recipes. Some of my favorite recipes have a tomato-base to them, whether it's beans, salsa, pasta sauce, or soup. I was so excited to try out garbanzo beans and Italian crushed (and peeled) tomatoes by <a href="https://www.carmelinabrands.com/" target="_blank">Carmelina Brands</a>. Plus, I also had the chance to try out their garbanzo beans! </p><p>Now, one of the biggest reasons I recommend this brand is that they are Non-GMO verified. This is incredibly important to me when choosing products, especially anything that I eat. If you aren't sure what Non-GMO means, check out the information about what the <a href="https://www.carmelinabrands.com/non-gmo/#" target="_blank">Non-GMO Project does here</a>. </p><p>Not to mention what I also love is on their website they go into incredible detail about <a href="https://www.carmelinabrands.com/our-tomato-process/" target="_blank">their tomato process</a> and <a href="https://www.carmelinabrands.com/our-bean-process/" target="_blank">their bean process</a>. They are obviously such a trust-worthy company and that means so much to me as a consumer.</p><p>So, now onto those tomatoes! I loved their Italian crushed and peeled tomatoes. They went so well in the black beans I made and added so much flavor. As for their garbanzo beans, they were such an amazing treat! I basically can rinse them and toss them into a salad or I grill them with seasoning on top of the stove. They save great and work so well with so many dishes.</p><p>In case you want a few of my favorite ways to cook up canned tomatoes and garbanzo beans, I have collected some of my favorite recipes:</p><p>Vegan Chickpea Nuggets</p><p><a href="https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-vegan-chickpea-nuggets-allergy-free-grain-free/">https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-vegan-chickpea-nuggets-allergy-free-grain-free/</a></p><p>Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Kalamata Olive Salad Dressing</p><p><a href="https://aubreyskitchen.com/mediterranean-chickpea-salad/">https://aubreyskitchen.com/mediterranean-chickpea-salad/</a></p><p>Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad</p><p><a href="https://www.drugstoredivas.net/vegan-chickpea-tuna-salad-recipe/">https://www.drugstoredivas.net/vegan-chickpea-tuna-salad-recipe/</a></p><p>Homemade Salsa</p><p><a href="https://www.feastforafraction.com/homemade-salsa-made-with-canned-tomatoes/">https://www.feastforafraction.com/homemade-salsa-made-with-canned-tomatoes/</a></p><p>Spicy Hummus Recipe</p><p><a href="https://www.attainable-sustainable.net/spicy-chipotle-hummus/">https://www.attainable-sustainable.net/spicy-chipotle-hummus/</a></p><p>Healthy, Sriracha Shakshuka Recipe</p><p><a href="https://coupleinthekitchen.com/healthy-sriracha-shakshuka-recipe/">https://coupleinthekitchen.com/healthy-sriracha-shakshuka-recipe/</a></p><p>Short Rib Ragu</p><p><a href="https://pinabresciani.com/pinas-sunday-ragu/">https://pinabresciani.com/pinas-sunday-ragu/</a></p><p>Chickpea Brownies</p><p><a href="https://thishealthykitchen.com/chickpea-brownies/">https://thishealthykitchen.com/chickpea-brownies/</a></p><p>Crockpot Morrocan Ground Beef & Chickpea Stew</p><p><a href="https://www.twopinkpeonies.com/beef-recipes/crockpot-morrocan-ground-beef-chickpea-stew/">https://www.twopinkpeonies.com/beef-recipes/crockpot-morrocan-ground-beef-chickpea-stew/</a></p><p>Five Cheese Marinara Sauce</p><p><a href="https://www.savorywithsoul.com/five-cheese-marinara/">https://www.savorywithsoul.com/five-cheese-marinara/</a></p><p>Bacon Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese</p><p><a href="https://www.mightymrs.com/recipe-items/roasted-red-pepper-tomato-soup-grilled-cheese/">https://www.mightymrs.com/recipe-items/roasted-red-pepper-tomato-soup-grilled-cheese/</a></p><p>I hope you found some tasty recipes here!</p><p><b>I am so excited to announce that I will be giving away a Carmelina Brand package, which includes a care package of some of their products and a pizza cutter. Enter via Rafflecopter below and giveaway will end October 22nd. USA only.</b></p>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="916cf682230" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/916cf682230/" id="rcwidget_c19auouy" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div><br /></div><div><i>I received the above mentioned products in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-61126608159673750222020-07-16T17:02:00.003-07:002020-07-16T17:11:09.035-07:00Enhancing Your Amazon Streaming Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcEWzaNEQZ8MCNuHQL70uijV0FyrboofgaMQm-rrqOPrbT1Lhrvv5zcDsRafmN7RUIEhFyfQpIiFYg2F1WCQr_1TUoZNuOARm4eqtvN2xdXuH0NO4rmutxsAnet-gF7jpcwKUyAVq_AoR/s2048/john-tuesday-9K9mzLxOuXg-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcEWzaNEQZ8MCNuHQL70uijV0FyrboofgaMQm-rrqOPrbT1Lhrvv5zcDsRafmN7RUIEhFyfQpIiFYg2F1WCQr_1TUoZNuOARm4eqtvN2xdXuH0NO4rmutxsAnet-gF7jpcwKUyAVq_AoR/s320/john-tuesday-9K9mzLxOuXg-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-f5571c53-7fff-4f15-8f6c-f452d5f766f9" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /><span id="docs-internal-guid-f112c78b-7fff-fd4f-847a-8691d6909753" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you think of streaming, you probably think of Netflix, Hulu, Twitch—the </span><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/23/netflix-was-the-top-stock-of-the-decade-delivering-over-4000percent-return.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">titans of streaming</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and live streaming. However, Amazon lies somewhere between those titans. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most, if not all of you reading this probably use Amazon streaming in some way, whether you’re using Prime Video, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, or the Fire TV Cube. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably interested in how you can improve your experience.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, look no further! </span></p><h1 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5 Tips to Enhance Your Streaming Experience</span></h1><br /><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 2pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Customize Subtitles</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You might not be aware of how you can customize the subtitles of any movie or show you watch.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Simply go to the settings of your Fire Stick or the Prime Video settings, and you’ll be bombarded with tons of options to improve the subtitles. Add backgrounds, change the color of the words, decide where they show up: you have complete control over the subtitles.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 2pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Use USB Storage</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A big selling point for the Fire TV product line is that you’re able to take your shows and movies anywhere you want, as you can download them to your Firestick or Cube. However, if you run out of storage, don’t worry—that’s what USB support is for.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Both the stick and Cube come with USB support, so simply plug a USB drive into your TV and start downloading!</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 2pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Take Advantage of Alexa</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another selling point for the Fire TV series is the inclusion of Alexa, Amazon’s digital assistant. With it, you can avoid touching your remote entirely, telling Alexa what you want to watch, where to go, and vice versa.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s not essential, but it is pretty convenient.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 2pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Use Parental Controls</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The last thing you want is for your kids to have access to explicit, violent content. And with the world of streaming, that content is never too far away. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fortunately, Amazon streaming comes with </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plenty </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of parental controls, allowing you to decide what your kids can access and </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">when</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 2pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Tighten Up Security</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lastly, you should look into tightening up the security of your Prime apps and your Fire TV products. It won’t have a </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">noticeable</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> improvement, but you ‘ll be able to watch TV without having to worry about hackers.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.expressvpn.com/vpn-software/vpn-fire-tv-stick" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Firestick VPN</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> goes a long way into protecting your identity. Take some time to set up security for yourself.</span></p>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-54334422033454593262020-07-14T15:34:00.002-07:002023-06-25T19:20:24.494-07:00My 5 Skin Must Dos for the Summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ah, the summer. It's been one unique year if I do say so myself. Yet, I'm trying to do my best to keep up with some essential skincare habits. While all of these tips may sound absolutely simple, with as mentally as exhausted as I am lately, it can be incredibly difficult. You see, I have sensitive skin and it can react from anything like dryness to food sensitivities, and so I want to take care this year, especially with how stressful things are. So, here are my summer must-dos:<br />
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<b>1) Moisturize</b>.<br />
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There are a ton of ways to keep your skin supple and smooth and moisturizing should be on the top of everyone's list. Lately, I use a rose lotion that's really nice. I also alternate to an aloe lotion that makes my skin feel really nice.<br />
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<b>2) Exfoliating.</b><br />
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I've started doing this at least once a week. Technically you shouldn't do this too often because it can damage your skin, so once a week or less is best of all. I use a coffee scrub by Shea Moisture - and it is so nice for my skin.<br />
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<b>3)</b> <b>Facial masks.</b><br />
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I hear good things about facial masks and this is something I'd like to try. I mean, I could have a facial mask on right now, you guys. So it's a multi-tasking thing and there's no reason why I can't do it.<br />
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<b>4) Don't touch your face.</b><br />
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Okay, I do have a bad habit of picking at my skin. It isn't good. Considering we're in a "don't touch your face" way of life right now, it's essential to get on top of that. Taking care of my skin is one of the top ways I can get on top of that bad habit (dry patches make me pick more).<br />
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<b>5) Do some beautifying. </b></div>
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Yes, this is my word for 2020 - beautifying. You guys we are all home more and working from home more but that doesn't mean that you can't dazzle a little bit. I like using this <a href="https://www.ofracosmetics.com/products/star-island-highlighter" target="_blank">Star Island</a> highlighter. It adds light to essential spots to your face which can really help in all those Zoom calls we're doing.<br />
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What are you planning on doing for your skin this summer? Make a list and tell me what you think!</div>
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Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517206440036974560.post-43170656687013980642020-07-12T01:30:00.000-07:002020-07-12T01:30:01.971-07:00Giveaway Round Up for the Week<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2fik_AcuBQWdjNbt0Vlut4RA8xL1L56-iFxOQouEiwzj31O_ymt25YShJnpqWzSDoXRoIbHekaH0-JsFb-zegMCk3iFF7RRk6aXLjWZCN8os9KVoGIEzW2wu_SzdoC0hnzzcb1OQAGnR/s1200/BeFunky-project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2fik_AcuBQWdjNbt0Vlut4RA8xL1L56-iFxOQouEiwzj31O_ymt25YShJnpqWzSDoXRoIbHekaH0-JsFb-zegMCk3iFF7RRk6aXLjWZCN8os9KVoGIEzW2wu_SzdoC0hnzzcb1OQAGnR/s320/BeFunky-project.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's been a while since I did a giveaway round up for you guys! So, here we have some of my giveaway finds for the week. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what giveaways you spot. It's pretty safe to assume most of these giveaways are US only. </div><div><br /></div><div>Earrings and a 5-Pack Latte Set</div><div>Enter on Instagram.</div><div>Giveway ends on Monday 7/13</div><div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCeMQBjhfwo/">https://www.instagram.com/p/CCeMQBjhfwo/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Summer Thrillers Book Giveaway</div><div>Ends August 3rd</div><div><a href="https://sweeps.penguinrandomhouse.com/enter/dutton-summer-thrillers-2020-sweeps?fbclid=IwAR1unuPiJymCf9vkDwywLVXfygKAmzgo9beOtpCc1PylGSsLfrpjcjfmNjc">https://sweeps.penguinrandomhouse.com/enter/dutton-summer-thrillers-2020-sweeps?fbclid=IwAR1unuPiJymCf9vkDwywLVXfygKAmzgo9beOtpCc1PylGSsLfrpjcjfmNjc</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Murder in Waiting Book Giveaway</div><div>Giveaway ends July 18th</div><div><a href="https://www.krlnews.com/2020/07/murder-in-waiting-by-lynn-cahoon.html">https://www.krlnews.com/2020/07/murder-in-waiting-by-lynn-cahoon.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Digital copy of a book with a Christmas mystery theme</div><div>Ends in 5 days</div><div><a href="https://christyscozycorners.com/2020/07/dash-away-all-mystery-book-review/">https://christyscozycorners.com/2020/07/dash-away-all-mystery-book-review/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Win a BBQ Pit </div><div>Enter on Facebook</div><div>Ends July 20th</div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TaskandPurpose/photos/a.660044760710168/3058858690828751/?type=3">https://www.facebook.com/TaskandPurpose/photos/a.660044760710168/3058858690828751/?type=3</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hope to have more to share next week! I'll work on getting this a weekly thing. </div><div><br /></div>Nicole Pyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06920135146911951755noreply@blogger.com