Archives for December 2014

Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless Headphones at Best Buy

I used to be a very dedicated runner. I’d say that I ran almost every single day, even through the winter. 

I may have been crazy, but I was in shape! No, that’s not me in the picture above. In my dreams!

I still try to get to the gym at least 3 times a week and out for a walk/run when it’s nice outside. No treadmill can compare to the feeling of fresh air in your lungs and a beautiful view while you work up a sweat. 

I have bad luck with headphones. It’s a problem. I buy the ones that are really cheap and they always break. I’ve even had some that SHOCK me when I plug them into the machine at the gym. Pretty sure that people think I’m nuts when I yank my headphones out of my ears like I’ve just been shocked. Well people, it’s because I DID get shocked! 

They have come out with some pretty fantastic options for headphones. For instance, these Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless Earbud Headphones from Best Buy. They have a heart rate monitor IN YOUR EAR! How cool is that?

You can totally take your training to the next level with these babies. They aren’t just headphones, they are an all-in-one training solution that combines an in-ear biometric heart rate monitor, immersive Dolby® Digital sound and real-time voice coaching.

And if you might wonder if these will break like all those cheap ones that shock me, know that these will not! They are made with US military durability certifications so you can bet they won’t!

They have a built-in intelligent app that helping exercisers plan, track and evaluate each workout. You can test fitness levels and aerobic capacity, adjust heart rate zone levels to optimize training, and set goals based on distance, time or calories burned.

They are compatible with smartphones that have Bluetooth.

These come with everything you see here. Having different size options is a huge plus. Not everyone’s ears are the same size, y’all!

They have pretty glowing reviews too! Check them out at Best Buy.

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

 


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Cake Mix Donuts and NEW Simply Juice Drinks!

Cake Mix Donuts 1

Breakfasts at our house usually go one of two ways. It’s either a quick and easy breakfast, or it’s a slow will it ever be done so we can eat kinda breakfast. We find that on weekdays where school is impending, it’s the former. It becomes a treat when we get to sit down together for a nice breakfast. We’re working on this, I promise. I don’t ever want life to get so busy that we miss out on each other’s company. 

I’ve been known to make homemade donuts for breakfast. No complaints from the girls. Or the husband for that matter. These Baked Lemon Berry Donuts were amazing. I’ve also made a blueberry version of these that was so tasty.

The other day I wanted to make some homemade donuts for breakfast, but I didn’t have all of the ingredients. Of course, I consulted Pinterest and came across a recipe for CAKE MIX donuts. I thought to myself, does it really get any easier than that? Decision made. Donuts created. One of the easiest breakfasts ever. 

Donuts No Icing

I can feel better about these being made of cake because they aren’t fried like most donuts, right?

I can also feel better about them because they take about 5 minutes to make, right? Of course!

Simply Juice

You know something that goes great with donuts?

Juice.

One of my favorite brands, Simply Beverages, has come out with a new premium line of juice drinks that are so incredibly tasty y’all. Our family has always been a fan of this brand. It is high quality!

This new line offers these flavors:

  • Tropical
  • Fruit Punch
  • Mixed Berry

All of which are ALL NATURAL (not from concentrate yay), made with simple ingredients, and contain no preservatives.

They all taste so pure and incredibly natural. I’m not just saying that either. You can always tell when a juice has a bunch of stuff added. This juice drink tastes like they just squeezed the living daylights out of the fruit and boom, juice!

Donut Pan 1

To make the donuts, you’re going to need a donut pan. You can grab this Wilton Nonstick 6-Cavity Donut Pan for only $9.99 at Amazon. I have a large and a small version of this pan. The mini donuts are plenty big. Though I sometimes still find myself eating more than one!

Making these is almost like making a cake but with fewer ingredients. It’s easy, quick, and makes plenty. They look pretty, too! My daughter told me that they look like I got them from a bakery. I was going to tell her that I did, but instead I just said thank you with a big ole smile on my face. 😉

Ingredients

The ingredients for these are so simple. I want to eventually play with the consistency of the donuts. They are still a little light like cake, so I’m going to work on tweaking them to get a bit more thick. 

Cake Mix Donuts 1

So quick and easy!

I love to pair my donuts with Simply Juice Drinks. Nothing goes better with a sweet donut like a smart beverage choice. The hardest part was picking which was my favorite…

Tropical

I had a bit of a hard time deciding if I liked the Tropical or Mixed Berry the best. I love pineapple so I really enjoyed this one. SO good. It goes well with whatever I choose for breakfast.

 Donut

Like for instance, this here donut. Yeah, it’s made of CAKE!

Simply Juice Drink Mixed Berry I think has made its way to the top as my fave. I’m a little fruity sometimes.

You can find all of these Simply Juice Drinks in the refrigerated at your local grocery store. They come in the big 59 oz bottles (in all 3 flavors) or convenient 11.5 oz single serve bottles. Be sure to visit Simply Orange Juice on Facebook to keep up with the latest on all Simply Beverage products.

Simply Beverages has provided an outstanding GIVEAWAY for you guys! Be sure to enter the giveaway below the recipe.

Cake Mix Donuts
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Ingredients
  1. DONUTS
  2. 1 Box Cake Mix (any flavor)
  3. 1 egg
  4. 1/4 c. vegetable oil
  5. 1 c. water
  6. GLAZE
  7. 1 & 1/2 c. powdered sugar
  8. 1 tbsp melted butter
  9. 4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
  1. DONUT
  2. Preheat oven to 350°.
  3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
  4. Spoon or pipe batter into greased donut pan wells.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges begin to brown.
  6. Let cool and use a fork to remove and place onto cooling rack. Carefully!
  7. GLAZE
  8. Combine all ingredients and mix until spoon.
  9. Dip donuts into glaze and place on wax paper or cooling rack to dry.
  10. Add sprinkles or toppings you desire while wet!
  11. You can add less milk to make it thicker or more to thin it.
Adapted from It's Always Autumn
Pennywise Cook http://www.pennywisecook.com/

Simply Great Taste Prize Pack

  • 5 Simply Juice Drink Coupons
  • 1 Glass Juice Carafe
  • 1 Set of Essential Highball Glassware
  • $50 American Express Gift Card

 

Simply Great Taste Prize Pack
 

This giveaway will end on January 2nd at 12:00am CT. I will contact the winner on January 3rd and they will have 24 hours to respond. If I have not heard from them, I will name a new winner.
I was provided with the Simply Beverages for review purposes and compensated for my time. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
This prize was provided by Simply Beverages, but Simply Beverages is not an administrator or connected in any other way with this contest [or sweepstakes, or giveaway as applicable].


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40% Off Kitchen Gifts at Family Christian!

Measuring Spoons

 

I have some more gift ideas for you today!

Now here’s a sale that I can get excited about! I’m a sucker for cutsy kitchen gadgets. I love cooking, but cooking with an adorable spatula makes it more fun somehow. Tell me that I’m not the only one!

So these adorable Metal Measuring Spoons with Cross Emblem? Yeah, they reeled me in. I’m going to get a couple of these for gifts. And I’m going to grab a set for myself. They are normally $14.99 but they are on sale for just $8.99 right now!

Stackable Mugs

Or what about these Retro Look Stackable Mugs with Rack. These would look great sitting around my kitchen. The top two say “Serve One Another in Love” and the bottom two say “The Sweetest Ingredients Are Love, Joy, & Faith”. I LOVE these. Normally $24.99, right now during this sale you can get them for just $14.99!

Measuring Cups

There no doubt that I will be buying a set of these. How adorable are they? This Retro Look Measuring Cup Set comes with four different cups including 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, and 1 cup measurements. It’s currently on sale for $10.79!

There is a bunch more and ALL of the Kitchen Gifts at Family Christian are 40% off! You need to check it out!

Sale is good 12/5- 12/24!


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Great Gift Ideas From Best Buy This Christmas

I am not completely sure that I have processed the fact that it is already time for CHRISTMAS! Have you? I guess whether I’ve processed it or not, I have to get ready for it. And I’m ok with that, because I LOVE Christmas. The magic and joy that it brings to everybody’s heart. The cookies and milk. Cocoa by the fire. It’s all so cozy and warm and it’s hard to be down during the holidays. 

However, with all that said, it can be stressful figuring out what to get everyone. There is some good stuff out there this year. It keeps getting better and better doesn’t it? From the tablets to the coolest new toys for the kiddos, there is so much to choose from. And I am a big fan of shopping online. I like going into stores to get my hands on things and hold them. Read their box and all that fun stuff. But there is something to be said about sitting on my couch in my pj’s with a cup of coffee and having my purchase shipped to me!

If you’re still working on some ideas for gifts, I have got some awesome ideas for you! Best Buy always has the latest and greatest gift ideas and at at an affordable price.

Hang onto your seat while I stun you with a few killer gift ideas..

With Expert Service and Unbeatable Price these top gifts are on my list this Holiday and here’s why they should be on yours:

Xbox ONE

Xbox One is the place for games.

What is Xbox One?

Xbox One was built by gamers, for gamers. With the best exclusive titles (Halo, Sunset Overdrive), the biggest blockbusters (Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty) the hottest sports franchises (Madden 15, FIFA 15, NBA 2K15) and top family titles (Fantasia: Music Evolved, Just Dance 15, Skylanders) Xbox One takes gaming to a whole new level.

In addition to being a great gaming console, Xbox one connects consumers unlike any other device.  Xbox One enables access to the latest TV shows and movies through your favorite apps.  With Xbox One all of your media is at your fingertips when you want it.

Many of the bundles are $50 off right now and on sale. Perfect time to check them out! Find all the Xbox One deals here.

JBL Speakers and Headphones

JBL Charge 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

These are definitely on my list. Between the twin passive radiators for deep bass, the massive 6000mAh battery and the hands-free conference speakerphone the key benefit is the Bluetooth Social Mode which allows up to three different users to take their turns to play their own playlists on a single speaker. 

You can use these anywhere! Take them outside when you’re washing the car. Take them to the beach when you’re getting your tan on. Set it out during your Christmas party. My portable speakers are a must these days.

JBL Flip 2 Wireless Portable Stereo Speaker

Aside from the dual performance-tuned JBL drivers and a built-in bass port, the key benefit of the JBL Flip 2 is the SoundClear echo and noise cancellation combined with the state-of the art microphone system to pick up calls on the speaker.

Such an awesome gift idea. I hope my hubby is reading this. I really want one of these! 🙂

JBL Reflect Earbud Headphones

Now THESE are cool. You can walk up to 40 FEET away from your device while wearing these. Sweat proof ergonomic design.  With a 5 hour rechargeable battery and a reach of about 40 feet, the JBL Reflect BT’s key benefit is the design of the ergonomic eartips along with the built-in magnets which keep your buds on standby without loose cables.

Find all of the JBL holiday gift ideas at Best Buy here.

Garmin and TomTom

Both Garmin and TomTom have some stellar GPS options. Perfect for a gift this holiday season. Who DOESN’T want to not get lost? Ok, that is a bit confusing sounding. Who WANTS to not get lost? Oh, you know what I mean…

There are 3 GPS devices that I want to highlight for you. Each has it’s own specs. Check them out below.

Garmin 52LM

  • 5.0” display
  • Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates1
  • Lane assist with junction view
  • Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
  • Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
  • Spoken turn-by-turn directions

Garmin 2597LMT

  • 5.0” display
  • Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates1
  • Lane assist with junction view
  • Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
  • Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
  • Spoken turn-by-turn directions

TomTom Go 50s

  • Lifetime TomTom Traffic: Drive with TomTom Traffic for the lifetime of your device
  • Lifetime Maps (US, Canada, Mexico): Always drive with the latest map
  • 3D Maps. See buildings and landmarks in stunning 3D
  • 5″ touchscreen with advanced lane guidance

You can find all the Garmin and TomTom GPS devices at Best Buy here.

I’m still crossing my fingers hoping that my hubby is reading this. After all, it’s #HintingSeason! Be sure to check out Best Buy!

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.


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Homemade Peppermint Patties

Peppermint Patties 2

How was your Thanksgiving? Get enough turkey and dressing? What about family, did you get enough of them? I love spending time with my family both immediate and extended. I can’t wait until Christmas! Right before Thanksgiving break I had this bright idea that I could create homemade peppermint patties. I always love a challenge. If you remember back a couple of years ago, I attempted to make a bunch of homemade candy bars. I made Homemade Butterfingers, Homemade 3 Musketeers, Homemade Kit-Kats, and  Homemade Reeses Cups. All 3 of those were a success!

..And then I attempted the Milky Way and it was a disaster. I tried more than once even, and it just wasn’t happening. I gave up.

So maybe this is a way to redeem myself by making peppermint patties? Either way, I’m happy with the results and I can’t wait to share them with you!

Peppermint Patties 3

Do you remember my Candy Cane Brownies from last year? They are SO good and you must make some if you haven’t. My husband has been known to eat entire pans of them… I was getting ready to make them for Thanksgiving. There’s a layer of these brownies that consists of a thick  peppermint-y dough and I thought why not try to make this dough into peppermint patties? You could simply shape it and then dip it in chocolate!

So I did. 

Peppermint Patties 1

I’m going to be honest with you. The first TWO times I made them, I failed. I couldn’t figure it out and I almost gave up on these too. I decided that it could be the butter I was using. Some recipes it makes no difference if you use real butter or not. Others, you absolutely HAVE TO use real butter. THIS is one of the latter recipes. I thought it had something to do with the fact that the butter was melted or not. So I tried my artificial butter melted and then softened and both times, I failed. Blah. 

And then when I had the butter realization, it worked!

The moral of this butter story? USE REAL BUTTER.

Peppermint Patties 4

 I have had rave reviews about these. They are so smooth and creamy and remind me so much of the holidays. They would make great gifts.

Let me know if you try them!

Homemade Peppermint Patties
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Ingredients
  1. 2 & 1/2 c. Powdered Sugar + some for dusting
  2. 7 tbsp butter, melted
  3. 1 & 1/2 tbsp heavy cream
  4. 1 tsp Peppermint Extract
  5. 4 c. Chocolate Chips (2 12 oz bags)
Instructions
  1. Beat powdered sugar with heavy cream and peppermint extract. Make sure to scrape the bowl. Slowly add in melted butter. Mixture should become like dough.
  2. Remove from bowl and knead. Sprinkle a little powdered onto counter surface. Knead dough until smooth.
  3. Roll out dough until fairly thin. Use something circular to cut out small circles. Place on wax paper and onto flat surface. Freeze circles for at least a couple of hours.
  4. After circles are frozen, remove from freezer and let sit out for a few minutes.
  5. Melt chocolate chips over double boiler or in microwave.
  6. Dip circles in chocolate and place on wax paper to set.
Notes
  1. Make sure that you slowly add in the butter. Once the mixture becomes a dough, if it's too runny or sticky, add in some powdered sugar to thicken it up.
  2. You can add more or less peppermint extract depending on how peppermint-y that you like it.
  3. I found that keeping them in the refrigerator keeps the insides more firm and more true to a real peppermint patty.
  4. You can make these bigger or smaller depending on your preference. I used the bottom of a piping tip the first time and they were a little bigger than I would prefer. You can use whatever you have around the house to make them the size you'd like.
Adapted from McCormick
Adapted from McCormick
Pennywise Cook http://www.pennywisecook.com/

 


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