Mickey Mouse Oreos

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Taralyn

My family is head over heels for all things Disney. From vacations to movies to toys – we love the mouse and all his friends. This Disney mania can all be traced back to my Dad. As a child he went to Disneyland with his family and he has kept the tradition going with us!

For my Dad’s birthday this year, we decided that he needed an extra special treat. Dad has never been a huge fan of traditional desserts – the way to his heart is Oreos! Father’s Day, birthdays, Christmas – Papa Scotty (as my children call him) always gets Oreos. Combing two of his favorite things was inevitable!

My Pinterest-loving self scanned Pinterest and found these darling Minnie and Mickey Mouse Cookie Oreo Pops from Cooking Classy. So adorable, right? Click on the links to get the directions for her adorable Oreo Pops! Her pops are much fancier than mine. I love the concept, but found myself short on time. Instead of the vanilla almond bark and sprinkles (which would have been to-die-for delicious!), I opted for sparkle frosting straight off the store shelves. Here is what I ended up with:

My easy peasy version of Mickey Mouse Oreos requires four simple ingredients:

Double Stuffed Oreos

Oreo Mini Bite Sized Cookies

Red Sparkle Cupcake Frosting

White Cupcake Frosting

These are so simple to make!

1. Squirt the red sparkle cupcake frosting directly onto the Double Stuffed Oreo to make Mickey’s shorts. A little goes a long way! I used a mini spoon to smooth mine out a little.

2. Cut the smallest tip on the white cupcake frosting. This will make it easier to make your itty bitty dabs of white for the buttons on Mickeys shorts. A short little squeeze is all you need for each button.

3. Take apart the the mini Oreos to use for the ears. Scrape off the frosting and feed to your child helpers. They’ll love it! Press the single cookies into the white of the Double Stuffed Oreos.

4. Viola – quick and easy Mickey Mouse Oreos!

The Mickey Mouse Oreos were a hit with Papa Scott and the children. They were a hit with me because they were so easy to make!

What is your go to quick and easy treat?

Do you have any Disney fans in your house?

Linking up to:

Sephora Buxom The Headliners Collection Giveaway

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Taralyn

As one of my makeup favs this summer it is time to give away Sephora Buxom The Headliners Collection. You can admit it, you love it and want it like me. Here it is:

This set contains:
- 0.22 oz Amplified Lash Mascara in Loud Black
- 0.03 oz Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick in Sydney
- 0.01 oz Insider Eyeliner in Onyx
- 0.15 oz Buxom Big & Healthy™ Lip Polish in Dani
- 0.12 oz Stay-There™ Eyeshadow in Pug

This fantastic giveaway Hosted by Le Chateau Des Fleurs and is sponsored by these amazing apps:

Fun Clock – Fun Clock is an interactive educational game that will teach you kid to tell time.

Get Fun Clock on iTunes: http://goo.gl/rNrBB

Get Fun Clock on Google Play: http://goo.gl/F8msr

Get Fun Clock on Amazon: http://goo.gl/0sjN9

Get Fun Clock on Windows: http://goo.gl/rD2Ed

Kids Animal Piano – Kids Animal Piano includes many popular children songs and funny animal sounds like cat, dog, rubber ducky and many more!

Get Kids Animal Piano on iTunes: http://goo.gl/eFdPL

Learn to Talk More Words – Preschool, Kindergarten Flash Cards – Learn to Talk More Words is an innovative audio flash card application that facilitates early language development in 1 to 3 year-old children.

Get Learn to Talk More Words on iTunes: http://goo.gl/1Lzx2

Hidden Objects Quest 3: Touch of Zen – Hidden Objects Quest 3 features gorgeous zen gardens and ancient monasteries of meditation providing hours of entertainment for the entire family – young and old.

Get Hidden Objects Quest 3: Touch of Zen here: http://goo.gl/Fp5XK

Available for USA and International entries.

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Summer 2013 Movies

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Taralyn

Summer time means movies at the Parker house! My husband’s family grew up going to movies at their grandparent’s theater every summer. Both of my parents as well as three of my siblings work in the theater business so we have been spoiled with plenty of movies the past few years.

I started off my 2013 summer movies with Ephraim’s Rescue. The dramatic story of healing and the rescue of the Martin Handcart company was familiar to me. I enjoyed learning more about the life of Ephraim Hanks. Katherine Nelson, an artist I began listening to last year, performed her role as Alice Dobson beautifully. My favorite part of the movie was the musical score by Paul Cardall – I will definitely be purchasing the CD. The movie was filmed in Utah and has some breath-taking scenery. Here’s a little sneak peak:

Ephraim’s Rescue was an inspiring start to my 2013 summer movie line up. I am looking forward to catching Monster University, Despicable Me 2, and Planes with my kiddos over the next few months! Stay tuned for a fun Monster University party that I will be posting about soon. Other movies on my must-see list are the next Hunger Games and Percy Jackson movies -can’t wait!

Until then, check out these fun movies that have been filmed in Utah! From Monument Valley to the salt flats to the mountains, we live in such a great state!

What is your favorite movie that has been filmed in Utah?

What movie are you most excited to see this summer?

What I Wore Wednesday – Lily edition

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Taralyn

Top: Kohls

Pants: Kohls

Shoes: Zulily

Hairbow: Etsy

I’ve been loving the summer sales at Kohls.com and Zulily. Sparkly flip flops and sassy chevron pants – yes, please! During the school year Miss Lily’s clothing options are limited by her charter school’s dress code, but during the summer her little personality comes out. Lily put this outfit together herself and is rocking it!

Where are your favorite places to shop for little girl clothing?

This post includes my zulily affiliate link! Score some deals and I’ll score, too. I’ve saved by shopping with them and I hope you do, too.

Summer learning – ABCMouse.com Giveaway

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Taralyn

My kindergartner Lily has been out of school for two weeks and I want to make sure she keeps all that she’s learned this year. I have Pinterest boards full of kindergarten and first grade activities that I plan on doing with her this summer. So excited! When it comes to learning, having fun is at the top of my list. When it is fun, it gets done, right? While I have lots of outdoor and artistic plans in the works, I know my Lily loves computer games as well.

As a mom, I’ve tried to be selective about what games my children play online. I’m a big fan of online programs that are fun AND educational. I was thrilled to find ABCMouse.com. ABCMouse.com is a full-online curriculum for children ages 2-6. Perfect for my six, 3, and 18 month olds! There are over 450 lessons and 3,000+ individual learning activities.

One of my favorite features is that each of my children can log on individually and follow their own learning path (pre-determined lesson plan). The program tracks their progress and I can see what they’ve played. They love the tickets, prizes, games, songs – all of it! During the school year, I added extra lessons and activities based on whatever Lily was learning in school. The site was easy to search and I was always able to find fun games based on her spelling words or math concepts.

I am excited to team up with The Simply Me Blog for a one-year membership to ABCMouse.com valued at $79! You will love it – I promise! Check out her review of the program and be sure to enter the giveaway on the Rafflecopter!

You must be 18+ to win and live in the USA.

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Sambazon Review and Giveaway

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Taralyn

I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

My mom and I are on a mission to get healthy this year. We workout together at least once a week and we are always on the lookout for healthy, but still yummy, food and beverages. We are both down about 10 pounds each since the beginning of the year. Slowly, but surely, we are replacing some of our unhealthier habits for better ones! For the holiday weekend we decided to incorporate some healthier activities into our commemorating.

I was so excited to try Sambazon’s Açaí+Blueberry+Pomegranate Organic Superfood Juice on Memorial Day. Our family has lots of little ones so we spent the morning at the park playing dodge ball, doing a geo cache treasure hunt, and then cooling off in the water. The Sambazon juice drink was perfect for this outing. I needed something refreshing and healthy to give me the energy to chase after my cute kiddos! I loved the taste and I always feel better knowing that what I am putting into my body is organic. My five year old kept sneaking sips as well so I know they have her stamp of approval.

I can’t wait to try more of their smoothies and juices! Headed to Wal-mart this week to pick up some more. Here are the different kinds available:

• Açaí/Antioxidant: This Original Amazon superfood juice is bursting with powerful antioxidants and healthy omegas. It’s a delicious way to combat free radicals and comes in two flavors: Original or Açaí+Blueberry+Pomegranate.

• Energy: This potent blend of Açaí berries, Yerba Mate, and Guarana delivers a whole food experience that boosts the body and mind the way nature intended. Energy is available in two flavors: A rich berry superfood juice blend with 50mg of organic caffeine per bottle, and a new Mocha Java superfood smoothie with 80mg of organic caffeine from fair trade coffee beans, plus a hint of chocolate.

• Protein: These indulgent smoothies are packed with 10g of organic vegan whole food protein per bottle (which helps to build lean muscle) and healthy omegas to keep you full longer. It comes in three yummy flavors: Açaí berry + Vanilla; Açaí berry + Chocolate; Chocolate + Almond + Coconut milk. I think this one will be perfect for my post workout drink!

• Supergreens with Kale + Ginger: This is a potent blend of Açaí berries, a powerful new blend of six varieties, plus a hint of ginger. It delivers around two servings of whole fruits and veggies, without added sugar. Kale is one of my new favorite greens so this juice is definitely on my shopping list.

• Blended Breakfast: This is the first beverage to combine whole fruit with ancient grains (like quinoa and amaranth), chia, and Organic/Non-GMO verified soymilk for a smoothie that sustains and nourishes. This delicious strawberry-banana blend is also a good source of fiber (7g per bottle). Can’t wait to try this one – love quinoa!

Sounds yummy, right? Sambazon is giving a $45 prize pack to one of my readers! Check out the Rafflecopter widget below!

Be sure to check out Sambazon’s site and facebook page. I just did and learned something awesome – they are now available at COSTCO! Woohoo! This mama’s life just got easier.

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Tips for Hiking with Children

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Taralyn

Cascade Springs

I am so excited to be participating in Girl Love Glam’s Summer Fun Series! Be sure to check out all the fun projects and activities at the end of this post!

Hiking is one of our little family’s favorite activities. With three children under the age of five, my husband and I have learned some tips and tricks to make hiking with toddlers and babies fun for everyone.

1. Practice Makes Perfect.

Before our first hike of the season, we take our little ones out in the backyard or on a walk around the neighborhood for a practice hike. We emphasize the 3 W’s – watch, walk, and wait.

Watch where you are going.

Walk, don’t run.

Wait for family.

I love to give my children the opportunity to run wild in nature, but not on uneven mountain trails! Practicing these three things on walks at home makes the actual hike much easier. We turn the 3 W’s into an easy mantra – watch, walk, wait – so that our children know exactly what to do with just three simple words.

2. Dress for Success

Dress your children assuming that they are going to be dipping their toes in the stream and sitting in the dust/mud to examine insects. Much less stress for everyone when mama doesn’t have to worry about clothes getting stained or good shoes being ruined!

3. Well-equipped with Water

Little bodies get thirsty fast, especially in the sun. We love our Ledge Hydration Pack. Since it is a backpack, it is hands-free and simple enough for all of us to use. As our children get older, we plan to get them their own.

4. Sneak a Snack

A quick snack goes a long way on the trail. My kiddos love GoGo Squeez Applesauce and they are perfect for on the go. Be sure to pack all your litter back out.

5. Stop for Service

Last year we participated in the Governor’s Summer of Service - got to start them young, right? One of the easiest ways for our five-year-old daughter to serve was to pick up litter on the trails. We looped the handle of a plastic grocery bag through my daughter’s belt loop and bought her child-sized gardening gloves to use to pick up the garbage. Lily loved it and thought it was as fun as a treasure hunt. As an added bonus, she and her little brother were much less likely to litter on the trails.

6. It’s a Wrap

When hiking with the under two-years-old crowd, a good wrap or hiking backpack comes in handy. I love my Moby Wrap for my babies who are still little bobble heads. With my young baby contentedly snuggled to my chest, my hands are free to help my older children. As my babies get older, we transition them to a hiking backpack that my husband typically carries. Our Sherpani hiking carrier has great storage and a sunshade for the babe – we love it! The biggest advantage of the Moby Wrap, hydration pack, and hiking carrier is that they are all hands-free making it much easier to hold other little hands on the trail when they need help.

I hope these tips have been helpful! See you on the trails this summer! Some of our favorite trails to do as a family include:

Idaho

Mesa Falls & Harriman State Park

Utah

Grotto Trail by Nebo Scenic Loop

Bridal Veil Falls and the Provo River Trail

Battle Creek Falls in Pleasant Grove

Bonneville Shoreline Trail

Cascade Springs on the Alpine Loop

This post includes Amazon.com affiliate links.

What are your favorite hikes with your kids?

Woolzies Giveaway!

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Taralyn

I have a confession to make. In college I was a cheapskate and never put dryer sheets in my laundry. This habit drove my husband bonkers when we got married and suddenly his clothes started electrocuting him as he got dressed in the morning. He converted me to the world of dryer sheets for awhile and then I began experimenting with different ways to reduce static cling.

Over the last few years, our family has slowly been converting to more natural products. The less chemicals around my babies the better! So how to reduce static cling without the chemicals – hello Woolzies! I love the idea of tossing one in for at least 1,000 loads. My husband gets to be static-free and I can keep our household a little more chemical-free!

A few ladies in the Sublime Media Connection had the pleasure of trying a great all natural product called Woolzies Dryer Balls, which are a great alternative to dryer sheets. They are guaranteed to last for 1000 loads of laundry, they are made with Wool, they soften fabrics reducing the need for fabric softener, and they reduce static. Sounds pretty great right? This makes them even better… they reduce the time it takes to dry your clothes in a dryer by about 25%!!!

You won’t want to miss the reviews from the ladies of the Sublime Media Connection! Click on the links to the reviewing blogs to find out what the lovely ladies thought of this unique product.

Connect with Woolzies to learn more:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Enter to win a set of Woolzies in this giveaway with 3 winners! This giveaway begins on 5/24 and ends on 6/7.

This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook. I hereby release Facebook from any possible liabilities. The sponsor is responsible for the delivery of this prize.

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How to save for Disney – Disney deals!

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Taralyn

Welcome to my next post about saving money for your Disney trip. My first saving for Disney post talked about some of my favorite ways to make extra money for your vacation. Today I want to share how I am pinching pennies as I prepare for our Disney trip.

When we go to Disneyland, my children love wearing costumes and Disney-themed apparel. When you buy on property it can cost a pretty penny! Even off-property, Disney apparel can be expensive. I like to start looking for Disney items about a year in advance. I subscribe to deal blogs, local and national, and like their Facebook pages so that I am alerted to all the great deals as soon as they happen. Here are three of my favorites:

Freebies2Deals

Money Saving Mom

Utah Sweet Savings

These three sites are fantastic for money saving ideas and deals. They save me time, too, by finding all the best deals for me! For example, I have Disney t-shirts on the list of items I am looking to buy before our big trip. Money Saving Mom posted today about a fabulous deal at The Children’s Place online. The darling shirts below are normally $12.99 and I was able to get them for $6.40 a piece plus 5 percent cash back through ShopAtHome.com.

Did I mention free shipping? You can get the same deal today! Sign up at ShopAtHome.com and search for Children’s Place. Click through to The Children’s Place web-site and use the code V8KFAY13 to get an additional 20 percent off your order. Order your favorite tees for your little girl and check that off your packing list! Hurry, though, sizes are selling out fast!

I always use cash back programs when I shop online – which is a lot – especially when I can get free shipping. It ranges from 2% to %18 percent cash back, but every little bit helps! My favorite three cash back programs are:

Shop At Home.com

Ebates.com

Swagbucks.com

If you are going to be shopping online – you may as well get getting money back! Whenever I shop online, I quickly check out each of those three sites to see which is giving the most money back.

So happy that I was able to score these darling Disney t-shirts for my daughter today! Check that off my Disney to do list! Be sure to check out my post on how I pack all these cute clothes for my littles for some helpful tips!

What is on your packing list when you go to Disneyland?

Where do you like shopping online?

(This post includes affiliate links. I only share the sites that I actually use and make money from! I hope you save money and make it on your Disney trip, too! Say hi to Mickey for me!)

Doc McStuffins Giveaway

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Taralyn

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I love that there are so many positive entertainment options available to my children. One of my daughter Lily’s favorite shows right now is Doc McStuffins on Disney Junior. She loves the make believe and fun characters – I love the scientific facts and imagination. I also appreciate that it makes something that may be scary for children, like visiting the doctor, and turns it into something familiar and fun. I have to say that the theme song is pretty catchy, too! I find myself singing, “it’s okay if you giggle …,” at least once a day!

My blogger friend Sweet Silly Sara had the chance to review Doc McStuffins Time For Your Check Up on DVD and she has a giveaway to share with my readers. One lucky reader is going to win a copy of this DVD which just hit stores a few days ago.

Here’s a little more info about the fun DVD!

2012′s #1 cable TV series in Kids 2-5, “Doc McStuffins” tells the story of a nurturing six-year-old girl who heals stuffed animals and broken toys out of her backyard playhouse clinic. Assisting Doc at the clinic are her trusty team of lovable stuffed animals including: Stuffy, an overly proud dragon; Lambie, her cuddly best friend lamb; Hallie, a jolly and caring hippo nurse; and Chilly, a snowman who spends a lot of time getting check-ups at the clinic. Whether it’s a case of loose stitching, low batteries or a blow-up toy who has sprung a leak, Doc and her pals are always there to lend a helping hand, while imparting to young viewers the importance of taking care of oneself and others.

Talent:

Kiara Muhammad (as Doc McStuffins); Loretta Devine (as Hallie); Lara Jill Miller (as Lambie); Robbie Rist (as Stuffy); Jess Harnell (as Chilly); Jaden Betts (as Donny McStuffins); Kimberly Brooks (as Mom McStuffins); and Gary Anthony Williams (as Dad McStuffins).

Creator/Executive Producer: Chris Nee

Episodes:

1 – Gulpy, Gulpy Gators! / One Note Wonder

2 – Tea Party Tantrum / Blast Off!

3 – Arcade Escapade / Starry, Starry Night

4 – Bronto Boo-Boos / Brontosaurus Breath

5 – Doctoring The Doc / Hot Pursuit

This giveaway will begin on 5/18 and end on 5/25.
This giveaway is in no way affiliated with facebook. I hereby release facebook from any potential liabilities. The participating bloggers are not responsible for prize delivery.

Good Luck!
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