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More off this less hello salamander lied porpoise much over tightly circa horse taped so innocuously outside crud mightily rigorous negative one inside gorilla and drew humbly shot…
More off this less hello salamander lied porpoise much over tightly circa horse taped so innocuously outside crud mightily rigorous negative one inside gorilla and drew humbly shot tortoise inside opaquely. Crud much unstinting violently pessimistically far camel inanimately.
Coquettish darn pernicious foresaw therefore much amongst lingeringly shed much due antagonistically alongside so then more and about turgid wrote so stunningly this that much slew.
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More off this less hello salamander lied porpoise much over tightly circa horse taped so innocuously outside crud mightily rigorous negative one inside gorilla and drew humbly shot…
** “This post was sponsored by Hello Happy. Hello Hershey’s. as part of an Ambassador Activation for Influence Central.”
As a work-from-home mom, it can be a challenge to split my time between my day to day job as a homemaker (cooking, cleaning, etc.), working from home (running my Blog and YouTube channel) and being a wife & mommy and caring for the boys. Sometimes I can be pulled in various directions but I try my best to make it work and make my family my priority at all times. Cooking, baking or just creating fun and delicious delights in the kitchen is one way we get together and have a little fun and spend happy moments with one another.
Since I work from home, Kevin, Luke and Isaiah have had a huge part in my blog and its success. Whether it is to help me scout locations for photos and images, help me review products (since they often get toys, games, books and other items), be my taste tester or sous chef, or be the eye behind the lens (my outfit photos as well as many images of me are captured by my sons), my boys are a pivotal part of why this site thrives. With Take Your Daughters & Sons to Work Day (April 28th), I thought this would be a fun and tasty way to include them this time around. In celebration of “Take Your Daughters & Sons to Work Day” the boys and I worked together to create one of our favorite treats to share with you. What made this so fun is that my husband Kevin was home from work so he was able to join in on the fun with us too.
Today we are sharing with you our Marshmallow S’mores Pops. They are so easy to make and perfect for little hands to get involved and make their own creations. The prep work takes just a few minutes and the boys can get involved and get hands-on.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
1 bag of HERSEY’S Milk Chocolate Chips. We don’t normally use the whole bag unless we are dipping the entire bag of marshmallows.
1 bag of large marshmallows
Graham Crackers
Lollipop sticks or skewers
Microwave or some heat source to melt the chocolate chips
PREP YOUR INGREDIENTS:
Crush your Graham crackers. You can do this quite easily by using a chopper (I used my Ninja) or by placing the crackers (break them up some) into a ziplock bag and sealing the bag tightly without air. Smash the crackers in the bag until you get the consistency and size of graham crackers you want.
Place one to two marshmallows on each stick. We opted for two this time around, but we normally do one marshmallow per stick.
Melt your HERSEY’S Milk Chocolate Chips in a Microwave safe bowl. Melt a little at a time in 10 second increments and remove bowl from microwave and give the chocolate a little stir. Once the chocolate is smooth, liquid like and melted, remove from the microwave and set on the side till you’re ready to use it.
To make dipping your marshmallows to coat them easier, you can place the melted chocolate and graham crackers in wide bowls if that works for you.
TIME TO CREATE:
Simply dip your marshmallow(s) on the stick into the chocolate first. You can decide to drizzle the chocolate onto the marshmallow with a fork for a different effect.
While the chocolate is still melted, dip your chocolate covered marshmallow into the graham crackers or sprinkle them on as you want. Not into graham crackers? You can skip this step and just do the chocolate dipped – but they are S’mores pops because they utilize s’mores ingredients.
Once dipped, you can decide to eat them as is or refrigerate for about 15 minutes so that the chocolate can set.
Enjoy!
My most happiest moments in life have to do with my family – my husband and sons, making memories and having fun. This April and beyond, HERSEY’S is facilitating Hello Happy Moments to show families that they can choose happiness anywhere, at any time! Whether it’s that s’more after school (or in our case, s’more pops), a chocolaty baked treat shared on a Sunday afternoon or planting in the garden, families can choose to find happy moments each day. HERSEY’S is seeking to open the world’s eyes to the everyday joys around us by creating experiences through which people can choose happy – no matter the situation. Even in places or times where they may not think it is possible – like during their morning drive/commute, at work during a deadline crunch time or on those gloomy rainy days, happy moments are everywhere.
On Take Your Kids to Work Day (April 28), HERSEY’S will set out to remind people that happiness is a choice! The intimate, individual and personal moments of happy that we choose each and every day create memories that last a lifetime. Years ago, when I was in middle school, I remember following my mommy to work for the same celebration. It was an experience I will always remember and it instilled in me how important these personal memories are and how they mold us into who we become as adults. I live by a mantra… make every moment count!
WIN SOME CHOCOLATE:
Thanks to HERSEY’S – you have the chance to win your own little HERSEY’S Product Pack to create your own Happy Moments with your family. Enter via the form below and share this post with friends and family so they may have the opportunity for a chance to win or they can create their own Marshmallow S’mores Pops.
So, how about you? Will you be taking part in “Take Your Kids to Work Day” or have you gone to work with your parents in the past? Do you have any Happy Moments you want to share? Comment below and share the love and have a Happy Moment with all of us.
They say that finding the love of your life is a rare thing – heck, I still have friends that are searching for theirs… but thankfully I have mine. Today my husband and I celebrate our 15 year wedding anniversary. It seems like the time has gone by oh so quickly and I’m still amazed at how much we have grown not only as a couple but as individuals. We have our own little family now and while things can be a challenge for us, we tackle them together as one.
On April 6, 2001, Kevin and I were married at Kepaniwai Park, Iao Valley in a beautiful ceremony. Times have certainly changed since then, weddings are different – even wedding attire. I remember the day like it was yesterday and the cool Maui breeze that graced my face as I walked up the aisle to greet my husband to be married. It truly was a wonderful day. Now – 15 years later and we have three boys and a dog and a lifetime of happiness and triumph to look forward to.
Dear Kevin – my darling husband,
As we celebrate 15 years married today (soon to be 19 years together), I’m reminded of the vows we took so many years ago. Our lives were simpler then, but while it’s much more interesting now – it’s comforting to know that the last 15 years I have grown as a woman, a wife and mother with you by my side. We have never had a dull moment and sometimes we don’t get to rest as much as we would like, but the challenges we’ve had are a great reminder of how far we have come and a celebration of our journey together.
As I write this letter, I can’t help but think where my life would be if we had made a different choice 19 years ago. Our situations would be different, our lives on various paths. It’s hard to fathom and I realize that while I may ponder the thought, my life without you would never be the same… and it was God’s choice that our paths would cross and meet once again bringing us to this point in time. Everything happens for a reason, and God’s reason was that we were to be together.
Through all of our trials and challenges, I am always reminded of our love. You are my strength, my equal and my biggest supporter. I am who I am today and who I strive to be because of you. No matter what our future holds, I’m proud to have you by my side as I walk into the unknown and face whatever it is that comes my way – head on.
I love you for an eternity, for always and forever!
I bet you didn’t know, just by looking at me, that I walk or run a mile to two miles five days a week! Or that I exercise, workout or I spend lots of time on the elliptical at least 3x a week. Running or walking is my way of clearing my mind and keeping me motivated, active and allows me to really bring out my creative side and working out, well – it keeps me healthy and helps with my asthma. A few weeks ago I was in a grocery market when a lady snickered at the fact that I had picked up a pint of ice cream… basically saying… “Are you sure you need to be buying that?” I let it go, but I then realized that there is such a common misconception that if you are plus sized, or larger than most that you are obese or overweight. The fact of the matter is, yes – I could stand to lose about 100 pounds to make myself healthier for my children, my husband and me – but that doesn’t mean that I’m necessarily unhealthy as so many will assume that I am. Prior to having children, I was a size 8, petite in body with a large bust and behind and after having children certain medical ailments have assisted with my weight gain. I’m not an over eater, but because of my physique – I often get pegged as “the fat girl”. I realized a few years ago that while I’m on my journey to get healthy and stay healthy (regardless of my size), many will not see it as such. So – now I am categorized as a plus sized lady and hey, at this moment in time… it’s who I am and I’m okay with it. The important thing is that I continue to live a healthy life to the best of my ability – regardless of what the social standards may outline. Yes, I do have extra baggage on me, but – I do live a reasonably healthy lifestyle. Today – after giving this topic some thought, I figured it would be a great way to not only share my story but also a few tips that can help you make small changes to your life for a healthy lifestyle. 5 easy, healthy lifestyle changes anyone can make and anyone can do. Feeling a little frumpy or just feel like you need a boost of endorphins or happy thoughts or need a little pick me up? These tips are simple, easy and you can do them too.
Drink more water
This particular tip may seem like a no-brainer, but the fact of the matter is… most people do not consume or drink the recommended 8 glasses of water each day. I love water and I love that I can add a little bit of lemon to my water and I am hydrated for longer periods. I’m really good at drinking the recommended amount but if I don’t I make sure I have a trusty timer go off every so often so I do not forget. Having a bottle with you at all times helps A LOT. I fill up my Hydroflask with ice and water and take it with me whenever I’m on the go so I always have water available that is cold and refreshing whenever I need it. Just adding the 8 glasses of water to your daily intake each day will make a huge difference in a healthier lifestyle.
Get up and move, walk your way to healthy
It may seem like it’s no big deal, but walking increases not only your oxygen but also helps in you regulating your breathing. But, I get it – life can get busy and sometimes you can’t find the time… as a busy mother, I know this all too well. There are still so many ways to get your walking in. Park further away from the store, at the back of the parking lot (be careful to watch your surroundings if you are by yourself) and get a little extra walking time in that way. I hate battling for parking stalls – especially when I’m at places like Costco or Walmart, so I’ll just park far and walk – exercise and a little extra steps are worth it. You can also park your car at the end of the drive way instead of right near the house. Since my mailbox is at the bottom of the drive way and we have another house in front of us, I like to walk back and forth to the mailbox a few times if I know I can’t devote any time to walking that day. And, sometimes walking by yourself is boring… so head to your local big box store like Target, Walmart, etc. and just walk around the store window shopping (if you can avoid the need to make a purchase) and get some walking done there. Last week while walking around target I clocked over 1200 steps just browsing the store and it didn’t feel like exercise to me.
Got a sweet tooth? Don’t let it get the best of you
Let’s face it – we all have it… that dreaded sweet tooth that makes us crave those favorite goodies that satisfy our souls. For me, it can be ice cream, gummy bears or the occasional chocolate. Thankfully – I am not the type of person that feels the “need” to have them, but I do have my moments. Instead of letting these things get the best of me, I just don’t keep them around me but I also don’t deprive myself if I have a craving. The key is moderation and control. Since I know I like ice cream – I will either replace my ice cream with a frozen smoothie with frozen fruit or make a sorbet and if that really doesn’t work, I will eat some ice cream, but make sure to choose the smallest bowl in the house to serve me in. Sometimes all we need is the taste on our tongue to satisfy that craving and a little of it will go a long way. Also – stock your house with fruits, when you want that snack – have a small bowl of fruit and you will be amazed at how fast it will curb that craving.
Stop drinking soda or try to eliminate it the best you can
I never drank soda growing up and once I was really introduced to the taste of it in my early 20s, it was hard to ignore. I’m a Pepsi girl and my husband and I both enjoy Pepsi soda as well (who do you think introduced it to me? haha). It was a hard one to battle and while we don’t stock soda in our house, we still treat ourselves from time to time. I NEED soda with Pizza. I know, I know – no one needs soda… but it’s something I look forward to when I have a piece of pie to eat. So if we really find the need, my husband and I will share a can of it together. That way – we get the flavor, the satisfaction and we are not stuck with a huge case of it in our house and feel the need to drink it all. We can go a whole year without it and then one day, we find the need to taste the yummy, sugary carbonated flavor we enjoy and we’ll treat ourselves. If you can quit cold turkey – do it… if not, just try eliminating it to the best of your ability until you don’t find the need for it any longer.
Get up – stand up, stand up for your life!
As someone who works from home, I can find myself on the computer for hours at a time trying to work on campaigns, type out posts, answering emails… etc. Like with any job, the time can get away with you when you have a deadline or are busy working. But, you should always remember that it’s important to get up once in a while, stand and stretch – walk away from your desk. This will not only allow you to take a breather, maybe have a second to gather your thoughts, but also stretch those muscles and move. Standing up is so important to help in the blood flow of your body and it also helps to give you a little boost of energy that you may be needing after sitting a while.
While this is just a starter list, there are so many more things you can do to make a healthy lifestyle change. Remember, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable to do and it shouldn’t make you feel like you are dreading it each day. Living a healthy lifestyle could mean that you are getting an extra 10 minutes of walking in, each day or you cut out your favorite junk food. Rome wasn’t built in a day and things take time. These steps and tips are there to help you be more confident in your choices. If I can do them, well – you certainly can too. Remember, a little at a time and you’ll see a change. Also – if you are in the same boat as I am, know that no one can make you feel terrible – but yourself. Have faith, think positive and know that I’m cheering you on. A healthy lifestyle isn’t about killing yourself at the gym or starving yourself… it’s about being healthy so you can live life. Good luck!
Like posts like these? It’s been a while since I have done these types but I promise there will be a lot more coming soon. 😉
xo
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased. I was not paid to provide my thoughts and this post is not sponsored.