Get Advice with Sears @ShopYourWay

April 25, 2014 by Melissa

So you’ve been debating that thing a ma jig for a while now but just aren’t sure about making that big purchase. What about asking the experts for some advice? Over at Shop Your Way you can now Get Advice from Sears store associates all over the country.

From advice on the best baby cribs to replacing refrigerator water filters, through Get Advice you can access product and category expertise from thousands of in-store Sears associates while at home or out on-the-go, plus recommendations and insights from the millions-strong Shop Your Way member community.

As a Shop Your Way Member (it’s free) you can post any product related questions within the community and view replies just as you would in the store. The answers come from other members and store associates. Simply go to the “Ask A Question” field on a product page.

Never be left in the dark about features, specifications or ratings again.

Purina Cat Chow Twitter Party 4/23 8-9pm EST

April 22, 2014 by Melissa

Did you know that indoor cats tend to get less exercise so they are more susceptible to weight gain over outdoor cats?

Purina Cat Chow Twitter Party 4/23 8-9pm EST

photo via Magnus Brath via Flickr

Our outdoor cats were always on the move, the prowl, the hunt; quite literally. But our indoor cats were very much like our dogs, lazy. Lounging in the sunbeams coming through the window and begging for treats.

58% of US cats are overweight and there is definitely something that we can do to help our furry friends! We have to treat them like the family that they are.

TAKE THE PURINA CAT CHOW WHY WEIGHT PLEDGE NOW!

Purina Cat Chow #WhyWeightPledge is asking people to take a minute determine if their cat is at a healthy weight. Take the pledge today and get a free sample PLUS when they hit 100,000 pledges, Purina will donate $50,000 to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

JOIN THE PURINA CAT CHOW #WHYWEIGHTPLEDGE

TWITTER PARTY

WHO

Join @StacieinAtlanta (that’s me) and @ToneItUp

along with panelists: @CatsOutofTheBag @crissy @jollymom @DaddyMojo @DrErnieWard

Make certain to follow us all on Twitter so you can keep up with the conversation.

WHAT

#WhyWeightPledge Twitter Party

Click below to Tweet to help us get the word out

Purina Cat Chow Twitter Party 4/23 8-9pm EST ~ Chat About Cats & Win Prizes! #WhyWeightPledge – http://bit.ly/1nk7bAf via @StacieinAtlanta

WHERE

Twitter beginning at 8PM EST on Wednesday, April 23, 2014

WIN

1 Lucky reader who RSVP’s below will win a prize at the start of the party.

This prize pack includes: 1-year’s supply of Purina Cat Chow Healthy Weight and Purina Cat Chow Prize pack

During the party, we will be giving away:

(3) Prizes: $50 American Express gift card, three-months supply of Purina Cat Chow Healthy Weight and Purina Cat Chow Prize pack

(1) Grand Prize: $100 American Express GiftCard, six-month supply of Purina Cat Chow Healthy Weight and Purina Cat Chow Prize pack

RSVP

Latte Macchiato Cocktails – Add Zing to Your Cup of Coffee

April 16, 2014 by Melissa

Creamy and frothy, Latte Macchiato is definitely a favorite among coffee lovers, especially those who

prefer smoking hot beverages. The perfect layering of latte macchiato and the creamy froth that adorns

the top is a wonderful delight, especially when you need some lifting up after a long day. However,

there is definitely one way you can make this already wonderful beverage even more delectable; by

adding a dash of liquor to it. To help you with that, here are some simple recipes using which you can

incorporate liquor with your latte macchiato.

Mozart Latte Macchiato

Marzipan cream liqueur is a luxury spirit that brings together some of the most divine flavors to treat

your taste buds; marzipan, cream and almond. A delightful color and a creamy concoction, this amazing

liqueur adds an overwhelmingly exotic flavor to beverages. Using this together with espresso to form a

macchiato gives you one of the most refreshing spring drinks.

If you have ever tasted the famous Salzburg’s Mozart Balls, you may have an idea of how this drink is

going to taste. If not, you are definitely in for a wonderful surprise!

Ingredients:

• Espresso

• Milk foam

• Chocolate sauce

• Marzipan cream liqueur

(You can use the ingredients according to the size of your serving glass and your own taste)

Instructions:

1. Take a long glass for serving and pour in chocolate sauce. On top of it, add marzipan cream

liqueur. Now slowly add heated milk foam into the glass.

2. At last, add espresso to the glass creating a perfectly layered latte macchiato. Make sure you use

a transparent glass so that you can clearly see the wonderful and colorful layers of this beverage

when enjoying it.

Baileys Cream Coffee

Baileys is one of the most popular Irish liqueurs known for its rich and creamy flavor. It combines a rich

and creamy texture with a flavor of chocolate and Irish whiskey. It has a very luxurious and smooth

taste that, when mixed with the strong taste of espresso and milk foam, forms a delightful concoction,

layering up to form a great latte macchiato.

A perfect combination of chocolate, cream, whiskey and espresso, this latte macchiato is another

refreshing beverage that is going to taste heavenly once you try it.

Ingredients:

• Chocolate sauce

• Baileys cream liqueur

• Espresso

• Milk foam

(You can use the ingredients according to the size of your serving glass and your own taste.)

Instructions:

1. In a tall glass, pour chocolate sauce at the bottom and then add the Baileys on top of it. Next

add the milk foam on top.

2. Slowly pour in the espresso and fill until the glass is full. Use a transparent glass so that you can

see the amazing layers you have just created with this latte macchiato.

Vanilla Latte Macchiato Cocktail

Combining together the rich and smooth taste of a cream liqueur with two different things, this cocktail

is one of the most unique flavors you will try. The addition of Absolut Vanilia Vodka and strong espresso

to the delightful cream liqueur creates a strong, refreshing and energizing drink that is ideal to freshen

you up after a long and tiring day, getting you into a party mood right away.

If you want something stronger, this macchiato with a dash of vodka is just what you need.

Ingredients:

• Cream liqueur

• Absolut Vanilia Vodka

• Milk foam

• Espresso

(You can use the ingredients according to the size of your serving glass and your own taste.)

Instructions:

1. Take a tall glass and pour in the cream liqueur. Next add the vodka to the glass. Add milk foam

slowly. In the end, slowly add espresso to the glass. Your macchiato cocktail is all set to go!

If you want the best flavors for your beverages, you should try the Dolce Gusto Espresso flavors, which

will give a wonderful flavor to your drinks. As a part of their promotion for spring, you can currently get

a free Capsule Carousel with three boxes of coffee, so it’s definitely the perfect time to pick your coffee

from the Nescafe Dolce Gusto selection.
guest post via Samantha c/o Nescafe Dolce Gusto

#MacysProm Event at King of Prussia Mall

April 10, 2014 by Melissa

We are in the height of prom season, at least it is in most other high school senior households. I’ve just been informed that Sabreena isn’t going. No real reason except she doesn’t feel like spending so much money for one night. I tell her she’s going to regret it but I can’t force her to go. That didn’t stop us from first attending the #MacysProm and trying on dresses.

King of Prussia Mall, one of the best malls in the country, own Macy’s store hosted the #MacysProm runway show this past Saturday. We had the best seats in the house so we got the best shots of every dress that was strutted down the runway. I didn’t know what to expect but DJ Arun was playing awesome music and the models were walking to the tunes of Jackson Harris. It’s been many years since my prom, in fact I went to 5 of them. Each of them in very different dresses, from Black Mermaid to Teal ballgown to Glitzy White to Sexy Red. This year the trends seem to just as diverse.

Macy’s says Sherbet colors are hot this year. Personally I think they always are especially for prom. It’s a fresh bight burst of color that is eye catching and shows up well in photos.

Something Blue was a collection of, you guessed it, blue hued gowns and social dresses. My favorite of the day is the short tulle and sequin navy dress. Did you catch the little serenade by Jackson Harris, so sweet.

Every girl is pretty in pink. The flowing layers stood out on the runway. I especially loved the organza weaving on the bodice of the long pale pink gown.

Sabreena’s favorite collection was Vintage and Lace. She’s got an old soul when it comes to clothing and accessories. Every formal dress she’s ever purchased has been lace of some sort.

After the show we headed to the dress department for a little dress-up play ourselves. Sabreena loved this beaded dress. It was similar to one that was on the runway. If only it came in a deeper hue she might’ve been talked into going to prom this year.

Snack and Meal Ideas with Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spreads

April 4, 2014 by Melissa

It’s the end of the school day and I’m anxiously waiting for the kids to barrel through the front door. They come in and it’s like a tornado. Shoes are kicked off, jackets are slung on chairs, backpacks opened and papers are in the swirling in the air. Mom, Mom, Mom, MOM. Guess what happened at school today? Maxim got in trouble again. I got a perfect score on my test. Can I have a snack?I ripped my jeans on the playground. What’s for dinner? Can we have a snack? Can I watch Frozen again? Can I have a snack? Mom is spread thin these first few moments, time to #spreadtheflavor with Philadelphia soft cream cheese.

Time to take a deep breath, sit them down at the kitchen island and start the wind down process. I get them to each talk about their day, go over papers and start homework. This is usually when we break out a snack. Keeping it easy is usually the way to go. There is always something happening within the next hour such as Lacrosse practice, Youth in Government, Vet appointments or errands. There is nothing simpler than flavored Philly Cream Cheese.

Snacks can vary from cheese sticks to fruit to crackers & peanut butter. I always try to keep it small, light but tasty. Pretzel sticks or wheat crackers dipped into Garden Vegetable Philadelphia Cream Cheese has been a new favorite. It’s enough richness to satisfy their grumbling tummies but still wholesome so I don’t feel the mommy guilt like when I feed them less nourishing options.

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spreads aren’t just for snacking and bagels either. I’ve been known to doctor up my staple Chicken, Pasta and Veggie dinner with a big scoop of Chive & Onion or Garden Vegetable flavored philly cream cheese. It transforms the tasty but simple meal into a decadent feast where no one is picking out ingredients they don’t want.

Food and cooking doesn’t have to be rigid or tedious or dull. Take the meals that you already prepare and give them a makeover. I choose Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spreads for this one because it a BIG change with little effort. Adding them to to pan drippings to make a sauce or stir into mashed potatoes for a delicious kick. Variety is key in making sure meals are satisfying and gobbled up.

#SpreadtheFlavor with these creative ideas

Chive Onion stirred into homemade mashed potatoes topped with crispy onions
Strawberry smeared on toasted waffles
Blueberry spread on a warm biscuit
Jalapeno mixed in your taco fillings
Garden Vegetable spread on a flatbread topped with mozzarella and veggies then baked

Is your mind working on how to incorporate this little bins of creamy goodness into your meal plan? Let me know what genius meal idea you come up with. As you can see my Walmart has so many flavors to choose from, I can never pick just one.

#SpreadTheFlavor #CollectiveBias #Shop

Join the #SharpMadness Twitter Party

April 2, 2014 by Melissa

It’s time for another Sears Twitter Party on Thursday, April 3rd at 12PM CST. This time we’re chatting #SharpMadness! We hope you can join us.

To RSVP and have a chance to win one of the prizes, make sure you do the following:

Follow the host @Sears and co-host @SearsDeals.
Retweet the promotional tweets announcing the party.

RT @Sears : Gather around for the #SharpMadness Twitter Party 4/3/14 at 12pm CT! $200 in prizes, RT to RSVP: http://shout.lt/rRpB

Participate in the conversation when it occurs Thursday, April 3rd at 12PM CST by answering questions and chatting to others. Make sure you use #SharpMadness, or we won’t be able to see your replies!

The winners will be selected as the party goes on, but if any of the above criteria are missing you will be unable to claim your prize. If you are announced a winner, simply reply that you accept the prize and a Sears Holding rep will be in contact with you via DM for the next steps.

Thanks again and see you at the #SharpMadness party!

Make it Special with American Greetings Video eCards

March 31, 2014 by Melissa

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of eCards from American Greetings. All opinions are 100% mine.

For Shaun’s 4th birthday we gave him a singing card that played , Queen’s We Will Rock You. For years he could be found opening and closing that car and singing along just those few words.

As he celebrates his 11th birthday today Shaun isn’t so much into the greeting cards as he is into the cash and checks that fall out of them. BUT when I can send something that is the epitome of boy humor than I’ve won.

American Greetings has released a new feature, Singing Greetings. The sender picks out the card, adds some personalization and a custom song is created. The Mariachi Birthday Video Ecard is awesome and instantly made me smile. Sending cards like these or regular e-cards is effortless with American Greetings new membership options

-$3.99 monthly for a monthly membership
-$19.99/year for a yearly membership
-$29.99 for a 2-year membership Learn more

These prices include the new Video eCards too!

In the day and age of Facebook, Twitter, text and email folks want to share so much. American Greetings wants you to keep doing that. Share your video greeting card on social media so friends and family can see your heartfelt message or funny new song. If it’s a more private message keep it simple with email or mobile messaging.

With eCard choices like anniversaries, birthday’s, just because and Mother’s Day (that’s coming up) you’ll have lots of opportunity to tell the ones your care about exactly how you feel.

Still not convinced? Try out the 7-Day Free Trial Membership. You have nothing to lose but the guilt for missing another birthday or anniversary.Make your American Greetings eCard now

Do you have a special occasion coming up that could use a special card?

Prime Time to get Shop Your Way Free Shipping

March 31, 2014 by Melissa

Because of our busy work schedules and family like we tend to do lots of our shopping online. With just a few clicks we’re able to find great deals on the things we need and want most. Shopping online just got a little better with the introduction of Max
Meet Shop Your Way MAX, which offers free two-day shipping on Sears and Kmart merchandise for just $39/year. Shop Your Way MAX is available to members of Shop Your Way, a free online social shopping program that offers perks and points whenever you shop at Sears or Kmart. Click here to join Shop Your Way now and start saving.

Finding a great deal isn’t a great deal anymore if you are stuck paying high shipping and handling fees. For just $39/year now is the PRIME time for Shop Your Way members to get free 2-day shopping on things like clothing & footwear, tools & gadgets and entertainment & media. Yes, there are millions of reasons to love Max, but 39 will do.
Better Yet! Max is free for 90days. Sign up now to activate your Max account for just $39/year.

ENTERTAINING ALTERNATIVES TO TV: For Kids and Other Creative Humans

March 25, 2014 by Melissa

When our kids are young, we expose them to as many things as we can to stimulate their minds and assist them in the learning process. We buy them this educational toy, that mind challenging game, and everything in-between. However, somewhere along the way we let our kids watch educational TV, which often includes Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and too many other shows to name. We exposed them to TV for a good reason, but the more we sit them in front of the large screen, the more they come to rely upon it as a pastime. The battle between you, your child, and the TV will occur for years, but here are a few creative options to have in your back pocket to lure them away.

Good Food GardeningGardening isn’t just for Mommy anymore. Having your kids assist you in the backyard is a great way to teach them about the values of healthy foods, give a simple science lessons, and in its simplest form, it’s FUN.
You don’t need a plot of land to be a gardener, nor do you need to go buy every tool at home depot. A small balcony or even a sunny window can sometimes suffice and there are lots of easy to grow plants and vegetables that grow in containers. Lettuce, kale, and Swiss chard can grow in pots without needing a full day of sun. If you have a sunny porch or a small backyard, your options are many; from tomatoes and peppers to peas that can grow up the railing. A fun project, if you have the space, is to build a “Jack and the bean pole” tepee. Just lash 4-6 poles (wooden or bamboo works great) at the top, spread evenly with an opening in the front and plant pole bean seeds around the bottom, and watch them grow! If you don’t have space, you can make a potted plant topiary using wire or sticks and train a vine to climb according to the shape you and your child create. No matter what approach you take, make sure to reinforce the science behind what you’re doing.

Clever Cooking

Learning to cook is a valuable lesson that will be everlasting. The skills you build with your child will benefit them years from now when you’re not home and he or she has to feed his or herself. Bring your kid into the kitchen and let your child read the recipe to you, gather the items needed, and do the measuring. Point out how things can be converted and substituted (ex. two ½ cups equals one whole cup).

Don’t be nervous about the danger in tools for preparation; just be vigilant and teach age-appropriate best safety techniques. There are child friendly kitchen tools available if you’re scared about them hurting themselves.

Making Musical Harmony

Many struggling schools have given up offering the arts altogether, despite clear empirical evidence that artistic expression contributes to improved learning in other subjects. What a terrible loss for our children!

You and your child can sing along with the radio (yes, radio still exists) or stereo. Mix the tunes up between yours and theirs, and switch styles, discussing this with your kids. Classical music has been shown to produce very positive effects on the minds of the youth. This genre is largely believed to be the best study music around.

Another great idea is to keep various instruments around the house that your child can pick up and play along with whatever music you put on. For very little money you can find maracas, tambourines, bongos, xylophones and a recorder instrument. Vendors like West Music are a great resource for finding musical recorders, as well as other instruments for your kids. For the larger, more costly instruments, such as guitars, banjos, trumpets, violins, and so on, check out yard sales, EBay, Craig’s List, Freecycle and other reasonable options. If you don’t want to spend a buck, there is no end to what can be made out of recycled items around the house. The goal is to entertain new and fun ideas.

Learning to play an instrument requires creativity and self-discipline; two character traits that all loving parents want their children to develop, while simultaneously fostering each child’s individual creative spirit.
Television may be a convenient distraction when we need our kids “out of our hair” but it is a false and lousy substitute for real and valuable creative stimulation.

This is a Guest Post

Tips for Shopping Consignment and Resale

March 17, 2014 by Melissa

In our community the consignment & resale events kick of this month. At schools and warehouses all over people are organizing clothing, shoes, toys and baby gear to resell to new families. This is my favorite way to shop. Kids grow quickly and that means they outgrow their things quickly that means families are left with items in great condition.

I go out to each consignment or resale shop with rules to follow. Doing this ensures I get the biggest bang for my buck.

Write down your children’s clothing and shoe sizes on a notecard for easy reference.
Know beforehand if they need things like winter coats, sneakers, jeans and other basics.
Bring something to carry your haul. Large tote bags, laundry baskets, shopping baskets, etc.
If you like it, grab it because it might not be there when you circle back in 15 minutes. You can always put it back.
Shop with outfits in mind. You don’t want to bring home an adorable patterned sweater then have nothing to match it.
Sort through your haul before checking out. Ask yourself “Would I buy that in a retail store?” Don’t let the price be your deciding factor.
Make sure buttons are attached, zippers go up, down AND lock, drawstrings are intact and seams aren’t ripped. Review hems, sleeves, collars and armpits for stains or holes.
Inspect baby gear for loose screws, chipped paint, missing pieces. Use your smartphone to check recall lists or reviews.
Know your budget.
Be comfortable. Shopping can be hard work especially when you are hauling piles of clothing around. Leave the heavy handbag and coat at home.

The last time I hit the big JBF Consignment Sale in fall I was able to get most of my daughter’s winter wardrobe plus shoes, coats for her and Shaun and some fun stuff for way less than $200. I can’t wait for the spring event coming up in a few weeks.

These tips aren’t just for shopping kids clothes. Use the same guidelines when shopping for adults and household items.

What do you like best about shopping consignment and resale?

JOIN THE PURINA CAT CHOW #WHYWEIGHTPLEDGE

TWITTER PARTY

WHO

WHAT

WHERE

WIN

RSVP

Read Something

Kids in the Kitchen Linky Party

Find it Here

How To Cancel?

What’s Mom Found Now?