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Summer Fireman Margarita is HOT…

firemen, margaritas, and kittens = Perfection

Summer is heating up….

Forget this whole Fifty Shades of Grey thing – if you want to really heat up the summer nights, you have GOT to check out this Summer Sauza Margarita recipe – including a totally yummy fireman. And kittens. Seriously…

Yep, that just happened

If you’re totally in love with this fireman, err, I mean recipe – get the directions here on how to put it together this summer: Margarita – Make it with a Fireman. And then check out the other awesome stuff on the Sauza Tequila website too, like coupons to save on your margarita supplies, and more recipe ideas. {No, this post is in no way at all sponsored by anyone. I just came across this recipe and video and am in love, and thought you ladies might like a little summer fun too…}

Summer Fireman Margarita

Ingredients

  • 1 can Sauza® Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila - *If Sauza® Blue Silver isn’t available, try Sauza® Silver
  • 1 bottle light beer
  • 1 can frozen limeade
  • 1 can water

Instructions

  1. Pour limeade and beer into a pitcher with ice.
  2. Fill limeade can with Sauza® Blue Silver and pour into pitcher.
  3. Finally, add a can of water, stir and enjoy.
https://sunshineandsippycups.com/2012/07/summer-margaritas-recipe-encourages-you-to-make-it-with-a-fireman/

That’s it. Now, grab your laptop, head out to the pool, and enjoy your Sauza Margarita while watching that fireman video a couple more times…. Yep, summer really is getting hotter, am I right?

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Summer Salsa Recipes – #FoodFunHop

I admit it… I’m a bit of a salsa junkie. When we got out to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant, I spend more time eating the chips and salsa than I do on my actual dinner. We usually make our salsa at home, since there haven’t been too many store-bought varieties that I like much. They never taste as fresh as I’d like, and most of them are honestly pretty bland and boring.

wholly salsa rocks

Dip it. Top it. Spread it. Love it.

I am now a believer in store-bought salsa, after trying the amazingly unique flavors from Wholly Salsa {yep, those same folks that make Wholly Guacamole!} – This stuff is goooood. With flavors like Red Pepper and Mango Salsa, Avocado Verde, and  Pineapple Salsa – they totally get your creative cooking juices flowing. I’m thinking some totally delicious Luau Burgers at our next BBQ party…

Wholly Guacamole Event - #foodfunhop

Taste it. Try it. WIN it!!

I’ve partnered with a couple of the most creative bloggers I know – This #FoodFunHop Event is hosted by Shy Babies & Little Inspiration  – and you’ll find a super fun linky after the giveaway form, where you can hop along and see all of the other amazing recipes created with these totally delicious salsas. Warning, it’s going to make you hungry! Mmmmmm…… So, use the easy peasy Rafflecopter form to get your entries in – one lucky winner will get a HUGE Summer Salsa Kit filled with all of the yummy products you see in the pic above. Then take a few minutes to check out the other recipes – and enter to WIN again on every single site!!! How fun is that, right?

4th of July Salsa Dip

4th of July Salsa Dip

We put this little dip together the other day for a BBQ – the kids helped me, which is why it’s a little, um, less the perfect, lol. For the 4th, we’ll do a big dish of this – I’m going to make it a 7-layer dip, which is one of our favorites. The top layer here is a white Queso dip, but this would work great with a cream cheese or sour cream layer on top too. For the stripes I put the salsa in a plastic ziploc baggie, cut the corner off, and piped it on like frosting. We added some olives for stars { definitely needed another row of those!} and star-shaped tortilla chips. The chips are super simple – use a cookie cutter to cut stars out of tortillas, brush ’em with a dab of butter, the bake ’em at 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes. Easy peasy!

wholly guacamole

Have Fun and Good Luck!

[Read more…]

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Get a Taste of The Scottish Highlands – if You’re #Brave Enough!

Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. From Disney and Pixar, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate…

Girl Hero featured in new movie brave

I’ve already told you guys how VERY much I am excited about this new animated movie featuring a princess as the hero kicking bad guy butt… I think that is so super cool. There are not enough kids movies that show confident girls doing brave things… The film takes aim at theaters on June 22, 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D in select theaters. But until then, I’ve got some little sneak peeks for you!

Get ready for epic adventures

And I mean really, are there any other kind of adventures? If you and your kiddos are as excited about the upcoming release of Brave, and are having a hard time waiting – Check out the super adorable Disney / Pixar Brave Movie Merida Princess Doll that we got last week on Amazon, or the other playsets and books featuring the movie characters. And – check out this great recipe inspired by the movie…

Scotland recipes from Pixar movie Brave

Scotch Egg Recipe from Brave

This seriously sounds sooooo good. We have a little bit of Scottish blood running through our family tree, and I find it really interesting to learn little pieces about our ancestors. There is an amazingly old family cookbook with a few hand-written recipes in it… Maybe I can find something to go along with this one too! I’m planning to make it next weekend – and I’ll come share pics with you after we do, and let you know how it tastes…. Mmmm.

Description: 1 NEW Official Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Logo

See Brave in Theaters this June 22, 2012 – and Follow Brave on Facebook, and connect with @DisneyPixar on Twitter too!

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Turkey Burger with Onion-Apple Relish

With the Nutrisystem diet, I’m super excited for summer. I’m excited to finally wear a bikini again and rock my Mom-garita look, I’m excited to actually be able to jump in and have fun during our pool parties instead of hiding behind a big towel, and I’m super excited to have found some awesome recipes for summer BBQ’s featuring my fave Nutrisystem foods. When you’re a Nutrisystem member, you get access to a ton of cool online tools – including a super sweet recipe section. I found a Refreshing Summer Poke Cake, made with Nutrisystem Golden Pound Cake and strawberries, some super yummy sweet potato fries, and this one which is my favorite – Turkey Burger with Onion-Apple Relish. Mmmmm – Super excited to try it this weekend.

low fat turkey burger

Turkey Burger with Onion-Apple Relish

Ingredients

  • Calorie-free pan spray, as needed
  • 4, 4 oz. turkey burgers, extra lean variety
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, julienne slices
  • 1 medium apple, peeled, cut into quarters
  • 1 Tbsp. apple sauce (unsweetened)
  • 1/4 tsp. cumin, ground
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper, as desired
  • Lettuce, as desired
  • Tomatoes, sliced
  • 4 each burger buns, whole grain

Instructions

  1. 1. Heat grill or broiler.
  2. 2. Spray onions, peppers and apples with pan spray, place on grill or under a broiler and cook until all pieces are slightly charred and beginning to soften.
  3. 3. Cool vegetables and apples slightly, then mince all grilled items and place in a small bowl.
  4. 4. Add apple sauce, cumin and pepper to bowl and toss to blend. Allow to stand covered while you prepare your burgers.
  5. 5. Prepare turkey burgers on grill or under broiler. Place burgers on a bun and spread a portion of the onion-apple relish over each burger. Top with tomato slices and lettuce if desired.
  6. Variations and Serving Suggestions:
  7. Substitute extra-lean ground beef for the turkey burgers, or use the Nutrisystem® Flame Broiled Beef Patty or Nutrisystem® Grilled Chicken Breast, then top with relish. Yields 4 servings.
https://sunshineandsippycups.com/2012/05/turkey-burger-with-onion-apple-relish/

I Heart Nutrisystem!

There are so many things to love about Nutrisystem, and these awesome member-submitted recipes are so incredibly helpful. Each month I get a huge shipment filled with all of my favorites – but even with all of that variety, sometimes you do crave “new” foods. Having access to these awesome recipes in my Nutrisystem account make is so easy to use my prepackaged foods to make super fun summer recipes.

Results for This Week

Ok, I have a confession. This week I didn’t lose any weight. Super bummed about that. BUT – I had two big parties for friends, plus a Mother’s Day brunch and dinner party. I’m learning to make better choices when I can’t eat my balanced Nutrisystem meals, but I did splurge a little this week. Luckily, I’ve been adding more exercise by going on daily walks with Abby, and followed the plan perfectly when I was eating at home – which prevented me from GAINING weight. So for that I’m grateful. And this week I’m just working twice as hard at losing a pound or two!

WANT TO GET YOUR PRE-BABY BODY BACK TOO?

Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem.com. It’s simple to get started, the foods are actually really good, with loads of variety. Heck – you even get to have chocolate cake or ice cream each night for dessert, how great is that? Get started today – it’s the best choice you’ll make this year!

READ MORE ABOUT MY NUTRISYSTEM WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY, AND FOLLOW MY WEIGHT LOSS BOARD ON PINTEREST TOO!

{Disclaimer: I’m receiving a complimentary membership and access to all Nutrisystem products and services, to review here for you. All photos, opinions, and results here are 100% my own personal experience – and may vary for others.}

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Daily $200 Grocery Gift Card Giveaway! #iloveavocados

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Avocados from Mexico for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

WakeUpAWinner_logo IZEA.jpg

Wake Up A Winner Sweepstakes

Rise, Shine, & Enter – It’s that easy. You can enter the Wake Up a Winner Sweepstakes every single day, for a chance to win the daily prize – a $200 grocery gift card to the store of your choice. Imagine how much THAT would help your budget, right? Plus, the more days that you enter, the more chances that you have to win the Grand Prize – a Napa Valley, California Bed & Breakfast vacation for you and a guest! You totally deserve a weekend away – so make sure you enter each day.

How to Enter to Win

To enter, visit the Avocados From Mexico on Facebook page, and fill out a quick form to get into the daily drawing for the $200 Grocery Gift Card. The giveaway runs from April 2, 2012 – May 6, 2012. I entered today – Fingers crossed!

Avocados From Mexico IZEA Blogger Outreach - Wake up a Winner.doc (Read-Only)

Avocados from Mexico make a great breakfast too – which you can enjoy each morning before entering the Wake Up a Winner Sweepstakes. {See what I did there? Wake up, to breakfast and then enter to win? Get it? Lol.} Check out this tasty idea that will be filling enough to keep hunger away ’till lunch – while being super healthy and full of crazy-nutritous stuff.

Avocado Toast Recipe

  • 1 full ripened avocado from Mexico, halved, pitted, and peeled.
  • Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 large slices of bread, toasted
  • Optional: 2 slices of cooked bacon, or 2 tablespoons chopped tomato

This is super simple – grab a bowl, and mash up the avocado with a fork – then season to make your taste buds happy with the desired amount of salt and pepper. {I like very little salt, lots and lots of pepper} Then divide the avocado mix evenly onto the two slices of toast, and spread to cover. Cut each slice in half, eat, and enjoy a ridiculously healthy start to your day!

Start Your Day with a Smile!

And don’t forget – each morning after enjoying a healthy & hearty breakfast with avocados from Mexico – get more Avocados From Mexico recipes to try here –  head over to enter the Wake Up a Winner Sweepstakes too! What a rockin’ way to start each morning, right? {Feelin’ lucky? Enter to win all the fun prizes that I’m giving away this month too – right over in the sidebar!} Have Fun, and Good Luck!

Visit Sponsor's Site

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Super Bowl Party Food Idea: How to Build a Snackadium!

If you’re a football lover – or even just a party lover who looks for any reason to entertain, even when you don’t know a thing about football {*cough, cough* talking about me here! Lol.} – you’ll love this super fun, super impressive – yet I promise still super simple! – football party food. Check it out….

Football food

“The reason women don’t play football is because eleven of them would never wear the same outfit in public.” – Phyllis Diller

A couple weeks ago, I was searching Pinterest for some super cool Superbowl party food idea. And I came across a picture of a stadium made of snacks, which led me to the uh-MAY-zing Snackadium.com. The Snackadium site is filled to the top with fun food ideas – but it’s not filled with many instructions. So – I’ll show you how to build your own Snackadium! Awesome, right?


Building a Snackadium

“Half this game is ninety percent mental.” – Danny Ozark, Philadelphia Phillies manager.

Start with either a cookie sheet, {ignore that I used our super duper old one for this project, lol} or a foil baking sheet if you want something disposable – this is going to become your field. You could also use a thicker baking pan, if you wanted to make a 7-layer dip, instead of just the basics like I did. I started with the center section – and used Wholly Guacamole {the best kind evah!} for the playing field. My secret to making the lines nice and even is to use kabob sticks – those type that you get at Walmart in the BBQ section. Outline your “field” with sticks, and fill in with guacamole. Once you have it full – fill your other sides with salsa, and then nacho cheese. You can cover the sticks with the dips, and you won’t even see them. To finish your field, scoop a bunch of sour cream into a plastic sandwich baggie, snip off a tiny end, and pipe it out like frosting to draw lines on your field. Now you’ve got your football field – Easy peasy, right?

fun foods for superbowl

“I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.” – Nancie J. Carmody

Next you want to build your goal posts. We used a package of pepperoni sticks – so good. As you can see in the picture, I used toothpicks to hold the pieces together. To get them to fit together tightly, you can push a spoon against the outside edge, to keep the toothpick from poking out through. Then cut a big square of cheese for the base, and attach it with another toothpick. Done!

Rice Krispies Treat - Big one

“The NFL, like life, is full of idiots.” – Randy Cross

For the outside wall of the Snack Stadium we used Rice Krispies Treats cut into squares, and held together with more toothpicks. I tried using homemade ones, but they were too soft. The store bought type worked MUCH better! And just one treat sheet gave me enough pieces to go all the way around, with a bit leftover.

Superbowl party platter

“I’ve been big ever since I was little.” – William Perry, Former Chicago Bears Defensive Tackle

Now you’re ready to assemble the stadium! You’ve got your playing field filled with dips, the Rice Krispies walls are ready to assemble, and your pepperoni goals are built. So – start putting together the wall all around your field, as large as you want to make it. Use a toothpick in between each Rice Krispies Square to keep it together. Then, fill the space in between the field and the wall with chips. {Another great idea that I saw was to add hot dogs all around that inside edge, to keep the chips from falling into the dips – so smart!} Then, put your goal posts in. You’re almost done!

Superbowl Party Foods

“The Rose Bowl is the only bowl I’ve ever seen that I didn’t have to clean.” – Erma Bombeck

One last piece – You have to make the football players! We used hot dogs cut into little pieces, and topped them with tiny cheese helmets. I’ve also seen little smokies as players, and Fritos corn chips as helmets. You could get really creative and use those tubes of cookie decorating icing to color the helmets to match the teams too. Put your players on the field – and bam! You’ve just built yourself a Snackadium.

Cool Superbowl Party Idea

“I feel like I’m the best, but you’re not going to get me to say that.” – Jerry Rice, San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver

Totally fun, right? It was actually a lot simpler to build then I thought it would be. If you want to check out more fun football party ideas, check out my Football Party Ideas board on Pinterest. And for more Snack Stadium inspiration – visit Snackadium.com and check out the Snackopolis! Wow.

Do you have a fun football idea to share?

I’d LOVE to see your fun food ideas too – if you’ve posted a cool project, leave me a link in the comments so that I can check it out. Or stop by and visit me on Facebook, and post a picture of your creation! I love to see what you guys come up with! Also – See the sweet version: The Snickers Snackadium!

“You’ve got a goal in life. I’ve got a goal. Now all we need is a football team. ” – Groucho Marx

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Red Velvet Cake Balls – Plus Freebie for Duncan Hines Bakers Club Members!

Recipe for Red Velvet Bake Pops

Get Free Baking Goodies from Duncan Hines!

These pretty little yummies are a recipe from Duncan Hines – Red Velvet Cake Balls. I’m super excited to try these out later this week – Not only are they gorgeous, but they’re super easy to make. All you need is a Red Velvet Cake Mix, frosting, and candy melts. The recipe is available to anyone who is a Duncan Hines Bakers Club Member, which you definitely want to join today – They announced on Facebook that they’re going to be sending out something cool to members later this week! After you join, you can get this full recipe here –

Red Velvet Cake Balls Recipe

The Bakers Club site is filled with great recipes and cool free tools – you’ll love it. And, if you’re like me and always looking for more ways to simplify life, you definitely want to pick up the Bake Pops set! You get a full kit totally free with each set you buy – getting you double the value. And they make it so super easy to make fun Bake Pops or Cake Balls, and they come out perfect every time. It’s like, one of my favorite inventions ever.

How do you make Bake Pops?

Do you use the kit? Or do you make them by hand? My attempts at making them by hand always ended in disaster, so the Bake Pops kit is my perfect solution to creating impressive desserts. Stop by on Facebook and share pictures of YOUR best cake balls or pops – I love to see my fans creativity!

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