MATLAW’S Frozen Seafood – Super Bowl Snacks Done Right!

January 29, 2015 in Eat, reviews

Matlaw's

Everyone is gearing up for the big game, coming up this Sunday! I know Phoenix is all abuzz about the amount of traffic around the stadium and all of the revenue the out of town guests will be bringing to our state! Why not make an easy decision about your Super Bowl snacks by serving MATLAW’s frozen seafood?

MATLAW’S can be found at Albertsons and they have  quite a variety that will keep all of your guests happy! My family tried out the Crispy Buffalo Shrimp, Crispy Original Shrimp and the New England Style Stuffed Clams. I just set my oven to 450 and popped everything in the oven.

My boys loved the Buffalo Shrimp! It wasn’t too spicy but it had just a little bit of a kick. I know that buffalo sauce goes well with chicken but I would have never guessed that it complimented shrimp so well! The stuffed clams were my favorite. At only 100 calories each, my new year’s resolution was not blown!

How about a fun recipe for your Super Bowl party that will really impress your guests?

Matlaw’s Bacon & Cheese Clam Pizza Bites

Favorite comfort foods combine to offer a new spin on the classic.

Servings:

8

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 55

 

INGREDIENTS

16oz whole grain pizza dough or a pre-made THIN pizza crust (like Boboli)

4 Matlaw’s Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Clams

1 cup shredded 2% mozzarella cheese

1 cup baby spinach

1.5 cups marinara sauce

 

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 425°F for cooking the pizza. Microwave clams two at a time for 3-4 minutes and set aside. Although we like baking or grilling our stuffed clams, for this recipe, we recommend microwaving them for easiest handling and the cleanest shell for later use as a bowl for the dipping sauce. Prepare your preferred crust and spread 3/4-1 cup marinara sauce evenly across the pizza then top with baby spinach and mozzarella. Place pizza in oven (3-4 minutes if using a prepared crust, 12-15 minutes if using raw pizza dough). While pizza is baking, spoon stuffing out of clam shells into a bowl. When pizza is halfway done, crumble Matlaw’s Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Clam stuffing over the pizza. Return to the oven and continue cooking until the crust has turned golden brown. Slice pizza into small, bite sizes triangles. Fill empty clam shells with marinara sauce for dipping. Serve immediately.

For more information on MATLAW’s frozen seafood, you can check out their website or Facebook.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Matlaw’s Seafood. All opinions are my own.

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New Turkey Tacos From Del Taco + A Giveaway #EatWellWithDel

January 22, 2015 in Eat, Giveaways, reviews, Reviews/Giveaways

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Del Taco. All opinions are my own.

DelTaco

Del Taco has had yummy turkey tacos on their menu for awhile now. But, they have made them even better! As of December 30, 2014 Del Taco is using a lean seasoned turkey by JENNIE-O!

How about even more reasons to love turkey from Del Taco:

  • Turkey taco (crunchy or soft) only 150 calories each!
  • Turkey combo burrito
  • Deluxe turkey taco salad
  • Turkey crunch-tada tostada

I loved how fresh the tacos tasted. Not only was the turkey super moist and flavorful, the taco was loaded with fresh lettuce, cheese and pico de gallo! Del taco grates their cheese fresh everyday from 40lb. blocks of cheese and they make their own pico de gallo salsa, daily!

Would you like to try a turkey taco from Del Taco? Head over to the Del Taco website and print a coupon for a free turkey taco, with any purchase.

Del Taco is also quite social. You can share how much you love their new menu items on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

GIVEAWAY: $20 Del Taco Gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Into The Woods Movie Review!

December 25, 2014 in Movies, reviews

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The much anticipated film “Into the Woods” opens today (12/25/14) in theaters. I know many of you love going to the movies on Christmas day and it may even be a family tradition. I had the chance to preview this movie a few weeks ago and I’ll try and give you my opinion of the movie without spoiling it!

The movie is based on many fairytales as they intertwine and the characters all end up in the woods. You can expect some singing since this movie was made to resemble a broadway musical. The stories that make up the movie are:

  • Little Red Riding Hood
  • Jack and the Beanstalk
  • Rapunzel
  • Cinderella

Here’s what I liked about the movie:

  • I liked that the movie had the feel of a broadway musical. You don’t see many films like that.
  • I loved the list of celebrities that they cast in the film. Each one was very believable.

What I didn’t care for about the movie:

  • The wolf that chased Little Red Riding Hood was like a child predator. It didn’t seem like he was going to eat but rather how do I say it politely – violate her. The wolf was played by Johnny Depp. He’s a little intense in all of his rolls but this one was just plain creepy.
  • There was one part where the Prince and the Other Prince were singing and dancing in a river. It started out promising and then turned corny real quickly. But hey, maybe that is what they were going for. If so, they pulled it off beautifully.
  • The last thing about the movie that I didn’t care for was the situation with Cinderella and the Prince. When they finally get married they end up being separated as they both head into the woods. In the meantime the prince manages to cheat on Cinderella. Cinderella finds out and then questions him about it. They then decide it won’t work out between them so they need to split up. Okay I’m confused. So they get married, he has an affair and then they divorce all in the same day?

So, the movie is PG and advertised as great for families. I have two boys, 7 and 10. I would definitely not take them to see this movie. I’m sure teenagers would love it. The cast and special effects are amazing. If I was rating this movie I would give it 2 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure: I previewed this movie for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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How About A ZAGG Bluetooth Keyboard For Christmas?

December 19, 2014 in Giveaways, reviews, Reviews/Giveaways, Shop

ZAGG Keyboard

Are you looking for a last minute Christmas gift? I have the perfect gift for that person in your life that owns a tablet! The ZAGG Bluetooth Keyboard makes a great gift.

This keyboard can be picked up at one of the 20 AT&T stores across the Valley.

I’ve tried other keyboards with my iPad and here is why I love the ZAGG keyboard:

  • The ZAGG keyboard is a case, stand and keyboard in one!
  • The keyboard has an incredibly long battery life. I’ve charged it once and used it multiple times and haven’t yet needed to recharge!
  • The keyboard is curved to make it ergonomic and comfy for typing.
  • Compatible with all tablet types – Android, Windows or Apple.

AT&T has some awesome holiday promotions that you may be interested in as well!

  • Switch to AT&T and receive a $150 bill credit for wireless customers who add a smartphone with AT&T Next
  • Buy 2 tech accessories (speakers, chargers, fitness trackers, cases, etc.) save 10%
  • Buy 3 tech accessories save 20%
  • Get up to $300 in credit when you trade in your current iPhone for a new one
  • Get the Samsung Tab 4 8.0 for $0.99 with the purchase of the Samsung Alpha on AT&T Next*
  • Get the LG G Pad 7.0 for just $0.99 with the purchase of any smartphone on AT&T Next*

* Smartphone requires purchase via 2-yr wireless agreement or AT&T NextSM installment agreement and qualifying service activation. Tablet requires purchase via 2-yr wireless agreement and qualifying service activation. See bundle requirements.

DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored post for AT&T. All opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

AT&T would like to give one lucky winner a ZAGG Bluetooth Keyboard ($70 ARV)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Holiday Traditions With the Help of Target!

December 16, 2014 in Giveaways, Shop, target

snow ball fight

With the holiday season in full swing, many families are thinking about yearly holiday traditions. One of our favoirite family traditions for the holiday season is a “snowball” fight. I know what your thinking, how can we have a snowball fight in Phoenix? Well, this year we went to Target and gathered all of our supplies.

Sure, in Phoenix we don’t have snow but we make due with what we have. At Target I found some yummy powdered sugar donuts and some Snow Globes White Cheddar Cheeseballs by Market Pantry. These are perfect for a Phoenix snow ball fight!

snow ball fight2

Target had the ideal boxes to hold the “snowballs.” Since all of the holiday items were in one section it made my job much easier. Some cookie boxes caught my eye. At $5 for 6 boxes, I snatched them up. A few other items I decided to buy as well included snowman Peeps, a spool of twine, a few snow ornaments and a snowman craft kit.

snow ball fight 3

The snowball fight is pretty easy to accomplish. My boys and I filled the boxes with either the donuts or cheeseballs, decorated the outside of the boxes and decided which neighbors to hit with a snowball. You can leave a fun note and let them know who hit their house or you can leave it anonymous. We recently moved to a new neighborhood and decided to keep it anonymous. It will be fun to see if they can figure out it was us!

GIVEAWAY:

I’m sure you have your own traditions! How about $75 to Target to help you purchase items to make these traditions better than ever?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored post for Target. All opinions are my own.

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BODYARMOR: The Natural Sports Drink!

December 14, 2014 in reviews

Bodyarmor1

My boys love sports and they consume a lot of sports drinks. Along the way, I’ve become concerned with the dyes and the amount of sugar in these sports drinks. Well, I found an awesome alternative called BODYARMOR!

BODYARMOR FACTS:

  • 10% Coconut Water
  • Natural: Flavors, Colors, Sweetners
  • Electroytes: 600mg Potassium
  • Vitamins: 200% RDI of B3, B5, B6, B9, B12 – 100% RDI of A, C & E
  • No Caffeine
  • No Preservatives
  • Gluten Free
  • Nut Free
  • Certified Kosher

Bodyarmor2

Right now we are in the midst of Fall Ball Baseball season. I wasn’t sure how my oldest would react to me switching out BODYARMOR in place of his usual sports drink. After the game he let me know that the BODYARMOR tasted “awesome!” I felt really confident sending him in the dugout with BODYARMOR. After pitching a few innings, hitting and running the bases, he was pretty wiped out and needed some good hydration. Also, don’t worry they have plenty of flavors to choose from!

BODYARMOR FLAVORS:

  • Orange Mango
  • Fruit Punch
  • Grape
  • Strawberry Banana
  • Tropical Punch
  • Mixed Berry.
Photo Courtesy of DrinkBodyArmor.com

Photo Courtesy of DrinkBodyArmor.com

BODYARMOR even has a SUPERTEAM! A few of the favorites in our house – Mike Trout, Kevin Love and Rob Gronkowski. If you want to find BODYARMOR near you, checkout the store locator.  A few of the stores near me that carry BODYARMOR – Quiktrip, Walgreens and CVS.

BODYARMOR is pretty social. Check them out:

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for BODYARMOR SuperDrink. All opinions are my own.

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Why Not Rent Kids Shoes Instead of Buying?

December 8, 2014 in Shop

MainShoeGraphic

Being the mom of two boys, I know how quickly children grow! Just last week I was cleaning out my boys’ closets and found so many clothes that they had grown out of. The sad part of the situations is that some still had tags on them!

And don’t get me started on their shoes! A few pair had been worn a handful of times and in almost perfect condition. What was I thinking spending $50 on a pair of shoes that they would grow out of so quickly?

There is a new company that allows you to rent kids’ shoes instead of buying them. The company is called Bigsbee and is like “Netflix for children’s shoes!” And guess what, Bigsbee has just started shipping to the Phoenix-area, yay!

Rent_Don't Buy

The Bigsbee Product:

Bigsbee delivers a couple key benefits.

  1. Cost and Choice of shoe–We deliver shoes like Timberlands and Converse, which cost between $38 and $70 retail, at a much lower cost to parents and then offer them the choice of many types of shoes at any given time without the cost of purchasing.
  2. Convenience–Bigsbee delivers to a parent’s home or office meaning they have one less errand to run and every parent is ALWAYS looking for more time in the day. As any parent knows, a simple trip to Target, is never as easy as it seems when multiple children are involved.

Plans:

First things first: All Bigsbee plans include your choice of a preset number of shoes to send to your family, shipping to your door and back to Bigsbee, shoe cleaning and a fun Bigsbee box.

Our Plans

Our plans are designed to offer flexibility to your family, while also providing shoes at a lower cost than you can buy them anywhere. Bigsbee works a lot like Netflix for children’s shoes; it is a subscription service offering you shoes for as long as you’d like to have them. When your child (or children) outgrow those shoes—or you’d just like a new pair—you can pick new ones from our library of shoes. We’ll send them to you in a box with return shipping—a bag and a label—that can fit into a USPS bin. What does a service like this cost? Check it out below:

  • 1 pair of shoes every month: $14 per month
  • 2 pairs of shoes every month: $24 per month (1 pair +$10)
  • 3 pairs of shoes every month: $34 per month (2 pairs +$10)

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Bigsbee. All opinions are my own.

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Shop Smart & Final for the Holidays + A Giveaway @smartfinal

December 5, 2014 in Giveaways, holidays, Shop, smart final

Are you getting ready for holiday cooking? Whether you are baking up a storm, cooking the main course or dreaming of the perfect appetizers, Smart & Final should be your first stop! I love the convenience of running in and grabbing a few items without the huge lines.

Store 383 Lake Forest 2012 V1

 

Smart & Final is the perfect one stop shop for the holidays! You can find everything from produce, kitchen supplies, private label items and national brands. The best part is that the prices are lower than traditional grocery stores without the need to purchase a membership. Usually, 12-15% less than if you shopped at your local grocery chain. If you’re looking for recipes, they have those as well. These recipes look amazing and some were developed by Chef Jamie Gwen.

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Did you know that Smart & Final represents one of the longest contiguously operated food retailers in the United States? Just a couple of guys J.S. Smart and H.D. Final decided to start a grocery business, way back when.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Smart & Final. All opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

How about a $100 Smart & Final gift card to help with your holiday food shopping. $100 will go a long way at Smart & Final!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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3 Ingredient Oreo Christmas Candy!

December 4, 2014 in holidays, recipes

Oreo Christmas Candy

 

It’s almost Christmas! This year has flown by and I have so many Christmas parties to attend. If you are super busy like me and you don’t have much time to make a sweet treat to bring to your Christmas parties I have the perfect recipe for you! Try out this awesome 3 ingredient Christmas candy!

Ingredients:

1 package of Oreos (I used mint but you can choose your favorite flavor)

1 package of large marshmallows

1/2 stick of butter

Directions:

  • Line an 8×8 pan with aluminum foil.
  • Place all of the Oreos in a food processor and mix until completely ground up.
  • Place the butter and marshmallows in a a large microwave safe bowl and heat for 90 seconds.
  • Combine the Oreos into the melted mixture.
  • Pour the mixture into the 8×8 pan. You may need to coat your fingers with cooking spray and press the gooey goodness into the pan.
  • Let sit for about 20 minutes to set up.
  • Lift out of pan and cut the candy into bars.

I told you it was easy and super yummy as well! Enjoy!

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Waimea Falls Located on Oahu’s North Shore!

December 3, 2014 in Family Fun, Play, travel

Oahu’s fabled North Shore is known for great surfing. Few people know that you can also find an amazing waterfall on the North Shore. Waimea Falls is located in the Waimea Valley. It is an easy 30 minute walk on a paved surface to reach the falls. We walked back in flip flops and had no problem at all.

Waimea Falls

When you reach the falls, a lifeguard will give you a life vest if you want go swimming. We went at the end of November and the water was quite chilly. Also, if you want to get some good photos of the waterfall be sure to arrive early. Once the rest of the tourists arrive and start getting into the water, it will be hard to get a photo without a stranger in the middle of your picture.

Waimea FoliageOn the way back to the falls you can enjoy many different species of birds, flora and fauna. There is actually a botanical garden that you can enjoy. The Waimea Valley is home to more than 5,000 tropical and sub tropical plants. Coming from Arizona, everything was so lush and green!

Things to know about Waimea Falls:

  • Waimea Valley is located at 59-864 Kamehameha Highway on O‘ahu’s North Shore across from Waimea Bay
  • Open Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, 7 days a week – Waimea Valley will be CLOSED Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
  • Visiting Adult – $15.00
  • Visiting Child – $7.50 (ages 4-12)
  • Visiting Senior – $7.50 (age 60+)

For further information here is a printable brochure.

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