Funko Pop! A Great Addition Under the Tree!

A very special Thank You to Game Stop for sponsoring today's conversation! 

Funko Pop! have always been a fun little addition to our home!  Game Stop has quite the collection this holiday season!  I'm excited to gift a few to the littles and keep a few for myself.   In the past, we've purchased Harry Potter, Hermine Granger and Hook from Once Upon a Time.  There are a lot of characters to choose from, so my advice is either buy them all or get the ones that touch your soul!

This year Allyson will be adding Cinderella to her collection.  Cooper will be adding Phil!  We love the distinct look of the Pop! Collection and they're very durable.  Where I like to let my Pop!s watch over me from my shelf, both Ally and Cooper enjoy playing with them like any other toy.   That statement might make collectors roll right over -- Sorry!

The Dr. Seuss Fox in Socks is a special, only at Game Stop Pop!  Also he is Flocked!   His skin is fuzzy, not smooth plastic like the others.  So unique!

I had to snap a quick photo with my handsome Funko men on my shelf before putting the Little's under the tree.  Loving it!!

Check out MY Shellie! #expressyourshelfie #contest @Gamestop @originalfunko #SweetCheeksAdventures

A post shared by Ashley (@sweetcheeksadventures) on Dec 11, 2017 at 8:57am PST

Pokemon Center at GameStop!

A special Thank You! to GameStop for sponsoring today's conversation on Pokemon! 

Pokemon has been everywhere recently!  I remember when I was younger, probably 13 years ago my cousin was deep in the Pokemon world.  I didn't quite understand it so of course I just did my own thing.  Then Pokemon Go came out and the world fell in love with Pikachu all over again.

I have great news for you Pokemon Lovers!  Pokemon Center just arrived at GameStop and ThinkGeek stores!  They're offering a huge variety of Pokemon plush dolls, figures, home goods, accessories, pins and trading cards.  You can't go wrong there!  Plus to make it easier, each store will have its own Pokemon Center section.  It'll be a quick stop in with a short search for what you're looking for!  I love this as a busy mom.

The products you'll find at GameStop and ThinkGeek are exclusive to these stores at this time.  They're the first to carry them in the country, so save your time and go straight to GameStop for your Pokemon needs!  All of the Pokemon Center products are crafted in Japan to give you the most authentic Pokemon gear at your finger tips!  As you would expect from Pokemon, the Center's products are made to the highest standards and feature a wide range of Pokemon to allow you to express yourself.  Stop in for some new trading cards now!

Which products will you pick up from your local Pokemon Center for your Pokemon Lover? 

Zoomer Show Pony

Allyson has been asking for a pony longer than I can remember.  Thinking real hard, she may have been 3 when she first started talking about ponies.  Of course we have always lived in a city or similar, so no pony.  Thank goodness this year, Spin Master and Zoomer have helped me get my sweet girl a pony!

Zoomer Show Pony is the perfect gift for any girl or boy who has wanted a pony.  It is interactive too!  It prances, parades and plays.  The Show Pony comes with a brush to groom, a carrot to train, a sugar cube for a treat and an apple to eat.

Hours of play for your girl or boy will bring smiles and giggles.  I don't see a way for you to go wrong with any of the Zoomer options.  It's a great toy.  Built well and runs off just 2 AA batteries.  Oh my! Don't forget the batteries!  

The Zoomer pet comes in more than a Show Pony.  Cats, dogs, dinos, etc... You can find just about any pet you are looking for in this line.  There is even a hedgehog!   Spin Master Zoomers can be purchased at your local retailer or online through Amazon. 

The Perfect Holiday Snack: Muddy Buddy Chex Mix

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Chex™. The opinions and text are all my own. 

Ever year around Christmas time, I spend some extra time in the kitchen!  Usually I let Allyson join me but this year I decided I'd make the kids a little treat while they are at school.  It worked out great for me because the mess I made with the powdered sugar was.... Well, let's just say that I'm pretty sure I have it mixed in my hair somehow. 

I have to take a second before we get into mixing everything and tell you about Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios™. Prior to making this recipe, I had not tried them.  So much yumm!  They're going to be my new go-to Cheerios from here on out!  Mixed in with Chex™, and it's even better!  I've got so many ideas going through my head with these 2 products!

Mixing up this recipe is really easy and quite a bit fun.  Muddy Buddies™ Chex Mix will be a hit at all of your holiday parties and even a great snack for late night television watching.  This recipe makes quite a bit, so divide it up!  Some for this party... that party... and Ooo, for you too!

Alrighty, let's get to the reason for this post.  Muddy Buddies Time! Laid out in a few steps, you'll have a delicious batch of Muddy Buddies before you know it.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios Chex Muddy Buddies

9 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex Cereal

1 cup Nestlé® semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup Skippy® Creamy peanut butter

¼ cup butter

1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

3 cups Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheerios cereal

32 miniature peanut butter cups, unwrapped, cut in half

1 cup Planters® salted cocktail peanuts·        

Ziploc® 2-4 count containers

1.  Gather your ingredients.  See above for list!  **Snag a few coupons before you're headed to the store and make this recipe even sweeter!  Buy any 3 Chex cereals and get 1 Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios FREE
2.  Measure out your cereals in a large bowl.  In this recipe you'll notice the 2 different cereals.  Mix them together for your best result.
3. Measure out your chocolate chips, butter/margarine, and peanut butter.  Place in microwaveable bowl and melt. --This took about 30 seconds.  Stir until melted consistency.
4. Mix in your vanilla with your chocolate mixture.
5. Divide your cereal in 2 large Ziploc bags.
6. Divide your chocolate mixture into both bags.
7. Add half of the required powdered sugar to each bag.
8. Seal bags, leaving a little air and space.

9. Shake and mix well!  Watch for chocolate clumps.

When you have everything all mixed up, you'll add in the peanut butter cups and peanuts.   Pour your mixtures back into a large bowl.

Mix gently with a spoon and you'll find the end result very delicious!  I mean, who doesn't want to eat this mixture?  People have been making it for year and years!  You're going to be a big hit at the party when you show up with this mix!

I cannot get over how awesome my Muddy Buddies Chex Mix tastes! If I had any self control, I'd save some for the kids. It might be gone by the time they are home from school! Shhh, they'll never know it was for them if we don't tell them, right? So, hurry! Grab your coupon and rush off to your local Publix store.    

What is your favorite treat of the season?

2 Great Books to Gift this Season!

Thank you, Blue Slip Media for sponsoring today's conversation about these great titles! 

I am so excited to share these 2 books with you readers!  Truth and Adventure can be found here.  Take a look for yourself! 

Peep and Egg by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Joyce Wan is like my real life!  Getting my 6 year old into a bath used to be a huge fight.  HUGE!  Now that he is a little older the fights are fewer and far between but years ago, it was every night.   Strong willed 3 year olds for the win, I suppose.   Now we can read this book together and laugh.  It is rather funny to see the look on his face when he realizes that he indeed did act just like Egg.  

Purchase Peep and Egg

Space Boy and the Snow Monster by Dian Curtis Regan and Illustrated by Robert Neubecker is a story about a boy playing in the snow.  His imagination takes him on a wild adventure where snowmen are actually snow monsters!  Along with his rocket ship and furry friend Radar, Nico is very busy trying to escape the snow monster.  The story ends with a nice cup of hot cocoa!  

Purchase Space Boy and the Snow Monster

Tervis Tumblers for Everyone!

Tervis has sponsored this post.  All opinions are my own. 

I am 50% of a Rivalry house.   Every football season my husband turns into this monster who is a Kansas University fan.  I was raise on Kansas State football, so when the Sunflower Showdown is being played, Jason and I have a hard time sitting in the same room.  So, this Christmas season.... Jason needs to feel extra loved since I am sharing this cute Tervis Water Bottle with him!  Don't worry, I got something in purple for myself as well!

Tervis makes the best Christmas gifts!  Cups, water bottles, tumblers, all the different designs.. You really can't go wrong here.  They have NFL, Harry Potter, Disney, Outdoor designs and so many more.

The cups are top notch quality and I have fallen in love with the 16 ounce Tumbler.  My new purple cup goes just about anywhere!  It keeps my drink cool a lot longer than most cups and its pretty!   The kids think I'm a little crazy to take it in the car, but this mom is a little crazy and doesn't care!  Matter of fact, I was Girl Scout camping this past weekend and my tumbler went with me.  It survived the wilderness and I stayed hydrated!

Tervis tumblers and water bottles are the perfect gift for anyone you're gifting to this year!  They wrap up nicely and will bring smiles on faces.  You can fit most of these in a stocking or gift it in a box.  Either way, gift it already!  Sift through the Tervis site.  There is a little something for everyone!

Enter the Giveaway!

Winner will receive a Tervis product of choice.  Winner will be notified through email.  Giveaway product will be shipped by company.  Good Luck!

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Oriental Trading at Christmas Time!

A special Thank You to Oriental Trading for sponsoring today's conversation about Christmas!

If you ask many people, "What is Christmas all about?", they may reply back with some answer containing decorations and gifts.  Of course we all know the story behind the reason of Christmas but everyone loves getting and giving this time of year's special tokens.  No matter the size, its the thought that matters. 

Oriental Trading helped me a lot this year when it came to decorations and a few really cute gifts!  Gifts for friends, my in-laws and the children's teachers!  Decorations for the tree, for my head and more!  

That's right, I said for my head!  Every year I lead a Girl Scout camp out.  This year I chose Oriental Trading for the place to find my awesome head piece!  I did not disappoint and never did the HEADBAND!  I took the blinker tag off on Friday afternoon and Tuesday morning (4 days later) its still blinking!  My only wish is that I would have kept the blinker tag so I could save the battery.  

I ordered the most beautiful snowflake bulbs also!  They came in a set of 6.  Each has 4 snowflakes in them.  They're a perfect addition to my tree this year!  There are so many more ornaments to browse through.  Ones to personalize, gift, or keep for yourself.  Always remember to treat yourself! 

Advent Calendars have always been a big part of my family's Christmas Traditions.  You might understand my excitement when I found a 4 pack of calendars with the chocolate inside!  It took me back to being 5 years old on Bunny Hill Farm.  Nannie always had the chocolate calendar and the first grandchild to punch out the date got to eat the chocolate!   Now I can share that memory with my 2 little rascals!  

Christmas is going to be a little more special this year with all of the goodies I found on Oriental Trading.  I wanted to order the whole site, but clearly that didn't happen.  There are so many more options for every taste!  Stocking stuffers, gifts, and so much more! 

Will you be shopping Oriental Trading this Holiday Season?

Softsoap Limited Edition Holiday Scents

Smelling like Christmas... Peppermint... Chocolate... Cherries... Trees... The list of scents I could name off relating to Christmas is really long.  As you see, I said peppermint first.  That's really the only scent I need this time of year.   Softsoap has me covered for my shower needs!

This year's holiday line includes the Limited Edition Iced Kiss and Limited Edition Frosted Wish.  Both smell amazing!!  I am partial to the peppermint as I mentioned above but my family is loving both!  The kids prefer Frosted Wish.  It is a sweet cherry fragrance that leaves their skin soft and moisturized.   When I smell the soap, I get hints of cherry, sweet, and something relaxing. 

Now, to my favorite!  Iced Kiss smells so good!  The peppermint is invigorating!  Using it in the shower in the morning wakes me up!  It's sweet, pepperminty, almost like you're eating a starlight mint.  The cooling effect feels great on my skin.  I can't help but feel refreshed when I am finished in the shower.   If I could sit around and smell Iced Kiss all day without feeling like a crazy person, I would!  I love the scent!  It isn't just the scent that draws me back though.  Iced Kiss leaves my skin soft and moisturized.  It's perfect for my holiday needs!

Grab both Limited Edition Softsoaps at your local retailer!  They'll make great stocking stuffers, basket fillers or just for yourself. 

This review is based strictly on my own opinion.  Others may have different opinions or experiences with the products mentioned above.  I was compensated by the company or a PR Agency.  I have provided my open and honest opinions.

Amy Grant Tennessee Christmas

Christmas music is something that always makes me feel a little closer to home.   Every Thanksgiving after dinner is done, my Nannie would turn on any variety of holiday tunes, but the songs are always the same.  We'd all sing along as we make new memories and remember the old ones.  Music always brought us together and it continues to do so.

This year I am listening to Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas.  The song Tennessee Christmas has always been one that is close to my heart.  Growing up, Alabama's version was a family favorite but as I am the adult now, I think I like Amy Grant's version best!



Along with Tennessee Christmas, you can find some really great songs.

1. Tennessee Christmas
2. To Be Together
3. Christmas For You And Me
4. Melancholy Christmas
5. December
6. White Christmas
7. Joy To The World
8. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
9. Baby, It's Cold Outside
10. Christmas Don't Be Late
11. Still Can't Sleep
12. Another Merry Christmas
13. O Come, All Ye Faithful

Add a little Christmas Love to your day with Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas.  I was listening to Christmas Music anyway, but am really enjoying Amy Grant's version of Christmas!  Happy Holiday!

 Purchase Online:  http://smarturl.it/TNChristmasAlbum?IQid=flyby

This review is based strictly on my own opinion.  Others may have different opinions or experiences with the products mentioned above.  I was compensated by the company or a PR Agency.  I have provided my open and honest opinions.

Almost Christmas Giveaway

Since it is Almost Christmas we are celebrating with a fantastic giveaway! I can't wait to see Almost Christmas on November 11th!  I personally love Christmas movies, especially when they are a funny!   I can't imagine spending 5 days together with a crazy family if they look like this!  Can't wait to see it!  

 IN THEATERS NOVEMBER 11  

A new comedy from writer/director David E. Talbert (Baggage Claim) and producer Will Packer (Ride Along, Think Like a Man series, This Christmas), Almost Christmas tells the festive story of a beloved patriarch who asks his family for one gift this holiday season: to get along. If they can honor that wish and spend five days under the same roof without killing one another, it will be a Christmas miracle. The all-star cast of Almost Christmas is led by Kimberly Elise, Danny Glover, John Michael Higgins, Romany Malco, Mo’Nique, JB Smoove, Gabrielle Union, Omar Epps, Nicole Ari Parker, Jessie T. Usher and DC Young Fly.

ALMOST CHRISTMAS | Giveaway

Grand Prize

$100 gift card

Prize Pack Items Sweatshirt Lip Balm Football Pot Holder Beanie Rally Towel Apron

Be sure to get social with Almost Christmas on their website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too!

Giveaway Details Must be 18 years old or older US residents in order to win. Dates will be 11/10/16-11/16/16 (at midnight) Winners have 24 hours to claim their prize via email. Almost Christmas is responsible for shipment of the prize not the individual blogs helping promote this event. Good luck a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: The opinions expressed are my own and may differ from yours. (Your blog name here)  is not responsible for prize shipment and didn't receive any compensation for this post. For questions concerning this giveaway or to host your own giveaway please contact heidi@lifewithheidi.com. Make sure you get entered for your chance to win all of these great giveaways too!

Crayola Cling Creator and Gift Card Giveaway

The Crayola product, gift card, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by Crayola.

Decorating your home for Christmas, Birthdays, Spring, and whatever else if a highlight in your life is a ton of fun!  I like to involve the kids, so when Crayola came out with their new Cling Creator, I knew this would be a great addition to our home.

Okay, so.... This Cling Creator is pretty much awesome! We like to have decorations on the windows but now we don't have to rely on what they are selling at the store.  Allyson and Cooper can make their own!

The kit comes with everything that you'll need to make a cling.  If you aren't into working with the liquids to make a window cling, there is also clay to mold into a shape of your choice.  The tools needed to make the window cling can be seen below.  Blue, Red and Yellow Color Solution, Cling Solution, tools, Icon Molds, a Rolling pin, Shaker Maker and Mixing Pots to name just a few things in this box!

While there are a lot of things going on in this box, don't let it alarm you.   Follow the directions and your children will be using this creator without you!  It is so easy and so fun!  Allyson had the neighbor kids over and teaching them how to make different shapes.

Getting to work quickly and mixing up the colors was fun.  We made a game out of pushing the green Shaker Maker!  The faster it goes up and down, the faster your mix is made!  Both Allyson and Cooper were have a great time to see how many times they needed to mix up their colors.

As you can see above, there are different tiles that you can choose a shape on.  They range from lightning bolts to bugs.  A little something for everyone can be found.

Our first go round, I made a butterfly and bug.  After watching the kids put theirs together I wanted to see what would happen if you used a multi-color idea.  It was so easy to get the different colors.  The trick is to have them all made before you start to pour in the icon molds.

There isn't really a trick to getting the cling out of the mold.  There is a tool in your box that is made for just that!  Grab your multipurpose molding tool and slide it around the outside of the cling.

So if you haven't figured it out yet, we are a fan of the Crayola Cling Creator!  Keeping the clings on the window is the only problem.  This problem isn't caused by the Cling Creator though.  It's Cooper!!  That kid just won't leave them alone!  He takes it down and says "Mom, its time to make a new one!"

Crayola's Cling Creator makes a perfect gift for any occasion.  Christmas is right around the corner, so why not pick one up the next time you're in the store!?

The Giveaway:

How to Enter: Please use the Giveaway Tool below!

Prize: $50 Visa Gift Card from Crayola 

Dates: Starts December 15, 2015  12:00 pm EST.  Winner will be chosen December 23, 2015 11:59 pm EST.

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Disclosure: Sweet Cheeks Adventures teamed up with Crayola for this giveaway. Other participating bloggers are not responsible for choosing the winner or shipment of product. They have not receive any compensation for this post. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. The winner will be chose at random by the Giveaway Tool and emailed. The winner must claim the prize within 48 hours or they risk forfeiting the prize.

Christmas Giveaway!

Sweet Cheeks Adventures is helping with promotion of this giveaway.  Good Luck!

Hosted by: Kay from The More The Merrier Amy from This Mamas Life

Sponsors:

Guitar Hero Live - $99.99 Value Made With Love & Kisses Blanket (Fuzzy Flurry Blue "Cool Monkey" Blanket) - $48.00 Value Peg + Cat book - $10.00 Value YOXO "Wynd" Pegasus - $29.99 Value Jamberry Gift Card - $50.00 Value Civilized Cats Book - $15.00 Value

 
*One Lucky Reader will receive the items shown above *Prize Package Valued at More than $200.00 *Giveaway starts November 30, 2015. *Giveaway will end at 11:59pm est on December 14, 2015 *Giveaway is open to US only * You must be 18 or over to enter * Winner will be chosen at random via GiveawayTools * Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen. * The lucky winner will be notified by email at the end of the Giveaway. * Participating blogs are not responsible for prize shipment or fulfillment

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  *Disclaimer: The More the Merrier & This Mamas Life received the items above in exchange for reviews & this giveaway. All opinions expressed are those of our own.  Sweet Cheeks Adventures is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Josie from The Elf Workshoppe

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without elves, right?   This year I am happy to share that we have teamed up with The Elf Workshoppe to bring you their line of cute decorative toys!  So many to choose from.  It was easy for me to pick out this little girl though.  She is perfect!

We've named our new friend, Josie.  Josie has quite a few other friends that can be found on their website.  While you can choose to purchase a bathtub, sleigh, or the bed shown above, you can't really go wrong.  Josie would look cute in any of the accessory option.   You could even get a reindeer for your elf.  Oh my gosh, cute!!

The accessories I chose are the bed, blanket, table, lamp and book.  Each piece is made with quality materials.  I think my favorite part is the book! While I'm not able to open it, it is a great addition to this scene.  Fits right in with this family of readers, that is for sure! 

Adding an elf from The Elf Workshoppe to your holiday a great idea!  They make cute gifts or cute decorations.  Whichever you choose on, make sure you take a look at their website.  I think we'll need to get a brown hair boy elf next year!  

The Elf Workshoppe

The Elf Workshoppe on Facebook

The Elf Workshoppe on Twitter

This review is based strictly on my own opinion.  Others may have different opinions or experiences with the products mentioned above.  I was provided samples free of charge by the company or a PR Agency.  I have provided my open and honest opinions.  No other type of compensation was received for this review.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Cowabunga Christmas

Disclosure:  I received one or more products in this post in exchange of an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

The holiday season is upon us!  We are seeing the decorations in the stores, so of course it's time to talk about the new compilation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!  Cowabunga Christmas is out on DVD for you to share with your family!  

There is good and evil hiding in the shadows of New York City and the Turtles are ready to spread Christmas cheer to their allies, and fear in their enemies, in the new DVD Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Cowabunga Christmas! This Yuletide adventure includes three episodes from the classic 2003 series and is sure to make a perfect stocking stuffer for both the naughty and nice Turtles fans! Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Cowabunga Christmas! is available on DVD October 13, 2015 for the hot, bargain price of $9.99.

 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Cowabunga Christmas! Episodes:

• The Christmas Aliens                  
• The Way of Invisibility           
• Fallen Angel                    

Like usual, everyone in the family is a fan of the dvd for different reasons.  I like the Christmas aspect, Cooper likes the action and Allyson is a fan of Donatello in anything!  I have no doubt these three episodes will be on repeat as we get closer to the holiday!

 

This review is based strictly on my own opinion.  Others may have different opinions or experiences with the products mentioned above.  I was provided samples free of charge by the company or a PR Agency.  I have provided my open and honest opinions.  No other type of compensation was received for this review.

Relaxation in a Pinch -- Pinch Me Dough Review

Disclosure:  I received one or more products in this post in exchange of an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

So many people suffer from sever stress these days!  You're stressed with all the traffic.  You're stressed because your boss is upset with you.  You may even be stressed because your child is sick.  With Pinch Me therapy dough you can breathe a little easier.  Let the stress release from your body with the simple action of squeezing.  

Today’s high-impact lifestyles can take a toll on our precious systems especially when trying to figure out how to relieve stress, naturally. Replenish, rejuvenate, and get back to center with Pinch Me Therapy Dough; a professionally developed, soft, pliable dough infused with calming aromatherapy. Six tranquil formulas to choose from. Massage between your fingers and feel the stress begin to fade away. A simple, holistic way to take the edge off.

I'm learning fast why my children enjoy playing with their play doh.  I found myself lost in thought as I was kneading a ball of dough.  I think 5 minutes passed and I hadn't done anything bit sit there.  However my thoughts were collected and I was ready to do some more work.  The pliable putty is infused with oils that help with the great scents!

What a great gift for a coworker, spouse, friend or even yourself.  Use it to refocus, rebalance, and restore!  Relaxation in a pinch!  

With every container purchased, Pinch Me funds a soldier's half day of stress management training with BootstrapsUSA.com, a company dedicated to alleviating military duty-related stress.

Pinch Me Dough Website

Pinch Me Dough on Facebook

Pinch Me Dough on Twitter

This review is based strictly on my own opinion.  Others may have different opinions or experiences with the products mentioned above.  I was provided samples free of charge by the company or a PR Agency.  I have provided my open and honest opinions.  No other type of compensation was received for this review.

Decorating Holiday Treats -- Mrs. Freshley's Holiday Recipes

**Thank you to Mrs. Freshley's for sponsoring today's FUN post!  Happy Holidays!

There are so many fun things to do in your Christmas Kitchen!  Every year my husband requests these special oat cookies that I can't manage to get correct.  Only his mom can make them right!  After 7 years of making these things, you'd think I would get them right, but nope.  They always end up a nice mess of chocolate gooey sludge.   While I'll leave the oat cookies to my Mother in Law, I have enlisted Mrs. Freshley's on a few projects I am sure to not mess up!  Allyson even helped me out a bit with these cute treats!

What we have here is Holiday Donut Sticks, Frosty Donuts, and Merry Berry Honey Bun Trifle.  Every bit of this picture looks so yummy!  Before I try to eat these treats through my monitor, let's get on with how to make them for your family!

Holiday Donut Sticks

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 Family Pack of Mrs. Freshley's Donut Sticks
• 2 cups of melted chocolate (I used Almond Bark)
• Holiday Sprinkles  

 Melt your chocolate according to the package directions in a medium bowl.  Dip each Donut stick halfway into the bowl of melted chocolate until fully coated.  Garnish with holiday sprinkles and let cool.  






Frosty Donuts

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 Family Pack of Mrs. Freshley's Mini Donuts
• 1 Bag of Candy Corn
• Vanilla Icing
• 1 Bag of mini chocolate chips
• 1 Bag of mini candy coated chocolate
• Red licorice
• Small peppermint sticks

Stack three Mini Donuts on top of one another with the donuts lying horizontally.  Press the large end of a candy corn piece into the hole of a fourth donut.  Use vanilla icing to adhere mini chocolate chips to the same donut for the snowman's eyes and mouth.  Place the decorated donut vertically on top of the stack of three, creating the snowman's body and head.  Next, use vanilla icing to adhere three candy coated chocolates to the snowman for buttons.  Finally, cut a piece of licorice to use for the snowman's scarf and insert two peppermint sticks for arms. 

Merry Berry Honey Bun Trifle


Ingredients Needed:  

• 10 Mrs. Freshley's Honey Buns
• 1 Pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 Pints raspberries
• 3/4 Cups of Sugar
• 3 Tsp. of vanilla extract
• 1 Tub frozen whipped topping, thawed

Cut Honey Buns into bite size pieces, put aside.  Mix strawberries, raspberries, sugar and vanilla extract in medium bowl.  Layer Honey Buns in glass serving dish, followed by berry mixture, then whipped topping.  Repeat layers until serving dish is full.  Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Allyson and I had SO MUCH FUN putting together these treats!  Mrs. Freshley's makes to best snacks and they're so easy to make into a perfect little snowman, or even a trifle!  As Christmas gets closer, get to your local store because Mrs. Freshley's will make your holiday a little less stressful and a little more sweet, for sure!

Mrs. Freshley's on Facebook

Mrs. Freshley's on Twitter

This review is based strictly on my own opinion.  Others may have different opinions or experiences with the products mentioned above.  I was provided samples free of charge by the company or a PR Agency.  I have provided my open and honest opinions.  No other type of compensation was received for this review.

The Adventures of Sparkle -- Week 1!

Holiday Traditions are such a big thing in our home.  The memories are so important to me as I am relying on pictures now to trigger the memories as a child.  I have such fond and sweet memories when they do come back to me.  Ones of my mom smiling on Christmas.  Her singing Christmas carols, and of course the little things we used to do together like watch the parade on the TV each year!  Now as a mother of 2, it is my turn to be a focal point of some of these memories for my children.  

On Thanksgiving night, we had a very sweet and nice elf join our household.  Allyson and Cooper decided her name should be Sparkle.

Sparkle is a sweet elf.  Let me start out by saying that.  She means well but I think she gets into a little trouble while we are asleep.  Her days are filled with strict business and finally after reporting to Santa Claus each night, she lets her hair down a little.

Night 1 lead us to....................

Apparently Sparkle enjoyed the turtle pie as much as the rest of the family!  Allyson was not impressed that she missed out on the last piece of pie though.  While she was a little upset that Sparkle ate the last bit of pie, I did hear her talking to our new family member at one point.  

"Maybe you are magic!"

Night 2....

Sparkle tried to help with the decorating!  So wonderful of her.  It looks like she shouldn't be playing with electrical though.  Not too smart of an idea on her part.

Night 3.....

And we learned here that Sparkle loves chocolate!  I mean, of course she loves chocolate!  It's like milky cocoa filled blocks of love!  However, this act got her back on Ally's naughty list.  

Night 4....

We woke to a beautiful note left by Sparkle!  They did have a good morning and a great day followed!  Allyson was impressed that she was so neat with her painting.  Look how talented she is with that cute Christmas Tree!

Night 5...... 

Sparkle felt she needed to snuggle up with an 'ole familiar cap and have a movie night!  Pretty low key if you ask me!

Night 6.....

BAD Sparkle!!  The children are participating in a Holiday Tradition of 25 Books of Christmas.  Sparkle saw an opportunity for learning and got caught!  Unwrapping the presents before Christmas without permission is frowned upon!  This act got her put in Elf Jail for the next 18 hours or so with Warden Allyson watching over.

This concludes Week 1 of The Adventures of Sparkle.  Be sure to check in again soon for Week 2!  This crazy elf will sure be up to something.