food + drink

halloween party treats for kids | rice krispie pumpkins

October 30, 2012
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As we sat down for dinner last night, my four year old mentioned her Halloween Party. My husband glanced over at me and I knew he had forgotten to tell me something. In fact, he forgot to tell me that he had put my name down to bring the class dessert. Yes, MY name. At [...]

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holiday gift ideas | shari’s berries

October 27, 2012
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Sometimes you just need a go to gift for any occasion. Whether your cousin has had a recent surgery, your BFF just started a new job or it’s a holiday anywhere from the 4th of July to Halloween, Shari’s Berries has a great gift for you to give. This summer when I had an appendectomy [...]

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what is your starbucks style…pumpkin spice or salted caramel?

October 24, 2012
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You know the holiday season is just around the corner when Starbucks breaks out the seasonal holiday drinks. With the change of drinks, comes a change of seasons, and with the change of seasons comes new trends and fashion must-haves. When we lived in other countries, Starbucks was my little dose of “America” that kept [...]

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nutrisystem meal review | pinterest #nsnation

September 3, 2012
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I have almost completed my first month in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program,  working my way through the “favorites package” in the Nutrisystem SUCCESS Women’s Select Program, which offers the best of both worlds – pantry ready meals and fresh frozen meals. Since I have sampled nearly a month’s worth of meals, I thought it would be the perfect time [...]

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i’ve lost 12 lbs. in 3 weeks on nutrisystem #NSNation

September 3, 2012
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Three weeks into the  Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program I am happy to share that I have lost a whopping 12 lbs.! My journey has not been as perfect, and I have not been as disciplined as I’d like, but I am taking it day by day, and most importantly, I am seeing results! I have been great [...]

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5 things that changed when i started nutrisystem

August 21, 2012
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I am almost two weeks into the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program and while my journey has been far from perfect, I am still highly motivated to make this a life-changing experience. I have had great days, and I have had not-so-great days, but regardless of my successes and my stumbles, I am committed to staying positive and [...]

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what’s in your picnic basket?

August 12, 2012
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Enjoy eating al fresco before it’s too late. Grab your fam or a few friends and some great food. Head out to a nearby beach, park or even your own backyard! Some of my favorite childhood memories involve the outdoor breeze and a cozy blanket near water. With so many extended cousins no wonder all [...]

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hhm joins the nutrisystem nation blogger program #nsnation

August 11, 2012
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I am excited to share that Happy Hour Mom has been invited to join the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. Back in the day I spent a couple hours a day working out, and could eat whatever I wanted without weight gain. However, two kids, 7 years, and 40 lbs later, it is time to make [...]

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celebrate summer

August 6, 2012
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What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of summer? BBQ’s, pool time, or just fun in the sun? No matter what the event it’s always more fun with great food and delicious beverages. Summer entertaining seems easy, right? You start by inviting your friends and family, turn on the grill, [...]

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how to make perfect frosting colors

July 31, 2012
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When thinking about your next upcoming celebration do you find yourself daydreaming about the tiniest details? Finding the perfect frosting hue can be a finicky task. No matter which recipe you use note that vanilla extract may change the color somewhat. All colors can be made with the standard box of red, blue, free, yellow [...]

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get on the boat… a banana boat recipe

July 30, 2012
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Need a fun, easy and delicious craft for your toddlers? A girlfriend of mine was doing me a huge favor by babysitting so my hubby and I could have a night out. I wanted to make her night an easy one by having a few activities for our kids. I recalled the days when I’d [...]

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florida florals baby shower | hibiscus

July 24, 2012
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I am truly blessed with an amazing group of women to call my best friends. We all met at Drake University and were part of the same sorority. After 4 crazy years together at school we managed to be apart of each other’s major milestones for the past 13 years.  Weddings, babies, triumph and tribulation [...]

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the ultimate independence day bash

July 2, 2012
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Independence Day is the peak of the summer. It’s hard to believe that it is already here. Since the fourth of July holiday falls on a Wednesday this year it is hard to assume how everyone will be celebrating.  Most will have the day free from work and will be able to partake in festive [...]

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paletas | latin america ice cold treat

June 21, 2012
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Paletas are a Latin American popsicle typically made from all different kinds of fresh fruit and sometimes cream. They can be found on your nearest cart, kiosk from your favorite paletero.  This summer when the temperature rises above the norm and you’re looking for a cool sweet treat try a new recipe. Now more than [...]

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drink. love. smile. starbucks #everylove

May 29, 2012
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I am a Starbucks junkie. Not because the drinks are the best (they are)… Not because they have free WiFi that makes for a perfect blogging happy hour (they do)… Not because I have been to Starbucks in 6 different countries and they all make me feel like I am right at home (I have)… [...]

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rainbow cinco de mayo piñata cookies

May 5, 2012
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These rainbow Cinco de Mayo piñata cookies are too stinkin’ cute! SheKnows.com has a thorough how-to article and video {you can watch it in the top right of this page} to guide you in making these festive treats. I found them too late for our Cinco do Mayo festivities, but I have to admit, I am ready [...]

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mad men cookbook

April 11, 2012
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Are you more of a Joan or a Don Draper? Whether you are a fan of Mad Men or just love the 60′s era New York style you’ll enjoy a taste of the show with The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook: Inside the Kitchens, Bars, and Restaurants of Mad Men. Veteran cookbook author Judy Gelman and [...]

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how to cut round cakes for kids

April 9, 2012
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At our recent celebration for my son’s birthday my girlfriend brought an amazing way of cutting a cake to my attention. We had the party at a sports complex with 10 little kids and the place was about to get crazy. I pull out my knife, without a spatula, and try to cut appropriate size [...]

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acai berry lemon mocktail…or cocktail

March 27, 2012
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With the weather warmer than normal sometimes you just need to treat yourself to a special drink for your “happy hour.” If you are feeling frisky you may add a splash of vodka, rum or lemonciello. Otherwise, sit back, relax and taste a beverage that will whisk your thoughts away to someplace tropical…or at least [...]

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a green st. patricks day breakfast

March 13, 2012
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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a  festive way! This year I will give a shot and making a traditional Irish meal like my mom used to do for us. I ran across and Irish brand of Corned Beef and some cabbage, but I’m still in search of what to do with them. I am a lover [...]

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Happy Hour Mom  »  diy • food + drink • holiday guide