I wrote this post as part of my participation in a blog tour on behalf of the makers of SUDAFED® Brand and received compensation to thank me for taking the time to participate. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

There’s a new hashtag in town and I’d like to introduce you to it: #FOMO, also known as Fear Of Missing Out. I have met #FOMO on a couple of occasions recently, due in large part to terrible sinus pressure and pain. The hashtag may be new, but the need for sinus pressure relief is not!  Since moving to middle Tennessee years ago, I’ve had to deal with sinus woes often and I would be lost and sidelined regularly if I didn’t use SUDAFED®!



One of my most recent run-ins with #FOMO was right before my youngest daughter’s big choir concert.  I felt the pressure and pain coming on that afternoon, and knew if I wanted to show my sweet songbird daughter support by attending this major event, I’d have to take a SUDAFED® and nip that pain in the bud!


choir, sight reading, spring concert,


Not only was I able to attend the concert, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wasn’t squinting to see the stage because of the terrible sinus pressure, nor was my head pounding along to the beat of the music.


Lots of people may assume sinus trouble is a spring-and-summer problem, but it can actually sideline you in any season.  I’ve lived through sinus pressure and pain in the cold months as well. 

Just a few weeks ago, Nashville got a rare and beautiful snow day! My kids were thrilled that the ice had stopped and they were finally seeing, big, fluffy, beautiful snowflakes! They ran outside to play, and in the case of my oldest daughter- capture the moment with her camera. 


snow, photo, daughters, happy life, moments

I would have missed capturing this moment of my daughter capturing the moment if I hadn’t taken a SUDAFED® earlier that day at the first sign of sinus pain.  I'm thankful I had a great product on hand during these special life moments. Even getting to write this post today singing the praises of a brand I trust and use often, is a special life moment made better because I have  SUDAFED® in my medicine cabinet.


Do you or somebody you know suffer with sinus pain and pressure? Why not bring a smile to their face by sending them a Someecards meant just for us fighters of the #FOMO!


sinus, pain, funny e-card https://ooh.li/3fce333


SUDAFED® Brand has partnered with Someecards to produce e-cards, listicles and quizzes with the serious sinus sufferer in mind.  Understanding that #FOMO (fear of missing out) is a reality for those with sinus trouble, this content serves as a reminder that sufferers no longer have to miss out on important moments - SUDAFED® products provide much needed relief from sinus pain, pressure and congestion. 


Don't fear #FOMO!

To learn more about SUDAFED® products, check out their free sinus rescue plan, find savings coupons and more start by visiting their website here, then visit their Facebook page to see what their community of liberated sinus suffers (like me!) are up to. 



Please share in comments: 

Have you had a recent experience with #FOMO due to sinus pain and pressure? 

When a representative for NAKANO Natural Rice Vinegar emailed me to see if I would like to receive a complimentary set of rice vinegar’s to review and host a giveaway, I immediately thought of my Grandmother in-law. This lovely woman utilized the healthy, healing powers of natural vinegar her whole life and passed her knowledge on to me when I married her grandson. With fond memories of her, I happily agreed to give NAKANO’s rice vinegar's a try. All opinions are my own. 

all natural, seasoned, no fat, rice vinegar's, cooking, recipe, healthy


NAKANO Natural Rice Vinegar invites us to Splash On! And be Daring, Bold and Delicious with their six varieties of all natural, no fat, low calorie, splash on rice vinegar's.

  • Original
  • Seasoned Original
  • Citrus
  • Roasted Garlic
  • Basil & Oregano
  • Mango


My husband and I were excited to see if these rice vinegar's tasted as good as they looked, so we held an informal taste test in our kitchen. With spoons in hand we sampled them right from the bottle. 


Our Thoughts:

All six flavors are pleasant tasting, not harsh or acid. As you can probably tell by their color, they are very light in flavor. Yes, they are still vinegar's, so you have to be a fan of that flavor profile; but these seasoned rice vinegar's were quite tasty straight from the bottle. Our favorites were the Citrus, Mango and Basil and Oregano.

I especially enjoyed the Basil and Oregano.  It has just the right amount of herb flavors, with a hint of brown sugar sweetness that I found to be a perfect replacement of my regular low-calorie salad dressing.

spinach, olives, Parmesan cheese,  Basil, Oregano, rice vinegar

I whipped up this quick spinach, olive and Parmesan cheese salad for lunch and it was delicious when paired with the Basil & Oregano rice vinegar and just a splash of olive oil!

Some other tasty ways to use these rice vinegar's are:

  • Splashing on grilled chicken
  • Replacing Mayo in potato salad
  • Dip for Onion rings
  • Adding a splash to snacks like trail mix

Yes, trail mix!


NAKANO has partnered with registered dietitian  Dawn Jackson Blatner, author of “The Flexitarian Diet”, to help us maintain our healthy lifestyle goals with simple swaps, like replacing unhealthy afternoon snacks with healthier alternatives. This is her Super food trail mix recipe.


trail mix, recipe, super food, easy, healthy,



Superfood Trail Mix:
Source:  Recipe created exclusively for Mizkan by: Dawn Jackson Blatner at dawnjacksonblatner.com.

Ingredients:
Makes 2 cups

1 tablespoon NAKANO Natural Rice Vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Dash cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1/2 cup raw almonds, chopped
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 cup puffed brown rice cereal
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup raisins


Directions:

In a small bowl, mix NAKANO Natural Rice Vinegar, honey, salt and cayenne. In a 10-inch skillet over medium-low heat, warm oil and add the vinegar mix, almonds and chia seeds. 

Cook for 6 minutes, stirring constantly, until all excess liquid is gone. Pour onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and let cool in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set. Toss almonds with brown rice cereal, pumpkin seeds, and raisins.

Nutrition:  (1/4 cup): 110 calories, 6g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 0g cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 12g carbs, 2g fiber, 6g sugar, 3g protein



I invite you to learn more about NAKANO by visiting their website, where you’ll find coupons, cooking videos, recipes and a store locator.  


Win it!


One lucky reader will win this set of  six NAKANO Natural Rice Vinegar's!


rice vinegar, seasoned, healthy, good

Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below. No purchase necessary to win. Open to U.S. residents 18+ years. My WAHM Plan not responsible for prize fulfillment. This contest is not associated with or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or any other social channel. 





Thank you to Nestle Toll House for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring me to create delicious cookies with Nestlé Toll House Rolled & Ready Cookie Dough Sheets! All opinions and love of cookies are my own.


The winter thaw is happening slowly around our region and spring is just around the corner!  I was happy to welcome spring into my kitchen by trying out the new Nestle Toll House Spring Sugar Cookie Dough Sheets.  Whipping up a sweet spring treat has never been so easy, or delicious! 


walnut, sugar cookies, Nestle Toll House
Fresh from the oven Walnut Topped Sugar Cookies


I’ve been a fan of Nestle Toll House cookie dough’s for ages, so I was thrilled to see these  rolled and ready sugar cookie dough sheets on my last trip to the grocery store.





sugar cookies, easy, rolled dough, baking

They come with 2 sheets per pack, plenty to make a couple dozen sugar cookies in a hurry.  I usually make homemade sugar cookies, so having never used Nestle Toll House Spring Sugar Cookie Dough Sheets before; I headed to their website for inspiration.  I was not disappointed! 

There are so many delicious looking recipes there. You should check it out. I decided to put my own personal spin on their Pistachio Sugar cookie recipe by using chopped Walnuts instead since that’s what I had on hand. 

Folks- these cookies are so delicious and so simple to make. If you've got younger kids that are just starting out in the kitchen, this would be a great baking recipe for them! Anybody, even non- baking types, can whip these babies up in no time.


Here’s what you need. 



Ingredients:


Sugar cookies topped with chopped Walnuts

  • 1. Package (16 oz.) Nestlé Toll House Rolled & Ready Sugar Cookie Dough Sheets (found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores)
  • 1/3 Cup coarsely chopped Walnuts
  • 2 Tablespoons all- purpose flour (to flour cutting board)
  • 1 Tablespoon cooking oil (to grease cookie sheet) or line with parchment paper
  


Prep Time:  10 minutes  Cooking Time: 9-10 minutes


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place sheets on lightly floured cutting board.


Sugar cookie, dough sheet, cutting board,


Using a pizza cutter or pastry knife, cut cookie dough sheet into thirds lengthwise and then each third into 4 or 5 pieces. Don’t stress on precision cuts.  The cookies will look and taste fine.

Sprinkle each cookie with chopped Walnuts. 

Gently press into dough.

Sugar cookies with chopped Walnuts


Place each cookie piece 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheet.


sugar cookies, topped with Walnuts, baking

Bake for 9 to 10 minutes.

Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes.

Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy!


I decided to serve these cookies paired with fresh fruit and a glass of milk to my girls for an after school snack and they were a huge hit! 

sugar cookies, after school snack, fresh fruit,
If you are ready for spring time and Easter baking, I invite you to visit the Nestle Toll House website and check out all their delicious looking recipes and dessert ideas. You are sure to be inspired by one or more of their tempting treats, just like I was.



Please share in comments: Do you have a favorite Nestle Toll House cookie dough or recipe?


Spring will arrive in just 10 short days! I can’t wait for the world to awaken all around us in varying shades of beautiful, lush greens.  In honor of this season, I chose Emerald Green as March’s color of the month.  Not only will this color be seen in our landscapes- we will be seeing it in our wardrobes and homes as well. Dark green is having a moment this spring and I say embrace it and welcome Emerald Green into your life. 


#Emerald Green March, Spring, color, wardrobe, home,


And here's my Pinterest board for the month. I hope you like it and will be inspired to add Emerald Green to your world this spring. 




Follow Linda A.'s board Color of the Month - March 2015 - Emerald Green on Pinterest.


Please share in comments:  Do you own anything Emerald Green? If so, what is it? I have jewelry, because Emerald's are my birthstone. 

   

I participated in a Blog Blast Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Urbini. While I will receive a gift card to thank me for my time, all opinions and love of babies and nurseries are my own.


I can still remember the loving care my husband and I put in to setting up our daughter’s nurseries.  Time and care was spent on every aspect of this special room; from the paint color, to the softest of linens, to the color and functionality of the crib.  Finding just the right mix of furniture and accessories can be very time consuming, so I was thrilled to work with Urbini to share their Nursery contest with you!


nursery, mom, baby, furniture, home decor, white,


You may recognize the Urbini name because of their line of highly rated strollers and stylish baby gear; and now they have added a new line of nursery furniture to their offerings, including wooden cribs like the beautiful Walnut crib in the photo above.



nursery, mom, baby, furniture, home decor, white,


To showcase this new line, Urbini created the Urbini Dream Nursery Instagram contest where one lucky winner will have the designer of the new Urbini nursery furniture, Rachel Dacks, come to their home to provide them an Urbini Dream Nursery, including Urbini furniture and decor! 



Calling all New Moms!

The Urbini Dream Nursery is for new moms looking to convert a room into a first time nursery or for a mom having another child where the nursery needs a bit of updating. If you aren’t a new Mom, don’t fret, you can still take part in promoting the contest for chances to win daily $50 Walmart Gift Cards.


nursery, mom, baby, furniture, home decor, white, Cherry,


Winners will receive:


 Grand Prize:
  •  One Urbini Crib
  •  One Urbini Changing Table
  •  One Urbini 6 Drawer Dresser
  •  One Urbini Cubi Play Yard
  •  In addition to the Urbini furniture, the winner will receive a home visit by Urbini designer Rachel Dacks to personally outfit a newly designed nursery.

Second Prize:
Choice of one Urbini Crib

Third Prize:
One Urbini Cubi Play Yard

Sweepstakes Winners:

Each day, one Sweepstakes participant will be randomly selected to win a $50 Walmart Gift Card. 


Win it!

To enter the Urbini Dream Nursery Contest to win the Grand, Second, or Third Prizes, contestants must post an Instagram photo of the room they want to redesign to their personal Instagram account tagging #UrbiniDreamNursery and #Contest. Please consider following Urbini on Instagram @UrbiniBaby and visiting them on Facebook
For all other entry information, including entering to win the daily $50 Walmart Gift Cards, please visit UrbiniDreamNursery.com. The Urbini Dream Nursery Contest will begin Wednesday, February 25 and end Wednesday, March 18. 


Terms:
Entering is easy using the contest form below. No purchase necessary to win. Open to U.S. residents 18+. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This contest is not associated with or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or any other social channel.  For full Urbini contest terms and conditions, please read terms found on Gleam contest entry form.  



Urbini Dream Nursery

Good luck!


Please share in comments: What was your wall color in your first nursery? Or what color will you paint your first nursery for expecting Moms. 



Disclosure: My thanks to Influence Central and Urbini for sponsoring today's contest. Opinions are 100% my own. Compensation was given. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Wordless Wednesday- Snow Day

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Getting a true snow day in middle Tennessee is rare. Getting a full week of ice and snow is rarer still. Here are some pretty captures from the weekend when our ice and sleet finally turned to beautiful snow. 

Snow nature, birds, birdbaths, winter scene, serene





snow, birds, Cardinal, winter scene, serene





snow, winter scene, shed, peaceful,




Please share in comments: How much snow has your neighborhood gotten this winter?


My thanks to Smead, via Shoplet.com, for providing me with free products to facilitate today’s post. All opinions and love of organization are my own. 

If I had a penny for every invoice, bill, receipt or work-related piece of paper I touch in a day, I could buy myself a tall latte at least twice a week with zero budget guilt. As the chief important-paperwork-wrangler for my family’s small businesses, I know the importance of having a workable filing system in place. Notice I say “workable”. What’s workable for me may not be workable for you, so if you find yourself drowning in paperwork, now is the perfect time to research different filing and organizing systems. 


Smead SuperTab file folders MyWAHMPlan.com
Smead SuperTab folders


No matter what filing and organizing system you choose, you will need to purchase some file folders. During my 15+ years of being a work-at-home mom, I have come to rely on Smead folders. They are practically indestructible. You can easily tear off old labels to re-purpose these folders, or if you are like my husband who doesn’t like labels, you can white out the label area and write new information as needed.

Writing all the important information on a little label area used to be a pain, but Smead has provided a simple solution- Smead SuperTab file Folders! These folders give you a 90% larger label/writing area and will still fit in all file drawers! They hold up to 6 letters easily without crumpling them, too. The pink beauties, shown above, will be used by yours truly for my blog/writing business. 


Smead 3-in-1 SuperTab file folders #homeoffice #filing #wahm
Smead 3-in-1 SuperTab folders


The new Smead 3-in-1 SuperTab folders are in a word, genius! These are perfect for my husband’s cabinet/carpentry business where he has multiple pieces of paperwork per job with him often. He can easily store CAD drawings, job project lists, receipts, paint swatches, and client/architect/designer notes in this huge, 12-letter-size folder. The best part of this SuperTab folder is the Lockit flap at the top that keeps papers secure. Now my husband can walk around job sites and conduct business without fear of dropping important papers.


Smead 12 pocket stadium file #organizer #small business
Smead 12 pocket Stadium File Organizer


This brings me to the last Smead product I had the privilege of reviewing.  The Stadium File Organizer. This beauty of a portable filing cabinet is going in my husband’s shop, where he can keep important paperwork on hand as jobs progress. Since it can hold over 900 sheets in the 12-tiered pockets, we’ll be able to transfer papers from his 3-in-1 folders to the Stadium folders as certain aspects of the job are complete. This will be the holding station until each job is completely done and I make a permanent file for that client.


Thanks to Smead’s newest file folders and organizer, my husband and I will be better able to keep a handle on our complex filing system, which will improve our productivity.  That’s a small business win in our book.

I invite you to learn more about Smead products by using the links provided for each above. Be sure to visit Shoplet.com to learn more about their home and office supplies as well.


Please share in comments: How often do you use file folders in your home office? Would you like me to do a more in-depth tutorial on home office organization? Please let me know in comments!


Disclosure: My thanks to Smead and Shoplet.com for providing the products mentioned above to facilitate my review.Opinions are 100% my own. No monetary compensation was given. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

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