Gift Guide for the Stationery Lover

By Holly Sosa

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Stationery lovers rejoice! This holiday season, Erin Condren has released a slew of new products geared towards you and all your paper-loving quirkiness. From the Life Planner to nail decals, everything you love about the well-designed line of stationery is brought to life just in time for the holidays. This gift guide for the stationery lover is chock full of ideas that any lover of desk supplies would love to receive this Christmas.

1. Lunch Totes by ErinCondren.com, $24 These insulated beauties keep your lunch insulated while also allowing you to express your personality through fun and funky designs from Erin Condren.

gift-guide-for-the-stationery-lover0042. Nail Wraps by ErinCondren.com, $10 Nail wraps that are easy to apply give an insta-manicure that will match your favorite EC cover designs or even your new lunch tote.

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3. Life Planner by ErinCondren.com, $55 The Life Planner is much coveted by most stationery lovers. It offers high quality materials and combined colorful design options that you can mix and match to best reflect your planning style. Planner nirvana is right at your fingertips with this beauty.

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4. Glitter & Glam Metallic Bundle by ErinCondren.com, $15 This lovely little gift set comes with all the accessories a stationery lover could hope for. The set includes a journal, a pen holder, a journal, and a metallic elastic band all tucked neatly into a stylish vinyl clutch.

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5. Luxe Gold Metallic Quote Clutch by Erin Condren.com, $20 This elegantly designed clutch is the perfect place for stationery lovers to stash their favorite pen collections, colored pencils, highlighters, and more.

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For even more gift ideas, ErinCondren.com put together their own gift guide for gifts under $25 and you don’t want to miss this stylish essentials gift guide that they’ve put together as well (wine tote, anyone?). This holiday season, ErinCondren.com has the stationery lover in your life covered, but let’s be honest pretty much anyone would be thrilled to find a piece of the Erin Condren line in their stocking this year.

Visit Erin Condren on Facebook for more fun gift ideas, stationery love, and more.

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Chocolate Mousse

By Holly Sosa

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SweetnSaltyHoliday #CollectiveBias

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I’m in my kitchen daily prepping for the feast, experimenting with new recipes, and creating dishes ahead of time to help me prepare. For dessert this year, I decided to create individual servings of a deliciously creamy Chocolate Mousse topped with crumbles of Chocolate Wavy Lay’s for a little salty sweet crunch and texture. The recipe is simple and satisfies even the chocolatiest of cravings. It’s a prefect addition to my Thanksgiving dessert menu and I can see this becoming a regularly looked forward to treat during the holiday season.

First I beat together a couple of eggs with some white sugar for a good long three minutes until it was a foamy texture.

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While it was mixing, I warmed up some heavy cream in a saucepan until just hot, but not quite boiling.

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I slowly added the heavy cream to my egg mixture until just combined.

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Then I transferred it all back into the saucepan and stirred it all together over medium heat until it thickened, stirring constantly to ensure it never boiled.

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Next I removed the mixture from the heat and stirred in some chocolate until it melted completely.

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Then I covered it and stored it in the fridge to chill, coming back to stir it every so often.

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Once the chocolate mixture was chilled through and ready, I poured some more heavy cream into my mixer and whisked it up until stiff peaks formed.

Then I removed the chilled chocolate mixture from the fridge and folded it into the whipped cream until it was completely incorporated and smooth.

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To serve, I piped the Chocolate Mousse into clear plastic cups for individual servings.

And then I crumbled up some Chocolate Wavy Lay’s and sprinkled them over the top of each serving to add a slight crunchy texture.

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The Chocolate Wavy Lay’s add a nice texture and a salty sweet crunch to the dessert and compliments the chocolate flavor perfectly. The chocolate covered potato chips are available in three tasty flavors: Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Covered with Almond Bits (my favorite). For a limited time, just for the holidays, you can find all three flavors at your local Target store.

Visit Target’s website for more info on Chocolate Wavy Lay’s (you can even order right online!). You can also follow FritoLay on Facebook for more recipe ideas, information, and more.

Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 2½ cups cold heavy whipping cream, divided
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup Chocolate Covered Lays, crumbled

Instructions
  1. Beat together eggs and sugar in mixer for roughly three minutes.
  2. Meanwhile heat one cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until hot, but not boiling.
  3. With mixer on low add hot cream into egg mixture slowly until combined.
  4. Pour mixture back into saucepan and over low heat stir constantly until thickened (about five minutes) without allowing mixture to boil.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate until melted.
  6. Cover mixture and refrigerate for until chilled through completely, stirring occasionally.
  7. Once mixture is chilled and firm, use whisk attachment to whip remaining heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  8. Remove chocolate from fridge and use paddle attachment to fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture until incorporated and smooth.
  9. Pipe into individual serving cups using plastic zip closure bag.
  10. Top with crumbled Chocolate Covered Lays.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes
Recipe adapted from Cookies and Cups.

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Cranberry Orange Holiday Punch

By Holly Sosa

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. and Georgia-Pacific LLC. All opinions are my own. #DrinkMakeWishBake #CollectiveBias

While it’s not quite Thanksgiving, I’m already fa-la-la-ing and jingle belling to and fro. I’m baking up a storm in the kitchen (a true sign in my home that the holidays are near) and I’m serving up fun holiday punch and seasonal treats at the weekly community group meetings here in my home. My family hosts meetings with members from our church and hosting them is the highlight of my week. I love inviting people into my home, filling their bellies with something sweet, and serving tasty refreshments. It’s a place where I get to serve the people I love and embrace the heck out of my holiday-loving personality.

The past few weeks, I’ve been serving a Cranberry Orange Holiday Punch that I easily make about twenty minutes before our friends arrive. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t overwhelm me. I love to serve, but I also know that these meetings are where I have the opportunity to connect with my community and I need to be sure I have time to honor that.

To make this recipe, I start by cutting some mandarins into fourths and add them to a large drink dispenser.

cranberry-orange-holiday-punch003Next I add in cranberries, both fresh or dried work nicely in this recipe. I’ve used both with success.

cranberry-orange-holiday-punch004Look at that beautiful holiday color!

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Then I add in some ice.

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And an entire two liter of 7UP®.

Are you ready for your next Target run? Check out these upcoming Cartwheel offers for extra savings:

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Using a wooden spoon, I give it all a few good stirs and let the fruit do the rest of the work by infusing into the 7UP.

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I enjoy displaying the drink dispenser alongside a twin one filled with water on a decorated table. Twinkle lights and gourds have been my current favorite, but I’m practically bursting to start using holly leaves, pinecones, and fir branches.

cranberry-orange-holiday-punch011When I have friends in my home, Dixie Ultra® Holiday Plates and Vanity Fair® napkins give me time to be more present and connect with the people that matter because only Dixie Ultra® Holiday Plates and Vanity Fair® napkins provide the dependability that allows me freedom from worry about clean up later. I can trust Dixie and Vanity Fair, which is why I use them every week at my gatherings. Offered in a variety of sizes, I’ve always got exactly what I need to serve whatever treat I’ve whipped up that day. Dixie Ultra® Holiday Plates can be found in the Holiday seasonal section at Target or in-aisle with the other disposable tableware items.

cranberry-orange-holiday-punch013cranberry-orange-holiday-punch014cranberry-orange-holiday-punch015cranberry-orange-holiday-punch009The holidays are the perfect time to gather together with family and friends to create moments and memories to last a lifetime. For me, these are the moments that Dixie and Vanity Fair help me to create by allowing me to forget worry about any mess afterwards (no dishes to wash!), and focus on the people gathered in my home and around my table.

Enter for a chance to win a $100 Target gift card using the widget below! Use it to stick up on 7UP for this recipe, but only if you enjoy a good refreshment, ha!

#DrinkMakeWishBake DPSG/Georgia Pacific Holiday Sweeps

Cranberry Orange Holiday Punch
Ingredients
  • 6 mandarins, cute into fourths
  • 2 cups cranberries (fresh or dried both work)
  • 4 cups ice
  • 2 liter 7UP

Instructions
  1. In a large drink dispenser, add mandarins and cranberries.
  2. Cover fruit with ice.
  3. Pour 7UP over ice.
  4. Muddle with a wooden spoon.
  5. Serve immediately while cold.

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For more recipes, tutorials, and inspiration for your own holiday gathering, visit the DrinkMakeWishBake.com for plenty of ideas from bloggers like me.

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Burn 100 Calories Right Now

By Holly Sosa

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Disclosure: I receive free product in order to evaluate and comment on my experiences using Medifast products. Medifast products and the Medifast program are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

While changing my diet and creating new food-related habits with Medifast has become an essential part of my weight loss journey, a part I often forget is just as important is regular exercise. A few years ago, I started an extreme diet and exercise routine all at once and shocked my body right into the hospital. Ever since then, I’ve been a little intimidated to jump right into anything else. After speaking with a Medifast nutritionist, we agreed to take things slow and this week I’m implementing a simple routine to help me burn calories without overexerting myself. This simple routine gets me moving to burn 100 calories each time I complete all four tasks on it. My goal is to complete this list five times per day for five days this week.

Medifast is a portion-controlled weight loss program that helps people lose weight faster and more effectively than traditional dieting. My favorite meals come in packets that I add water to and microwave or refrigerate and are offered in a variety of types and flavors. The meals are quick and easy to prepare, are portion controlled, and many are filled with protein to help keep that hungry feeling at bay. The Medifast Achieve Plan, their standard plan for weight loss, is medically designed to create a calorie deficit, allowing my body to burn fat for energy. Medifast also offers specially tailored programs to meet the needs of nursing moms, vegetarians, seniors, teens, and people with diabetes or gout. I’ve committed to a year on the program and will be sharing my journey with you along the way.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM OR WANT TO LEARN MORE, YOU CAN VISIT MEDIFASTNOW.COM. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING THE PROGRAM, USE MY COUPON CODE AT CHECKOUT HOLLY15 FOR $15 OFF $150 PLUS FREE SHIPPING.*

*Limit one per customer. Excludes ready-to-drink shakes. Not valid with Medifast Advantage, or any other promotions or discounts.

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Reebok CloudRide DMX

By Holly Sosa

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This post was sponsored by Reebok as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Along with my diet change I’ve been trying to be more active, which has included more walking. My old sneakers were purchased back in 2007 and at almost 10 years old (even the laces were mismatched in a desperate attempt to add to their lifespan), needed to be replaced with a shoe I could depend on for long lasting comfort. Reebok CloudRide DMX sneakers offered me exactly that while allowing me to live a more active lifestyle.

The sneakers have patented moving air technology which consists of a lightweight, flexible sole of encapsulated air that provides long-lasting comfort that’s been popular in other Reebok “DMX” products. The air inside the soles are what makes it unique as most shoes typically use foam. I noticed the most difference in my heels when I walked, feeling like I was walking on a soft cloud.

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They are available in black or white. They feel light weight; almost as if I’m barefoot, but also snug and cozy on my feet while offering the support I need for my daily walks or while out running errands. The material is almost mesh-like, which offers plenty of breathing room for your tootsies. As a desert dweller, I appreciate this because it means my sweaty feet will be able to breathe. I think the material would allow for sock-less walking as well for people like me who like the no-sock look with a sneaker. They run true to size, my big ol’ size tens were appreciative of that.

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Walking around my block nearly everyday really takes a toll on my feet, which is why I was eager to try the cloud-like comfort of the Reebok CloudRide DMX sneakers. They offered me cozy comfort on the uneven roads in my desert town. And with their 100% money back guarantee, I really had nothing to lose by giving them a shot.

Reebok CloudRide DMX sneakers are available at select Famous Footwear stores (check with your local retailer for in-store availability) and online at FamousFootwear.com.

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Time for an Upgrade? | Capital One Auto Navigator

By Holly Sosa

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As a one income family, we take careful measures with our budgets make sacrifices to ensure our family’s lifestyle of having a stay at home parent. For three years, we were a one vehicle family that carpooled, picked up, dropped off, and did whatever we had to until we paid off our car and could finance a new-to-us used vehicle. Last year, all our hard work paid off when we were finally able to purchase a second car for our family. After three years of driving just one car with over 100,000 miles on it, we were desperate to get an additional vehicle into our lives. We didn’t have anyone to guide us or give us advice, so we went at it alone. We ended up with a car we loved, but it would have been helpful to have some guidance and to know what exactly we could qualify for before starting the whole process.

Shopping for a car can be overwhelming and other than the idea of a sweet new stereo system, it doesn’t appeal to me much – if at all. But with the Capital One Auto Navigator® site, we can go through each step with ease. From shopping vehicles near us to calculating our payment, they’ve reimagined the car buying experience with a one-stop-shop for everything we need so we can conquer it with confidence.

One of my favorite features is the ability to find your dream car right from their Auto Navigator site. We’re hoping to upgrade within the next year to a Kia Sedona and we were able to search over 12,000 dealerships for the exact make and model for sale and received several results. From there, we are able to find out what our estimated monthly payment would be and even get prequalified without risking our credit score.

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When we’re ready to upgrade later next year, my first stop will be the Capital One Auto Navigator site where we will confidently be able step into the dealership with a dream car in mind and financing in-hand. Visit the Capital One Auto Navigator site for more information and to get started today.

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How to Prepare for Weekly Family Meetings

By Holly Sosa

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I grew up in a blended family of six. With everyone on different schedules and in different activities throughout the week, my parents opened up lines of communication between us all through weekly family meetings. This was a time each week where we gathered together as a family and my parents shared what would be happening throughout the week, dole out chores, and address any conflicts or issues within our family together. As a child, I remember feeling like I was heard, important, and had some input in what was going on in our daily lives.

Now that I’m raising my own blended family, I’ve implemented my own family meetings to give my children the feeling that they’re part of a team and that we’re all doing this life thing together. Being in a blended family isn’t a prerequisite to holding weekly family meetings; in fact, I believe all families benefit from meeting together weekly to talk, hash out anything going on, and schedule out the upcoming week.

In this post, I’m going to share a few tips to help start weekly family meetings in your own family, along with some topics to address in your first meeting together in hopes it will inspire you to start your own weekly huddle with your family.

Set a day for the meetings

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My husband works rotating shifts, so we have to adjust our family meetings accordingly. Currently we meet every Sunday after church. I schedule out the time in our family calendar and we ensure that we have a solid hour to devote to the meeting.

Create a list of topics to address

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While children don’t need to be involved in every decision (especially smaller children), I think it’s important that they feel included in some family choice making. For instance, I take dinner requests into account from my two six year olds. And from the older girls, when they’re with us, they get to help with larger decisions like doling out chores. And we also use the time to address anything major happening in our lives. For instance, a few years back Jacob was injured at work and we needed to adjust schedules to get him to and from the doctor. I spent a few minutes each week on the day before our meeting making a list of topics to address as a family.

Consider a talking stick

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Family meetings are a safe place where everyone gets a chance to be heard, but if you’re in a big family like mine that can be pretty noisy. Using a talking stick or ball or toy is a fun tool that allows whomever is holding it to have the floor. If the person holding the talking stick is speaking, everyone else gives that person their undivided attention. This is especially helpful with my small children.

If you’re considering holding your own family meetings, there are some topics that would be helpful for you to address during your first gathering. It will help set the foundation for your future meetings and for your family as a whole. These are some topics we discussed before our first family meeting and during the first session together.

Family chores

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Everyone does their part in our home. From the three-year-old who helps with laundry transfer to the twelve-year-old who sweeps and mops the kitchen. We all do our part to make our home a clean and happy environment. Consider writing a list of chores that need to be done weekly or daily and then during the family meeting, assign (or let the kiddos volunteer) one to each person.

Supplemental insurance

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Supplemental insurance is designed to complement our major medical insurance and fill any holes our health care may not cover. Most of us aren’t prepared to pay for deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses associated with an unexpected serious accident or illness. Instead of paying for those expenses out of our own pockets, we can use supplemental insurance to help fill in the holes. Supplemental insurance from Aflac pays cash when we’re sick or hurt so we can focus on recovery, not financial stress. When my husband was injured at work those years ago, we were fortunate that he was only out for a couple of days. Had he been hurt any worse or out of work for any longer, we would have been in a pretty bad situation. Aflac is designed to help with situations like ours, because while major medical policies pay doctors and hospitals, Aflac pays cash directly to the insured (unless otherwise assigned), who can decide how to best use the benefits. Their goal is to help Aflac policyholders maintain their lifestyle during recovery. While this was a subject my husband and I discussed together outside of family meetings, we wanted to share the information with our children so that they knew our family was looking into ways to cover ourselves financially in any future events. We’re also hoping involving them in this discussion will show them the importance of supplemental insurance for their own families.

A living will

Creating a living will together and then addressing it with our children during a family meeting was important to us. Because our family is blended, that means there could be separation of siblings, so we need to be detailed and specific in our documents in case anything should happen to one or both of us.

Ask your human resources manager which Aflac supplemental insurance policies are available to you. Be sure to also check out Aflac’s Benefits Estimator to calculate the amount Aflac can provide to help with out-of-pocket costs not covered by your major medical insurance: aflac.com/benefitsestimator.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Policies may not be available in all states. Limitations and exclusions may apply. Benefits are determined by state and plan level selected. Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999.

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3 Reasons Why I Use a Smart Toothbrush

By Holly Sosa

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BrushingEvolvedBBB #CollectiveBias

Technology is a fairly large part of my life. I use it daily not only for entertainment purposed like watching shows, surfing the Internet, and streaming music, but also in my home for temperature control, leak detecting, and more. Creating a smart home is important to me because it allows me some freedom while helping me pay close attention to details. When I discovered the NEW Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected Toothbrush at Bed Bath & Beyond, I knew I could benefit from having a little extra guidance in my oral health department. A few months back, I was (literally!) knocked on my rear when a cavity abscessed, requiring several dental appointments and expensive oral surgery. I’m not sure I ever took my oral health as seriously as I should have before that painful abscess. Now that I’m aware, I ensure I keep my choppers in tip-top shape with regular care and effective tools including the NEW Philips Sonicare FlexCare Connected Toothbrush. While there are several benefits to using a smart toothbrush, these three reasons why I use a smart toothbrush were my favorite benefits and ultimately helped me decided to make the switch.

Real-time Feedback

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The NEW Philips Sonicare FlexCare Connected Toothbrush grants me easy access to personalized, real-time feedback through the free Philips Sonicare app. I can actually see where I’m brushing and where I need to pay more attention. The app gives me real-time visuals and information like how good of a brusher I am, if I’ve missed any spots while brushing, and even if I’m applying too much pressure or using an excessive scrubbing motion. This is so helpful because there are always one or two spots my dentist will have to scrape extra plaque out of when I visit her and she remarks how most people forget those places. I’m hoping that at my next visit, she won’t have to do any extra scraping!

Timing Monitor

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I’m going to admit that I never brush my teeth for the full two minutes that’s recommended. It just seems like I cover all the areas I need to in much less time. I love that the FlexCare app times me and lets me know when I’m actually finished brushing rather than when I think I’m done. Two minutes is much longer than I realized!

Goal Setting for Oral Health

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Achieving my healthiest smile yet is easy with the FlexCare. I can set and track my own daily goals (whiter teeth, healthier gums) with personalized coaching, tips and alerts to help me meet them. I can also focus on trouble areas that my dentist identified, such as gum recession or plaque buildup.

Using technology for helping me to achieve my goal for better oral health has been a natural next step for me as someone who enjoys applying technology for a smarter life. The NEW Philips Sonicare FlexCare Connected Toothbrush promises up to 10x more plaque removal and healthier gums in just two weeks by using these features to aid in achieving oral health goals. For me, the experience has helped to create better brushing habits by showing me where I’m lacking and where I’m doing well so I can adjust accordingly.

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Learn more about the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Connected Toothbrush by visiting the social hub where you’ll find additional thoughts, tutorials, and more on oral health from bloggers like me.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Christmas Tree

By Holly Sosa

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Tree Classics provided tree and materials to facilitate this post. Thank you to Tree Classics for partnering with me. And thank you readers for supporting the brands that support this blog and my family.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I partnered with Tree Classics to decorate one of their Classic Fraser Fir trees in pink to help bring awareness to the cause. I think you could stop anyone on the street and ask them how breast cancer has affected their lives and you’d get an answer. Virtually everyone has a story about how it’s happened to someone close to them, someone they know, or even themselves. One of my good friends went through a battle of her own and her story touched me deeply. It’s her story I think about when I do my own self-exams at home. Breast cancer has touched my own family with my aunt and my husband’s cousin. Decorating a tree to promote awareness of this cause in partnership with Tree Classics was special for me.

The tree I created was simple and understated, but still feminine with plenty of sparkle. I chose blush pink, pearl white, and dusty glitter ornaments to adorn the branches.

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I used a baby pink ribbon as garland to dedicate the tree to the pink ribbon cause most are familiar with, weaving it through the needles and boughs.

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Collaborating with Tree Classics to further awareness for a cause entrenched in lives today was an experience that made me think deeper about how it’s affected countless women and their families. This tree is pretty to look at, but cancer is anything but pretty. It is my hope that Tree Classics and myself can bring a little hope in the form sparkle and shine along with awareness to the families so deeply impacted by the burden of this disease.

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Pumpkin Carving Party

By Holly Sosa

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It’s not Halloween until pumpkins are carved and lit up on your front porch. At least according to my life rules it’s not. When Shari’s Berries offered to send over some Halloween goodies for a pumpkin carving party, I couldn’t wait to invite our friends and their kiddos over for some festive fun.

I chose several of their treats to satisfy a variety of sweet tooth cravings. Both families are pretty into our desserts and I knew we’d all be excited to try a couple. I created a quick little tablescape that let the treats do the talking.

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The kids all seemed to favor the Hand-Decorated Halloween Crispy Treats that were decorated with classic spooky characters.

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My favorite were the Autumn Cheesecake Bites. They were chocolate-covered perfection!

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My husband told me the Autumn Cake Pops were the best cake pops he’s ever had. They were rich and chocolatey bites in the perfect size.

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Our dessert table was filled with plenty of options and everything was so festive that the treats were decorations all on their own. I loved how easy ordering them ahead of time made party prep easy for me. They made a great addition to our Pumpkin Carving Party; all I had to do was order and wait for them to be delivered on the day of our gathering.

The kiddos all headed outside to play for a bit before we devoured our treats. You know, that pesky must-eat-dinner-first rule us parents like. The dads went to work gutting the pumpkins for the kiddos to carve. I think they’d both admit that they surprisingly enjoyed yanked guts out of several pumpkins.pumpkin-craving-party029

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Baby Knox helped too.

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I’m not even actually sure if any of the kids actually ate dinner after all was said and done. The pumpkins proved a perfect distraction for us parents and once the kids knew their pumpkins were ready to be carved, there wasn’t much we could do to stop them.

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Somehow, our Shari’s Berries dessert table was tackled and before I knew it, kids were munching on crispy treats and cake pops. Which was fine by me because I couldn’t wait to dig into those mini cheesecakes.

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Our kiddos were proud of their creations, even though most of the carving ended up being done by dads. I will say, however, that the boys are excellent at stabbing dull craving knives into pumpkins over and over again. Seriously pros. They’ve got the market cornered.

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Have you ever seen a better batch of pumpkins? Tummies are satisfied, heart are full, pumpkins are carved, jack-o-lanters are lit on the front porch. Halloween may now commence.

Get your Halloween goodies and treats for your own pumpkin carving party or Halloween celebration at Shari’s Berries or send a sweet treat to your family and friends.

The post Pumpkin Carving Party appeared first on Our Holly Days.

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