Holiday Cookies

Mekhi and I made cookies using Wilton recipes, cookie cutters and I attempted to make decorating bags. Ahem. The cookies were a simple sugar cookie that I let set overnight after baking.

We mostly used pumpkin shapes because I didn't want to get too complicated with the decorating.

The following day I made a meringue based icing and colored it orange. I kept it simple.

I did try to make pastry decorators but that was a disaster. I couldn't get it right. Overall I'm happy with the final outcome and perhaps I will have my girlfriend teach me decorating techniques in the future.

The cookies were delicious and we took them with us to a Falloween party where they were enjoyed by all!

Disclosure: I'm a Walmart mom and was provided with compensation for this post.

Walmart is Bringing Back Layaway - Video!

And here is my video explaining Walmart's new Layaway! 





Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and I've been compensated for spreading the word about this program. As usual all opinions are my own.

Walmart is Bringing Back Layaway!

The holiday season is fast approaching and it is no secret that we are in the midst of difficult financial times. I have heard anecdotal stories that although the holiday season is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, it is the time when people suffer from the highest rate of depression. It makes sense when you think about it, in an effort to make friends and family happy we have a tendency to over spend and have to deal with the repercussions at the beginning of the new year. 


I remember as a child I would join the Christmas Club at the bank to save money for the holiday season and I also can recall lay-a-way which virtually keeps you from overspending because you pay for items that might be pricey over time. I am happy to announce that Walmart is bringing back Lay-A-Way for the holiday season! 

It begins on October 17th and you have until December 16th to pick up and pay for your purchases. With a $5 service charge and a minimum $50 total purchase (each item $15 or more)  this is going to help countless families this year! Layaway is available in toys, electronics and the jewelry departments. If you have your eye on a few holiday gifts and want to pay from them over time, layaway is just for you!

Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and I've been compensated for writing this post but as usual all opinions are my own. 

Essie's Got A Brand New Bag!

I've blogged about essie in the past and shared my long standing love for this nail polish.  Well, for Fall essie has some great colors with names inspired by handbags. There are six new colors in the collection, my favorite is Carry On, a magnetic mulberry merlot. Love it! But all of the colors with the exception of power clutch (a green that I'm not sure will look great with my complexion) I will be rocking this Fall. 





Although I'm unable to afford to purchase actual handbags in all of these colors, having the nailcolors will provide me with diversity in color and serve as a great "accessory" on a daily basis. This entire collection is available at your local Walmart, I'd love to see what you choose as your favorite color! 



Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and was sent the essie Fall collection and provided with compensation for this post.

Crayola and Back to School

My four year is extremely creative. He loves to draw and is now beginning to learn his letters. He was thrilled to try out the new Crayola Dry Erase crayons and activity center. You can see what he creativity garnered! 

He is intently working on his masterpiece in this photo and here is his finished product! We used the Crayola Dry Erase Crayons and enjoyed being able to wipe and start a new drawing if he was unhappy with what he'd done. 

In addition to the 3D effect, we also have a dry erase board that he loves which is filled with activities. I let him go at his own pace and choose what he wants to do on any given day. This is just a supplement for what he is learning in Pre-K and I've found that he does much more when I don't push him and let him tell me when he wants to practice letters or just draw. You can see more of the Crayola dry erase in action by checking out this video. 



Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and was sent the Crayola dry erase line to review and compensated for my time. As usual all opinions are 100% my own. 

Sun-kissed glow without the sun! Video

It is summertime and I love makeup but it is just too hot for foundation, powder, etc. So, I make things simple. I use concealer and bronzer to give my face a sunkissed glow without using heavy makeup or worst, sitting out in the sun! I tried Neutrogena's bronzer with blush, perfect!

This is a perfect look for summer and I don't have to worry about my makeup melting off in the heat!


Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and have been compensated for this post but as usual all opinions are my own. 

Calling all dog lovers!

I am a dog lover.  When I was four and five I used to ride my grandfather's great dane Zorba like a horse and we both loved it! My granddaddy always had a dog and I even gave him one as a father's day gift one year. It wasn't until I was 17 that I became a dog owner too. My mom and I adopted a Chow Chow puppy that we named Ling Ling and she was the love of our life. Although Ling Ling is no longer with us my love for dogs still remains and when my son is old enough to care for a dog I will get one too. Seems like dog lovers run in my family, he will always ask to "pet the doggies" we see dog owners walking their dogs!

Although I am not a dog owner now, the one thing I remember is the importance of choosing the correct dog food. Ling Ling was very picky but once we found a food she loved we stuck with it. If you are a dog owner, will you please complete this quick five question survey to help determine what you look for when you are shopping for dog food? 

Here is the link - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9PC5S96

Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and have been compensated for getting the word out about this survey.