Delicious Whirl Berry-Oat Smoothie Recipe With #MountainHighYoghurt

 

Momma Told Me: Just cause it has fruit in the name, doesn't mean it's good for you!

I am a smoothie addict.

There was a time, in college, I swear the girls at the local smoothie shop knew my name like a good barista. Not a day went by where I didn't stop in and grab a fresh blended drink on my way home from work, or as a special treat at lunch time. When you work in a shopping center, there's easy access; it's only a matter of time before you're hooked. Of course I learned quickly, just because it has fruit in the flavor or title doesn't mean it's good for you. Not all smoothies are created equal, and even more important you pay a pretty premium for that shiny Styrofoam cup and a kind smile.

When I left my 9-5, I went through deep smoothie withdrawals. Something had to be done, so I began making my own smoothies at home.

I won't lie, I still drink a lot of smoothies socially- but I've become a lot more conscious about what I'll drink. Many big chains have smoothies that are really more like shakes, and rely heavily on sherbets and other artificial bases. So, while I may feel like a rebel when I blend at home, I know the number of ingredients in my drink will be limited and all natural. Besides, it's just plain fun to come up with your own smoothie blends and names!

Finding a strong base is essential to a smooth smoothie- Yes, I just said that, smooth smoothie. It's that wonderfully even, sippable, texture that makes a smoothie a treat all in it's own. Sometimes we use dairy alternatives, like soy or coconut milk- but those don't offer quite the same sipping experience as real dairy. For a healthy, yet still dairy, substitute in our smoothies we reach for yoghurt. And by yoghurt I mean pure, unadulterated, no funny stuff added, Mountain High Yoghurt.

Mountain High Yoghurt is not only committed to all natural ingredients, but uses a unique 'in cup' culturing method that allows cultures to grow and process directly in the cup or tub the product will be shipped in. This means a richer, more authentic flavor and texture with no gelatin or extras. Mountain High is also committed to using dairy sourced from hormone free cows so you can rest assured all of their ingredients are of the highest quality. Besides, everyone knows that great milk comes from Happy Cows (or at least that's what they tell us here in Southern California!)

You can find #MountainHighYoghurt at Ralphs and Kroger brand chains as well as many other great grocery retailers such as Vons, Walmart, and Albertsons across the country. One of the things that makes Mountain High especially great for smoothies is the large tubs readily available for consumers. For just over $5 here I can buy a 32oz tub of Mountain High in Original, Fat Free, or Low Fat varieties. The easily to reseal tub is great for scooping portions directly into my blender, and the tub itself is great for storage and craft projects after it's been emptied!

Personally, I've been trying to introduce more whole grains into my daily routine, though I seldom have the patience for eating a bowl of cooked oats (or the time.) Blending oatmeal directly into my smoothie is a great way to add some bulk to the smoothie itself, help curb hunger cravings in the afternoons, and introduce potential heart health benefits. It's also delicious! And yes, you CAN blend oats directly into your smoothie- though, you may also grind them down in the food processor and add them as a powder/supplement too, if desired.

One of my favorite smoothies of late has been dubbed the 'Whirl Berry-Oat Smoothie' for it's fun swirl of purple on yellow (which reminds the child in me of minions, but that's another tale.) Simply blend the blueberry portion first and pour it into the bottom of your glasses or tumblers, then blend the orange-honey-oat portion and pour that on top. The different consistencies will create a fun swirl that can be mixed with a straw or drank as is!

To learn more about Mountain High Yoghurt and to discover other amazing recipes, or simple solutions for empty yoghurt containers, check out their Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest pages. Now, tell me, what are some of your favorite ingredients for smoothies?

What Daughter Says: Bulk up your smoothie with real, wholesome, natural ingredients.

Whirl Berry-Oat Smoothie
Serves 4
*Click here to print the Whirl Berry-Oat Smoothie Recipe

#LetsMakeSmores in 10 Minutes! Patriotic S'Mores Crispie Pinwheels Recipe

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

Momma Told Me: It's just a S'mores kind of day!

As you know Summer is here, though many of my friends in the Eastern states might beg to disagree, and it is time to plan cookouts, family reunions, and lazy afternoons seeking shade from the sun. In SoCal, it is pretty much Summer all year round. It's a rough life, I know. Sarcasm aside, I always envied my cousins living back East. Their homes had fire pits and their family vacations consisted of campaign, glow fly catching, and all the delicious grilled food one could eat. Sure, they might have to put up with a few "inches" of snow, but that's a small price for the excuse to enjoy a freshly toasted marshmallow wedged between Hershey's chocolate and graham crackers. I can almost smell the S'mores now!

Living in SoCal, our camping destination was the beach, and our local beaches have strict regulations about fire- absolutely no bonfires allowed. Now where's the fun in campaign under the stars, with the sound of the tide rolling in and out, without a freshly roasted weenie and some gooey S'mores? See, it WAS rough. But Momma knew how to compensate- she always had a way to get creative in the kitchen, and her love of S'mores was perhaps greater than all of us. I always knew it was going to be a great weekend when I got home from school and there was a pile of Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars, Jet-Puffed Marshmallows, an Honey Maid Graham Crackers sitting on the counter.

Whether you're snowed in, or the weather's too hot to start a fire, 10 Minute S'mores solutions can turn a hum drum evening into a memorable event. And, right now at your local Walmart, you can stock up on the 3 S'mores essentials so you're never caught on hand when a S'mores kind of day turns up. You'll find convenient 6 packs of Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars, individually wrapped, festive Red, White, and Blue Star shaped Jet-Puffed Marshmallows (and new square S'mores marshmallow varieties,) and Honey Maid graham cracker Squares, perfect for smushing, crunching, and grinding in your new favorite S'mores creations.

The great thing about S'mores is that you can make them any time, just as long as you have these 3 ingredients! With a little creativity you can make S'mores anywhere- they don't have to be literally sandwiches of gooey chocolate graham mallow heaven, they can be a quick S'mores dessert dip, simple cake pops, or Momma's S'mores Krispie Pinwheels. Yes, Momma was queen of crafty S'mores creations, and she could whip up a delicious treat in 10 minutes flat! Her secret was to melt the Jet-Puffed marshmallows in a microwave safe bowl with a little butter for 30 seconds on High. Once the marshmallows were melted down a world of possibilities opened up.

To create her S'mores Crispie Pinwheels she would then grind the Honey Maid graham cracker squares into an even consistency and stir it into the melted mallows, along with a few cups of crisped rice cereal. Next came the best part! Momma would tell me to hold my hands out over the sink as she sprayed them with cooking spray, then let me loose to smash the mixture, flat, into a prepared cookie sheet. If we had any extra mallow mixture leftover we'd spread a generous layer out over the bed of graham crispie, otherwise, there was usually a jar of Mallow Creme in the pantry!

Spreading the mallows was usually a tough job; the homemade butter Jet-Puffed mixture often poured over even, while Marshmallow Creme took a little finesse and elbow work. Then we would peel open 5 or 6 standard size Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars and lay the individual pieces out evenly across the sea of fluffy mallow. The oven was always preheated to a low 200F, and the cookie sheet went immediately into the oven for 2 minutes, exactly.

Hershey's Milk Chocolate has a low melting point, which is precisely why it's the perfect S'mores chocolate, so it never took too long to reach the final steps. Of course 2 minutes seems like an eternity when you're a child, so Momma and I would take turns stacking marshmallows to see who could get their tower the highest. The winner always got a pieces of Hershey's, so it was tough competition! Fun fact: Did you know that a piece of chocolate is referred to as a 'Pip,' and one square of breakable, melt-able, delicious, Hershey's bar is called this?

Once the cookie sheet had emerged from the oven it was time to spread the chocolate. Using a spatula mom would lightly drag through the rows of Hershey's pips and I would watch, peering over the counter with my step stool, in wonder as the chocolate and mallow created rivers of delicious S'mores flavor. Then came the final, most integral, part to the pinwheel assembly- the rolling. I was never trusted with this step because the cookie sheet itself was half my height, and I was NOT known for my coordination.

Carefully Momma would roll the crispie chocolate mallow sheet into itself until a giant log had formed. If the mallow and chocolate were still quite warm (usually because someone had forgotten about the oven in the midst of focusing on their marshmallow tower) Momma would let the sheet sit a few minutes before rolling. once rolled, inside the baking paper/foil, the roll would go directly into the freezer for 5-10 minutes. Both Jet-Puffed Marshmallows and Hershey's set quite quickly in the chill of the freezer and our log would be ready to slice and serve in no time.

The language of S'mores is a universal one- few people don't burst into a smile when marshmallow is involved! These Smore's Crispie Pinwheels are great to make ahead and have on hand for any movie night, impromptu backyard grill, lazy afternoon by the pool, or trip to the park. The crunch of the graham crispie roll reminds me of biting into a graham cracker crust and the Hershey's Milk Chocolate- Marshmallow swirl softens to a playful texture after just a few minutes at room temperature. One batch made about 20 pinwheels- and it's a good thing this is such a quick recipe, because they didn't last long!

Be sure to check out the #LetsMakeSmores hub for even more great Indoors S'mores ideas and recipes!  What's your favorite twist or way to prepare S'mores?

What Daughter Says: Make any day a S'more day with simple indoor recipes with big fun and flavor!

S'mores Crispie Pinwheels

***Click here for printable S'mores Crispie Pinwheels recipe.

Let's Talk Dads With Cabela's Father's Day Gift Guide + $300 Giveaway

This is a Fashionista Event and a promotional item was provided to me. Hosts for this event are Still Blonde after all these Years and ModlyChic

Momma Pop Told Me: It's not the gift, but the thought that counts.

I don't brag often, but my dad's kinda awesome.

Yea, I know, the blog's called 'Momma Told Me,' because, let's face it, as a stay at home mother she told me A LOT. One thing Momma didn't say a lot was 'I love you.' Touchy feely just wasn't her style and expressing emotions has always seemed hard for her. Sure, she gave me a world of advice, real, practical, life valuable advice. I wouldn't have half the head on my shoulders if it wasn't for Momma. But Pop, well, I don't think a day went by, growing up, where he didn't tell me he loved me. Saying words, in the end, are just words, but to this very day my father calls me up out of the blue, shoots me a text, and even a chat online to tell me that he loves me. In my opinion, people don't say that enough.

My father was always the 'fun parent,' you know the type. "Wait till your father get's home," was said plenty in my household but never really proved effective. You see, my dad worked 5 days a week and often 10 hour days; he still works hard at his profession today. And when he had the chance to spend time with me, his daughter, it was one of the highlights of his week. How do I know that? Just look at the photos, you can see the love.

Growing up I always took it for granted. When my parents got divorced I remained with my dad, but I was in the midst of those awkward teenage years. After graduation we drifted apart- I moved across country and distanced myself from the entire family. It wasn't an angsty sort of thing I was simply young and in love, too involved in my own little bubble of a world to pay mind to anyone else. And when the bubble popped and my young adult world came crashing down, my father welcomed me back with no questions asked.

Our adult relationship is not the magical chocolate sundae, late night movies, fairytale tea parties of my childhood, but a whole new, even more valuable bond I could have never envisioned. My father has never judged me, never favored me, and I do not doubt, never stopped loving me for a single second. He is the standard for all men in my life, and a very formidable one at that. And I consider myself ever so lucky, for not every woman has such a figure in their lives.

Father's Day is Sunday June 21st this year, and every June I am reminded to reflect upon many great father figures in my family as both my father and his father were also born in this month! Now, some daughters might get a little lazy and try to bundle their gifts all into one. Usually my dad's birthday is the week immediately preceding Father's Day, but this year it falls a little later in the month. The little cricket on my shoulder's telling me my dad deserves not one, but two awesome gifts this year, and Cabela's is kicking off the perfect sale just in time. Whether your dad is a hunter, master fisherman, boat captain, avid camper, or Grill Master Cabela's has chosen the hottest gifts and broken them into easy to shop categories.

The Cabela's Father's Day Gift Guide highlights some amazing Father's Day deals on everything from rugged outdoor workwear to tactical appliances and outdoor sporting supplies. Since my own father has recently taken an interest in trail-seeking and bike riding with his steady lady friend I've been keeping an eye out for some outdoor gear that will make his new adventures more comfortable no matter the terrain. Cabela's Gifts For The Camper category features some promising gifts such as Merrel's Reflex Low Hikers boots and Cabela's XPG 10-Liter Backpack.

Of course, Cabela's knows how to treat a grillmaster too! Online at Cabelas.com you'll find a plethora of smokers and grills to turn any backyard or campsite into a mobile BBQ pit. I've, personally, got my eye on the Cabela's Stainless Steel Tabletop Grill for my own dad. On sale for just $89.99 (from $129.99) this portable grill has a sleek stainless steel body and runs on easy to transport propane cylinders. It's the perfect little grill to bring down to the beach! Of course, if I was looking to bundle his birthday and Father's Day gifts this year I'd be going all out with Cabela's Magnum Pellet Grill featuring 850 sq feet of grilling area and a 175F to 500F cooking range. Without a doubt my dad would love to show this off in his backyard!

If you're not quite sure what you'll be getting the dad in your life this Father's Day Cabela's even has gifts broken down by category. I guarantee there's a fun new toy perfect for gifting, and with easy shipping or pick up in store options, Cabela's will have your gift here in plenty of time. Head on over and take a look. Or you could go with a new tie for that tie rack you got him last year. Shop Cabela's Father's Day sale, save up to 50%, and be the cool wife/daughter/female of significance with something so awesome, they won't see it coming. Because the father in your life is uniquely awesome and they deserve a gift just as perfect. Check out Coupons.com for more great Father's Day deals! What would you get the father in your life from Cabela's Gifts for Dad Guide?

Psst: Great Father's Day sale starts June 4 through June 21, Father's Day.  Also, don't miss Free Shipping on clothing & footwear - $49 min starting June 4.
 

What Daughter Says: While I'm sure dad's advice came after receiving a melted macaroni art pencil holder, I disagree. Awesome gifts are awesome and awesome dads deserve awesome gifts!

To help inspire you to great gifts this Father's Day Cabela's is offering one winner a $300 gift card!

Capturing #MobileMemories With Unlimted Talk, Text, Data And Web

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #MobileMemories #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: Memories make things, things don't make memories.

As you know, this year I'm actively focused on collecting memories, rather than things. Things clutter up my home, and my life, and ultimately give me a sense of panic and lack of control. In the end, memories are all we really can take away from things anyway- objects are just shrines that solicit the replay of experiences in our minds. I guess I'm lucky I live in such amazing, modern times, where memories can be captured and shared with virtually anyone, in a matter of seconds. However, it still shocks me to hear some of my family and friends aren't enjoying the same freedom to capture and share memories as I am through Walmart Family Mobile Unlimited Talk and Text 4G LTE plans.

People can be critical of our society's reliance on mobile devices- but it's a simple fact that the smartphones are connecting more people, in exceedingly dynamic ways, than any other invention before them. I've seen a father on his second tour of duty face time with his toddler back in the states, a Mother of The Bride help her daughter pick out the perfect wedding dress through photo texts and phone calls, and heard how an exhausted couple salvaged their vacation from Hell with a last minute hotel booking on their smartphone. But, let's be real, all this tech is only useful if the network is strong and the consumers can access it. Well, Walmart Family Mobile is accessible to virtually anyone with a Walmart brick and mortar nearby, and activation from online orders is just as simple as walking into the store. Check your local signal strength on their service coverage map here.

My smartphone, and Walmart Family Mobile, were there when my nephew was born last year and snapped one of the very first pictures of him and has mother. Then again, in December, it helped document and share the new family's first Christmas together for Aunts, cousins, and grandparents across the country. And, when he started crawling I received a mobile alert, a video capturing the special moments, just minutes after. While we may be in different time zones, those are some adorable pings I'm never annoyed to get!

Of course your mobile service is only as effective at capturing those memories as the device is capable. Jay and I both have Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphones from Walmart; though there are many other smartphone devices currently being featured with rollback pricing. It's hard to use 'I can't afford an upgrade' as an excuse with amazing phones like these, at such amazing prices;

• ZTE Zinger - $29.88 starting 4/15
• Galaxy Avant - $149.00 (was $199.99)
• ZTE ZMAX - $179.00 (was $199.88)
• Alcatel Fierce 2 - $119.00 (was $129.99)
• Alcatel Evolve 2 - $39.83 (was $59.88)
• LG L90- $99.82 (was $179.88)

  Brand New To Walmart Family Mobile:

• LG 450: Launch Price $29.88 
• Alcatel One Touch Pop Astro: Launch Price $64.88 
• LG Leon LTE- Price Coming Soon

Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to http://cbi.as/a692 or your local Walmart for current pricing.

Memories aren't just made with family though. Memories are experiences collected through a myriad of interactions, events, an activities. This year I'll be doing a lot of traveling as a blogger and as a consumer. I've already made it to 2 SoFab U On The Road day conferences and my smartphone service has helped me from mapping the drive to the venues to connecting with my fellow attendees on mobile applications. In Phoenix I was able to capture some amazing food styling and photography tips when I chronicled a live educational seminar with Food Stylist Kim Krejca and Food Photographer Rick Gayle. When my laptop's WiFi went on the fritz I was able to keep it alive by turning my phone into a Mobile Hotspot!

Next month I'll be taking Sabrina (12) up the Pacific Coast to spend the Summer with her grandma in Oregon. We have several fun activities planned here in CA before our departure, including a trip to Universal Studios where I know the mobile app on my phone will help me schedule show times and navigate the park's map. And I know her mother will be at ease as we check in, on our road trip, with Instagram snapshots and status updates- after all, the only thing worse than a blogger with a smartphone and 4G LTE is a tween with a smartphone and Walmart Family Mobile 4G LTE service! At the end of our trip I'll be stopping in Scappoose, OR to spend some time with Momma, herself, a trip I haven't made in a year and a half. I cannot wait to reconnect with family and capture the natural beauty of Oregon!

We've certainly racked up a lot of #MobileMemories to share this year, already, and I can't wait to create and capture new ones as we head into Summer! Walmart Family Mobile has been our family's preferred smartphone service provider for a year and a half now, and their plans just keep getting better with Unlimited Talk, Text, Data, and Web 4G LTE service starting as low as $29.88 a month for the first line! I know some of you are waiting for contracts to end to make the switch; just think of all those memories you could be capturing an sharing on this great network. In fact, I'd love to hear about those Summer plans- tell me what events and activities you'll be capturing and sharing with family and friends this Summer!

What Daughter Says: Memories can be created on a moment's notice, don't be caught without service when they happen!

The HP Envy 5660 All-In-One Printer Versus Cat- #HPSmartMoms

I am a member of the #HPSmartMoms Community. Regardless all opinions contained below are original and all photos copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: Sometimes things work a little too good.

I have beef with HP.

We have owned our HP PhotoSmart C7250 All-Im-One Printer since 2008. That's back when 'Vista' was a thing peeps! Meanwhile, year after year, HP's releasing all these new amazing office innovations and I'm sitting here twiddling my thumbs, patiently waiting for our current printer to finally meet the electronics graveyard in the sky. But it never happened.

So I began looking for any reason, an LCD pixel beginning to flicker, microscopic streaks on photo pages, "Honey, does the printer sound like it's printing kind of funny?" any reason to retire our trusty HP for one of the new, modern, HP Envy 5660s. After all, it's bad when a company makes a product so reliable you find yourself planning for them to 'sleep with the fishes' just so you can invest in a new one! Thankfully, Truffles, our cat, has been ever so happy to oblige.

About a year ago we moved out living room around. We live in a condo, so space is a at a premium and when I took a corner of the living space for my brand new desk, well, the printer had to move clear across the room. It didn't bother me much, after all, technology these days is wireless, 7 year old printer or not. Unfortunately, our printer stand now happened to be located next to the patio window, and the ever-so-stylish leopard print cat tree. And, if you own a cat, you know, anything in their space is fair game.

Not only did my printer immediately become the BEST perch in the house to soak up the sun rays, enjoy an afternoon bath, and generally glare at the inhabitants of the house from, but it served, immediately as a very large and expensive cat toy. You see, our old HP printer was a behemoth, and very loud. I'll admit, it was cute at first watching the cat scramble off the printer bed when the feed tray began winding. However, it was NOT so cute when the printer lost all ability to detect and pull paper because the try, below, was full of cat hair. Yes, Ms. Truffles liked to jam her paws in the tray whenever she saw paper moving.

Annoying as it was, I halfheartedly scolded the cat because I knew, eventually, I was going to be able to use this as leverage to invest in a new, shiny, printer. And, the day our HP Envy 5660 All-In-One Printer arrived I promptly let out a squeal, removed my new toy printer and passed the box on over to the cat who immediately moved in, I presume imagining it was a rocket ship (or whatever cats imagine when in a box). After all, every cat owner, or human parent, knows the best way to get some peace when playing with a new toy setting up a new electronic is to surrender the box. In the back of my mind 'Hallelujah' rang in multiples to a chorus of angels, it was an 'experience,' people.

Not only was my brand new printer sleek, attractive, and low maintenance (easy to set up,) but she was smart. No sooner had I hooked her up to her lifeblood than she came to life with beautifully rendered animations of simple setup procedures. Little did I know that HP Envy 5660 touch screen was the gateway to so many 'awesome' MyPrintly freebies I'd yet to discover! I was immediately relieved to find I also had exchanged a printer that took 5 cartridges for one Tri-Color and one Grayscale cartridge.

I wish I could say the ink for my new Envy 5660 is going to be as cheap or cheaper than my previous printer, but the simple fact is our old ink cartridges were pretty darn cheap. However, we went though a LOT of cartridges and, I can only imagine, wasted a fair amount of ink. With it's smart technology the Envy 5660 actually monitors the printer's ink levels and offers a one of a kind HP Instant Ink program that not only saves owners over retail costs, but ensures new cartridges are delivered to your door before you actually run out of ink! That's right- never run out of ink again!

My new printer is even great with childcare- thanks to the ever growing library of free HP Printables available directly on my printer's touch screen I can subscribe to or schedule printables ranging from recipes to coloring sheets. It's as easy as browsing the many categories of free printable content and printing immediately, or subscribing to future installments on your specified day of the week. Think of it as a magazine for your printer! While the kiddos love the range of Disney coloring sheets covering popular characters from Frozen to Madagascar, I've fallen in love with the interactive Origami and Highlights worksheets. Prefer not to hover over your printer like a stalker? Browse an even larger library of free printables from the HP Connected hub online from any internet connected device with a browser.

Of course it's great being lazy and letting someone else do the project planning, but now and then  want to get a little hands on too. Printing photos has never been easier; and that's especially important since modern smartphones have built in cameras of increasing quality. In fact, I can print photos taken on my phone, or imported from social media networks, directly from the HP ePrint device. While my Envy 5660 has all the 'standard' SD and media card slots, I don't even have to bother with them when I want to print an instant memory such as these snapshots from my recent trip to Texas.

Not only does the HP ePrint application make it easy to send images to my Envy 5660, but the printer, itself, has a secondary photo paper tray to house standard print and photo paper all at once. that's less fussing with my printer and fewer smudges on expensive photo paper! Of course I'm certain those smarties at HP know this is going to mean a LOT more photo printing in every HP Envy 5660 household- more printing, more ink and paper sales, ka-ching! I don't mind because time IS money, and my brand new Envy is saving me a whole lot of time!

So now that I've got a new printer in the family, how do I protect it from the 'untimely demise' of our last one? The Envy 5660 even has that covered, literally! While I'm sure their rigorous product testing didn't involve testing the device as a modern cat lounge, it did take into account that an exposed paper tray makes for an increased amount of dust (and fur, in our case) internally. Dust/fur/fine particles drifting into a fancy pants electronic device is NEVER a good thing, so the kind people at HP also thought of putting an easy (magnetic) cover over the paper tray. Oh, and the need to shove one's paws inside, at the outgoing paper? Our Envy 5660 is impressively quiet- so quite it hardly warrants a yawn from sleeping kitties atop. Now, if they could just find a way to use the scanner without disrupting the cat...

P.S. I know you're just dying to see what I'll be creating with my brand new printer- stay tuned this Summer for some Awesomesauce road trip printables!

What Daughter Says: Don't miss out on new tech because your old tech still works. Sometimes an upgrade needs no excuse other than to upgrade.