Momma Told Me: March 2016

Blog Archive

Refresh Your Pet For Spring With #PetSmartGrooming + DIY Pretend Pet Salon


Book your Spring grooming appointment online or in person at PetSmart today and build a custom #PetSmartGrooming package with services such as teeth cleaning, nail grinding and polish, chalking, and more. And yes, there are services for cats too! #Sponsored
Momma Told Me: There's a litttle girl under there somewhere!


When I was a young girl I was quite the tomboy. I had little interest in dresses or hairstyles, yet it was the 80s/90s transition and I had a full head of hair. Thick, unruly, wild, wavy strawberry blonde hair. At one point, somewhere around age 6, Momma grew frustrated with my lack of patience towards grooming and styling, and decided (in I'm sure what felt like solid logic at the time,) that perming my hair would somehow make it more manageable. One Spring weekend, over many tears and atrocious fumes, my mother gave me a perm. While I escaped physically unscathed the several months marking this period in our family photo album shall, forever, haunt me.
Flash forward to January 13th, 2016- My Dogher resembled more of a poodle than a maltese and some of her Winter coat has turned into Winter mats. I try, desperately, to keep up with the trials of long coat hair grooming, but I am far from a professional. And, with the last desperate buzz of the dying pet shears, in 95F 'Winter' SoCal heat with precisely half my dog stuck to my sweating skin, I eyed the scissors with a maniacal glint my mother had once had. With no exaggeration, 90 minutes later, there was more 'dog' in  kitchen sink than on the dog- and she still looked like the photos above. (Yes, that was her AFTER photo from 'Dog Mom Salon.)
I am not a professional. Sure Nora, the world's most enthusiastic dog, will sit still for hours while I hack at her coat with Baber's shears, but that's about all I've got going for me. Defeated I headed online to #PetSmartGrooming where I could browse a variety of services online and book an appointment at a PetSmart near me. Our local PetSmart groomers are no strangers to Nora- we try to make it in at least every 3 month, but our holiday travel plans left us a little behind schedule. While PetSmart does offer some grooming services on a walk-in basis, we usually build a package of treatments and services that requires more of an advance notice. Scheduling these services, with our groomer of choice in,  our preferred time slot is a breeze.
Print out this Groomer Greeter and fill it out for your next #PetSmartGrooming appointment! #Sponsored
Our local PetSmart groomer is academy trained and always friendly, and engaging, just as though it's our first time. We like to get 'the usual,' for Nora, but taking your pet into a new grooming location or to meet a new groomer can often best stressful for a pet parent. Once you've booked your appointment in store, or online, grab our free Grooming Greeter printable and fill it out as a basic introduction your groomer can keep with your pet's file. PetSmart has some basic forms for you to fill out at drop off, but this will serve as a nice personal introduction of your pet, and your preferred style.
Host a Pretend Pet Salon with the kids while your pet enjoys the afternoon at #PetSmartGrooming! #Sponsored
Host a Pretend Pet Salon with the kids while your pet enjoys the afternoon at #PetSmartGrooming! #Sponsored
After we dropped Nora off for her spa day we had a few hours to pass before we'd receive an update and pick up call from Missy, so I decided to channel the kids' enthusiasm with a Pretend Play Pet Salon. That's right, PetSmart Jr. step right up! I instantly knew this idea would be a hit with the daycare group (ages 3-11) because pets are a non gender specific topic everyone can get enthusiastic about. Setup for this imagination fueling pretend play session was as simple as gathering a fake cash register (a cardboard box with a calculator will do just as fine,) a few spare towels, a plastic tub (wash bin,) some collars/clips/bows, and some trial sized shampoo bottles. I also grabbed an 'open' sign at the dollar store, and told the kids to each bring a stuffed animal from home.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-4tjJzvAMc9RUYyS1BWRWdzV0E/view?usp=sharing
 You can grab our free 'price board' printable above and toss it in a dollar store frame for an 'official' establishment. PetSmart's pricing isn't quite as rock bottom as my PetSmart Jr chart, but I have to say, we get the star treatment at amazing prices when we build our custom grooming package for Nora. Giving the children a similar range of services, and prices, allows them to not only practice match skills while playing, but also helps them develop creative reasoning as they consider what they want for their pet, specifically.
Host a Pretend Pet Salon with the kids while your pet enjoys the afternoon at #PetSmartGrooming! #Sponsored
Host a Pretend Pet Salon with the kids while your pet enjoys the afternoon at #PetSmartGrooming! #Sponsored
Host a Pretend Pet Salon with the kids while your pet enjoys the afternoon at #PetSmartGrooming! #Sponsored
Host a Pretend Pet Salon with the kids while your pet enjoys the afternoon at #PetSmartGrooming! #Sponsored
I'll admit, Nora's doppelganger, "Duster" was a huge hit- his wild mob of brush-able hair was braided, clipped, and topped with tiny bows. And, much like Nora, just a few hours later he was in desperate need of TLC grooming once again. We didn't see many feline patrons- but Grumpy Cat did make a VIP visit. Many of the kids told me I was silly for bringing a cat, but a quick look at the real life grooming services offered by PetSmart, for felines, put that to a rest.
Host a Pretend Pet Salon with the kids while your pet enjoys the afternoon at #PetSmartGrooming! #Sponsored
I can't say whether our salon turned a profit or not, after all the afternoon shift's register was covered by a 4 year-old, but a blast was had by all. Each child made up stories about their plush pet, and beamed with pride as they picked them up at the end of service. It's always nice to have a smiling customer handing you their credit card, right? And the last customer made it through the checkout just in time- as Missy called to let me know Nora was being primped with her final touches, and I could head over any time.
Book your Spring grooming appointment online or in person at PetSmart today and build a custom #PetSmartGrooming package with services such as teeth cleaning, nail grinding and polish, chalking, and more. And yes, there are services for cats too! #Sponsored
I never feel bad about dropping Nora off at PetSmart Grooming for a few hours- ironically, I feel bad picking her up. The staff behind the counter AND in store dotes on her like she's a princess. I have never seen her nervous or scared- in fact, she loves their attention so much, I'm impressed with the groomer's patience. I can imagine how hard it is for her when Nora won't sit still because she wants to greet everyone and every dog! PetSmart provides every pet parent with a 'Pawgress Report' upon pickup- and Nora's always has the sweetest remarks, but I know better.
Book your Spring grooming appointment online or in person at PetSmart today and build a custom #PetSmartGrooming package with services such as teeth cleaning, nail grinding and polish, chalking, and more. And yes, there are services for cats too! #Sponsored
Of course the 'best day ever' (as we refer to big days out, such as grooming days) doesn't end there. Nora always leaves with just as much energy as she arrived- I can imagine she must get a pretty big head receiving the star treatment she does at PetSmart. On our most recent visit she received the Premium Groom Package with TOP DOG SPAW (includes Very Berry face wash, coconut nose & pad balm, ear flushing & paw massage) and CHI nail treatment add-ons. I can't recall the last time someone rubbed my paws- lucky dog!
Book your Spring grooming appointment online or in person at PetSmart today and build a custom #PetSmartGrooming package with services such as teeth cleaning, nail grinding and polish, chalking, and more. And yes, there are services for cats too! #Sponsored
Book your Spring grooming appointment online or in person at PetSmart today and build a custom #PetSmartGrooming package with services such as teeth cleaning, nail grinding and polish, chalking, and more. And yes, there are services for cats too! #Sponsored
Not only did Nora return to us looking like an entirely different dog- Missy did an incredible job bringing Nora's personality to life with some affordable add-on services such as Nail Polish and Chalking. When we'd first requested Nora's nails be painted (for a mere $7) I was skeptical how well the finished product would look on a hyper toy breed dog. Missy nailed it (pun intended) with alternating purple and pink polish on all 4 paws! And here I was going to be thrilled just to see Nora's feet once again! And, if you're wondering, it's been 2 weeks since her visit and most of the color is still visible- she just got a compliment yesterday.
Book your Spring grooming appointment online or in person at PetSmart today and build a custom #PetSmartGrooming package with services such as teeth cleaning, nail grinding and polish, chalking, and more. And yes, there are services for cats too! #Sponsored
Usually we leave PetSmart grooming with a complimentary bandana- this visit we added on a service called 'chalking' for just $2. Chalking is a fun, temporary, pet friendly way to add some color and attitude to your pet's look. Think of it like using colored hair chalk on your pet- it's a temporary flash of color often applied to the ears, tail, or poms, as requested. Nora had matching purple and pink chalking done to her tail to really make the complete look pop- but there was one more cherry on top- Instead of a bandana, this time she donned a little bow.
Book your Spring grooming appointment online or in person at PetSmart today and build a custom #PetSmartGrooming package with services such as teeth cleaning, nail grinding and polish, chalking, and more. And yes, there are services for cats too! #SponsoredNora loves visiting the PetSmart spa groomers and if I had any proof she could control the speed in which her hair grows, I'd be suspicious that she's campaigning to return again soon. Being the dog mom to a hyper Maltese-Yorkie, Nora is my little tomboy dog and I am the mom who occasionally feels it's a brilliant idea to perm hand trim her dogher's hair. Thanks goodness PetSmart grooming is there to help me clean up my mistakes! Book your dog, or cat's, Spring grooming appointment now online or in store- and host a Pretend Play Salon with the kids while your fur-child gets pampered!

Follow PetSmart on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more adorable pets and stores!

What Daughter Says: When your labrador starts looking like a labradoodle, trust PetSmart grooming to return your pooch to normal





This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of PetSmart . The opinions and text are all mine.

Blog POP! Spring Fling- OREO Robin's Egg Nest Recipe + $75 Amazon GC Giveaway

OREO Robin's Egg Nests, with OREO Truffles
Momma Told Me: Spring has sprung.

Spring arrived here in Southern California a month ago- right about the time the pollen began coating my car top in a thick yellow-green haze, and the temperatures broke 90F. With it being Easter weekend, the kids are all out on break, and the roads and stores are quite abuzz with the excitement of reconnecting and relaxing. Everywhere I go I am asked, "Big plans for this weekend?" Living on the beach, and in such a pristine climate, it's expected Southern Californians celebrate big. However, this year my father's visiting his family on the East Coast, and my nieces and nephews are up in Oregon. With Jay working (most likely a 12 hour shift) this is going to be one relaxing holiday.

Big Easter plans, or not, one of my favorite things about Spring is the chance to play with colorful ingredients and playful recipes. When I first made OREO truffles, a few years back for the holidays, I knew the recipe was simple and versatile enough to be applied to more creative seasonal creations. I've seen baseballs, pumpkins, shortcake stuffed, birthday cake, Easter bunny OREO Truffles, and more! But what I really wanted to try was a new twist on the classic (Chow Mein) Peanut Butter Nests. So I present to you- OREO Robin's Egg Nests!
OREO Robin's Egg Nests, with OREO Truffles
OREO Robin's Egg Nests
****Click here for the printable OREO Robin's Egg Nests recipe

Ingredients:

8oz Softened Cream Cheese
1 Package of OREO Cookies (I used mint for the theme)
1 Bag (8oz) Wilton Chocolate Melts, White
1 Bag (8oz) Wilton Chocolate Melts, Blue
1 TBS Coconut Oil

12oz White Chocolate Chips
1/4 C Peanut Butter (Creamy or Stone Ground)
2 Cans (10oz) Chow Mein Noodles
1 TBS Coconut Oil 

1/2 C Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 TBS Coconut Oil

Toothbrush + Paper Towel for Speckling
1. Prepare your OREO Truffle (egg) base by first pulverizing your OREO cookies until you have 3 C finely ground crumbs. Combine your softened cream cheese and OREO crumbs together in a large bowl, until even and well combined. Shape into 1" oblong balls and set on a lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the remainder of the recipe.
Chow Mein Nests
2. Microwave white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl on Medium-High heat for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir thoroughly. Add coconut oil and microwave and additional 15-20 seconds. Remove and stir until mixture is even. Add peanut butter and combine until well blended.

3. Add Chow Mein noodles to chocolate mixture and toss until evenly coated. Drop in generous clumps (about 2 TBS) onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Create a little nook in the center of each clump to serve as the center of your nest. Place the tray into the refrigerator for 15 minutes, or freezer for 5 to help set.
4. Melt Wilton melts according to package directions, beginning with white and adding a few pieces of blue until desired color is achieved. Add coconut oil and stir until slightly thinner. Drop chilled eggs into chocolate mixture one at a time, on a dipper or fork. Allow excess chocolate to drain momentarily to evenly coat the egg. Place each egg on a slatted cookie rack with parchment paper below and allow them to set. If desired, place dipped eggs in the freezer for 5-10 MINS to aid in setting.
OREO Robin's Egg Nests, with OREO Truffles
OREO Robin's Egg Nests, with OREO Truffles
5. Microwave semi-sweet chocolate chips for 1 MIN at Medium-High heat. Remove and stir in coconut oil until smooth and even. Dip the head of the toothbrush in the chocolate and tip the neck of the brush gently on the side of the bowl to remove any clumps of chocolate. With the head just lightly coated in chocolate roughly flick the brush over the OREO egg truffles, in a quick downward motion to spray them with a light speckling of chocolate. If you have any areas where chocolate clumps or falls heavy, gently daub the speckles with a dry paper towel. Allow to set, and enjoy!
OREO Robin's Egg Nests, with OREO Truffles
OREO Robin's Egg Nests, with OREO Truffles
If you're not big into peanut butter you can substitute the peanut butter for butterscotch morsels- but the texture of your nests will be less creamy. Mint isn't exactly the ideal pairing for a peanut butter base, but I thought the Mint OREO truffles fit the Robin's Egg theme well- and not everybody will eat this treat all at once. Regardless, they sure look adorable on a Spring brunch table setting!

What Daughter Says: Easter Sunday signals the confirmed arrival of Spring!


https://www.facebook.com/BlogPopEventsandGroup/?fref=ts
As a part of Blog POP! Spring Fling we're offering one lucky reader (International entries welcome) a $75 Amazon gift card! Enter below then hop along to the other great giveaways on the LINKY!

Blog POP! Spring Fling: EggDrop Blind Toy Subscription Boxes Giveaway 4/7

We received the following product or service complimentary in hopes we would share our genuine experiences here on the blog. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2016.
EggDrop monthly blind bag toy subscription boxes for kids!
Momma Told Me: The best things are worth waiting on.

I spent the first 11 years of my life growing up in a condominium complex. I recall it as rather large, and there were only 2 central mailbox hubs for residents to retrieve their mail from. It seemed as though our mailbox was located precisely halfway through the complex, exactly 7 rows of buildings (I know, I counted every single day.) Momma hated the walk and found this aspect of shared wall living quite inconvenient. Some days she'd refuse to get the mail at all, "We'll grab both days tomorrow, it's not worth the walk," she'd say. But for me, the mail was magical.
EggDrop monthly blind bag toy subscription boxes for kids!
Modern snail mail may have lost a little bit of it's sparkle for today's generation, but there was a time when I skipped ahead just to get to that tiny little metal cube. Momma always bought me these wonderful books with enchanting titles like "100 Free Things For Kids To Send Away For," or "Mail For Kids Under $1" and all you had to do was fill out a PPRAE, or postage paid return addressed envelope, and send it away to the addresses inside and get wonderful surprises in the mail back. Many of the times it was as small as a Smokey the Bear sticker, a coloring book, or a plastic boomerang, but the act of anticipating the mail's arrival, and the surprises inside, was simply the best. Never mind how easy it was for Momma to get me to practice my handwriting AND math skills when filling out all of these stamped envelopes on my own!
EggDrop monthly blind bag toy subscription boxes for kids!
EggDrop monthly blind bag toy subscription boxes for kids!
Today's generation is still very much obsessed with surprise and anticipation- but they practice their excitement while watching others open boxes and eggs online. EggDrop was inspired by youth's obsession with surprise, or 'blind' packs and the ever so popular Surprise Egg phenomenon. However, it is NOT a service where you get surprises inside eggs (despite some of the graphics on the website and the title of the plan itself.) I'll admit there was a bit of sadness in my heart when I opened our first box and realized that all of the surprises where immediately visible to the recipient.
EggDrop monthly blind bag toy subscription boxes for kids!
However, the contents of the box, itself, is a surprise- and many of the items inside are 'blind packs' or pre-packaged (often collectible) toys that contain random characters or pieces from a larger branded line of toys. For example, Shopkins and Squinkies, or Marvel Miniatures. These lines of toys come in easy to tear foil pouches containing 1-3 mini toy characters inside. If your child is big on collecting things- this is the service for you. Though, again, I have to say I was a bit bummed the initial surprise was busted as soon as the top of the box flipped open- I was genuinely expecting each toy/surprise to come in their own compartment, or even egg. (Which would be really cool for kids to enjoy the box over several days, and double the surprise of the items inside.)
EggDrop monthly blind bag toy subscription boxes for kids!
Having said this, there's no denying the awesome inside and the value for the price. We're talking name brand, in demand cartoon characters starting at just $19.99 a month (or less if you buy a year in advance) for 6 random items, or $29.99 a month for a more custom selection. We easily pay $3-$5 or more for each of the items included in our EggDrop, in a retail store- so the price is a deal. And, I have to say, it does bring the magic of the 'snail' mailbox back again!
EggDrop monthly blind bag toy subscription boxes for kids!EggDrop monthly blind bag toy subscription boxes for kids!
February's EggDrop box included 1 Minion Silicone Slap Bracelet (which I so desperately tried to haggle off the girls for my collection, unsuccessfully, then discovered I could only find it on sale online for $8!) 1 Big Hero 6 Dog Tag (which was immediately put on with excitement, just like the slap bracelet,) 1 Pocket POP! Frozen themed character (We got Anna and Elsa, but I hear Olaf was in the mix too,) 1 Marvel Superheroes Blind Bag, 1 Squinkies Blind Bag, and 1 Shopkins Blind Bag. I really loved that there was a mix of 'boys' and 'girls' themed toys (if you're into gender labeling,) and that even the less girly toys were exciting to the 4 year old and 8 year old girls who un-boxed them. I have to admit, the dog tag was a complete surprise and turned out to be just the coolest thing for the kids (who knew?) I think we might have to subscribe to EggDrop and use the surprises inside as behavior incentives each month. Only new rule- I get to pick my favorite surprise out first!

What Daughter Says: EggDrop makes snail mail fun for kids again.





A big thanks to EggDrop for donating 2 EggDrop Classic Boxes to our daycare group, and for providing one lucky reader with 2 EggDrop Classic Boxes of their own! Enter the giveaway below then hop along on the giveaway LINKY to enter for more amazing prizes!