An Insider Tip- Win A Milk Rebate Or Trip To Australia!

This post was sponsored by a2 Milk® as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

Momma Told Me: The best things in life are free.

You may recall, a few months back, I announced that I was an a2 Milk® Ambassador. While the title didn't come with an awesome cow costumer (bummer, right?) it did come with some pretty sweet insider information. So hold onto your pajama pants and keep reading to learn how you can score a chance at a trip to Australia and get in on a FREE milk receipt redemption offer, courtesy of a2 Milk®.

But first, let's go through a little refresher as to what makes a2 Milk so special, and why my tummy troubles have hit the highway since switching over. Remember an independent study revealed 1 in 4 Americans experience discomfort after drinking milk; yet only 5-7% of the population is clinically diagnosed with Lactose Intolerance. I am NOT lactose intolerant. I DO traditionally encounter minor stomach discomfort a few hours after consuming traditional dairy based milk. As it turns out there is a protein in ALL conventional and organic milks called the A1 protein, which is known to trigger 'Post Dairy Digestive Discomfort,' the symptom that has plagued me much of my adult life.

a2 Milk® is sourced from specially selected cows proven to produce milk missing the troublesome A1 protein. a2 Milk® also contains approximately 6x the amount of calcium as soy beverages, 8x the protein of almond beverages, and approximately 6x the potassium of rice beverages, and is now available at select retailers in California (I buy mine at Ralphs). It's also worthwhile to point out that a2 Milk® is entirely natural and contains none of the post production alterations 'other' dairy based milks typically endure.

I've made a2 Milk® my dairy based milk of choice now for almost 3 months, and I couldn't be happier about the results. Not only am I enjoying real milk in my cereal again, I made my first 'real' milkshake the other day, and didn't find myself regretting it hours later. a2 Milk® is not a lactose free milk, so Jay often looks on in longing, but I don't mind having this milk all to myself for treats and mornings. If you or someone your know experiences minor 'Post Diary Digestive Discomfort' it's certainly worth checking the dairy aisle for a2 Milk® today! I know many of my SoCal friends and family have already switched over!

If the prospect of kissing milk tummy troubles goodbye with a delicious, natural, A1 free dairy sourced milk wasn't exciting enough, the a2 Milk Company™ invites you to enter a trip to Australia! All you have to do is log over to the a2 Milk® website and click the "Win A Trip To Australia" link. Fill out the simple form and you could be sitting pretty like a Kiwi enjoying pineapple on the barbie. While you're there you'll want to try and claim one of the 1000 receipt redemption rebates available. The chance to score a receipt rebate for a2 Milk® is right on the Australian Getaway entry form, just click it! Hurry though, the contest ends July 31, 2016, and winners are expected to be notified on or around August 11, 2016.

Don't wait until August 11th to try a2 Milk®- that's 2 months you could be enjoying less tummy discomfort after drinking delicious a2 Milk®! As for me, I'm still converting people at every potluck and event; I am sure Summer will be full of picnics and cookouts. After all, my famous chocolate chunk cookies are meant to be eaten with milk! Okay, now that I've given you the heads up on this awesome giveaway and sweepstakes- you promise to make me your +1 if you win that trip Down Under, right?

What Daughter Says: Free milk- free of the A1 protein, or a free trip to Australia, what's not to love?

Creating Comfort At Home With Starbucks #HotCocoa #KCups + Hot Chocolate French Toast Recipe #IC

This post was sponsored by Starbucks^® as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received compensation and complimentary products to facilitate my review.#IC

Momma Told Me: Welcome home, get cozy.

The past two weeks have been hectic around here. We've 'endured' the indecisive Southern California Winter weather- 90F and 20MPH winds one moment, torrential rain and wind chill the next. I know, from a life growing up here, not to complain. My friends and family back East have much more to contend with. But what I wasn't expecting was to open up my kitchen sink cabinet 10 days ago to discover a leak had burst (who knows how long prior) and the entire cabinet was full of sitting moisture. I'll spare you the details but that portion of the house was off limits for an entire week. And me, without my kitchen to bake and cook in, was the worst of all. I felt like a fish out of water and my idle hands, once busy with baking sheets, mixers, and boiling pots, sought comfort elsewhere. The Starbucks^® Cozy Collection couldn't have arrived at a more opportune time.

Featuring Starbucks^®' new delicious Hot Cocoa K-Cup^® pods in Classic and Salted Caramel, the Cozy Collection is quite literally a box full of instant comfort. It was just the veritable 'hug' I needed when I was feeling so much like a stranger in my own home. All I need do was pop one of the K-Cup^® pods, full of classic Starbucks^® Hot Cocoa comfort flavor, into my Keurig^®, put my brand new Starbucks mug beneath, and hit brew. Thanks goodness my Keurig^® was not off limits! Included with the Cozy Collection was also a decadent plush blanket, Madyson's gourmet marshmallows, Walker's Shortbread, a $5 Starbucks^® Gift Card, and some Starbucks Hot Cocoa inspired recipes.

There is something about Hot Cocoa- it never mattered much the time of day or the weather outside, the cozy feelings of comfort and contentment always rush back with my first sip. When I was a young girl I used to order it as my 'drink' whenever we'd dine out. It could be pushing 100F outside, my family escaping indoors to air conditioning from theme park weather, and I'd still demand that warm drink of cozy chocolate. Of course, as an adult, my tastes have grown up a little. Now I sneak a Venti cup up my favorite Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate at the drive through on my way to the alley from Starbucks^®. And, if there happens to be a car behind me, I treat them too. That's what warm fuzzy, delicious, feelings tend to do.

So with the convenience of Starbucks^®' newest K-Cup^® pods in delicious Classic and Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa flavors I've been enjoying even more Cozy moments from the comfort of my own home. Because, let's face it, it doesn't get any more cozy then you're own personal space, with your own perfect cup of hot cocoa. Extra marshmallows, a dash of cinnamon, a hot fudge drizzle? I don't judge. That's the beauty of being your own barista with Starbucks^®' Hot Cocoa K-Cup^® pods and your Keurig^® brewer. Of course I DO have my own opinions about how to best get Cozy- and they involve homemade Honey-Vanilla Whipped Cream (you can make this in minutes folks, with just 3 ingredients) and the very best french toast you've ever had.

Of course my Hot Chocolate French Toast takes a *little* longer than the Honey-Vanilla Whipped Cream, but have no fear, you can enjoy a tall glass of Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa while you whip it up- nobody's watching, indulge a little. And, speaking of indulging- this french toast- it's a 'dessert' kind of recipe. And it's not for the faint of heart- chocolate lover's rejoice- finally the perfect companion to a cozy blanket, a mug of hot cocoa and a good book!

 The secret to this delicious recipe? Well, there are two, actually. The first is the homemade Ganache whipped up with coconut milk, semi sweet morsels, and a Starbucks^® Via Caramel Instant Latte packet. Just pour your favorite Starbucks Instant directly in for an immediate flavor boost that elevates this dish beyond traditional chocolate. The second secret is in how you brew your Starbucks Hot Cocoa K-Cup^® pods. If you happen to have a 2.0 Keurig^® Brewer, or newer, you can actually tell your unit to brew your Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa even stronger. So go ahead and select '4oz' and let all the flavor out as you make your egg bath for this french toast recipe.

Now, some may find that hot chocolate has no business without marshmallows- if you're a purest then go ahead and sandwich some mini marshmallows in between your bread slices just before you begin soaking them. They'll melt nice and ooey-gooey during the baking process. Comfort food should be a little messy, no? Of course, if you prefer to let the chocolate stand out on it's own, you can just go a little overboard with your 'spreading' of the Ganache and make these french toast wedges extra thick. It's your cozy, do what you want.

But, at the end of the day, or morning if you're a real rebel, when those french toast wedges come out of the frying pan and onto those plates I do hope your world goes silent if just for one moment so you can bask in the perfect pairing of chocolate, Starbucks, and comfort food. Go ahead and flop into your favorite chair in your plushest robe, kick your feet up, sip your hot cocoa with your pink up and let your fork take you another place and time. After all, we all deserve to get cozy now and then.

Starbucks® Hot Cocoa K-Cup® pods are available nationwide at major retailers and grocery stores. Visit their website to learn more about store locations, flavor selections, and even more delicious ways to enjoy Starbucks in your own Cozy moment at home. For a chance to win your own Cozy Collection from Starbucks please head on over to the Warm Up With Cocoa website to enter now through February 26th, 2016. Follow the brand in Instagram or Twitter to keep up with the latest innovations in flavor and  cozy. Now, tell me, what's your favorite way to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa?

What Daughter Says: However you take your cocoa, get cozy at home with new Starbucks® Hot Cocoa K-Cup® pods.

Hot Chocolate French Toast

Click here for printable Hot Chocolate French Toast recipe

Life Is Messy, Love Is Messier- Let's Discuss It With #TheChoiceChat #IC

This post was sponsored by Lionsgate as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

Momma Told Me: Every choice leads to another path.

When I was 17, already through my first semester of college, I packed up my first car (a lovely pearl Saturn if you're wondering) and drove across country with my best friend. I was moving to Rhode Island to be with my high school sweetheart, she was tagging along for the commentary in her life's memoirs. The road trip was fairly uneventful but I distinctly remember laying my head on the pillow, in whichever value motel we happened to stop at once our eyes begun to droop, and imaging the day that would mark the end of our journey. The day I would step out of my car and into HIS arms.

It may have been that I was a beautiful 17 year old Southern California girl exercising her newfound independence with a recklessly romantic act- but the moments that followed that final screech of my tires onto his mother's gravel will forever be burned into my mind. It was exactly one week before my 18th birthday the leaves had already begun to turn every so slightly and the warm Summer winds rustled the trees towering high above my head. It felt as though I were in a whole new world, despite the fact I had been there so many times. My heart pounded and butterflies began to knot my stomach. The reality of my decision was finally setting in. We had dated all through high school, but what if her didn't want me here, now?

What followed was a sequence that, in my mind, will always play out like the perfect screen from a romantic movie- I remember my feet swinging up off the ground as he held me as tight as he could. His grin so wide and constant it gave his own true feelings away. My hands ached for hours from the grip, hand in hand, neither of us willing to separate. It was young love, but it was simple and carefree love.

The Summer, then Fall, that followed now remains the most vivid of my life- It is filled with warm feelings and sweeping memories that play like ancient home movies in the back of my mind. And while we were far from each other's soul mates, we had our time, and that time was perfect. It's funny, really, when I'm asked to reflect upon 'my first love' in casual conversations with girlfriends or in discussion groups, my eyes get a bit glossy and I tend to smile, "It's a bit like a romance novel," I'll say.

People tend to get a little confused- Surely, if it was such a great romance, it would still be continuing. How could someone have such fond and vivid feelings about a person they no longer share those feelings with? I can't explain it, but it's true. And that is precisely what makes me a Nicholas Sparks fan.

My first Nicholas Sparks film was, actually, The Notebook 5 weeks after it hit theaters, and that very same, magical, Summer. I like to think the endearing love story portrayed in that film went on to inspire the months that were about to enfold, at least in mentality. I saw The Notebook 4 more times in that little Rhode Island theater. After that, I couldn't get enough- I went backwards to A Walk To Remember, then collected each and every Nicholas Sparks book. I won't say I've read them all, but I've read most- and most many times. And every time a new on screen adaptation of one of my favorite Sparks' novels is released I am swept up and taken back to my own love story and memories of reckless abandon and young love.

The Choice, coming to theaters this Friday February 5, 2016, is a book I've long held a love-hate relationship with. The story, so quickly told, hits you in it's entirety only after it has ended. In some portions, you know what is coming, you feel the decisions, the Choices, the characters struggle to make but the ultimate question will leave you torn inside no matter your feelings on life, love, and the time we are given.

I wish I could discuss the book candidly- Given the imminent release of it's motion picture counterpart, and how drastically some of the key elements seem to have been altered based on the previews, I can only best urge you to read the book AND watch the film. At it's core The Choice chronicles the somewhat whimsical but extremely raw love story of independent medical student from a privileged past Gabby, and small town ladies' man Travis. Both going about their lives relatively happy until their world's collide setting forth a series of defined choices. The movie and book both dare to ask- "How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?" a question which weighs heavy in introspect when we are asked to turn the question to our own lives.

I don't want to spoil the film or the book so I am limited in what I can say. What I can tell you is that The Choice does not disappoint in terms of those heart-wrenching twists and chest pumping highs. The characters are solidly flawed making them immediately identifiable, and compassionately human. The title holds a solid theme throughout their story, because The Choice really is the story of two people and the decisions they make once their paths cross, and at many times you are sure to find questioning what you would do were you in their situations.

But, most of all, The Choice remains a classic Nicholas Sparks novel of deep connection and love set among beautiful lush environments. I am sure many women will be asking to see this film for Valentine's Day, and many couples will walk out of the theater with quite a bit to discuss. And, in true Sparks' form, I am certain emotions will overwhelm until the very last scene has rolled. Check out the Official Trailer for The Choice then let me know, below, if you've ever had to make tough decisions in the name of love.

What Daughter Says: I didn't marry my high school sweetheart but I don't regret my choice to move across country to be with him. At the time, it was what I needed. In the end, it led to another path.

How To Own Your Strong: You Can Do Mudderella (Photo Intensive)

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for #Mudderella2015. I received complimentary admission to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015, except those with the Mudderella logo, provided by the event photographers.

Momma Told Me: Mind over body.

When I was a young girl I avoided sports and physical exertion at any cost. Yes, I could climb a tree, and I certainly felt more at home rough-housing with the boys than the girls, but the idea of competing or eve cooperating in a group, or breaking into a sweat, was not my concept of enjoyable. Then, at 11 entering 8th grade, my knee blew out doing absolutely nothing, standing in the center of our family's kitchen. One twist the wrong way and I was landing on my knee, tearing a tendon. It was an incident that got me a free pass from physical education though out high school, but somehow remained an excuse through my adulthood.

A few years ago I began doing 'fun runs,' such as The Color Run. For me, they were really more 'fun' than 'run,' as me and my teams walked them. For me, there was no accomplishment, or bragging rights, in the idea of running a 5k, so I felt no motivation to do so. This year I began exploring other events I could add to my yearly lineup. An uncle of mine had recently completed a Spartan Race and, while the idea of something so intense and committed terrified me, I wanted to feel a similar sense of goal and achievement. My physical activity was pretty low- I'd only just began getting back in the gym, regularly, in January.

When I came across Mudderella, and announced I'd be attending, my friends and family voiced their concerns. A 6+ mile run/walk on rugged and varied terrain with 10+ obstacles including heights, mud, and water? But I knew Mudderella wasn't just some 'mud run,' I knew immediately, this was an experience I could achieve.

The first thing that makes Mudderella so very unbelievably awesome and unique is it's commitment to support. From the moment you sign up you will have access to their weekly training program, designed to help you shape all the right muscles for event day. This intimidated me at first, but really consisted of varied squats, muscle holds, and aerobics- anyone can do. There are even variations of exercises offered so you can decide just how much to push yourself.

And once you walk through that entrance gate on game day you are immediately a part of a very special community of women. Walking through that gate at the Solano County Fairgrounds (Vallejo, CA- NorCal Event) I felt instantly empowered and as though I were about to be a part of something truly great. Women of every age, shape, size, and ethnicity had gathered. And, while most teams or groups were dressed similar in matching outfits, I could easily see them commingling and socializing about the event- before it had even begun! So, after checking in, I stopped by 'The Works' and got my bib number painted on me, and a few very special temporary tattoos. I emerged feeling more and more like a warrior every second.

At the starting gate participants danced eagerly to the blasting music. I was surrounded by smiles, and pulled into the stories of the unique women surrounding me. Sure, some of the participants had GoPro cameras strapped to their chests and were there with the intent of breaking records and taking names but the majority of us were there to conquer for ourselves.

To my left I chatted with a few women my mother's age who shared that they were participating in honor of their friend, with cancer, who could not attend as planned this year. To my right, 'The Sloth Runners' made up a motley crew of women from 20-64 (I asked) of varying heights and weights. They explained there was no intent to conquer anything except their own personal fears, and that completion was the true prize. And, directly in front of me a group of college aged girls with impressively small waists and toned bodies, in tutus, twerked to Taylor Swift with an energy that was contagious.

Our 6 mile course had 3 water stations, sponsored by Pure Protein. At each one porta-potties stood as on site facilities, and volunteers furiously pumped water into Dixie Cups. Our first water station was stationed after I Got your Back (piggy back carry,) and just past the mile marker. I found the addition of Pure Protein bar cubes a great pick-me up addition to the classic water station concept.

Our first 'real' obstacle of the event was one commonly associated with Mudderella. While the obstacle lineup is not announced prior to the event, and varies with each city, Down To The Wire- or the Mud Crawl, is one boot camp style event that makes for great photos. It's not particularly tough- but it is the first opportunity we had to truly get muddy- as the event cameraman captured in the photo above. My, personal shots were captured with my Samsung Galaxy S4 in a Lifeproof case- I'm happy to report my phone was submerged multiple times and emerged with no damage :)

Own Your Strong And Join A Mudderella Event With Me! #Mudderella2015

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Mudderella. I received complimentary admission to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. #Mudderella2015

Momma Told Me: Only you can define what it means to be a girl.

I was browsing Facebook in the wee hours of the night the other day and came across a meme in which a woman shared a conversation with her daughter. The woman had asked her young daughter what she wanted to be for Halloween his year and the daughter had replied, 'Thor.' Upon further pressing the mother became bewildered, "Don't you want to be something pretty like a princess?" to which the daughter replied, "Thor is pretty, mommy!"

Now, of course this is funny because Thor, or rather Chris Hemsworth, is in fact quite the specimen to behold, but clearly a character defined as man. Yet, his strength, bravery, and general badd-ass-ness (I don't care if it's not a word, that's what kind of post this is) is hypnotically alluring when combined with his flowing gold locks and piercing blue eyes. You see, I was that young girl. Growing up I was much more interested in climbing trees and chasing the 'bad guys' than playing with Barbies or wearing leggings. If you are a woman from my own tribe, and these sentiments ring true for you, then you just might be interested in unleashing the power of the woman at a Mudderella event.

Over the past few years I've shared my commitment to get healthier through small and gradual lifestyle and mental changes like cutting sugar from beverages, getting more sleep, and exercising regularly. I've done a few fun runs and I've improved my heart rate and mile time on the treadmill at home and at the gym. I take the stairs most of the time, and make sure I am getting up, out, and active throughout the day. I don't suppose I'll ever be toned and fit; and I am fine with that, so long as I continue to strengthen my core and constantly move towards challenging and improving myself. That is where Mudderella comes in.

I won't lie, the thought of tackling a 6 mile, obstacle laden, mud run course is entirely terrifying. The mud doesn't phase me at all, in fact, I am in it for the mud- well, the mud and the comradely of tackling such an event with some of my best buds, of course. But I am human, and I am aware I am so very critical of myself. I see flaws no one else sees and I fall hard when I set goals and can't quite attain them. If you are like me, Mudderella is still for you.

At Mudderella everyone finishes. Do all, or none, of the obstacles throughout your 5-7 mile trek. Run or walk the entire course (just so long as you don't leave your girlfriends in the duct, some obstacles require more than one person!) Go fast, or go slow- the only real rule is that you own your strong and come invested in the power of you. Arrive knowing your strength, willing to be surprised by the power of your own strength, and ready to embrace the truly amazing comradely of the thousands of women there with you (and they will be there ready to help, even if you are a complete stranger) and you can conquer Mudderella.

At no point on your path to Mudderella are you alone. There is a wealth of great resources online through the Mudderella website including a 12 week training program that is quite visual and easy for even a beginner to follow through with. The exercises are clearly designed to help you gear up for tackling the unique range of obstacles that might appear at your location on event day. Just take a look at the Down Dog Push Up designed to help train for the Downward Dirty Dog obstacle. Mudderella maintains a large group of active obstacles in their obstacle and rolls them out at different events depending on region, terrain, weather, and more. While you won't have an exact idea of what to expect, the online training and exercises are certainly designed to help make you your best for event day.

I will be bringing 3 friends to the NorCal event June 27th, 2015, but there are several events at locations across the nation open for registration now. While we haven't officially been able to register, though we hope to in the coming week, our team is already beginning to start the 12 week Mudderella training program at the gym and my bestie and I hope to met this week to do some obstacle training. You may recall Alicia Gonzalez of 24/7 Modern Mom as my roomie and blogger friend from BlogHer 2014, and #BloggerConfessions. She is not only a powerhouse of creativity, ideas, and business but a mom to triplets AND 2 boys, a total of 5 kids! She is an inspiration to me and I simply cannot wait to see her again for Mudderella as my teammate!

As you can see, there is a lot to consider, but, primarily, a lot to look forward to when joining a Mudderella event. I have done many styles of races and runs and few have impressed me even close to the organization and resources Mudderella has provided. And for those wondering, because I know you are, men are allowed to participate, especially if they dress up and get in on the fun (purple is the color of choice!) Just because Mudderella is the first all day athletic event designed by women for women does not mean friendly support and participation from the opposite gender is frowned upon! There is also a mini obstacle course for children, and guests are welcome to watch the action from the bleachers and special obstacle sidelines for a nominal fee.

I truly look forward to sharing more about my training process, the wonderful women on my team, and our participation in this year's Mudderella NorCal event. Now, tell me, which obstacle do you think might be the most fun/challenging for you? The tire run, the rope climb, getting muddy, giving piggy back rides???

What Daughter Says: Own your strong with a new goal and amazing memories at a Mudderella event near you.

Right now Mudderella has 9 US and two Canadian events planned for 2015, but you never know we might just decide to add a few more along the way, so be sure to check out www.Mudderella.com for all the latest info.  The current 2015 event schedule of events is:

 

-        NY/NJ – May 9, 2015 – Englishtown, NJ

-        Chicago – May 30, 2015 – Richmond, IL

-        NorCal – June 27, 2015 – Vallejo, CA <------ JOIN ME!!!

-        Toronto – July 11, 2015 – Kitchener, ON Canada

-        Capital Region – July 25, 2015 – Clarksburg, MD

-        Colorado – August 22, 2015 – Snowmass Village, CO

-        Pittsburgh – September 12, 2015 – Slippery Rock, PA

-        Whistler – September 26, 2015 – Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler, BC Canada

-        New England – October 3, 2015 – Thompson, CT