This Season Add An Ugly Sweater Mocktail Tradition To Your Holiday Gatherings

On October 31st, this year, I pulled out the holiday decoration boxes , and hauled the duster bag wrapped lights from the garage rafters.

On November 1st we laid out 2 net lights, 1 7' Lighted Multi-Color Outdoor Tree Display, ran alternating lights across the garage, and wrapped the front most tree in our yard with rainbow LEDs.

When November 5th rolled around we put our living room holiday tree up at a time I determined to be grossly late and off schedule, due to a family engagement prior in the week.

By the end of the first week of November the dogs were 'merrily' wearing their festive clothing, and I'd successfully hunted down the only station on the radio dial already playing 24/7 Christmas music.

If ever there was a season made for me, this is it my friends. the loudest, most unapologetic, over-the-top cheerful, ridiculously flavorful season of them all. It is the PERFECT season to pack away the bland and go all out.

Of course the holiday season means opening your home to friends, family, and strangers alike- after all, you didn't spend 3 hours counter-weighing that angel chandelier from the entrance balcony  NOT to show it off. And all of those people coming over for the White Elephant gift exchange are going to be pretty thirsty while they munch on cheese balls shaped like Rudolph's head and sing along to Now That's What I Call Christmas 87 Karaoke. But it can be hard to know what people will want, and you don't always have time to make a special trip to the mega-mart in between hand folding the linen napkins to look like turkeys and whipping up grandma's top secret recipe for 'real' fruit cake. Thankfully the Amazon DASH buttons released this year can help you re-order your favorite Sparkling ICE variety pack (and any of the 15 fruity flavors, really) with a simple push of a button!

Of course you can also stock up on your favorite zero-calorie fizzy Sparkling ICE flavors the 'old fashioned way' on your phone, tablet, or laptop directly through Amazon.com. In fact, that's where you'll find the largest variety of bottle sizes and flavors such as Kiwi Strawberry, Black Raspberry, Orange Mango, and more!

Just pop those bottles into your cart and they'll arrive in as little as 2-days direct to your door (tiny insta-dog not included.) Cherry Limeade is always a hit when we entertain, and just happens to have a beautiful red holiday color so we recently ordered a few cases along with the lovely green Kiwi-Strawberry Sparkling ICE. These zero calorie, naturally flavored, drinks are the fizz of the party and the perfect thing to sip on in between dreaming up your daughter's holiday pageant costume and how to teach the dog to bark Silent Night. They're also a MUST have for holiday gatherings as designated drivers love the flavor options and fun mocktail inspiration!

In fact, we believe the holidays should be bold, so strongly, that we've recently introduced a new tradition to our holiday gatherings- the Ugly Sweater Mocktail. It's as much about the drink as it is the vessel carrying the drink- and it's a true blast to help ignite some fun conversations and mingling at seasonal events where all the guests might not know each other too well. If you're anything like me you likely have a good half dozen or more mis-matched glasses hiding in the back of your kitchen cabinet.

Sure we buy glasses in sets but the very nature of glass is that it breaks- so we end up with 1 or 2 oddly shaped glasses leftover from a set. This is perfect- pull out as many shapes and styled of old glasses as possible, line a table with your favorite Sparkling ICE beverages, tinsel pipe cleaners, sparkly window stickers, holiday light necklaces, and more. If it can be stuck on, or wrapped around a glass, it's fair game in the Ugly Sweater Mocktail world.

Once your guests have their Ugly Sweater Glass just right they'll want to add some ice and their favorite Sparkling ICE. Since there are 15 delicious fruity flavors, guests can easily combine flavors to make a true mocktail experience, or simply go bold by adding fresh fruit, candy canes, cotton candy 'trim' and more. Make sure to snap a photo of each guest with their mocktail before it disappears!

Be sure to send your guests home with their work of art (glass) and a few bottles of Sparkling ICE so they can continue the Ugly Sweater Glass tradition at home- We keep ours out on the counter and guests always ask for their drinks in them when visiting! Hurry on over to Amazon now to stock up on Sparkling ICE and enjoy the benefit of having Prime Shipping as your personal holiday elf. Now, tell me, what types of entertaining traditions do you like to enjoy during the holiday season?

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

Fruit Juice, Fishing, and Family With Kool-Aid S'mores Recipe

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

Momma Told Me: Everyone loves fruit punch.

When I was a young girl my grandfather had a yacht he dubbed 'The Eeyore' (you can't make this stuff up folks,) after his nickname and my grandmother's favorite nostalgic honey addicted bear. Living just an hour outside of Long Beach, CA we were relatively spoiled to have marinas where everyday citizens could own and dock lavish boats like his. And yet I clearly remember Momma's anguish over our bi-monthly trips out to the docks to visit her parents. She was never much of an ocean person, and I'd always take an hour or so to get my sea stomach legs. A fussy child wasn't much fun out in the middle of the sea. Luckily she had the power of fruit juice on her side.

Every time grandpa took us out fishing, Momma would let me pick out a packet of Kool-Aid for our day on the boat. Once inside grandma had a magical pitcher I recall resembled the Big Red Man himself, and my cousins and I would peer over counter's edge as the red liquid gently sloshed to the rhythm of the waves. It was amazing how that fruit drink would calm us down! All the rivalry would instantly cease, and even Momma would relax as she eased into her fishing chair and cast that line out into the deep blue. So, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered the mess and hassle of making Kool-Aid for outdoor events has been solved with new 96oz Ready-To-Drink bottles!

As we prepared for our recent family fishing trip to Lake Casitas I packed a bottle of classic Fruit Punch, limited edition Blackberry and Peach Mango, and new favorite Watermelon to satisfy all of our taste-buds and #KoolOff out in the hot California sun. Armed with a case of water and our 96oz Kool-Aid bottles from Walmart I hesitantly took my purple PT Cruiser off-road into the damp sands to find the perfect fishing spot. Our first camp was very marshy and covered in broken shells and suspicious looking miniature logs. But the fish were jumping enthusiastically, so the boys hunted down their 'fishing sticks,' stuck them in the sand and went off to pour a tall tumbler of Kool-Aid.

After an hour my pregnant cousin decided to wander off a good half mile down the shore to explore a potentially dryer (picnic friendly) area. The highlight of the afternoon was her slowly sinking into the wet sand as her husband, an ex-Seabee, heroically dashed down the shore to save her. As it turned out her plight wasn't in vain; she had discovered a dryer, rocky, fishing point complete with a rustic table off in the dunes. And, as she settled into her reclining fishing chair demanding her Blackberry Kool-Aid I couldn't help but be grateful for the thick and tall brush directly behind us I knew would be used for multiple potty trips!

In general everyone had a great time, though the fish seemed to be biting less at our new spot. That was fine with some of us, who found time to sneak a few kisses in between checking bait. Of course Nora, the morkie, wasn't about to be left outta the excitement as she watched from her station in the back of my car. Fun fact: Did you know you can safely dye your pet for holidays and events when mixing Kool-Aid powder (no sugar!) with a pet-safe conditioner? We spent a few of our lazy hours on the shore brainstorming all the fun ways you can use the juice drink drops, packets, and ready-to-drink bottles in crafts, recipes, and more. Check out the Pinterest board at the bottom of this post with over 100 ideas on how to use Kool-Aid!

This fishing trip was also a time of reflection for us. With the Summer wrapping and a baby due mid-August, living is about to get a little hectic, so it was nice to be able to cast out a line and sip away the cares along the lake's shore. Some of us were more enthusiastic about fishing than others. As a young girl who grew up fishing on her grandpa's boat I was a bit  jealous to learn that Pro-Fisherman Jim Dillard was completing a tour across the country with Walmart and Kool-Aid, and his final stops are set to take place in South Carolina- check them out:

Friday August 8th 5-7pm:

    360 Harbison Blvd Columbia, SC WM Supercenter

Saturday August 9th  3-5pm:

    1326 Bush River Rd Columbia, SC WM Supercenter

Saturday August 9th 6-8pm:

    2401 Augusta Rd West Columbia, SC WM Supercenter

***Click here for printable Watermelon Kool-Aid Marshmallows recipe.

For our family the trip, and Summer, wouldn't be complete without roasting mallows and making S'mores. Since the lake area is a fire free zone I had safe heat chafing fuel can for out portable S'mores burner, and the extra special treat of Watermalon Kool-Aid homemade marshmallows on hand. Take it from my, storing fresh marshmallows in 80 degree heat by a lake is NOT easy- make these at home and use green meltable chocolate disks for a fun 'watermelon S'mores effect.' The children may have been covered in green chocolate by the time we were done, but memories were made, and plenty of smiles were had!

****For those wondering, with my reduced sugar diet I enjoy ready-to-drink Kool-Aid by cutting a serving in half with seltzer water. The flavor is still there and my bottle's value get's even better at the already low Walmart price of $1.98!

What Daughter Says: I prefer Grape or Watermelon, but any family event is always better with Kool-Aid by our side!

Follow Momma Told Me's board Kool-Aid Crafts, Cupcakes, Cookies, Cakes and More! on Pinterest.

I'm #TeamSweetNLow Because It Helps Me Kick Cravings And Stay Hydrated!

***I received a product sample as part of a Crowdtap Sample and Share, I was in no way required to feature the product on my blog. All opinions and photos are original content, copyright Momma Told Me 2014.

Momma Told Me: Stay sweet.

I have an insatiable sweet tooth. A year and half ago I was told I was pre-diabetic and I saw my dessert life flash before my eyes. There were cinnamon buns that would never be eaten, pink frosted donuts without a coffee to dunk them in, and scary men in sunglasses hauling away my secret candy bar stash. If it sounds dramatic that's because, for me, it was. A life without sugar would mean a life not just void of chocolate, but frozen yogurt, root beer floats, rainbow colored lollipops, and those little triangles of imitation corn candy that sprout each Fall. But my addiction to sugar was literally life threatening, I was making myself sick.

It turns out that I was also drinking an alarming amount of sugar. Desert every weeknight and snacking throughout the day didn't help my sugar levels, but I quickly learned that just one beverage of sports drink (which I preferred far over soda) could have as many as 50g of sugar in an entire bottle! That's 2-3 times the amount of sugar in my average candy portion. So out went 'beverages' and in came water. Lots of water. The lifestyle change was severe for me, I began drinking water exclusively, in addition to cutting my sugar intake to dessert twice a week. The transformation was also dramatic, I lost over 70lbs and began enjoying more energy and a better night's sleep. In less than a year I was triumphantly no longer at risk for diabetes.

Now that I'm 'out of the woods,' and living a healthier lifestyle I've begun to get a little restless with plain water. I find myself letting my sweet tooth sneak back in and I supplement the lack of flavor with fresh and frozen fruit infusions and flavored seltzer options. Now, I'm not advocating reliance on sugar substitutes, but I have recently begun incorporating Sweet N' Low into some of my afternoon concoctions to add a little extra sweetness that satisfies my craving without the calories. If we're going to be real, in an ideal world there would be no sugar in our diets but those consumed naturally through fruits and juices, correct? But I have an addictive personality and sweet is my sweetheart, so I reach for the little pink packet that can give me all of that without all the extras.

In fact, I find that Sweet' N Low has a very condensed flavor per packet, and often only nee about half to properly flavor any beverage to my taste; and I am still consuming primarily water (not salt, not sugar, not artificial colorings.) I know artificial sweeteners are not for everyone- and I was once one of those people who couldn't imagine reaching for anything but a white packet at the diner table. As it turns out, when used in moderation, with fresh and wholesome ingredients- it really is one of my secret tools to weight loss and better hydration!

How do you indulge your sweet tooth in more health conscious ways?

What Daughter Says: I don't think Momma meant for my blood to literally turn to sugar. The new me is sweeter without the extra calories!