4 Simple Spooky Sweet Halloween Treats + $50 Frey Candy Giveaway 10/16

Momma Told Me: With a little creativity any supplies can be made magical.


In the guise of genetics I was born with a disposition for weak knees- as a result, at 11, my left knee went out while washing some dishes in the kitchen. I landed on said knee, tearing the meniscus, and ending up in a full foot to thigh sot cast for several months. What does this story have to do with Halloween? Well, being at that tween age, on the cusp of no longer caring about childish holiday traditions, and them being the only thing of importance in the world- that is the Halloween in my life that stands out the most.

I remember for months I sulked and pouted, upset about my circumstances, and 'rightfully' taking it out on my parental units. Whenever Momma would ask what I wanted to be for Halloween that year I'd furrow my brow and clench my mouth. I wanted absolutely nothing to do with Halloween- it was 'ruined'- my adolescent mind had decided.

That is, of course, right up until 5 days before the actual holiday, when the excitement of friends making plans, and the street full of haunted decorations began to finally break me down. All of a sudden I was no longer upset that my knee has ruined the holiday, but that I had. I remember one day plopping into our minivan in tears and, with very little prodding, divulging to my mother how I so very badly wanted to trick-or-treating, and how everything was ruined because I had no costume, and a bum leg.

Of course Momma was determined to teach me a lesson of never giving up. And, while our Halloween eve's are often in the 80-90s, and she truly had no desire to follow me door to door- she knew that likely would be one of my last childhood chances to truly get out and enjoy the holiday as a kid.

The following day I opened our front door to see our dining room counter sprawled with crafting supplies- a grass skirt, a carved bamboo stick, and lots of colorful fake feathers. In just a few hours, while I had been at school, that day she had created an entire costume literally from a few things we'd had laying around the house. Even better- my 'witch doctor' costume would help hide the hideous grey soft cast I'd been so self conscious of lugging around. And the homemade apple 'shrunken heads' would even dangle nicely from my crutches.

Yes, Momma taught me several great lessons that Halloween- but my favorite is that holiday magic happens, truly, with just a little bit of imagination. You don't need to spend a ton of money, or time, to have a wicked god time, and today I'm sharing a little bit of that spirit with you. If you have some old candy cauldrons or plastic jars rattling around, some marshmallows and candy melts, a few Celebration by Frey™ and/or Sixlets® bags are all it takes to whip up some spooky sweet treats for entertaining this Halloween.

Celebration by Frey™ and Sixlets® products are sweet confection decorating candies or little candy coated chocolate balls, which come in a variety of colors and styles. (You'll even find delightfully spooky gumball eyeballs for seasonal characters and chilling creations!) These products are often found in the baking aisle at your local Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Wegman's or more- the selection and colors change seasonally, so I always stop by to see what's new.

Sixlets chocolate candies are one of my favorite choices for cake decorating and seasonal treats- I've essentially combined different shapes and sizes of Celebration by Frey™ confection and Sixlets® in 2 frightfully easy party favor creations- Witch's Cauldrons and Spider Egg Vials. With our FREE Printable above any age an whip these up. Add some seasonal ribbon, fun decorative brooms, and gumball eyeballs for a really wicked treat.

Sixlets are also my go to because they offer a vibrant pop of color at an affordable price- and are especially fun for playing with texture- Just check out my simple Frankenstein bark, below. All you need are some green chocolate melts, lime green Sixlets chocolatey candy 'boils', a red glitter 'blood' candy writer, eyeball gumballs, and any other fun sprinkle additions you feel fit the mood.

It may look a little silly at first, but this bark will break up into delightful fractured treats with a real 'stitched' vibe! I also used black Sixlets and some melted chocolate to create little 'bolts' for an extra dash of character. The swirls in the chocolate will even give your bark a rippled 'skin' texture that is ghoulishly fun!

The Frankenstein bark is literally as simple as melting chocolate and pouring it into a parchment paper lined baking sheet or pan- then liberally apply sprinkles, Sixlets, and other decorations as the artistic mood strikes. Send the pan to the freezer for about 10 minutes, then break apart into chunks of various sizes.

Our final spooky selection involves all of those leftover marshmallows you inevitably have laying around after all those Summer S'mores events. Using some cake pop sticks, pierce jumbo marshmallows in the center, to create a standing 'pop', then take a pretzel stick and run it through the center horizontally to make 'arms'. Dip your treat in a bowl of melted white chocolate and place the an orange Sixlets at the nook where arm meets marshmallow. Set upright on a baking sheet and place in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to set.

These 'boo' ghost pops are much easier to make than traditional cake pops, and lighter to enjoy among a giant Halloween spread. Use a food grade marker to decorate your orange Sixlets with a pumpkin face, and to add eyes to your ghosts for some frightfully fun final touches.

I whipped up this entire Halloween spread in about 90 minutes- Momma may have spent a little more time on that infamous last minute costume, but the sentiment remains the same. Holidays are meant to be fun, and delicious- you shouldn't have to shell out all of your hard earned cash, or time, to celebrate them. Celebration by Frey™ and Sixlets® are just two of my secrets for Halloween entertaining success.

What Daughter Says: You don't have to be a Martha Stewart to pull off a fun Halloween spread, just use a little imagination!

Discover Crispy, Nutty, Snacking This Summer + Enter To Win With The #NutThinsContest

This post was sponsored by Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Does anyone else find they snack more, the more they have on their plate?

Their metaphorical plate that is.

I'm definitely a grazer who loves to snack while I do things. The more I do the more I like to have something small on hand to nibble as I progress.

Naturally this form of snacking can get dangerous quickly. If I ate a chocolate snack cake every-time I tackled a project things would get pretty sticky quick. Luckily I have a few snacking go-tos on hand at all times, to not only satisfy my need to nibble, but help keep me full, fueled, and focused.

Crackers, or chips, are a vice for many.

They are not only often salty and flavorful but offer a satisfying crunchy crisp texture that makes snacking fun.

Then you have those who love to have a serving or two of their favorite nuts, perhaps with some fresh fruit, or a little dairy. A particularly favorite snack of mine, but a serving of most nuts doesn't amount to much and is often gone before the snacking begins.

Enter Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins, the snack made with California rice flour and Blue Diamond® nuts. They're heart crackers with a satisfying crisp texture sturdy enough for toppings and dips. The original variety, and many favorite flavors, feature Blue Diamond® Almonds, though new varieties also feature ingredients such as pecans or honey for a shake up in flavor.

If you're wondering where this amazing pairing of nut and cracker has been all your life, then this is the perfect time to discover Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins at a retailer near you. First check out the product locator, then head into your local retailer and snap a selfie where you find Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins on the shelf.

A shelfie, if you will.

Sure, you'll want to commemorate this glorious occasion, the day you discovered the cracker to replace all crackers; but there's also a little something else in it for you too.

Right now your in store shelfie could win you one of $3000 in prizes when you snap a photo of yourself with Nut-Thins in store and head on over to the Nut-Thins 2 Win Scavenger Hunt and Sweepstakes page. For the chance to win a $1,000 gift card, just find Nut-Thins in any grocery store, take a selfie with the product on the shelf, and post it on your public Instagram or Twitter account using the hashtag #NutThinsContest, OR upload it to NutThins2win.com! No purchase necessary- No shelfie? No problem, you can still enter to win a select few smaller prizes, such as gift cards to amazing retailers like Ralphs, Vons, and Target when you enter to win at the Nut-Thins 2 Win micro-site.

While I was in store snapping my shelfie I made sure to stock up on some of our favorite Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins varieties so my pantry would be ready not just for summer snack-attacks, but those unexpected guests and last minute entertaining events that always seem to pop up during the warmer months. Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins are entirely wheat and gluten free with no artificial flavors making them the perfect crowd pleaser for all of my friends and family. The hardest decision is simply which boxes to put out and share; as I tend to want to hoard my favorite varieties for myself.

Speaking of favorite Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins in Honey Mustard and Cheddar Cheese offer a packed full of flavor experience that really shines on their own. Original Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins feature the light nutty flavor of rice and almonds that pairs perfectly with everything from dips such as hummus to spreadable cheese and kalamata olives. They're not salty or sweet, so they go great with fresh fruit too.

I've got to admit, I'm feeling a bit empowered to snack and entertain more this summer with Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins by my side, but I'm also feeling quite inspired by some of the recipes I've seen lately on their Instagram feed. Just check out this completely unique and refreshing take on Nutty Lemon Bars which uses Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins Hint of Sea Salt to bring a fun texture and flavor to a classic summertime baked treat. What do you imagine you could do when you entertain or snack with Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins? Make sure to enter the #NutThinsContest by July 29th, 2018 for your chance to win!

Tips To Have Healthier Pets. Happier Lives.™ With Rebate And Giveaway

This post is sponsored by Hill’s Science Diet and the BlogPaws Pet Influencer Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the Healthier Pets. Happier Lives.TM Campaign, but Momma Told Me only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

It's no secret that our pets are our family.

They're not like our family, they ARE family.

I've been bold enough to call them our kids in the past and I still feel that's a pretty accurate description. When I go to the bathroom I can't close the door because Truffles, our cat, is there pawing underneath the sweeper and howling as though she'd been abandoned. I spend more money on toys and treats than I do on my own wardrobe and wants. And, of course, I can't forget that I am constantly handling bio-hazards I would never ever consider coming near or dealing with if it weren't for the sheer blinding love I feel for these tiny hairy creatures that have taken over my home.

Their happiness is my top priority, but their health is of the upmost importance. And, since animals cannot come out and tell us they are feeling ill, or that something might be wrong, it is our sole responsibility as caregivers to ensure they not only live the healthiest life possible through activity and diet, but also regular veterinarian visits.

It can be a lot to take in when one gets caught up in the cuddles and tail wagging- Happy faces tend to distract us from our pet-parenting duties. That's why Hill’s® Science Diet® has launched the #HillsTransformingLives campaign to spread awareness through tips, rebates, and a giveaway; on how to help ensure Healthier Pets. Happier Lives.™

Let's take a look at some simple tips to help keep your pet on the right track for their healthiest, happiest, life, shall we?

Spoil Them With (Smart) Extras

The first tip is the easiest and likely comes naturally as someone who loves their pets like family. In fact, sometimes, we tend to over-spoil our pets to the detriment of their health. It can be easy to allow a chubby little puppy to continue to chew on your favorite shoe because it's cute, and 'just a shoe' but the materials in reality may not be very safe. The same thing goes with 'treating' your pets to table scraps- a french fry here and there won't do any harm, but tossing your dog human foods every night at the table start to add up.

The best way to look at it is; if your dog or cat were a human infant/toddler would you want them eating/playing/doing that?

You can still spoil and treat your pets without letting them have the run of the house, or feeling guilty every time you pop open a bag of chips and don't share. (Though, if you really think about it, you probably shouldn't be eating them either.) Hill’s®' Transforming Lives hub has an entire section of great articles to help spoil your pet with 'Little Extras' actions that enrich your pet's lives without putting them at risk for long term health problems of immediate danger/risk. Tips such as 'How To Celebrate Your Cat's Birthday In Style,' 'Peaceful Playtime With Children,' and 'Tips For Leaving Your New Dog Home Alone,' so you can show you care about your pets in meaningful, safe, ways.

Some of the things we personally like to do to promote healthy activity, and or treat smart, include filling a kiddie pool with plastic balls, freezing yogurt and fresh veggies for warm weather pupcicles, and create cat safe surfaces for our cat to climb and scale as she moves around the house.

Plan For The Unexpected

Just like your human family members, pets can require unexpected medical treatment, a new diet regimen, or extra social adjustment from time to time. Sometimes these things require large amounts of money, and or time, to cope with.

I, personally, cannot speak enough praise towards investing in a health insurance plan for your pet. There are many reliable options, and most start as low as $10 a month (or less) to ensure your family can not only afford treatment in the case of an emergency, but all regular tests and check-ups as suggested by your family vet. Many pet owners take the time to bring their pets into the vet often when they are young, but allow annual check-ups to fall to the way-side as pets mature and seem to fall into a rhthym. Just like you, as a human, require regular inspection of your health from physical to dental and vision, so do your pets.

If pet insurance isn't for you it might be wise to set up a small savings fund where you can put aside money for unforeseen medical expenses for your pet.

Hill’s® Science Diet® knows that veterinary visits, even simple annual ones, can be expensive so they're hosting a 100 day #HillsTransformingLives giveaway where 100 winners will win $100  towards their pet's next vet check-up. That extra $100 could allow a pet parent to invest in a preventative test or screening for their aging pet, or simply have a reference marker for future health progress. Be sure to enter the #HillsTransformingLives giveaway today so you have as many chances to win as possible between now and October 4, 2017!

Fuel Them With The Right Food

We touched on this a little earlier but I cannot stress enough how important your pet's diet is to their overall health. An animal's dietary needs are not only relative to their age and breed; there are several important key factors. Logically, your family's veterinarian will be the best equipped to suggest the right food for your pet.

There are many brands and formulations of food on the market and it can be confusing to know which is the right one. Your vet can look at the overall picture of your pet's health and listen to your own behavioral concerns to recommend food that not only fuels, but also nourishes your pet's overall health. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet's weight and activity levels, excessive grooming or coat quality, oral care, grain allergies and more so that they can make an educated recommendation for your pet's food.

Hill’s® Science Diet® is the most recommended brand, by veterinarians, and offers a range of specialized food options intended to target your pet's unique health concerns/needs so they can lead happier, healthier lives. Talk to your vet about Hill’s® Science Diet® and grab a limited time $10 rebate online today!

Talk To Your Pets

Okay, not literally- but hey, no judgement if you do. #ThisWomanDoes

The important thing to take away from this one is to spend one-on-one time with your pets every day, even if only for 5-10 minutes. This helps you identify any changes in behavior or mood that may indicate something has changed in your pet's daily life or health.

Especially with cats it can be easy to go a day or more without REALLY paying direct attention to them. Felines are pretty self-sufficient, and the older they get the more they tend to lounge and sleep throughout the day in private or secluded spaces. And, while dogs get a bad wrap, cats can also be garbage cans for pretty much anything they come across in your house; rubber bands, balloon ribbons, teeny tiny plastic tag attachments from new clothing, and even glass beads. Just think- if it looks like a toy and fits in their mouth, they'll eat it.

With both cats and dogs their daily, ahem, business can be a good indicator of their health. In addition to scheduling one-on-one time with your pets daily pay special attention to any variances in what goes in, and out of them. Remember, animals can not tell you when they are feeling 'off' so it's up to you to keep an eye out for these things and, hopefully, catch them before they become an expensive or life-threatening problem.

As you know we recently brought a 3rd fur child into our family, and she's super tiny. I worry every day about her getting trampled, picked up by a hawk, or simply lost. As posh as it is to have a teacup dog I keep secretly wishing she'll keep growing, just a little bit more! Each of our pets are very unique in breed, age, and personality so I'm constantly on my toes working to make sure they receive the proper nutrition and lifestyle to allow them to best thrive. I wish we could get some sort of family bundle for vet visits and get everyone seen at the same time- haha, but ultimately more pets means more expenses. Of course regular vet visits, and proper diet will go a long way to cutting those costs, and increasing pet happiness in the long run.

If your pets are family, like ours, then be sure to talk to your veterinarian about Hill’s® Science Diet® and if they have a formulation that is right for your pet- don't forget about the limited time $10 rebate online! Also, be sure to stop by the Hills' Transforming Lives hub to enter the 100 day, 100 winner, $100 giveaway for a chance to win $100 towards your pet's next veterinarian visit. And, for more information an ideas on how to help your pets live happier, healthier lives follow Hill’s® on Facebook and Instagram (where they love to share photos of your pets with the #gethappyhealthy hashtag!)

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

Cold Weather Gear and Free Shipping with Sierra Trading Post + $250 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 Told Me: You better bundle up!

I make a terrible Cali-girl.

Growing up, and still living in Southern California, we don't really experience seasons like many of my friends and family do, living elsewhere in the country. As a result I don't quite crave the sunshine and luaus of most traditional tropical vacations- in fact, I couldn't be happier to get away from a beach when it comes time to travel. And, as someone who prefers to collect experiences, rather than sights- I often plan excursions that take my wardrobe way out of it's comfort zone. I visit family on the East Coast in the Winter and cruise to Alaska during the Summer. As a result my vacation wardrobe is a bit different than your average person, and always requires some creative shopping. Since these are extreme/cold weather clothes I won't be wearing day-to-day any other time during the year I want something rugged and durable, but also affordable. Whenever I can shop and enjoy free shipping and great deals on name brand outdoor wear I always get excited.

One of the places I visited, when planning my very first trip to Alaska, was Sierra Trading Post- they're a one-stop-shop for explorers of all kinds. Whether your train to scale tall mountain summits, or casually explore through professionally guided expeditions (like me), or simply live in a cold winter climate like New York, Chicago, or Boston, they have an extensive selection of cold weather apparel and everyday active living gear. You'll find designer women's jackets and coats, tennis jackets, and bright down jackets in their Women's Clothing category.

I'll admit, I didn't know much about Sierra Trading Post until I bought my first 'real' 'serious' weather jacket from them a few years back. It was no small investment, as it was the key piece to my Alaska wardrobe and I needed something versatile to a lot for a wide range of temperatures. In the end I actually bought 2, and returned the one I felt wouldn't allow for the range of movement I wanted. With 30 years of experience, their customer service was on point- I've rarely had such an easy time reaching a real human to help me with my questions and return. And, because most orders ship the same day- I  always return to shop for last minute items when I find my suitcase lacking.

What makes shopping at Sierra Trading Post so affordable? Sierra Trading Post offers name brand apparel such as The North Face, Marmot, Columbia, and Marker at closeout pricing thanks to overstock, small blemishes, irregularities, and closeouts. And right now you can score FREE SHIPPING on orders of $75 and more, through November 30th, 2016, when you use the exclusive discount code ALWARMTH6 at checkout. (*Valid within the 48 contiguous U.S. states only (excludes AK, HI, offshore U.S. territories and possessions, international, and APO/FPO addresses). Orders shipped via UPS Ground. Not valid on oversized items or orders or items with special shipping charges. Gift card purchase does not apply to minimum purchase.) Of course I don't just shop when I'm planning my next cruise- I'll be taking advantage of this great deal to pick up my grandfather a new jacket for the Winter. (Aren't I a great granddaughter?)

Sierra Trading Post has so much more than jackets and coats, or even apparel- you'll find men's wear, young boys and girl's clothing, gear, and even necessities for your pet. It's really easy to shop with the visual interface and customer reviews help you make those tough choices when it comes to styles and sizing. While we won't be planning any more iceberg helicopter landings, or sled dog camp visits until next year, I'm already wish-listing a few suitcase musts. What's on your Winter clothing list that you could find at Sierra Trading Post when you take advantage of FREE SHIPPING on $75+ with the special code ALWARMTH6?

What Daughter Says: Now's the perfect time to bundle for the Winter, or your next cold weather adventure.

Now for the exciting part- One reader will have a chance to win a $250 Sierra Trading Post gift card! (US ONLY, 18 years and older, Giveaway runs from 11-13 to 11-27, 2016 11:59 PM EST.)

What I'm Streaming- #BetterThings On FX Networks + #BetterThingsGiveaway 9/29

Momma Told Me: No mother is an island.

My mother never wanted children. And, while we live in a very modern society, that statement is still a bit shocking to this day. It certainly wasn't something she advertised when she was 'on the market' and even her family had no idea as the doting newlyweds (my parents) negotiated children like it was a peace treaty.

Whenever I tell anyone that my mother, in my adult years, has casually referred to me existence as a "contractual obligation to her marriage" I find jaws drop and an uncomfortable silence wash over the atmosphere. But does the fact that my mother never aspired to be a mother make her a bad one? No. Her circumstances, or the origin of my life really has little to do with the kind of mom she was- just like so many other mothers, she made it work. And, at the end of the day, my happiness and health was really the only honest measure of her success as one anyone should have needed.

Such is modern motherhood. Mothers work full time careers while the husband stays home, other mothers are single and 'making it work' the best they know how, while some love staying at home playing 'Betty Homemaker.' Every mother is different, yet every mother faces the same universal challenges while aspiring to do something so simple and organic, love their children and provide them with better things.

This brings me back to my into. There are so many things mothers have had to tackle and juggle throughout time, yet,even single, a mother is never alone.

Think about it, how many years has it been since you last were able to close the bathroom door for a solid section of time without having to 'trick' a child to distraction? Those with children long out of the home will also relate to the juxtaposition of the love/hate relationship between a mother and child through the awkward tween years. So dependent, yet so independent.

The truth is, if you have ever been told "I hate you, you're the worst mother ever" you were doing your job right.

It's ironic insights just like that which make Louis C.K.'s new FX Network dark comedy Better Things an instant hit in my book. While the pilot, which aired last Thursday (September 8, 2016) was almost painful to watch at times it was also exceptionally raw. Motherhood unadorned one might say. At last a strong female role, raw in her own flaws, yet so modernly practical in her solutions. If the main character, Sam, mother to 3, doesn't inspire you with her careful navigation of modern parenting battles, then you'll surely identify with at least one of the stages of parenting exemplified in her daughters of varying ages.

With each character having a rich, well built, identity, it's obvious after just one episode the challenges will be many, and the solutions not always so obvious. After all, Sam is the kind of mother we don't see in modern television- even Gilmore Girls' Loralei didn't dare step as boldly in her parenting as this motherly figure. And sometimes the battles chosen to forego are equally shocking.

We all have a perception of what the 'perfect' mother is- she makes cookies for every class party, reads her kids stories before bed every night, makes sure everyone is brushing their teeth, and never allows sugar after nightfall on a school night. But this is for the mom's who know that's not practical- that the real world does exist and will try your wits and resources no matter how cool, calm, and collected you are. That sometimes ice cream is breakfast, you lie to your daughter's teacher about completed homework, and 'crazy hair day' is the highlight of your month because you don't have to fight tears and tangles for a half an hour before school that day.

In fact, there's a scene in the Better Things pilot that could have been ripped from my own childhood as the lead character, Sam, exasperatedly calls out for an employee amidst the aisles of an office supply store, mortifying her teenage daughter. That's precisely the behavior Momma would have, and did, do when she felt her parenting obligations were overwhelming her among the less than ideal circumstances of society. And, let's face it, parent or not, haven't you ever felt as though finding something you needed in a seemingly empty, employee-less, store was near impossible? Try adding a last minute school shopping list and a sarcastic teenager into the mix, as motherhood.

I can't say Better Things, on FX networks, will delight everyone. It is extremely raw, under produced, and plain un-apologetic. However, in a world where Parenthood is no longer on the air, this dark look at motherhood, and parenting, is a welcome addition to my fall line up. A guilty pleasure, if you will. The next episode actually airs tonight and I've already put a reminder in my phone to catch it on-demand.

Motherhood can be downright exhausting, yet, clearly, constantly fulfilling. It's okay to feel both, exhausted and fulfilled. After all, they say it's the hardest job you'll ever have to do. Make sure to take a time out after the last child has gone to bed, but before the first child decides to wake up and crawl into yours, and check out Better Things by Louis C.K. on FX networks, airing Thursdays this Fall. In the mean time, enter to win yourself some better things in the special promotional bundle pictured above. One lucky blog post comment will be chosen to receive a lush prize pack including; CHIPOLO Bluetooth Tracker, genuine leather BAGGU clutch, Ray Baan sunglasses, a silk hypoallergenic plush travel pillow, essential oils, mints, and more!

To enter to win the Better Things promotional prize bundle, valued at over $125, check out the Better Things trailer and leave a comment below telling me if you've watched the first episode of Better Things (if so, what you thought) OR what interests you most about Better Things on FX networks. Winner will be drawn at random from comment numbers on September 29, 2016.


What Daughter Says: For better or for worse, no mom is ever truly alone.