Game Day Tailgating Tips With Jersey Mike's Catering

This post is sponsored by Jersey Mike's but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

You know what makes that fine line of a difference between a good host and an amazing host this Game Day season? It's not allowing the other team's jersey under your roof, or even hand folding buffalo wontons to look like miniature helmets.

I'll let you in on a little secret Momma taught me; give them what they want. Game day may be a rough, tough, drag down and all out fight for superiority and dominance, but you can still be the hostess with the most without having to feel like you just ran 40 yards to get to the touchdown zone.

More often than not, in Southern California, we find an excuse to tailgate at any event involving a stadium, or even arena, but few incite such enthusiasm as American football. And, let's face it, the older we get the less time we have to pack up the truck bed and travel on site to support our teams in person. But just because you have a growing family doesn't mean you have to stop rooting for the home team or your Alma-mater. Whether you're tailgating in a parking lot, grabbing a quick picnic bite and watching the team on your smartphone, or hosting a full on party in your own backyard I have a few tips to make Game Day a simple success.

Serve them what they want!

The tailgating scene is littered with greasy foods that require special handling, lugging around grills and heavy cooking utensils. The parking lot is sure to be full of plenty of the same thing- so be sure to keep the whole crew fueled and smiling with deliciously fresh Jersey Mike's subs.

Jersey Mike's catering menu is a complete game changer, pun intended, when it comes to game day celebration traditions. Order through their convenient mobile app, online, or by phone to have your crew's order ready for pickup on the way to the stadium, or even delivered to office or home addresses.

Choose from a wide menu of Jersey Mike's signature cold subs, delicious bagged chips, fresh baked cookies and brownies, and even salads.

Never turn a friendly face away from your team celebration!

Whether you're simply packing up the family for a day at the stadium, or throwing a full on team rally Jersey Mike's has you covered with catering options such as Subs By The Box (serving 10) or subs by the bag. We love the Jersey Mike's Subs By The Box option for it's versatility of mini sub selection that helps your guests grab a refreshing bite in between a Cornhole toss or Flag Football match.

With the option to add on bottled beverages you won't need to stop at the big box store for extras, your entire grub game is on point and ready for kickoff. You can even add a little extra touchdown to a plate of fresh cookies or brownies- just add them to your Jersey Mike's catering order!

Stay Organized!

You don't have to have the fanciest parking spot in the lot to have an amazing game day experience. A simple picnic blanket and a few chairs with a cooler and Jersey Mike's will hit all the essentials. A great game day event only needs to include: Team Spirit, Great People, and Great Food. Make sure your crew is sporting team colors and gear, always welcome a fellow game day fan (yes, regardless of who they are cheering for) and keep those bellies full in between cheers.

Nobody wants to spend the time right before the game scrambling to clean and get packed, so stick to the essentials when planning a successful tailgate;

Team Gear

Cold Weather Clothing

Pop Up Trash Bin/Oversized Trash Bag

Lawn Chairs/Trunk Pillows

Cornhole/Football/Frisbee

Jersey Mike's Catering

These days a giant television is not needed to tune in the the pre-game broadcast; with modern smartphones you can often stream all of your game day media direct to your tailgate!

One thing we do find ourselves in need of as the festivities progress is a little organization in the drinks department. How many times have you been at a party or tailgate with a hundred identical red cups, soda bottles, or cans? I've come up with a simple little project anyone can do in just 10 minutes to keep their Game Day Tailgate organized.

Simply download and print the following Game Day Foam Finger Drink Marker template.

Cut out each pair of color matched foam fingers.

Lay each pair on top of one another (blank backs touching) and place a strip of clear packing tape on each side to effectively 'seal' them.

Cut along the outside, leaving a 2mm border of clear tape edge.

Glue (we use glue dot stickers) each foam hand to a miniature suction cup, OR cut a little half moon notch in the very top and bottom of each hand to reveal a hollow you can slide your straw directly through!

These Game Day Foam Finger Drink markers pop right onto our Jersey Mike's catering bottled beverages, or slide right over our drink cups so we can easily keep track of who's sipping what in all of the hustle and bustle of game day tailgating.

Lastly, have fun!

Tailgating is much more than great food and colorful clothes- you'll want some killer activities for your guests to participate in. Consider planning a tag football scrimmage at the end of the block, some old fashioned drink pong or darts, or even a soda chugging (or Speed Sub Sandwich Eating) contest!

It doesn't have to be fancy, just something that engages those around you and gets the game day spirit going- after all, socializing and having a great time is really what a tailgate is all about!

The Language of Baseball, Timeless Gifting, + Savory Baseberry Dip Recipe

I received a Wendell August product for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. Photos are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: It's the thought that counts.

It seems these days the selling point for gifting is convenience. Easy to ship, easy to package, easy to purchase; which almost always defaults to gift cards and gift certificates. As a little girl I looked forward to birthdays and holidays with true anticipation. Months before celebration dates packages and parcels would begin piling up. We had relatives across the country and most of the fun of receiving gifts was guessing what could possibly be inside these oddly shaped, colorfully wrapped presents. Last Christmas I received 9 envelopes, with 11 gift cards, spread across 4 chains. When did giving a gift become something to cross off a checklist?

Don't get me wrong, the old adage, "It's the thought that counts," is quite true- in the end, it IS the thought that counts- but that is equally true in my argument to bring back real gifting. Of course, it's NOT practical to expect the modern consumer to purchase a unique and individual gift for EVERY person on their seasonal shopping list. However, it should be reasonable to expect one would find time to carve out a few moments of thought for unique and remarkable gifts to those closest to them. If you're shaking your head and telling me I'm crazy, wait first for me to introduce you to Wendell August.

As an American made brand of handcrafted gifts and mementos, Wendell August has been producing timeless gifts and keepsakes since 1923. Their metalworking medium echoes a level of sophistication and everlasting presence rarely found in modern gifting today. Each of their artisan made pieces are hand-stamped by the individual artist and craftsman, making them truly one of a kind. Their products also cover a broad range of themes and categories, from gorgeously intricate home accessories and jewelry, to modern forged mirrors, hand-stamped picture frames, and even beautiful Sterling Silver bookmarks.

Shopping for the sports fans closest to me has always been a challenge. As with anyone who collects or champions a brand, theme, or cause, it's hard to know what someone does or doesn't already have. Then there's the battle of gifting to couples- what is perfect for, say, a Red Sox loving husband may not be so welcomed by the baseball tolerating wife sharing their home. When I saw the Language of Baseball Chip and Dip Set I instantly knew it would make the perfect gift for my father. The hammered aluminum tray is timelessly classy with it's elegant stamping, yet entirely unsuspecting as  piece of sport's enthusiast decor. From afar the platter and serving bowl are an elegant, yet modern, addition to any American home, yet up close, the theme is brilliantly illustrated.

Most sports fans also love to entertain, especially during the given season of their sport. Wendell August has an entire Language of Sports collection specially designed to echo team spirit without the tacky addition of melamine plastics and gaudy colors. Any football, baseball, hockey, or basketball fan would be proud to display their spirit with a beautifully stamped serving tray such as this in their home and office.

Of course, classy sports gear deserves classy food and fare, so I've taken the liberty of whipping up a few simple suggestions to show of your new Language of Sports serving dish. Forgo the wrapping and present your gift to any sports fan with a display of hand dipped chocolate strawberries decorated to look like baseballs, footballs, or basketballs. Not only do these make a wonderful hostess gift, they loo especially gorgeous on these American made forged aluminum platters. Not sure you can pull it off? Thin some melting chocolates with a little coconut oil for a smooth and even dip then draw your stitching on be daubing a row of cookie icing dots in the seam color of your choice. Next, take a toothpick and drag it down the center for a flawless stitched effect.

For the discerning baseball enthusiast, the microwave and oven safe stoneware dip bowl is perfect for our fondue like Savory Baseberry Dip. The combination of fresh baked blueberries, Neufchatel cream cheese and White Cheddar is sure to win over your guests with it's elevated dipping experience. Serve it alongside a plate of olive oil roasted French Bread slices. Trust me- even the blueberry skeptical will enjoy the rich color and savory flavor, this never lasts long in our baseball day lineup!

Gifting timeless gifts that delight recipients doesn't have to be a headache. Wendell August has unique, handmade, home accents, accessories, and more to match just about any personality or recipient. Now it's your turn to dish- Are you a notorious gift card gifter, or a meticulous present picker?

What Daughter Says: Gift gifts of thought, without the headache.

Savory Baseberry Dip

*** Click here for the printable savory Baseberry Dip recipe

Would You Try Flyboarding? How I'd Use The New GoPro HERO+ LCD!

This content has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card. Product images have been provided by the brand- all other images are copyright their cited sources.

Momma Told Me: The only thing you get to take with you are the experiences you collect.

If it sounds like there have been crickets around the blog lately, I apologize for the week off- this past week marks the first week without a blog post, in the history of Momma Told Me. While there are a few things going on within the family I can't quite discuss yet, I, personally, have been driving up the Pacific coast with Sabrina (12) to drop her with her grandmother for the Summer, and visit my own mother here in Oregon. As luck would have it, I seem to have contracted (what we are lovingly calling) the plague and have been fighting a chest cold. Don't fret, I have meticulously documented the adventures from the past week, and there is a plethora of awesome-sauce content coming to Momma Told Me shortly! In fact, to prepare you for the action packed posts, I'm going to whet your appetite with a little preview of a brand new must have tech device for the adventure seeker, the GoPro HERO+ LCD.

Recently launched at Best Buy, the GoPro HERO+ LCD  is an all new way to capture life's most radical moments with absolutely no professional skill required at all. Seriously, if you have been contemplating investing in a GoPro now is the time and this is the model! Just in time for Father's Day, the HERO+ LCD features a vibrant LCD display to recount those captivating captures just moments after they've been shot. Whether you're looking to document a family vacation, or thinking of trying a new hobby, the GoPro HERO+ LCD is the only mobile camera you'll need. With 1080p60 video, 8MP photos, built in WiFi, Bluetooth and a touch display this GoPro is seamlessly intuitive and ready to inspire any owner to achieve new heights.

In fact, I'd like to propose just one activity a brand new GoPro HERO+ LCD would be perfect for- flyboarding. If you saw last nights episode of America's Got Talent (Extreme) you may have caught glimpse of a brand new water sport exhibited by adorable 17 year old Damone Rippy. In a display resembling a water dancing Iron Man, the 2 minute show introduced America to flyboarding, the sport of water jet-packing with 'water rockets' strapped to one's feet. If this seems a little extreme to you, try watching just one YouTube video of a pro flyboarder and not catching the bug to try it yourself. In fact, in less than 30 minutes, most flyboarding newbies can get the hang of 'walking on water' and flying through the air.

If you're not quite ready to drop $5k on your own flyboarding rig, fear not, you can rent the equipment at fairly reasonable rates, or visit one of multiple flyboarding experience day camps located across the country. Flyboarders soar over 45 feet in the air, at maximum propulsion, and one can only imagine the epic GoPro HERO+ shots that have been captured so far! How awesome would it be to book the man in your life for a one hour flyboarding experience and gift them with a brand new GoPro HERO+ LCD this Father's Day?

If you're not quite ready to take to the skies on a walkway made of water jets, the GoPro HERO+ LCD is easy enough for any age to master and perfect for capturing everyday events to action sports. Maybe your son is working on perfecting that back kick for his big soccer tournament, or you just want to snap that once in a lifetime shot of the icebergs on your cruise to Alaska. With the built in WiFi, it's never been easier to capture professional action shots and share them instantly on social media. Now through June 20, 2015, pick up a GoPro HERO+ LCD 32GB Extreme Memory bundle at Best Buy or take advantage of a $50 Best Buy Gift Card when you buy the #GoProBestBuy in Black or Silver GoPro4. What types of activities or events might you use a GoPro HERO+ LCD for this Summer?

What Daughter Says: #1 Dad mugs make great pen holders, but this Father's Day why not gift the ability to capture and share memories?

Blog POP! Little Tikes #MarchMadness Basketball Hoop + Trampoline Giveaway 4/9

***This Blog POP! Events Spring Fling March Madness content was brought to you by Little Tikes. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: If you can't beat the game, make your own rules.

Spring is finally here and that means more sunshine, warmer weather, Spring Break and plenty of sports. In Texas it seems like there have been more gloomy days than not lately and the children seem to be getting a little stir crazy. With all the tablets, smartphones, and video game systems it's not quite as easy to keep children entertained as it was when I was a kid. Momma used to hand me 3 colors of chalk, a broom, and a spray bottle and send me outside with the understanding that I was 'not to return until called for dinner.'

Yes, these days it takes a lot more to get kids motivated and outside. If it's overcast it's 'too cold,' if it's sunny it's 'too bright,' and there never quite seems to be a reason to leave the comfort of the couch and unlimited Disney or Nick programming. But we have a secret, well, several, actually. The first is to get kids together. If you have multiple children, or a strong play group connection, gathering 3 or more kids for an afternoon outside will foster positive competition and even creativity. Sports are a great way to get kids active and engaged, even if they are not typically sports oriented. Simply encourage children to make their own rules and they will instantly become more engaged and invested in that which is going on.

First, get yourselves equipment that can grow with your children or accommodate various ages of participants. Having a basketball hoop like the Adjust 'N Jam from Little Tikes allows solo time dunking at it's shortest for toddlers, family time practicing mid-height, and room to grow up through ages 10-12 with a maximum 6 foot height. While Little Tikes makes several hoops, for all stages of your children's development, we like the Adjust 'N Jam for it's lightweight (just add sand to the base) frame and convenient to store breakaway rim. It also ranges from 4'-6' with 5 simple to adjust height settings.

But brackets, rebounds, and boundaries can quickly bore kids. Let's face it, younger children get frustrated easily when they feel the task at hand is too hard. Playing with friends and siblings will allow for teamwork and growth, especially when you allow children to make up their own rules and boundaries. If you have children of varying heights stress the importance of passing and encourage children not to let the ball get thrown into the hoop until it has been in everyone's hands at least once a turn. This hot potato style allows even the younger kids to feel included even if they don't quite have the dunking or swooshing skills down yet.

Speaking of younger kids- our smallest family member is finally ready to hit the roads in his Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 3-In-1 Mobile Entertainer you may remember from this previous feature, where Nathan was yet to be born! While mom's glad he's not quite zooming around the yard this cutie insists on being a part of the action while his brother and sisters master the art of court negotiation. At some point Sabrina felt it was unfair that her baby brother was left grounded on the sidelines and the kids decided to let him make his first slam dunk- with a little help of course. We're sure the Little Tikes Adjust 'N Jam basketball hoop will get plenty of use by him as he gets older!

Remember how we said children will invest in sports and outdoor activities when given the freedom to make their own rules? Instantly become the coolest parent on the street when you add the Little Tikes 3 Foot Trampoline to your outdoor collection and just see how long it takes for those creative kiddos to begin swooshing their dunks with a little extra bounce. This 55lb capacity toddler trampoline is intended for use indoors with its rubber grip feet and easy grip handle. Your tots can jump safely while holding onto the standing bar without the feat of misdirection in jumping.

I should note that the 3 foot trampoline is designed exclusively for indoor use, and outdoor use it solely at your own discretion- regardless, you should always supervise your child on any form of trampoline regardless of the setting. If bouncing indoors make sure to leave a 3 foot minimum border around the trampoline clear of any furniture and ensure that all surrounding floors are free of clutter or debris. While we have a rule that the trampoline is only to be used while a minimum of one hand is holding the support bar, the excitement of swooping sometimes gets the better of the kiddos so there is always an older sister (or helicopter parent) very close by.

Together the Adjust 'N Jam Basketball Hoop and 3 Foot Trampoline make one winning lineup for Springtime fun. Basketball season is in full swing and there has never been a better time to get you children engaged with sports and outdoor activities. These Little Tikes products are not only designed with children in mind, but ease of use and storage for adults as well. Even with the weighted base the basketball hoop is easily moveable from one end of the yard into the garage, we only wish the handle on the trampoline somehow folded, but understand it's stationery presence is a good safety feature in itself. What will sort of activities will your children be enjoying outdoors this Spring?

What Daughter Says: Help kids stay active with creative solutions and introductory sports equipment from Little Tikes.

One Momma Told Me reader will win an Adjust 'N Jam Basketball Hoop and 3 Foot Trampoline prize bundle from Little Tikes.

Encourage Protection With The Flavored Mouthguard From @MoGoSport #Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Momma Told Me: Safety isn't about fun.

I can't even begin to recollect all of the times I went outside to jump on a scooter or strap on skates and Momma and I had to have our traditional chats about outdoor safety. Because I was Momma's first, and only, child (and because, well, hospital fees are expensive, right?) it seemed like I was destined to be the kid on the block with the most protective padding. Heading into my teens I was forced to wear complete knee and arm pads, along with an oh-so-trendy helmet every time I took to skates. It was humiliating, but the one time I took a serious dive and landed on my elbow, shattering the growing plate, I was thankful the accident hadn't been much worse. Safety isn't about being cool, or fun, but it's always an extra piece of mind for parents when their children actually want to gear up. Few activities illustrate this like contact sports.

Whether your son's entering Pee-Wee football, your daughter's starting soccer, or your hubby just joined a pickup hockey league; protecting one's mouth and jaw seems to be low on the 'cool' spectrum. When it comes to youth, most players complain that mouth-guards are unsightly, uncomfortable and boring. But even a helmet can't protect from the shock of a core blow, or the jerk of an unexpected play. Mouthguards are not just meant to help absorb direct blows to the face, but also keep your tongue and mouth free of uncontrolled reactions during the game. And, let's not forget about preserving all that expensive dental work to keep those pearly whites clean and un-chipped! MoGoSport is all about making mouth protection fun, okay, at least appealing; with their innovative flavored mouthguard technology that imbeds the flavor within the BPA free poly-resin. The flavor is not sprayed on the guard, but built into it, which means a lasting flavor effect through months of use.

The MoGo M1 Flavored Mouthguard comes in two sizes, Child (Ages 11-) and Adult (Ages 12+), and have a special fitting process that involves warming the guard in water then fitting the guard to match the user's jaw. This particular guard model is not designed for wearers with braces, but do not fret, MoGo has a special braces friendly guard! There are also six great flavors to fit every taste; Orange, Mint, Lemon, Fruit Punch, Blue Raspberry, and Bubble Gum. My Adult M1 Mouthguard came in Blue Raspberry, though I was also sent flavor strips to sample the other flavors. I was surprised just how much flavor was released over gradual use, and favored the Bubble Gum, personally, the most. The M1 Mouthguard also has a special flavor section located at the back of the guard meant to trigger salivary glands for safe performance.

The MoGo Performance Series Mouthguard includes an easy quick attach tether for helmets, and is backed by a $10k dental warranty; which is pretty reassuring. As someone looking into joining a Roller Derby team in mid-2014, I'm very glad to have discovered these unique flavored mouth guards that once again make action sports protection just a little cool again. Even after fitting I find my MoGo to be a little snug- and couldn't determine the size based on the package I received, though I was told I was sent an adult. This snugness doesn't detour from the purpose, and the fit, it is simply a little more intense to the guards I am used to. Be sure to follow the fitting instructions provided on the website and pay special attention to fit, making a second fitting attempt if you are not 100% satisfied; however you should never trim your guard. Free Shipping is currently offered on orders of 4 or more and the MoGo is currently stocked primarily online.

What Daughter Says: Experience the flavor of protection with MoGo Flavored Mouthguards.

 One Momma Told Me reader will win a MoGo Flavored Mouthguard in Youth or Adult!