#SpreadKleenexCare And Holiday Cheer With The Elfing Tradition- FREE Printable

Momma Told Me: Give without reason.


My favorite thing about the holidays, by far, is the excuse to spread a little goodwill and cheer. Growing up, Momma's mother, my grandmother, was notorious for opening her home to anyone in need. She would also, quite literally give you the watch/necklace/sweater off her back if you so much as complimented them. As she explained to me, many times before her passing, she was an especially blessed lady, with an exceptionally full and fortunate life, and the only thing she then desired was to spread the fortune with others. She volunteered with and fed the local nuns, kept the doors of her personal home open to any wayward employees on holidays (so that no one she knew would ever have to be alone,) and gave without hesitation when asked. She was a pretty freaking awesome lady, if I do say so.

As an adult, I've constantly drawn upon her memory as my own inspiration to give to those in need, and generally give without reason. Helping someone unexpectedly and without question can often be just as valuable as helping those with outstretched hands. That is to say, we should all actively practice 'Paying it forward' outside of the coffee window drive-thru. Even more importantly, for parents, there are always small pairs of eyes watching us, and it's great to share the joy of giving when we can. Traditions such as 'Booing' and 'Elfing' have come around out from such a purpose.

What on Earth is Elfing?

Elfing is the act of playing seasonal 'Dong, Dong, Ditch,' with a positive outcome. Essentially an individual or family would put together a small gift basket to leave on a neighbor's door, anonymously. The 'Elf' (in this case you or your family,) would place a note with the basket of goodies explaining what has happened and asking the recipient to 'pass it on' by spreading more good cheer and acting as an elf themselves. This time of year I've seen 'Elves' deliver everything from a frozen turkey to a 'get better kit' for the seasonal woes. There are no rights or wrongs, really- the only goal is to have fun, and spread smiles.

For our 'Elfing' kit we decided to pick up a small pre-lit coffee table tree, some holiday hand soap, a delicious smelling candle, a pop up tape dispenser (for seasonal wrapping,) some light up 'snowballs,' a few of our favorite K-Cups, homemade cookies, and several packages of Anti-Viral Kleenex. Every home needs extra Kleenex on hand this time of the year, and we always have plenty to share thanks to the convenience of club pickup orders and bulk sizing at Sam's Clubhttps://ooh.li/8083a94. I thought the new Anti-Viral Kleenex were especially thoughtful and important since they will undoubtedly soothe AND protect my recipients throughout the season.

After you've assembled your 'Elfing' gift go ahead and print our FREE printable 'You've Been Elfed' starter kit twice. You'll want one copy to include with your surprises, and another to give your recipient for them to elf with! Or, you can write this post link on the back and send theme here to grab their own printables! I used a hole punch to run some festive ribbon through the door hanger and Elfing announcement as a little extra touch. Make sure that your recipient knows to hang the 'Wev'e Been Elfed' sign on the door so the next Elf knows not to stop there!

The neighbor we chose to elf happens to be friends with us on Facebook, so it was especially rewarding to see their enthusiasm online! Not only were they completely surprised by the gesture but the follow up responses to her post were quite excited and interested in the 'Elfing' process. I, personally, participate in a lot of 'swaps' this time of year because I like to shop for strangers and receive surprises. 'Elfing' is very similar, except you know someone else will receive the kind gesture in return. And that's precisely the good cheer the holidays are made of!

Start your own 'Elfing' tradition in your neighborhood today and pick up all of your seasonal necessities, such as Kleenex at Sam's Club. You'll find great varieties of quality, soft, Kleenex, such as Anti-Viral, Ultra Soft, and seasonal prints/packaging in bulk sizes sure to get you and your family through the holiday season. Now, tell me, how do you give back during the holiday season? Does your family participate in a tradition similar to Elfing?

What Daughter Says:  The holidays are a great reason to give, but life should be lived in the spirit of giving, no matter the season.

The Definition Of Tradition- And Hickory Farms #Giveaway~ 11/30

Momma Told Me: Some traditions are full of flavor.

Tradition. Without it the holidays just wouldn't be the same.

Whether your family follows a strict ritual of gatherings, food, and entertainment, or enjoys a more relaxed and casual season, there's bound to be at least a few things that continue to return year-after-year. For example, every year since 1986 (and you can check their butt tags) our family has brought our a pair of beanbag reindeer in red flannel pajamas. They're small, handheld, plush characters I truly don't know much about, other than that they were added to our family's heirlooms the year I was born.

It may seem like such a small tradition, these little floppy reindeer, but they have been kept in impeccable condition, and they have made an appearance every year regardless of the situation. The year I spent the holidays with my grandparents back East, the year my mother boldly wore a bald head to Thanksgiving dinner just weeks after chemotherapy, the year I returned home after college, the year no other decoration went up or came out- those tiny reindeer sat on our couch a strong reminder of the love and memories we all have shared. It's such a silly thing, really, they do nothing more than sit there, and yet, it wouldn't be the holidays without them. I one day hope they will appear on my children's couch for their children to admire.

Tradition is a funny thing.

At the holidays, it is so often rooted deep in food. A special fruit salad your Great Aunt might make, the cookie recipe you first watched your grandmother make, the tradition of tho gets to carve the turkey. Why? Because food is such an easy way to connect. We come together at holiday celebrations and share life's triumphs, pain, and strangeness (there is a LOT of strangeness in my family, we like to have fun,) over delicious food made with love.

Growing up half of my family was always clear across the country. We tried to celebrate twice, but rarely was everyone all together at once. One way we shared memories and traditions across the miles was through Hickory Farms holiday gifts. Every year, early November the holiday Summer Sausages and seasonal gift boxes would appear in grocery and department store displays. Momma was always sure to grab a Summer Sausage for my father's stocking, and I would help pick out the perfect bundle of delicious Hickory Farms food to send to my grandparents in Massachusetts. Come Christmas morning I'd munch on some of dad's delicious treats; cheese slices on rich buttery crackers, while we listened to our family across the country open their presents in excitement. Grandpa never failed to feign surprise as he opened his Hickory Farms gifts!

The past few years in our family the holidays have been far from traditional, so it has been especially important to keep the traditions, flavors, and symbols of our family's traditions alive and present no matter the circumstance. My cousin is now married, and has begun a family of her own, and my nieces and nephews have moves several states away. I'll admit, sometimes I get a little sad to know that things are changing. However, I am confident in knowing that change can, while scary, can e great. One day soon I will be forging my own family traditions, and I know we will all reunite again as the big family my late grandmother so loved.

This year, for Thanksgiving, I will actually be traveling to spend the holiday with Momma. It will be the first holiday we're shared in a decade. I am, understandably, excited. It will also be my first holiday outside of Southern California in quite some time, and I am told I might even get to see snow- another first much long past a decade overdue! And, while the passing of time, and the reflection of memories might make me feel old, or even melancholy, when I look back at the years I've enjoyed so far, I am most excited about the years that lie ahead.

So, as I pack my suitcase to leave tomorrow I'm tucking a gift box of Hickory Farms favorites carefully into the bottom. Sure, Momma and I may be enjoying our favorites over wine, instead of milk, but the flavors and traditions remain rich and very much alive thanks to a brand that has been in our family since my own parents were children. Hickory Farms gift selection are available Holiday Market locations nationwide and online at HickoryFarms.com. Now, tell me, what are one of the first signs that the holidays have arrived for your family?

What Daughter Says: It's not the food that makes the memories flavorful, it's the people with which you share them.

Disclaimer: Compensation and products for review were provided by Hickory Farms via MomTrends. I received a free sample of the product for the purpose of this review and to facilitate a giveaway.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Hickory Farms. #HickoryTradition

Hickory Farms

The Doctor Will See You Now- Try Urgent Care Teleheath Service at Home With Amwell!

Compensation was provided by Amwell via Momtrends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and not indicative of the opinions of Amwell or Momtrends.

Momma Told Me: Quit your bellyaching. It's just the doctor.


I do not do doctors.

It is absolutely not joke that I experience extreme anxiety, and even physical symptoms that result in discomfort when I am in a medical situation. You didn't know that about me, did you? It's true, and it's commonly referred to as 'White Coat Syndrome.' If you think I'm crazy, and it's all in my head, my blood pressure has not been recorded under 170/90 in a medical office in nearly 10 years. Before you get alarmed and tell me I should go to urgent care right away, I promise my blood pressure is monitored and that is an event triggered occurrence (not an everyday thing!)

There are a lot of reasons why the modern American doesn't want to go to a doctor. While I've been told my particular unease, to it's extremity, boils down to some very traumatic events as a toddler involving my mother and her battle with cancer- you likely experience some of your own anxiety when considering whether or not to see a physician. For example, cost, and even lack of insurance coverage is sure to raise blood pressure and even detour a perfectly rational adult from seeking care.

And then there's the issue of scheduling- who wants to work around trying to sneak into an appointment on a lunch break or in between dropping off and picking up the kids? I know my primary physician often has appointments booked up as far as 3 weeks in advance! That's much too long to sit on seemingly benign symptoms, worrying!

And, let's face it, all of that time spent avoiding seeking professional medical advice often winds us up in....yup, Urgent Care. But what if you could cute most of the stress of Urgent Care, and potentially some of the costs, by choosing to complete your Urgent Care visit online?

Thankfully we live in a wonderfully advanced technological time where 'Telehealth' exists. Telehealth is the practice of using the internet to conference and consult certified physicians from the comfort of your own setting and on a schedule that fits your time. This is precisely why Amwell, the nation's largest Telehealth provider, is about to become your preferred Urgent Care Online provider. That's right, Amwell connects your with Board Certified doctors 24/7 for your Urgent Care needs. You can even save on your first Amwell Urgent Care visit here: https://bit.ly/33ZkleH

It's as simple as downloading the Amwell app from your Apple or iOS application store, creating a quick patient profile, and selecting the available Urgent Care doctor you'd like to consult. When I first logged on, in the middle of the afternoon, there were 9 primary care physicians available for immediate consult. I could easily browse their professional background, specialties, and even a mini profile, before selecting the doctor I felt was the best fit. Next, you'll have the chance to enter any insurance information- though, if you happen to be uninsured, it's only a flat $69 fee for an Urgent Care visit (and remember to Save 25% when you click here). That's half the price of my most recent uninsured Urgent Care visit; and several hours less of a wait!

Once I'd chosen a doctor I was shown a little introductory video, and informed of my place in line. In this case the doctor I'd selected decided my particular patient file was better suited to another Amwell physician, and I was instantly referred to a better fit. The woman who appeared on my screen a few moments later was very well versed in treating insomnia, the topic of my particular visit that day. Thanks to the magic of telehealth technology, we could hear each other, and I could see her. Whether or not I wanted to turn my camera on and become visible was entirely up to me. However, keep in mind that the camera can be a vital diagnosing tool in many cases!

As we entire the height of cold/flu season I practice prevention diligently, but there simply is no way to guarantee one doesn't end up off their feet with cold/flu complications, pneumonia, bronchitis, allergies or more. And, with time, and money, being ever so vital this season- proper preparation should definitely include having a good Urgent Care telehealth option on hand. No more struggling to deal with holiday hours or traffic while feeling your worst, no more watching your child have a mega meltdown in a waiting room. A large variety of common prescribed Urgent Care prescriptions are even available right through your Urgent Care Amwell visit (in 43 of the United States.)

My Amwell Urgent Care call lasted about 10 minutes- we actually got cut off by the system's timer, but the physician was quick to call me on my phone to finish her advice and I received a follow up email with her notes and suggestions. I have to say, it didn't feel like I had just seen a doctor at all, and my blood pressure was in check the whole time! Not only can I feel at ease knowing I no longer have to stress over what I will or will not consult a doctor about in Urgent Care situation, but the doctor will always be ready to see our family, thanks to Amwell. I was on my way to feeling MUCH better and back to choosing a complimentary Ugly Sweater to match Jay. Have you ever sought professional medical advice online or through an application? If not, would you consider it?


If you're ready to try Urgent Care online services click here, or use my unique code Amwell25 for 25% off your first Urgent Care service!

What Daughter Says: Say goodbye to the stress of offices and appointments with Urgent Care online services from Amwell.

Why You Should Extend Your Cruise With An On Land Stay At A Hyatt Hotel- $500 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. #InAHyattWorld

Momma Told Me: Have the trip is getting there!

As you know by now I took my first cruise this past September. I had pretty much anywhere in the world to go (within budget reason, of course,) and I chose Alaska. After 20 something years of blistering Summers and sunny, dry, Winters, one begins to loathe the thought of a tropical destination as a vacation. Most people chose to travel to Alaska as an afterthought, sometime in their 50's or 60's, for me it's been one of only two destinations (the other being Ireland/Scotland/Germany) I've wanted to travel too since childhood.

Of course, like most people traveling to a destination with the intent of vacation, I was primarily focused on what would happen once I finally got there, rather than the time leading up to and after the immediate vacation time. When someone plans to take a cruise, they almost always have to travel to get the the port from which they will sail out of. But most people fly into the port city, and our of the return city without a second thought for either destination. After all, it's where the boat's going, and all of those day excursions you're really paying for, right?

This is the part where I urge you to consider extending your vacation, when cruising, on either (or even both) ends. While I could make the 'decompression' argument for tacking a few days in the return port city onto your trip, I'm most interested in emphasizing the opportunity to explore more than where your cruise-liner is taking you, but where the trip will lead as a whole. Our cruise to Alaska, for example, left Seattle, WA and arrived in Vancouver, B.C. Sure, we went to Alaska while we were aboard the cruise, but we really had the potential to explore and vacate in 3 unique destinations. And who knows when you might have the chance to return to either locations again!

On this particular trip we decided to stay a few extra days in Vancouver B.C. (I did pay a nice fee for my passport, after all!) It was important to me that our 'decompression' period be just as comfortable, accommodating, and stress free as our time aboard the ship. Whenever I travel and stay on land for pleasure I always seek out the nearest Hyatt hotel. Ever since our Philadelphia trip in 2012, where a one week reservation with our host hotel was over-booked on arrival and we were forced to shop open hotels at 2 am, I've been committed to everything the Hyatt chain stands for.

Without getting too much into the story (it's here in the blog archives, I promise,) we took a cab to 3 different hotels, and were all turned away due to overbooking. When we arrived at the Hyatt House Philadelphia/Plymouth Meeting the location was undergoing some renovations but the staff took our story to heart and made sure we not only had 2 luxurious long-term travel accommodations, but they gave us a reservation rate in hopes to help turn our vacation around from it's rocky start. The rooms were complete with a dining and sitting area, fully functional kitchen, and even a complimentary 5 mile shuttle service!

Naturally, when looking at reservations for the Vancouver, B.C. portion of our recent vacation, Hyatt Regency Vancouver was at the top of our list. The four diamond Hyatt Regency Vancouver location is as cosmopolitan and stylish as the surrounding city, with stunning views from every room (including some with great views of the historic Stanley Park, where we shot our infamous peacock photos!) The Hyatt Regency location is also equipped with Hyatt Grand Beds™, an over sized jetted hot tub, outdoor heated pool, babysitting referrals, and green practice initiatives.

None of these photos, contained within this post, or these memories could be without the decision to extend our cruise in the return port city. From traveling on the Sea To Sky Gondola and walking the Squamish B.C. suspension bridge to up close encounters with peacocks and the giant watering can which doubles as a local water park during B.C. Summers, our stay was truly well worth the extra days! In fact, Jay and I have already booked an Alaska cruise for next Summer, and we'll be porting to and from Seattle, so we'll have the perfect chance to explore that beautiful town while staying at the Hyatt House Seattle Downtown. I think we just might kick our vacation off there and fly in several days early!

Are you planning a vacation of any sort between now and the end of the year? You can take advantage of some awesome limited time savings when you book directly through Hyatt.com by November 30, 2015, for stays by January 18, 2015. In fact, Enjoy 20% off stays of 2 nights or more and 25% off stays of 3 nights or more at the following Hyatt Hotel locations! Use The Code: WSALEA! You may also book the “Snow on Sale” package at Hyatt.com and Earn a Free Night Stay at participating mountain resorts in Colorado, Utah, and Nevada! (Offer available through April 7 , 2016 Terms and Conditions apply. See landing page for details.) I am incredibly jealous of these amazing deals and the exclusive coupon savings, but sad we cannot take advantage of them for our Seattle trip next year. Of course we WILL be booking online directly with Hyatt.com where we can enjoy a Best Rate Guarantee for bookings made at Hyatt.com, free Wifi at all Hyatt Hotels, fantastic locations, family friendly programs and rooms, and more! When you travel, do you like to spend time in host cities exploring?

What Daughter Says:  Extend vacations with a stay in host and port cities featuring Hyatt hotels and resorts.

Now for some exciting news, we have a very special giveaway for you! One very lucky entrant will win a $500 Hyatt Digital Gift Card to stay at the Hyatt location of their choice!

D.I.Y. Silhouette Pet Treat Jar Tutorial With #NaturalBalance

This post is sponsored by #NaturalBalance, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Natural Balance® Treats, but Momma Told Me only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance® is not responsible for the content of this article.

Momma Told Me: Don't spoil the kids!

Half the fun of having kids pets is getting to spoil them rotten. It's no secret that Truffles, the tuxedo cat, and Nora, the morkie, are pampered with the most trendy and fashionable toys (and clothes) as well as the very best treats. When we first became pet parents, we weren't too discerning. We'd feed Truffles anything with a flashy package and catchy jingle. After all, the cats in the commercials seemed to love them just fine! Today we still sneak some of those treats in when it comes to Truffles- consider it her 'triple scoop fudge covered sundae before bed on a school night.' Most of the time, however, we're checking labels and making sure that the kids have a well rounded diet, even when  scarfing biscuits and chews.

In our house we're a big fan of Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance® Treat line, which features a wide variety of soft, crunchy, and chewy treats for both cats and dogs. And, while we're crazy about the premium quality proteins, lack of artificial colors and preserves, and even grain free options- it's the sheer variety of healthy treats and nutritious rewards that keep up stocking the treat jars with favorites like Semi-Moist Belly Bites and Duck Formula Mini-Rewards. In fact, we keep so many different treats on hand that we have at least half a dozen treat jars displayed throughout the house! And, like any decor savvy pet parent, each and every one says something about the pet they're intended for.

So, without any further ado, I'm excited to share with you a simple tutorial for D.I.Y. Silhouette Pet Treat Jars we recently made to house Nora's favorite Natural Balance® treats. First, begin by picking an image or two that shows a strong profile of your dog's full figure and/or face. Try to find an image that doesn't have a lot of busy background. Images with backgrounds that contrast well from your dog's natural coat will also be easier to modify for the purposes of this project.

Next, open your images in a photo editing program, such as the free Pixlr.com online editing application. Anything with a basic eraser function will do, as it's likely you will be lucky enough to have a photo of your pet on a solid background (in which case you could magic select and cut the background instantly!) Carefully trace a border around your pet's profile with the eraser.

Once outlined use the Eraser to remove all of the photo's contents, except your dog. Take this time to enhance any features of your dog which might help define their character or breed. Nora was a little shaggy in one of our photos so I rounded out her face and tail a little bit.

Next, go into your photo editor's 'Brightness/Contrast' function and adjust the contrast all the way to the left (negative,) and the Brightness all the way to the right (positive.) This will give you a solid 'silhouette' of your pet. Print the images out and use the scan/copy feature on your printer to adjust them to the appropriate size for your treat jars. Keep in mind, when choosing jars, that jars with a more flat face/surface will be easier for this project, while rounded surfaces will prove a bit more tricky.

Gather all of your supplies to being the treat jar decorating process. You will need Clear/Transparent Magic Cover (transfer) paper- you will find this at the craft store near the drafting supplies. You will also need an Exacto style straight edge, a safe cutting surface, spray paint in the colors of your choice, and a face mask (to wear while spray painting to protect against fumes.) I also like to spray paint IN old boxes so I don't have to worry about misting or laying down papers.

Prepare your treat jars for painting by ensuring that they are clean and dray. Next, take your transfer paper and set it over the printed silhouettes. Trace the outline of your pet's silhouette onto the paper, then use the razor to cut the silhouette out. If you are placing the transfer onto a rounded treat jar you will want to cut a few crease lines into the joints and edges of your stencil. Then, peel the backing off the paper and you should have a clear sticker of your pet's silhouette. Firmly press the sticker down onto your treat jar in the desired place, taking time to run any bubbles to the edge, and score any creases.

In a well ventilated, and surface protected, area spray the entire jar with a coat of spray paint. Do not spray heavy or too close or you will get streaks and drips. This part takes patience, especially if you are painting a glass or enamel surface. For our jars I put on 5 coats of color, and 2 coats of clear glaze. Allow the jar to dry a minimum of 30 minutes between coats. Once you are happy with the color, and the jar is dry, carefully peel off the silhouette stencil. Pay attention to any areas where the paint may have gone one thick and cause peeling- go slow. Once the stencil is off, apply a few coats of clear enamel to the entire jar. This will help prevent peeling at the edges of your silhouette in the future.

As you can see, I decided to give our jars a matching ombre paint job by taking the opposing color and misting a light coat of spray paint across the top and lids. These D.I.Y. Silhouette Treat Jars match Nora's nook and bed cabinet perfectly! The whole project (both jars total) cost us under $20- and I consider that a deal since I can make many many more treat jars with the leftover paint and supplies- These will be great for holiday gifts chocked full of Natural Balance® treats!

Not only do these pink treat jars have a lot of flair and personality, but I love being able to see the fun and healthy treats inside! We're just lucky niether of the pets have figured out how to open them on their own yet! You may think this looks like a lot of treats for one tiny 4.5lb Morkie, but Nora is a very hyper active dog, and she also loves to share with her cousins when they visit. We'll be stocking up on Natural Balance® treats in no time- and definitely in time for the holidays! For more great treat time ideas, and fun pet content, check out Natural Balance on Facebook! Now, tell me, where do you store your pets treats?

What Daughter Says: I feel better about treating the fur-kids when it's with high quality nutritious rewards.