Save Calories and Money with Houlihan's Low-Calorie Cali-Cali Menu {Giveaway}

Disclaimer: Compensation was provided by Houlihan's via MomTrends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Houlihan's or MomTrends. 

When comes to dining out, I'm the kinda girl that wants to try everything. For me food is an experience so anytime I find a place that allows me to try a few different things without blowing my calorie count for a month or costing me my paycheck, I'm a fan.  And if you have scallops on your menu, well then you already just made my short list! 

A recent trip to Houlihan's not only hit all my requirements for good food and good experience, but when I stumbled upon "I <3 Mondays" special, it was a little like the lottery. After a bad case of the Mondays, I began to smile with the idea of a choice of soup AND a dessert for only $3 with the purchase of my entree. However, the smile wasn't stopping there. 

While I was treating myself to a Monday night dining out experience, I still wanted to try to eat healthy, especially if I was going to have dessert, too! Sliding into the rich wood seats and dark interiors, the weight of the day continued to lift, especially when my waitress greeted me. With Houlihan's new lighter "Going Back to Cali-Cali" menu options (with items less than 590 calories), I had several delicious options including a very apropos X-Rated Moscato Martini with Skyy Infusions Moscato Grape Vodka, premium X-Rated Fusion Liqueur infused with organic blood orange juice, house sour and fresh cranberry juice and at 140 calories I was doing a little dance.

Now on to the rest of the meal. Considering I wasn't the only one dining, I opted for something that we couldn't resist with the Chicken and Avocado Eggrolls (a Houlihan's staff favorite!) Served with sour cream and salsa, they were the perfect bite we needed to keep us steady for our next courses: salads, entrees and a dessert.

Round 2:

Sampling from the salad menu, I couldn't resist the idea of goat cheese, so I selected the White Tuscan Bean Salad.

And who can go wrong with tortilla soup? Houlihan's definitely doesn't with a homemade tortilla recipe full of flavor and fixins.

Next course:

Still looking to be reasonable for a Monday meal, we ordered the Lemon & Herb Grilled Chicken (550 calories) with Tuscan white beans, organic kale-spinach-chard blend, roasted artichokes, tomatoes, herbed broth. It was perfectly tender, flavorful, colorful and packed with all kinds of good stuff. The combination of spinach with the artichokes was just the right pairing for the grilled chicken.

And for our other entree? It was hard to pass up the Georges Bank Scallops, but a long-time hankering for Ahi Tuna was in order with napa cabbage, iceburg and spinach with cashews, banana chips, carrots, scallions, cilantro, crispy wontons, banana-ginger vinaigrette. This was a whole new twist on ahi tuna salad with the unique contrast of tender fish, the sweetness of bananas and the crunch of crispy wontons, carrots and dried banana chips. 

And finally:

There was dessert. 

As part of the lighter fare menu, the Key Lime Mousse layered with crystallized graham cracker crust and whipped cream made that smile of mine even bigger! The key lime flavor was sweet, but not too much to enjoy until the last drop. 

And we may have enjoyed a fried donuts with apple cobbler dip, too! (It was only $3, right?) And with the nutritional facts online you can always check on what you're eating!

WIN
Make sure you come in for the limited time lower calorie fare menu. While you're there, you'll see there's several more reasons you'll be coming back to Houlihan's. And this $50 gift card will give you your first experience on me! 

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About Houlihans
Established in 1972, Houlihan's is a progressive concept that bridges the gap between fine dining and what people have come to expect from casual dining, priding itself on style and quality. Houlihan's offers guests a design-forward atmosphere featuring a curated indie music soundtrack, an eclectic menu designed for modern lifestyles, and an energetic scene. Houlihan's crafts dishes made from scratch with assertive flavors and offers creative, diverse cocktails and wine selections, with many of its locations garnering 'best happy hour' awards from local media outlets. Currently, 83 Houlihan's restaurants operate throughout the country, 52 of which are franchised. Houlihan's is owned by Houlihan's Restaurants, Inc. of Leawood, Kansas, which developed and owns several restaurant concepts comprising of approximately 100 locations coast-to-coast, including Devon Seafood Grill and J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks. For more information, please visit www.houlihans.com or find Houlihan's on Facebook at www.facebook.com/houlihans.

Spring Greening: North Texas Irish Festival, Feb. 28 - Mar 2 {Giveaway}

The largest celebration of culture in Southwest goes to the dogs as its 32nd year showcases all things Irish, including dogs, dancing, dining and more in Dallas's Fair Park for the North Texas Irish Festival.

From "Erin Go Bragh!", a traditional Irish saying meaning "Ireland Forever," to "Erin Go Bark!", the theme of this year's festival, this phrase reflects one of its most-loved traditions as it celebrates the role of the “Celtic canines” in this beloved dog- and family-friendly festival.

A young visitor is taught the ancient sport of archery in the NTIF Celtic Village. Photo: Bud Mallar

Whether your dog is Irish, Celtic, or just a friendly mutt, he or she is welcome to accompany you and your family to enjoy the music, culture, fun and food. New for this year, the festival now has a bigger paw print – er, footprint – with the addition of a pet pavilion in the Grand Place, dedicated to dogs and other friendly pets -- lots to get your tail wagging. Attendees can search for a new pet in the largest gathering of animal rescue groups in North Texas. Last year alone, almost 100 animals found new homes through the festival.

Thank goodness dogs love music, because the heart of this festival, an all-volunteer effort produced by the Southwest Celtic Music Association (SCMA), is a celebration of music that will have you tapping your toes and paws. The North Texas Irish Festival features top Irish musicians, dancers and storytellers from around the world and a variety of cultural presentations on 13 stages at Fair Park. The festival also hosts activities for the kids, an Irish cooking stage, storytelling, arts/crafts and much more for the family.

The “First Texas ‘Ceili” (pronounced “kay-lee” and meaning “gathering” in Gaelic) was held in 1983 at a local Oak Lawn pub and has grown into the largest celebration of Irish culture in the Southwest as the 32nd Annual North Texas Irish Festival, presented by the Southwest Celtic Music Association, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing music and dance scholarships and supporting other major Celtic cultural events in DFW.

NORTH TEXAS IRISH FESTIVAL
Feb. 28 – Mar. 2, 2014
Gates open on Friday evening, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m.
Hours are 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 1; and 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 2.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ntif.org.

• Admission is FREE on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m.; $10 after (50% off coupons online at www.ntif.org).
• Children 11 and under are FREE when accompanied by adult family member.
• Seniors over 65 or current military members (with valid military ID) receive $5 off all gate prices.
• Dogs are allowed in on a short leash with a $1 requested donation to animal rescue groups supported by the festival. Leprechauns (in full ceremonial dress and carrying pot of gold) are FREE.
• A one-day ticket is $20 on Saturday and $15 on Sunday at the gate, while a two-day ticket is $25 and a weekend pass is $30. Discount tickets for all three days will be available at area Tom Thumb stores in February.

Parking is available in and around Fair Park, or attendees can take the DART Green Line (take the Green Line and save some green!) to the front entrance of Fair Park and the North Texas Irish Festival. Detailed directions and parking tips are available at www.ntif.org. The public can call 972-943-4616 or visit www.ntif.org for more information or to volunteer to work at the festival.

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Toast to National Margarita Day with Margarita Recipes You Eat {As seen on Good Morning Texas}

Thanks for watching me on Good Morning Texas! And if you didn't and you just crossed these recipes by chance, then welcome (or welcome back)! 

Margarita Fruit Dip
Inspired by Key Ingredient

Ingredients
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 
1/3 c. frozen (thawed) margarita drink mix (10-ounce can) 
2 Tbsp orange juice 
1 teaspoon grated lime peel 
1/4 cup whipping cream
Strawberries, Pineapples, etc. 
Margarita salt or colored sugar

Instructions
Beat cream cheese, margarita mix, orange juice and lime peel on with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. In another chilled bowl, beat whipping cream with mixer on high speed until stiff. Fold into cream cheese mixture. Cover and refrigerate for one hour. 

Serve with your favorite fruit. Use margarita salt or sugar for rim of bowl. 

 

Margarita Chicken Quesadilla served with Margarita Guacamole
Inspired by recipe from Half-Baked Harvest Ingredients

Margarita Chicken

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders

1/4 cup tequila

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup lime juice

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

2 tablespoons honey

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Jalapeño, minced (remove the seeds for less heat)

zest of 1 lime

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon cumin

Margarita Guacamole

3 avocados, mashed

1/2 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

1/4 fresh cilantro, chopped

1 Jalapeño, seeded and diced 

zest of 1 lime

juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

1-3 tablespoons tequila

salt, to taste

Quesadilla

8 large flour tortillas

1 cup cooked white seasoned with 1 tsp. lime juice, garlic powder and lime peel

8 ounces of Mexican 4-blend shredded cheese 

Cooking spray or olive oil 

Instructions 

To make Margarita Chicken: 

Whisk the tequila, olive oil, lime juice, orange juice and honey in a bowl. Add the garlic, jalapeño, lime zest, cumin, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine.Add chicken to a ziplock bag or baking dish and pour marinade ingredients over top. Marinate (in the fridge) for 2-24 hours, flipping chicken a few times. To cook chicken, grill on medium high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side or until cooked through. Allow to cool five minutes and then chop into bit size pieces or shred with a fork. Keep warm and set aside. 

For Margarita Guacamole: 

Mash the avocados (I left mine pretty chunky, but go as chunky or smooth as you want) in a medium size bowl. Add the tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, lime zest, lime juice, orange juice and tequila. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.

To make Quesadilla:  
Heat skillet over medium heat. Add cooking spray. Place tortilla on grill and cover each with cheese, then evenly distribute the margarita guacamole over top (I saved some of the guacamole for dipping). Then add rice and then chicken. Fold tortilla in half until golden on both sides. 

Cut into fourths and serve with the remaining Margarita Guacamole. And for dessert!

Margarita Cake 

Ingredients

Crust

1-1/2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter, melted

2 tablespoons bottled nonalcoholic margarita mix

Cake

1 pkg.  white cake mix (make as directed except use coconut water in place of tap water)

1 tsp lime zest

1 cup boiling water

1 pkg. (3 oz.) Lime Flavored Gelatin

¼ cup cold water

¼ cup tequila

Frost with whipping cream

Sliced lemons and limes

Instructions

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 13×9-inch pan with shortening and lightly.

In a medium bowl, mix pretzels, sugar, butter, and margarita mix. Spread evenly and press gently into bottom of pan. Place in fridge while you prepare cake batter.

In a large bowl, prepare batter as directed with lime zest and coconut water (optional).  Pour batter over pretzel crust.

Bake cake as directed until light golden brown.

While cake is cooling,  mix boiling water to gelatin mix in small bowl stirring until completely dissolved. Then, stir in tequila and cold water. Pierce cake with wooden skewer or fork all over cake and pour in gelatin. Refrigerate for about two hours.

Cool completely, about 2 hours. Frost with whipped topping and lime slices. 

BONUS TIME!

William Grant & Sons recently launched the first and original ancho chile liqueur, Ancho Reyes, a unique touch to the classic Milagro margarita.  Created by Licorera Ancho Reyes y CIA in Mexico and inspired from a 1920’s-era recipe, the heart of the liqueur is Mexico’s beloved poblano chile, hand-selected one by one based on size, color and humidity, then dried in open air, macerated for six months, and bottled. The resulting taste is pleasantly sweet, followed by chile with mild heat and slight acidity, hints of spices, tamarind, plum, cacao, apple, and almonds, and final subtle notes of fine herbs.

(It's a little bit of sweet and spicy all rolled into one!) 

ANCHORITA

¾ part Ancho Reyes 1½ parts Milagro Silver Tequila 1 part Fresh Lime Juice ½ part Agave Nectar

Using a lime wedge, wet the rim of an old fashioned glass, salt it, and set aside. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake, and double strain over fresh ice into the glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

So I have to ask: Frozen or On the Rocks?

How GameStop Changed My "No Gaming Zone" Rule

Note: I was invited to an event at GameStop to learn about gaming and products. I was given a gift card, but all thoughts here are my own. 

Until about 60 days ago our home was a "No Gaming Zone."

We didn't own a DS, PS, Wii, or any of those things. I really didn't see them as useful or positive for kids or adults alike. 

That was before I stepped into a GameStop at Christmas time to learn a little about gaming. Upon entering, I felt like I was in a whole new world of lingo, battery needs, cords and more. Thankfully I had help with "translation" from a friendly GameStop team member who spent almost an hour helping me learn the basics on personal gaming systems and consoles. Needless to say after my trip, my son was a proud recipient of his own Nintendo 3DS XL - Mario & Luigi Dream Team Bundle.

What was the change of heart? Why did I decide that gaming could be ok?

Let's start with the stats. From the UK Millennium Cohort Study of 11,000 kids tracked over 10 years: 

• Kids who watched 3+ hours of TV, specifically between ages 5-7, had increased behavioral problems
• When video games were introduced to kids as young as 5, there was no effect on the child's attention, behavior, or emotional health
• Many studies suggest that video games help improve hand-eye coordination, memory formation, and can even help dyslexic children to read better
• Basically, games aren't bad for kids!

And another study from the Entertainment Software Association suggests that games are social: 

• 16% play with parents
• 40% play with friends
• 17% play with their spouse or significant other
• 34% play with other family members
• Video games are a family activity
• 40% of parents play video games with their children at least weekly
• Most video games being sold are not inappropriate for kids
• 73% of the 245.6 million video games sold in 2011 were rated Everyone (E), Teen (T) or Everyone 10+ (E10+)
• 91% of games rated by ESRB in 2012 are E, T or E10+

And after an afternoon with GameStop (and a very patient and friendly team member), I learned that it's even possible to afford games with the PowerUp Program. With both a free and paid version, you can reap real benefits. With a Pro membership at $14.99 annually, you score even more points for purchases and get access to exclusive offers, news and events.  You also get special bonus privileges including a welcome coupon that can score you a free game upon completion of online activation. Plus, 10% discounts on all pre-owned game and accessories purchases and 1 year of Game Informer magazine.

And until Feb. 28, there's one more benefit you'll want to ensure you take up on. 

Inspired by the amazing journey portrayed of the new Lightning Returns™: FINAL FANTASY ® XIII (not one of my kid's games) this month’s Epic Reward Giveaway by GameStop will send one lucky winner and a guest on a trip of a lifetime.

The lucky winner and a friend will take a paid trip (food, travel, lodging and spending money
included) to Las Vegas for a dinner and a show. Then they will head to Paris, France to see the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower with a pocket full of spending money to splurge and experience some of the world’s best shopping. It doesn’t stop there. Next stop is Cairo, Egypt to visit the Giza pyramids, the Sphinx Egyptian Museum and the Khan el-Khalil Bazaar. Lastly, they will finish up in Costa Rica by riding ATVs and taking a zip line through the jungles and completing the day by relaxing at a luxurious spa.

PowerUp Rewards members that make transactions at a GameStop store or at www.GameStop.com throughout the month of February will be automatically entered for a chance to win this amazing prize. Eligible transactions include pre-ordering, buying games and accessories or making a trade.

PowerUp Rewards ProTM members automatically receive two entries with each purchase or
trade*. Members can also use their PowerUp Rewards points to get additional entries.

Now that's a "game" worth playing! But remember you've got only until the end of February to enter. 

For more information on becoming a GameStop PowerUp Rewards member, visit www.PowerUpRewards.com and for more information about the GameStop® Epic Reward GiveawayTM, visit www.PowerUpRewards.com/EpicReward.

And remember if you win and you need a plus one, I can make arrangements. 

Ripe for the Picking: 8 Great Natural Products for Winter Beauty

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #WalgreensBeauty #CollectiveBias #Shop

In Texas you never know what Mother Nature is going to deal you especially in the winter time. But one thing is for certain:  your skin and hair is going to suffer some serious stress from the weather. However, with a little help from your neighborhood Walgreens, I've discovered some great natural beauty products that will make your skin feel as fresh as a peach, your hair just like it's "mint" to be and at a price that will make your wallet happy, too!  Shouldn't you give your body the same goodness on the outside as you do the inside? 

1. Yes to Tomatoes Skin Clearing Facial Mask

The winter season puts stress on everything, but especially on your skin. Like the skin of a tomato, our skin is tender and needs gentle care to keep it shiny and clean. Yes to Tomatoes combines Lycopene (the antioxidant found in tomatoes) and  Dead Sea mud (legendary for its amazing benefits to the skin) for the ideal facial cocktail that in just five minutes, 1-2 times a week, CAN balance blotchiness and balance your skin tone. 

2. St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub

In the winter not only does your regular beauty routine need a boost, but you also have to spend a little more time on the details like exfoliating and moisturizing. To get your skin looking its best, you have to scrub away the dry skin as well as trying to maintain the moisture. A classic for many shower routines for decades, St. Ives Blemis Control Apricot Scrub not only gently takes care of getting rid of the old skin, but those embarrassing blemishes with 100% natural exfoliants.  

3.  Renpure Solutions Rosemary Mint Cleansing Conditioner 

A few years ago my hairdresser told me I should quit washing my hair. 

The suggestion caught me off guard especially since I am the owner of some thick, unruly and after-one-day-pretty-poly head of hair. However, he explained that using shampoo actually strips the hair of natural oils needed to protect it during the several weather conditions we experience in the winter. Instead using a cleansing conditioner like Renpure's Rosemary Mint cleanse the hair while keeping in the moisture. And with other natural ingredients like Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, will leave hair soft and healthy with shine and luster. 

4. Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Radiant Vitalizing Body Gel Oil 

While slathering lotion should be part of your routine, applying moisture even before you get out of the shower is an ideal opportunity to get your skin in prime condition. With Vaseline's Body Gel Oil gives you the benefits of an oil without the slippery mess. Your skin is left healthy and glowing and that's before you even get your day going! 

5. Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum

Blueberries may make a delicious muffin, but they also are full of anti-oxidants like Vitamin and Anthocyanins to fight the formation of free radicals that can damage the skin's microstructure. Additionally, with organic cotton thistle, black currant and apple, the Yes to Blueberries Intensive Skin Repair Serum will give your skin the ammo it needs to find the sings of aging leaving your skin firm, protect your skin, diminish fine lines and wrinkles. 

6. Yes to Grapefruit CC Cream

Like blueberries, grapefruits have amazing natural properties to make your skin look newer by brightening  dark age spots and repair hyperpigmentation. Best of all you can find these benefits in a CC cream! If you've never used a CC cream, it's like a 3-in-1 with color correcting properties, moisturizer, and SPF 18. And as an added bonus, the light tint (available in two shades), provides just the right amount of color so you can complete your facial routine in just one step! 

7.  Nivea Lip Butter Vanilla and Macadamia Kiss

Winter does just as much damage on your lips as it does your skin! So don't forget to apply more moisture to your lips! Nivea is an established brand for exceptional skin products and this one is no different! PLUS the smell and slight flavor of the Vanilla and Macadamia Kiss makes it a treat each time you apply! Just remember you're supposed to wear it and not eat it. 

8. Yes to Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes

I've been a long time fan of the Yes to Cucumber Facial Towelettes. When I was pregnant in the middle of the Texas summer these were the only way I could cool off quickly and freshen up without taking three showers a day. Now, these babies continue to be lifesavers when I'm so exhausted I can't do the three step skin care routine, but still need to take my makeup off. And if you do a workout and then have to do errand before you get to shower, they make you feel fresh!  Oh, and traveling is cinch because you don't have to pack your cleanser and eye remover in your carryon!

Have a few other areas that need a little attention? Or looking for the idea travel-sized kit for all your winter skin needs? Don't forget to check out the Burt's Bees corner at Walgreens! They have so many natural options for your skin needs - including a nail and toe sampler that is a must-have any time of the year for the best at-home mani and pedi! 

Walgreens is the perfect place to find exactly what you need this winter season for healthy skin, hair, nails and more! 

What's your best winter beauty tip do you have to share?  

Healthy Winter Skin is In: Free Skin Check at DermOne DFW Now

Normally in Texas we break out the big winter coat 1-2 times a winter season. Sometimes I even look in my coat closet and wonder why we spend as much money on big coats so they can gather dust and take up room. 

This year has not be the case. And with all this covering up and dressing in layers, you tend not to worry about your skin except to get slather up on lotion as we feel our hands crack and peel until around March or April when the warm temps finally do show their face and you begin to show your skin. 

However, now is actually the right time to think about your skin and getting your hide checked for skin cancer. 

To celebrate the opening of five DermOne Dermatology Centers locations in Dallas/Fort Worth, DermOne is providing 500 free skin care checks ($80,000 value) to the community. 

To book a free exam, you can simply call one of the DermOne offices by Feb. 28 and mention "Healthy Skin DFW" to receive a free skin check. 

Skin cancer is a serious issue in North Texas. In fact:

• It’s the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with more than 3.5 million skin cancers diagnosed in more than two million people annually.
• There are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer – combined.
• When left unchecked, skin cancer can be deadly faster than any of us would like to think.

In around 20 minutes, you can take a big step at taking care of your body's biggest organ!

Other services at DermOne include: 

• General dermatology, including treatment of acne, eczema, warts, rashes, moles and much more;
• Skin cancer screenings and surgery;
• Laser technology, such as the Palomar Laser, an innovative fractional laser from the company that invented and patented micro-fractional laser technology, used to treat wrinkles, stretch marks, acne, surgical scars and other skin conditions;
• Cosmetic procedures, including BOTOX®, Juvéderm™ and Restylane® at many locations; and
• In-house pathology lab to ensure quick turn-around of biopsy removal of a sample of living tissue or cells for close examination by a pathologist for signs of disease and other test results.

ARLINGTON
715 North Fielder Road
Arlington, TX 76012
(888) 881-1626

GRAND PRAIRIE
4927 Lake Ridge Pkwy., Suite 170
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
(888) 881-1626

IRVING
2021 N. MacArthur Blvd. Suite 300
Irving, TX 75061

MESQUITE
2856 N. Galloway Ave.
Mesquite, TX 75150
972-289-2233

WAXAHACHIE
1505 West Jefferson St., Suite 170
Waxahachie, TX 75165
(888) 881-1626
972-254-3118

Secrets to Saving Big Money on Kids' Clothes in DFW {Giveaway}

Note: This is a sponsored post. I was compensated for this post in return for my honest opinion. All opinions are 100% my own.

I love to dress up my kids. Before my daughter was born, I bought her a Burberry onesie from Neimans...and I don't even have any Burberry! While it was wonderful to get her something nice to celebrate her coming into this world - I knew there was no one that I was going to be able to keep up dressing either of my children in brand name clothing without winning the lottery OR finding a better solution that didn't involve refinancing my house. 

Thankfully my mama taught me the value of consignment and my friends have taught me where to find the best deals! Just Between Friends is the largest children's and maternity consignment sales event in Texas with 75,000 square feet of gently used children's and maternity items for purchase at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.

See all those clothes in the photos above? 

Those were all treasures from my consignment finds!

If you've been, I'm sure you know the benefit of attending the spring and fall sales to stock up on your kids' wardrobes. If you haven't had a chance, then I'm giving you the best reason to go with a chance to win a $15 gift card certificate! However, if it is your first time, I want to share some of the best tips for the best experience at JBF from some of my favorite bloggers who know all the ins and ours of consignment! 

5 Ways to Get the Best Deals at JBF from Terrell Family Fun

10 Tips for Shopping at Consignment Sales from Real Life Notes

So now that you are ready to save money, now here's your mama challenge: how much merchandise can you purchase with a $15 gift card? Enter my giveaway now and get your chance to see how far $15 can go!

Just Between Friends Forth Worth 
3/1/14 - 3/8/14 (CLOSED 3/3 thru 3/5)
Fort Worth Memorial Center
JBFwebsite

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4 Apps Made to Help You Make Your Kids Safer

Being a parent is a challenge. (Hence, why we are reading mamachallenge.com, right?) 

Especially when they get to that point where they can open up your iPhone or iPad and begin navigating the Internet. And while using technology can be scary, there are a few apps out there designed to help you keep up with your kids, check them out when you are near and even show off their artwork from your phone! 

1. Life360
An accurate and powerful family locater app, Life360 eliminates the need for worrying about the whereabouts of your family. This app keeps millions of families and close friends connected, no matter what chaos life throws your way. With Life360, you can see where your family and friends are on a private map, stay in touch with group and one-on-one messaging, and get help in an emergency.

2. KIDO’Z
A popular app designed to provide a fun and safe environment for kids, KIDO’Z transforms phones, tablets and computers into kid-friendly devices. The best part? Kids playing on the KIDO’Z app can’t accidently or purposely wind up where they shouldn’t be on a device. KIDO’Z brings several layers of unique security, including a child-lock system, ads blocker, and apps filter to ensure that kids can only download suitable applications.

3. ICE: In Case of Emergency
This life-saving app allows parents to store important health data (allergies, emergency contacts, prescriptions, list of health conditions, etc.) for first responders and health staff to use in case of a medical emergency. The app can even be accessed when the phone is locked with a password code.

4. Baby Monitor & Alarm
Loaded with unique features, this easy-to-use app not only alerts parents when there is a noise in a baby’s room, but helps parents calm their child no matter where they are through a mobile device. Loved by parents, Baby Monitor & Alarm has received great reviews from newspapers and online technology websites.

Celebrate World Nutella Day with Easy Nutella Banana Nut Bread {Recipe}

Several years ago I received my first container of Nutella. 

For a while, I was able to resist the thought of a container of the hazelnut gooiness in the pantry. But then I finally dipped in my index finger and went in for a small taste. And then another. And another. 

I found both a friend and a foe that day. I just can't quit you, Nutella. 

And apparently I'm not the only one, especially since now we have a National "holiday" committed to our love of the product. 

Happy World Nutella Day, folks. 

And while you can put Nutella in everything (just take a look at Pinterest), I'm sharing a quick recipe you can make even late at night when you hear Nutella calling your name and you just want a little fix. 

And of course, banana and Nutella taste really, really good together. 

Nutella Banana Nut Bread 

1/2       cup white sugar

1/2       cup brown sugar

2          eggs

3          bananas, mashed ripe bananas

1/3       cup milk

1          cup Nutella

1          teaspoon vanilla

½         teaspoon salt

1/2       cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray 8×4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.

In a bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add banana, milk, and vanilla until combined. Gradually add flour mixture, beating constantly until just blended. Spoon Nutella into a bowl and soften in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Add 1 cup of the banana bread batter to the Nutella and stir until blended. Add half the banana bread batter to the prepared pan. Top with half the Nutella batter. Pour the remaining banana batter into the pan and top with the remaining Nutella. Swirl batters together with a knife. Bake for 50-55 minutes (the bread will seem undercooked). Cool for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.