Why I Write Sponsored Content on my Site

January 20, 2017January 21, 2017 - Mama Leave a comment

You'll sometimes see bloggers write something like "This is sponsored content." But what does that mean, and why do bloggers write sponsored content? Here's what it means for me, and why I choose to write sponsored content on my site.

Every few weeks, I get a message from one of my readers. “Why do you share sponsored content on your blog?” “What does it mean when you say something has been sponsored by a company?” “I’m a new blogger– how do I get a sponsor to sponsor content on my blog?” “Why do you keep showing us these ads?! Can’t I just get the recipe without you trying to sell me something?” Here’s the deal… I have some really specific reasons that I write sponsored content, and I’m going to share those reasons with you right now.

Strawberry + Yogurt Breakfast Muffins

January 19, 2017January 19, 2017 - Mama Leave a comment

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

Mornings can be hard, especially at the fast pace we're expected to live them in. But that doesn't mean you can't get a great breakfast-- these Strawberry Yogurt Muffins are a perfect breakfast on-the-go, giving new meaning to cereal and milk. #SpoonfulsOfGoodness #CerealAnytime [ad]

I was watching a lecture the other day about how getting older changes your perception on the length of a year. When you turn two, one year is literally half of your life, so it seems like it took a long time. At age 5, a year is 1/5th of your life, but when you’re in your late 20s like I am, one year is just 1/28th of your life, and it seems to really fly by. So when we set resolutions for the year, one of two things usually happens: we’re too busy to take them seriously and ditch them by March, or we realize the year flew by and we forgot to really give it a proper go. It got me thinking about the importance of setting smaller goals, perhaps even daily goals. Maybe this year, instead of saying “This year, I’ll accomplish something big,” I’ll start my day off saying “Today, I’m accomplishing this.” That isn’t to say I don’t have long term goals, but sometimes having a good year is as simple as saying “today, I’m going to start my day off right with breakfast before I dive into my extensive to-do list.”

Game Day “Where’s the Bathroom?” Sign + FREE Printable

January 18, 2017January 18, 2017 - Mama 1 Comment

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

No one likes watching the Big Game only to get interrupted by someone asking

You’re right in the middle of the Mega Game. The one you’ve waited all year to see. Or maybe you’re in the middle of the show that falls right smack in the middle of the big game and it’s just… this epic performance. You don’t want to look away for a second. And then you hear it… “Hey, can you tell me where the bathroom is?” I mean, everyone hosting a game day party totally loves their guests, but trust me, that guest does not want to interrupt and ask any more than you want to miss something important by telling them… so today, I’m going to show you how to tackle that game day problem (and help you avoid missing a second of your favorite game!) with a super cute free printable.

Double-Dipped French Toast (IHOP Copycat!)

January 16, 2017January 16, 2017 - Mama Leave a comment

If you LOVE double dipped french toast from IHOP, you'll love this IHOP copycat recipe you can make at home! Their double dipped french toast is seasonal, but you can enjoy this all year round! Just coat your favorite bread in an extra crunchy topping, fry, and serve! Easy-peasy. | IHOP copycat | Breakfast Recipe |

It’s no secret that IHOP is one of our favorite restaurants. The kiddo and I usually end up stopping there after his Autism therapy, or going for a late breakfast once in awhile as a fun treat. We’re such big fans, we even asked for IHOP gift cards for Christmas to fuel our little IHOP addiction. It’s also no secret that I am a huuuuge fan of their double-dipped French toast! I love the extra crunch that it has, the taste that takes it one step higher than regular French toast for me. The only downside? Double Dipped French Toast is seasonal on their menu, and I’ve found myself craving it like nobody’s business. I’ve been determined to make it at home so I can eat it whenever I want, and I think I’ve finally got the recipe down, so I’m going to show you how to make it a big platter (and then tell you how to scale down the recipe if it’s only you eating breakfast).

Mexican Cheese Ball

January 11, 2017January 16, 2017 - Mama Leave a comment

Can't decide between a cheese ball and bean dip at your next tailgating party? Now you don't have to choose-- this Mexican Cheese Ball has cream cheese, refried beans, cheese, tomatoes, and chilis to give you a yummy cheese ball that will be the highlight of your tailgating spread! | game day recipe | super bowl recipe | bean dip recipe | appetizer | cheese ball |

Playoff season is upon us, and honestly, I can make a mean barbecue, but when it comes to appetizers, I’m never really sure what to bring to playoff parties… chips and bean dip? A cheese ball? Maybe both? Well, here’s an option so you don’t have to decide– a Mexican Cheese Ball that combines all of your favorite aspects of a cheese ball with all of your favorite aspects of a bean dip, making one delicious, dippable cheese ball that will be the star of the big game party!

Beefy Macaroni Soup

January 9, 2017January 13, 2017 - Mama Leave a comment

Cold weather calls for comfort food, and this beefy macaroni soup fits the bill! Beef, hearty macaroni noodles, and cheese make this a delightful soup the whole family will love!

Cold weather calls for comfort food, and this beefy macaroni soup fits the bill! For my family, cold weather is always soup weather, and I love a good soup recipe that basically contains the things I already keep in my pantry or freezer– who wants to get out if they don’t have to? Next weekend, we’re staring down a mini ice storm, and we’re prepared for soup weather. Beef, hearty macaroni noodles, and cheese make this a delightful soup the whole family will love, and it’s SO simple to make– you just need one pot!

Cutting Back on Digital Clutter to Free Up Space and Precious Time

January 6, 2017January 22, 2017 - Mama Leave a comment

It’s the season of decluttering. Many of us, I’m sure, have gone to the store to stock up on plastic bins and trash bags and are already starting to get into the swing of Spring Cleaning. I mean, ‘tis the season, right? But here’s the deal. You may be cleaning out your closet and under your bed and in that one junk drawer that you never think about until this one time a year when you’re getting organized. Heck, you may have even bought a new planner and promised to organize your time better. But I can almost guarantee there is one place you didn’t think about decluttering… and it’s right in front of you. It’s your digital life. Now that we live in the world of cloud storage, so many of us have unlimited or large amounts of storage and we don’t think about paring down… but there’s good reason to consider your digital clutter (and there are some good places to start cleaning it up, too).

No, I won’t make my son wear pants.

January 4, 2017January 22, 2017 - Mama Leave a comment

“Well, I thought he was fully dressed until I saw his legs.”

“Isn’t he cold like that?”

“Does he ever wear pants?”

I’ve seen all of the comments. I’ve listened to everything that’s been said. And you know what? No, I’m not making my son, who has clothing sensitivity as a result of autism and sensory processing disorder, wear pants when he’s at home. I’ve got a few reasons.

Cowboy Egg Rolls

January 2, 2017January 1, 2017 - Mama Leave a comment

Black beans, corn, tomatoes, cream cheese... these cowboy egg rolls are so easy to make, and make the perfect appetizer for tailgating parties and for the big game! | Super Bowl Appetizer | Easy Appetizer | Vegetarian Appetizer |

I am a sucker for a good egg roll. Snack, lunch, tailgating party, it doesn’t matter. I really, really love egg rolls. I’m also a big fan of cream cheese and black beans, which is why I just had to make my own twist on egg rolls for this year’s tailgating parties. That’s how cowboy egg rolls came to be… they’re filled with the tastiest ingredients, and they’re oh-so-simple to make.

Ball Drop Cookie Pops

December 28, 2016December 30, 2016 - Mama Leave a comment

These Ball Drop Cookie Pops are perfect for your New Year's Eve celebrations! Just like the sparkling Swarovski of the REAL ball in Times Square, these cake pop-inspired treats are perfect for sharing and serving for the New Year!

I cannot even handle the fact that 2017 is just days away. I’ve already started planning my new year’s resolutions, and I’ve bought a brand new shiny planner, but I’m mostly banking on the idea of going to bed at like… 8pm on New Year’s Eve. Regardless of when I’m going to bed, though, one thing I know for sure is that it’s not the New Year without a ball drop, so I’ve got these Ball Drop Cookie Pops for you! (And they’re done in less time than it even takes to bake a cake for cake pops!)

Mama Plus One

Making Life Easy So You Can Get Back to What Matters Most