Some food Fun for the 4th of July #foodie #foodporn

~~REPOST  from 2 years ago, but worth sharing again.

What's a 4th of July BBQ with  out some great side dishes---There are TONS of recipes all over the web weeks before and they all look so good. I could be cooking for the whole week but I've decided on a few I know our family will really enjoy! Being the gal who has to put her own spin on almost everything each recipe has a Pam twist =^D

Easy Recipe-- Mini Cheesecakes

If you love cheesecake, are pressed for time or feel like you are a baking-dummy, this recipe is for you. It requires so few ingredients and bakes up in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients:
2 8-ounce packs of cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla or almond extract
12 vanilla wafers
Fresh fruit or topping of your choice

To make:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tins with 12 paper cups and place one vanilla wafer in the bottom of each cup. Blend cream cheese with a hand mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and beat until mixed. Add eggs, one at a time until well incorporated and then vanilla extract. Fill each cup with cheesecake mixture. Bake for 20 minutes and let sit out on a cooling rack in the muffin pan for about 20-30 minutes. Transfer pans in to refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours. Overnight is best.

 My first though was to replace the paper liners with graham cracker crumb crust and top with  Blueberries & Strawberry's  but my daughter's not the biggest fan of  Blueberries, suggested blue mini M's---well WHO doesn't love Strawberries and CHOCOLATE!!!

As a treat while watching fireworks we'll be munching on marshmallows and gummies along with  my inspirational twist on this treat I found on pinterest.


PIN from Cookin" Cowgirl.com

MINE LOOKS LIKE THIS

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July.

Celebrate Stay Out of the Sun Day with #My7thHeaven

Everybody loves a sunny day, but in the height of summer it’s easy to get dehydrated, sunburn or worse. Stay Out Of The Sun Day -July 3rd, is about looking after yourself by taking a day away from the sun. Finding some nice  shaded spot in the yard or staying inside and taking the time to pamper your skin. These great masks  from 7th Heaven will get the job done. You can find these mask at many drugs stores and  Amazon.com

1. Strawberry Souffle Mask smells as sweet as ripe berries and its juicy goodness provides the skin with plenty of hydration and refreshment.   It purifies skin and allows it to breathe, soothes with aloe vera and vanilla, and in short, is a perfect weekly or special occasion treatment.  It comes in a generous single serve pouch for only $2.50, so it’s an indulgence that won’t break the bank.

2. Nose Pore Strips complete “operation flawless skin” with natural hardwood charcoal to absorb excess oil and help clear away blackheads and dead cells.  It also makes pores less visible.  Think of it as “Emergen-c” for skin.  Sells for about  $2.50 for a pack with three strips.

Nothing pairs up better with giving yourself a great facial then a little fizzy drink.

Strawberry Lemonade

Dress up lemonade with this fizzy version featuring fresh
 lemon juice, puréed strawberries and club soda.

Raspberry Lemonade Spritzers

Fresh fruit and mint make this booze-less cocktail taste
delicious -recipe here 

ENJOY!

Was it worth a 13 year wait? #FindingDory #Movie #review

As soon as it was announced that Finding Dory was coming out my kids were like "WE 

MUST GO!!" So as it happened opening week was also the start of Summer vacation. 

SO WE WENT!

~I received no composition for my review. It is 100% my own thoughts and feelings.

To answer the question I posed in the title-was it worth the wait-it mad a BIG SPLASH with 

my kids, so I say SHELL YES!

Movie opens with the cutest baby Dory and her parents working on finding some simple

 things she could wrap a fin around to help with her short term memory loss. Jenny &Charlie

 knew  she would need a few sandy landmarks to swim home toward if ever  the tides 

turned.

Now, as an adult, how we met her in Finding Nemo  Dory finds herself having little flashbacks 

 of memory¬tidbits about being caught up in an undertow as a child, and always following 

the shells, and a place called Moro Bay. And she tells Nemo and Marlin  "My family! They’re out 

there somewhere. I have to find them!"

So before she can lose everything she's suddenly remembered, Dory gently twists her friends fins into joining her on the trip... seems Finding Dory  is  Finding Nemo reborn; all signs point to a cross-ocean trek as led by the blue tang fish instead of the clown-fish. But the action very quickly moves from the deep sea to a marine life rehabilitation center off the northern California coast. A cast of marine life is introduced. I love hearing my kids reactions to the different voices they recognized-- the one that really cracked me up was my son said "MOM Dory's ELLEN!!!!!!!!!!!" 

 The adventure is different to watch then the one  in Finding Nemo- when Finding Nemo was released I was a brand new Mom, I whole hearty could feel Marlins pain of loosing his Son, with Finding Dory not only did she loose her parents--SHE FORGOT THEM!  I couldn't imaging loosing a child and not even knowing if they will remember you.

I think Pixar did Dory justice!!  I didn't want to read other reviews until after we had seen it ourselves. Most are positive and of the negative reviews I read (there were some) I think the writer compared Dory  to much to Finding Nemo. IMHO they are two different movies.  Its a worthy sequel but it does lack the awesome  visiual beauty of the Great Barrier Reef that was featured so exceptionally in Finding Nemo.

 This movie is very entertaining for the littlest viewers (I think the deeper lessons sails over their heads) and for the more mature viewer there is a grand message of dealing with loss, parental nurturing, friendship, dealing with 

handicaps and to use a  quote from the voice of Dory  herself the movie 

teaches us to- "be kind to one another."

Have an AMAZING Day and IGNITE your night at @DarienLake Western New York's #1 Family Fun Destination! #USFG

Having an adventure park that's pretty much in your own back yard can sure make Summer full of entertainment.  Darien Lake's wide variety of attractions has made it "destination fun" since 1964. Our family has been going there for Three Generations.  Buying Season Passes is a wise investment as locals, pays for itself after two visits and there are many benefits. If your not local there are many great lodging deals you should really check out.

There are Thrill Rides these have height restriction anywhere from 48" to 52".  Wet Rides, Family Rides, and Kiddie Rides most of these rides have a height requirement of  at least 36" &  ride with supervising companion.
Although it's so close to home-I haven't been in two years because of some health issues and my Son didn't meet the height requirements for the thrill rides, so usually Hubby and Daughter would make a few trips.
Now this year my Son was finally tall enough  to enjoy more rides and it was time to make it a family excursion  again.

Now this year my Son was finally tall enough  to enjoy more rides and it was time to make it a family excursion again. After entering one of the first things I'd do is get your family a locker!! SO WORTH THE INVESTMENT FOR THE DAY!!!

We still split up on some rides to cover what teen girl likes and 10 year old boy likes. Meeting together for the  ultimate Darien Lake coaster- 5 inversions, a tunnel and a 70-ft. drop, The Viper! Also Darien Lake’s only wooden coaster – Predator. With the tallest wooden roller coaster drop in the state, adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss. As I couldn't get great shots from every where check out this awesome video Darien Lake put out last year.









We then had to make our way to Splashtown Waterpark area to cool down and Hubby and Daughter had to try out Brain Drain & RipCurl Racer, -new for 2016- and my Son and I hit the lazy river and we all joined up again at the wave pool. After cooling down time for dinner. There are campground and picnic areas and you can tailgate in the parking lot as we did. There are also a verity of great food/beverage spots in every zone. You can get everything from deli subs to burgers and all sorts of "fair foods" in-between.

 Few shots from our day of fun

The park itself is OUTSTANDING and through out the summer there are some great concerts in a 20,000-seat performing arts center.  Aside from the concerts, there is plenty of free in-park shows happening daily; great for taking a brake from the Sunshine and NEW for 2016 a nightly Ignite the Night laser extravaganza-start time is 10:10 but we got to the hill about 9:30 and the front was comply full. There are Pyrotechnics and at the top of the hill we could still feel the heat. The fireworks are great, if you have little ones bring ear plugs the 30 minute show can be quite loud!  Here's just a peek at I few shows I got before becoming totally engulfed in the show.

 Located 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y. It's a great stop if your family is planning a trip to Western New York this summer! They are always finding bigger and better ways to have fun!. Visit the website to schedule your visit today!

Focus on your PARTY not the PEST with @ThermaCELL #bugfree #USFG

We have all had parties outside in the Summer nights and placed  many candles around to fight off any pesky visitors. Now there is a flame free option, that comes in many styles. Now your party guest can enjoy a bug free night at your next gathering.

The line of  Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lanterns effectively repel mosquitoes, black flies, and other biting insects by creating a 15 x 15-foot zone of protection for bug-free comfort. Their ambient light and decorative design perfectly adorn your deck or patio. I like that it's so pretty you can place a few around your garden for protection during the day, also with no open fire it can be taken inside a tent too.

Just how great would your deck look with
 a few of these placed around.

Daughter and I like to take in the cool night air watch the stars and sip our Lemonade. As a  USFamilyGuide member we tried out  the Thermacell Patio Shield. We loved it!  The powerful repellent mat & butane cartridge supplied enough coverage for us, we could sit out there for hours.

Buy it online at the website:
Use code "FamilyGuide2016" at checkout on Thermacell.com for 20% off your order of $40 or more! Expires: Dec. 31st, 2016


You can also find the Lanterns at many local stores, Dick's, Wal-Mart, and The Home Depo are a few. 

Cat's Pride Fresh & Light Ultimate Care Campaign + #GiveawayWINNER =) #VeraBradley #ad

Did you know June is National ADOPT-A -CAT MONTH 

by American Humane Association.  So now is the time to find a new cuddly furbaby. You will save them and they will save you.

As a Mama with two purrrrrrfect fur babies I was thrilled to learn about this great  campaign from Cat's Pride.

these two are living the life RIGHT!!!    >ii<

Cat’s Pride is excited to introduce consumers to their newest innovation in cat litter, Fresh & Light Ultimate Care. The lightweight litter trend and continues to innovate with its new product, Cat’s Pride Fresh & Light Ultimate Care lightweight litter. The product is 50% lighter and is formulated with highly absorbent minerals and no fillers, guaranteeing 10 days of odor control, the strongest clumps and low dust and tracking. Cat’s Pride Fresh & Light Ultimate Care offers the ultimate performance at a great value. The product is offered in a 10 pound jug, in both scented and unscented hypoallergenic varieties.

 As part of the launch, Cat’s Pride is partnering with award-winning actress Katherine Heigl, best known for her roles in “Grey’s Anatomy”, “27 Dresses” and “Knocked Up”, as the face and voice of their integrated marketing campaign. In addition, Cat’s Pride is proud to support the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, by donating a portion of every Fresh & Light Ultimate Care purchase to support the Foundation’s animal advocacy work.

“We created the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation to continue to spread Jason’s love of animals,” said Katherine Heigl, CEO, The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation. “We are thrilled to partner with Cat’s Pride in our efforts to truly make a difference for animals.”

Keep up to date with Cat's Pride following on  Facebook & Twitter

WIN THIS!!!

• Vera Bradley Camocat tote in black and white
• Cat Dancer toy
• Cat Collar
• Coupon redeemable for one 10 lb. jug of new Cat's Pride Fresh & Light Ultimate Care Litter
• The estimated value of the giveaway is $75.

ENTER

(mandatory)

Leave me a comment below with your most memorable Pet Moment.

Follow Cat's Pride on FB (link above)

(EXTRA)

Share giveaway on your social sites, once a day and leave link

re-tweet this

heart this instagram photo

Ends 6/12 at 7P.M.

winner will have 48 hours to respond or new name will be chosen. ReviewsSheROTE is NOT responsible for prize shipment it will be sent from

Paramount Public Relations, Inc.

mom2sweeties

Thirst-Quenching Bevs for BBQ Season without the calories Thanks to @CascadeIceWater

Family Parties & BBQ Season is here and in full swing.

Try these delightful drink recipes from Cascade Ice.
 Skip the calories  and keep the flavor with some calorie-free, gluten-free, sodium-free and caffeine-free drink recipes. They will keep every party guest refreshed. 

Your party guest will love these refreshing drinks that can be whipped up in minutes. With all these great Cascade Ice flavors. Cascade Ice is available in over 30 great tasting varieties. Cascade Ice water is a sodium free, caffeine free, gluten free flavored sparkling water with a clean crisp, delicious taste.  Cascade Ice water eliminates all the unnecessary, unhealthy “extras” found in other flavored waters like sugar, sodium, carbs, caffeine and gluten – giving you pure, refreshing taste.

Melon Mixer

Time to buy that delicious watermelon you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Start with 3 oz of Cascade Ice Blueberry Watermelon. Then pour 1 oz of club soda. Add several slices of watermelon and blueberries and stir to release the fresh flavor. 

Pomegranate Icer

Pomegranates pack a punch of vitamins and anti-oxidants and now that they are in season, it’s a great time for this refreshing drink. First pour 4 oz of Cascade Ice Pomegranate Berry and 1oz of Cascade Ice Strawberry Lemonade into a glass with crushed ice. Top if off with fresh pomegranate seeds for the perfect touch and serve!

Coco-Lemonade

A BBQ isn’t complete without some ice-cold lemonade! Try the Coco-Lemonade for a new twist. Start with a chilled glass full of ice and add 3 oz of Cascade Ice Coconut and 4 oz of Cascade Ice Lemonade. Garnish with sliced lemons and a sugar rim. 

With all the great verities you find a  mix to please 

everyone... and you cannot forget to keep the BBQ master

well  hydrated too.

Find more great recipes just like this on  Cascades website.

To take these drinks to another level replace the ice cubes with

 Fruity Ice Cubes!!

Yes, that’s right: fruity ice cubes- lime,  raspberries, strawberry's, watermelon, blueberries... etc.  Most recipes suggested adding cut fruit to regular water, but think how perfect they pair with Cascade Ice Sparkling Water.

Now you are  ready to create the best BBQ cocktails fizzy mixers. Overflowing with fruit, they’ll go perfectly with those juicy steaks and charred veggies.