DIY Popcorn Shakin’ Cups – Mess Free Mix-ins – Pop Secret Popcorn

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Enjoy family movie night with Pop Secret popcorn and this genius container hack for serving up the snack!

The end of summer is especially bittersweet this year, not just because our leisure time is coming to an end (well, the kiddos’ respite anyway), but my oldest is heading off to college. Yup, that’s right – this mama bear is letting go of a cub and even with my stoic sensibilities, I’m getting a little choked up just typing out the words. With the Big Boy literally leaving the den in 10 days, our family movie nights seem even more special this summer.

Add your favorite ingredients to customize Pop Secret Popcorn flavors.

Movie night is a great excuse to hang out together (an increasing rarity in the teenage years), have some laughs, engage in some invaluable pre and post movie discussions – and, naturally, share some yummy Pop Secret popcorn and sensible snacks together!

Popcorn with Chocolate Chips and Almonds makes a healthy salty-sweet snack!

Now, over these last 18 years of watching movies with my kids, I’ve learned a several things. First, my lone female vote in a house with four male people means I don’t have a say in what we watch – we’ve made the natural boy progression from non-princess Disney productions to action and shoot-em-up flicks. Not a lot of romantic comedies and historical fiction in the DVR queue – of all the guy movies we watch, I like the superhero stuff best – that’s why I’m pretty pumped to have just watched the 2005 version of “Fantastic Four” in preparations for the reboot coming to theaters. By the way, if you Buy any 3 Pop-Secret items between 7/31 – 8/31 and get a Free ticket to the Fantastic Four movie (up to $5) while supplies last

Make these DIY Popcorn Shakin' Cups for your next party or family movie night.

The second important thing I’ve learned is that no matter the age, boys are just messy – and this includes my husband to a degree. Sharing one big bowl of popcorn means crushed kernels left all over the floor and greasy finger being wiped off on the couch. Hello, napkin? And, of course there will always be a bit of sibling squabbling over who gets to hold the bowl, who’s hogging all the food and exactly what toppings are put on the popcorn. To resolve these irritating movie-time issues, I came up with this a great popcorn-eating hack that will rock your socks off – Popcorn Shakin’ Cups!

These Popcorn Shakin’ Cups allow 1) everyone to have their own portion of popcorn, 2) customizable “mix ins” to be added and neatly shaken up to combine, and 3) the popcorn to be eaten straight from the lid opening to mouth (meaning no messy fingers)! Yes, I know – GENIUS!

Putting popcorn and custom mix-in ingredients into cups with domed lids is an easy and mess-free way to make and eat!

It’s easy to put together your own Popcorn Shakin’ Cups -purchase tall, clear plastic cups (mine are 20-ounce but I’ve seen them larger) and domed lids (usually found at an industry or party warehouse or sweet talk your convenience store for some shake/slurpee lids). Next fill with popcorn and your favorite mix-ins – I did almonds and chocolate chips, but Parmesan cheese and garlic salt, or cinnamon sugar and pecans are other yummy popcorn ideas. Add a cute label if you like –and that’s it! Eat, enjoy and toss – no clean up! Great for a party!Popcorn is perfect for family movie night -- you'll love these DIY popcorn cups.

I picked up my mom-of-teenage-boys-sized haul of Pop Secret at Walmart – I got the Sea Salt flavor for movie night plus an extra box of the Pop Secret 100 Calorie Pop 94% Fat Free Kettle Corn for me to keep on hand for sensible snacking in the afternoon. Also, note to self – perhaps I should buy Pop Secret popcorn flavors by the cart full because a variety of boxes would be great to slip into oldest son’s college care packages since he has a dorm microwave.

DIY mess-free Popcorn Shakin’ Cups for family movie night – genius! @popsecret #pmedia #pop4Fantastic4 #ad

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Have you seen any good movies this summer? What is your favorite popcorn flavor or mix-in?

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Pop Secret, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #pop4Fantastic4 http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Tasty Turmeric Recipes That May Ease Inflammation

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Turmeric adds flavor, color and a host of health benefits to your recipes.Turmeric has thousands of scientific studies supporting its health benefits – it’s a remarkable rhizome! Whether used raw like ginger or in dried, ground form, this beautifully orange-yellow spice has been prized for thousands of years for the anti-inflammatory benefits that come from the chemical compound curcumin. Not only does the curcumin in turmeric help reduce inflammation and thereby lessen tendonitis, joint and muscle pain, and arthritis aches, the powerful antioxidants have been shown to regulate blood sugar and lessen the risk for certain cancers.

Check out 10 Turmeric Spiced Foods That May Reduce Inflammation

by The Fit Fork at Mode

Turmeric is a healthy way to add color and flavor to your recipes. The warm and faintly citrusy flavor is delicious and enhances both savory and sweet tastes.  I hope you enjoy the collection of turmeric recipes I curated for Mode.com.

Turmeric Honey Almond MilkDon’t miss the Turmeric Honey Almond Milk I posted about earlier in the year – a little “shot” of this beverages can be taken either hot or cold before bed to help ease the aches and pains of the day – and help you get a better night sleep.  Almond milk and turmeric also help with indigestion and reflux, making this a great nightcap if you suffer with these problems.

 

Are you a fan of turmeric?  What is your favorite way to use the spice? Please share in the comments! XOXO-Jennifer

 

Taste of Turmeric! Recipes to reduce inflammation and improve health @modestories #sponsored

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This post is sponsored by Mode Media.

Healthy Protein Challenge Snack – Plenti Greek Yogurt

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Plenti Greel Yogurt by Yoplait has 12 grams of protein and makes a satisfying, healthy snack.I know you are all are as busy as me  — sometimes I get so sidetracked with my workouts, kids and errands that I’ve forgotten to eat a meal or nourishing snack (my new favorite Plenti Greek Yogurt, more about that below)– that’s not a good thing and honestly, not even a good way to lose weight (if that is your goal). Whether you are trying to drop a few pounds, maintain weight, or fuel up with extra calories to support a training schedule full of strength-training, yoga, and endurance sports, it’ best eat three balanced meals a day and protein-rich snacks between, if needed.

Bridge Pose

Plenti Greek Yogurt helps fuel my busy, active life that includes yoga, running and CrossFit.

I am a huge Greek yogurt fan – I eat it daily for breakfast and a bedtime snack! Recently, I discovered a new variety called Plentí Yogurt made by Yoplait, a brand I’ve trusted and served to my family for years! What makes Plenti unique and alluringly convenient in my eyes is that it comes pre-packed with loads of the “good stuff” including strained Greek yogurt, fruit, whole grain oats, flax and seeds – all the stuff I love to stir into my plain Greek yogurt but am often too tired or too low on pantry and fridge food to do so!  It comes in eight yummy flavors; you’ll never get bored — Black Cherry, Blueberry, Coconut, Peach, Raspberry, Spiced Apple, Strawberry and Vanilla.

Plenti Greek Yogurt by Yoplait is packed with wholesome goodness and makes a satisfying breakfast, snack or healthy dessert.

Whew, what a relief to know that I can just grab one of the eight Plenti Greek yogurt healthy flavors “as-is” from the fridge for a quick breakfast, post-workout snack or healthy dessert. Because Plenti has 12 grams of protein per serving, it makes a tasty and satisfying snack that boosts my energy so that I can conquer even the most “plentiful” day. I’ve talked lots about the benefits of eating protein and the Protein Challenge on my blog and with television and radio media, and Plenti fits right in.

Protein-Packed Snacks

Add Greek Yogurt to this list! Serving of Plenti Yogurt has 12 grams protein.

I aim to make protein 30 percent of my daily calorie intake, taking in about 25 to 30 grams of protein at each of my three meals and supplementing with two healthy snacks with about 10 to 15 grams of protein each. A growing body of research is suggesting that spreading protein consumption throughout the day (starting with breakfast) can improve cardiovascular health, better address muscle maintenance and growth, and help maintain weight by keeping away those “hangries” that happen when your blood sugar drops and energy level tanks (from eating too many carb-heavy foods).

Plenti Greek YogurtI really encourage you to check out Plenti Greek Yogurt for yourself and also their new, fun Instagram site– this product features a 1:1 protein to sugar ratio (12 grams of each) – now just because I like a higher protein diet doesn’t mean I shun healthy carbs and a small amount of sugar – I need it to provide quick energy for my runs!  Look for Plenti in the dairy section of your market – you’ll smile putting it into your cart knowing that it’s made with lots of wholesome ingredient that will do your body good – it’s also a gluten-free food and also has no gelatin, if these are concerns for you.

Plenti is a perfect on-the-go snack that helps curb hunger https://ooh.li/0dc2bcd #sponsored #LandofPlenti

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What flavor sounds the most delicious to you – Black Cherry, Blueberry, Coconut, Peach, Raspberry, Spiced Apple, Strawberry or Vanilla? Please share in the comments below and also share the most “fun” fitness thing you’ve done this week! XOXO – Jennifer

 

Pre Season Tips for Student Athletes #HealthyStart

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taking kids to the gym

I’ve always kept my boys ready for fall season sports by taking them to the gym during the summer.

School is starting in a few weeks and, in addition to academics, my family with three teen boys is gearing up for a jam-packed fall season of sports. For the last several years, my husband and I have been switching gym memberships in the summer to one that will allow children over 10 to come in and workout alongside their parents.  This has offered us a chance to keep everyone in decent shape during the hot, hot summers here where, out of necessity, spend too much time indoors in the air-conditioning reading and playing video games.

Remember to have children hydrate properly for sports played in hot weather.It’s not a good idea to let your child go from reduced activity in the summer to hard-core training in the late summer sun once school starts. While bodies do benefit from a little extra rest in the off-season, athletes who ignore working out in the summer will not only be huffing and puffing during sprints but are putting their bodies at risk for muscles strains, tendonitis and heat exhaustion or worse.  Experts say that most sports injuries that happen in the early weeks of a sports season are from a lack of pre-season training.

Here are some Pre Season Sports Tips I’ve put together to make sure that your student athlete (middle school, high school and college) is taking measures to have a safe and successful season.

Follow these pre season tips for student athletes to ensure a safe and successful sports career.

In addition to pre-season training, it’s also important to ensure your student athlete has been given a clean bill of health before stepping onto the playing field  — in fact, most school-sponsored teams and league sports required that parents bring in signed paperwork as proof that their child has had a recent physical. Even if your child’s sports organization doesn’t require a check-up, it’s still a good idea to be seen by a medical professional before the season start to review immunization records, discuss any health and safety concerns, and be proactive about any unexpected problems.

Stepping up to the start line at a fall cross country meet takes months of pre-season training.

On your mark, get set, go! Get ready for fall season sports with pre-season training and a physical.

MinuteClinic at CVS Pharmacy is a convenient way to take care of kids’ sports physicals without the hassle and wait time of trying to make a last-minute appointment with a pediatrician. No appointment is needed to see a medical professional – the young athlete is in and out quickly, seen by a qualified medical professional, and supplied with everything needed to ensure practice starts on day one (trust me, it’s so embarrassing to sit on the bench for the first week of school while mom gets the paperwork thing sorted out).

MinuteClinic can also get students current on their vaccines and immunizations. I figured my oldest son who is 18 years old and heading off to college later this month was long done with vaccinations – but I found out that most colleges now require meningitis and pertussis (whooping cough) shots before the first day of class.  Click on the links to find out your state’s requirements for meningitis and pertussis immunizations.

MinuteClinic is offering $10 off a sports physical from now until 9/7/15 and a FREE Johnson & Johnson coupon book with $29 worth of savings! Check the store locator to find the nearest MinuteClinic in your area.

Pre Season Sports Tips for Student Athletes @MinuteClinic #HealthyStart #Ad

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What sports do your kids play . .. or what were your athletic endeavors as a child?  I was on the gymnastics team until 10th grade! Please share in the comments below – XOXO Jennifer 

I have received promotional consideration from MinuteClinic and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. All opinions are my own.

4 No-Cook Jicama Wraps for Dog Days of Summer

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These No-Cook Jicama Wrap ideas are the perfect meal solution for the dog days of summer.

I have a jicama wrap for you . . . and a jicama wrap for you . . . and a jicama wrap for you (I’m pointing to all of y’all)!  I’ve been having this love affair with jicama for a while now, you’ve probably seen some of the posts here and on Instagram– this is one of my favorite, Three No-Cook Jicama Recipes for Summer. I now have a new addition to the no-cook meal solutions — Four No-Cook Jicama Wraps!  It’s the perfect solution for the dog days of summer — and speaking of the “dog days,” check out my Lucy helping me with yoga!

I revisited this jicama obsession when I noticed that my grocery store started stocking jicama “tortillas” in their produce department. They are made in-house and sold in the convenience prepped veggie section – I did a little jump for joy when I first spotted them sitting there waiting for me. I’ve drooled over all the jicama “taco” recipes on Pinterest, but I’ve never been able to slice my jicama that thin (cause I’m not losing a finger on the mandolin)! Yay, now I have people that do that for me!

I originally made this collection of jicama tacos (or wraps or rollups – what does one call them?) to showcase the OPA by Litehouse™ Greek Yogurt Dressings.  I love those dressings, they taste so rich and indulgent but they have fewer calories than traditional dressings . . . and more protein, too!

Some of the perks of these jicama rollups – the are Paleo friendly depending exactly what you put on top; they are crispy, crunch and low calorie; and, whoot-whoot – there is no heating up the kitchen with the oven.

Fig, Blue Cheese and Arugula Jicama Wraps

Sliced Black Mission Figs + Arugula + Artisan Reserve Blue Cheese + Balsamic Syrup + OPA by Litehouse™ Blue Cheese Dressing

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Bean and Mango Relish Jicama Wrap makes a sweet and spicy vegetarian meal -- no cooking!Black Beans+ Mango Pico de Gallo + Cilantro + OPA by Litehouse™ Jalapeno Ranch Dressing

 

 

 

 

 

Carrot, Pea and Radish Jicama is so much tastier than bunny food! Matchstick Carrots+ Thawed Frozen Peas + Radish Slice +Fresh Dill + OPA by Litehouse™ Feta Dill Dressing

 

 

 

 

 

Quinoa, Tomato and Ranch Jicama Wrap makes a quick and easy summer lunch -- no cooking!Quinoa + Tomato Slices + Flat Parsley + OPA by Litehouse™ Ranch Dressing

Full disclosure on this one — the quinoa is cooked, obviously. It was leftover — use any leftover grain that you have like brown rice, wheat berry, couscous and so on!

 

Don’t forget to check out my past round-up of Three No-Cook Jicama Recipes for Summer.

Jicama is a root vegetable that tastes a bit like a mild apple. It doesn't oxidize when cut -- the perfect crunchy ingredient for salads and summer no-cook recipes.

4 No-Cook Jicama Wraps for Dog Days of Summer #CLblogger #LivingLitehouse

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Are you a fan of jicama? What is your favorite no-cook recipe for the dog days of summer? Please share in the comments below!