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Protein On-the-Go

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

Like most families we are always on-the-go. Last September we made a lifestyle change and started working out together vs. going our separate ways. It has been fun working out together, encouraging one another and making fun when we simply have nothing left. I seem to burn out a little quicker on some days because I struggle with getting enough protein in my diet. I was recently introduced to EAS® 100% Whey Single Serving Packets. They are perfect because I keep them in my center console on days when I can’t run right home after a workout. I simply keep a blender bottle and water in my car and mix right after the gym. We don’t have a lot of time as our workout is right in between dropping the kids off at school and then by the time we finish our workout we are running to pick-up our youngest at preschool. The ease of EAS® Protein Powder makes our already healthy lifestyle easier to stay on track.

Working out with my hubby has been the best thing we have done together. We might not always get our date nights but having our time in the gym together has been amazing for us. Making sure you give yourself the proper protein is essential to build lean muscle and maintain total body health! Make it convenient and easier on yourself and try EAS® Protein Supplements!

You can purchase EAS® Protein Supplements at Target in the pharmacy section. Right now there is an awesome Cartwheel offer that’s live from 8/23/15-10/31/15.

Be sure to check out more fun ways to incorporate protein here. I’d love to hear your favorite!

Banana Bread French Toast with #QuakerRealMedleys

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

Three of the four members of my family are not morning people. The kids and I like to sleep in and usually that leaves us in a scramble when trying to leave the house. With Payton beginning Kindergarten in just a few weeks we have been working on waking up earlier and eating a wholesome meal before we rush out the door. I have been experimenting with fun breakfast ideas that can either be made beforehand or can come together relatively quickly. Recently I was shopping in the cold cereal aisle at Walmart and noticed the new Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups, it’s a delicious blend of yogurt and multigrain granola with real fruit and crunchy nuts. A new recipe sparked and I thought that I could make a simple breakfast into something amazing by adding the Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups with Strawberry Almond.

Like I said, my husband is a morning person and he also bakes amazing banana bread. He had just made a fresh loaf the night before so I decided to make french toast out of the bread and top it off with the Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups and fresh fruit. This is the first shelf-stable convergence of granola, fruit and yogurt – all in a single serve cup! Plus, it only takes two minutes to activate with cold milk.

Just add cold milk, stir, and eat! It’s that easy! You can eat this alone, add as a side dish or add on top of your favorite breakfast. It is satisfying with 25 grams of whole grains and 10 grams of protein with 1/2 cup of cold Skim Milk! Are you curious to try this new product? Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups demos are coming to a Walmart near you from August 13th to the 16th. Just in time to add to the new school year breakfast line-up.

Crunchy. Cool. Yum. Quaker Real Medleys comes in 3 delicious flavors:

Apple Cinnamon

Raspberry Pecan

Strawberry Almond

Download the Blippar app from your Apple or Android store to scan your package and receive information tutorials on Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups.

Banana Bread French Toast with #QuakerRealMedleys

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

20 mins

Author: Melissa

Recipe type: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Serves: 3 servings

Ingredients

Your favorite banana bread recipe
3 eggs
½ cup milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1 TB butter
1 Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups - Strawberry Almond
Strawberries
Bananas
Blueberries

Instructions

Slice banana bread into ½" slices
In a pie dish, mix together eggs, milk and cinnamon.
Butter a griddle pan.
Dip slices of banana bread into egg wash. Make sure not to soak bread too long because it will fall apart.
Place soaked bread on hot griddle. Cook on both sides until golden brown.
Prepare Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups as directed.
Spoon Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt on top of bread.
Top with fresh fruit & enjoy.

Be sure to check out more delicious recipes with Quaker Real Medleys Yogurt Cups at QuakerRealMedleys.com. I’d love to hear your favorite!

And don’t forget to connect with Quaker on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.

Nude Summer Make-Up Trend with #RimmelRealBeauty #CBias #shop

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client. All opinions are 100% my own. #cbias #socialfabric

With Summer literally right around the corner I have found myself searching for simple and easy looks while taking the kids to play dates and for last minute brunch dates with girlfriends. My style is always simple, I am happy in jeans and a t-shirt but no matter what I am wearing my make-up is always done. Summer trends are calling for fresh, nude, dewey looks. I have to admit I am a make-up hoarder, but when trying out a new trend I like to be wise about what I am spending so while shopping at Walmart I perused the cosmetic aisles. I typically do not purchase cosmetics from Walmart, but I wanted to create this new look on a budget and with affordability of the Rimmel London line I was able to pick-up an entire new Summer look for less than $30!

When creating this new on-trend look I kept it simple:

1. Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Black

2. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in Rosetto

3. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Buff Beige

4. Rimmel Natural Bronzer

5. Glam’ Eyes Quad Eyeshadow in Sun Safari

6. Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in Seduce Me

Before adding make-up to my face I always prep with moisturizer. I have a lot of sun damage to my face especially on my forehead so I always add a concealer and then I apply liquid foundation with SPF to my entire face. I wanted to try the pressed powder because I’ve never really used a powder. I loved how light this powder was and it added a subtle lightness to my skin.

I next added bronzer to my cheekbones, forehead, nose and jawline. This is a staple in my make-up routine. Bronzer adds that sun-kissed glow and it’s a necessity when trying to achieve this look. I have to tell you that I was pleasantly surprised with this bronzer. It is lighter than the ones I already own and it has become a favorite. It’s light and adds the perfect amount of glow my skin needs. Everyone, and I mean everyone, needs a bronzer in their cosmetic bag, it’s not just for Summer ladies!

I next applied the eyeshadow. I love this sun safari quad combo, it’s perfect for my blue eyes and it gives the perfect shimmer. The neat thing about this product is that on the back it shows you how to apply it and with what complimentary products for a certain look. It also tells you what eye color it best suites, so if you’re not really sure what colors work best on you Rimmel has done the work for you. Because I was doing a day look, I only used the highlighting shade (bottom) and the two side shades.

You can apply eyeliner next, I always tend to use a black or brown. This look would be great with a turquoise eyeliner but I went with what I know and purchased the black kohl liner. This eyeliner is seriously the best kohl liner I have ever purchased from any make-up line. It lines with ease and seriously last for hours. I lined my upper and flood line for a dramatic eye. With a nude look go for either a dramatic eye or lip. I prefer a dramatic eye. Apply mascara next.

Apply a nude lipstick. I always make sure there’s a little foundation or powder on my lip as base. This lipstick lasts long and it’s the perfect nude shade.

Lastly, apply a lip gloss. I chose a clear to give that perfect sheen but you could easily choose a complimentary nude shade to enhance the color. I love this lip gloss, it’s not sticky like other brands and again light which is perfect for the warm Summer days.

Because we were going to an early dinner as a family I went for a more dramatic look on my eye but if I were going out for errands with the kids I would skip the black eyeliner and just apply a thin coat of mascara.

Whatever you are trying to achieve this Summer Rimmel London has created the perfect products to help you obtain that sun-kissed nude look! Follow Rimmel London on Instagram for fun beauty tips!

Coffee House Quality at Home with Gevalia #cupofkaffe #cbias

Mornings for us have gotten a lot busier. It seems like I am finding less time for the day-to-day routines that I used to be able to do without a problem. I blame that on my tight schedule. With having to run errands, pick up the house, prepare dinner before I leave for work and still take care of the kids I am finding it hard for myself to even get breakfast down. Thankfully I was just introduced to Gevalia single serve coffee cups for my Keurig to help me get my morning started so I can make it through my packed daily routines.

I am usually not one that enjoys straight coffee. I enjoy my roast bold, with a little sweetener and a splash of milk. I’ve found that most of the k-cup varieties are not strong enough and if they are they tend to be too bitter and have an off taste. The bright yellow packaging told me to hold out hope.

When I brewed my first cup of Gevalia I was hesitant so I had my Mom go first. She enjoyed it and said it was perfect for her especially since she drinks her coffee black. I still can’t go black so I first added in some caramel syrup into my glass and hit brew for a medium sized cup. I finished off my glass with a splash of milk. The first sip was amazing, it tasted so closely to my double shot that I am used to ordering at my local coffee shop. The roast could have been a little more bold but the finish was rich and not bitter whatsoever! Score! I think after having our Keurig for the past few months I’ve finally found a k-cup that offers what it states. Gevalia has hit the ball out of the park by offering a traditional roast coffee that is easy to use at home yet tastes like a coffee shop. I did notice when I was shopping at Walmart that they only offered the medium roast but other retailers offer different roasts. I can’t wait to try out the different varieties. To see my entire shopping trip head on over here.

Bring the taste of a coffee shop into the comforts of your own home! Find Gevalia on:

Coupons | Facebook | Twitter | Website

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and Kraft Foods #CupOfKaffe #cbias #SocialFabric

Bringing Sexy Back…It’s Justin Timberweek!

Breathe in…breathe out…It’s here! It’s Justin Timberweek! The last six years have been the longest for us JT fans. Whether your a full fledged JT fan or a closest fan you understand very well how long the past six have been without a new track from the hilariously sexy Justin Timberlake. I can remember where I was for every album drop. The first crazy experience was making my Mom take my sister and I to pick-up No Strings Attached, running through Target only to see that most of the displays were empty. I was so crushed, mad at the moment that my parents made me go to school vs. waiting outside of Target for the store to open. Luckily for everyone involved we found a display with some CD’s left. The cellophane was ripped off so fast and soon we were listening to Bye, Bye, Bye in our GMC Safari. Justin and I have grown-up together, secretly the boy of my dreams, shh…don’t tell my husband. My high school days were filled with N’Sync, I was never really a BackStreet Boys fan, because hello, they didn’t have Justin. When Justin branched off I couldn’t have been happier, his voice was sexier, soulful and more confident, the collaborations were also amazing. Back in ’02 when Justified dropped I was in the same predicament as my awkward high school days, this time I could drive but I had a lame midterm in my anthropology class. While I was answering questions on human evolution all I could do was think about Cry Me a River, coincidence, maybe. I couldn’t wait to finish that exam for a class I didn’t need so I could get my hands on the CD. Why does this keep happening to me? You would think that after 1997 I would have learned my lesson. I finished that damn exam and made my way through campus to my car but instead I was greeted by my boyfriend (now hubby) who was blaring Like I Love You. He got out of his class early to bring me the CD, seriously, a total keeper…

That CD was by far my favorite but then Future Sex / Love Sounds dropped. He just gets better and better with age. Each song has a memory, My Love, played over and over as I was planning our wedding invites. Damn Girl still makes me giggle as I sing along and who can ever get over the infamous 2009 SNL holiday skit of Dick in a Box. I still laugh just thinking about that skit. Justin should be a resident SNL or Jimmy Fallon guest. The shows are just so much better with him, meaning they’re actually funny and memorable.

I think I have been pretty clear that I am obsessed. When I heard Suit & Tie for the first time I wanted to cry, I know, way extreme but overjoyed that he finally and I mean finally gave his fans another album. After seeing his performance on The Grammy’s I sent a text my friend and told her that we had to go to the concert, we agreed and didn’t care how much money it would cost because it’s a bucket list item. Two weeks ago the tickets went on presale and we were trying to figure out how we were going to get tickets and then with the luck of the JT fairies (also known as my aunt & uncle) we now have tickets to the July 28th show. July cannot get here any sooner but before that concert happens the CD needs to be released. Thanks to Jimmy Fallon for dubbing this week as Justin Timberweek I have gotten ahead of the game after learning the hard way for the past CD releases and have ordered my copy of the 20/20 Experience from Walmart.com for just $7! I think that price is a little crazy! iTunes has the pre-order price listed as $10.99. Don’t wait too long to take advantage of this great price because it’s only valid for one-week, the price is valid online and in-stores!

With the excitement of Justin Timberweek well underway I decided to throw a mini pre-release party where I invited a few friends over. I baked cupcakes, cake pops, had JT’s fav ice cream and had chilled bubbly awaiting. I also gave each friend a Walmart GC so they could order the CD for themselves.

The spread was simple. I wanted to go crazy, but JT’s fav’s would have my caloric intake out of control for a month. I opted for a dessert spread because a girl loves a good bite of something sweet all washed down with some sparkly bubbly. Plus, I figured it was simple and sleek like the 20/20 experience.

I baked vanilla cupcakes but with a hidden surprise in the middle of the cupcake, a caramello chocolate square. This is JT’s favorite candy, well, according to the all-knowing Internet anyhow. I went for gold sparkle sugar and vanilla buttercream. All topped off with a fondant cupcake topper I designed with the first CD single, Suit & Tie.

Fresh white tulips added a touch of class plus it looked nice on the black table cloth.

I also wanted to add some ice cream. JT’s fav, again according to the Internet is Graeter’s, which also happens to be my hubby’s fav. I opted for the toffee chocolate chip to compliment the cupcake.

Since JT makes all us girls feel like a girl again I wanted to bake cake pops because there is just something magical about them. I went with vanilla cake, black candy coating and gold sprinkles to tie the theme together. I searched and searched for the box with all my CD cases in them to have on display but in the madness also known as our third car garage you will just have to trust my obsession.

Justin is an icon, a household name and honestly the one musician that will stand out always for my generation. I cannot wait for Tuesday to get here so I can introduce my kids to Justin, even though they’ve already heard Suit & Tie on repeat. Brayden totally appreciates it, Payton will one day…

Are you just as excited as I am for the new album? What’s your fav JT song or memory?

Stay connected to JT on Facebook and Twitter

Visit Walmart on Facebook or Twitter for more info on the release!

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and #JT2020 #cbias #SocialFabric. Regardless, all opinions are my own.