Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tbsp. ground black pepper
• 1 can of Pepsi

Directions:

• Add all the ingredients in with the steaks in an air tight container.
• Let marinate over night.
• Cook your steaks and enjoy the tender juicy flavor.

I am sure your family will love this marinade for your next steak night! It is just so flavorful and the steaks come out so juicy! Happy Grilling!

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Supplies:

• 14 oz. Glue
• 1 Cup Hot Water
• Food Coloring
• Glitter
• 3 teaspoons Borax
• 2 Cups Hot Water

Directions:

• Put glue in a tub.
• Add in 1 cup of hot water.
• Add in your food coloring and glitter.
• Stir until smooth.

• In a separate container, dissolve 3 teaspoons of Borax in 2 cups of hot water.
• Slowly add the water into the glue mixture and stir together.
• It will goop together almost immediately.

• You may not need all the water, so pour slowly.
• Once it’s mostly gooped up, begin mixing with your hands. (This is the fun part!)

• We started with red and black food coloring, because that’s all I had, and it turned more into pink and purple, which was pretty perfect for Valentine’s Day.
• As you can see, the slime is a HUGE HIT.

My family loved making this slime recipe and I hope your family will too! Have fun getting messy!

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Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 12 ounces chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red food coloring
• Whipped Cream Vodka
• Whipped topping or marshmallows, optional

Directions:

• Heat the milk and sugar on the stove until the sugar is dissolved and the milk is steaming.
  • You don’t want it to boil and scald, so once you get lots of little steamy bubbles around the edge of the pot, it’s hot enough!
• Take it off the heat and add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract.
• Whisk until melted.

• Add red food coloring to give it the red velvet look.

• For the adults, add a shot of vodka into your hot cocoa.
• For the children, top with whipped topping or marshmallows!

Notes:

• You know I always go for the special dark chocolate for my chocolate chips!

As always we ask that you please enjoy our recipes responsibly. Don’t ever drink and drive. Enjoy some delicious Red Velvet Hot Cocoa with your family this weekend!

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So many blogs talk about all of things that are BAD for dogs, but do you know what is good for dogs…simple and natural peanut butter (make sure yours doesn’t contain xylitol)! It contains heart healthy fats, vitamins, and is a good source of protein. Canned pumpkin (unsweetened) is also great for canines because it is full of fiber and it converts into vitamin A as it’s broken down. So guess what the main ingredients are of my dog’s absolute favorite homemade treat?? You got it!

I made these Peanut Butter Pumpkin Balls and Dora and Thor literally annihilated them. They can keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in a sealed container but we decided to freeze them so they’d last longer and just let them thaw for a few minutes before serving them. Frozen or not, our pups had no preference. Either way, they were gulped down quickly!

You can see in the pic that Dora (the big hound and Jack Russell mix) and Thor (the miniature dachshund) really enjoy these all natural, healthy, simple, homemade treats. I had to zoom in on Thor licking his chomps – he is such an excited little guy when these treats are brought out!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of old fashioned oats, divided
• 1 cup of canned pumpkin (plain, pureed, without spices or sugar)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (simple, natural, plain – contains NO xylitol)
• 1/4 cup milk

Directions:

• Beat the pumpkin, peanut butter, and milk until mixed well.
• Add 2 1/2 cups of oats until just combined.

• Form the mixture into small balls 1-2 inches in length.
• Roll in the remaining 1/2 cup of oats to coat.
• Place on a parchment paper lined pan.

• Cover and refrigerate until firm.
• Freeze if desired.

This makes for a wonderful treat on hot days! Please give these Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Treats a try, and let me know if your dogs approve!

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Sending your kids off to school after a long summer break can be bittersweet. I’ll be the first to admit to mixed emotions – a little bit of jubilation, a fraction of loneliness, a lot more relaxation (you don’t realize how relaxing walking through the grocery store ALONE can be!), and a fair amount of nervousness, for your children’s sake. I just want to bottle up every memory of them, every cuddle and laugh we share, because it all happens way too fast. Next thing I know, we are going to be filling out college applications. So, while I’ll be enjoying going shopping with my cup of iced coffee through every aisle that I want to go through, but once my little ones get off that school bus, I am going to soak in as much as I can.

Speaking of school buses and memories…I love documenting these different phases of life. I keep little notes my children write, meaningful projects from school, I have them fill out self-interviews at every birthday, and I have a collection of little hand and footprints from their birth up until now. Those little hands and feet will never be this small again! So, as we kicked off this new school year…you guessed it! I had to put together a footprint craft to mark the occasion.

This was a craft for my youngest, but there’s nothing wrong with slapping some paint on those big kid-sized feet, but just know you will just end up with a much larger school bus.

Supplies:

• thick, white paper (like acrylic paper, or card stock)
• yellow paint
• paintbrush
• black and red permanent marker

Directions:

Step 1) Paint that little footsie and plop it down on the bottom portion of your paper.

Step 2) Allow the paint to dry and then add 2 black wheels with your permanent marker (photo 1) and a set of doors and window (photo 2).

Step 3) Add a red hexagon or octagon for the stop sign. I couldn’t draw 8 sides without my shape looking like a red blob, but I am aware that a true stop sign is indeed an octagon! Then, add an additional 4 or 5 black windows down the length of the footprint (photo 3).

Step 4) Add the year and your child’s name, or “1st day of ____” as I did (photo 4).

A final suggestion that is totally optional, but I like to laminate our crafts so it will last a while. At least through all of my tears as they are leaving for college, anyway.

You can also check out how we made that name tag pencil to make your collection complete! I hope everyone has a smooth start to the next school year. Remind your children: “You’re off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” – Dr. Suess

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Whether you’re raising wild ones, chasing wild goals, or gearing up for wildly big days, Kodiak has your back with hearty, protein-packed breakfasts and snacks that keep up. Forget boring mornings, these are meals even the pickiest eaters will roar for.

From fluffy flapjacks to grab‑and‑go bars, Kodiak’s lineup is crafted with 100% whole grains, serious protein, and big flavor. So you never have to choose between taste and nutrition.

Oh, and did we mention? You can enter for a chance to win a Commissary Gift Card while you stock up! Keep reading for the details.

Flapjack & Waffle Mix
Dig into the breakfast you grew up on—but better. Kodiak Flapjack & Waffle Mix makes a hearty stack that’s anything but ordinary. With protein, whole grains, and flavors you’ll crave, it’s an easy win for busy mornings. Just add water, or get creative for even more protein and flavor.

Power Waffles
Frozen, ready, and ridiculously good. Kodiak Power Waffles deliver warm, crispy, protein‑packed goodness straight from your toaster. Perfect for mornings when you need fuel fast without sacrificing flavor.

Snack Bars
When hunger hits mid‑day, Kodiak Chewy Snack Bars roar back with whole grains, protein, and a whole lotta flavor. They’re the ultimate grab‑and‑go sidekick—whether you’re headed to work, practice, or a weekend adventure.

Oatmeal
Start your day strong with a warm bowl of Kodiak Oatmeal. Packed with whole grains and protein, it’s hearty, satisfying, and built to keep you full through whatever your day throws at you.

Enter to Win!
Right now, you can enter for a chance to win a Commissary Gift Card when you shop Kodiak favorites at your local Commissary. Fuel your mornings, fuel your wild, and maybe score some extra spending money while you’re at it.

Don’t wait—stock up, enter, and get ready to take on the day, Kodiak‑style.

Before the unexpected road closure, they had planned on taking an RV up the California coastline in this area and camp out at various State Parks. It was too late to make new plans and reservations, but not wanting to disappoint his kids, the dad decided they would simply take the family vacation at home instead.

Turns out it wasn’t so bad after all! They all camped out in the backyard and still had a wonderful time. They never set foot in their house for the entire week and still enjoyed most of the activities that they had originally planned, sleeping under the stars, building a roaring campfire at night, roasting weenies, making s’mores and cooking outdoors. He even brought in some sand and seashells to simulate the beach environment!

One of the reasons that his plan worked was because they all pretended they were not actually at home, and since they lived on rural property, they parked their trailer far from the house.

For your “staycation” to really seem like time off, be sure to:

• Turn off the devices…NO smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and computers
• Put away chores like laundry and housekeeping for the time being
• Cook outdoors and prepare meals in advance
• Do things you would normally do on a vacation like reading and playing board games

Add to the Atmosphere:

• If you’re staying indoors, make things a little more interesting by building a blanket fort, sleeping on the living room floor or using the fireplace for some extra ambiance.
• If you’ll be camping out in the backyard and you don’t have much in the way of equipment, see if you can borrow some from a friend or family member or check with your local MWR for rental supplies.
• Be sure to have some comfortable leisure items like an oversized umbrella, perhaps a hammock, some lawn chairs and patio furniture.

Look for Special Discounts:

• If you will be shelling out some dough on summer toys or other outdoor equipment, look for discounts wherever you can find them.
• Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes can often be a source for significant savings on seasonal and outdoor decor.
• Think outside the box!
• Remember, if you’re in the military or a veteran, there are lots of stores that offer extra savings and coupons for those who serve our country.

Plan Activities:

• Anyone who has kids knows these two familiar words all too well …“I’m bored!”
• Be sure to plan plenty of activities for your downtime, things like:
  • Hide-and-go-seek
  • Flashlight tag
  • Board games and playing cards
  • Coloring books, puzzles, crossword puzzles, sudoku, and word searches
  • A scavenger hunt
  • Cloud watching
  • Stargazing to identify constellations
  • Rounds of singing and stories told around the campfire

Even though we’re putting our technology down for the time being, you could still have a fun-filled movie night. Watch old favorites or view a new release that everyone’s been dying to see. For a travel feel, think about titles like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, where the main character is thrust into an around the world journey. Be sure everyone in the family has an opportunity to pick out their own movie selection and take time for reviews and comments afterwards. Don’t forget the popcorn and snacks!

Thank you to our guest blogger Hilary Smith for this awesome blog!

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I have great memories from camping trips while I was growing up. One of my favorite memories was the food. Something about cooking over an open flame and getting those special meals only served while camping! S’mores, roasted hot dogs, campfire donuts and biscuits on a stick!

Now as an adult, I’ve realized that cooking while camping definitely isn’t as easy as it seems. The key is preparing what you can before you leave! Cause no one wants to spend most of the day prepping and doing dishes! Come on, I wanna take naps, go on walks, and sit by the campfire to relax!

When we camp with the entire family, the deal is we alternate meals… One person covers breakfast for the entire family, one lunch, and one dinner, etc. In an effort to make this camping trip not only fun, but relaxing, I’ve decided to test run a few meals at home here in North Carolina, so I’ll be prepared for when it’s my turn to cook for the whole family!

We decided to try out walking tacos! My conditions for picking camping meals is as follows… Easy prep. Easy clean up. Minimal dishes. Yummy and filling. Cheap for a crowd. With walking tacos, I think I nailed all five!

Ingredients:

• Ground Beef
• Taco Seasoning
• Black Beans
• Tortilla Chips
• Taco Toppings:
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Salsa
  • Sour Cream
  • Ranch Dressing, French Dressing, or Thousand Island Dressing
  • Black Olives
  • Diced Onions
  • Diced Avocado
  • Cilantro

Directions:

• Brown your ground beef, draining any grease.
• Add in taco seasoning plus 1/4 cup water.
• Dump in one can, drained and rinsed black beans, heating through.
• To build your walking taco:
  • Start by taking your personal bag of chips, cut the tip of one corner off, then crush the chips.
  • Next, slide the scissors into the hole and cut the side of the bag open.
  • Roll the side down and top with all your favorite taco toppings!
  • Since walking tacos are a cross between tacos and a taco salad, I also provided our three favorite taco salad dressings…French, Ranch, and Thousand Island!

Notes:

• For camping, I’ll precook the meat, and store in a large zip lock bag. When ready to eat, dump your taco meat and 1/4 cup water into a large pan and heat over the fire or camp stove until warmed through.

Whether you eat these at home or at your campsite, we hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

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We get so busy sometimes that I just forget! I either forget to make a plan for dinner completely, or I don’t remember to take anything out of the freezer! So, in an effort to change that, I’m gathering new crockpot recipes and taste testing each one before the school starts next month in an effort to gather a nice collection of recipes to use throughout the entire school year!

We all know a crockpot is a busy mother’s best friend. I’m talking BFF for life! Once the kids are gone for the day, it only takes a few minutes to throw everything together in the crockpot and forget about it! Dinner will be mostly ready when you walk in the door with starving kids!

Ingredients:

• 1 Envelope of French Onion Soup Mix
• 1 Can Beef Broth (or 1.5 cups if made with water and bouillon)
• 2 tsp Minced Garlic
• 1 tsp Worchetershire Sauce
• 2-3 lbs Brisket, rimmed
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Hoagie Rolls
• Butter
• Garlic Salt
• Provolone Cheese

Directions:

• Mix the first four ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.
• Sprinkle the roast with salt and pepper.
• Heat a large pan, with a tiny drizzle of olive oil.
• Once hot, sear the roast on both all sides until browned.
• Place the browned roast into the crockpot (fatty side up).
• Pour the bowl of mixed ingredients over the top.
• Cook on low for 8 hours 
• When ready to serve, place the roast on a plate and let rest for 10 mins.

• While the meat is resting, you get your Hoagie rolls prepared.
• Spread open and slather them with butter and a sprinkling of garlic salt.
• Toast under the broiler until lightly browned.
• Use two forks to shred the meat and place on the toasted rolls.
• Top with provolone cheese and return to oven until the cheese melts.
• Serve with a small bowl of the au jus for dipping.

Notes:

• I did mine low and slow, but you can easily do it on high for 4-6 hours!
• You could use mozzarella cheese instead of provolone.
• Did you know that au jus is French for “with the juice”? Random fun fact for you!
• Add a side salad and you have a complete meal with under 30 minutes of work including the prep in the morning and making of the bread!

It was amazingly tender and everyone approved so this one is definitely going into the crockpot rotation!

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Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Baby Potatoes
• Spice Mix
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Garlic
  • Onion Powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
• Olive Oil

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Make a spice mix from the smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper.
• Rub the chicken with olive oil and the spice mix.
• Put the potatoes on a pan and drizzle with olive oil.
• Place the chicken on the pan.
• Bake for an hour or until the internal temp of the thickest part of the breasts are at least 165 degrees.
• Remove from oven and let items rest for 10 minutes.
• Serve & Enjoy!

Notes:

• I love a good one pan meal and this is no exception.
• You can use whatever spices you want to create your spice mix.

Now that we have everything plated up, I let the boys in on a little secret…we are going to eat with our hands! They totally flipped and I may have just become the coolest mom ever!! As a reminder…make sure you have LOTS of napkins ready to go! You are going to need them!

Next up, I made a delicious spiced wine for the adults. This is super easy to make and a tasty adult beverage to SPICE the fun fare up a bit!

Ingredients:

• Red Wine
• 2 Cups Pomegranate Juice
• Orange Zest
• Sliced Oranges
• Knob of Ginger
• Cinnamon Stick
• 1/4 – 1/2 Cup Sugar (optional to taste)

Directions:

• In a large stockpot, combine all ingredients.
• Simmer the spiced wine for 30+ mins.
• Pour into your favorite wine glass.
• Enjoy!

Notes:

• You can let this simmer all day as it smells amazing!!!
• I LOVE my Rachel Ray stockpot and I know you will too!

We had a blast eating dinner with our hands and laughing our heads off while going through a TON of napkins. Maybe next time we’ll add some good old fashioned jousting after dinner. So, to all me Lords and me Ladies, we hope you will all enjoy this savory fare with your family and friends!

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