BJ's Restaurants New Mobile App

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and BJ’s Restaurants, but all my opinions are my own. #DineInOrderAhead #pmedia  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

Meal times are a big deal in our family. It is about more than just eating. It is about gathering around a table and enjoying each other. It is for this reason that we love going out to eat. Although I like to cook, skipping the responsibilities and just spending time with those I care about is such a treat for me.

Since having kids, dining out has gotten harder and harder. Having a child with autism and some pretty serious sensory disorders has made eating out nearly impossible. The long wait for a seat is just the start of the meltdowns. Having 4 kiddos need to sit still (especially our sensory seeker) while we wait for drinks and food can be brutal. If we manage to make it through that, by the grace of God, waiting for the check and then the back and forth of leaving a card, having it charged and so forth promises a not so fun time. Not for us and not for those in surrounding seats who get to endure a meltdown with us.

All of that being said, dining out as a family has become almost non-existent. When it does happen, it almost always ends in tears. Not just for the kids. For me too. Tears of embarrassment, of frustration and sometimes tears stemming from the feeling of failing our kids. I mean, it shouldn't be that hard, right?

When I was first introduced to the idea of BJ's Restaurants Dine In Order Ahead and Mobile Pay Features on their new mobile app, I had no idea what it would mean for our family. We knew that the convenience would help us to hurry through a meal...maybe we would survive an outing. You guys! We not only survived, we enjoyed a meal out as a family. For the first time in a very long time. Do you know how big of a deal this is? Like seriously!!!

We tried the app out for the first time last Sunday. After church, I downloaded it on my iPhone (it is available on Androids as well), explored the menu and placed everyone's orders as we drove to BJ's Restaurant.



When we arrived, we simply told the hostess that we used the Dine in Order Ahead app and we were seated pretty quickly. If you are already close to the restaurant, I would recommend ordering a few minutes before leaving or use the Preferred Waitlist feature, we would have gotten in even more quickly had we done that.

Almost immediately after being seated our drinks arrived. Only 5 minutes after that, our appetizer arrived, followed by the kids food and our meals. Pizookie came as we were finishing up our food.

My favorite part, Mobile Pay, before we were even done with dessert I was able to pay the bill right from my phone. No awkward asking for the bill. No shuffling back and forth or waiting. The second we finished our meal we were able to pack up and go. No tantrums waiting around while ready to go. It was amazing. We were in and out in 41 minutes! The only tears shed after this meal were of relief and sheer joy that we were able to dine out as a family again.



I know so many people who could benefit from using this app. I would highly recommend this for families with littles, parents who need to rush through date night in order to capitalize on babysitter times or if you are catching a meal in a rush.

Download the Dine in Order Ahead App now!

Download the app for your iPhone or Android and enjoy a delicious meal with ease.

I am so excited to be able to go out to dinner with my little family for my birthday later this month. It will be the first time in 2 years that we have been able to do that. It is the little things!

7 Tips for a Better Beach Bod

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #TENways  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

Summer is just around the corner. It sneaks up on me every year. The dreaded bathing suit shopping season has reared it's ugly head and I refuse to let it beat me this year. I'm not hiding behind my towel anymore. I am gonna be the mom who not only slips into a swimsuit but I am going to comfortably splash around in the pool with my kids and chase them around the beach. I want you to join me, so I put together a list of things to help us get there.

1. Be Realistic
First and foremost, let's set realistic goals. I can't tell you how many times I have said that I am going to lose X amount of pounds and then after one week step on the scale only to be so discouraged that I give up all together. Let's face it, we aren't teenagers any more. Our bodies have changed. Many of us have birthed babies and we just don't come back from that. Not 100%. So let's make a goal to be a better version of ourselves and not fail at being a perfect replica of the girls in magazines. Then we can wear it proud. Deal? Let's move on.

2. Water, Water and more Water.
Drink it up ladies. Not only drink it, plan it out. We have been told a million and one times that we should always drink at least eight glasses a day but what if we planned them out better. Instead of trying to chug them down at the end of the day when we realize we forgot (admit it. I'm not alone here), let's put them in the most helpful areas of our day. Drink 2 glasses before your big meals of the day. This will help to fill your tummy before you fill it with excess food. The other 2 glasses, put them between meals to keep you full longer. Make sure to still eat up your needed calories though. Water does not replace food.

3. Exercise 
Whaaa?!?! You mean to tell me that stuff actually works. Lik,e more than the magic pill that you got off the infomercial. Yeah, go figure. In the past, I avoided exercise like the plague. No time. No energy. NO! It only takes 30 minutes of getting your heart rate moving to see some results. The energy, you'll get more of it if you get your body moving. So dance, or run, or take the kids for a walk up hill. It will suck majorly at first but you will appreciate it later.

4. Choose Lower Calorie Options
I have a weakness for soda. I love it but it's usually not an option while trying to get fit. I am not a fan of diet so it puts a wrench in my goals. So, I was thrilled when I found the TEN Sodas at Wal-Mart. Ten Calorie soda that still tastes like...well, soda. I was able to cut my calories but have a full flavor drink.  Totally cheating the system without cheating myself. I'm a huge fan of the A&W. Oh, and if you want to really splurge and treat yourself, add a scoop of Vanilla frozen yogurt and thank me later. Mmmm.

Wal-Mart also has 7-Up Ten, Sunkist Ten, and Canadian Dry Ten. Get $0.50 off of the purchase of two 2 Liter bottles or two 4-pack cans with this offer or if you were to share that digital coupon you can get a $1.50 off coupon instead!. Offer available while Supplies Last.

The 10 Calorie Sodas are also really great options for using in recipes that call for soda. I want to give pulled pork a try with the A&W Ten!

Follow the makers on Facebook and Twitter.

5. Replace a Meal with a Green Smoothie
It's so easy to chose bad options for meals when we are running around taking care of kids, jobs or just life in general. A muffin or a doughnut are convenient in the morning. What if instead though, we grabs a bunch of healthy ingredients, like spinach and fruits, and blended up a green smoothie for breakfast. Not only would we be giving our bodies less calories but good healthy ones at that. Greens don't have to be the yucky choice, we have found so many smoothies that we love, like our Kid Friendly Smoothie.

6. No Midnight Snack
Please, don't hurt me. I know. I get it. I love dessert in bed as much as the next girl. Probably more. Eating at bedtime or really anytime after 8pm, is usually always a bad idea. Unless you are PMSing or having the day from "you know where", put down the Oreos and hop back in bed. Trust me it works. Even if you do cry to your husband that you are starving but only for ice cream. Shout out to my hubby! Ha!

7. Portion Control
Simple way to do some good ol' portion control? Use a smaller plate. Serve yourself a meal on your salad plates. The plate doesn't start off looking empty, so you don't feel ripped off. You still are getting the food you want, just a little less. If you are still hungry, you can get up for more but this will stop you from overeating simply because it is there. Make sure to carry over this rule during snacks as well. Instead of grabbing a bag of chips because it's easy, have a small bag of low sodium almonds on hand.

Now girls, go buy your bathing suits and wear them proud. Oh, and hop in front of the camera with your kids. These are memories you will want to remember. Don't miss out because Junior added 5 pounds to your hips and his sister gave you love handles.

Cottonelle Clean Care for the Kids

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Cottonelle but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CtnlCareRoutine  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO”

No potty talk. It's one of those rules that we have to repeat a million times a day. Maybe I'm slightly exaggerating. With my kids though; poop, fart and butt equals funny stuff. So, the no potty talk rule was born.

Today, we are breaking that rule. It's all about the potty talk right now. Why? Because I've got two in diapers, a recently potty trained 3 year old and a 5 year old who still requires some follow up after going number two. This mom wipes a whole lot of butts and it's time to hand over some of the work.

It's my goal that before I start potty training Little Man, the two big kids will wipe their own bottoms 100% on their own. With no skid marks in underwear. It's a lofty goal,I know. To top things off, I'm in a time crunch. Little man has been stripping down and wait for it...playing in his poop! So we need to get this show on the road.

Recently, we put our plans into action. I informed the kids of their new responsibility and hung some friendly reminders (sorry guests who visit our bathroom). Of course, I'd be there for back up and quality control but the actual butt wiping would be their own duty...no pun intended. Things were going great. 

And then. The messy poop came. Talon didn't bother to inform me. He just went and did his business. He wiped. Then wiped some more. Until he used an entire roll and came to get me when the toilet was overflowing. It was horrible. It happened numerous time but I was determined. I couldn't give up. Little man needs to move from diapers to pull-ups stat.

That is when I decided to make things easier on the kids and my sewage line. I went and picked up some Cottonelle Cleansing Cloths and Clean Care Toilet paper from Wal-mart.

Why didn't I think of this before. The cleansing cloths get their booties clean with minimal effort (and waste) in no time flat. A little follow up with the clean care toilet paper has them dry and feeling like the big kids they are becoming.

By golly, I think they've got it. I am down to only wiping butts that are in diapers. One problem. My excuse for potty training Little Man is gone. I can see it now, poop art everywhere. Pray for me. 

I'm gonna stick to the positives for now though. The kids are going to be able to wipe themselves from here on out!!!! I was even able to buy to go packs of the the cloths so we can stay clean in public bathrooms as well.

It couldn't have come at a better time. Currently you can visit Cottonelle for some coupons and at Wal-Mart, when you purchase BOTH Cottonelle Cleansing Cloths and Clean Care toilet paper in store during the month of February you will receive a $5 Vudu offer. If you haven't heard of Vudu, it is like RedBox and offers HD movies. Gotta love a good savings and bonuses combined!

To receive the offer you you need to do as followed:

• Take a picture of the receipt showing that you purchased both items
• text or email your picture to clean@drvsusa.com
• You will receive a text or email back with a code valid for a $5 movie credit
• you can get more information by going to www.DRVSusa.com/cottonellemovies

Three Cheese Seafood Lasagna

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Barilla, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #JoytotheTable  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”

Growing up most of us have our own set of holiday traditions. Some people travel and have huge family celebrations. Others stay home with just their immediate families. Whatever they are, we know we can expect them every year. We know the joy the season and tradition will bring.

I don't know about all of you but getting married makes this a challenge. Not a bad challenge, just a challenge. We have to find a way to balance. To make sure to honor each others traditions.

Then come kids. They are the game changers, am I right? For our family, having our own kids meant that it was time to stop hopping from home to home on Christmas morning. It was just too much work and everyone ends up cranky.

Last year, after about 4 years of Christmas' we found a schedule that worked. Earlier in the week with my in-laws, Christmas Eve with my side of the family and we get Christmas. Now that we have a schedule it is time to start our own traditions. We've done birthday parties for Jesus every morning and that of course will remain. Dinner however, is all new.

How many of you get tired of the traditional holiday meals? Don't get me wrong, I love hams and prime ribs as much as the next person but after having it at numerous parties, I'm ready for something simple. Like pasta!

So starting this year, pasta it is. Pasta dressed up for Christmas though. This year, I'm serving up a Seafood lasagna as our main course.Since hubby isn't always a seafood fan and I was stuck on serving this, I knew a trial run was in order.

So I ran to my local Vons where I knew I could find everything I needed in one go...I have four kids, no store hopping for me. And they currently have a promotion of $1 off the purchase of one box of Barilla® Lasagne and one Barilla® Sauce. If you don't have a Vons near you, the promotion is available at all Safeway stores.

Monday night, I crossed my fingers and cooked it for hubby. Of course he was sold, like I knew he would be.

Here is the recipe to our Christmas meal. A Three Cheese Seafood Lasagna for you to enjoy.

Ingredients:

Barilla Lasagne Noodles - Prepared with instructions on the box
8 oz Ricotta Cheese
Bag of Mozzarella Cheese
Bag of grated Parmesan Cheese
1 egg
2 jars Barilla Roasted Garlic All Natural Pasta Sauce
8 oz Lump Crab Meat
1 lb Raw Jumbo Shrimp - Peeled and De-veined  
1 Small Onion - diced
3-4 handfuls of Spinach
3 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Italian Seasonings
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Basil
1/2 tsp Oregano
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl combine your ricotta, egg and half of your seasonings (1/4 tsp of each).

Heat 1.5 Tbsp of oil over Med/High heat. Add your shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper and cook until pink, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and set aside.

Add the remaining oil to pan and begin sauteing your diced onions. When they begin to soften, add in your spinach.

Meanwhile, coarsely chop your shrimp and mix it into the lump crab meat. Add the remaining seasoning and 3/4 jar of your Barilla Roasted Garlic All Natural Sauce.

Once your spinach is fully wilted, add to the ricotta.

Grab a casserole dish. Spray the bottom with cooking spray and then pour about 1/2 jar of Barilla sauce. Make sure to distribute it evenly.

Place a layer of your prepared Lasagne Noodles to dish. Then a layer of the ricotta and a layer of your seafood mixture. Top with a handful of mozzarella and a handful of Parmesan. Repeat until the ricotta and seafood is gone.

Top with one more layer of  Lasagne Noddles and pour about 1/3 of a jar of sauce over the top. Top that layer with another handful of both cheeses.

Bake for 30 minutes in your preheated oven.

Let sit for 5 minutes and then serve and enjoy.

 I often save time on my own pasta dishes by skipping homemade sauces and using Barilla. Barilla's Facebook page is also loaded full of some great recipes. Go follow along so you don't miss out on any of the yumminess.

||Barilla Facebook||

Introducing...

On July 23rd, after 14 long hours of labor, we welcomed our newest little guy into the world. My labor was a nightmare but the end result was a perfect gift from God. I will be posting the whole birth story this week or next. I just couldn't wait one more second to introduce you all to baby boy.

So here he is:

Corbin Grey. Born at 3:22am on July 23rd.

 Our big boy weighed in at 9lb 11oz and measured 21.5inches.

We are all loving having him here. He is the perfect addition to our family and everyone is so happy to have him here. Until I get the chance to post again, here are a few pictures to make your ovaries quiver.

 

Isn't he the sweetest? Yeah. I think so too ;)

On another exciting note, we are ready to announce the winner of the Target Giftcard Giveaway. Drum-roll please......

Jennifer Bryson!!!

E-mail me ASAP at Vesselhandmade{at}gmail{dot}com 

with your mailing address. 

Congrats!

Huggies Slip-Ons {Our New Way of Diapering}

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Huggies, but all my opinions are my own. #HuggiesSlipOn #pmedia http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

In the past few weeks diaper changes have become so rough. Little man HATES to lay still. So when a friend told me about the Slip-Ons she was having her son wear, I was thrilled. A diaper change while still standing, Little Man and I had reached an agreement.

All I was looking for was an easier way to change the boys diaper but the perks just kept on coming. Little man has more energy than he knows what to do with. From the time he wakes up until he falls asleep, he is running, jumping and wiggling his little self around. Since using Huggies Slip-Ons Diapers, our little mover is less likely to leak.

They fit perfectly around his bottom. Although baby booty cheeks hanging out the side of a diaper can be super cute, it is not exactly good for preventing leaks. The awesome fit and stretch sides have made a huge difference in the amount of wet pants we take the boy out of.

In a lot of ways Huggies Slip-Ons remind me of a Pull-Up; easier changes and more flexible for a little mover. The difference is, a pull-up lets your kids know when they are wet and are not super absorbent. The absorbency on the Slip-Ons is amazing. Little man is able to sleep through the night without being changed. With a brand new baby in the house, this is a huge deal. I'm already lacking sleep. Not having to wake a sleeping baby to change his booty is enough to bring tears of joy to a mama's eyes.

When we first purchased our Slip-Ons,  I must admit I was worried about diaper changes while out and about. After opening the package, I was so excited to see that there are tabs, making it easy to remove and put on a new diaper. Granted it's not as easy as just slipping them on our runner but no more challenging than your usual diaper. Do you see what I mean about how "the perks kept on coming"? These Slip-Ons have been such an improvement in diapers for our Little Man.

And just wait, I have some perks for you as well.

First of all, a coupon, so you can try out these diapers on your little ones. The diapers are already a great price, they were $9.49 for the smaller pack and the bigger box (64 pack) was only $24.99. Click here for a $2 off coupon at Target and you are getting quite the deal!

Don't leave yet, I have another perk for you. It's a good one. How about a free $25 to Target? You can use it to buy a pack of Slip-Ons or anything else on your Target wish list! I know I am not the only one with a mile long list dedicated to Target, so go ahead and enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Land of Nod Grand Opening

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”

I've been daydreaming for sometime now about walking into The Land of Nod. To actually touch and see the items in real life. For a couple weeks I stalked their Instagram, waiting patiently impatiently to storm through their doors. It all looked so fun.


Let me just start by saying that Instagram does not do the new store justice. As I walked into the VIP grand opening on Thursday, I literally stopped in my tracks. It is beautiful and colorful and so much fun. Mini rooms set up so you can actually see the what the furniture, bedding and decor would look like in your home. Garlands and art covering the walls. An amazing art backdrop with oh so many sweet toys (that need to come home with my kids). It was all so perfect.
 


The party itself was a blast with delicious food and drinks, a staff that clearly is ready to serve and a fun photobooth that we couldn't get enough of.

Still on my wishlist

The store really puts you in a place of imagination and wanting to be a kid again. I cannot wait to go back with my littles. I was such a good little shopper and stayed right on budget with my must have RIGHT NOW purchases but I have a list a mile long of what I'll be going back for.

You all need to go check out the store. There is a good chance that you will bump into me, I'm thinking of just camping out there for a while. It's that awesome y'all.



If you are local, I suggest you grab a few friends and head over to South Coast's Crystal Court (3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626) on the 3rd floor to visit The Land of Nod. Bring your kids along but beware they WILL want it all. I mean I am 27 and want half the store.

The big kids have stolen Corbin's new goodies. I'll allow it until the nursery is ready.

If you live somewhere without an actual store, no fear, their on-line store is equally rad with all the same amazing products. I've touched and seen for you and yes, you want it. (Please don't tell your husbands I am approving all purchases. But for real, I am.)

Check out the Land of Nod On-Line

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Land of Nod

Going on baby number four, I have had the time and opportunity to really pin point our nursery style. Something modern and fun but still holding onto the sweetness that every baby should contain. Land of Nod offers just that: beautifully on trend items that are well made and pretty affordable.

Animal Wall Art

We have been glancing on-line lately, looking for new pieces to add some new furniture and decor to what we already have. I am really hoping to give our new little guy a space of his own even though he will be sharing a room with his very girly sister. The biggest piece I am hoping to add is a comfy rocker or glider for late night nursing and just good old snuggling. 

Swivel Glider and Ottoman in Aruba

When I saw this one, I about died. It looks so comfy and practical and the color. Oh, the color. I would love to sit in this chair. To have memories with my sweet little one rocking by his crib.

Oh and if the little ones are anything like Rhiannon was when I brought Talon home from the hospital, they will want to be involved in every little detail of baby boy's day. That includes rocking and nursing time.

Sailboat Nod Chair

I want them to feel welcome to be a part of everything. To help and keep me company. A chair like this, next to mommy's chair would be so much fun. Plus, do you know how stinkin' cute my kids would be hanging out in this thing? I mean I will use any excuse to add this to our home. Ha!

As you could guess, the second I found the Land of Nod site, I was putting things on a wish list like a mad man...until I discovered that they had a registry. Of course I set one up. Who cares if I already sent out my invites, I will be sending everyone there. I want it all!!!!

In case you haven't caught on, I am beyond stoked about my new find. If you could only imagine the pregnant cartwheels I did when I heard that Land of Nod is coming to California!!!!  Not just anywhere but only miles away at South Coast Plaza. ::Enter school girl squeel here!:: Dying you guys, dying!

Decor on Safari - Zebra

This zebra just might be found in a store I can send my family to...you know the family who won't dare enter their credit card number on the interwebs (yes, there are still people who won't and I am related to all of them).

May 31st, the grand opening of Land of Nod at South Coast Plaza will be happening. You need to be there. Like for real. There will be giveaways happening all day and customers who come to shop early will be getting free goodies. And let's be real, with products like that ^^^ do you want to miss the opportunity to win or receive what they have to offer? No? Me either.

I cannot wait to go and shop the store. Until then, I will be stalking the website. Making sure I didn't miss anything I want or need.

If you can't make it to the opening or you aren't local, it's okay, you can find them all over online.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Oh, one more thing...

Land of Nod- Real Families

The Land of Nod is having a Win a Room Sweepstakes that runs from now until 11:59 PM CT June 17, 2013. With a grand prize winner receiving a Room designed by The Land of Nod, including:

(1) Design consultation with The Land of Nod design team.

(2) Room makeover with selected product from The Land of Nod.

(3) Feature in The Land of Nod Real Families section of an upcoming Catalog.

Total Approximate retail value of the Grand Prize is $4,000!!!!

You can thank me now for sharing that. I was almost greedy and left it out to better my chances. So, you are welcome. 

Let's have some fun, head over to their site now and come back to share with us what items are on your wishlist! 

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”

Heaven is a Dance Floor

Our God is a party throwing God. He celebrates when we come to Him. He rejoices with us. Isn't that what worship really is? Us falling at the feet of Jesus in celebration of what He has done, what He has given us. He meets us in that place.

In the years since I have been saved I have often felt left out by those around me partying. By radically changing my life for Christ, I had left behind a lot... I thought.

 

As I walked into the Chris Tomlin concert, I was reminded that the life of partying wasn't taken from me. It was altered. It was made better.

Louie Giglio shared at the concert and spoke the words I was needing to hear. "Our God is a party throwing God. We, as Christians, have left the partying to the world but we have so much more to celebrate."


While hanging out with my husband and friends at the concert I realized that's what we were doing. Transparent Productions, a promotions agency who brings Christian artist all over the nation, threw a rager of a party and God met us there.

The music was phenomenal. Chris Tomlin is even better live than on the radio. The crowd was on fire. Laughing, dancing and having fun. This place was filled with worship. It was a party like no other I have ever seen.

 

Transparent Productions went above and beyond. They produced this concert, that not only filled the amphitheater with great music and a whole lot of fun but set up a place for us to meet with The Lord. To be reminded of His greatness and promises. I cannot wait for the next show. I cannot wait to see what God has in store, how He will use Transparent and their artists to move each of us.

I am so thankful for companies like Transparent Productions for giving us this place to worship. To party alongside each other, before our God. They have a few shows coming up too!


First, the Hillsong United Concert in Los Angeles on Friday June 7, 2013. It is at the Hollywood Bowl and starts at 8 PM. You can get some info and buy tickets here... I may have cried when I realized I couldn't make it to this one. I'll blame the preggo hormones but between you and me, I was just really upset to miss it.

I will however be attending FISH Fest on June 29, 2013, at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine California.  Go here to get your tickets and any info. Tickets go on sale today (May 3rd). Be sure to get 'em fast. Oh, and if you plan to go, let me know. I would love to meet you all in real life!!


Whether you are in So Cal or live far away, check out Transparent Productions. Find a show by you. You will NOT be disappointed. Pinky Promise.

 Get info on:

Their website 

Or Follow them on:

Twitter  | Facebook  | Instagram

Now go buy your tickets to FISH Fest! I want to see you there!


“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Transparent Productions but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BurningLights   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”