Author: thefamilyo

You Can Now Do This at Redbox!

We all love Redbox! Remember when it first came out, it was the coolest thing ever! No more wandering aimlessly around the video store and then paying a lot for movie rentals. Not too mention the hoops you had to jump through just to get a movie rental card!

I love that you can also return the movie or game to any Redbox not just the one you rented from. One of the best things about Redbox? That they are always offering awesome Promotions. Sometimes it is for a completely FREE rental, sometimes it is for a BOGO. They always have something to offer, which is nice.

They also have reserved pick-up which is awesome having the movie or game of your choice waiting for you at the location of your choice.

Now they are announcing another cool idea! Quite frankly I’m surprised they haven’t been doing this all ready.

You can now buy pre-owned games and movies for only $5! Sweet! It starts today, March 23rd, so run out and see what your local Redbox has to offer! Games for sale while supplies last. Some titles available: Minecraft, Halo 5 Guardians, God of War III Remastered, Fallout 3, Resident Evil Revelations 2 and more.

March 23, 2016
Manitou Springs Colorado Field Trip

One of the things we love most about living in Colorado is how much variety we have right in our backyard—plains, mountains, foothills… take your pick. There’s always somewhere new (or familiar) to explore.

One of our favorite spots? Manitou Springs, just west of Colorado Springs. It’s a quick, easy drive—just over an hour from home—and always worth the trip.

This past year, we visited the Cliff Dwellings and Museum, and invited some good friends to tag along. We had the best time! The kids were all in—climbing, exploring, soaking it all up. We had actually visited the year before with a school group, which was fun in a totally different way, but this time felt more relaxed and personal. Everyone loved it both times!

While we were in town, we also checked out one of the natural spring fountains. Cold, fizzy, and definitely a unique experience! It’s one of those quirky little things that makes Manitou Springs special—and a must-visit on our Colorado adventure list.

The Cliff Dwellings are just minutes away from downtown Manitou Springs. Manitou Springs is located in the foothills of the great Rocky Mountains, it is just a little way away from Pikes Peak! Did you know that Katharine Lee Bates wrote America the Beautiful while she attended Colorado College in Colorado Springs? It is believed that she wrote several lines after visiting the top of Pikes Peak!

The Cliff Dwellings were home to the Anasazi people at one time. Read more about them HERE.

While at the Cliff Dwellings, the kids had an opportunity to grind corn the way the native people would have. I explained that they would have needed a large of amount of corn in their everyday life. The boys could not believe how hard people had to work for just one simple staple.

The actual dwellings are laid out really well to keep you flowing right along. They also have signs along the way to give you the history you are looking for.

There is a fantastic overlook complete with the super-fun, quarter-per-view binocular machine things. 🙂

Kids love looking through those!

Inside there is a awesome gift shop and a museum display area. Lots to learn! Self-paced too, just the way we like it!

Outside, there is also a huge teepee! The kids love this part!

After we left we headed to the main square and playground in Manitou Springs. They have a few natural spring water fountains in town and we went to Seven Spring Park:

We brought along some kool-aid mix and lemonade mix, I think Oliver’s face says it all:

Although, I liked it, it’s just like flavored sparkling water. The kids loved the park and playground, we ate some good food and headed back to Denver. What a fantastic day with friends! We love Colorado!

January 5, 2016
Easy, Sweet and Salty: Pretzels, Kisses and M&M’s

It’s that time of year! But the truth is, these are a HIT year round! Time to start making goodies galore, passing out gifts, meeting with friends and enjoying the season of Joy! Who doesn’t love it all? I always want it to last even longer! Lights, hot drinks, games, laughs, love and time well spent with loved ones. What’s not to love?

For my family’s Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange, I decided to go with something super quick, yummy and easy on the wallet. I am a huge fan of sweet and salty together, it is a magical combination! I knew I could not go wrong with these. Next time though, for Christmas, I must only use Red and Green M&M’s!

Here is what you need, pretzels, Hershey Kisses, and M&M’s, note I do prefer the square pretzels (they look cuter) from Snyders but they were all sold out:

Preheat your over to 350. I covered my cookie sheet in parchment paper so I could just slide it off when I need to reload the pan. Worked great! Layout the pretzels, then place 1 unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss on each one.

Pop in the oven for 1 to 2 mins, they should look glossy when soft and ready. Once hot, start putting the M&M’s on top of the Kisses, they should push right down, nice and easy. Slide off of pan to cool. I put in the freezer for 10 mins also.

These are so easy & delicious. I like this kind of treat. Especially in this season of younger kids, a busy schedule, and lots of gifts to give, these are perfect for any occasion, gift or snack!

They went fast at the cookie exchange, next year I am going to make 2x the amount. Everyone loves these. I also made a batch for all the neighbors and my children’s teachers. 🙂

December 18, 2015
“Tie-Dye” Cupcakes

Recently I made a Rainbow layer cake for my son’s birthday. I had a box of cake mix leftover and thought I would try making a cupcake version of this cake.

I made the White Cake Mix and then divided it into 4 bowls, I dyed each bowl and then scooped spoonfuls into muffins cups.

I baked for 15 minutes at 350. They kids loved them. Looking back, I wish I would have swirled the colors around a little bit with a toothpick.

I did not frost them, too messy and less sugar. If you make these, share your link in the comments please, I would love to see them!

August 19, 2015
Skillet S’mores

Skillet S’mores are all over the interwebs this summer. Who likes waiting until you go camping to cook them up? In my city, fire pits are not allowed so that is not an option. What to do? Microwave ones just aren’t the same. So glad when this idea came around! I googled Skillet S’mores and then I grabbed the blog with the oldest entry…. she started this yummy deliciousness as far as I can tell. THANK YOU Five Heart Home!

I purchased the ingredients and surprised my family with S’mores @ home, in my home, this is a wonderful thing.

Super duper easy. These were overall a cheap, easy dessert that my family enjoyed very much. Really the combination is unbeatable, although now I wonder if a sprinkle of sea salt might be in order. I love sweet and salty. I Will let you know how that turns out.

Other summer treats we are looking forward to… Ice Cream Sundaes, Banana Splits, Watermelon popsicles, Fruit Salad on top of Shortcake, and of course lemonade smoothies (Mommy’s favorite!)

What are your favorite summer treats? Share your ideas with me below, would love to try something new!

July 1, 2015
Becoming a Jamberry Independent Consultant

I am so excited about this new endeavor! I was not even looking to sell anything, but I love this product so much that I am now selling it. I can earn products, marketing materials and a great commission!

The product I am talking about is Jamberry nails. I had a friend start selling them this past Fall and she sent me a sample. I loved them! I am a tomboy of sorts and I have three boys, so I am always tough on my hands while keeping up with them. I love to get manicures and quite frankly, I hardly ever could, even at this age paint my nails, they always looked a mess. Manicures, like I said are great, but the cost adds up.

What do I first notice about Jamberry? How pretty they are! Next, they were pretty easy to apply after a few tries. Last, they last so much longer than a polish job.

I wanted a way to pay for my Jamberry’s and being a stay at home, we are on a budget. This is the perfect solution! I am also a nail picker, with these on, my cuticles look amazing, I don’t pick at all.

My consultant kit showed up two days after I signed up and I am hitting the ground running. It is so important to have a good sponsor. Mine is my friend and she is a wealth of information. She did a training session with me over the phone, it was great to get me started!

I have setup a great store webpage that is provided by Jamberry, I will also be setting up a blog, a twitter and I already setup my webisite/blog.

Are you interested in purchasing Jamberry, hosting a party or becoming an independent consultant? Contact me: to learn more!

April 10, 2015
OK Go – I Won’t Let You Down – Coolest Video Ever

This is fantastic, amazing, creative and quite a feat!! Shot in ONE take too! Amazing!

FUN, RIGHT!?!?!

Check out the interactive version of the video at http://iwontletyoudown.com

Buy the video here: http://smarturl.it/IWLYDVideo
From the album Hungry Ghosts, out now in North America on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/HungryGhostsiTunes

LYRICS:

I won’t let you down, no I won’t let you down. I won’t let you down, my love.

Nikki, she’s got no flag to fly, but she don’t seem to mind that much, no she don’t seem
to mind.
And you, you’ve got your armor on. Nights out in babylon, yeah, nights out in babylon.
But maybe all you need is someone to trust, maybe all you need is someone.
And I won’t let you down, no I won’t let you down. I won’t let you down, my love.
I won’t let you down.

Now Emily’s got no tricks to try, but she don’t seem that much to mind, no she don’t
seem to mind that much to me.
And you’ve got what the whole world wants, so strap that armor tighter on, double on
down like it’s gonna make you free.
But maybe all you need is someone to trust, maybe all you need is someone.
And I won’t let you down, no I won’t let you down. I won’t let you down, my love.
I won’t let you down.

CREDITS:

Creative Director: Morihiro Harano
Art Director: Jun Nishida
Director: Kazuaki Seki and Damian Kulash, Jr.
Choreographer: furitsukekagyou air:man

Cameraman: Makoto Okuguchi
Lighting: Akiyoshi Irio
GRIP: Takashi Taniguchi
DIT: Taito Oyama
Multi-Copter Pilot: Kenji Yasuda
Stylist: Kazuki Yunoki
Hair Make: Asuka Fujio
Sound Operator: Isao Yoshida
Location Coordinator: Kyohei Kitamura
Online Editor: Shunsuke Kakuuchi, Takashi Tanaka
Colorist: Shigeyuki Toriumi
Translator: Aiko Ishikawa, Ryuzo Tsutsui, Sumire Matsumura

UNI-CUB: Kazuyuki Iwata, Hirokazu Hara, Shinichiro Kobashi, Makoto Hasegawa
Mass Games Design + Previsualization: Daisuke Sasaki, David Robert, Munechika Inudo, Yoshifumi Sadahara, Gilles Brossard
Interactive: Ryo Tsukiji, Kousei Motoyoshi, Nobuaki Arikata, Kenshiro Nakashima, Junichi Arakawa, Masanobu Ishii, Yusuke Kitani
Making-of: Makoto Kubota

Assistant-director: Hideaki Jinbo
Production Manager: Satoshi Miyata
Agency Producer: Shiro Miyamoto, Naoyuki Masuda, Misato Tachibana
Producer: Mitsuru Yamamori

Cast: OK Go
Cameo: Perfume
Special thanks to: the school girl dancers and Honda

April 3, 2015
Good Friday – It’s Friday but Sunday’s Comin’

Who doesn’t love this? I remember the first time I saw it at church, as a new believer. I was moved to tears, my breath was taken away at the end. So moving. This is what He did for you and me. Everyone around was scared and frightened. But they didn’t know what was going to happen on Sunday. It’s what I need to remember when I get bogged down in unnecessary worldy things. That it’s only Friday, Sunday’s coming! Jesus will return to redeem us, to heal, to conquer, to get us. Amen.

Looking forward to Resurrection Sunday, rejoicing that He was raised from death into life, just as He does for us.

He is RISEN! He is RISEN indeed!

April 3, 2015
How to Stop Outlook Password Prompt

I found this helpful today, was wondering if anyone else could use it!

March 11, 2015
Delicious White Sandwich Bread Recipe
Stop the presses! This bread is delicious…and it’s easy to make!

I admit, we only buy whole wheat bread from the store but I don’t buy wheat flour. When I make homemade bread it’s always artisan bread, never a loaf. Well, the time came that I needed sandwich bread for lunch and realized we were out. So I went to my trusty friend Google and found this amazingly easy King Arthur recipe.

I mixed up all the ingredients in my Kitchen-Aid and followed the easy directions. A couple of hours later my boys were eating the most delicious grilled cheese sandwiches along with homemade tomato soup.

You must make this! It is so easy and so very, very good.

King Arthur White Sandwich Bread
1 cup + 2 tablespoons water to 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water*

1 heaping tablespoon honey

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

1 3/4 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons soft butter

4 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

1/3 cup Baker’s Special Dry Milk or 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk granules

*Use the lesser amount in summer or humid climates; the greater amount in winter or drier climates.
Directions
1. 1) Mix all of the ingredients in the order listed, and mix and knead — by hand, or using a stand mixer — to make a smooth dough. It won’t be particularly soft nor stiff; it should be smooth and feel bouncy and elastic under your hands.
2. 2) Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl or other container. Cover it, and let it rise at room temperature until it’s very puffy, 1 to 2 hours.
3. 3) Gently deflate the dough, and shape it into a fat 9″ log. Place it in a lightly greased 9″ x 5″ loaf pan.
4. 4) Cover the pan, and let the dough rise for 60 to 90 minutes, till it’s crowned 1″ to 1 1/2″ over the rim of the pan. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350°F.
5. 5) Bake the bread for 20 minutes. Tent it lightly with aluminum foil, and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, till it’s golden brown. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read 195°F to 200°F.
6. 6) Remove the bread from the oven, and turn it out onto a rack to cool. When completely cool, wrap in plastic, and store at room temperature.
7. Yield: 1 large loaf, about 18 servings.
Your family will love you even more!

Click here to see this recipe and many others on King Arthur’s website.
February 13, 2015