Songs of 2013 That Were Most Played (In My Head) #MusicMonday

It's the last Music Monday of 2013. Soon, we will be watching the ball drop and welcoming in 2014. With the year I've had, 2014 can't come soon enough. There is a lot of 2013, that I would rather never think about again, but, there were also some good things that will stick with me; including these songs that would always get stuck in my head.

So, here you have it, the songs of 2013 that stand out for sticking around. Whether you love them, or hate them, they are tunes that get stuck in your head, and we heard them over and over again in 2013.

I have to start with this song. Not only did it always manage to find it's way into my head on a constant repeat, but when I first heard it at her concert earlier this year, I felt like it could have been written for me, because of things going on in my life at the time. But, many of her songs speak to me that way. So, start off this list with Pink and Nate Ruess from Fun; "Just Give Me a Reason".


No intro needed for Robin Thicke and "Blured Lines" don't worry, this is the clean version.

After a heartbreaking divorce, Katy Perry came back with this uplifting song "Roar" showing that we all have some fight left in us.

I know I've had this song on here a few times this year, but that's just because it was in my head a lot! Here's Thrift Shop.

We can't have a 2013 song list without including Miley! After all, she was this year's master of publicity. Like her or not, she knows how to stick out. Here's Miley Cyrus with the young anthem "We can't Stop"


There you have it, the songs of 2013 that always got stuck in my head. Enjoy
Have a great week and a happy new year!

What songs stood out for you in 2013?

May All Your Days Be Merry and Bright!

No matter what you celebrate, if today is Christmas, or just another Wednesday, I hope you are having a fabulous day, and enjoying the last few days of 2013!

Have a happy day!

Music Monday, Delicious Molasses Cookies and Yuletide Greetings

It's Monday, again, and the last one before Christmas, so of course that means Christmas music on this MusicMonday!

But, first I must tell you about this yummy cookie recipe that I found on Pinterest. I was baking today, many of my usual holiday treats when I decided I wanted something different. Turn to the ever reliable Pinterest, and I found this recipe for Soft Ginger Molasses cookies. They are so so yummy! They have the perfect balance of sweet and spice with a crispy outside and a soft chewy middle. Perfect!

The recipe makes a lot of cookies, even when you don't stick to the perfect 1 inch ball of dough, so I will be sharing some with friends, (but not too many, these are too good to give too many away!) I will definitely be keeping this recipe in the holiday line-up. Thanks to Free Time Frolics for the recipe.

Okay, enough about cookies, let's hear some music! Here, with a quite unique and all too true Christmas song is Dropkick Murphys with Christmas Where I'm From

I hope you have a happy Monday, a great week and for those that celebrate it, in any way, a very happy Christmas! No matter how crazy it is, I hope you love every minute of it!

Happy Yule!

Tropical Chex Mix Recipe, Add Some Tropical to Your Holiday Snacking

I always like trying new recipes, but when General Mills sent me a recipe for Tropical Chex Mix, I wasn't so excited about it. I'm not a big fan of dried fruit, and "Tropical" is a nice description for a vacation resort, but for a snack mix? I wasn't so sure.

But, in a moment of adventure, I figured why not get wild and crazy and make something a little different!

And, I'm glad that I did! I really liked the sweet flavor. I still had to eat around the dried fruit because it's still not my thing, but the Chex and the Macadamias were DELICIOUS! They were sweet with a nice touch of pineapple and coconut.

I took some of it to work and everyone loved it. (Even the dried fruits)

So, if you don't mind dried fruits, or you know people that like dried fruits, give this recipe a try. It's very easy and quite good! If you've been looking for something different to bring to a holiday get together, this could be just the thing.


8cups Rice Chex® cereal
1cup shredded coconut, if desired
1cup dried banana chips
1package (7 oz) dried tropical fruit mix
1jar (3 oz) macadamia nuts
3tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4cup packed brown sugar
1/4cup frozen (thawed) pineapple or orange juice concentrate (I used a pina colada mixer)

In large microwavable bowl, mix cereal, coconut, banana chips, tropical fruit mix and nuts.

In microwavable measuring cup, microwave butter uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in brown sugar and pineapple juice concentrate. Microwave uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until hot; stir. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Microwave uncovered on High 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until mixture just begins to brown.

Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in airtight container.

If I make it again I will probably add more macadamia nuts and coconut, and maybe some white chocolate chips, too! Along with being a good snack for holiday parties, you could also make some in small bags for gifts for neighbors, or co-workers.


If you shop at Publix, Don't miss these savings.



11/14—12/31: Save $1.00 off 2 Chex cereals, find coupon in the “All The Trimmings” coupon booklet, available now until 12/31/13 in Publix stores.
12/12—12/18: BOGO on the following Chex cereals:
  • 14.25oz Chocolate Chex
  • 13.75oz Apple Cinn Chex
  • 13.5oz Cinn Chex
  • 14oz Corn Chex
  • 13.8oz Honey Nut Chex
  • 12.8oz Rice Chex
  • 14oz Wheat Chex
  • 13.5oz Vanilla Chex

For more Chex Mix ideas check out chexpartymix.com





disclosure: I received the items to make this recipe for free. All opinions are my own.

Rugged Wireless Speaker May Be the Perfect Gift for an Active Music Lover, HMDX Jam XT Review

When HMDX contacted me to review one of their Jam speakers, I was very happy to do so. Since I had my choice of speakers, I chose the Jam XT Extreme because it is splash proof, and we spend a lot of time by the pool with music.

The HMDX Jam XT Extreme is a Bluetooth wireless speaker. It is wireless up to 30 feet. This means you can steam from your phone, or other bluetooth music device from across the room, or in my case, across the patio. This is nice because you don't have to worry about getting up to change songs or volume, you can just do it from your device without stopping what you're doing, (or not doing, if you're relaxing by the pool). Of course, if you don't have a Bluetooth Device, you can use it with a USB cord.

Enter to Win Svetol Green Coffee Bean Extract! Expired

You know how I love a good sweepstakes, and how I'm all about getting healthier, so how about combining both!

Svetol is a green coffee bean extract that helps you to burn fat so you can get healthier. On their Facebook page, you can enter their sweepstakes. The sweepstakes runs until 12/31/13, and you can enter everyday to increase your odds of winning.

The Grand prize is a year supply of Natural Factors Svetol. First prize wins 6 bottles, Second prize wins 3 bottles, and 4th & 5th each win 1 bottle. This could be a great way to jump start your New Year goals to get healthy and lose weight. Remember, you can't win if you don't enter.

Enter here


disclosure: This post is in exchange for free product. All opinions expressed are my own. The post may contain affiliate links.

Easy Peanut Butter Krispie Treat Recipe with Chocolate and Butterscotch

I think everyone has some special food or treat that brings back sweet memories of childhood. For me, it's "Rice Krispie treats", but not what you may think of as "Rice Krispie treats".

"Rice Krispie treats" were made for me by my Gramma twice a year; my birthday, and Christmas. They were my favorite, and they were the first food I ever learned to make. Helping Gramma to stir the peanut butter and melt the chocolate is one of my great memories of childhood and the holidays. 

Yes, that's right, my "Rice Krispie Treats" have chocolate. I never even knew of the marshmallow "Rice Krispie Treat" until I was married. So, imagine my husband's surprise the first time, I made "Rice Krispie Treats" and they looked like this:


Not exactly what he was expecting! And, Not a bit of marshmallow in them! But, oh are they good!

New Digital Memories Time Capsule Site Offering Free Membership for Beta Testing

I didn't receive any compensation for this, I just think it's a cool concept, kind of like a time capsule. And, you know how much I like freebies, so, I'm sharing!

Right now, Kairos Life is offering a free membership as part of their beta testing program. Just head over to their site to sign up with an e-mail address.



KairosLife.com is a place for families to save digital memories and heirlooms for kids and loved ones. Then digitally deliver those keepsakes to them at a predetermined date in the future, kind of like a digital time capsule or gift.
 
 
 
 

Christmas Mashup Songs #MusicMonday

Happy Music Monday! Can you believe we are already over a week into December?! It's moving so fast! Before you know, Christmas will be here, and then New Years. Phew! Where did 2013 go?

Well, while we have some time left in this year, let's enjoy it with a little music! Since time flies by so fast, let's do 30 Christmas songs in 1 minute. Here goes!


Why not keep the Mashup theme going with this song.  It's an adorable mashup of Hey Ya and Charlie Brown Christmas. You may have seen this before, but I felt it was worth sharing because it is just so cute. And I just love the Charlie Brown dance moves! It's one of my favorite Christmas shows.

Blu-ray #MovieMagic Giveaway, Enter to Win! EXPIRED

I love movies and entering giveaways, so I want to share this with you. I did not receive anything in exchange for hosting this giveaway. I just think it's really cool!

In our house, movies are a big part of our family time. We love watching movies, and we especially love watching them on Blu-ray because of the amazing picture quality and the awesome special features. With the Blu-ray combo packs, you can have a DVD for the kids, and a Blu-ray for you plus a digital copy to take with you.

There is a Fine Line Between Friendly and Obnoxious. or Who's to Say What You Can Do With Thermal Underwear!

Have you ever had that cashier at the store that checks you out and never says a word? I often wonder how that cashier ever got the job. Didn’t he have to speak in the interview? Didn’t the interviewer notice that the cashier had no personality?

I just want to shake the cashier and say “Hello, you’re in customer service, you could at least acknowledge that I’m here. You know, as in service the customer!” “I’m not asking for much; a simple ‘Hello’ will be fine.”

Having a cashier that never acknowledges you is the worst…or…is it?

Yesterday. I went to the store to do a little shopping for the Yuletide Season. After standing in line for a bit, the cashier greeted us with a friendly smile and, “Hi!”

She then rang up an item, stopped to read the label, and asked, “Where’d you get this from?”

Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette Giveaway EXPIRED

Every year Urban Decay is on the top of my Christmas wish list. They are my absolute favorite for eye makeup. I love the vibrant colors, shimmer, and glimmer of their eye shadows. Last year, I got the Vice Palette, and I have had so much fun with it. With the color selection it has been perfect for going to work, shopping, or a night out. This year Urban Decay is back with an equally awesome palette of eye color; Vice 2. 

I am giving away the luxurious and sophisticated Vice 2 Palette from Urban Decay a $59 value. Enjoy:

Free Body Mist, While Supplies Last EXPIRED

I just love a good freebie, it makes me want to sing when I get a good deal. This is a great freebie, that I just have to share with you!

CVS Minute Clinic is giving a free Essence of Beauty Body Mist. Just go to their Facebook page like it, and click the "Get Coupon" link on the offer tab, to print your coupon for your free 2oz Body Mist.

Get your Free coupon here.
Hurry before they are all gone!












Enter to Win a Tassimo T55 in this Great Giveaway #Tassimo EXPIRED

The blog was not compensated in any way for this post.
tassimofinal
 
There's something about the holiday season that just screams for a warm cup of coffee. It's frothy, sweet and creamy, and just so good! I just love to cozy up by the fire with my special cup (the one with the purple skull and crossbones on it,) and enjoy a good book. I can see it now, the dogs curled up at my feet, a soft fuzzy blanket in my lap, and some great holiday music playing; Aaah that's a perfect moment. With Tassimo it's so much easier to enjoy this perfect moment because it takes no time at all to make that cup of coffee, and there are so many flavors to choose from. 

Cyber Monday Shopping Music for #MusicMonday

Happy Music Monday and.......Happy Cyber Monday!

This is one of the best days of the year for us online shoppers. Not only do most stores offer free shipping and big discounts, but Ebates also has huge double cash back deals like 8% on Amazon and 12% at JCPenney. So, when you're doing your online shopping don't forget to get your cash back.

Since we're shopping on this Music Cyber Monday, how about some "shopping" songs?! Here's some songs that mention shopping.

First one, for all us bargain shoppers, Thrift Shop by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis




This song is for the Designer shopper, Labels or Love by Fergie




And, of course, I have to include this song, because it mentions the stores, and Cyber Monday is all about getting the best deals to bring the best smiles on Christmas morning. It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas by Michael Buble.



I hope you find great deals today and everyday this holiday season. Have a happy week!

For more Music Monday, head over to Xmas Dolly.