Gift Guides, Holiday Gift Guide 2017, Kids

Playing with History in Playmobil’s Pharaoh’s Pyramid

Erin Sluka

I have partnered with Playmobil for feature. All opinions are my own

Pharaoh’s Pyramid

How is your shopping coming along? I am done and even have my gifts wrapped and ready so I can focus on putting on Christmas Eve dinner at my place. If you still have shopping to do and have young ones on your list, take a look at this toy that will have them stepping inside history as they play with Pharaoh’s Pyramid by Playmobil.

Pharaoh’s Pyramid is available at most retailers such as on Amazon as a Prime with 2-day shipping and Toys R Us and Walmart to name a few. Recommended for ages 6+ and including 120 pieces this set moves and opens the imagination up wide!

There are five chambers within that hide treasures protected by tricky puzzles and sneaky traps. The set includes three figures, tomb, mummy, two skeletons, treasures, spiders, fire pots, hieroglyphics, and many other accessories.

pyramid

Playmobil has always done such a fantastic job of loading moving parts, doors that open, sets that fold to carry in all of their products. It seems to retail near the $40 price point. It is just one of many sets to consider for the holidays or any special event this year.

Food/Beverage, Recipes, Uncategorized

Low Carb Chicken Pea Penne Recipe

Erin Sluka

I have partnered with Explore Cuisine. Recipe is my own

Low Carb Chicken Pea Penne Recipe

Being on a low carb diet makes it hard to get creative. We have cut rices, most pasta and breads. Only poultry and lean pork and lots of fresh veggies and fruits. I can stare at a chicken breast a thousand hours some nights and am just flat out of creativity. Then one day you realize you have some peas, chicken and Explore Cuisine in the kitchen and crave pasta, but because we aren’t eating the sauces you just get creative anyway. Here is my Low Carb Chicken Pea Penne and it was a hit!

Explore Cuisine

The only pasta we keep in our cupboard is Explore Cuisine because it is made with real veggies and lentils like edamame chickpea and green lentils. These are loaded with plant-based protein, are USDA Organic and Gluten free. They taste incredible. The closest store to me that carries Explore Cuisine is an Albertsons 30 minutes away and I will head there to stock up. I have approved this pasta for a once a week meal on our diet.

low carb chicken penne

Everything is cooked separately then it all comes together with some herbs, parmesan and olive oil in the end.

organic lentil pasta

 

penne with chicken

low carb chicken penne

Low Carb Chicken Pea Penne

Just an easy low card pasta dish for a quick meal
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large Chicken Breast-cooked and cubed
  • 1 cup peas cooked
  • 1 package Lentil Penne Pasta I used Explore Cuisine Organic Green Lentil Penne
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1/4 Cup Shredded Parmesan
  • 4 tbsp Butter melted I browned my butter
  • 1/2 tsp Basil

Method
 

  1. Cook chicken breast in Olive Oil with salt and pepper
  2. Cook the pasta according to directions
  3. Melt or brown the butter. If you brown the butter make sure to strain out the burnt bits
  4. Cook the peas
  5. In the end add all to the pan with desired amount of your butter
  6. Add basil and S&P to taste
  7. Heat through
  8. Top with parmesan

Notes

The best part of this recipe is that everything is cooked separately then comes all together in the end
Fashion, Healthy Living, Holiday Shopping

Did You Know? Running Facts to Motivate You

Erin Sluka

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mizuno. The opinions and text are all mine.

Did You Know? Running Facts to Motivate You

Today we are talking about running. The Holidays are here and many of you may be thinking about New Year Resolutions or after overeating you may be thinking about starting to run or even walk for a healthier start to 2018. I searched many resources along with facts I remember in my own head and I want to share the top ones that stick out to me. Motivation is key to success and hopefully these running facts will make you smile or make you more curious to take an extra step closer to starting a healthier routine.

  • Remember this name, Fauja Singh. He is the oldest marathon runner at 100 years old. He finished a marathon in Toronto in 8 hours, 25 minutes, 16 seconds.
  • I have seen in several readings that running 12-18 miles a week can leaves runners with a stronger immune system and are less prone to colds
  • Over 1 billion pairs of running shoes are sold worldwide every year
  • Like stair climbing? In the Great Wall of China Marathon, runners have to climb 5,164 steps (that’s not for me)
  • South African runner Zola Bud won two IAAF World Cross Country titles while running barefoot
  • The average exercise life of a running shoe is about 400 miles
  • The inside will wear faster then the outside in almost every running shoe (Don’t look at a car tire to judge the heath of a car. It’s the engine inside that can have the most problems) such as in the shoes lining or support system

What running shoe am I wearing now? My latest shoe is the Mizuno Wave Rider 21 running shoe. To me, a shoe that I have to ‘break in’ before I feel comfort is not the best running shoe. Like these Mizuno Wave Rider 21 shoes, they should support from the first time you put them on and that should feel comfortable to you.

Before I even stood up and took my first step in these shoes they were comfortable. I have the High Rise Greystone, but they come in 4 total colors – Patriot Blue-White, Baja Blue-Dazzling Blue and Athena-Siver. The redesigned Wave technology offers softer cushioning. Mizuno’s Dynamotion Fit features a breakthrough in “Triple Zone” engineered mesh for breathability, movement, and hold when it is needed while running.

These shoes are made to run and remain comfortable while offering the support your foot needs. Sounds simple, but it is hard to get style, comfort, support and breathability in one shoe. Some have support but rub and cause discomfort. Some shoes are comfortable until later that day when your feet begin hurting from lack of proper support. Some support and are comfortable but it lacks in style and color choices. Mizuno hit it all in one shoe. Know a runner? Share these with them. They may thank you later!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mizuno. The opinions and text are all mine.

Gift Guides, Holiday Gift Guide 2017, Home

35 Handy Uses For Your Handheld Steamer

Erin Sluka

I have partnered with Nugeni for feature. Opinions and story are my own

With all the talk about the effects of harsh chemicals can you blame those of us who need alternative cleaning methods? I don’t want to use all of those in my home and I have spent a lot of time mixing essential oils to create my own cleaners when I have those extra messy jobs. Now all I need is my handheld steamer.

When I was sent the nugeni STEAMPAC+ Handheld Steam Cleaner I actually had to research how to use a steamer and what I can use a steamer on. I was a bit ‘steamer’ illiterate and I was amazed at what this lightweight, handheld cleaner can do and without any chemicals!

What can I clean with my Handheld Steamer?

  1. Sanitize Mattress
  2. Clean Draperies
  3. Clean Ceiling Fans
  4. Freshen Clothing
  5. Clean Windows
  6. Clean Tile & Grout
  7. Clean Around Toilets
  8. Shower Doors and Water Spots
  9. Bathtub Scum
  10. Vanity/Mirrors
  11. Toothbrush Holders
  12. Window Screens
  13. Pet Cages
  14. Litter Box
  15. Clogged Drains (Washer/Dryer)
  16. Dirty Desks
  17. Laminate Floors
  18. Disinfect Doorknobs
  19. Sliding Doors
  20. Mirrors & Frames
  21. Mini Blinds
  22. Sealed Hard Flooring
  23. Patio Doors
  24. Pet Stains/Odors
  25. Window Coverings
  26. Coffee Table Stains
  27. Sanitize Toys
  28. Ovens/Cooktops
  29. Stainless Steel
  30. Sinks and Faucets
  31. Backsplash
  32. Baked-On Messes
  33. Car Interior
  34. Window/Slider Door Tracks
  35. RV’s/Boats Interior

Tell me, which of the above surprise you most? Before we moved into our new home this summer I traded mattresses for my son with a neighbor. She had a full and needed a twin for her daughter and I had a twin and wanted to upgrade for my older son. I knew they were clean, didn’t smoke and it was in thee garage for a bit. It still has a musty odor anyway to me.

What a perfect test for the Nugeni Handheld Steamer than to see how well it eliminated that mattress musk. The best part is that I don’t need to use any chemicals or harsh products. I steamed using only the steamer.

contents nugeni handheld

I then went on to attack those hard water spots on my shower. I have been using 2 chemical products to keep these sports and bay. One to eliminate build up and one to clean as no matter how well you spray to protect the build up it happens anyway.

steam clean showers

nugeni steamer handheld

What a great gift! Think of how handy this would be to a family you are shopping for this season or all year long! PS-this steamer also is great to keep in RV’s while traveling away from home! nugeni also has lightweight vacuums too! Visit nugeni to learn more including where you can purchase.