5.24.2016

Get Your Grill On With Giant Eagle

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerOfGrilling #CollectiveBias

 
Grilling out was always one of my favorite things growing up, and it became even more special once my hubby and I began cooking out at the park starting when Bella was about 6 months old. Now that she's almost 2 and a half, it's one of our most favorite family activities! There's nothing in the world like the smell of meat and veggies on the grill.

So when I found out about this amazing opportunity to talk about one of our most loved family activities, show you all some amazing new recipes and showcase the store we shop at most often, I decided to jump at the chance!

Barbeque is one of my most fondly remembered childhood meals, my Dad is the barbeque master, and this super simple recipe is one he actually passed down to me (Thank you Dad!) and might actually just be one of my most favorite foods in the entire world!
 
Bacon Burger Roll-Ups! And they're so easy to make! Fresh burger, onion, bell pepper, bacon and of course barbeque sauce!

And luckily, since we have a Giant Eagle nearby, we were able to find all the ingredients easily! Okay, and if I'm completely honest with you... we find ourselves at Giant Eagle, well, usually anywhere between 3 and 5 times a week, sometimes more than that and sometimes even multiple times a day! My hubby and I sometimes joke to each other that we're at Giant Eagle more than we are home haha. Giant Eagle is definitely the one stop place to go for all the cookout needs you have this summer and literally the headquarters for grilling. Meats, veggies, breads, desserts, kerosene, charcoal, snacks, drinks... they carry everything you could possibly want or need to grill out and so much more! There's no need to go anywhere else.

 
We found the Market District Gourmet Seasoned Beef Burgers (it's Certified Angus Beef ya'll) in the meat department display, super easy to find and so fresh, they wrap them up right before your eyes! They have several different seasoned kinds to choose from, and the meat was such a good quality of meat, very lean and so tasty! The pepper and onion mixed in so well too.
 
The onion and bell pepper we mixed into the Market District Gourmet Seasoned Beef Burgers were extremely easy to find in the produce area, you can't miss them! We also decided to grab some of our favorite veggies to throw on the grill as well, mushrooms, zucchini and peppers, all conveniently found in the fresh produce section as well, or you can purchase one of the several offered prepackaged veggie mixes for grilling (also found in the produce section).
 
Near the condiments (such as ketchup and mustard) you'll find all the Heinz barbeque sauce (they sometimes have them on the end caps too). There were so many yummy looking flavors to choose from so it was hard to make a decision, but I decided to go with the Kansas City "Sweet & Smokey" flavor. The sweet barbeque sauces allllllllways get me lol, and I love the smoky taste as well. Now honestly I'll admit I was a bit skeptical to try the Heinz Barbeque sauce at first, I didn't even know that Heinz made barbeque sauce. But my husband and I were wanting to try something new and he convinced me to try the Heinz brand. I must say that... WOW!!! I am so seriously impressed! It is actually one of mine and my hubby's new favorite barbeque sauces, and we'll most definitely be purchasing it on the regular for all of our cookouts now.

 
And I'll say it now, I'm an ice cream lover, I'll eat it ALL, ice cream is kind of my kryptonite haha, but instead of being an ice cream hog (and just eating it with a spoon from the container... c'mon, it's pretty safe to say that we all do it lol) I decided to share (aren't I so nice? hahaha).
 
Because Pepsi Floats you guys!
 
I mean seriously, it was even better than I expected! My hubby loves Pepsi, he should be the spokesperson for Pepsi I think, so he was all for this new idea that we'd never had before! I used the Breyer's Extra Creamy Vanilla ice cream, easily found in the frozen treats aisle with all the other ice cream and such. One of the biggest reasons I love Breyer's is because of their Milk & Cream Promise, which means that no artificial growth hormones were use don their cows... Omg! Breyer's ice cream is healthy you guys! Instead of using regular Pepsi, I spied a new Pepsi, Pepsi 1893 in a display by the frozen food aisle that had been newly set up and was immediately dawn to it. Not only because of the cute can, but because the sugar used in it is fair-trade certified! Yay! Goodness you guys, this Pepsi is GOOD! And it mixed perfectly together with the Breyer's Ice cream to create such an amazing flavored float and I also melted a Hershey bar and drizzled over top, you can find the Hershey bars in cute s'mores displays throughout the store or you can grab on in the line as you're checking out. So much nommmmm.
 
We also grabbed some foam plates and napkins from Giant Eagle before we left the store and headed to the park to do our grilling.

 
 
BACON BURGER ROLL-UPS
 
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
 
 
1 bell pepper
 
1 red onion
 
1/8 teaspoon salt
 
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
 
 
 
toothpicks
 
DIRECTIONS:
Chop the onion and bell pepper into tiny pieces (you can usually purchase them pre-chopped in the produce section at Giant Eagle, but we bought whole vegetables in the produce section and chopped them in a food processor). Add both together into a bowl with your Market District Gourmet Seasoned Beef Burgers and mix together. Add salt and pepper. Shape them into little round patties, wrap with Oscar Mayer bacon (1 to 2 slices for each), keep the bacon in place with toothpicks (you can take these out once they're done and you're ready to eat). Place your bacon burger roll-ups on your hot grill and keep a close eye on them. --- If you're using charcoal the more smoke gets on them the better since that makes them even tastier (we like to use a few small fruit-wood branches with leaves, crab-apple actually works beautifully), if you're using propane you can always brush the bacon burger roll-ups lightly with liquid smoke seasoning. --- Once your bacon burger roll ups start to cook start basting them with the Heinz barbeque sauce, you'll want to do this two or three times on each side as you keep turning them over periodically as they cook. Cooking time will vary depending on the temperature of your grill but typically once the bacon is done and the pink is gone from the meat they should be done. Baste them once more with Heinz barbecue sauce and they're ready to eat! I like extra sauce with my barbeque so don't forget to get an extra jar of Heinz barbeque sauce for the table! Oh, and you won't be able to stop eating them!
 

 
OLD FASHIONED PEPSI FLOAT
 
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
 
 
 
 
4 mason jars
 
4 straws
 
DIRECTIONS:
Rinse your mason jars with water and put them to chill in the freezer for a few hours prior to making your Pepsi floats, I find the floats don't melt as fast on a warm day if you follow this step. When you're ready to make your floats, put 2 scoops of Breyer's ice cream in each jar, fill it up to whatever level you'd like with your Pepsi 1893. Add another scoop of ice cream. Drizzle the tops of your floats with a melted Hershey's bar (I used one bar, melted for about 45 seconds in the microwave). Add a cute straw and enjoy!

 
Now who's ready to grill out and spend some quality family time all at the same time? Head to your local Giant Eagle to grab all these items and get your grill on!
 

5.22.2016

5 Reasons To Love FabKids


Shopping for clothes with a picky two-nager is sometimes something of a challenge. I'll pick something up and ask "Do you like this?" and my query will be met with a "Nah." or "Nope.", once I get got a "Put it down!". Um, okay kiddo.
 
But with FabKids shopping for my little is a breeze! Seriously so easy! Like, we don't even have to get out of our pajamas kind of easy lol. I like that kind of shopping lol.
 
We were sent this adorable little sleeveless drop waist high low dress. White with black polka dots, I mean, can we say adorable or what. Teal leggings to go underneath and our new favorite shoes, these gold glitter slip on sneakers that she never wants to take off. And I don't blame her, I want , no, NEED them in my size too!
 
She gets so many compliments on the entire outfit and shoes every time we go anywhere, everyone wants to know where it's from, I say "from FabKids of course". The outfit is very well made, so stylish, priced great and perfect for my daughter.

 
Why do we love FabKids? Here are 5 reasons...
 
1 | THEY'RE STYLISH
The trends are always changing it seems, so fast sometimes it's hard to know what is even in style anymore, with FabKids you don't have to even think about that since they carry only the most popular styles, so when you can't figure out what to purchase for your super picky 10 year old niece for her birthday, FabKids is the way to go. Seriously, I can promise you she'll thank you. Lol.
 
2 | CASUAL AND DRESSY
Whether you need to dress you kiddo up for a nice occasion or they just need an outfit for a day of play, may they need new school clothes or you're going to Disney, FabKids has you covered.
 
3 | WE CAN ALL APPRECIATE QUALITY
Yep, I was actually a little surprised at how well made and durable the outfit and shoes we received were. Definitely worth every penny and she'll get a lot of wear out of them.
 
4 | AFFORDABLE
As a mom I know this is the big kicker here, we all need affordable clothing because clothing is one of those things that can get expensive in a hurry. Be sure to sign up to be a VIP because you get up to 50% off on the regular ya'll!
 
5 | YOU'RE THE VIP
When you make your first purchase through FabKids.com you can choose to either be a VIP, or not. As a VIP you'll get a personalized email sent to your inbox every month with outfits to pick and choose from. You can then choose an outfit from there and have it send to you OR you can choose to skip a month! As a VIP you'll also earn points with every purchase to redeem towards new outfits! If funds are running low or you're not ready to make a purchase, you can skip as many months as you'd like. Simply log into your account and 'Skip The Month' by the 5th and your credit card will not be charged. You can always cancel at any time as well. Easy as pie. Plus, can we say free shipping?
 
You'll save even more on your first purchase too! Head over to check them out, you'll love how easy and convenient it is to shop for your child with FabKids!

 
 

5.19.2016

An Interview with The Doll Kind

  
Today I'm so excited to have a guest host here on The Joyful Tribe! Jackie and Victoria, The Founders of The Doll Kind! The Doll Kind recently reached out to me and I love their mission and all that they stand for, plus their dolls and tokens are just the cutest ever, they're definitely something I can get behind and support and I know you're going to love them too! Read all about I them and find out more below...

 
The Doll Kind (TDK) was founded by two moms on a mission: To empower and inspire a generation of children to create a kinder world, one heart at a time. The mom duo creates huggable dolls with heart tokens, to share as a random act of kindness. For every  doll sold another doll is donated to a child less fortunate.
 
The company was founded through an unlikely series of events. Cofounder Victoria Farmer snapped a quick photograph of her daughter after discovering that Anistyn had found herself in a bit of a predicament involving a five gallon bucket of white paint and five minutes alone. Hours later, Farmer posted the photo to social media and the next day it had gone viral. The photo sparked much debate and criticism. While up one night nursing her newborn, Victoria happened upon a particularly judgmental and cruel string of comments that caught her by surprise. She stopped reading and gazed down at her baby, wondering what he would be like when he grew up. In that moment something struck her, something she always knew to be true, but was of particular importance in that very moment. People aren’t born mean. With that fact in mind and a determination to create a better world for her two children, she was moved to found a children’s company. The company would be one that not only inspired children to maintain their innate sense of kindness into adulthood, but would enable them to share that kindness with others. She spoke with her friend and fellow mom Jackie Konczol, and less than a month later, they officially founded The Doll Kind.
 
Both moms recognized that in every child’s hands lies the potential to do good and change the world, and that children’s toys have a profound effect on their childhood. “It is our hope that we can make the role of being parents a little easier by bringing greater value to playtime,” explained cofounder Jackie Konczol. “That’s why we founded TDK, to harness the power of toys for a good cause.”


In this effort, The Doll Kind has created soft, huggable dolls with an extra special mission: To inspire children to be kind and give back. Each doll comes with matching heart tokens or “kind hearts,” tokens with special phrases on them meant to be given as a random act of kindness. By sharing these “kind hearts” with others, children will experience first hand the joy that comes from being kind and giving, and will then be inspired to be kind and give in other ways. “It is these types of experiences that will stick with children and shape their character. We are truly excited to see the fun and creative ways children choose to share their heart tokens and positively affect the lives of others. The ripple effect will be immeasurable.”

The two moms note that empowering children to be the positive change needed in the world will build their self-esteems, their sense of worth, and their overall well being. They believe that all children are good and that we have the responsibility as parents and role models to nurture and encourage this.

So how exactly does The Doll Kind work to create a kinder world? It’s simple:
 
First, choose your doll. The Doll Kind dolls are soft and huggable dolls designed to be your child's best friend and companion. They are a symbol for kindness and a reminder to both children and parents alike to be a force for good.
Next, hand out the tokens. Teach your children to give their heart tokens out as an act of kindness. They can leave them with anyone they feel inspired to, in secret or not. The special message imprinted on each token, 'Share the Love', will lift spirits and encourage the passing on of this act of kindness. The act of giving out the tokens will inspire your child to do more good, and help them grow into charitable and compassionate adults.
 
Lastly, for each doll purchased, The Doll Kind donates a doll to a child less fortunate. Donation sites include orphanages, hospitals, shelters, and more throughout the United States and countries across the world.

 
When asked about the importance of The Doll Kind's pledge to donate dolls, they had this to say: “As mothers we know that the example we set for our children is of utmost importance. We pledge to donate one doll for every doll purchased so that children around the world, no matter their circumstance, can benefit from our kind mission. By teaching through example, we are able to embody the very values that we wish to instill in our children.”

Businesses for social good are sprouting up everywhere. With many benefiting those less fortunate with proceeds such as food and clothing, some might ask, “Why dolls? How much of a difference can it make to donate a doll to a child who doesn’t have much of anything?” The two are quick to respond. “In truth, it can make ALL the difference. We are passionate in our belief that kindness is as essential as food and water.”
 
The co-founders explain that while children in orphanages, shelters, and hospitals are fortunate to be provided with their most basic necessities, having a doll, a companion, is sometimes seen as a luxury. The fact is, toys can nurture a child’s development and lift his or her spirits in incredible ways. It’s a universal truth that kids everywhere love to learn, explore, create, and play. We believe that children everywhere should have these opportunities and that TDK can be instrumental in making this happen.

While TDK dolls serve as a friend and companion to children, Victoria and Jackie are even more passionate about what the dolls stand for, and the message they teach children everywhere, regardless of background or circumstance. “We want children around the world and from every walk of life to understand that no matter how much or how little one may have, we can all be kind.”
 
Victoria and Jackie admit that it will take more than a doll and some heart tokens to change the world. They do believe however, that combined with an eager child and parents willing to share their values with their children, The Doll Kind will provide a much-needed catalyst in creating a better, kinder world.

Head over to www.thedollkind.com to find out more about this awesome project, and click here to order!
 

5.16.2016

Effortless Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake Mini Pies

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #EffortlessPies #CollectiveBias
 
Summer is officially here, well for us it is anyway, and with cookouts, potlucks and picnics you always want some delicious and cool treat for dessert. These Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake Mini Pies are effortless and perfect for that warm summer night's after dinner indulgence.

While aimlessly strolling the aisles of Walmart the other day, searching for the perfect treat to satisfy our sweet tooth's, I spied the new Keebler® Ready Crust® Mini Graham Cracker Pie Crusts. Seriously so tiny and cute, I had to try them, and since the price was so insanely low, I might have purchased two packages just so I could make these again next week. Each package comes with 6 mini graham cracker pie shells and I couldn't love them anymore than I do. So then I was like, "Hmm, what should I put in these?" and I immediately thought of the no-bake cheesecake recipe that's been handed down in our family for ages. I decided to switch things up a bit and add something extra that my family recipe doesn't call for though... If you hang around me very long at all, you'll find out that I'm a Greek yogurt fanatic, I seriously LOVE that stuff, so much better than regular yogurt in my opinion. And since I also love strawberries very, very, very much I grabbed the  Dannon® Light & Fit® Strawberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt to add to the filling. We had also just been early strawberry picking at a local strawberry garden and picked the most gorgeous and sweet strawberries ever, so it was pretty much fate. We had so much fun picking the strawberries and our daughter is obsessed with them, she loves alllllll the strawberries. I also wanted to "fancy it up" a little on the top, so instead of buying traditional tub whipped cream I decided to go for the Reddi-wip® original canned whipped cream (we purchased the 13oz size) to top it off. We also used this whipped cream in the filling!


The Keebler® Ready Crust® Mini Graham Cracker Pie Crust are the perfect size, a few bites and they're gone, perfect for those watching their portions but who still want a treat, and the Reddi-wip® whipped cream and Dannon® Light & Fit® Strawberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt blend so perfectly together with the other ingredients to create a super creamy and irresistible no-bake cheesecake filling that's beyond delicious. You might even want more than one. You might even eat more than one. My personal advice? Eat two. Always eat two. You can thank me later. Lol.
 
The fresh strawberries really complete this personal mini pie for an extra summer-y feel, plus who doesn't love fresh fruit?! Fresh fruit AND the Dannon® Light & Fit® Strawberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt are both healthy things, so there's that. I mean, fresh fruit and light Greek yogurt always cancel out the other stuff like cream cheese and sugar that might not otherwise be considered "healthy"... right? ;)
 

These are so easy to make, literally effortless, it only takes 10 minutes (at most) to whip these delicious little things up and my 2 year old who loves to cook and bake even helped me mix the filling ingredients together! I love spending time with my daughter, making memories in the kitchen with her is always a wonderful thing. Have last minute guests? This is the most perfect dessert you can make!
 
Effortless Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake Mini Pies
 
INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED:
 
1 package cream cheese
 
3/4 cup sour cream
 
1/2 cup sugar
 
1 container Dannon® Light & Fit® Strawberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt
 
1 cup Reddi-wip® original 13oz size whip cream
 
1 package fresh strawberries
 
Keebler® Ready Crust® Mini Graham Cracker Pie Crust (6-count)

 
DIRECTIONS:
Combine cream cheese (make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature), sour cream, sugar, Dannon® Light & Fit® Strawberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt and Reddi-wip® whipped cream in a medium sized mixing bowl. Mix together until the filling is smooth and creamy. Spoon the no-bake cheesecake filling into your Keebler® Ready Crust® Mini Graham Cracker Pie Crust, add sliced strawberries. Top with Reddi-wip® original whipped cream and add a whole fresh strawberry!


You guys, it's just THAT easy! When was the last time you made a recipe that simple? Um, never? Oh! And Ibotta users can "earn" via their mobile rebate here! Now, who's running (no walking here) out the door on the way to Walmart to scoop up these amazing little ingredients so you can make your own Effortless Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake Mini Pies?