The 5 Moods I Become When I'm Hungry

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

Yesterday I was at my “other” job (as a nurse) and had been running on about four hours of sleep. I began work at 6:30 and finally stopped for a break at 11 – and realized that I wasn't only hungry, but felt like I was half starving!

This happens especially when I’m at work, but even sometimes at home:  I’m so busy, so preoccupied, that I suddenly realize that I’m perhaps a little grumpy, a little bit on the edge, and ajust really hungry!

Luckily my family loves me even when I’m less than likable, and doesn't complain too much, though quite frankly I’m sure I've scared the kids a time or two when one of my “moods” arises.

Do you find that you are not quite yourself when you’re hungry?

Sometimes I become the mom who gives a pretty perfected eye glare – over the silliest of reasons, you know, like to whomever says “Mom” first.

Other times when I’m hungry I may or may not burst into tears for no good reason and shout, “I can’t do this anymore! I’m done!” – My poor husband has been witness to this mood all too often (especially when I used to work night shift!)

Occasionally I can hide my hunger better and appear to be okay – that is until my family realizes 5 minutes later that I've been staring off into space and didn’t hear a word that they said.

I hate to mention it on here, but sometimes when I’m really hungry, I suddenly find my voice raising higher and louder when I’m speaking and I find myself yelling and screaming like a crazy lady – and I just can’t help myself!

When I’m hungry, the only thing I can do to keep crazy-Melissa-moods at bay is to have a snack – like a SNICKERS® bar. Suddenly my ‘manageable hungry mood’ appears and I’m okay until the next meal. I can smile once again, listen to my children call my name 100 times in an hour, and I can bite my tongue and not raise my voice.

Sometimes I’ll even apologize for what I said when I was hungry.

My favorite SNICKERS® bars are Peanut Butter Squared, they are the perfect size for a little pick-me-up. The SNICKERS® XTREME (which is all nuts and caramel) is also satisfying as is the SNICKERS® Almond. Heck, come to think of it, I pretty much like every kind of SNICKERS® bars out there! 

All of the varieties that I mentioned can be found in the checkout aisle at Walmart! 

You can also Enter the SNICKERS® "Who are you when you're hungry?" contest by uploading a personal photo or video from your Computer, Facebook, Instagram or use the SNICKERS® Meme Generator to create something new! Voting begins at Noon on 5/11/15 and ends at 11:59:59AM ET on 7/15/15.

See more great SNICKERS® recipes and fun stories on the SNICKERS® social hub.

What moods do you become when you're hungry?

~Melissa

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treat® Bites

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

Most of the time I’m sharing food ideas and fun treats that the entire family would like, but sometimes after a long day at work or a long week for that matter, I like to create a treat that is just for me (and sometimes I’ll share with Wayne if I’m feeling extra nice!).

Who doesn’t love Rice Krispies Treats®? They are easy to have on hand and I can quickly transform them into a dark-chocolatey-peanut-buttery-mess of a treat! These little bites have been sliced in half, slathered with Peanut Butter, dipped in dark chocolate, and then topped with some of my favorite things, like Peanut Butter M&M’s and Sea Salt!

They only take a few minutes to make and make a delicious treat to nibble on while you watch a little TV before bed and sip on your favorite drink.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treat® Bites

                        

Ingredients:

8 Rice Krispies Treat® Bars

16 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter

16 ounces dark melting chocolate

A variety of toppings such as sea salt, Peanut Butter M&M’s, and JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows (optional)

Fresh Mint Leaves and Confectioners’ sugar for garnish (optional)

1. Melt chocolate over medium heat using a double broiler.

2. Remove the Rice Krispies Treats® from their packages and slice each piece in half lengthwise and then again vertically – creating four pieces out of each treat.

3. Spread peanut butter on half of the pieces and then cover with remaining pieces, creating a ‘sandwich’.

4. Dip each piece in the melted chocolate covering completely, and then place onto parchment paper.

5. Top with sea salt, chopped Peanut Butter M&M’s, or diced JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows.

6. Let them dry, then enjoy! If serving to guests, place one piece onto a dessert plate garnished with melted chocolate, confectioner’s sugar and a mint leave for an extra special touch!

Makes 16 servings.

I found the Rice Krispies Treats in the same aisle where you’d find breakfast bars or fruit snacks at Safeway.  

Also, have you heard Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies Treats® is having a contest?  You can vote on your favorite Rice Krispies Treats® recipe, get contest info, and find more great recipes there. You can find out more HERE. This is what you need to do to vote:

Cast your vote via Social Media on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.  Include the hashtag #RKTreatSweeps as well as the recipe for your vote.

To verify your vote, you must send the link for your post to RKTreatSweeps@kellogg.com

The contest voting runs 3/24-5/3/15.

Twenty (20) Grand Prizes will receive:

$250 Bank-issued, pre-loaded Gift Card;

Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies Treats® squares (XX ct.)

Beats Pills™ Portable Stereo Speaker by Dr. Dre™

(1) bag of Jet-Puffed Mini Marshmallows (10 oz.)

(1) bag of Jet-Puffed Chocolate Swirl snacking marshmallows (3 oz.)

(1) Jet-Puffed Strawberry snacking marshmallows (3 oz.)

(1) bag of Jet-Puffed S’moresMallows

(1) bag of Jet-Puffed StarMallows (8 oz.)

Assorted MARS products

(1) M&M’s® dispenser

(1) M&M’s® Milk Laydown Bag

(1) M&M’s® Peanut Laydown bag

Restrictions:

All Social Platform posts must be posted to a non-private Social Platform account, must include the Hashtag and link to post must be shared or sent to Sponsor using the email address noted above.

Limit one (1) entry per Week by voting using a Social Platform.

By using the Hashtag, you affirm that you have read, understand and agree to these Official Rules.

For full rules, visit the HERE

 Do you have any simple treats you make for yourself after the kids are in bed?

~Melissa

Easy Easter Bunny Cards

A few years ago I used to be so on top of cards. Making them, sending them; from Christmas to Easter to thank you cards – I did a pretty good job.

Then somewhere along the way things have gotten busier and busier and I don’t take the time to make them like I used to with the kids, and that makes me sad. I don’t want to be so busy that I forget to teach the kids the importance of letting other’s know that you are thinking of them – and my kids are such little artists; they enjoy creating and sharing what they do.

So, since it was spring break this week, and we were having a stay-cation, I helped them make their own Easter bunny cards to share with our family. They were so easy to make and it gave the kids the freedom to decorate them however they wanted, so it worked out perfectly.

Here’s what you need:

Construction paper

White paint

A variety of paints and markers

Sponges and paint brushes

Fold the construction paper into fourths, creating your card.

Then carefully paint your child’s palm, middle, and ring finger with white paint.

Next, spread their two fingers apart, firmly place onto the construction paper.

Repaint for each print until you have the desired number of cards.

Let them dry completely.

Then, allow your kids (or yourself!) to create their own unique Easter bunnies!

Now that we finally have the cards all finished I just have to physically put them into the mail! Guess I’d better get on that since Easter isn't very far away!

~Melissa

14 Photos That Will Make You Want to Run Away To The Oregon Coast

Unlike most of those around us, we aren't visiting the coast during Spring Break this year. As much as I love the beach we are choosing to stay close to home – opting for activities around the house like creating Easter cards (more on those soon!), visiting Sky High Sports, and tomorrow we are talking about driving over to Silver Falls State Park. It’s one of those places that are practically in our backyard and yet we've never been before.

Anyways, I am however, so glad that we stayed in Lincoln City for three nights last month. One thing that I love about the Oregon coast is that sometimes you can find yourself pleasantly surprised with the weather during the winter. With no tourists out and an oceanfront view – the weekend would have been enough by itself, but add in gorgeous 60+ degree weather with no breeze and it was simply nothing but a small slice of heaven on earth – and these photos don’t do it justice.

Sometimes it’s worth it to take a chance – you never know what you may find.

~Melissa

Living Locally: I Love Lucy® Live on Stage!

Photo via

Two months ago I attended my first Broadway performance and quickly fell in love with it! I have attended two performances now and am really looking forward to the next show that will be at the Keller Auditorium April 7-12th - " I LOVE LUCY^® LIVE ON STAGE". 

I Love Lucy^® has been one of my favorite television shows since I was a young kid, so much in fact that I probably drove my mother crazy with all of my re-run watching! Seeing I LOVE LUCY^® LIVE ON STAGE will be so much fun and I'm really excited to see how the show is transformed into a stage performance. 

Here's more information for you, because I know you're interested in attending!

U.S. Bank Broadway in Portland is pleased to announce the Portland premiere of I LOVE LUCY^® LIVE ON STAGE, the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history.  The national tour will play Keller Auditorium from April 7 – 12, 2015.

I LOVE LUCY^® LIVE ON STAGE is the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history! America’s favorite foursome – Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel – is live on stage and in color for the very first time!

Thea Brooks and Euriamis Losada lead the company as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, with Kevin Remington and Lori Hammel playing Fred and Ethel Mertz, the Ricardo’s loveable landlords and sidekicks. The cast also includes Sara Jayne Blackmore, Sarah Elizabeth Combs, Gregory Franklin, Jody Madaras, Carlos Martin, Denise Moses, Cindy Sciacca, Kami Seymour, Richard Strimer and Mark Christopher Tracy.

An “out-of-body experience for ‘Lucy’ fans” according to Showbiz Chicago. I LOVE LUCY^® LIVE ON STAGE takes audience members back to 1952 as members of the Desilu Playhouse studio audience where they await the filming of two hilarious and oh-so-familiar I LOVE LUCY^® episodes, “The Benefit” and “Lucy Has Her Eyes Examined.” A charming host entertains and enlightens the crowd to the behind-the-scenes filming process of a brand new thing called “television,” the Crystal tone Singers perform advertising jingles in perfect 50's style harmony and the sidesplitting antics of America’s favorite foursome – Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel.  It’s a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience TV Guide’s William Keck calls “the most entertaining stage production I've seen in years – including Broadway!” 

Photo via

The iconic hit sitcom I LOVE LUCY^® originally aired on CBS from 1951 – 1957 for a total of six seasons and 179 episodes and is widely considered to be one of the most popular programs in the history of television. Due in no small part to its relatable characters, sharp comedic writing and Lucille Ball’s signature zany charm, the show continues to endear new audiences with every passing generation. The program was a technical trailblazer, pioneering the multi-camera shooting technique (still employed by the majority of traditional sitcoms to this day) and the use of 35mm film for the capture of a weekly, 30-minute scripted television program (which made possible the re-airing of episodes at a later date, what we now know as “reruns”). In September 2012, I LOVE LUCY^® was named the “Best TV Show Of All Time” and the “Greatest TV Comedy” by People Magazine and ABC’s "20/20" special "Best in TV: The Greatest TV Shows of Our Time."

Photo via

I LOVE LUCY^® LIVE ON STAGE had its world premiere in Los Angeles at the Greenway Court Theatre from October 2011 – February 2012. A subsequent Chicago production was launched that played two engagements at the Broadway Playhouse, September 2012 – March 2013. The national tour visited cities including Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, Nashville and Costa Mesa.

The show is produced by Stephen Kahn (executive producer), David George (executive producer), Allan Williams (executive producer),Jeff Davis (executive producer), Dede Harris, Sharon Karmizan, Hyra George, Kim Flagg, Barbara Alpert, Sophie and Alan Alpert,Neil Hoffman, Nancy Alpert, Teri Alpert and David Carpenter (associate producer), under license from CBS Consumer Products.

TICKET AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

April 7 – 12, 2015  |  Keller Auditorium, SW 3rd & Clay

Tuesday, April 7 |  7:30pm
Wednesday, April 8  |  7:30pm

Thursday, April 9  |  7:30pm

Friday, April 10 |  7:30pm
Saturday, April 11 |  2:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, April 12  |  1:00pm and 6:30pm

For information on ADA seating, please call the Portland Opera Box Office at 503-241-1802 or email boxoffice@portlandopera.org

Tickets can be purchased:

www.BroadwayInPortland.com, 
Portland Opera Box Office: 503- 241-1802 or toll free at 866-739-6737
Portland’5 Box Office: 800-273-1530, All TicketsWest locations

U.S. Bank Broadway in Portland is a partnership between Portland Opera and Broadway Across America.

~Melissa

How to Create 3 Different #DisneyEaster Baskets

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

Happy Spring everyone! Like I mentioned last night, I am so ecstatic that I've been on the ball this year and am all done shopping for Easter baskets this year!

I've honestly never been the kind of parent to buy a pre-made Easter basket – to me they just aren't as personal. I want my children to be surprised at all of the fun things in their Easter baskets and know that I put a lot of love and thought into creating it for them.

Noah’s and Emma’s baskets were easy – I created a Spiderman themed basket for him, and a FROZEN one for her.

Anika on the other hand was a little bit harder. She is still 11, so she’s at that ‘I want to be a big girl’ one minute stage, then playing make believe with Emma and Noah the next.

Obviously I don’t want her to grow up any faster than she already is, so I decided to do a basket with a character I know she likes: The Little Mermaid. 

 At Walmart I found everything I needed, and I began gathering things for the kids, - one theme at a time.

They had Spiderman baskets there too and I quickly realized that they would perfect because they had quite a bit of room for me to fill them. I chose red as Noah’s color theme, as I thought it would be fun to not only pick character themes, but color themes as well.

Spiderman action figures, body wash, a watch, and more were placed alongside chocolates and candies.

 Emma’s basket is filled with FROZEN fun. There is a FROZEN wand, lip gloss, tattoos, and more and then of course color coordinated candies for her too. I bought light blue Easter egg grass to match all of the goodies inside.

Anika’s I ended up altering it a little bit more – I knew I wanted a green basket with purple accents (like Ariel), so I bought the first wicker basket I found at Walmart and had to modify it a bit. There was a wooden figure glue to the front that I carefully removed, and then wrapped the top of the basket with purple ribbon, attaching it with glue dots. I then covered the area that I had the wooden animal removed from with purple bows.

I bought her an Ariel doll because she still likes playing dolls sometimes – only because her sister ‘begs’ her to, you know.  ;)

I tried to keep all of her basket with green goodies, even down to the Chap Stick I bought for her.

All of the fun Disney products can be found in the Toy and Easter sections at Walmart.

I’m so excited to have these done! Now if I can find a good spot to hide them until Easter Sunday where they won’t find them!

 Have you made any Easter baskets yet this year?

~Melissa