Choosing the Best Electronics: 5 Tips for Buying a Home Theater System

January 19, 2014 by

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5 tips for buying a home theater system

For the past 5 or so years my husband has been asking to upgrade the TV in our living room. Our current TV is 8 years old and is fading fast. So upgrading to the best electronics was a must for us.

From a not-so-clear picture to issues with sound to delayed response time when trying to change the channel or switch from cable to the DVD player, we were ready for something new.

For the past 3 years he’s been searching around for the perfect model so that when the time comes, he knows what he wants to purchase. So when the time finally came, he knew exactly what he wanted and where he wanted to go.

By following these simple tips for buying a home theater system we were able to purchase and set up the perfect tv for our home. And I have one VERY happy husband! [Read more…]

Filed Under: Technology, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Tips for Organizing Holiday Decorations

January 18, 2014 by

I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Brother P-touch. I received a product samples to facilitate my review and promotional item as a thank you for participating.

tips for organizing holiday decor
I’m a crazy person when it comes to holiday decorations. I love being able ot fill the house with fun reminders of the holidays coming up and enjoy making and purchasing holiday decor. The one thing I don’t like? Organizing holiday decorations.

So when I received my Brother P-touch PT-H100 label maker a few months ago I knew the one project I needed to tackle after the holidays was to organize my holiday decor. And that includes big and little holidays.

Because when I head out to the garage to grab the next holiday’s bin, I don’t want to see Christmas in the Valentine’s & Easter box. Because next Christmas I’ll be wondering where the tree skirt went. [Read more…]

Filed Under: For the Home, Holidays, Organization, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

San Diego Restaurant Week is Coming to Town January 19-24 2014

January 16, 2014 by
San Diego Restaurant Week Peohes Ceviche Tostadas

Peohes’ Ceviche Tostadas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, it’s not Christmas yet. But San Diego Restaurant Week is coming next week and I cannot wait!

I’m even more excited after being invited to the San Diego Restaurant Week media preview this morning and sampling a few dishes that will make their way on the menus of some of the great restaurants in our awesome city.

If you don’t have your reservations already, take a look at the restaurants participating (and grab a sneak peek at the menus they’ll be offering), and make your reservations today! You won’t be disappointment. I never am. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Events, In the Kitchen, San Diego, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Bubble Gum Valentine Printable – Perfect for Preschoolers!

January 15, 2014 by

bubble gum valentine printable

Over the years we’ve gotten a bit creative with our valentines and this year is no different. I let the kids decide what they want to pass out (within reason) and then we start creating. So when my daughter said she wanted to pass out bubble gum, I knew this bubble gum valentine printable would come in handy.

Last year we made some cutie valentines and car valentines so this year I wanted to stick with the no-candy theme. My son will be making his dinosaur themed valentines this weekend so stay tuned for those!

Everything I used for these valentines were found at Target. The foam hearts were on an end cap in the party supplies section and the gum was in the snack aisle. And? These took like 10 minutes to put together!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Crafts/DIY, Holidays, Uncategorized, Valentine's Day Tagged With: , , , , ,

Finding a New Way to Stay Active and Enjoy Life + a recipe for Salmon Burgers

January 13, 2014 by

I was given a free one month subscription to Weight Watchers to try their new Simple Start plan and write about my experience.Though I was compensated for my time and commitment, all views, positive and negative, are my own

Finding A New Way To Stay Active and a recipe for Salmon Burgers #SimpleStart

Every other time I start a weight loss journey I jump right in feet first. I start running again, go to lots of classes at the gym (more than my normal 2 or 3), and eat by the book. But this first week on Simple Start I’ve tried something a bit different.

Instead I’ve taken it a bit slower. I’ve decided that I’m not quite the runner I wanted to be. Walking seems to be easier on my joints and I’m getting more miles in by switching up the pace. And… I’ve found my motivation!

I’m also having some fun in the kitchen as well. Not necessarily trying outlandish and adventurous things, but going back to the recipes I love. Including this amazingly delicious salmon burger that’s perfect for any time of the year. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Dinner, Health & Wellness, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized, weight loss, Weight Watchers, Weight Watchers Tagged With: , , , , ,

10 Best iPad Apps for Preschoolers

January 10, 2014 by

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10 best ipad apps for preschoolers

When my husband got his iPad for Christmas last year he had no idea that it would soon be commandeered by our two children. So this year when thinking of things to ask for from Santa, he thought it’d be awesome if Santa just brought the kids their own iPad mini. Problem solved!

Since the kids opened up their new iPad I’ve been on the hunt for great apps to load for them. Here is a list of the 10 best iPad apps for preschoolers that we’ve found and enjoyed over the past few weeks!

You’ll notice that quite a few of them are from PBS Kids. Since my kids love their programming, they also are much more interested in apps that include their favorite show’s characters. Plus, quite a few PBS Kids apps are free or low cost! And you can always catch up on your PBS Kids shows by downloading the PBS Kids app. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Education, Reviews, Technology, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Delicious Peanut Butter S’mores {4 WW+ Dessert}

January 9, 2014 by

A friend of mine recently mentioned the delicious low point dessert she made to curb a craving she had. She made some sugar free, fat free white chocolate jello and topped it with strawberries. YUM! So I started thinking about the dessert items I have made to hit the spot.

One of them is a delicious s’mores recipe that uses marshmallow creme instead of marshmallows and uses mini chocolate chips instead of a chocolate bar. You bake it in the oven (or toaster oven) and within 5-10 minutes a delicious, mouthwatering snack comes out.

I just took that recipe and spiced it up for what I was craving. And while it did come out with a higher points value, that’s ok! It was so worth it. And I only ate one serving and shared the other with my son. He was more than ecstatic to help me eat some points so I wasn’t tempted to go after the other one.

Peanut Butter Smores [Read more…]

Filed Under: Desserts, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized, Weight Watchers Tagged With: , , ,

Green Monster Protein Smoothie {6 WW+}

January 7, 2014 by

Green Monster Protein SmoothieThere’s one thing I’ve been obsessed about for months. Something that’s healthy for me that I actually crave at times. And you’ll think I’m crazy, but they really are good. What am I talking about? This green monster protein smoothie.

No, seriously… this protein-packed green machine is something I blend up in the morning and enjoy sipping until the very end. I have to thank the frozen banana and teaspoon of PB2 for that.

Haven’t heard of PB2? Well it’s basically powdered peanut butter and is much more calorie friendly than your typical jar of Skippy or Jif. You can find it on Amazon or on select store shelves. You can also find another version from Just Great Stuff that tastes very similar. And? It also comes in chocolate peanut butter form too!

I’ve spotted the Just Great Stuff brand at Target and Whole Foods but there are specialty stores around town that carry PB2 as well. And the protein powder? I pick up the Whole Foods generic brand, 365. It was recommended by a few people and I enjoy the taste.

Oh, and this whole huge 24oz cup? 6 WW+ points! How awesome is that? Definitely a breakfast I can dig before a workout. Then, when I have more time at lunch, I enjoy some scrambled eggs after my workouts. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Breakfast, Drinks & Refreshments, Health & Wellness, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized, Weight Watchers Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Creating a Healthy Lifestyle with Weight Watchers Simple Start

January 6, 2014 by

I was given a free one month subscription to Weight Watchers to try their new Simple Start plan and write about my experience.Though I was compensated for my time and commitment, all views, positive and negative, are my own.

Creating a Healthy Lifestyle with Weight Watchers Simple Start #SimpleStart

It all starts with a plan. And attainable goals. What might seem like small little changes will eventually start to turn into a large lifestyle change. That’s what Weight Watchers Simple Start has provided for me.

Now I’ve been on Weight Watchers before. Before having my son, and then again after the birth of my son and my daughter. However keeping track of points, logging in, and staying on track proved to get away from me when I started showing signs of success, usually around the 25 pound loss mark.

So with a new year comes a new goal… to not hop off the wagon! To stay OP (on plan) and to try new things. That’s why I love that Weight Watchers has this new Simple Start app that can help me follow the simply filling plan easier for two weeks to reset my eating habits and get me on the right track. Without counting points. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Health & Wellness, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized, weight loss, Weight Watchers, Weight Watchers Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

January Fitness Photo a Day Challenge

January 1, 2014 by

I’m starting this New Year off with a bang with this January Fitness Photo a Day Challenge. Finding the motivation to keep going and the accountability of sharing my journey this next year as I get closer to my goal is my biggest inspiration right now! 

Plus, being able to discover new Instagram users to follow and see so many creative pictures out there is so helpful and lets me get to know my Instagram friends a bit more.

january-photo-a-day-fitness-challenge

This is all you have to do:

Find me on Instagram at @simmworksfamily to easily follow along. Use the hashtag #lowcarbsandiego to make sure we can all see your pictures. Leave your Instagram handle in the comments so I can make sure to follow you back! Start taking pictures and join along now. No need to wait until the beginning of each month. Jump in whenever and post when you can. Have fun with it!

How do you challenge yourself?

Filed Under: Fitness, Health & Wellness, Photography, Uncategorized, weight loss Tagged With: , , , ,


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