Springtime Snacking with My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream

April 27, 2018

This post is sponsored by My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

WEARING: VIP.COM BLUE GINGHAM WRAP TOP | JOE'S JEANS | PATRICIA GREEN JASMINE PUMP | ZAFUL EARRINGS | MEDUSA MINI BLUE CLUTCH/CROSSBODY

I'm more of a dessert person when the temps are warmer and now that spring has finally arrived what is better than finding two loves in one? I'm talking mochi and ice cream combined, how yummy does that sound? It's the perfect pairing for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially to anyone who is always on the go or to those that just like to kick it back at home and unwind. So basically it's great for everyone! Continue reading on to learn more about mochi, if you don't already know what it is, and also why you need to get your hands on a box of My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream asap! There are also shop sections for both my outfit and my two most favorite flavors that I'd recommend trying.

Back to the mochi at hand! If you're wondering what My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream is, it's soft mochi dough with very delectable ice cream in the middle. These snacks are not only the cutest little things, they're also the yummiest of the mochi ice creams in the market. My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream comes in 8 appetizing flavors, and my husband and I's most recent favorites have got to be Strawberry and Chocolate! Let's just say we're already out of it, and I cannot wait to grab another box (or two). These two boxes from this post may or may not have been completely consumed while on set!

S are you ready to blow your mouth’s mind? My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream is taking over snack time ALL the time! Why wait 'til after dinner? It's pre-breakfast, post lunch and/or a midnight delight. It's great on Monday morning to shake off the last of those Sunday scaries. A mundane meeting made wayyyy better by sneaking a little bite of your favorite boisterous balls. It's perfect for picnics, car rides, carousels, beach walks, boardwalks.......and pretty much just about any other situation you can think of. Like here where we literally stopped in the park after lunch to sit down and devour these cute little bites. So stop with the boring snacking and make your chosen bites more bold, beautiful and all around better with these balls!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Disco Naps with MaQ

December 14, 2017

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY 41 WINKS, MICHAEL TODD BEAUTY & PARTAKE FOODS.

The weekend is near and I can't wait to just unwind, relax and stay warm with my pup! We sure do love to play in the great outdoors but sometimes it's too freaking cold and we'd rather stay in, snuggle and eat to our heart's content. And at the end of each week, I like to take some time out of a Saturday or a Sunday to do a little 'spa session' at home, with face masks, serums, massages; the whole nine yards. Because sometimes you need to be pampered and it's never a negative thing to be taking care of yourself (or the pooch). So in today's post, I'll be sharing some of our recent favorite essentials for a great 'spa day' at home. We've got some cookies that are perfect for anyone (even if you're allergy-filled), an anti-aging electronic device that helps skincare products get where they need to go, and the grooviest, cutest eye masks you ever did see! Did I mention they're made of velvety goodness too?! Continue reading to hear more!

Michael Todd Beauty® Daily Renewal Serum™

Michael Todd Beauty Sonic Eraser Pro with Triplex Infusion Technology

41 Winks crafts & curates fun & colorful bed accessories. The brand is inspired by women who stand for independence & self-expression. Something I definitely can relate to. :) They also donate 4.1% of profits from each product purchased from their GIRL POWER Eye Mask Collection to the amazing non-profit, I AM THAT GIRL. I AM THAT GIRL is dedicated to fostering self-love, purpose and a sense of community for young girls. This collection screams girl power from its core, which is why I was so happy to partner with 41 Winks and their supporters. We met last month, and like many of my encounters/chance meetings here in New York City, we just instantly connected. I was immediately drawn to their positive energy and adorable bed accessories, especially their eye masks, let alone what their brand stands for. They put such a smile on my face and anything that does that for me lately is such a good thing, you don't even know! I've never been one to sleep with an eye mask but after using theirs I'm completely hooked. And for anyone like myself who sometimes has trouble sleeping, put one of these bad boys on and you'll conk out in no time. Even MaQ is super into his! Block out the haters. :)

Now before you make any kind of remark to this device in today's post (because great minds think alike right hahaha) you have to hear the wonders of The Michael Todd Sonic Eraser Pro. It's my new favorite daily beauty essential! Apply anti-aging creams and serums to get maximum benefits for your skin. With the Innovative Triplex Infusion Technology™ 3-in-1 delivery system, the device utilizes Sonic, Ionic, and Thermal infusion to your skin. Sonic oscillations at more than 30,000 times per minute for more evenly distributed product and really provides anti-aging massage to revive the look of tired skin for a more youthful complexion. You can definitely see and feel skincare products get deep into your skin, and the results are amazing! I've been using it for a little over a week and my skin has never looked brighter and smoother in years! A really great gift idea, maybe just for you or one of your girls, either way it's a definite keeper!

Partake Foods makes super delicious, real and healthy, allergy-friendly foods. The story behind this brand and family is their daughter is allergic to several common ingredients in many foods and they wanted to create recipes where she and others could benefit and enjoy from. Their products are all free of the top 8 allergens (Wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, corn & sesame) so your family can eat safely, healthfully, and deliciously — even on-the-go. We love their mini cookies, I especially am hooked on their chocolate chip and MaQ loves to share the carrot oat cookies with me. You can find Partake Foods at a number of NJ/NY grocery stores here. Got any questions about any of these products from today's post? Drop a line in the comments below! Always happy to hear from our readers! Stay tuned before the holidays arrive because we've got a couple of giveaways coming your way soon too! Enjoy the rest of your week and have an even greater weekend!

BLOCK OUT THE HATERS and take a DISCO NAP this holiday season ;) The GIRL POWER Eye Mask Collection is the perfect holiday gift! Each eye mask you purchase gives back to girls via the amazing non-profit I AM THAT GIRL. Learn more and shop at www.41winks.com #THEEXTRAWINK

LOVE & XX'S,

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Victoria's Secret Black Satin Pajama Set

41 Winks Disco Nap Eye Mask in Bubblegum Velvet

Block Out the Haters Eye Mask in Lilac Velvet

Partake Foods Sprouted Grain Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies

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Sour Punch Bites Movie Night

November 30, 2017

This post is sponsored by Sour Punch® Bites®, but all opinions are my own.

As much as I love the hustle and bustle of the craziness around my schedule in the next month, where attending events are more frequent, many deadlines are needed to be done and being social around the holidays is a given, there's nothing homier and as cozy than staying in with my pup and doing one of my favorite things: A movie night. Especially when it's super cold outside and my itty bitty toes are snuggled under my fur baby's warm body and I've got some tasty movie night snacks and great films surrounding me, it's not that hard to give in and stay at home. In today's post, I'm sharing a few of my favorite treats along with some of my all-time favorite films (both holiday and non-holiday) that I love to watch around this time of the year. And it's not your typical Home Alone/It's a Wonderful Life kind of movie list, let's say it's definitely more action-packed. Continue reading to see how we enjoying staying in for a movie night at home!

Ever since I was a kid, I've always been a fan of sweet and sour candy. Most particular when it comes to watching films, both at the theater or at home, it's definitely something I've got to have in my snack arsenal. And with Sour Punch® Bites® Assorted Flavors from Walmart it doesn't get any better than this. It comes in three flavors: Strawberry, green apple, and blue raspberry. I know it may seem kind of strange, but I love having something sweet to go with something salty, like popcorn for a satisfying movie night. With a resealable bag, you can also take these candies with you on the go! What's your go-to box of candy you like to get with your popcorn? Like the sweet and sour like me? Or more of a chocolatey kind?

Now, onto some of my favorite films. First, I'm kind of a movie buff, and there's too many to list, but I've done my best and slimmed it down to a top 5 favorites to watch around this time of year. Number 1: Any James Bond film will do, but if you really want to make a girl happy just toss in one with Pierce Brosnan. Ever since I was 12, I found him to be a total fox! A very dreamy Mr. Bond. :) Number 2: The Thomas Crown Affair - both films, 1968 and 1999. A definite cat-and-mouse kind of film, and smart, sexy scenes from both that'll keep your heart pounding.

Number 3: This one is for all the love saps (like myself) in the world. It's all about love and its complications. And how no, you can't always get what you want. But sometimes you might find, you get what you need. (Ha Ha, no not a RS fan at all.) This film is Love Actually. I just love it. And it is Christmas-ey for those who love holiday-themed movies. Number 4: Any film by Wong Kar-Wai. My favorite is 2046. It's probably one of my all-time favorite films, EVER, so if you haven't seen it and you are a fan of love and beautiful writing, don't miss out on this one. And lastly for Number 5: Bad Santa. It's not exactly a cheerful family film, but it's a dark comedy and downright hilarious. What are some of your favorite films around this time of the year on top of your favorite movie-time snacks? We'd love to hear from our readers so please don't forget to comment down below!

LOVE & XX'S,

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5 Foods You Should Feed Your Dog

June 1, 2016

When it comes to feeding my dog, MaQ, I've put him on specific diet since the age of 1. Every day, twice daily, he gets red meat, cooked sushi rice with green beans, some cottage cheese and olive oil, and glucosamine pills. But I also like to give him a little nutrition boost, from time to time, now and again, since these staple powerhouse foods are not only good for us humans, but for your beloved pooch too! And who doesn't love sharing their food with their loved ones? Sharing is caring, remember?! Here is a list of five foods you should (and can) be feeding your dog - right now!

1. BERRY, BERRY, POWERFUL

Like myself, MaQ is a huge fan of any berry in the berry family. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries. You name it, we love it all. I tend to make a lot of smoothies out of these berries as they're loaded in antioxidants and are loaded in fiber and vitamins as well. The phytochemicals in blueberries work the same way for your dog as they do for you. Ever hear how strawberries naturally whiten your teeth? It's absolutely true! Strawberries carry an enzyme that helps do this - for your fur babies too! Berries are powerful - they help fight free radicals in your dog.

2. IT'S ALL IN THE OILS, BABY

Twice a day, I give MaQ olive oil. First of all, it tastes great. Trust me when I say this, your dog will love you for it! The monounsaturated fats in olive oil actually encourage weight loss by breaking down the fatty cells, helping shed a couple pounds. It is also contains high levels of antioxidants, proving to arm your dog's immune system. Also a brain food, it has been shown to boost energy. And on top of being nutritious, olive oil gives your pooch the ultimate beauty treatment! Just like how we put oils in our hair to repair with moisture, you can do the same with you pet's coat or dry paws.

Coconut oil contains mainly of medium chain triglycerices (MCTs) which are loaded with lauric acid, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic. The lauric acid in coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Just like olive oil, coconut oil also can help boost your dog's energy and aid in weight loss. On top of that, coconut oil can also improveany dog’s skin and coat, improve digestion, and reduce allergic reactions. I even put a few scraping chunks in the freezer, like this organic coconut oil from Nutiva as a cooling treat during those hot, summer days.

Fish oil is also amazing for your dog. Benefits of the Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids help reduce joint discomfort, helps with shedding, decreases inflammation, adds moisture to dry, irritated skin, and even enhances your dog's appetite with an appealing fish flavor. I actually give MaQ this in capsules. He crunches them up in his mouth like Skittles, ha ha!

3. LEAFY GREENS

On top of 'eating your vegetables' like Sam from I Am Legend, MaQ occasionally gets some mint or parsley. He's not really a fan of it by itself, so I chop it up into his meals to diffuse that dragon breath of his. I'm telling you, he smells minty fresh afterward! Did you know that parsley is also good for preventative kidney health? We are all about getting rid of those toxins we carry in our bodies, both furry and non-furry!

I also like to give him some mixed greens, like a mesclun salad, which is filled with lots of fiber and vitamins/minerals. It can too help in digestion, even detoxifying the liver and urinary tract, though I don't give too much of it since he eats a ton of green beans daily.

4. POWDERED SPICES

When I talk to most dog owners, they're initially surprised I give MaQ turmeric. Also known as curcumin, turmeric boosts cardiovascular health and helps to treat memory disorders. It is also great for overweight dogs, because it boosts the metabolism and helps to speed up weight loss. It can also offer protection against certain ailments, including anemia, cancer, arthritis and stroke. Ground turmeric is easy to add into your pet’s daily diet. I just sprinkle some on MaQ's meals 3-4 times a week! He loves the pungent scent as well.

Got a dog who gets car sick like my baby? Well, look no further. Just put some ground ginger into his meal before your journey and they'll be nausea-free. Ginger ale or Vernor's work too, but I don't like to give him the carbonated drinks due to the sugar in them. The ground ginger is also helpful in absorption of food, and boosts the digestive system. It can even help boost circulation.

Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. It can help fight sepsis and diabetes in your dog. Being that cinnamon is one of the best sources of antioxidants, it can even help to remove the aflatoxins that are found in your dog’s food. (Should you use kibble.)

5. RAW EGGS

Eggs are a nearly complete source of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), and contain lots of vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B12, iron, selenium and fatty acids. You can feed the egg with the shell on, and the phosphorus and calcium are perfectly balanced, making the egg a nearly complete source of nutrition for your dog. I like to thoroughly clean the shells before giving it to MaQ. You can cook the eggs too. Tell me a dog who doesn't love scrambled eggs! :)

Remember, these foods should be used in moderation and as a supplement to your dog's diet. Every dog is different, so be sure to experiment with foods that are good for them. There's a ton of bad foods for dogs too, such as chocolate, grapes, avocado, a variety of nuts/seeds, onion, garlic, black pepper, and more.