I'm a Discover Boating Ambassador #DiscoverBoating #MC #Sponsored

Beautiful weather is here and for many that means getting out on the boat. Can you relate? Do you spend some of your summer out on the water? I'm excited to share with you summer boating ideas with my involvement as a Discover Boating Ambassador. I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Discover Boating. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

As soon as the weather warms up friends are posting all over Facebook of their time spent on their boats. I love looking at their photos and reading their stories. Boating almost always means fishing for food and pure family time enjoyment. We do not own a boat but I'm always fascinated with boating. I do prefer ocean water over lake water but that is difficult because we do not live by an ocean.  My husband has brought up the subject of owning a boat several times.  I clicked over to the Discover Boating Boat Selector Tool to see what boating options are available and could not believe all the choices! There are over 20 choices depending on what you are wanting to do.

If you own a boat I'd love for you to let me know in the comments below. Feel free to share a memory with me. Grab some tissue and check out, Good Run, which is a touching story of a man and his boating memories. 



If you don't have a boat you can check out Testing the Waters on the Discover Boating website where you will find out how you can test various boats before buying. I actually love this option and have already shared it with my husband. I would love for him to do this instead of justing going out and buying a boat without really knowing which one he wants. 

Favorite canoe trip - hubby and friend out on the water and their canoe tipped
in the sluggish water. 

How do you hope to spend your summer on water? Every summer we get invited on canoe and boating trips by our friends. We have a beautiful lake near by and friends go for fishing and for pure pleasure. Our church has a lot of boat owners and once a year we host a huge event where all the boaters go out together. It is a day full of fun, food and sun! I love looking at all of the photos everyone takes, too. Do you take photos when you go out boating? Discover Boating is hosting a Facebook Contest and they want you to submit your best Independence Day boating photos for their contest. It runs mid-June through early July. 

Besides the links provided, you can also follow and learn more about Discover Boating on social media. Check them out on their website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and now on Instagram. 

Family Time in the Outdoor Oasis and Giveaway #Pier1OutdoorParty #Sponsored #MC

Do you have a fun outdoor space to hang out with family and friends? Is it inviting and comfortable? How often do you sit out and enjoy it? We have a great outdoor extension to our home but it was in need of a little TLC. My teen daughter and I went shopping at Pier 1 Imports and gave our outdoor porch some new life. I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Pier 1 Imports. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Our space was green and boring. We have good furniture but lacked fashionable decor. On our trip we decided to create an outdoor oasis which would be great to host brunches, an up and coming bridal party, Father's day celebrations and even an after school party. Since our current color was green we decided to add blue and orange and yellow to the color pallet. Emily and I picked out coastal colors and products to fit our theme. We found beautiful lanterns, pillows, candles, and a fun coastal blue outdoor rug which tied the entire porch together. 

Our shopping trip was successful! Our porch is now beautiful, comfortable and everyone loves hanging out together. Ever since the decor was added there seems to be someone on the porch all the time.

Outdoor Oasis Recipes coming this week on the blog. Check back to get our new outdoor summer favorites!

For our outdoor oasis family party Pier 1 also had this large, 2 gallon Mason Jar serving drink container and individual mason jar glasses to be personalized with chalk for the guest. We made a fruity lemonade which went with the decor of the porch. Everyone enjoyed the fruity drink while waiting for the food to be served.

We made fun summer foods for our gathering. It was a perfect day for easy summer recipes.  The food included BBQ Ribs, Bacon Potato Salad, fresh veggies, fruit salad, Zippy Coleslaw and German Chocolate Cake. We also served wine. It was a great afternoon of family time. It isn't always easy to get everyone together for a meal so this party was a lot of fun. 

I have to say that our favorite product is the outdoor rug because it pulls the entire area together. Besides that we love the Mason jar serving container and individual jars. These products will be enjoyed for years! While shopping, my daughter and I created a few wish list items to add to our new outdoor oasis. We are saving up money for them.

When was the last time you shopped at Pier 1? Are you having your own outdoor oasis party this summer? I hope you consider shopping at Pier 1 and check out their Imports Outdoor Collection. You'll be instantly inspired! Stop on over at the Pier 1 Imports website and see what is in their collection. 

We want to help you plan your own outdoor oasis party by giving you a chance to win a $25 Pier 1 Imports gift card. This gift card will get you started on planning your own party. 

Enter in the rafflecopter form and on my Facebook. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Get Social} Weekend Social Media Link Party

Are you ready to get a little social with us this weekend? We decided to change it up a bit this weekend because this is more than a link up and run event. We want to know a little bit about you and want you to take the time to follow back the host, cohost and others who have linked up. This weekend social is only as successful as you make it!

Welcome to another week of the Weekend Social, we're gonna change it up a bit. Thanks again for my lovely co-host ladies, you gals rock! Link up & meet new friends :)

 

Don't forget to follow our hosts & co-hosts for their answers :)

Natalie Made It|| Facebook|| Twitter|| Pinterest 

The Chronicles of Motherly Beauty|| Facebook|| Twitter|| Pinterest 

Maurissa Sees Beauty|| Facebook|| Twitter|| Pinterest 

Cookie Dough & Oven Mitt|| Facebook|| Twitter|| Pinterest 

SusieQTpies Cafe|| Facebook|| Twitter|| Pinterest 

Texas Teaching Fanatic || Facebook|| Twitter|| Pinterest

Simply copy these questions to your blog, answer them & snag the button at the bottom. ?Then drop your link to your blog post in the linkup :)

This week's questions: 3 Things...

3 things you love about summer time

3 things you have in your purse currently

3 things you don't leave the house without

3 things you look forward to this summer

Here are my answers

3 THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT SUMMERTIME: Relaxed pace, Busy doing outdoor things and outdoor grilling.

3 THINGS YOU HAVE IN YOUR PURSE CURRENTLY: Hand sanitizer, toothpicks and hair ties

3 THINGS YOU DON'T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT: Water bottle, protein snack, cellphone

3 THINGS YOU LOOK FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER: Planning daughters wedding Labor Day weekend, Planning Bridal Shower next month and exercising outdoors more.

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Celebrating Father's Day with Wine and Giveaway #sponsored

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Dad Central Consulting for The Calling Wines. I received a product sample and promotional item as a thank you for participating.

My girls have the best dad ever. We always do something special for him on Father's Day which traditionally involves food. He loves to eat anything I cook so this year we are staying in and eating ribs and all the sides! To top off this delish comfort food meal we'll also be serving him a bottle of The Calling Pinot Noir wine. We are excited to have this wine for him which makes for a great Father's Day gift to give and or to receive. What are you doing for dad on Father's Day? Any special traditions? Dishes? Gifts? I'd love to know in the comments below. 

Perfect for Father's Day, I'm sharing with you the partnership between sports commentator Jim Nantz and wine industry entrepreneur Peter Deutsch. Both had wonderful father's who taught them many life and business lessons along the way. Jim co-authored a book on the struggles of Alzheimers with his father which Peter read before meeting Jim in person. Jim and Peter met by accident one night while dinning with friends in Greenwich, Connecticut. This was the beginning of their partnership where they have created and built up the ever successful brand, The Calling. The Calling is all about pursuing a passion, inspiring others, and making a great wine. 

I challenge you to take a few minutes and check out the wonderful site, The Calling. You can find out more about the two business men and the wines they have created. We'll be toasting Father's Day with The Calling Pinot Noir which is made with grapes sourced from Dutton Ranch Vineyard. 

Enter to win a signed copy of Jim Nantz's book, Always By My Side. 

Easy Entry - Leave a comment and tell me something special about your dad or a fun Father's Day tradition.

Giveaway ends Sunday, June 19th. 

Rules: Make sure you leave a contact email addy. Entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstakes as part of a campaign sponsored by Dad Central Consulting.

Easy Summer Recipes for those who are Lactose Intolerant #mc #BeyondLI #sponsored

Do you have anyone in your family who experiences discomfort after eating dairy foods? In my family, I'm the one who struggles with this gastric discomfort because I'm lactose intolerance. This type of sensitivity to dairy doesn't have to limit dairy because the LACTAID® Brand has a milk option that is real dairy. This allows me to incorporate the needed dairy into my diet without the discomfort. If you have someone who is lactose sensitive or intolerant, what do you use to provide with them the required dairy in their daily diet? I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for National Dairy Council and the LACTAID®Brand. I received product coupons from the LACTAID® Brand to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Summer Dairy Recipes

Did you know that there are between 30-50 million Americans believe to be lactose intolerant. Many of them, including myself have learned to cut out dairy from their diet to avoid the unwanted gastric symptoms. This avoidance isn't necessary.  According to the National Dairy Council our diet would be missing key nutrients without dairy. Did you know that milk provides 9 essential nutrients including protein, calcium as well as vitamins A & D? These nutrients are key for strong bones, muscle contraction, healthy nervous system as well as aid in the building and repair of muscle tissue. 

Since being a young adult I was thrilled to know of the LACTAID® Brand products to give me the needed nutrients without the gastric symptoms. Some of their products include pills, milk, cottage cheese and ice cream. These products provide the same nutrients with the added natural enzyme lactase which can help diary digestion and prevent the unwanted gastric symptoms. 

I personally love the LACTAID® Calcium Enriched Fat Free Milk because it provides me with protein, vitamins A & D and even more calcium to make sure my body is getting the required daily needs met. I consider this a very important part of my healthier lifestyle especially with my exercise schedule. I use this milk in my after gym protein shakes or anywhere milk is needed in a recipe. The LACTAID® website also has tasty recipes which would be great for summer such as Berry Custard Brûlée, Lemon Ginger Pudding and Fresh Mango Frappe. 

Click on photo to see a larger recipe for Smore Cheesecake 

Enter below for a chance to win 2 free LACTAID® product coupons.

To enter: Leave a comment below and let me know if you have family members who are lactose intolerant. Are they already familiar and use the LACTAID® products? If so, what are the favorites? Do you use the products with recipes? On the other side of these questions I'd also love to know if you don't use these products and if you want to try them for yourself or a loved one. If so, which one. 

Easy giveaway will end June 12th.

Weekend Social Media Link Up! Join the fun

Welcome to our weekly weekend social! We would love for you to link up your social media channels with us and follow all the host/cohost. Follow others, too! This is a great way to meet new bloggers, grow your social media channels and help others grow, too!

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Happy National Running Day {June 4}

Happy National Running Day to all the runners out there! I'm a runner and love it. I do not think running is the sport for everyone but I do think that if you want to run you can. I say that everyone can run and I believe it because I have lived it. Two years ago I started on a healthier lifestyle journey where I could not even walk 2 times around our gym track without stopping, sitting and out of breath (18 times around is 1 mile). Now I run and can't believe there was a time when I couldn't even walk 2 laps. So yes over time anyone can run if they want to. Keep in touch with me and join my FREE Fitness Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/MakeTime4HealthierLifestyle/

My first race

So being National Running Day I wanted to let you all know that I joined a Summer Running Challenge that began Memorial Day and RUNS through 4th of July. This is a 40 day challenge to run 1 mile a day for 40 Days. Never have I ran more than 1 day in a row or even 7 miles in a week. As I write this post I'm on day 8 so 8 miles of running in 8 days! It is all very exciting for me because I really want to be a runner and have been preparing to run for 2 years at the gym. I already do cardio and strength training so my body has been ready to run. How about you? Do you run?

*You can follow my 40 Day Summer Running Challenge on Instagram and also by using the hashtag #RWRunStreak*

If you know where to buy this shirt please let me know!

I have found that I respond to exercise challenges. How about you? If you need a challenge do something for 40 days in a row! You will either love it more and develop a strong habit or you will find that you totally hate it and move on to something else.

If you are interested in running and/or exercising here are tips, advice, healthy eating tips and more for you to explore. IF you want to get inspired, follow my blog for more ideas. If you want easy access to me and others who are trying to keep motivated to exercise, join my MakeTime group on Facebook.

Top 10 Exercise Funnies
It is Easy to Get Fit At Home
Best Exercise Equipment to Workout at Home
Tips on How to Choose the Right Exercise Shoes
Tips to Exercise in Comfort and Style

Exercise Challenge
Get Fit with Heart Rate Monitors
Top 5 Zumba Products to Get You Fit
Tips and Ideas to Get the Family Fit!
Tips for Working Out While Pregnant

Tips to Fall in Love with Running
Nutrition and Exercise Tips
30 Day Plank Challenge

NEED help getting started running or want an accountability partner? Connect with me below:

1. Joining this ab challenge which includes 4 different exercises to do daily.  Anyone can do it. It also involves squats which work your leg muscles. (more on that at a later post) Follow the Make Time for Abs challenge group to get inspired and have accountability partners.
2. Clean up your every day eating so that when it comes time to go to parties you can enjoy the company, holiday spirit and food without gaining the average weight gain. Follow the Make Time for Clean Eating challenge group to learn more.
3. Learn about overall health and nutrition and join our FREE Fitness Group, Make Time for Healthier Lifestyle.

Do yourself a favor and do this today! Why not be above average and ahead of the weight loss group at the office by starting to get healthy now instead of January 1st. Either way you can find me here and at all of the above groups to help inspire and motivate you daily.

My first 5K Run was a Zombie Run! Challenge yourself to a 5K even if you just walk the run! Get a group together or have a partner to do it with you. Commit to at least one to see if you like it and what you need to do to improve! 

As promised, here are some of our healthier recipes. Enjoy! 

• Baked Carrot French Fries
• Spicy Whole Roasted Cauliflower
• Cucumber Cilantro Salad (VEGAN) 
• Homemade Cajun Seasoning
• Healthier Menu Plan
• No Bake Granola Bars
• 8 Salsa Recipes

Don't forget to join my FREE Fitness Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/MakeTime4HealthierLifestyle/