Hailey's Helpful Hints

Ahh, summer. We're so close to having some fun in the sun. As if you haven't heard this a ga-zillion times before, you need to play it safe and pack the sunscreen whenever you're outside. Not just on the sunny days. On those grey days too. If you have a cupboard filled with bottles from last season (or 5 seasons ago), it's proably best to toss them and get some fresh new bottles. I was overwhelmed by the amount of sunscreen choices this past week. Do I go for the most expensive to be the most effective? The highest SPF? Is a spray better than a lotion? According to Consumer Reports, the best sun protection money can buy turns out to be the cheapest which is great news for us budget-conscious. The magazine tested 22 sprays, creams and lotions, and for the second year in a row Up & Up’s Sport Continuous SPF 30 (a Target brand - but of course) is not only the best buy ($9.00/2 pack), but it's also one of the four most effective sunscreens as determined by Consumer

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, as well as the season of delicious fruits and light desserts. Although this particular one is Patriotic for the occasion, there are a million ways to make a delicious trifle dessert that are perfect for summer BBQ's and backyard pool parties. If you don't have a trifle bowl, you need to invest in one. You can find this Libbey Selene Trifle Bowl at Target for $15.99. ~Patriotic Berry Triffle~ Recipe courtesy of "Taste of Home" Yields: 16-20 servings Prep: 30 minutes + chilling Ingredients: 1 package (3 ounces) berry blue gelatin 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin 2 cups boiling water 1 cup cold water 2 cups cold whole milk 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided 1 pint fresh blueberries 1 quart fresh strawberries, quartered 1 prepared angel food cake (8 to 10 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes Directions: In two small bowls, combine each gel

The Giveaway results are in and the top store amongst readers is...drum roll please...TARGET!!! Every one of the readers who entered the giveaway listed Target in their top three stores except for one. To be honest, I wasn't shocked. What person doesn't love a one stop shop?!? Besides Wally-world, there aren't many other places where you can pick yourself up a bathing suit, a kid's birthday gift, laundry detergant, a new hairdryer, inexpensive picture frames and bread. I think all you Target shoppers will be happy to know that new reports indicate that although Walmart has built its entire retail brand around the proposition that it "always" offers the lowest prices, Target is now the lowest priced powerhouse!! According to a recent comparison that consisted of 22 common grocery goods such as milk, cereal and rice; 10 general merchandise products such as clothing and home furnishings; and three health and beauty items, Target's prices are now lower than th

My mom is the absolute best when it comes to giving random, out-of-the-blue gifts. If there's one thing I've learned from her, it's to practice self-less acts of kindness. And not when it's only convenient for you. This past week, I heard Chase yell "Box Truck." Sure enough as I looked out the window, the UPS man was running across our lawn, jumping back into his "box truck." Chase opened the door to find a Crate and Barrel box on our doorstep. I thought, "Hmmm that's an interesting store to get a baby gift from." Surprisingly it wasn't a baby gift. It was a set of 6 Popsicle Molds (12.95, Crate and Barrel) from my mother. Just for fun. Because she thought Chase would love to make them. Lick them. Spill them. And make my house a sticky mess. I'm not sure what tickled my fancy more this week - my mom or the ear to ear smile Chase has when he opens up the freezer to find a "pop-a-cull" waiting for him? I'm thinking

The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for Women & Children starts today - May 25th - and lasts thru June 5th. Shop in the next 4 days (May 25-28) and Nordstrom cardholders who earn the standard 2 rewards points will earn 4 points per net dollar spent on purchases made at Nordstrom.com and in Nordstrom stores.

Food seems to be a blog favorite, especially those Chicken Enchiladas . Pretty freakin' d'lish right?? So here's a recipe from a fellow mom's club member that was prepared last week for our family. It was an absolute hit with Chase and definitely one I'll make again. And for all of you that are wondering how I'm still getting meals brought to me 6 weeks postpartum?? Between the families from our church - Grace Fellowship - and my local Mom's Club, it was truly a blessing to have home cooked meals 3-4 times per week for that long. I'm forever grateful for all the people that volunteered to do something so thoughtful. Florentine Mac and Cheese with Roast Chicken Meatballs Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray, 2007 (with a few motifications) Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 20 min Level: Easy Serves: 4 servings Ingredients: • 1 pound Rotini pasta • Salt • 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken • Black pepper • 2 to 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped • 3 cl

I grew up in a household where my father never wore deodorant. He sweat very little and he never ever smelled. Humph. Wouldn't that be nice?! For many years because my dad didn't wear it and my brother was too young, I thought deodorant was strictly a feminine product. So I used it - thinking it was part of being female. I'll never forget how shocked I was to see an entire aisle of men's deodorant. No joke. You would have thought I lived in the mountains completely isolated from any type of civilization. Between the rows of choices - deodorant or antiperspirant, gel or solid, spray or stick, white or clear - the selection of sticks on the market is enough to make you break out into a sweat just trying to decide. Where am I going with this?? I honestly don't know except for that it's a relevant story to this MUST HAVE post on deodorant. The last time I was at my mom's I was reminded how much I love MY deodorant. In a mad rush out the door, I rolled her gel

Can't lose those last 5 pounds? Can't fit into your shorts from last summer? Can't kick the sweet tooth? Can't. Can't. Can't. Enough. You CAN. It's a choice. A conscious choice. YOU choose what goes in YOUR mouth. YOU choose to drive your car through the drive-thru. YOU choose to order the burger over the fish. From this point on - there are no more can'ts. You CAN get in those shorts, I promise. And you can do it with baby steps. No crazy diet. No juice cleanse. No starving yourself. Below are some easy tips on how to make small changes in your diet that can result in significant weight loss without having to even break a sweat. Read on... 1. Don’t eat in front of the TV. You’ll eat up to 288 calories more, according to research from the University of Massachusetts. Instead, eat at the table, and trade one hour of TV for a casual walk. Together, that’s 527 calories burned. 2. Get in tune with your tummy. Pay attention to how full you feel, and put down

When I saw this twist on the traditional dessert on Bakers Royale , I couldn't wait to share them with you. The once large and messy banana split has gone marvelously mini for some bite size fun! And yes, there is actually a tiny scoop of ice cream inside these darling desserts. Whip these babies up for your next party or playdate. They are the perfect size for kid's to pop into their mouths without the melted ice cream mess. Little tip – make more than you think. They go FAST! ~BANANA SPLIT BITES~ Ingredients: FIRM Banana Ice Cream of choice Chocolate Whip Cream Sprinkles or nuts Maraschino Cherries Directions: Cut bananas into 1 inch sections. Leave the peel on for easy handling. With a melon baller, dig a well in the middle of each banana sections. Melt chocolate in the microwave. Dip the bottom portion of the banana in chocolate and then dip it once again in either sprinkles or chopped peanuts. To quickly harden the chocolate, place dipped bananas in the freezer for five mi

Attention Bakers!! If you refuse to spend $3.50 for a cupcake knowing that you could make them just as cute and yummy - you'll love this deal! Michaels Craft Stores have over 200 new bakeware items that will help you achieve that WOW factor. From this Sunday, May 22 through Saturday, May 28 if you buy two bakeware at full price, you get the third FREE. And if you click on the link below, you can print a coupon for an additional 40% off one item. http://weeklyad.michaels.com/ Happy Baking!

Yesterday I received several texts and emails thanking me for the graduation gift idea post. I'm so happy I could help relieve some stress on that end. From that post another cry for help surfaced - the graduation party. What to serve? Decorations? If you're looking for a little party planning motivation, here are a few ideas and websites I personally love; For menu ideas and recipes; check out http://www.celebrations.com/graduationparty . This site is also a great reference for recipes, activities, and fun drink ideas. For tips on how to streamline your party planning; check out this article from Real Simple Magazine. Follow her advice and you might just enjoy the days leading up to the party! http://simplystated.realsimple.com/celebrations/2008/05/easy-party-plan.html My absolute favorite party planning website however is Hostess with the Mostess . This site is truly inspiring - and a tad overwhelming. It is though the ultimate website if you want to replicate a party theme o

If you have a summer road trip planned or a camping trip on the horizon Target's Daily Deal - ONE DAY ONLY. ALWAYS FREE SHIPPING - features two products you might want to check out! Product: Quick Shade 64' Weekender Canopy Shade Color: Midnight Blue Original price: $99.99 SALE price: $74.99 plus FREE shipping Rating: 4.5/5 stars Product: Travelchair with Footrest Color: Grey/Black Original price: $59.99 SALE price: $44.99 plus FREE shipping Rating: 4.5/5 starts Buy together and you'll save $40.00! At midnight (PST), today's deals will be gone. Act fast.

Stumped on what to give the graduate that has everything? Or better yet, nothing? Consider these ideas ranging from practical to elaborate: 1. Personalized Stationery: Custom stationery always makes a nice gift because it's both useful and personal. Three of my favorite stationery sites are suitorlife.com for a very simple, professional look and I love http://www.minted.com/ , thebutternyc.com and Chloe B. for Crane for clean, modern designs. 2. Jewelry: Jewelry makes a lovely graduation gift. If you want the piece to have "meaning," the butterfly is representative of change and rebirth into a new life. 3. U-Haul rental: Moving costs pile up with an uncommon ease. Bestow a grad with an U-Haul rental for $20-30. 4. Gym Membership: The end of college or high school means an end to amenities - like well-stocked college gyms or mommy and daddy's auto-pay membership. A Bally Total Fitness membership is roughly $20/month with no enrollment fee right now. Pool together y

The Adirondack chair has recently made my "Love List." They've been around forever but I've been noticing them more lately in all sorts of eye-catching colors from fire engine red to canary bird yellow. They are making their appearances at outdoor cafes, around fire-pits at the beach, alongside tree swings on the front lawn. They're simple. Chic. Functional. And they even come in kid's sizes too! As I looked into some Adirondack chairs for myself (and no I'm not talking the cheap-o beige or hunter green plastic ones from Home Depot), I learned this wooden piece of furniture comes with a very interesting history. The original Adirondack chair was made with eleven pieces of wood, cut from a single board. It had a straight back and seat, which were set at a slant to sit better on the steep, rural mountain inclines. It also features wide armrests to set food and beverages on, which became a hallmark of the Adirondack chair. Hence why we'll be seeing more a

Thanks to my girlfriend, Lori, this has become a staple in our house and a fan favorite with guests! I'm not gonna tell you how good it is - you're just gonna have to make it and see for yourself! Tip: Save some for left-overs. They are even better the next day!! INGREDIENTS: Serves 4 - 6 6 boneless skinless chicken breast 2 large cans of Green Chile Enchilada Sauce (likely have a little leftover) 2 cans DICED/MILD Rotel tomatoes w/ green chilies 2 cans of black beans 1 packet of enchilada seasoning 2 bags of shredded “Mexican Blend” cheese (or cheese of choice) 1 package flour tortillas DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Boil chicken breast for 10 min, shred with 2 forks. Season shredded chicken with packet of enchilada seasoning. Add tomatoes & green chilies, black beans, desired amount of cheese. Add 3/4 of can of enchilada sauce to mixture. Mix all together. Pour 1/2 can of enchilada sauce into casserole dish. Put mixture into tortillas, wrap tightly, lay into cas

Now that the sun is finally shining and everyone's donning their warm-weather attire, what better way to channel our need for a summer manicure fix than by showcasing the season's freshest lacquers? This season's trends give you two options: go bright or go nude. Brighter than ever, neon shades of pink, orange, blue and lemony yellow are pool-party perfect and have summer written all over them. And on the pale end of the spectrum, taupe, beige and pale pink give a modern, monochromatic look against tanned, summer skin. Can't decide between the two? Then wear both at once: nudes on your fingers, and brights on your toes. Sonia Kashuk Nail Color (available only at Target) has you covered with a variety of bright and nude shades (for just $5 each) including Jammin (shown), Ohh La La and Tutti Fruitti and Tickled Pink and In the Buff for the minimalistic, bare look. Don't see a color you like from Sonia? You're sure to find a favorite summer hue amongst OPI

In need of a quick chocolate fix? No need to get the shakes. You're just 60 seconds and three ingredients away from your own, personal mug of ooey , gooey chocolate heaven. Talk about quick, easy, and scrump-didily-umpious. And it's just enough to get your fix but not have the leftovers sitting around to tempt you. ~CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE~ Ingredients: 1 egg 1/4 c. powdered sugar 1-2 Tbsp. cocoa powder (depending on how chocolatey you want your cake) 1 standard-sized mug Directions: In mug, crack the egg then add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk together until well mixed. Microwave for 50-60 seconds, until the cake is cooked through (but not overcooked!) Top immediately with a handful of milk chocolate chips, hot fudge or caramel, whipped cream, or ice cream. I hope this ends your weekend on a sweet note! xo

Fuel costs are ridiculous as of late. And I've heard that they will most likely rise over $5.00 this summer. Yikes. I'm wishing now we had a Vespa and a Prius instead of two gas guzzling SUV's. Yeah, with two kids, strollers, diaper bags, and all the other crap I lug around, that will never happen. My alternative? Get really savvy on what gas stations have the cheapest gas. Side note: I flippin' HATE getting gas. I'll run my tank with the red light on for so long I am biting my nails wondering if I'm going to make it to the nearest gas station. Then I end up kicking myself for being forced to get the most expensive gas in town. Usually at some Chevron right off the freeway. Not the place you want to stop if you're looking to save $$$. This past week my husband discovered a cell phone app called GasBuddy. In just one click, you can locate gas stations nearest you and see their current gas prices. How it works: GasBuddy is a community of users working togethe

Did you know that Starbucks is offering 1/2 Priced "How-Ever-You-Want-It" Frappucinos during happy hour (3pm – 5pm)? You decide if you want to add extra coffee or go decaf. Choose non-fat or soy. Top it off with syrup, whipped cream, or nothing at all. Get yours however your little heart desires at 1/2 the price! Promotion runs until May 15 th . Love this deal! Go HERE to offer page.

I'm obsssssessed. And you will be too once you get your hands (or boobs) on this bra! I've never been one to spend big money on workout clothes. Especially when I don’t think it really makes a difference whether you have the expensive stuff or the affordable stuff. Honestly the girls at the gym all done up aren't there to work-out, they're there to look good. Ummm leave please. Wait. Time-out. Is it bad that I just said boobs????? I guess breasts are politically correct but that just sounds too formal. Anyway, moving on. So you could spend $42 on this Lululemon Flow Y Bra IV... Or you can spend $16.99 at Target on essentially the same thing - the C9 by Champion Fashion Seamless Cami. I'll take the C9 in every color!! Everything about the C9 by Champion Fashion Cami is perfect. Why they call it a cami is beyond me. It's a bra. It's extremely versatile and the stretchy Nylon/Spandex material is uber comfortable. It even has adjustable straps so you can get the

Touted as a water and timesaving way to stay quote-unquote gorgeous on the go, these wildly popular shampoo substitutes allow the busiest exec to head straight from the bedroom to the boardroom without a pesky shower in between. Americans love to shampoo. We lather up an average of 4.59 times a week, twice as much as Italians and Spaniards, according to shampoo-maker Procter & Gamble. But that's way too often, say hair stylists and dermatologists. Daily washing, they say, strips the hair of beneficial oil (called sebum) and can damage our locks. An alternative between washes: Dry Shampoo, the convenient, quick fresher-uper for your hair! No water or blow dryer required. Although there are a wide variety of dry shampoos on the market - ranging from the very affordable to the very expensive - all spray-style dry shampoos are essentially a starchy mixture containing a basic set of ingredients used to clean the hair when it is not possible or practical to use water and traditional

I personally have a love/hate relationship with candles. HGTV is notorious for making you think they need to be on every window sill and table centerpiece. I do agree they are an inexpensive way to accessorize a home but c'mon - how many candles does one house really need? I'll admit though, I fall victim to the candle craze. I've got a house-full of candles that have never even been lit. Mainly because I'm scared sh*tless of fire. Let me take you down memory lane... Three years ago, I was back visiting my hometown. Staying at my parents and putting the final touches on the house as I waited for my girlfriends to arrive for a night of purse shopping. As I greeted the first guests at the door, I looked down the hallway and saw flames of fire shooting out of the bathroom threshold and a 2 ft. cloud of black smoke billowing throughout the upstairs. Without any hello, I run outside in a panic yelling "FIRE, FIRE!!!!!" My father, who at the time, was just pulling o

Between church friends and Mom's Club members, we have been so fortunate and blessed to have such special people in our lives that have volunteered to bring us meals since Lance was born. This has been a tremendous help over the last four weeks. And I still have three weeks to go! This is something I could get seriously used to...in my next life. This past week my neighbor brought over these tasty little desserts that sounded easy-peasy and perfect for the kid's on a hot summer day! ~Ice Cream Pudding~ Ingredients: 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant pudding mix, any flavor 1 cup cold milk 2 cups softened ice cream, any flavor Fresh fruit *If you're looking to make this ultra low fat, substitute the above ingredients with fat free/sugar free pudding, fat free milk and frozen yogurt. Directions: In a mixing bowl, beat pudding mix and milk on low for 1 minute. Fold in ice cream until smooth. Spoon into dishes. Chill for at least 1 hour. Garnish with fruit if desired. I hope this en

After three straight days to the pool this week and temperatures in the high 80's/low 90's, there's no denying that "summa summa summa-time" is just around the corner. In my mind, summer is the best time of the year. Everyone always has a little more spring in their step and a smile on the face when the sun is shining. Hence why I live in beautiful, sunny Californ-i-a. So with pool/beach time on the horizon, it's time I add yet another bathing suit (or three) to my collection. And what better place to find one than my old faithful - Victoria's Secret. As I clicked on the VS website last night, I was happy to see that they currently have a Swim Sale going on until this Sunday, May 8th. Score. What did not make me happy was the brutally honest realization that my body is light years away from looking this good in a swimsuit. Thanks Victoria for the slap in the face. As I went deeper into the pages of ooh'ing and ahh'ing over beautiful bodies...I mea