Chocolate Cake in a Cup...Who Knew?!

I found myself in a conversation this week involving making meals in a mug. Yes, meals in a mug. Is that a thing? Yes it's a thing, check it out here!

It fascinated me, and left me wanting to try it. I thumbed through the recipes, and decided to start with Chocolate Cake in a Cup. 'Cause, I love chocolate cake...so why not?

Here's what you need:
  • 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 
  • 1/4 c. sugar 
  • 1/4 c. cocoa powder 
  • a big pinch of salt 
  • 1/4 c. milk 
  • 1/4 c. butter, melted 
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract heaping 
  • 1/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a few more for sprinkling on top
 Since I had most of these in the kitchen already, this seemed pretty doable.

For Prep:
In a mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Then, add milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla. I just stirred them with a wooden spoon. Fold in chocolate chips. Divide batter between 2 microwave-safe cups, then sprinkle the tops with more chocolate chips. Microwave both cups at the same time on high for 2 minutes (I actually microwaved for 2 minutes 15 seconds). The cake will rise up, and then settle back down as it cools. The cakes should be cooked, but very moist, and a bit gooey in the middle. You'll want to allow cakes to cool for about 15 minutes before eating. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Straight up, it was good. That said, it doesn't have the consistency of cake. The kids and I had a long analysis of it, and decided it tastes more like a brownie. Was it yummy...yes. Did the kiddos enjoy it...you bet! Let me know if you give it a try! We're going to try Chocolate Fudge S'mores Cakes next!
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Family Movie Night is Back! #NetflixKids

I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team. I received a welcome kit which includes a year’s subscription to Netflix. Opinions expressed are my own.

Since joining Netflix, we have been doing Friday family movie night! I don't think we are different than any other family. We are all SO busy! It's nice to sit down on the couch after dinner on Friday, pick a movie that we can all enjoy together, and RELAX.

I always think there is NO WAY this family will agree on a movie, and yet, there is so much to choose from that so far, we always do!

Last week's movie was The Emperor's New Groove.
I can't believe this movie came out in 2000, and I've never seen it. The kids loved it, and so did the parents!

One little nugget I discovered is that you can have profiles on your Netflix account. Did you know this? It's super easy and I love it because the kids each have their own profile and they get show suggestions based on what they enjoy watching.
All you have to do is click on the top right corner of your account and choose "Manage Profiles".
From here, you can either add a profile, or edit existing profiles. My son is only in first grade, so he isn't allowed to have any accounts of his own yet. No Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. His own Netflix profile was something I could say yes to, and that made him REALLY happy!
Now, when he goes to Netflix, he can choose his own account and see all the shows he's watched and what shows Netflix has selected for him.

This morning, he woke up and said: "Mommy, do you know the only thing wrong with Team Hot Wheels®?"

I said: "No, what's wrong with it?"

To which he said: "There's only one!"

He absolutely loved it! My understanding is that there will be more Team Hot Wheels®, and I hope so. My son is certainly a fan!

So far, I have binged my way through The Walking Dead, House of Cards, and Bates Motel. What are you streaming?!
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Oil Pulling..Yep, I'm doing it!

Let me start by saying...I don't have a dog in this hunt. I'm not selling anything. It makes no difference to me if you try oil pulling or not. I tried it. LOVE!

I am by no means a hippie. I hate the smell of patchouli. If you had told me a month ago that I would be oil pulling, I would have told you you were cray cray. Yet, here I am...pulling oil through my teeth as I type this.

I read about it on Facebook, I had coconut oil in my cupboard...whitens teeth...I'm in!

Here's what I do:
     -I take about a third of a teaspoon of coconut oil and put it in my mouth.
     -Then, I swish it around for 20 minutes.
     -After 20 min, spit it out in the garbage. Do not spit in your sink, it will clog your pipes.
     -Rinse with water.

That's it!

Is it gross swishing oil in my mouth?
Nope. Doesn't bother me one bit.

Does this replace teeth brushing?
Nope. I still brush my teeth every morning and night.

Are my teeth whiter?
Yep. My teeth are noticeably whiter! *squee*

Does it help with bad breath?
Yep. I find your breath is just neutral. Not minty, just makes your mouth feel clean.

I have been using Spectrum Naturals, Organic Coconut Oil, refined. I've read that unrefined is better, it has to do with the amount of Lauric Acid. Once this jar is done, I am going to try unrefined...I'll keep you posted on that.

Straight up, I have no idea if the health benefits are true. I didn't have headaches before, so I don't know if it helps with that.

Since I started, my husband has picked it up, as well as one of my friends in the burbs. Are we the only one's on this train? I've been told I'm nuts...You bet...coconuts;)


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Shoo winter! #DisneySide @Home Celebration

It has been a LONG...COLD...WINTER. When we were given the opportunity to host a #DisneySide @HomeCelebration, we jumped at the chance!
Our last Disney trip seems like a lifetime ago. We miss Disney SO much!
It's still cold outside...it's still snowing...but at least for a little while, we were reminded of warmer days;) *Disclaimer: I received free products in order to host the Disney Side @Home Celebration.
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