The Foreman Five

Sharing Our Sweet & Fun Valentine's Day Traditions

If you know me you know I live for traditions and all holidays. I will seize any excuse to decorate, buy cute matching outfits and celebrate. I'm sharing our traditions for the season of love however time is flying so I'm not sure how it's almost the end of February. I feel like Valentine's Day was just yesterday.

How to Make a Delicious & Fun Strawberry Freakshake

This post is sponsored by Horizon but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Ingredients:

3/4 C. Horizon Organic Grassfed Milk
6 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
2 C. Fresh Strawberries
Whipping Cream
White Melting Chocolate
Sprinkles
Powdered Donuts
Rock Candy Lollipops

Directions:

Mix Milk, Ice Cream, Vanilla Extract and Strawberries in a blender until well blended. Melt Chocolate in small bowl then dip jar/glass into chocolate. Tap on the counter for chocolate to run down the glass. Before it hardens dip into sprinkles. Pour milkshake into jar and top with whipping cream. Garnish with lollipop and donut skewer. Finish off with a straw and serve.

Since I was a little girl my mom and I have celebrated Valentine's with 14 Days of Love. We would exchange small gifts in little mailboxes leading up to Valentine's Day. We've continued that tradition with the girls and it makes my heart oh so happy. I do buy a few gifts but I also try to make something personal from the girls to my mom to make it extra special. Since we've been doing this for years and years it can be hard to come up with new ideas that I haven't used before. I wanted to share these ideas with you because they are sweet and very simple to do. I had all the supplies at home minus the plate so hopefully you do as well.

Yummy Chili Cheese Fries- Easy Game Day Appetizer

This post is sponsored by McCain Potatoes but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Chili Cheese Fries

Ingredients:

McCain Seasoned Curly Fries
Chili (Canned or Homemade)

1 lb. Ground Beef
2 Cans Pinto Beans
1 Can Kidney Beans
1- 20 oz. Can Rotel
1 Onion
1 tsp. Chili Powder
2 tsp. Crushed Garlic
1 Can Tomato Sauce

Shredded Mexican Cheese
Sour Cream

Directions:

Dump all Chili ingredients into the crockpot including raw ground beef. I broke it up with a spatula and then set to low for 8 hours. About 25 minutes before serving bake McCain Seasoned Curly Fries as per label directions. Once they are done top with chili and shredded cheese and put back in the oven for just a few minutes. Top with sour cream and serve. If you are taking this to someone's house for a party appetizer assemble once you arrive and bake for just a few minutes in their oven.

As a working mother of three I'm always looking for EASY new recipes. I don't have time to slave away in the kitchen but I still want affordable options, fresh ideas and flavorful food. In your frozen food aisle at Walmart you can easily find McCain Fries in a variety of options like Craft Beer Fries, Extra Crispy Curly Fries and Waffle Fries. They make the perfect base for a variety of recipes and appetizers. I choose to use them for Chili Cheese Fries which could be used for a game day appetizer or even a hassle free dinner at home.

We just returned from the BEST family weekend at Tenaya Lodge, which is the perfect family Winter getaway with a little flavor of everything to keep everyone entertained. From Fresno it is a very easy drive, just over 1 hour from door to door. We arrived Friday evening and were greeted with such a warm welcome. It was such a special treat to have a bottle of wine awaiting us in our room along with a s'more kit. After settling in we headed to dinner at Jackalope's Grill. There are 4 restaurants on the property along with a deli for snacks and grab and go food. Tenaya Lodge is a 4 Diamond resort but what stands out is the staff which is kind, friendly, warm and accommodating. Our meal was delicious and the service was exceptional. After dinner we headed down to the grand fire pit to roast marshmallows and chow down on s'mores. It's quite the magical experience to roast mallows amongst the snow and under the stars. Following our fun treat we changed to head to the indoor hot tub, which is one of the best amenities at Tenaya Lodge. There is an outdoor pool and hot tub as well but they are closed for the Winter season. There are not too many places where you can go swimming when it's snowing outside but Tenaya has that option for you. We visited every day we were there and it was a highlight for the kids. Right off of the indoor pool is a spectacular game room with video games, huge televisions, air hockey, pool tables and games. We had every intention of coming to play at least a game of air hockey but there was so much to do we only peaked in to check it out.

We had a very blessed Christmas filled with lots of family time which was the best gift of all. Scrolling through our pictures and I realize my Buffalo Plaid obsession is through the roof! But you won't find me apologizing; I love it that much. I handed Kevin his shirt before Christmas and told him it was to wear on Christmas Day. He said he liked it a lot and then I told him we all had one. Then I just got a look like, "Oh great, seriously we've become that family?!?!" I laughed but again no apologies.

'Tis the Season 2018

There's no denying I can't stand Winter because I hate to be cold but the Christmas season truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I live for traditions and love getting to continue some and make new ones with our little ones. This year was extra special because our Jack Jack was here to complete our family. I also think it was due to having a newborn that I didn't feel like I really got to enjoy the season like I usually do. It just flew by and never really felt like Christmas. I blinked and it was over. Regardless, we had a blessed season and got to enjoy the major annual traditions like visiting Santa (only 4 times), making a gingerbread house, Christmas performances at school, Polar Express PJ Night, decorating cookies for Santa, watching Christmas classics and dressing up in our best holiday outfits.