Happy Friday, friends! It’s been a while since I’ve done a weekly Friday Show & Tell post. There are a few things I really want to share with you, so here we go! Remember, Show & Tell is for the whole class, so if you have anything to share, please do so in the comments! Links, accomplishments, whatever you’ve got!

Thing #1 to Share: This Hair Product Has Changed My Life

This won’t be helpful for everyone, depending on what kind of hair you have, but I still have to share because it really has made my life so much easier. About 9 months ago my friend Luvvie posted about the company Shea Moisture on Facebook. I had never heard of them, so I clicked through to the website and read a bit about their company history and products. Coincidentally a few days later I noticed their product at Target. The Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie caught my eye, so I bought it.

Okay, so here’s the deal. My hair is THICK. And very textured. About half of the strands are super kinky and thick and basically if I want my hair to look good I have to spend time styling it, and I just don’t have that time to spare. My hair is also part-curly, part-wavy, part-totally-uncooperative. It takes forever to blow dry and to flat iron, but letting my hair air dry just doesn’t work. It gets too frizzy and the waves and curls are inconsistent and blerghyblerghblergh. And I’ve tried COUNTLESS anti-frizz, curly hair products over the years that are all okay but not really what I need. And then Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie CHANGED MY LIFE.

I can let my hair air dry! It’s a freaking miracle. I get out of the shower, wrap my hair in a towel for about 5 minutes, let my hair out of the towel and then just evenly spread smoothie on my hair. Then I go about my business and my hair looks awesome. Some days (depending on the humidity) I need to add a bit of water-based pomade to separate the curls a little, but it’s not every day and not a big deal. I LOVE THIS CURL SMOOTHIE IT’S THE BEST THING EVER IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD THE END.

Thing #2 to Share: Support MDA by Living Unlimited!

Remember my little friend Lucy? She’s amazing. So is her mom, Cherisse. And her whole family for that matter. The Muscular Dystrophy Association asked if I could help support their #LiveUnlimited campaign this summer and I was ALL IN, ready to support anything even remotely related to Lucy and her family. MDA is a non-profit dedicated to fighting muscle diseases like MD and SMA (SMA is what Lucy has). To help celebrate #LiveUnlimited, MDA sent me the Live Unlimited bracelet made by Endorphin Warrior and let me gift a bracelet to someone else.

My friend Cherisse’s daughter Lucy has been fighting SMA for years and continues to beat the odds. The very fact she can talk is a miracle, and boy does she take advantage of that gift…with all kinds of funny (often saucy) words! When MDA asked me who I wanted to give a #LiveUnlimited bracelet to, Cherisse was the only name that came to mind. You guys, I can’t tell you how amazing she is and how she inspires me to savor each and every day. The talks we’ve had over the years have truly influenced my life and I will be forever grateful to have both Cherisse and Lucy in my life. I had to make a fist for my #LiveUnlimited photo as a tribute to Lucy and her ability to FIGHT! (If you want a peak into the Lunt’s daily life, check out this awesome video. Lucy is seriously the best.)

So how can you get involved? Go buy a bracelet! For every bracelet sold, $6 will go to MDA! You can also go to the Live Unlimited website and make a customized image to show how you are living unlimited this summer to help spread the word!

Thing #3 to Share: HAVE YOU WATCHED BLOODLINE?!?!?

Nate and I recently finished Season 2 of Bloodline on Netflix. Question #1: Have you watched Season 1? Question #2: Have you watched Season 2? If your answer is “No” to either of those questions, remedy the situation STAT. Seriously, the Season 2 finale…holy cow. That’s all I’ll say, but SERIOUSLY. WHOAH.

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team, which means they send me cool stuff from time to time. For the record, I would be addicted to Netflix in spite of said cool stuff.

Hi friends! Long time no talk! I’ve been completely absent this week. No podcasts. No recipes. NOTHING. In case you can’t tell, I am thoroughly enjoying Spring Break! Part of our week off involved camping at Joshua Tree National Park, which was AMAZING. I have a post in the works with the ultimate car camping checklist that I can’t wait to share. Also, if you want to see pictures from the trip, visit my Instagram account. Seriously, Joshua Tree, you are beyond beautiful.

OKAY, so anyway. The reason we are here today is because KIMMY IS COMING BACK IN ONE WEEK! That’s right, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season 2 arrives on April 15! Nate and I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the second season pretty much since we blasted through season 1 in a matter of days (hours?). If you haven’t watched Season 1 yet, well, you have a week to get caught up, which will be easy peasy. Trust me, this show is SOOOOOO FUNNNNNNYYYYY and endearing and funny and did I mention FUNNY?

In related Netflix news, season 2 of Happy Valley was recently released. I’m already done watching it and the second season was just as good as the first. If you haven’t seen Happy Valley yet, well, it is nothing at all like Kimmy Schmidt…you’ve been warned! Happy Valley is a British murder mystery type show that is so good. It’s kind of like Fargo…different, of course, but similar in its disturbingness (new word alert!), amazing character development and high quality writing and production. (Also…if you haven’t watched the FX series Fargo yet, GET ON THAT.)

Looks like I have your whole weekend worked out for you. Kimmy Schmidt catch up, Happy Valley and perhaps even Fargo. You’re welcome.

I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team, which means they send me cool stuff from time to time. For the record, I would be addicted to Netflix in spite of said cool stuff.

Happy Friday! Today I have just a couple things to share for Show and Tell today.

First, here are some articles I wrote for Cool Mom Eats. (The fries are awesome, by the way.)

• How to make homemade freezer French fries
• The best stir fry recipes for kids and parents too

And, a few quick Netflix shoutouts! Happy Valley has a second season (woohoo!) and it will be on Netflix on March 16. And DAREDEVIL. Season 2 is almost here, coming March 18! We can’t wait!

That’s it! Short and sweet! Have a great weekend and, as always, if you have something to share please leave it in the comments!

I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team, which means they send me cool stuff from time to time. For the record, I would be addicted to Netflix in spite of said cool stuff.

Happy Friday! It’s been a few weeks since the last Show and Tell and it’s fun to be back. I love sharing links!

First, Netflix. There are two shows we must discuss.

#1: The Great British Baking Show. Over the last few months I’ve frequently seen articles about how everyone loves The Great British Baking Show on PBS, and yet I resisted. It’s like when the Harry Potter books came out, I didn’t buy into the hype. In fact, I fought the hype. But when I finally gave in, well, I realized it wasn’t hype because Harry Potter is the greatest thing of all time. My experience with The Great British Baking Show has been similar. While nothing can be like Harry Potter, I will admit that this PBS baking show from Britain is 100% completely lovable and addictive and lives up to the hype. The first season is on Netflix, so Nate and I turned it on while wrapping presents on Christmas Eve. We were hooked after the first episode. It’s a great show. My only question is, why so much sponge cake, British people? There is so much sponge cake on this show. Copious amounts of sponge cake. As the saying goes, if you like sponge cake, you’ll love The Great British Baking Show. (You’ll still love the show even if you don’t like sponge cake, by the way.)

#2: Making a Murderer. Like Serial, Making a Murderer has taken the world by storm. If you haven’t watched it yet, prepare to not only be addicted but angered and perplexed and sad ALL THE TIME. I know, that doesn’t make it seem like I’m trying to get you to watch it, but I am. Really. Watch it. Just make sure you’re ready to stay up late and be a zombie for about a week.

As for food links, I have two for you this week:

• 5 Easy, Healthy Food Substitutions at Cool Mom Eats
• 3-Ingredient Cocktail Party Recipes at Cool Mom Eats

That’s it for today! And remember, Show and Tell is for the whole class! Share your own stuff in the comments. Especially if that stuff involves theories about Making a Murderer!!!

I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team, which means they send me cool stuff from time to time. For the record, I would be addicted to Netflix in spite of said cool stuff.

Happy Day After Thanksgiving! I hope you are all sufficiently stuffed. I know I am. Before we get on with this week’s Show and Tell, I need to tell you about my turkey this year. I spatchcocked it. And dry brined it. And roasted it in mayo. And it was PERFECT. So perfect, in fact, I am going to do a whole post about the process. In related news, I was so inspired by my podcast interview with Kate Lebo earlier this week I ended up making all of our pies from scratch. And it was good. So good. Anyway, more posts to come on all of that, but for today how about some links and TV shows?

First off, food links. For Cool Mom Eats I dug up some really delicious turkey leftover recipes, perfect for this weekend! And, on Babble this month, I kinda went crazy with the kids’ food art.

• For Cool Mom Eats: How to use leftover turkey in the most delicious ways.
• For Babble: Toy Story Food Art: Wheezy Cheese and Crackers
• For Babble: Rainbow Fraggle Rock Cupcakes

As I mentioned before, I’m wiped out after cooking all week, so we’re just gonna relax today. Much of that relaxing is going to involve getting caught up on The Voice and watching Netflix. Nate and I started Jessica Jones last night after the kids went to bed. We keep hearing how awesome that show is and, one episode in, I think it just might live up to the hype. Oh, and one more fun Netflix thing! ‘Twas the night before Thanksgiving…when a big box of funny goodies from Netflix arrived on our doorstep celebrating the new Care Bears & Cousins series. (The package included scrunchies. I don’t know if I can forgive Netflix for introducing scrunchies to my girls. Anna hasn’t stopped wearing them since Wednesday. Oh my.) I totally loved Care Bears as a kid (I had the Cheer Bear plush toy!), so it will be fun to watch it with the kids. Hug it out! 🙂

That’s it! Go eat some leftovers. And more pie. And, as always, comment with your own show and tell!

I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team, which means they send me cool stuff from time to time. For the record, I would be addicted to Netflix in spite of said cool stuff.

Happy Friday, everyone! Before we get to the usual Show and Tell portion of our program, I have to tell you about my friend’s new book!

Amy Mascott (my friend!) and Allison McDonald are just published their new book Raising a Rock-Star Reader and it’s wonderful! I received an advanced copy and it is filled with all kinds of wonderful tips, recommendations and resources for getting your children to be great readers. Years I ago I had the chance to hear a lecture from a UC Berkeley professor who specialized in early education. She talked at length about why it is so beneficial to read to children from a very early age – the very act of hearing varied language and many words helps children’s brains develop in tremendous ways. It was fascinating and something I’ve thought about a lot as we’ve raised our children.

Anna and Cate are both rock-star readers (I am grateful every day for this) and will probably be as excited to read Amy and Allison’s book as I am. Owen is still a wee thing and the tips in this book are fabulous. I can’t wait to start implementing the ideas with all three of our kids!

Of course you know I love giveaways! So, let’s give away a copy of Amy and Allison’s book! To enter the giveaway simply leave a comment telling us your most favorite children’s book. That’s it! Comments must be posted by Midnight PT 11/13/15 and prize must be shipped within the U.S.

Congratulations to Amy and Allison for a job very well done on their wonderful book! Here’s to happy readers!

And, since it’s Friday, a few links to share!

• On Cool Mom Eats: Scrumptious side dishes made with frozen vegetables to make life easy.
• On Babble: Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes that are amaaaaaazing.

One last thing! Nate and I discovered Les Revenants (The Returned) on Netflix and it’s AWESOME. I’m always looking out for your TV watching. It’s because I care.

Okay, so, be sure to leave a comment to enter the giveaway above! And, as always, feel free to share whatever you want for Show and Tell!

I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team, which means they send me cool stuff from time to time. For the record, I would be addicted to Netflix in spite of said cool stuff.

It’s Friday and tomorrow is Halloween! Woohoo!

I have several things to share today. On your marks, get set, GO!

Image source: Fork and Beans

First, a few fun food links!

• I’ve started writing for Cool Mom Eats, the food site for Cool Mom Picks. It’s a great team and a great site and I’m excited! My first post is up, just in time for tomorrow! 5 Freakishly Easy Halloween Dinners that are super cute and simple, too!
• And on Parade’s Community Table: 12 Layered Recipes That Are Filled with Flavorful Surprises

Image source: American Street Kid

I also wanted to share a documentary with you today. My friend Stacia Fiore has been working with homeless kids for years. She has been an outreach counselor in Oceanside, CA for a very long time and is now a mentor/consultant/board member/all around awesome person for the new documentary American Street Kid. As the team was working on the film, they also started a non-profit called Spare Some Change, an organization that aims to use arts and media to raise awareness about homeless youth as well as create a one-on-one mentoring program and new kind of housing facility. They’re doing great work and I can’t wait to see the doc. I am so happy to help Stacia spread the word. Be sure to check it out! And you can click here to see a trailer for the movie.

I just realized after uploading this photo that you can see “My List” and our “Recently Watched” shows. Thankfully there is nothing embarrassing in there!

Last thing. I’m joining the Netflix Stream Team for another year because, as you know, I’m obsessed with Netflix and television so it JUST MAKES SENSE. This year Netflix generously gave us a Roku TV, which arrived last week! We have had a Roku box and an Apple TV for years and we never use the Apple TV. Combine the Roku with the TV and we are in love! Our living room TV is a Samsung Smart TV and it works pretty well for Netflix and whatnot, but not great. The Roku TV is seamless, fast and perfect for streaming all kinds of content. Also, I started watching Jane the Virgin. It is super cute. For some strange reason I couldn’t get Nate to watch it with me…

And, since you can tell that my new Roku TV is sitting on a dresser…yes, we have a TV in our bedroom. I was always morally against televisions in the bedroom, then about 2 years ago we decided to give it a try. All the dire things that everyone warns you against with having a TV in your room didn’t happen. Our TV watching didn’t increase, we still use the bedroom as a bedroom, we don’t fall asleep with the TV on every night, yadayadayada…all the stuff I was worried about is no big deal. So, just sayin’, YEAH, I have a TV in my room and I love it! 😉

That’s it for this week! As usual, show and tell is for the whole class! Pop on into the conversation! Share your own blog posts, things you’ve recently discovered, or tell us what you think about TVs in the bedroom. It’s all fair game!

I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team, which means they send me cool stuff from time to time. For the record, I would be addicted to Netflix in spite of said cool stuff.

Hey friends! I don’t have any food links to share this week, so let’s just watch some TV, shall we?

Okay, Netflix is killing it. I have three shows I need to share.

First, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood is on Netflix! Well, 20 episodes are, anyway. Just like with Reading Rainbow, we are pumped in our house. Both of those shows are the best and I’m so glad my kids can watch them!

Second, the kids and I watched On the Way to School this week. It’s a wonderful documentary to watch with your children and all three of my kids were interested and engaged the whole time. It follows four children from four parts of the world as they make their way to school in the morning. For me there were definitely moments of “What difference did it make having a camera there?”, but the film was still well done and impactful. Big thanks to our friends Nikki and Brian for letting us know about it! Also, if you are prone to crying, keep a box of Kleenex handy.

My third recommendation for the week is not for the kiddos. In fact, keep the kids far, far away! Nate and I started watching the Netflix original Narcos this week and we are hooked. Narcos follows the story of the infamous Colombian drug trafficker Pablo Escobar and the DEA agents who worked to take him down. Basically the whole time I am watching this show, I can’t stop thinking, “How is this real?!?!?!” This show is very well done and engaging, as well as disturbing and shocking. So, if you’re into drug cartels and stuff, this one’s for you! 😉

Happy Friday! We are finally home from our travels and back into a normal groove. It was a fabulous trip and we wouldn’t change a thing, but it is nice to be back in our own house again. I’m especially grateful for my down pillows. 😉

I have just one thing to share today. Let’s start with a hint: Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high…

READING RAINBOW IS ON NETFLIX! Nate and I discovered this last night and the first thing I did with the kids this morning was put an episode on. Reading Rainbow is a show that I’ve always been sad my kids didn’t have to watch – it ended right before Cate was born. PBS aired episodes until 2009, but I didn’t figure it out until it was too late and our DVR series recording never produced a thing!

My kids are watching the show as I type and all three of them are mesmerized, from age 3 to age 10! And, as a parent, I think the show is even better than I remember it. I love its slower pace, how the show is educational while still fun, and that it’s filled with books, of course! I just wish that Netflix was going to air all 21 seasons (right now they have a selection of episodes on service).

Also, in case you were wondering, I DO still have every word of the song memorized. Impressive, eh? (Okay, I think probably all of us do.)

Happy Watching and Reading!

Happy Friday, Everybody!

Unbelievably our East coast visit is almost halfway done. Tomorrow morning we pack up the Sienna that Toyota has graciously lent us for the trip and head north to Cape Cod. We didn’t visit the Cape last year so we are very excited to get back!

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about TV. That’s just not right. I have a Netflix show to recommend today that is super funny and cute. But first you need to know that the name is TERRIBLE in my opinion (and pretty much everyone’s opinion everywhere). Nate and I didn’t even consider watching it just based on the name. But my friend Wendi texted to say we had to watch it, and I trust her, so we did, and it’s the best! Okay. Ready for the name of the show? Drumroll….Scrotal Recall. I KNOW. The name is just plain silly, but I’m telling you, this show is hysterical while also endearing and sweet. (Definitely rated R, just so ya know!)

Two food links to share this week!

• Babble: 3 Kids, a Mom & a Kitchen: Popcorn Ball Ice Cream Cones
• Solly Baby Blog: Best Dinners for New Parents (lots of great tips in there!)

That’s it! You know the drill, share your stuff, too! Whether just a little something from your life, a favorite new show, a link to your blog, a new recipe to share, whatever! Share away!