Category Archives: Armelle

moments for me …

April 26, 2013

If you follow me over on instagram (you can find me @armelle_blog), then you know that I have posted a little bit about working with Haagen Dazs!  Well, I am excited to tell you a little more about our partnership!

Haagen Dazs has chosen me, and my family to be brand influencers!  We are so excited to work with Haagen Dazs on their “Moments for Me” campaign.

I love the idea of taking a “Moment for Me!”  With life being so busy, sometimes we forget to stop and take a moment for ourselves.  And, yes, that does include ice cream sometimes, am I right?

Along with some of their amazing new gelato flavors, Haagen Dazs sent us over a fresh perspective box geared toward our family!

I’m not gonna lie, it was like Christmas morning for me when I opened the box, and started going through it’s contents!  I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear!
Along with several DVDs, and popcorn flavorings perfect for some family movie time, they sent over a romantic spa package for my husband and I, and a gift certificate to Crate and Barrel for me to do some shopping, and more!  
I don’t know about you, but this week has been especially long, and we’ve had lots of things going on.  I feel like we haven’t had a second to sit down and rejuvenate.  So, today we decided to take a “moment” to have a little relaxation time!  So, we popped some popcorn and put in one of our new DVD’s!
The kids really enjoyed the impromptu “party!” as they called it, and I was able take a moment to myself to just sit and relax when things have been so go, go go!
Want to play along? Be sure to share your “Moment’s for Me” on your social media (instagram, twitter, Facebook, tumblr), and tag it #HDmoment, and Haagen Dazs will be sharing their favorites on their tumblr page.
Before I go, I also wanted to share with you the easiest way to make popcorn!  Two minute paper bag microwave popcorn, is just that!  So easy, this is by far our favorite way to make popcorn!
All you need is:
A paper lunch size bag
1/4 cup un-popped popcorn kernels
A piece of tape (washi tape is always cute and practical)
Optional toppings: coconut oil, sea salt, gourmet popcorn flavorings
Step One
Place the 1/4 cup kernels in the bag, and fold the top down two times, and tape it shut.
Step Two
Place the bag in the microwave.
Step Three
Hit the popcorn setting, or cook about 2 minutes or until kernels stop to pop for longer than 5 seconds (every microwave can be different)
Step Four
Open up the bag, and drizzle melted coconut oil in with a little sea salt, and gourmet popcorn topping flavors if you have them, and shake it up!  It is also great without anything on it, for a very tasty healthy snack!
My three little monkeys sure enjoyed their popcorn and movie time in mom and dad’s bed, and mom enjoyed a few moments of quiet!
Again, be sure to share your “Moment’s for Me” on your social media (instagram, twitter, Facebook, tumblr), and tag it #HDmoment, and Haagen Dazs will be sharing their favorites on their tumblr page.
[Disclosure: Haagen Daz sent over product samples and gifts in exchange for me blogging about their “Moment’s for Me” campaign.  All thoughts and opinions are my own]

mother’s day cards …

April 24, 2013

Can you believe Mother’s Day is Sunday May 12th?

It seems to always sneak up on me!  I think Mother’s Day is such a great holiday.  I think being a Mother is one of the hardest jobs out there, and it’s so neat to take a day to celebrate Mothers.

I am teaming up with Card Store to show you some well design Mother’s Day cards that are easy to make, and can be sent right to your recipients door, or to you to hand deliver your loved one.

I love it because it has the convenience of an e-card, but Card Store will print it out, address it, and put US postage on it, and physically ship it out to your recipient or to you!  I think giving real cards is such a great tradition that should live on!

I put together a card for my mom using the easy pre-designed cards, and I just added my photos, and customized it with my own special message to my mom.

I couldn’t decide which one I liked best, so I did two!

It was very easy to customize them with my photos, and write and sign a message inside the card!  
I’m excited for her to receive them in the mail for Mother’s Day!
Don’t forget to create your special Mother’s Day card, and use the promo code: CSF3199 to create Mother’s Day cards for only $1.99! (expires May 5th)
My mom is a special lady!  She is the most un-selfish person I know, always giving up her needs for others.  I am sure that was a lot of sacrifice for her having six children, but I never heard her complain!
One of the many things my mom taught me was how to cook!  My mom is an amazing cook, and I remember helping her in the kitchen since I was a little girl.
I wanted to share one of our family recipes that my mom taught me to make over the years, and we still eat at family gatherings.  My mom is well-known for her wontons, and I want to share with you her steam wonton recipe today!
Steamed Wontons
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef, turkey, or pork
1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced

3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

¼ cup chopped green onions

3-4 drops sesame oil

1 1/2 cups frozen peas & carrots

1 package of wonton skins, preferably round ones (gyoza/ potsticker skins)

Directions:
Combine all filling ingredients in a large bowl, mix well.
Bring water in steamer to a boil.  Place 1 tablespoon of meat mixture in the middle of a wonton skin.  For steamed wontons, squeeze the edges of the wonton skins towards the top, with some meat still exposed. Place wontons in steamer for about 10-15 minutes or until wonton skins are translucent and meat inside is cooked.  Serve with dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce

Whisk together:
1 tbs soy sauce
2 tsp rice vinegar

2 tbs brown sugar

1 clove garlic, minced

2 drops sesame oil

½ tsp fresh ginger, minced

½ tsp green onion, minced

1 ½ tsp water

red pepper flakes (optional)


Enjoy!

And, cheers to all you Mother’s lovers out there!

[*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by Card Store.  All thoughts and opinions are my own]

albion fit grand opening at city creek …

March 27, 2013

Exciting news for my readers!  Remember the amazing Albion Fit exercise pants that I reviewed a few weeks ago?  Well, Albion Fit is opening up a physical store here in Utah at the City Creek mall!  And, I want to personally invite you to their grand opening this coming Monday April 1st from 11 am to 2 pm.  I will be there, (and a few of my kids) so be sure to drop by and say hi!

The amazing new store will carry both Albion fitness wear as well as swimwear!

At the grand opening you can expect:

  • Attendees will enjoy one free Albion Fit fitness headband while supplies last!  
  • You will also get to preview the newest collections that have not yet been unveiled on their website.  
  • All Armelle Blog readers will receive $20 off their purchase of a one piece swim suit or a top/bottom swim suit combo or $20 off any fitness top/bottom combo!  
  • A special Albion Fit swim Fashion Show.
  • Entry into fantastic raffles with any purchase!
To redeem the $20 off promotion, all you have to do is tell them that you heard about the grand opening on the Armelle Blog!
Hope to see you then!  Bring a friend, feel free to bring the kiddos!
Albion Fit Grand Opening at City Creek Mall Downtown SLC, Utah
Monday, April 1st 2013 from 11-2
(The store is located on the upper level of City Creek Center, on the Northeast end right next to the Allen Edmonds store, and kitty corner from Kneaders)