About Heather Brickell

Sam’s Club Membership Deal: Free $45 Gift Card with Membership Purchase! (like getting it for Free!)

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This awesome deal is back! If you have been waiting for another deal on a Sam’s Club membership, this is a great one! Through June 13, Sam’s Club is offering a FREE $45 Gift Card when you purchase a one-year membership for only $45! That is like getting your membership for Free when you factor in the gift card! 

GO HERE to take advantage of this offer. After you enter your email address they will send your promo code right away. You can join online or at your club. Check your email for a link to join, or simply visit your nearest club.

Redeem your $45 gift card in club.

After joining, head to your club’s Membership Desk. It is that simple! 

Italian Turkey Sausage and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner

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One of my absolute easy, quick, and delicious dinners is a Sheet Pan Meal. You just throw everything on the pan, put it in the oven, and dinner is served! This recipe for Italian Turkey Sausage and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner is packed full of flavor in every bite! I love that you can really customize it and use whatever veggies that you have in the fridge at the moment. This is a great meal too if you are watching your calories and doing a program like Weight Watchers.

Ingredients: 

1 package of Butterball Italian Turkey Sausage (you could use regular Italian Sausage as well, but these have less fat) I personally have to use 2 packs of sausages when I make this meal as my boys like to eat. 🙂

Chopped up Veggies (use whatever you have on hand. I used broccoli, peppers, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini.

Drizzle of olive oil to coat everything

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place all ingredients on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil making sure all the veggies and sausages are coated.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook at 350 degrees for around 20 minutes or until sausages and veggies are cooked through.

Enjoy!

Açaí Berry Smoothie Bowl

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When it comes to my favorite things, Açaí Bowls are at the top of my list! They can be rather pricey when you buy them at your favorite coffee shop, so I started making them at home. They are just as delicious, and I love that you can add your personal touch! This recipe for Açaí Berry Smoothie Bowl is so easy and delicious! Feel free to substitute the quicking oats for your favorite granola! 

Açaí Berry Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients: 

Smoothie 

  • 2 Frozen Packets Açaí  (find in the frozen section of any grocery store)
  • 1 Banana 
  • 1/4 Cup Almond Milk
  • 1/2 Cup Berries 

Toppings: 

  • Banana Slices
  • Quick Oats
  • Blue Berries 
  • Sliced Strawberries 
  1. Place 1 banana, 1/2 cup berries, açaí packets & 1/4 Almond Milk into the blender.
  2. Once blended, pour into a bowl.
  3. Top with banana slices, oats, blueberries & sliced strawberries. Enjoy! 

Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

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Sheet Pan Dinners are my life these days. I love how they allow me to get a quick and healthy dinner on the table in no time at all. This Sheet Pan recipe for Lemon Chicken is a new fave! Every bit is packed full of delicious flavor that your entire family is sure to love!

Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Ingredients: 

  • 1Lb Red Potatoes Cut Into 1inch Pieces
  • Avocado Oil Cooking Spray
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Pepper
  • 2Lbs Thin Asparagus Cut Into 1-2inch Pieces
  • 1 1/2 Lbs Chicken Breasts Cut Into Cubes
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic 
  • 1 Lemon 

Instructions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Spread the red potatoes out on a sheetpan. Spray the potatoes with avocado cooking spray then sprinkle with garlic, salt & pepper to your liking. Place in the oven for 15 minutes.
  3. While potatoes are baking, toss asparagus & chicken into a mixing bowl. Squeeze half of a lemon into the bowl and then sprinkle the rest of the garlic, salt & pepper into the bowl. 
  4. Toss to coat, then transfer to the sheet pan with the potatoes. 
  5. Place the sheet pan back in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
  6. While the Sheet pan is in the oven, slice up the second half of the lemon into cubes. 
  7. Once sheet pan is fully cooked, remove from oven and place the cubed lemon pieces onto the sheet pan. You can squeeze the lemons before eating for extra flavor!

Enter to Win BIG with the #GoShopPlayWin Giveaway!

This post is sponsored by Sivan Social. All comments and opinions are my own.

Is anyone else up for a fun giveaway to earn some extra cash? I think that we can all use some extra money in our wallets these days! When you play the Shop, Play, Win! Monopoly Game, you have a chance to earn $230,000,000 in prizes just by participating and shopping at your local Albertsons! 

The Shop, Play, Win! Monopoly Game is happening now through May 4 at Albertson’s family of stores, so you have plenty of time to enter and win! With $230,000, 000 in prizes, your chances of winning are pretty good! Visit ShopPlayWin.Com for details on how to play this fun game. 

So Many Great Ways to WIN:

  • When you open your Valpak envelope, see if you’re an instant winner of a $100 gift card and to get more details on how to win groceries for life!
  • RSVP to join the #GoShopPlayWin Twitter party at 10AM PT/1PM ET on Thursday, March 25th, to talk about the game and for even more chances to win a $100 gift card.
  • Enter to win one of Head to the Albertsons merchant page on Savings.com and submit your email address on the form on the page. Begins Wednesday, March 3rd at 12:00 AM PT to Wednesday, March 31st at 11:59 PM PT.  There will be Sixty (60) winners who will each receive a $100 gift cards to spend at Albertsons Companies stores. The winners will be chosen through a lottery drawing and notified on Thursday, April 1st via the email address they used to enter. See complete Official Rules for entry instructions, full prize descriptions, restrictions and other important details.

Good luck! Be sure to let me know if you win!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Game tickets end 5/4/21. Must be resident of an eligible U.S. state listed in rules; 18+. Visit www.shopplaywin.com for full rules, incl. how to enter without purchase. Series MON-14. MONOPOLY™ & © 1935, 2021 Hasbro, Pawtucket, RI 02861-1059 USA. All Rights Reserved. TM & ® denote U.S. Trademarks. Hasbro is not a sponsor of this promotion.

It’s Open Enrollment with Florida Prepaid College Plans + Promo Code!

This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans. Use Florida Prepaid College Plans promo code SWEET2021 to save $25 off your application fee. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy

The past year has been one of uncertainty for so many. When I look back at 2020, it is amazing to reflect on just how much that has happened. In the midst of physical and financial loss, to political and social unrest, one thing that I am thankful for is the bond that our family has. We have learned so much about one another, and our love is stronger than ever before.

While it seems that many families may not have saving for college at the top of their to-do list during these difficult times, you just might be surprised! In a recent survey conducted by the Florida Prepaid College Board, statistics show that 60% of Florida families have maintained saving during the pandemic and 24% increased their college savings. Those statistics are amazing! Now, more than ever, Florida families are realizing that saving for college is a top priority.

Bright days are ahead for our boys, and we are so excited to see what their future holds! Drew has dreamed of working for NASA or Space-X since he was very little, and Brady has huge aspirations to become an airplane pilot. Whether our boys decide to attend a college/university, or vocational school of their choice to pursue their dreams, we can rest assured and be financially prepared thanks to help from Florida Prepaid College Plans!

While it seems that many families may not have saving for college at the top of their to-do list during these difficult times, you may actually be surprised! In a recent survey conducted by the Florida Prepaid College Board, statistics show that 60% of Florida families have maintained saving during the pandemic and 24% increased their college savings. I was honestly surprised by those statistics! Now, more than ever, Florida families are realizing that saving for college is a top priority.

I am excited to let you know that you too, can start saving for your child’s future college education! 2021 Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is happening now! Use promo code SWEET2021 through April 30, to save 50% off your enrollment fee. NOW is the time to prepare, plan and save for your child’s future education!

  1. Prepare for the future by opening a Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan

Since 1988, Florida Prepaid College Plans has been offering Florida residents an affordable and stress-free way to save for their child’s college education. In fact, Florida Prepaid is the longest running prepaid program in the nation! Fun fact: To date, there have been over 1.8 million Prepaid College Plans sold! (We are thrilled to be included in that number!)

Our family appreciates that Florida 529 Prepaid College Plans, allow us the flexibility to prepay for our boy’s future college savings on a monthly basis. This really helps us to take the guesswork out of planning, and we know exactly how much that we are setting aside each month for their college education. You can even opt to pay a lump sum amount if that is a better option for your family. Either way, saving for college has never been easier!

You will also be happy to know that there are several plan options to choose from, including a 2-year prepaid plan to a 4-year plan. They even offer a 1-year University plan, which is the most flexible option. The 1-year University plan is actually what we have, and I love that this plan allows for us to add years as we choose, and family members can even purchase additional years if they opt to do so. If you are looking to start small, this is the plan for you! It is important to remember that saving something for your child’s future education is definitely better than nothing at all!

529 Prepaid College Savings Plans are guaranteed by the state of Florida and allows you the ability to lock in future college costs for less. Since these 529 Prepaid College Plans are guaranteed by the state of Florida, you can rest assured in knowing that you will never lose your investment. This is a risk-free investment that you don’t have to worry about. These were huge deciding factors for our family and gives us such peace of mind!

 2. Plan for the future with Florida Prepaid College Plans

What if your child decides that they want to attend an out-of-state college, vocational school, or private school? No problem! Florida Prepaid makes it super easy! Their plan will travel with them and will pay the same amount that it would have paid at a public university or college in Florida. Florida Prepaid will apply funds to other schools what would have been paid to a Florida school. Just another reason why we love these plans- they are very flexible!

What if your child decides that they want to wait a few years after graduation to attend college? Can you still use their 529 Prepaid College Savings Plan? The answer is YES! In fact, a Prepaid Plan locks in coverage for up to 10 years AFTER their projected high school graduation/college enrollment! If your child decides that they don’t want to attend college, you can transfer the funds to another family member or request a refund. It is that simple.

What if your child receives a scholarship or Bright Futures?

I was excited to find out that 529 College Savings Plans can be used in conjunction with scholarships and Bright Futures. These scholarships can help to cover even more college costs like dormitory housing, books, fees and more. I am going to encourage my boys to apply for as many scholarships as possible.

How does my Child use their Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan?
Florida Prepaid simply takes care of everything! They will send the student a First Time in College notification in the spring of their college enrollment year. This will provide the basic information on how the Prepaid Plan is used. Payments are automatic from Florida Prepaid directly to the school, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!

     3. Save for the future with Florida Prepaid College Plans

Are you ready to start saving for the future with Florida Prepaid College Plans? Simply pick the best plan that fits your family’s budget and let the saving begin! Plan options start at $45 a month, so there is an affordable college plan for every budget. You can even get personalized monthly payment pricing and estimates for each plan based on your child’s birth date HERE.  Prepare now and plan for the future. Your child’s future. Your child’s dreams and goals.

In less than 15 minutes, you can be on the way to a brighter tomorrow for your children. Open Enrollment is happening through April 30, and you can use Florida Prepaid promo code SWEET2021 to save 50% off your enrollment fee. Sign up HERE to start saving today.

Give your children the best gift of all, the gift of debt-free college!

We can’t wait to see where the future will take our boys! They are going to do great things and I am so thankful that we have Florida Prepaid College Plans to help us along this journey.
Be sure to follow Florida Prepaid College Plans on FacebookTwitterInstagram and  YouTube to stay up to date with information on open enrollment, tips and promotional offers.

Valentine’s Heart Hot Chocolate Bombs

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Are you searching for a last-minute Valentine’s Day treat for the family? These Valentine’s Heart Chocolate Bombs are sure to be a winner! They are super easy to make, and very delicious! 

Valentine’s Heart Chocolate Bombs

Ingredients 

  • 12oz Bag White Candy Melts
  • 1 Tbsp Hot Chocolate Per Bomb 
  • Mini Marshmallows
  • White icing 
  • Valentine’s Heart Sprinkles (Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s)
  • 6 Sphere Silicon Mold (found HERE

Instructions:

  1. Pour candy melts into a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds or until melts have fully melted.
  2. Spread the candy melts up the sides of the mold until every bit of the mold is covered.
  3. Let the molds sit for about 5 minutes & re-spread any of the candy melts that sank to the bottom of the molds.
  4. Place the molds in the refrigerator for about 30-45 minutes.
  5. Once set, carefully remove the candy melt spheres from the mold. 
  6. Fill the half of the spheres with the hot cocoa powder, sprinkles& marshmallows.
  7. Place a glass plate in the microwave for one minute. 
  8. Remove the plate and immediately place each chocolate sphere on the hot place to heat the edges.
  9. Place each heated sphere on each filled sphere. You can use the tip of your finger to smooth the melted candy around the seam.
  10. Take the icing and draw lines back and forth on the top of your sphere.
  11. Place the hearts on the hit chocolate bomb using the icing as glue. 

Sea World/Aquatica: Free 2021 Preschool Card for Kids 5 & Under!

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This awesome deal is back for 2021! Sea World and Aquatica are offering a Free 2021 Preschool Card! Kids 5 and younger can enjoy visits to SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando for FREE, now through December 31, 2021. 

Online registration required by February 3, 2021 and make first visit by February 28, 2021. (not available at the park) 
• Valid for Florida residents only 
• Does not include free parking, separately ticketed events, or other discounts

Offer valid for Florida residents only. Valid only at SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando for children 5 years old and younger at time of first visit. Verification of age via birth certificate or travel passport will be requested upon entry. Unlimited admission through 12/31/2021 with no blockout dates. Must register online by 2/3/2021. The SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando Preschool Card offer is not available at the park. Advance online registration is required. Only the child’s parent or guardian may register online. Parent/guardian does not have to be present to redeem card. Not valid for student groups or field trips. Offer valid for a limited time and subject to change and/or cancellation without notice.

You can see more details of this offer HERE.

Pink Heart Hot Chocolate Bombs

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Have you tried a Hot Chocolate Bomb yet? They are all the rage these days, and I am excited to share these Pink Heart Hot Chocolate Bombs with you! They are actually pretty easy to make, and you can get the kids involved too! If you don’t yet have a Chocolate Bomb mold, this set on Amazon is a super deal! These pretty Hot Chocolate Bombs will be perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Pink Heart Hot Chocolate Bombs 

Ingredients:

  • 12oz Bag Pink Candy Melts
  • Pearl Sprinkles (Walmart) 
  • 1 Tbsp Hot Chocolate Per Bomb (use whatever instant brand that you prefer) 
  • Mini Marshmallows
  • 6 Sphere Silicon Mold (you can purchase HERE

Instructions: 

  • Pour candy melts in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds or until melts have fully melted.
  • Spread the candy melts up the sides of the mold until every bit of the mold is covered.
  • Let the molds sit about 5 minutes & re-spread any of the candy melts that sank to the bottom of the molds.
  • Place the molds in the refrigerator for about 30-45 minutes.
  • Once set, carefully remove the candy melt spheres from the mold. 
  • Fill half of the spheres with the hot cocoa powder & marshmallows.
  • Place a glass plate in the microwave for one minute. 
  • Remove the plate and immediately place each empty sphere on the hot place to heat the chocolate edges.
  • Place each heated sphere on each filled sphere. You can use the tip of your finger to smooth the melted candy around the seam.
  • While your cocoa bombs set, re-heat the left over candy melts.
  • Use the icing to draw lines back and forth on top of the bomb. 
  • Sprinkle the pearls onto the bomb. The candy melts will act as a glue.
  • Enjoy!

Money Saving Tips On Your Backyard Deck

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photo credit: Brazilian Wood Depot

Whether you are thinking of adding a new deck to your backyard because of so many of staying home or needing help to take care of your existing deck, there are several things that you’ll want to do to make sure you are properly doing the job well ( and even save money in the process ). Below are a few ideas to help you maintain your deck not only for its longevity but also to help keep its beauty as well as ideas on how to save money in the process of building a deck.

  1. Cleaning Your Deck Once A Year – Depending on what type of hardwood you have, the longevity and the color will vary. There are so many incredible hardwood options to choose from and all are rooted in the same basic principles as far as how to clean them properly. Tight grained natural woods are usually boasted being a watertight wood or water-resistant, however, they do have a surface that will need to be looked at it for any mold or mildew growth. Without cleaning them properly or having proper maintenance, they will rot away. The naturally occurring tannins and oils present in the wood do need to be protected and preserved if you want it to look new year after year. Check to see what type of deck you have and what you need to use to properly clean it. Some use a pressure washer to help get rid of old dirt and grime from over the winter months and also help spruce up your deck in minutes rather then days. 
  2. Deck Design: There are some deck materials are milled in lengths of 16, 12, or 8 feet. In the case of pressure treated wood, every cut not only wastes the wood but also can provide an opening for water to get in. This is essential when you are buying the wood in the milled length does save you money on wood but it can also shorten the time to build the deck as well. 
  3. Find A Quality Deck Company To Assist: Contrary to your design, you want to make sure that you find a quality deck company to assist you to build it if this is not an area of expertise. If you live in the Atlanta area, there is a company you must look into called Brazilian Wood Depot. They offer a variety of hardwoods for you to choose from including their popular ones like Ipe, Cumaru, or Garapa decking.  Garapa wood in particular or Brazilian Oak is a decking lumber with a lemon yellow color that becomes light brown or honey with age. This hardwood has a light ribbon-like natural design, appears water or wavelike similar to silk. Garapa is considered the highest quality, best natural wood decking material on the market right now. It’s also extremely popular with many benefits for those looking for issues including fire resistance, water-resistance, and bug resistant.
  4. Decorate With Existing Furniture: Once you have your deck the way you want it, another money-saving tip could be bringing out old furniture that you already have out to your deck. If you don’t have any furniture that you can use, try looking for any estate sales or check Facebook Marketplace to help find something that can also help your bank account too. See if neighbors are having garage sales or looking into getting rid of old furniture they don’t want anymore. There are plenty of DIY ideas to help you restore or make the furniture your own as well.
  5. Build During Off-Season: One way to help you save money building your deck is to build it during the offseason. With warmer weather during the spring and summer months, those are the busiest times for deck contractors. Everyone has been contemplating their deck over the winter and want to start building with the warm rays of the sun, which then results in a higher demand to hire. The price also goes up for both labor and materials. If you live in an area like the southern states, you can still build during late fall or winter which then leaves you no problem hiring a qualified contractor and perhaps give you a better deal with everything as well. 

There are so many other great tips to help you save on building your dream backyard deck. Have a budget and make sure that you try and stick with it every step of the way. Do your best to hire a qualified, highly requested, and sought out professionals to help you when you need it, ask questions and help you build the proper deck.