Holiday Family Traditions (+ a Special Kalahari Giveaway & Deal!)

During the holiday season, I think a lot about traditions from my childhood - especially ones I've carried over to enjoy with my kids. One of my absolute favorites is watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade every year. We wake up, eat turkey shaped pancakes, snuggle up, and all watch it together. This year, we're especially excited to see Kalahari's float, the Colossal Wave of Wonder, which features a fun water scene with a family of elephants and their friends!

To get pumped up, we got to open up this special box of goodies from our friends at Kalahari. We're loving the snuggling under the soft blanket with the sweet elephant plush and sipping hot chocolate out of the mugs. I just think it's so cool how both the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Kalahari Resorts are always working to create a bigger and more magical experience for their guests. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions are home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark Resorts and have everything from gorgeous rooms, suites and villas, to fun family entertainment centers and delicious food, to full service spas, shopping and more. They truly make for the perfect family getaway, with something for everyone!

I hope you all enjoy watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as much as we will this year. When it's over and time to think about holiday shopping, be sure grab some Kalahari Gift Cards for your family and friends. I can't think of a more special gift than a memorable, exciting adventure in the form of an epic trip to Kalahari!

And guess what? You can also win a FREE stay at Kalahari Resorts! Just enter their giveaway for a chance to choose your perfect getaway!* 

You can also save up to 30% on your next Kalahari stay by using promo code BLACKFRIDAY from Black Friday (11/28) through Cyber Monday (12/02). Click here for more details.*

May your holiday season be filled with Kalahari-level adventures, fun family traditions, happiness, peace, and joy. 

*Blackout dates and exclusions apply. Subject to availability and management discretion. Valid for one night in a double standard queen room for up to 6 guests at any Kalahari Resorts & Conventions location. See Kalahari’s Instagram post for more details.  

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Our 2024 Family Holiday Cards

Three things about me and holiday cards: 

1. I have never gotten rid of a holiday card sent to me. I keep telling myself one day I’ll make something cool out of them. (We all know that’s never gonna happen.)

2. I have sent holiday cards every single year since I was a teen. 

3. For the past *decade* (yep, 10 full years), I have chosen company Postable for my holiday cards! (Pssst… Discount code below!)

You've heard me go on about Postable before (I mean like I said, it’s been a decade long relationship at this point), and just like in years part, I want to make sure you know you know that this isn't a paid review. It's a trade. The give me the best cards ever and I share my thoughts about them with all of you. The truth is that I would 100% order from them regardless. They had an incredible selection of stylish, cool, fun, top quality cards that are easy to customize. They’re 100% post-consumer recycled and/or tree-free 100%. But the thing that really sets them apart is the fact that they do all the work for you: they print your cards, they stuff the envelopes, they address them, they stamp them, and they mail them all for you. They are simply the best! 

I’ll close this post by adding that the people at Postable are genuinely nice humans, and I very much enjoy supporting them. They’re so nice, in fact, that they're giving you 20% off your entire order with code BEAN24. So get over to their site right now and take advantage! You’ll be glad you did - this holiday card lover promises. 

This post is in collaboration with Postable. 

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50 Easy Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

I have been last minute about everything this Halloween, which is honestly stressing me out a little. If you're in the same boat, then hopefully our list of fifty last minute (easy and classic) Halloween costume ideas will help!

50 Easy Classic Halloween Costume Ideas  

• 1920s themed
• 1950s themed
• 1960s themed
• 1970s themed
• Alien
• Angel
• Ballerina
• Bat
  
• Baseball/Football/Basketball Player
• Bear
• Black Cat
• Bumblebee 
• Butterfly
  
• Cheerleader
• Circus themed
• Classic Disney Characters
• Classic 'Scary' Film/TV Characters (Addams Family, The Muensters, etc.)
• Classic Star Wars Characters
• Clown
• Devil
• Dinosaur
• Doctor or Nurse
• Dog
• Dracula
• Dragon
• Fairy
• Frankenstein
• Genie
• Ghost
• Gypsy
• Hippie
• Ladybug
• Lion
• Mermaid
• Mime
• Monkey
• Monster
• Mouse
• Mummy
• Pirate
• Princess or Prince 
• Pumpkin
• Robber/Jailbird
• Robot
• Shark
• Scarecrow
• Skeleton
• Superhero  
• Vampire 
• Western themed
• Witch
• Wizard of Oz themed
• Woodland Animal themed
  
  

Happy Halloween!

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Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake

One thing about me: I will never turn down pumpkin pie. I don't care how full I am. I don't care what time of year (or day) it is. I will eat it. I've also been trying to increase my daily protein intake, so when I decided to try to create an easy, quick protein shake that tasted like pumpkin pie, and it actually worked, I was beyond excited. 

This pumpkin pie shake not only tastes delicious, it contains 20g of protein! If you leave off the whipped cream, it is also completely vegan/plant-based. Did I mention it takes 2-3 minutes to make? Scroll down for recipe!

Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

2 scoops Pumpkin Spice Naked Shake vegan protein powder

1 cup almond or oat milk

1 tablespoon almond butter

1/2 tablespoon maple syrup 

6-8 ice cubes

whipped cream (optional)

cinnamon (optional)

 

Combine all ingredients in a blender. I like to drink it as it in the morning, but if you're looking for more of a dessert type beverage, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

I use Pumpkin Spice Naked Shake vegan protein powder for this recipe because it's both delicious and full of protein - 20g of pea protein to be exact. It also contains MCT oil, cinnamon, fermented cane sugar, and natural plant-based flavors, with only 3g of sugar. It's a seasonal flavor, so make sure to grab some before it's sold out!

This post is in partnership with Naked Nutrition. 

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