Simply Tasheena: Sponsor post

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

I've recently started watching the new TV series The Chi and honestly. I wasn't really sure how I was going to feel about the show. With so many amazing TV shows on. I try not to waste my time and only focus on the ones that I truly love and look forward to watching. You know, the ones that you have several alerts on to remind you that the show is coming on. Even though you don't need any reminders because you're addicted. Yup, that type of show. When I watched the first episode I must say without giving too much information I was hooked! I was in the middle of folding clothes while watching the first episode and I immediately stopped. I put the basket to the side and indulged in the rest of the show. It was so good that I had my son bring me my snack because I didn't want to pause the show and yes, my phone was on “do not disturb”.

Not only does this show start off GOOD. It also has so many amazing learning experiences and can I add style goals.

Growing up in the inner city. I totally can relate to this show too much. I really enjoy how authentic this show and how I can actually relate to the characters in the show and the various circumstances. What I was not expecting from watching this show was finding my TV Twin. Ms. Tiffany Boone on the show as Jerrika. I think she is actually one of the reasons that I love the show so much. Her ambition and drive are so motivating. We have very similar fashion style, and I love the looks that they put together for her throughout the show. Her style is so effortless! Without telling the show, she meets and fell in love with a man who was probably considered the total opposite of the men that she grew up around. She's considered the “boujee” girl of the cast. However, from what I've seen so far. She's so comfortable in her skin that she doesn't care about the opinions of others because she's true to herself.

Can we say that I can't wait to watch the next episode? The CHI is a must watch! I think I'm going binge watch until the next episode. What I love about this show as well is that I can pretty much watch the CHI from anywhere with SHOWTIME. So those days that the kiddos have me running around I can watch it on my phone and those days that the Mister is watching his favorite game I could watch it from my iPad and watch it again with the Mister when he's ready.

You can visit Showtime.com to redeem an exclusive 30-day free trial and stream The Chi using the code THECHI30. Redeem today before the code expires on 4/1/18!

My favorite SHOWTIME Benefits?!

You can watch your favorite shows On the go
Stream on your favorite device
Unlimited access!
My favorite NO CABLE

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This post was sponsored by Ling Ling, all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

If you follow me on social media. I had the amazing opportunity to attend a cooking class with expert, Chef Katie Chin sponsored by Ling, Ling Asian Food. The event was hosted at The Kitchen located inside of the Boston Public Market. I loved everything about this class. I loved learning about the history of Chef Katie Chin's family and learning all about the amazing foods her mom made for her growing up. Chef Katie Chin told the funniest story of how she flew in one time to assist her with a dinner party. Moms are so awesome right?! The story reminded me so much of my mom and how they really go above and beyond for their children.

I also learned so much about the Chinese New Year from Chef Katie Chin. Did you know that young singles are gifted with red envelopes with money inside? I also learned how to stairway from the number four during the Chinese New Year. Don't give any gifts in fours i.e. four dollars, four coins, four chocolates. Chef Katie Chin also shared how popular the two bill is during the Chinese New Year and shared a story of how she went into the bank one year and they were out of them.

(Making the caramel glaze)

During the event, we created two dishes. I loved both dishes because they were super easy to make and did not require a lot of ingredients.

The first dish we made was the Carmel Glazed Brandied Oranges. This recipe was so yummy! I can't wait to make this dish for my family. The oranges were naturally sweet and yummy and you couldn't even taste the brandy. If you're looking for a super simple dessert idea from the norm on this year's Chinese New Year. You have to try this recipe!

We also made Asparagus Stir Fry with Shiitake Mushrooms. I loved that this recipe could be used as a main dish or side dish and took very little time to make. The aroma of this dish alone will make you look like a superstar in the kitchen. The asparagus and mushrooms were the perfect texture. This dish is so savory and would be the perfect addition to any Chinese New Year menu.

One of the Ling, Ling dishes that is a must-have for the Chinese New Year is the Fried rice. As you guys know, I'm a rice lover. This was my first time trying the Ling, Ling fried rice and I was so pleased. Not only is the Ling, Ling authentic fried rice dexterously crafted with delectable vegetables. Each flavor infused grain tastes amazing down to the last bite. I honestly wanted to take a doggy bag home of everything. It was so yummy and nicely paired together.

I am so looking forward to the Chinese New Year. I plan on making Ling, Ling Vegetable Fried Rice, Spring Rolls, Potstickers, and noodles (still trying to decide on which noodle. We may have both)

One of the best tips that I can give you for your Chinese New Year is to create a shopping list with the Ling, Ling products you would like to purchase. Make sure to use the store locator to ensure that your store has each product in stock. I've had great success finding them at my local Bj's and Costco. I would also suggest working on your dinner menu now and picking up a pack of red envelopes before your dinner.

You can learn all about the Ling, Ling products here and use the store locator here. Don't forget to stay connected with Ling, Ling Asian Food on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks for the amazing opportunity Ling, Ling. I had an amazing time!

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Sponsored Post: This is a sponsored post but the content and opinions expressed here are of my own.

Halloween is right around the corner and I couldn't wait to share with you guys a super easy no-bake party mix recipe. I love this recipe because it's super easy to make and you can make it in advance or on a whim if needed. When I'm invited to a Halloween party or fall themed get together. The hardest thing for me to decide on is something that everyone can enjoy. As a busy mom, I really don't have time to spend all day in the kitchen on a beautiful fall day. So I'm always developing recipes that take with me to a party and doesn't require all day to make. If you follow my blog. You know I love creating recipes with items that I already have on hand.

My family is obsessed with The New Oreo O's Cereal from Post and I knew this would be the perfect addition to our party mixes.

What I also love about this recipe is that you don't have to just make it for a party. It's the perfect Back to School Snack! You can make a batch for your family for movie night at home. Or even adding it to the kiddos lunch box to snack on. This recipe is also perfect for family road trips. Yes! It's one of those recipes that you will find yourself making time and time again because it's perfect for any occasion. Let's not forget football season!

As prior stated all of the ingredients you can find at your local grocery store. I was able to find the Oreo O's cereal using the store locator at my local Shop-Rite in the cereal aisle. The New Oreo O's cereal. It's so yummy and it the perfect snacking treat. It's so good that I have to keep on running to the store to grab another box to have on hand. My son loves snacking on this cereal after school prior to football practice. My son says it tastes like cookies!

I love that this recipe has the perfect balance of sweet and salty. It's such a party pleaser! Thank me later!

Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups Oreo O's Cereal
2 cups mini marshmallow
2 cups mini twist pretzels
2 cups of popped popcorn
1 bag Halloween or fall themed candy

Directions

Mix all items in a bowl.
Serve or store in an airtight container

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There are so many things that I love about Family Game night at home. I love that everyone is spending quality time with each other and it gives us a break from social media. Growing up my parents didn't have to worry about social media. However, they always made sure that we had a family game night at home or out in about. I have so many childhood memories of us having so much fun together. That I always try to incorporate that in my children's life. With my oldest going to college this year, we're being a little creative with how we're going our family game nights at home. However, it's still going to happen and our children our super excited about continuing the family tradition. The best part about the family game night is that you can be creative and as fancy as you want, which I love. There isn't a role. Do what makes your family happy! Below I'm sharing what my family does for our epic at Home family game nights at home.

Schedule

I love that you can plan your family game night or have them on a whim. I prefer to have our family game nights scheduled. I try my best to not have them the same week day each time to give everyone a chance to do what they love. i.e having a game night every Friday. I try my best to rotate the days. When the kiddos were younger the day really didn't matter so much. I try to have them planned for the year. However, of course, we get invited to events and typically we arrange our schedule so we can still make it and have our family game night an alternative day. Also, During the winter months our family game nights increase. Especially if we know in advance that we're going to have a snow storm and the state is going to close. Which is the perfect way for us to be snowed in!

Theme

I love creating different themes for our family game nights at home. I love having using the holidays surrounding that month to base the theme off of. i.e Valentine's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It's so much fun creating and decorating around our themes. I love creating a theme during the summer months and utilizing our outdoor space. What I also love about creating themes is creating the prizes that go along with them. Of course creating prizes is optional. However, my family does love getting a break from the chores.

Games

I meet so many people that don't have family game night at home because they are under the impression that you have to own a ton of games to make this happen for your family. Use your imagination! You can easily create games with the items that you have on your own. Have an old tree stump? Turn it to an outdoors tic tac toe game with paint and rocks. You can also create “minute to win it” games with items you have around your home. The possibilities are endless! Don't forget that you may have the option to borrow games from friends and family as well. Use the resources that you have.

Food

Me being the foodie that I am. I love planning our menu for the family game night at home. We've tried many different foods to have during our game nights. However, we always come back to our first love which is pizza. I typically will order our pizza online with Papa John's. I love that they have the option where you can order you pizza up to 21days in advance for cash orders and 3 days in advance for credit card orders. How cool is that?! We like to mix it up and try different toppings especially if we have a really cool theme that goes along with it. I'm loving Papa John’s NEW Gluten-Free Crust with Ancient Grains pizza. Papa John's created the most delicious pizza without worrying about a compromised taste. Use this special coupon code (GLTN2T) here to order your Gluten-Free Crust with Ancient Grains pizza for just $9.99.

Creating the perfect family game night at home does not have to be stressful. It just takes a little bit of planning that you can do in advance or on a whim. You can be creative with your night family game night or keep it pretty basic. But that best part is, you're with your family and you're having fun. Don't overthink the idea. Make it happen and have fun!