It seems like living a healthy life should be easy, right? But in today’s world – filled with fast food around every corner, a million tasks keeping us over-stressed and under-rested, our air filled with everything from viruses to smog to wildfire smoke, and a schedule that’s so busy it can be hard to sit down together for home-cooked healthy meals… Well, sometimes we can all use a little bit of help to keep our families as healthy as possible. And that’s where Superior Source Vitamins comes to the rescue!

Taking vitamin supplements can play a role in optimum health for anyone – from kids to grandparents, from athletes to the chronically ill. Superior Source Vitamins has over 70 vitamins and supplements to choose from, to aid your quest for a healthy lifestyle. These micro-tablets dissolve fast with no pills to swallow, or water needed. Clean. Pure and Simple — with NO ingredients you can’t pronounce—just the way nature intended. Micro-tablets that dissolve easily under your tongue are so much easier for little kids who can’t handle pills yet, or people with medical issues that make swallowing pills difficult.

Why are Superior Source Vitamins the Best?

As you can see – these are really small! SuperiorSource Vitamins are MicroLingual® – that means they dissolve on or under the tongue in seconds for quick absorption into the body – NO pills to swallow or water needed! They use only clean ingredients – the way nature intended. Because honestly, what’s the point of taking vitamins for your health, if they’re just going to be packed full of unnatural yucky stuff, right? But Superior Source Vitamins have NO chemicals, GMOs, preservatives, excessive binders, dyes, fillers, or artificial colors.

For the Love of Family, a “Superior” Vitamin Was Created

I think the story behind how Superior Source Vitamins was created is so great – It all starts with Ron Beckenfeld, the owner of Superior Source Vitamins. Ron was into fitness, worked out regularly, had a real focus on staying healthy. So when he decided to go into business – finding the right vitamins seemed like a perfect fit.

Ron first started selling vitamins out of the trunk of his car in 1964, and in 1969 he started Continental Vitamin Company; at that point, it became a life-long passion to establish a supplement company that truly cared about health.

In 1998 he started Superior Source MicroLingual® due to his concern about his father’s Parkinson’s condition.“When my father developed Parkinson’s, he already had a heart condition.I realized he had problems swallowing traditional large tablets, which inspired me to find a way to help my dad and others who had similar problems swallowing the vitamins they needed.”

“My dad had nitroglycerine tablets, which are very small and dissolve instantly, and he asked me why I couldn’t make vitamins like these. This was the “ah-ha!” moment that started the evolution of instant dissolving tablets, and Superior Source was born.”

“I was also concerned about all the additives and excessive amount of other ingredients found in conventional vitamin tablets, so decided to create a vitamin that was small and pure where potency isn’t lost in the high acid environment of the stomach.”

Ron started witha B-12 quick-dissolving soft-molded tablet and continued to develop an entire line of clean and pure MicroLingual®instant dissolve tablets where users didn’t have to worry about swallowing. “So here I am 50+ years later, still passionate and profoundly providing people with vitamin tablets that are easy to take anywhere with no water necessary and absorbed quickly into their systems.”

Where to Get Superior Source Vitamins:

You can find Superior Source Vitamins at tons of your favorite retailers. If you’re shopping online, you can shop direct here:

• Superior Source Vitamins on Amazon
• Superior Source Vitamins on Walmart.com

Or… you can get them right here, from me!! I’m giving away an amazing set of Superior Source Vitamins to one lucky winner. To win, head on over to my Instagram – @sunandsipcups – look for the Superior Source Vitamin Giveaway post, and enter to win today!

Fall is my favorite season – and October is my VERY favorite month. So I’m excited to be a part of this fun group giveaway, where we all partnered up together to give one lucky winner a $200 e-Gift card to Etsy!!! Supporting small businesses, especially creative work – is so near and dear to my crafty little heart, so I’m super happy to send one of you on a shopping spree at Etsy for handmade goodies. :)

Enter for your chance to win a $200 e-Gift card to Etsy! This giveaway is open Worldwide only where permitted, age 18 and older. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 10.31.22. See below for terms and conditions.

This giveaway is hosted by Chatty Patty’s Place and The Review Wire.

All entries will be verified—only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Any person who has won a prize (or whose household has won a prize) in any promotion sponsored by the Sponsor in the past thirty (30) days before this contest start date is not eligible to win a prize in this contest. Entrants who have created social accounts purely to enter Competitions or Sweepstakes will not be eligible to win. All social accounts used must be public.

The winner will be chosen randomly through Sweep Widget and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. Void where prohibited by law. One person entering per household, please.

Are you one of those people who get super hot at night when they sleep? I mean, right now during the summer months we’re all struggling to beat the heat – but for a lot of people {like me!}, getting overheated at night is a year-round problem. Luckily, I’ve tested a few products and have a rad solution to share with you guys. Elegear arc-chill cooling technology, crafted into really luxe – but also really AFFORDABLE! – bedding options. So good, seriously. Keep reading to see how it works, why you need this, and how to get a deal on your own cool new bedding too. ;)

I’m a chronically ill single momma in my 40s – so, getting good rest is a challenge. Creating a peaceful, comfy bedroom to relax in is a top priority – and obviously, the actual bed in the room is the centerpiece of it all. I get super hot when I sleep, even in the winter; I’m one of those people who sleep with a fan on them, year-round. But, I also like the feel of a blanket on me, you know? So, I use a lot of layers on my bed, so I have options at night.

This gray cooling comforter from Elegear arc-chill is THE perfect busy mom solution. It’s thin enough to keep you cool, yet has enough fluffy weight to feel good at night. I wish I could put into words how magical this thing is – you really have to feel it yourself to fully get it. But it’s like… immediately, you slip yourself under it at bedtime and it’s…. this soft, silky, cool feel. The blanket itself is super smooth, and they use this… well… literally “cool” technology to keep you cool, all night. Even if you’re like me and get hot flashes sometimes, or live in an area where it’s so hot your AC has a tough time keeping up, or just like to be extra cold at night. I’ve just never, ever had a blanket quite like this!

Here’s how this works to keep you cool – a mix of science and freaking magic, I think, lol:

• The Elegear cooling blanket uses Japanese Arc-Chill cool technology fabric to brilliantly absorb and release body heat, and reduce skin temperature by 2-5°C instantly. (Ordinary cooling fibers only have a cooling rating of 0.2). I swear, you will notice it the very second you have it against your skin.
• Both sides of this Summer blanket are made of Japanese cooling fibers and jade-based fibers to make the cooling quilt super soft, silky and have no static. I’m a huge fan of the healing properties of jade in general, so seeing it included in this cooling comforter was a big selling point for me. And, I wear very little when I sleep {I toss and turn a ton, and am always so darn overheated} so it’s really important to me that BOTH sides of a blanket/comforter are really smooth and soft.
• This Summer quilt is filled with DARCON fibers to form a 3-D hollow structure which works to adjust the humidity and temperature, thus provides you with the coziest sleeping environment. Weighing only 5.02 lb, the Elegear cooling comforter is fluffy and lightweight. Its super-soft touch feels like silk, but is cooler and more breathable than silk. With good elasticity {it has a unique stretchy feel to it}, and a pleasant weight {light so you stay cool/but enough heft to have that safe, secure, cocoon feeling}, the cool comforter helps you relax and enjoy a high-quality sleep. Imagine a weighted blanket but filled with magical fluffiness, which will make sense when you try this, I swear. Like a marshmallow. 
• This lightweight cooling comforter is wrinkle-resistant and uses single needle stitching technology to make the fiberfill stay in place and prevent it from shifting and clumping, which is the WORST thing in a comforter, isn’t it? The cooling comforter is machine washable too, without color fading, shrinkage, or pilling. We’ve been using it for MONTHS, and as you can see – it still looks as good as new.
• It comes in a few different shades and sizes – my bed is a queen sized mattress, with a memory foam topper. And this works easily as a comforter on it’s own, as a blanket under other patterned comforters, or as a throw folded across the bed. In the smaller size, it’s perfect on the couch for movie nights, or summer camping trips. I imagine this would be SUCH a winner for kids going off to college, or stuffy dorm rooms.

We are obsessed with blankets in my house – but I can say, seriously, that I’ve just never had anything quite like this. It’s definitely a unique technology – the cooling part is SO needed, but it also works great under other blankets to keep you warm, and that 3-D hollow structure they use inside the blanket is just incredible. It’s my go-to blanket to snuggle under when reading my book every night. 

This blanket is cat-approved too, if that matters to you, lol. But seriously – if you have pets, you know that their claws can do a lot of damage to your bedding, with snags and stuff. But this holds up great, even when they claw at it to jump up on the bed. I have 5 wild little cats, a tweenager, and a blind old man dog – but this is sturdy enough to withstand all of them. And it looks and feels so LUXURIOUS for such a workhorse of a blanket.

Have I convinced you yet? :) Here’s how to get your own cooling blanket:

You can buy this exact same blanket on Amazon: Elegear Arc-chill Japanese tech cooling comforter blanket. Read the other reviews, you’ll see everyone agrees – it’s got a 4.3 out of 5 rating. You can see more of their products online in the Elegear shop on Amazon too; they have other cooling blankets, pillows, sheets, and more. Right now there’s a sale on this comforter $59.99, and a bonus coupon you can click to add on top of that – but hurry, I’m not sure how long that will last!

If you’d rather go straight to their website, you can also order directly from them here: Elegear Shop Online. They have a ton of really great summer deals going on right now, especially if you’re buying more than one item.

You can also go learn more about the brand and the products on their Instagram pages – Elegear has it’s own page, and there’s another specifically for the Arc-chill technology they use. And you can pop over to my Instagram too, and see the Reel I made about this cooling blanket.

If you have any questions – feel free to leave comments below! And share this with any friends you know who could use this info. :)

Going to Las Vegas can be an experience, but even more so when choosing the perfect place to stay. While there are many hotels in the city, nothing can compare to the grandeur of the Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World. 

Booking a stay at Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World is easy when you can book on AmericanHotels.co. However, if you’re looking to find out more about the place and what it offers, keep reading:

Luxury Amenities

When you’re looking for the best hotel to stay at, you have to consider the amenities that come along with it. Some amenities that are available at Conrad Las Vegas:

• Free WI-FI
• Concierge
• Spa
• Casino
• Resort
• EV Charging
• Outdoor Pool
• Gym

Other amenities include free parking, a digital key, a business center, etc. When looking for the best experience at a hotel, the Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World is a perfect choice.

Tons of Dining Options

There are many times when you don’t have the energy or want to make an effort to leave your hotel. However, when you’re hungry, and the room service isn’t that great, you might not have another option. Luckily, that won’t happen when you stay at Conrad Las Vegas. 

Some options that you can check out at this hotel are:

• Brezza: serves upscale and modern coastal Italian cuisine and offers handmade pasta and premium seafood. The wine is sourced from Italy’s best, and you’re sure to have a contemporary Italian experience when there. 
• Dawg House Saloon & Sportsbook: When you’re looking for a classic sports bar, this is the ideal place. It has a range of draft beers available and classic American southern soul food. 
• Fuhu: If you’re in the mood for something new, get your tastebuds excited for Fuhu. It is traditional Asian cuisine but with a twist. 
• Famous Foods Street: Asian hawker-inspired food hall with various stalls with different types of food. 
• Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge: Features rare and vintage champagnes
• Genting Palace: Has authentic Cantonese cuisine, seafood, and dim sums
• Kusa Nori: Sushi bar with a comprehensive collection of sake

You can also find other spots in the hotel, including Starlight on 66, Wally’s Wine and Spirits, and Viva. To taste the best food that Las Vegas offers, you can select a luxurious stay and book on AmericanHotels.co.

Unique Interiors

There are a range of rooms available at this hotel, so whether you’re looking for a premium room or a city view, you’ll find it here. The modern and contemporary design of the place will be ideal for any type of person. 

When you like a modern room with technological accessories, including a TV, minibar, and so on, the Conrad is the ideal place for you to stay. 

Location

Finding the ideal location to stay is crucial when you want to experience the most of Las Vegas. The Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World is situated close to Downtown South and the Arts District. It is the perfect location when you’re in the mood to explore Las Vegas. 

Enjoying Your Stay at Conrad Las Vegas 

When you’re looking to have a memorable time in Las Vegas, there’s no better place to stay than the Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World. Plan your vacation ahead of time to find great deals and offers.

In this house, one thing I’ve always been really passionate about is reading. From day 1, when kiddo was just a baby, I was reading to her every day. I’ve always been a voracious reader myself – starting in middle school I used to steal all of my parent’s paperback novels as fast as they could refill the bookshelves, reading everything from Sweet Valley High to Stephen King, always walking around with my nose in a book. I’m still that girl who always has a book in my purse, at least one on my nightstand, and a pile of “to be read next” books glaring at me each time I put in yet another order at an online book retailer, lol. I’m a book lover, man. 

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King. I’ve always felt like that was the most beautifully perfect way to describe why I love books so hard, They’re the most inexpensive, accessible, portable form of magic, easily available to everyone. Pages of just paper and ink can transport you across the world, to other worlds, to other ages of the world. You gain empathy for others as you see life through the eyes of new characters. You learn and experience a whole range of feelings – excitement! Suspense! Heartbreak! Adventure! Loss! Love! All lived through the pages of a book. Magical, every time.

Like I said – I’ve read to kiddo since she was born. We still read together often. We sometimes read books via Zoom to younger nieces and nephews, to stay connected during these weird Covid times. A new favorite we’ve found that I *highly* encourage you to check out is Pony Express, by Carla Osborne. It’s from her series Go Gona Go, and it’s absolutely freaking delightful, you guys.

The author grew up in rural Southern Idaho on a working farm that’s been in the family for four generations. She started writing children’s books to share a bit of the magic she knew growing up back then, with today’s generation of kids. Her life story is incredible, honestly – after leaving the farm, she went on to work with a traveling theater group as a singer, dancer, and actor. And now once again lives on a farm in Idaho, spending her days outside on 15 acres with horses, donkey, and sheep. To learn more about her amazing life story that inspired the magical children’s stories she writes, visit her site CarlaOsborneBooks.com. And be sure to check out her YouTube channel as well, and give it a follow:

The author’s life story is full of magical memories, and that definitely influences the story in Pony Express. It’s all about an adventurous girl named Gona, with a wild child heart like my own, who has a huge imagination, and a love for the outdoors and adventure. She partners with her brother to pretend to be Pony Express Riders, racing across the Wild West on their horses to deliver mail. They make a deal on getting chores done, then the shenanigans begin. ;) It’s kind of refreshing to see a book filled with kids enjoying life… with no screens or technology. Just playing outside, inventing their own fun, the way we did as kids. You can almost feel the fresh air, just reading the book. It’s such a great read. 

I hadn’t even realized until we started reading this book, that my kiddo had never heard of the Pony Express. She’s 11, in 6th grade, so I was super surprised?! But, with Covid, virtual schooling the past couple of years, the disruptions, substitutes, etc to infinity… there have just been a lot of subjects and topics that have gotten missed. So, this was a great opportunity for a fun bit of history lesson as well. The story is really sweet, the illustrations are beautifully done, and the quality of the book is wonderful. The story is fun for little kids – but still engaging for bigger kids too. Get your own copy here: Buy Pony Express here today. You can also head over to the @gonas_reading_ranch Instagram page too, for updates on the author, the book, other books she’s written, and upcoming fun. And while you’re on Instagram, don’t forget to follow me, too – @sunandsipcups.

ENTER TO WIN!!

Now, to win a copy of your own! Use the form below to enter to win – and be sure to share this with any other book lovers you know, or on your social media, to spread the word. Good luck!

Merry Thanksgiving Week, you guys!  We are definitely in a merry mood here – I joke that our house is decorated like a holiday mullet, lol: Thanksgiving in the front, Christmas in the back. ;) I’m a chronic illness girl, which makes my whole “getting stuff done” planning pretty unpredictable. I like to start the Christmas prep early – so the back patio, yard, driveway, and shop are all decked in evergreen garland and bows and light-up Santas and snowflakes. But, I kept the front yard respectable of the November festivities with my giant blow-up turkeys and orange and yellow lights, lol. Silly, but super fun.

You know who else is celebrating Merry Thanksgiving Week with a bang? Hallmark Channel! You simply can NOT have a Christmas season without Hallmark movies, am I right? And this season they have 41 ALL NEW original movies premiering on Hallmark Channel and on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries! Are you excited? I’m excited. 

The one I’m MOST excited about is premiering this Saturday, November 27th at 8PM/7c – “Christmas at Castle Hart.” Check out the trailer – and see if you recognize the star…. {can I do one of those, “only 90s kids will know, kinda things?}

“Christmas at Castle Hart” stars Stuart Townsend and – Lacey Chabert!! If you were a 90s teen, you might remember her as Claudia, from Party of 5. I looooved that show. It’s fun to see her all grown up, and in such a great role, in a really amazing movie. Here’s a bit more about it:

BROOKE BENNETT {Lacey Chabert} goes to Ireland for Christmas to search for her Irish roots. While there, she meets charming AIDEN HART {Stuart Townsend}, Earl of Glaslough. Mistaken for an elite event planner, she’s hired to host his castle’s epic Christmas party. The entire movie is filmed in Ireland – which I looooove, since Ireland has been on my own bucket list since I was a kid. So not only is the storyline itself beautiful – so is the setting and scenery.

And grab your hot cocoa and fuzzy slippers, you guys – because this is part of Hallmark Channel’s #MerryThanksgivingWeekend and it’s a go big or go home kind of event… except, wait, no. You’re already home. This is… go big, from home? Yeah, that works. ;) Go big – on the movie night, on the festiveness, and on all the feels that you know only Hallmark can bring! “Christmas at Castle Hart” is part of Hallmark Channel’s Double Programming – it airs right after “An Unexpected Christmas,” which premiers on November 26th at 6pm/5c.

Here’s a list of all the movies premiering during Merry Thanksgiving Weekend:

11/25- The Nine Kittens of Christmas
11/26- Christmas CEO
11/26- An Unexpected Christmas
11/27- Making Spirits Bright
11/27- Christmas at Castle Hart
11/28- Christmas in Tahoe
11/28- The Christmas Contest

And there’s more: There are 41 ALL NEW original movies premiering on Hallmark Channel and on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries this season! 

With all of those amazing movies to watch, you’ll definitely want to get the Hallmark Movie Checklist App – so you don’t miss any of your favorites. And, be sure to follow the hashtags to chat with other Hallmark fans – during the premiere of #ChristmasAtCastleHart on Saturday, November 27 at 8/7c, we’ll be live tweeting from my Twitter account @sunandsipcups, with @HallmarkChannel, using the movie hashtag as the #MerryThanksgivingWeekend hashtag that you can use to find more fun movies all weekend long. Make sure to join the fun!

And, if you’re here reading this, then I know you’re my type of people, and I know you’ll love a few more things:

• Hallmark Channel Wines: This is soooo much fun, and great ideas for yourself, for holiday entertaining, hostess gifts, or other holiday gifting.
• Holiday Cookbook: So many really yum, festive, easy, but impressive recipes in this!
• The Holiday Home Decoration: OMG you guys enter to win $10,000 and a Balsam Hill prize package!!!
• Very Merry Giveaway: Enter daily to win new prizes!!

There you have it – so many ways to kick off this holiday season. Holly and jolly. Mark your calendar for the premier – or better yet, grab that Hallmark app! Check out the HMNow (Hallmark Movies Now service) to watch Hallmark movies anytime, on demand. And be sure to join me in live tweeting the fun during the premier! If you want to tweet me in advance, using the hashtag, to let me know you’ll be watching – I will follow you back. :)

Hallmark Channel Original Premiere of “Christmas at Castle Hart” on Saturday, Nov. 27th at 8pm/7c! https://t.co/32Nqao96NK via @sunandsipcups pic.twitter.com/1UsIbGhfhN

— Meagan Paullin (@SunandSipCups) November 25, 2021

“The fastest way to break the cycle of perfectionism and become a fearless mother is to give up the idea of doing it perfectly—indeed to embrace uncertainty and imperfection.” – Arianna Huffington.

We put so much pressure on ourselves as moms, don’t we? And it’s no wonder, since society puts so much pressure on us, right? To work hard – either at a career outside of the home, as a work from home boss babe, or as a perfect stay at home mom. Plus of course: go to the gym and dress stylin’ and do your nails and learn to contour your cheekbones all while picking up groceries and kids and hey o – it’s also a freaking PANDEMIC OUT THERE. Sigh.

Anyway. All of that to say – we are always in need of easy peasy dinner ideas around here. I rely heavily on things like prepping ahead, freezer meals, and my Crockpot and Instapot. But something else I rely on at least a couple of nights a week are snack boards. Kind of like… a fancier version of the lunch snack trays you buy at the supermarket, but a less fancy version of a complicated charcuterie board. Depending on the size of your family, your needs, your mood – you can put out one big tray and let everyone make their own plate, or make mini plates for each person. It’s healthy, it’s easy, it’s fun, it’s fast, and it can be YUM, too. Especially with my new obsession – Barilla Creamy Genovese Pasta Sauce. Seriously. OMG. So good.

I’m really questioning myself… as a life-long pasta-a-holic, carb-loving girl, how on earth have I never actually tried pesto? I’ve heard of it. I’ve seen it. But honestly, I guess I just didn’t really know what it was, or how to use it. You GUYS?! It is GENIUS. Lemme tell ya a little bit of basic info first:

• Pesto is the past tense of the Genoese verb “pestare,” which means “to crush.” Which makes sense – Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, and was traditionally made by crushing ingredients with a mortar and pestle ;) The usual combo of ingredients includes basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts – but a lot of pesto swaps out the pine nuts. {I’m a nerd, and a writer, and I love cool facts like this!}
• When you crush these up and mix together, you get a beautiful, creamy, green sauce. Imagine the pretty combos for holiday dishes, mixed and matched with crisp red veggies?
• It’s most commonly used on pasta noodles, and often on sandwiches. But it is SO versatile! You can use this as a sauce for so many things, a dip, seafood, burgers, drizzle it onto pizza, use it to marinate meats, on and on.
• CLICK HERE –> Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto Recipe Ideas if you’re just too tired to get creative and need even more inspiration. There’s nothing wrong with that, momma. I’ll share more ideas later too, keep reading. You aren’t alone here. I got you. :)

And now, with Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto Sauce, you get to skip all of the work of a mortar and pestle, but still have the freshest pesto available, imported from Italy, but available right in your own cupboard, any time you want. You can pick these up at most grocery stores, or even add them to your next Amazon order.

We used this Creamy Genovese Pesto over the past week for our dinner plates. I mentioned over on Instagram the other day – I started a round of high-dose prednisone for my spine/disc issues, and it’s a rough one. {If you’ve ever taken prednisone, you know. It is THE strongest love/hate relationship story of all time, lol.} Plus, Daylight Savings time and now it gets dark in the middle of the dark day. The holidays are approaching rapidly, with all the weirdness and unpredictability that those bring this year. So: I’m a tired momma, my friends. A quick and easy meal that I can put together without using the stove? That’s a winner. 

We’ve used this creamy pesto as a dip, with cheese and crackers. When added to pinwheel roll-ups it legit takes things up a notch! You can get creative and use this in SO many of your regular recipes, and it gives them a fresh twist, feels like something new. And if all you can manage is boiling a pot of noodles – just stir in a jar of Barilla Pesto sauce, for a quick alternative to spaghetti night that the kids will still totally love. Trust me. 

This works for lunches – add to sandwiches, as a dip for veggies or crackers, etc. It’s amazing in all of your favorite dinner dishes, or use the Barilla US site to find some new faves to put into rotation. It can add some flair to holiday meals this season. It’s a great addition to gift baskets – one compact jar is enough for a whole 16-oz box of pasta! Make party trays for your next get together, using the same idea we use for our dinner trays, just on a larger, fancier scale. The options are endless!

There are just so many ways to use this – I honestly feel kinda silly for not ever trying pesto before? You can see the dozens of other creative ways that other busy moms from #MomsMeet used this #BarillaPesto #CreamyGenovese over on Instagram by following the hashtags, or checking out the accounts – @BarillaUS and @MomsMeet. If you use #BarillaUS in your home too, be sure to share a pic and tag them too!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meagan Paullin (@sunandsipcups)

Be sure to come join the conversation over on my Instagram page!! Let me know in the comments here, or over there – do you use pesto? What are your favorite ways to use it? Have you tried Barilla Pesto? If not – definitely look for it the next time you’re grocery shopping in the pasta aisle, you won’t be sorry. And – are you a snack plate/dinner plate type of mom too? Chat with me, my friends. :)

Liver disease is a growing issue in this country. And far too often, it’s a silent issue – your liver can take a lot of abuse, and can hang in there doing it’s job under massive stress. By the time you find out that you have liver damage, or issues like fatty liver, or NASH – it’s often pretty far along, and harder to get under control. Which is why the conversations and education about liver disease are SO super important! And, it’s why I’m excited to share the knowledge I’ve gained since I was diagnosed in 2016, answer questions, and partner with some amazingly smart people, as part of a panel all about living with liver disease.

Join us for an engaging fireside chat on April 28th, featuring an expert panel of persons with #liver disease about their lived experience & perspectives on living with #NAFLD #NASH during the #COVID19 pandemic & beyond. Register now to secure your spot – this is limited to only the first 100 people to sign up.

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/2OLrAV6.

At the sign up link you can learn more about the panelists and hosts, and there is a place for you to add your info too: Do you have a question that you would like to be answered during the event? Type it into the registration form today, so we can make sure to have that info for you on the day of the event! Would you like to be called on to ask your question live during the event? If so, indicate that too, or you can have one of the moderators ask the question for you if you feel more comfortable.

After doing Zoom school for the past year with my daughter, I know how much anxiety there is at times, jumping in and asking questions live. So, no worries if you aren’t into that. :) Just add your questions in advance and we’ll be sure they get answered. You can also feel free to reach out to me personally — Instagram is usually the quickest way for me to see a message. You can follow and message me here: Instagram.com/sunandsipcups. Or send me a tweet at Twitter.com/sunandsipcups, or email me directly at sunshineandsippycups@gmail.com. Seriously. If you have any questions about liver disease and/or the webinar, reach out, and I’ll do my best to help. 

If you’d like to read more about my journey with liver disease, you can read my story on the Fatty Liver Foundation site here: Meagan’s Place, that details my sudden liver failure in 2016, how I got my diagnosis, learning to live with such a life-changing disease that has no cure, and my path back to happiness. 

And sign up for the webinar today – Fatty Liver Foundation Webinar – and mark your calendars for April 28th! Then use the tweet button below to share this with anyone else you think might be interested too.

Join me April 28th for a chat about living with liver disease. Event features an expert panel {including me!} sharing our perspectives on living with #NAFLD #NASH during #COVID19 & beyond. Register now to secure a spot: https://t.co/ezSulRKw4C Read more: https://t.co/IgLFdTrcfL

— Meagan Paullin (@SunandSipCups) April 21, 2021

This year has taught me that life is more unpredictable than you can imagine.

That the world hands out heartbreak easily – like tossing candy in a parade.

That time is short and never guaranteed – your own, and the time you get with those you love.

So I have grown quite impatient with the bullshittery, and worrying what others think (which I’ve always let bother me too much.) My plan know is to seek happiness wherever I can, hold it tightly when I find it, and give less care to those who want to judge, bring down, add negativity to the world. 

I’m the author of this story. I get to decide how it is written. 

Life can be hard. But life is a choice – you can sit and throw a fit about how unfair things are, and there are times that no one would blame you, because they can see you’ve been dealt a bad hand. But life doesn’t care if you pout, it’ll keep rolling on without you. So, it’s best to learn how to roll with it, hard times and all.

And life is what you make it, and what you look for. So, I choose to embrace the weird and the silly. To make my own fun, and to try not to take things too serious. (Because seriousness creeps in on it’s own much too easy.)
Which is why decorating for Christmas makes me happy. Jamming out to Christmas music in my silly Christmas sweaters. Putting up my 3ft light-up Christmas llama that’s meant for outdoor decor but lives atop my bookshelf. Baking cookies and making crafts.
I’m grateful today for an ability to do more than survive the hard times, but to thrive in spite of them. The ability to throw glitter in the face of adversity because around here, we’re festive as a MOTHER.