Nuts About Chai Chia Pudding

I have jumped on the chia seed train and it's hurdling along at full speed. If you're thinking "ch-ch-ch-chia", we're talking about the same shit...I just don't rub them all over myself and wait for them to grow. Instead, you can find me sprinkling seeds into my recipes and atop my salads, and now concocting chia pudding recipes.

AchieveMint: My First Rewards

I joined AchieveMint back in October thanks to an ad on Facebook. This is a website (app available for Apple users on the App Store) that links to your apps and fitness trackers, imports the data and rewards you points for "healthy activity".  I have linked my Garmin Connect, Twitter, Foursquare, Fitbit, MyFitnessPal and MapMyFitness for maximum earning. I earn about 115 points per day with my healthy activities. On February 20, 4 months into my AchieveMint use, I earned my 10,000 points required to cash out a reward! I cashed out via PayPal and have an extra $10 to spend this month! I can now say for sure, AchieveMint is legit!

Finally Mrs. Benjamin - Tips for Changing Your Name

Did you run away in a fit of passion and elope over Valentine's Day weekend? Now you're trying to figure out how to go from Ms. to Mrs. as the dust of your nuptials settles. Did you get engaged over the weekend and you're anticipating what is to come? Congratulations! I am Mrs. Benjamin (yes I said Mrs., that was not a typo. I changed my name successfully and on the cheap) and I am here to say, (1) I figured it out, (2) I did not pay anyone to do it for me, and (3) it did not take very long.

Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent - Review

I received a sample of Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent Free & Clear from the GenerationGood Forum. I was originally very hesitant to try a chemical free detergent, assuming there was no way it could handle my laundry, especially my dog's laundry. Spoiler Alert...I'm a believer!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sending lots of love today and everyday!

XOXO Abby

Shopping Rocks (Diamonds) With Ross

Hey you, you over there running out to the mall for a last minute Valentine’s gift! Stop! I know you're heading to the jewelry counter looking for something sparkly or shiny for your lady. Don’t buy in haste. Take a minute to think about the 4 C’s of diamonds. And to explain this...I hand you over to my capable diamond buyer husband, Ross. Your lady will thank you.

Tips for Killer Valentine's Gifts

Valentine's is like the cheap, cheesy cousin of Christmas. Having just dropped a load of money on Christmas, your wallet is feeling pretty light when Valentine's rolls around. All of the pink and red and hearts have you feeling festive and romantic. The sultry scent of DIY is heavy in the air. Your Pinterest board is probably full of disjointed ideas for your significant other. How do you tie it all together?! You've come to the right place!

Last Minute Romantic Getaways on the Cheap

Looking for a romantic weekend away from home without breaking the bank? Preach! I'm snowed in (at work) today under 14" of snow but managing to daydream about packing up my stuff and blowing this taco stand. Join me, it's warm in my daydream. Do I have your attention? Find out how Ross and I scored a romantic weekend getaway for only $200 with months minutes of planning.

DIY Wednesday: Push Pin Map

Ross and I have done a fair amount of travelling since beginning our relationship in 2011. With a fair amount of bargain hunting and penny pinching, we have been fortunate enough to travel to...

• Atlantic City
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Niagara Falls, Canada
• East Lansing, Michigan
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Williamsburg, Virginia
• Cancun, Mexico
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Orlando, Florida
• Long Beach Island, New Jersey
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• San Francisco, California
• Chicago, Illinois

Besides the countless travel photos that adorn our walls, this Christmas I wanted to gift Ross a push pin map to keep track of where we have been over the years. When I started shopping around I was stunned to see a map, mounted on cork or foam-core and framed, cost several hundred dollars. More absurd? Simple maps mounted on foam-core or cork ran near $150. I knew I could do this myself and at a much more reasonable price, especially if I was patient and waited to take advantage of sales and coupons.

Valentine's Brunch at the Benjamin's

Ross and I love a good brunch! Nothing like a great cut of steak, a hearty egg (or three) and a bloody mary to kickstart a productive Sunday.

Pairing Beer & Wine at your Super Bowl Party

Heading to the liquor store for Super Bowl? Not sure what to buy? Check out my quick chart for some suggestions on pairing beers and wines with your snacks for an undeniable touchdown with your guests!

Do you have a favorite beer or wine for Super Bowl? Share it in the comments! We'd love some suggestions!

Hello There February

February is all about love and marriage at All About the Benjamins. Ross and I have lived through a year and a half of wedded bliss after dating for five years. What does that mean for you as my readers? Wedding and Valentine's DIY's (sans doilies, sorry 2nd grade self, but lots of sparkle), Valentines Gifts and Recipes on a Budget, Winter Date Night Fashion (with what is already in your closet, $$$) and some Post-Wedding Tips and Tricks!