Blogging with Mrs. Karlene | Havanabama

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Nov 25, 2024

Pitbull + Pancakes = Ricotta

Oct 30, 2024

You can take the girl out of Miami, but you can't take the Miami out of the girl.

It's nice to get away!

This past December, we went on our first friends road trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

We got to ride go-karts and play in the arcades at Pigeon Forge while enjoying funnel cakes and nachos.

At night, we ate at Big Daddies Pizzeria and enjoyed pizza, chicken wings and salad- super yummy and highly recommended!

After dinner we strolled the streets of Gatlinburg when I came across @crockettsbreakfastcamp and got super excited because I'd seen so many posts about this place because of their cinnamon rolls and pancakes.

Then the kids collected rocks along the river and we called it a night at our hotel Econo Lodge Riverside.

The next morning, I walked to Crockett's Breakfast Camp and because of their 1 hour 45 minutes wait, I ordered takeout instead.

Their cinnamon rolls are massive and their pancakes towered. We all shared from breakfast, and before we left the hotel, I made some cafecito that I promised to train conductor, Ron, over at @obermountain

We made a pitstop at Pigeon Forge to watch some Live Bears at the @threebearsgeneral 🐻🐻

Loved the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. Definitely need to save up and plan for a trip like this because there is SOOO much to do.

What are some of your highly recommended places of things to do and places to eat in that area?

#mrskarlene #blogger #roadtrip #friendstrip #tennessee #gatlinburg #pigeonforge #econolodge #bytheriver #bigdaddiespizzeria #pizza #crockettsbreakfastcamp #cinnamonrolls #pancakes #gokarts #arcade #wannagetaway

It's nice to get away!

This past December, we went on our first friends road trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

We got to ride go-karts and play in the arcades at Pigeon Forge while enjoying funnel cakes and nachos.

At night, we ate at Big Daddies Pizzeria and enjoyed pizza, chicken wings and salad- super yummy and highly recommended!

After dinner we strolled the streets of Gatlinburg when I came across @crockettsbreakfastcamp and got super excited because I'd seen so many posts about this place because of their cinnamon rolls and pancakes.

Then the kids collected rocks along the river and we called it a night at our hotel Econo Lodge Riverside.

The next morning, I walked to Crockett's Breakfast Camp and because of their 1 hour 45 minutes wait, I ordered takeout instead.

Their cinnamon rolls are massive and their pancakes towered. We all shared from breakfast, and before we left the hotel, I made some cafecito that I promised to train conductor, Ron, over at @obermountain

We made a pitstop at Pigeon Forge to watch some Live Bears at the @threebearsgeneral 🐻🐻

Loved the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. Definitely need to save up and plan for a trip like this because there is SOOO much to do.

What are some of your highly recommended places of things to do and places to eat in that area?

#mrskarlene #blogger #roadtrip #friendstrip #tennessee #gatlinburg #pigeonforge #econolodge #bytheriver #bigdaddiespizzeria #pizza #crockettsbreakfastcamp #cinnamonrolls #pancakes #gokarts #arcade #wannagetaway

When do you stop wishing everyone a Happy New Year? For me, I stop after the first week of January.

This year, we welcomed 2025 by eating 12 grapes, drinking cider, and walking outside with luggage. Then, on the 1st, a friend came over and we cooked black eyed peas.

#mrskarlene #blogger #nye #happynewyear #traditions #12grapes #cider #blackeyedpeas #alabama #huntsville

When do you stop wishing everyone a Happy New Year? For me, I stop after the first week of January.

This year, we welcomed 2025 by eating 12 grapes, drinking cider, and walking outside with luggage. Then, on the 1st, a friend came over and we cooked black eyed peas.

#mrskarlene #blogger #nye #happynewyear #traditions #12grapes #cider #blackeyedpeas #alabama #huntsville

Sipping hot chocolate, eating Brezel and vendor shopping with the family last night was so nice.

We can officially check @cullmanchristkindlmarkt off of our Christmas bucket list ✅ Thanks to @theguy305 and @pdudzik and Panda 🐶

#bucketlist #cullmanchristkindlmarkt #cullman #hotchocolate #family #brezel

Sipping hot chocolate, eating Brezel and vendor shopping with the family last night was so nice.

We can officially check @cullmanchristkindlmarkt off of our Christmas bucket list ✅ Thanks to @theguy305 and @pdudzik and Panda 🐶

#bucketlist #cullmanchristkindlmarkt #cullman #hotchocolate #family #brezel

It's a wrap 🎁

This weekend, we had a @nabiscosnacks Holiday Wrapping Party, thanks to @ripplestreetfun and @dollargeneral

We used the Ritz/Oreo beanies to blindfold the group and see who can Christmas wrap toilet paper the fastest- the winner got a Dollar General gift card

Then we did the Oreo contest to see who can get an Oreo from their forehead to their mouth, the fastest- the winner @yanely_allen got bragging rights 🏆

Lastly, we ended the night by writing Christmas cards, none of us know who got whose cards, but we added them to our Ritz themed gift bags, along with Nabisco treats and recipes as well as the iconic @thereallittledebbie Christmas trees and comfy Sour Patch socks.

Thank you Ripple Street for this opportunity- we had fun hanging out, playing games, listening to music, all while snacking on Nabisco goodies.

#mrskarlene #NABISCOHolidayWrappingParty #Sponsored #RippleStreet#ripplestreetfun #nabiscotreats #holidaywrappingparty #oreo #chipsahoy #nutterbutter #sourpatch #sweedishfish #ritz #dollargeneral #itsawrap

It's a wrap 🎁

This weekend, we had a @nabiscosnacks Holiday Wrapping Party, thanks to @ripplestreetfun and @dollargeneral

We used the Ritz/Oreo beanies to blindfold the group and see who can Christmas wrap toilet paper the fastest- the winner got a Dollar General gift card

Then we did the Oreo contest to see who can get an Oreo from their forehead to their mouth, the fastest- the winner @yanely_allen got bragging rights 🏆

Lastly, we ended the night by writing Christmas cards, none of us know who got whose cards, but we added them to our Ritz themed gift bags, along with Nabisco treats and recipes as well as the iconic @thereallittledebbie Christmas trees and comfy Sour Patch socks.

Thank you Ripple Street for this opportunity- we had fun hanging out, playing games, listening to music, all while snacking on Nabisco goodies.

#mrskarlene #NABISCOHolidayWrappingParty #Sponsored #RippleStreet#ripplestreetfun #nabiscotreats #holidaywrappingparty #oreo #chipsahoy #nutterbutter #sourpatch #sweedishfish #ritz #dollargeneral #itsawrap

Sambumbia= my grandfather's Cuban porridge recipe

Growing up in Miami, I thought everybody ate Sambumbia. Turns out Sambumbia isn't a word my grandfather invented, Sambumbia just means that it's a mixture of things and this mixture apparently is like a Cuban porridge.

In my grandfather's recipe, you start off by making cafe con leche, then you add crushed corn flakes, crushed Ritz crackers and then at the very end, you add cream cheese- sOOoOo good 🤤

Back home, we would call this a midnight snack and make it whenever the family got together. So now during the holidays, when I get homesick or feel nostalgic, I make Sambumbia and think of them.

If you have a texture thing with food, you may not like it. But if you aren't picky, and you don't mind trying something new- make it and let me know what you think.

Recipe will be posted soon on the blog - stay tuned!

#mrskarlene #recipe #sambumbia #cubanporridge #cafeconleche #cornflakes #ritzcrackers #creamcheese #yummy #nostalgic #familyrecipe #heirloom #querico

Sambumbia= my grandfather's Cuban porridge recipe

Growing up in Miami, I thought everybody ate Sambumbia. Turns out Sambumbia isn't a word my grandfather invented, Sambumbia just means that it's a mixture of things and this mixture apparently is like a Cuban porridge.

In my grandfather's recipe, you start off by making cafe con leche, then you add crushed corn flakes, crushed Ritz crackers and then at the very end, you add cream cheese- sOOoOo good 🤤

Back home, we would call this a midnight snack and make it whenever the family got together. So now during the holidays, when I get homesick or feel nostalgic, I make Sambumbia and think of them.

If you have a texture thing with food, you may not like it. But if you aren't picky, and you don't mind trying something new- make it and let me know what you think.

Recipe will be posted soon on the blog - stay tuned!

#mrskarlene #recipe #sambumbia #cubanporridge #cafeconleche #cornflakes #ritzcrackers #creamcheese #yummy #nostalgic #familyrecipe #heirloom #querico

@krogerco started their 12 Merry Days of Deals: December 4 - December 15

Day 1- December 4
🥤2 liters of soda= $0.88

Also, they have their Buy 5, Save $5.00
I bought the following:
• @armandhammer laundry sheets for $7.49 and get $7.49 cash back through Ibotta = FREE
• @clearlycanadian for $6.99
• Two @generalmills Honey Nut Cheerios for $3.58 and got $1.00 cash back through Ibotta
• @bettycrocker chocolate chip cookie mix (today is national cookie day)

I paid $20.55 for the five items and got $8.99 cash back through @ibotta

Then there were the following specials:
- dozen eggs for $1.99
- 12 days of Christmas candles advent calendar for $3.00
- 6 pack of Viva Paper Towels for $5.99

#mrskarlene #blogger #kroger #krogerdeals #12merrydaysofdeals #buy5save5 #ibotta #clearlycanadian #nationalcookieday #adventcalendar #bettycrocker
#cookies #eggs #cheerios #armandhammer #couponing #shoppingsmart

@krogerco started their 12 Merry Days of Deals: December 4 - December 15

Day 1- December 4
🥤2 liters of soda= $0.88

Also, they have their Buy 5, Save $5.00
I bought the following:
• @armandhammer laundry sheets for $7.49 and get $7.49 cash back through Ibotta = FREE
• @clearlycanadian for $6.99
• Two @generalmills Honey Nut Cheerios for $3.58 and got $1.00 cash back through Ibotta
• @bettycrocker chocolate chip cookie mix (today is national cookie day)

I paid $20.55 for the five items and got $8.99 cash back through @ibotta

Then there were the following specials:
- dozen eggs for $1.99
- 12 days of Christmas candles advent calendar for $3.00
- 6 pack of Viva Paper Towels for $5.99

#mrskarlene #blogger #kroger #krogerdeals #12merrydaysofdeals #buy5save5 #ibotta #clearlycanadian #nationalcookieday #adventcalendar #bettycrocker
#cookies #eggs #cheerios #armandhammer #couponing #shoppingsmart

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas thanks to @ripplestreetfun @nabiscosnacks and @dollargeneral

Over the weekend, I got the Nabisco snacks holiday wrapping party box and it included:
- 8 Ritz/Oreo customized beanies
- 8 pairs of Sour Patch socks
- Dollar General gift card to buy Nabisco snacks
- 7 Nabisco recipes
- Super cute Bluetooth speakers
- Nabisco wrapping paper, gift bags, tags and ribbon

Can't wait to host a Nabisco Snacks Holiday Wrapping party 🥳

#mrskarlene #blogger #ripplestreetfun #NABISCOHolidayWrappingParty #nabiscosnacks #dollargeneral #holidayseason #giftgiving ,

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas thanks to @ripplestreetfun @nabiscosnacks and @dollargeneral

Over the weekend, I got the Nabisco snacks holiday wrapping party box and it included:
- 8 Ritz/Oreo customized beanies
- 8 pairs of Sour Patch socks
- Dollar General gift card to buy Nabisco snacks
- 7 Nabisco recipes
- Super cute Bluetooth speakers
- Nabisco wrapping paper, gift bags, tags and ribbon

Can't wait to host a Nabisco Snacks Holiday Wrapping party 🥳

#mrskarlene #blogger #ripplestreetfun #NABISCOHolidayWrappingParty #nabiscosnacks #dollargeneral #holidayseason #giftgiving ,

Eat, drink, and be thankful!

Wishing everyone a Thanksgiving full of good food, great company, and even better memories! 🦃🍁

#mrskarlene #blogger #Thankful #Grateful #HappyThanksgiving #GratefulVibes #FeastMode

Eat, drink, and be thankful!

Wishing everyone a Thanksgiving full of good food, great company, and even better memories! 🦃🍁

#mrskarlene #blogger #Thankful #Grateful #HappyThanksgiving #GratefulVibes #FeastMode

This past weekend, I fell in love with the new @foodcitygrocery built in the Owens Cross Roads area.

What was supposed to be a quick stop, ended up with me signing up for their members card and walking through the aisles for an hour.

Walked away with their heap of popcorn bag for $2.99 and a breakfast night bundle special for $12.99, which includes:
• dozen eggs
• bacon
• cinnamon rolls
• fruit container of choice

Anybody else obsessed with Food City?

#mrskarlene #blogger #foodcity #obsessed #heapofpopcorn #popcorn #breakfast #breakfastnight #breakfastfordinner #eggs #bacon #cinnamonrolls #fruit #deals

This past weekend, I fell in love with the new @foodcitygrocery built in the Owens Cross Roads area.

What was supposed to be a quick stop, ended up with me signing up for their members card and walking through the aisles for an hour.

Walked away with their heap of popcorn bag for $2.99 and a breakfast night bundle special for $12.99, which includes:
• dozen eggs
• bacon
• cinnamon rolls
• fruit container of choice

Anybody else obsessed with Food City?

#mrskarlene #blogger #foodcity #obsessed #heapofpopcorn #popcorn #breakfast #breakfastnight #breakfastfordinner #eggs #bacon #cinnamonrolls #fruit #deals

Through December 31st, you can snag one FREE 6-pack of @splashrefresher by participating in their Splash Refreshiest Rebate.

The link is in my bio 👆

To make this deal even sweeter, you can get $1.50 cash back using @ibotta by shopping at @Walmart.

They have different flavors, such as:
Acaí Grape
Lemon
Mandarin Oranges
Pineapple Mango
Wild Berry

I chose Wild Berry 🫐🍓

Love that Splash is a refreshing and tasty way to stay hydrated- contains zero calories and no sugar.

With holiday gatherings around the corner, get in on this deal and pick up your 6-pack for FREE!

#mrskarlene #blogger #splashrefresher #water #zerocalories #nosugar #rebate #cashback #moneymaker #ibotta #walmart #wildberry

Through December 31st, you can snag one FREE 6-pack of @splashrefresher by participating in their Splash Refreshiest Rebate.

The link is in my bio 👆

To make this deal even sweeter, you can get $1.50 cash back using @ibotta by shopping at @Walmart.

They have different flavors, such as:
Acaí Grape
Lemon
Mandarin Oranges
Pineapple Mango
Wild Berry

I chose Wild Berry 🫐🍓

Love that Splash is a refreshing and tasty way to stay hydrated- contains zero calories and no sugar.

With holiday gatherings around the corner, get in on this deal and pick up your 6-pack for FREE!

#mrskarlene #blogger #splashrefresher #water #zerocalories #nosugar #rebate #cashback #moneymaker #ibotta #walmart #wildberry

Chips Ahoy S'mores are just built different and I'm here for it!

This weekend, the kids helped clean the backyard and fire pit area, so that we can invite family and friends over for some s'mores!

Fingers crossed I get picked to host a @nabiscosnacks snacks & candy holiday wrapping party!

Join the festivities and apply for a chance to host your own party with @ripplestreetfun

#mrskarlene #blogger #ripplestreetfun #NABISCOHolidayWrappingParty #Sponsored #RippleStreet #firepit #smores #makingmemories

Chips Ahoy S'mores are just built different and I'm here for it!

This weekend, the kids helped clean the backyard and fire pit area, so that we can invite family and friends over for some s'mores!

Fingers crossed I get picked to host a @nabiscosnacks snacks & candy holiday wrapping party!

Join the festivities and apply for a chance to host your own party with @ripplestreetfun

#mrskarlene #blogger #ripplestreetfun #NABISCOHolidayWrappingParty #Sponsored #RippleStreet #firepit #smores #makingmemories

Fun fact: the @publix mobile app not only helps save you money by using their digital coupons, but they reward you on the anniversary month you signed up to be a Club member, with a FREE Salsa floral bouquet 💐

Thank you Publix for my beautiful floral bouquet 💚

#mrskarlene #publix #clubmember #clubperks #anniversary #bouquet #flowers #free

Fun fact: the @publix mobile app not only helps save you money by using their digital coupons, but they reward you on the anniversary month you signed up to be a Club member, with a FREE Salsa floral bouquet 💐

Thank you Publix for my beautiful floral bouquet 💚

#mrskarlene #publix #clubmember #clubperks #anniversary #bouquet #flowers #free

Did you know Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I?

Then in 1954, the United States changed it to "All Veterans Day" which was then shortened to Veterans Day.

Today we honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

#veteransday #veterans #usa #military #veteran #america #army #marines #thankyou #navy #airforce #happyveteransday #honor #coastguard #freedom #armedforces #soldier #service #thankyouforyourservice

Did you know Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I?

Then in 1954, the United States changed it to "All Veterans Day" which was then shortened to Veterans Day.

Today we honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

#veteransday #veterans #usa #military #veteran #america #army #marines #thankyou #navy #airforce #happyveteransday #honor #coastguard #freedom #armedforces #soldier #service #thankyouforyourservice

These @belgioiosocheese Ricotta pancakes are whey better- according to my 11 year old son.

In fact, he said "Ma, whatever you did differently, do it again"

When I was looking for recipes, using Ricotta, for the @ripplestreetfun party, I came across @onceuponachef pancake recipe and decided to give it a try.

They were fluffy, slightly creamy but most importantly delicious. I shared the recipe in my bio and will blog about it shortly. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup to pour, this recipe will make about 9 pancakes.

#mrskarlene #blogger #foodie #ripplestreetfun #belgioioso #ricotta #ricottapancakes #pancakes #onceuponachef #recipe #breakfast #pancakes

These @belgioiosocheese Ricotta pancakes are whey better- according to my 11 year old son.

In fact, he said "Ma, whatever you did differently, do it again"

When I was looking for recipes, using Ricotta, for the @ripplestreetfun party, I came across @onceuponachef pancake recipe and decided to give it a try.

They were fluffy, slightly creamy but most importantly delicious. I shared the recipe in my bio and will blog about it shortly. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup to pour, this recipe will make about 9 pancakes.

#mrskarlene #blogger #foodie #ripplestreetfun #belgioioso #ricotta #ricottapancakes #pancakes #onceuponachef #recipe #breakfast #pancakes

When I think of Ricotta, I think of lasagna.

Thanks to @ripplestreetfun I discovered @belgioiosocheese Ricotta con Latte and decided to change things up to make a breakfast classic.

Can you guess what I made?

#mrskarlene #blogger #ripplestreetfun #belgioioso #ricotta #lasagana #breakfast #breakfastclassic #recipe

When I think of Ricotta, I think of lasagna.

Thanks to @ripplestreetfun I discovered @belgioiosocheese Ricotta con Latte and decided to change things up to make a breakfast classic.

Can you guess what I made?

#mrskarlene #blogger #ripplestreetfun #belgioioso #ricotta #lasagana #breakfast #breakfastclassic #recipe

POV: when you have to hide the fact that you took one kid out to eat and not the other one...because @texasroadhouse sent me a FREE appetizer coupon (with purchase of an entree) via email and because we didn't want to share the rolls 😂 talk about #bigback

All jokes aside, it's nice to take out each child individually, to spend that one on one time with them.

As our FREE appetizer, we were so excited to try the boneless wings, which were super delicious, mild and juicy. The buns of course are always a favorite and is probably one of the main reasons we go to Texas Roadhouse.

Then for our meal, we split a half rack of ribs, loaded mash potatoes and buttery corn.

We were soooo full and happy!

#mrskarlene #texasroadhouse #vipclub #freeappetizer #thembuns #bonelesswings #ribs #delicious #bigback #coupon #momandson #alabama #huntsville #yeehaw

POV: when you have to hide the fact that you took one kid out to eat and not the other one...because @texasroadhouse sent me a FREE appetizer coupon (with purchase of an entree) via email and because we didn't want to share the rolls 😂 talk about #bigback

All jokes aside, it's nice to take out each child individually, to spend that one on one time with them.

As our FREE appetizer, we were so excited to try the boneless wings, which were super delicious, mild and juicy. The buns of course are always a favorite and is probably one of the main reasons we go to Texas Roadhouse.

Then for our meal, we split a half rack of ribs, loaded mash potatoes and buttery corn.

We were soooo full and happy!

#mrskarlene #texasroadhouse #vipclub #freeappetizer #thembuns #bonelesswings #ribs #delicious #bigback #coupon #momandson #alabama #huntsville #yeehaw

Just posted my first blog, entitled:
"You can take the girl out of Miami, but you can't take the Miami out of the girl."

In it, I answer the ever probing question, "Why did you leave Miami for Huntsville?" and share what our experience has been like, since our move, six years ago.

I also encourage you to share what your experience has been like moving here, or even for the locals in how the influx of people to Huntsville has affected you.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a Miami girl through and through, but I have embraced the y'all while sharing the ¡Dale!

#newblogpost #blogger #mrskarlene #miami #miamigirl #dale #transplants #lifestylechange #alabama #huntsville #yall

Just posted my first blog, entitled:
"You can take the girl out of Miami, but you can't take the Miami out of the girl."

In it, I answer the ever probing question, "Why did you leave Miami for Huntsville?" and share what our experience has been like, since our move, six years ago.

I also encourage you to share what your experience has been like moving here, or even for the locals in how the influx of people to Huntsville has affected you.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a Miami girl through and through, but I have embraced the y'all while sharing the ¡Dale!

#newblogpost #blogger #mrskarlene #miami #miamigirl #dale #transplants #lifestylechange #alabama #huntsville #yall

Happy Frankenstein day 🧟‍♀️

You'll need:
@thereallittledebbie Swiss cake rolls ✔️
Green Icing ✔️
Purple sanding sugar ✔️
Candy corn ✔�️
Candy eyes ✔️

#frankensteinday

Happy Frankenstein day 🧟‍♀️

You'll need:
@thereallittledebbie Swiss cake rolls ✔️
Green Icing ✔️
Purple sanding sugar ✔️
Candy corn ✔️
Candy eyes ✔️

#frankensteinday

Back at it and sharing with you this @publix haul:
@tysonfoods chicken tenders are BOGO plus you get $2.00 cash back through @ibotta
@knorr rice sides are BOGO plus you save $1.00 off four, in the Publix app
@hellmannsmayonnaise was the best deal- using Publix app and extra savings coupons
@colgate toothpaste is BOGO and I used (two) $1.00 manufacturing printed coupons from their website

Get in on this deal!

#ccwm #couponing #deals #publix #bogo #tysonchickennugget #knorr #hellmanns #mayo #colagate #maxfresh

Back at it and sharing with you this @publix haul:
@tysonfoods chicken tenders are BOGO plus you get $2.00 cash back through @ibotta
@knorr rice sides are BOGO plus you save $1.00 off four, in the Publix app
@hellmannsmayonnaise was the best deal- using Publix app and extra savings coupons
@colgate toothpaste is BOGO and I used (two) $1.00 manufacturing printed coupons from their website

Get in on this deal!

#ccwm #couponing #deals #publix #bogo #tysonchickennugget #knorr #hellmanns #mayo #colagate #maxfresh

Went from being called Karlene in Miami to being called Mrs. Karlene in Alabama.

Hoping to help others by sharing what I love.

Went from being called Karlene in Miami to being called Mrs. Karlene in Alabama.

Hoping to help others by sharing what I love.

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