Home Cookin' Chicken 'n Waffles with Chick-Fil-A

It's no secret that we are huge eaters of all things Chick-fil-A. Our kids seem to think that where there's cows, there's chicken to be had which, in our case is actually pretty accurate.

*Insert obligatory cute pictures here:

There's also this cool thing called the Chick-fil-A Mom's Club which I'm a part of. Aside from getting to offer valuable input and feedback, I also occasionally get treated to yummy goodies. The #DressUpYourNuggets promotion is my opportunity to share with you my best semi-homemade idea to dress up those addictively delicious chicken nuggets. I came up with two different ways to serve CHICKEN 'N WAFFLES because really...is there anything more satisfying?

We'll start with the easy way:

Step 1: Get a box of mini Eggo waffles. Sure, you could make your own waffles, but why on earth would you want to do that? Plus, these are way cuter. And don't forget the Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets!

Step 2: Toast the waffles. You can do that, right? Put them on a plate. You can even make pretty patterns, if you like.

Step 3: Stick some butter in the middle of the waffles, drizzle with your favorite syrup, and eat it all up!

Okay, now for my gourmet version.

This is what you would serve at a party, or if you wanted to make it seem like you have some mad cooking skills. The thing is, it's still totally easy, which is key. Get a load of this:

Seriously? How cute is that?! Okay, the trick here is the adorable mini plate. In this case, I used one from my daughter's play kitchen. Spread the waffle with a bit of butter - honey butter if you wanna be extra fancy, delicately place a chicken nugget on top, and drizzle lightly with syrup.

Enjoy - I know I did.

Mama Sparkles Holiday Gift Guide 2013 - Chick-fil-A

Welcome to Mama Sparkles' Holiday Gift Guide! This month, I'll be sharing a few of my favorite gift ideas for everyone on your list. Be sure to check back often as I add more items.

It's no secret that we love Chick-fil-A around here! I really think I would eat their chicken every day if I could. Not only does Chick-fil-A provide excellent service to go along with their amazing food, but they also have a few affordable gift items that would make any cow jump for joy. Check these out:

Chick-fil-A 2014 Calendar - $6.00

The Chick-fil-A 2014 calendar is not only entertaining to flip through, it comes with a promotional card that, once activated, contains delicious FREE offers throughout the year. These offers include items such as fries, drinks, chicken sandwiches, breakfast entrees and more. Once a month you can go and claim the offer for that month. This calendar is only $6.00, people! To me, that's an incredible deal, for a gift that keeps on giving. Go here to learn more about the calendar.

Next up:

Chick-fil-A Elf Cow - $5.99

Chick-fil-A Sports Arena sent me this adorable plush cow elf. We have a collection of plush cows at home, but I think this one is my favorite. Pinga is going to flip when she sees this. It will be going in her stocking this year.

And finally:

Chick-fil-A Gift Cards - Denominations of $10 and $15

Some people are more difficult to buy for than others. In this case, a Chick-fil-A gift card is the perfect solution! Kinda like having a passport to delicious chicken whenever you please.

Do you eat at Chick-fil-A? Will you be buying any of these gifts this season?

Family Night at Chick-fil-A

Earlier this week, we experienced the Family Fall Festival at the Chick-fil-A Sports Arena location. This was the first of their monthly Family Nights events and it was tons of fun! There were local businesses in attendance who provided numerous activities, games and prizes for the kids. And of course, the ever popular bounce house and Mr.Cow were there as well. We started the night with a scrumptious chicken dinner:

The Cobb Salad with its avocado dressing is to die for.

Then we went outside to jump on the bounce house and check out the rest of the activities:

Bean Bag Toss

Apple Bobbing

This apple is seriously awesome. Plus, it's squishy.

Bean always gets an American flag, and this one did not disappoint!

Pinga was given a cow for being cute. She sleeps with it.

Making a bookmark with Yellow Book Road

Marshamallow slingshot

Pumpkin decorating

Such a fun night out!

This was the first of many more Family Night events, so be sure to catch the next one! Keep up with Chick-fil-A and check for updates on fun events like this one on their Facebook page. Thank you Chick-fil-A for showing us a wonderful time and feeding us yummy food!

Taste of Mama Sparkles - At Home with Chick-Fil-A

*Click the Columns tab to see an explanation of Taste of Mama Sparkles.

So, you know how I crave Chick-fil-A at least once a day? Well, this past weekend we had a super fun Jake and the Neverland Pirates party at our house. Since we were having it in the morning and would be serving breakfast, the only logical choice for food was from Chick-fil-A!

Here's something else - you can order food from their restaurant online and either pick it up or have it delivered to your home! We ordered from the San Diego Sports Arena location, and it was seriously so easy. Just choose your desired date and time, and then you get to pick your food. They've got a variety of different trays for you to choose from, like chicken nuggets, fresh fruit, sandwiches, wraps, salads, packaged meals and desserts. You can also order items individually. Since we were having breakfast, we went for the delicious Chick-n-Mini trays and Fresh Fruit tray. Hubby went to pick them up and the chicken was hot and ready, right on time. Check out our spread:

Yes, Bean is cheering in the background for the arrival of the food.

Love the colorful presentation.

Looks great no matter how you look at it. 

Bean's second helping of honey buttery deliciousness.

Best breakfast ever!

Many of our friends are Chick-fil-A fanatics just like us, so the food was especially appreciated. And while we love going out to eat at the restaurant, it was a special treat to enjoy what we love so much in the comfort of our own home! It was a convenient option for us and really simple to set up. I think it's just as easy as ordering a pizza, but way more satisfying and healthier! You can order food online and check out the menu here. Thank you Chick-fil-A for making our party extra yummy!

*Thank you to Chick-fil-A Sports Arena for providing the food for our party.

San Diego Saturday

Welcome to San Diego Saturday! Updated as needed, this column is where I'll provide info about noteworthy events, attractions and fun things to do around town.

This week we were a little bummed to discover that Chick-fil-A has stopped doing free kid's meals on Tuesdays (Sports Arena location). The bounce house, balloons and activities are still there, just not the free food. I still think Chick-fil-A is awesome though, especially since next week they're giving out free breakfast! It's always a good idea to call your nearest location and make sure they're participating in the promotion. Check out the restaurant locator to contact your preferred store.

Here's the list of the free breakfast items for the week:

Monday, February 8th: Free Breakfast Burrito

Tuesday, February 9th: Free Chicken, Egg & Cheese Bagel

Wednesday, February 10th: Free 3-count Chick-n-minis

Thursday, February 11th: Free Yogurt Parfait

Friday, February 12th: Free Chicken Biscuit

Enjoy your breakfast...and don't forget to say hello to Mr.Cow while you're there!