Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Superbowl Commercial Compilation

I just thought I would compile a list of some memorable Superbowl Commercials.
We all know that is the only reason we watch on that one Sunday every year!
I have to give a shout out to my mom, she loves all of the
Budweiser Clydesdale Commercials
because she is a horse freak!

And, of course, this one is awesome.

Dove let's the true color shine!


Never give up on the things you care about!-
I have to end this list with another awesome dog!


Let me know your favorite Superbowl Commercial!!!

Get ready for grilling season early with great savings from Char-Broil!


Offer good until the end of Feburary 2014
Get ready for grilling season early with great savings from Char-Broil!
 


Easy Snacks for Gameday

Game day is gonna be a cinch with these easy peasy Farm Rich snacks!
 I couldn't be happier than knowing I will have it easy on Sunday and I can sit and watch the commercial games,
I mean uhhhh Superbowl....
without cooking all freaking day!

Most of these you can just pop in the oven
and viola 10-15 minutes later wah-bam you got yourself some tasty snacks.
I love taking the meatballs and just dumping the bag
along with a bottle of BBQ sauce in slow cooker and letting it simmer.
Throughout the evening these are perfect to scoop out and much on.

http://farmrich.com/

The chili cheese bites and the mozzarella sticks are super awesome.
They are not just logs of cheese they actually have the chili and marinara inside.
That sure does make for a delicious snack.
I have to say my favorite snack, though, is the jalapeno poppers.
Even my little girl loves them.

http://farmrich.com/
Make you game day, or any day, for that matter...
easy snacking with Farm Rich Snacks!




Disclaimer: I was provided this item free for review purposes. My opinions are all my own and not influenced in any way.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

BellaPulse Review and Use

 
I have been wanting one of these BellaPulse systems for quite some time. I have combination skin that can be quite the pain to find the correct treatment. I need something that exfoliates without leaving my skin dry and flaky. I also need something to moisturize without leaving my face oily.
I believe I have found just the ticket.
I am definitely not giving this up anytime soon. I have been using it for about a week already and can tell a huge difference in my skin already. I haven't had any allergic reactions to any of the cleansers or moisturizers at all either.
http://bellapulse.com/
If looking younger, healthier and more attractive is important to you, nothing is as vital as thoroughly washing your face both in the morning and at night.
There are several reasons why this is true. For example:
  • Makeup left on overnight blocks the skin’s natural exfoliation process and can eventually lead to early signs of aging, such as wrinkles and a dull complexion.
  • Left on too long, makeup, and the dirt and oil it can attract, can clog your pores causing them to enlarge and also lead to acne, rashes and rough skin.
  • Failure to clean your face regularly can also lead to an increase in bacteria which can cause acne and blemishes.
 
 
I thought best to create a video showing how to use the BellaPulse Facial Cleansing System.
 
This will be part of my daily routine as long as I can still hold the wand!


Disclaimer: I received this product free for review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way. I only recommend products I feel would be good for my readers.


Monday, January 27, 2014

The Greatest Show on Earth!

We had a blast the Ringling Brother's Barnum and Bailey Circus over the weekend. I am so grateful I was given the chance to take the kids to see such a fun thing.
We arrived at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville pretty early to fight the crowd.
They open the doors an hour early to allow time for the preshow party.
 
There were lots of fun things in the pre show for the kids to do including a bouncy house.
The kids were amazed and filled with wonder at all the talented people in the show.
People riding unicycles, acrobats, tight rope walkers, animal trainers, and even the talented animals.
Now, you see, if I have ever been to The Ringling Brothers Circus it was so long ago I cannot remember. I was even excited to see all the wonderment.
I did notice , though, I look at things quite differently than the children do.
 
 
One thing I noticed was how smoothly everything was executed.
Of course all of the acts were amazing. There was a great
transition between each act you almost didn't even notice the setup between acts.
While they were setting up on the ground for the next act there spectacular tightrope walkers high above to pull the focus off the ground while they changed sets down below IN THE DARK....
I can't even walk to the bathroom in the dark and these people were handling tigers in the dark!
Amazing! 
 
And would you believe a lady was shot out of that gigantic cannon?
She was and I have the video to prove it!!!
 
Pretty awesome? Right?
 
This entire show was pretty amazing I definitely suggest checking out their website and finding a show near you!!!!!

 
Disclaimer: I was given the tickets to this show for free in exchange for promotion and review.
All opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.


Thursday, January 23, 2014

Get Ready for the Grammys with a Nice Cocktail

I absolutely love watching the Grammy Awards.
It is so fun to just sit back and enjoy the performances and have a drink.
There are so many choices of drinks out there I thought I would wrangle up a few good ones for ya.
Bulleit Whiskey is promoting this post. So maybe you should go pay them a visit to their website and see what they have to offer.
Of course, all alcohol needs to be consumed responsibly.
 
 
 
 
 
The Anytimer
Ingredients:
  • 1.3 oz. Bulleit Rye
  • 1 oz. Orange juice
  • 1 oz. Lemon juice
  • ½ oz. Simple Syrup
  • ½ oz. amaretto
 
Preparation: Shake ingredients and strain into an ice filled tumbler.
Garnish: orange & cherry.
 
Why it’s so good: A fresh and fruity cocktail is just what a Grammy viewing party needs. Get together with your friends and enjoy this easy-to-make drink while you watch the biggest stars and musicians rock the stage.
 
 
 
Maple Cider
Ingredients:
·         1 1/2 oz. Crown Royal Maple Whisky
·         2 oz. Cider
·         top with Hot Water
 
Preparation: Dry shake all ingredients, except hot water & pour into a coffee mug
Garnish: a half pat of butter
 
Why it’s so good:  This whisky-infused hot maple cider is a perfect way to warm up from the cold January weather while you curl up on your couch and watch the Grammys.
 
And My favorite!!!!
 
 
Captain Morgan Black Vanilla CokeSM.pngCaptain Morgan Black Vanilla Cola
Ingredients:
·         1 oz. Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum
·         1/2 oz. Smirnoff Vanilla Flavored Vodka
·         1 ½ oz. Sour Mix
·         4 oz. cola
·         1 Lemon Wedge
Preparation:
Combine Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum, Smirnoff Vanilla and Sour Mix in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice and top with cola.
Garnish: Lemon Wedge
 
Why it’s so good:  A cocktail for everyone, this drink is great to enjoy whether you are tuning in to the Grammys to cheer on your favorite musicians or just to see the best and worst dressed celebs of the night. 
 
 
 
Don't forget about the super bowl coming up soon, too. The best part about it is the commercials and the food of course. I will be posting a couple yummy recipes for super bowl snacks as well. So sit back make your self a cocktail and enjoy the entertainment we pay these folks for. 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Crayon Rocks Review and Giveaway

This has been the gloomiest of all days....
School was cancelled due to the 1/4 inch of snow that fell during the night here in Tennessee.
It was melted by 9am and left nothing outside but a
muddy mess. The kids were inside bored to death today
while I worked. So I tossed them a bag of rocks and told them to stop fighting and go color.
 
http://www.crayonrocks.net/index.cfm?siteId=497&itemCategory=45811&priorId=0
These Crayon Rocks are so cool!
They are perfect for little fingers. I wish I would have known about these when my girls were snapping every crayon they ever got their hands on.
They don't do that as much anymore but they think these rocks are just super awesome.
I love these little buggers. They are practically un breakable but a little too small for really young
kids as they do still pose a choking hazard.
I think they are such a great idea.
 I couldn't stop them from wanting to color everything.
After my girls colored to their hearts content,
the rocks hardly changed in size at all. It seems as though they will last forever.

About Crayon Rocks

  • Crayon Rocks are all natural soy wax crayons made from USA grown soybeans and colored with mineral pigments.
  • The colors are vibrant and can be layered to make beautifully textured art work.
  • They were designed to strengthen the tripod grip muscles, preparing fingers and hands for handwriting.
  • The shape allows small fingers to color in large, wide strokes creating pictures rich in color.
  • Used by occupational therapists to develop fine motor skills.
 
 
They have these giant coloring books and like most kids they color a little on each page and then turn to another picture. I was always the kids who completed the picture and then signed my name to
show my superb coloring skills.
Why don't kids do that anymore?

 
I found a page to print some coloring pages too in case your kids are the same way about needing more coloring books.
 
Crayon rocks not only sent me this free bag of Crayon Rocks to review...
They are also offering a bag to one lucky reader.
So just enter in the raffle copter below!!!
 

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Detangle your morning routine.

Picture this.....
getting ready for church or school and fighting through the tangles of your little girl's hair in a last ditch effort to make her look the part of the innocent little girl she is.
 
 
NOOOOO it doesn't have to be a dream!
I, as most of you already know, have 3 kids. 2 of which are girls and with 2 very different hair types.
I have one super straight and easily combed hair little blondie and a curly frizzy wild haired red head.
The first one I mentioned is very easy to manage.
The red head, however, is completely different.
I have struggled and struggled for a long time trying to get her hair under control.
I have never been one for using products and didn't like to put chemicals on my own
no less my kids' hair.
Which brought me to search the web for something gentle and natural.
I located Original Sprout and contacted them about reviewing their products.
They graciously sent me a couple things I hoped would come in handy.
I got the curl calmer and miracle detangler.
OMG! This stuff impressed me immediately.
First of all the Miracle Detangler fresh out of the shower is a lifesaver on tangled hair.
I don't know how kids manage to tangle their hair so bad in the shower.
The champion of detanglers, our professional, QUICK RELEASE formula makes tough tangles history. Our number one selling Miracle Detangler is essential. Tangles release immediately making combing effortless. Leaves hair silky, soft & naturally fresh. Combing is fast, painless & safe. Glide through hair with organic & natural ingredients. Use any time for a freshly washed feeling or to calm frizzies!
 
Then the  Curl Calmer is a cream and we didn't need much. Kt's hair is not
really curly all over but in places. I find that odd, by the way.
For babies & up, families love our Curl Calmer. Tight, medium, frizzy curls & waves relax, leaving hair glossy and silky soft. Poofy, dry tresses soak up soothing moisture leaving locks stronger & softer. Helps strengthen & protect against breakage with jojoba protein. Never crunchy or sticky. Relax & enjoy clean feeling, silky frizz free gorgeous locks.
 
 
 
I used the products together and separately and found them
to both create a more tolerable morning routine.
 




The curl calmer did help to create a much softer and smoother texture to her hair.
I did use a low heat straightener on the ends just a little to finish up.
Even though, It wasn't really necessary to create a sleek look.
 
I do recommend Original Sprout if natural and Organic products appeal to you.
 
 
 
Disclaimer: I received the products above free for review. I was not compensated for this post. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way. 

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Built to Amaze!

     
If you live in the Nashville area, you won’t want to miss this amazing performance of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Built to Amaze! from January 24-26th at Bridgestone Arena!
 
http://www.ringling.com/SectionLandingPage.aspx?id=46818
 
 
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ®  Presents Built To Amaze! , the 143rd edition of the Greatest Show On Earth. Surprise and wonder delights audiences with over the top feats of strength, agility and courage. As the momentum builds so does the anticipation, anything can happen when Ringling Bros. Presents Built To Amaze!
Circus performers from across the globe create the perfect blend of athleticism and bravery, where power meets fearlessness and amazement has no bounds.  Magnificent elephants, ferocious tigers, astonishing acrobats and awe-inspiring aerialists are engineered into one spectacular performance.
Celebrate the tradition TODAY and experience it's modern flare of twists and turns where excitement and suspense are so intense you'll be tempted to cover your eyes. From the blueprints to the band, the crates to the clowns, the hammer to the high wire, witness the spectacle as we measure out the perfect mix of marvel and majesty in an imagination equation where the impossible comes to life. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Built To Amaze!
 
The All Access Pre-show is your chance to feel what it's like to be part of The Greatest Show On Earth®! You and your family are specially invited to an amazing circus experience and  FREE ADMISSION comes with your ticket! Step Right Up and be part of the All-Access Pre-show where Children Of All Ages are invited down to the show floor to try on costumes, learn circus skills, meet the performers and get their picture taken with the clowns! Then, enter for a chance to win an original pachyderm painting, which is painted right in front of you by one of the world famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ®  elephants! All this and more when you arrive an hour early, and remember, FREE ADMISSION with your ticket!  
 
Do you want to make this event EXTRA special? Check out our Circus Celebrity seats where you can experience The Greatest Show On Earth® in a whole new way! Circus Celebrity tickets provide you with premium seating on the arena floor - so close, you get pulled right into the heart of the action! You will be treated like a VIP from start to finish! Circus Celebrities at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® Presents Built To Amaze!SM are on the arena floor for FOUR full acts; chauffeured around in specially designed seats that are PART of the show! IMAGINE looking straight up from your seat to see the performers DIRECTLY above you, SKILLFULLY and CAUTIOUSLY walking the high wire, FEELING the WHOOSH of the Human Cannonball on your face as she flies GRACEFULLY over your head, being INSIDE the SPECTACLE as The Greatest Show On Earth dances around you, just FEET AWAY from your seat! Circus Celebrity: so close, you can FEEL it!
 
If you aren't from Nashville you can check the Tour Schedule to find out when this show will be coming to a city near you!!!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Review

http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm
 
 
There is so much talk about eating healthy and all natural. I have been so lucky to try out Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil as a different oil alternative.
I won't bore you with all the benefits of this oil but if you so choose
to learn more feel free to visit the Tropical Traditions website.

This is the jar I received for review.

It does come in solid form below 75 degrees.
You can easily melt it down to measure and use easily with low heat.
I did attempt one recipe so far but it didn't turn out so well. You can check that out here.
I do not give up though. I will a be attempting one of the suggested recipes soon.
There are so many to choose from it will be a chore just deciding which one I want to make first.
 
If you are asking yourself "what is coconut oil?"
 
 
 
Disclaimer: I received the products above free for review. I was not compensated for this post. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
 

Friday, January 17, 2014

Treasure Dust - Fail

Time to make snacks for school.
Now, I want to start off by saying that I did not have to take a snack every day for school.
I came home from school and went for the fridge and grabbed some junk and munched down
until that "after school deadly hunger" was gone.
So now apparently the kids are starving if you don't send them a snack to have between breakfast and lunch. Mind you lunch is usually around 11....
Anyway rant over.
So I have the duty to send a snack everyday. Of course, being the awesomely fantastic cool mom that I am, I send candy bars and cookies. NOT!!!
I have to send something not quite as junk foodish.
The kids love trail mix and since trying Trixi's Treasures Treasure Mix they want more.
I had received some samples and reviewed them here.
After trying it I wanted to make up my own mixture of goodies and add the flavor myself.
So I contacted the company and asked about their Treasure Dust. They were so gracious to send me a couple bags of the dust mixture to try out and review for them.
I will go ahead and tell you I should have just left it to the professionals.
 
Treasure dust comes in different varieties but after trying the pre made kind I requested the original because it is our favorite.
Inside the package looks like sugar.
All you need is a cup of any type of oil, a bag of mix and a couple roasting pans
 along with your goodies to mix.
The beginning..... and where I went wrong!
I wanted to use all natural coconut oil for the oil.
I melted it and poured 1 cup into a small pot on the stove to heat.
I feel like I did an ok job of heating it gently.
 

Time to add the dust. I poured gently and stirred while pouring but was no use.
It clumped and was very hard to dissolve.
Maybe I didn't heat the oil enough. 
I kept mixing and breaking up the clumps.  Them my dust transformed
into a big gooey blob of mess.
At this point, The kids are coming in and wondering what the smell is.
I am frantically stirring and trying to make this stuff look right.
There are instructions on the package as well as detailed with pictures on the website.
I knew exactly what I was doing.
I was doing something wrong!
 

I am stil trying and trying to make this blob become normal but the
smell of this coconut oil and burning sugar was not making for a nice aroma in my house.
Ok, I give up. Toss it out.
 

I am so thankful I received 2 bag of dust to play with.
I am trying again with butter this time.

The butter melted nicely and I think I am just a little more comfortable using
something I know more about.
I heated the butter and mixed in the dust and it was definitely different this time.
The butter dust mixed with the butter perfectly and turned to a creamy
caramel like substance. 
Oh so creamy.....
I ladled it across my perfectly chosen mixture of a few different cereals,
sesame sticks and cheese crackers.
Some of the kids favorites.
This part was not difficult at all.
I ladled all of the mixture and tried to get
everything coated well with the mixture. 
I then divided it all into 2 pans as directed and popped it into the
275 degree preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 90 minutes according to the directions but I think
that was a little too long for my oven. 
I started to smell it after about an hour.
I should have taken it out of the oven then but again
I waited until closer to the 90 minute mark.
Eventually taking it out of the oven at about 80 minutes total.
After cooling and breaking the clumps up we taste tested and the kids enjoyed it.
I'm so glad.... This was a long task I should have just left up to the professionals.
After gathering a generous helping for the older brother, the girls and I
 bagged some up for school snacks to please the teachers
and into the snacks bowl they went.  
If you would like to try your hand at making this mixture head on over to Trixis Treasures.
 
 
Disclaimer: I received the products above free for review. I was not compensated for this post. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
 


Tuesday, January 14, 2014

WestBend Cocoa Grande Machine Review

Hey guys! I have an awesome product to share with you today. I was just lucky enough to be able to review WestBend's Cocoa Grande Machine.
 
It makes hot beverages and even froths them when it pours.
This thing is absolutely amazing. I love it.
I will show you how to use it.
I have tried this a couple different ways already but I found Caramel cappuccino to be the best so far.  I just bought some store brand instant cappuccino and  a bottle of caramel sauce.
Pure perfection and I assure you...  if you have tried this instant stuff before this is not the same.
I just used the recommended measurements with just plain ole water. Simply dumped the into the machine and turned it on "heat and high speed". It does have a little noise but it is tolerable since it does provide the best easiest coffee ever!
The length of time it takes depends on the amount of liquid being heated. So just press the button and allow it to do its thing and it will switch to idle when the drink is heated to the perfect temperature. You can feel the outside of the container to tell when it  is getting warm. That is when I like to add the caramel. I just think it would mix better after the liquid is warm enough to dissolve it better. It took approx. 5 min to mix and heat but now it is ready to dispense and enjoy. Just press the froth and dispense button and fill the cup. Viola a perfect cappuccino with a froth cap and all. I simply love this machine.
Here is my video review and making of Vanilla Steamers!
They were so good!!!
 
 
 
 
Disclaimer: I received this product for review purposes. My opinion is my own and not influenced in any way.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Circus Trainers

This is amazing.... I can't even get my dogs to sit. I definitely couldn't get them to do some of this stuff.
 
 
I can only imagine watching Joker jump a baton! Wouldn't that be a sight?
Time is running out to enter for your chance at 4 tickets to the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus!

Enter Now!
 

Friday, January 10, 2014

My kids want to perform!!!

I am so stoked to be going to the circus....
 
The kids have been thinking about the circus ever since I first told them we were going!
That is all I hear about! The girls even want to be in the circus and who am I to tell them "NO"
It takes a lot of hard work to become a circus star! If you are not a lion, tiger, or Zebra you better train hard!!!
These performers work so hard training!
 

 
Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!!!
 

He love me....... He loves me not

 
 
I just want to vent as little. I am all about planning and being prepared. I was a girl scout so I know all about be prepared, however, I have strong feelings against Valentines Day for some reason. Or, maybe it is just that I like the spontaneity of it more than the planning.
I am seeing lots of blogs already planning Valentines Day ideas and gifts and other hoopla.
I feel about as strongly for this as others felt for the poor little elf that I took in total disregard! LOL
I posted my Elfie stuff as if nobody cared. So with this post I do not plan to change any ones mind about Valentine's Day. By all means, Please read other blogs, get some great ideas, and plan to your little hearts content. But, here at my home front, We will be waiting until Valentine's Day and running out for some last minute goodies to give to each other.
Now, don't go thinking "She is just bitter because her husband doesn't ever remember, or doesn't get her anything." because that is not the case. My husband get the usual chocolates and roses from wherever has them on his way home from work along with some soft of goodie I have been eyeballing. I know this sets the bar high for all you guys out there. Hopefully this will help your spontaneity or lack thereof by allowing you an idea to hold on to for that big day.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Time for the Circus!!!!

OMG I am so freaking excited!!!!
 
I haven't been to the circus in a very long time.
I am tickled to death to be going to the Ringling Brothers Circus
at Bridgestone Arena.
These performers work so hard to train for these events! I am so excited to see it all. Here is a little snippet of their training process.


I will be posting a few more of these snippets so keep your eyes peeled.
There is also a contest... Wouldn't it be fun to be able to go to the circus????

ENTER BELOW!!!!!

There are only 2 simple entry options!!!