Barefoot in Portland

Winner Winner Winner

2011-08-14T08:52:00.001-04:00

We have a winner in the Fun Pass giveaway!

Congratulations to lucky post #3 Jessica @ Barefoot by the Sea!

Enjoy!!

"The Fun Pass" Review and Giveaway

2011-07-26T19:27:00.001-04:00

Do I have a great deal to share with you. If you live in the New England you will not want to miss out.

Breathe New Hampshire, a non-profit organization, that focuses on matters that effect our breathing. They spend a great deal of time keeping New Hampshire youth tobacco free. They also focus on programs for childcare providers to understand how to take care of asthmatic children, free COPD screening and much much more. To read about this wonderful organization please go here: www.breathenh.org

This amazing organization has put together The Fun Pass. This pass has over $1,500 in discounts at your favorite New England children's attractions. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont! So many attractions so little time! There are passes to Museums, Amusement Parks, Scenic Tours and so much more.

I was so fortunate to be provided a Fun Pass of my own to review and one other one to giveaway to one lucky reader.

Here is how you can get The Fun Pass for your little ones:

Buy It
Go to there website here.

Win it
Here is what you need to do:

Mandatory Entry:
Visit www.breathenh.org and check out all the attractions included in the fun pass and tell me which one you would go to first.

Extra Entries:
1. Become a follower of Barefoot in Portland. Leave a comment if you already are!
2. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link for me to check it out.
3. Grab my Button

Please leave separate comments for each entry. Must be 18 or older to enter. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway ends on Friday August 5th at 11:59 PM. This will still leave a ton of time for you to use this great savings book!! Even if you don't live in New England you could win it for a friend or send them over to enter!

Thank you and good luck!!

Stick with me

2011-06-07T08:00:00.003-04:00

As you may or may not have noticed, I have been posting less frequently than normal in the past few weeks. Things have gotten so hectic around here with birthdays, dance recitals, end of the school year commitments, BBQs, and oh ya....work, work and more work. I have been so crazy busy I don't know which end is up these days!

I have made the decision to take a small blog break. I am going to take some time to organize my thoughts but more importantly take some time for my family and friends. I feel like I was spending too much of my free time (which is not much time at all) into the blog and reading others. I know I will continue to read other blogs and keep up with the what is going on, I just can't take the time to post for a bit. I hope to come back with a new and improved blog with new direction!

So I ask you to bare with me and stick around for what is to come!!

But for now, don't forget to take time for your family and friends this summer and make it a great one!! I know I will!

Finally Friday Blog Hop - Week #5

2011-05-27T07:00:00.015-04:00

Welcome to the Finally Friday Blog Hop - Week #5

Thank you so much for stopping by and joining my new Blog Hop. I love to join in the hops myself so I thought I would start my own. What better way to meet other bloggers and have some fun! Stop by every Friday and link up!

The rules are simple:

1. Follow Barefoot in Portland...if you like me...I will follow back just as soon as I can!!

2. Please grab the Finally Friday Blog Hop button add it to a post or your side bar. The more people who know about it and join, the more hopping there will be!

3. Add your blog to the link below.

4. Visit and follow the blogs you like!

FAMILY FRIENDLY BLOG ONLY PLEASE!

Thank you to those who are joining in my hop! It is great to watch it grow!

Phew...Glad that is over

2011-05-23T09:33:00.000-04:00

For the past couple years, I have become to dread the month of May. First comes Mother's Day, then comes my daughter's birthday and then finally her dance pictures and dance recital. So much planning and organizing goes into each thing, it gets exhausting. This year was no different. I have been so wrapped up in all these things I have not had a moment for myself. It is such a nice feeling today that I have NOTHING to plan, organize or get ready to do! What a great day! (besides the rain that will NOT go away)

It won't last long, because I cannot go with out a list of projects to do...I have actually already started a new list!!

The first thing on the list that I need to tackle...it moving the Birthday decorations. They are taking over the house!

Here is one picture of what I came up with:

Have a great Monday!

Finally Friday Blog Hop - Week #4

2011-05-20T09:48:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Finally Friday Blog Hop - Week #4

The rules are simple:

1. Follow Barefoot in Portland...if you like me...I will follow back just as soon as I can!!
2. Please grab the Finally Friday Blog Hop button add it to a post or your side bar. The more people who know about it and join, the more hopping there will be!
3. Add your blog to the link below.
4. Visit and follow the blogs you like!

FAMILY FRIENDLY BLOG ONLY PLEASE!

Thank you to those who are joining in my hop! It is great to watch it grow!

While you are here - don't miss out on my current giveaway for Jamba Juice Energy Drink. Enter here.

Jamba Juice Energy Drink Giveaway - 5 Winners

2011-05-17T07:00:00.016-04:00

LOW ENTRIES FOR THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY.

Ends May 22

Enter today here

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T07:00:00.001-04:00

To all the Mothers....enjoy your day!

P.S....don't forget to enter my Jamba Energy Drink Giveaway here!!

Finally Friday Blog Hop - Week #3

2011-05-06T07:00:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the Finally Friday Blog Hop - Week #3

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The rules are simple:

1. Follow Barefoot in Portland...if you like me...I will follow back just as soon as I can!!

2. Please grab the Finally Friday Blog Hop button add it to a post or your side bar. The more people who know about it and join, the more hopping there will be!

3. Add your blog to the link below.

4. Visit and follow the blogs you like!

FAMILY FRIENDLY BLOG ONLY PLEASE!

Thank you to those who are joining in my hop! It is great to watch it grow!

Have a great weekend.

Jamba Energy Drink Review and Giveaway

2011-05-06T06:00:00.020-04:00

When I heard Jamba was coming out with a new All Natural Energy Drink and could try it before it even went on sale in my stores, I was thrilled! I have always loved Jamba Juice but we don't have a location near me. Very soon, Jamba will be launching a new product in the Northeast called Jamba All Natural Energy Drink. I was give the opportunity to try out the 3 different fruit flavors including Strawberry Banana, Blueberry Pomegranate and Crisp Apple.

My favorite out of the three flavors was the Crisp Apple. It tasted like I was drinking a fresh Granny Smith apple. It was so good...it left me wanting more!  I have always loved Jamba Juice Strawberry Banana Smoothies so I thought this would be great. It was good but I still prefer the Crisp Apple. The strawberry and banana flavors were easy to distinguish but I would have rather not had the light carbonation....which they all have. The Blueberry Pomegranate was the third drink I tried. I was looking forward to this because I really like blueberry flavor. It was very tasty and the blueberry flavor was prominent.

Here is some information about these drinks:
·         Jamba All Natural Energy Drinks are available in three delicious fruit flavors: Strawberry Banana, Crisp Apple and Blueberry Pomegranate.
·         Jamba Energy Drinks are lightly carbonated, containing all natural ingredients with no artificial flavors or colors. Each 8.4 ounce can contains 70% real fruit juice, 80mg of natural caffeine and 90 calories.
·         Jamba Energy is available at select retailers across the Northeast. You can find them in Connecticut, New York, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Delaware, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Vermont at your local grocery, drug and convenient stores.

Want to try these new drinks for yourself?

Jamba is providing me with 25 free product coupons to promote their Northeast launch of Jamba All Natural Energy Drinks. I am giving these away to 5 winners!! Each winner will be provided with 5 coupons for 5 FREE samples of these new Jamba Energy Drinks!

Mandatory Entry

Visit Jamba Juice and check out the new Jamba Energy drinks. Come back here and tell me which drink you would love to try first and....what will you do with all the energy this drink provides??

Extra Entries
1. Become a follower of my blog or let me know if you already are.
2. Become a Fan of Jamba Energy on Facebook.
3. Blog about this Giveaway and send me the link to check it out.
4. Grab My Button for your Blog.

Please leave your email address for me to contact you and leave a separate comment for each entry for them to count! Giveaway is open to everyone 18 +

Giveaway ends on May 22 at 11:59 pm. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and notified by email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks for entering and good luck!!

Finally Friday Blog Hop - Week #2

2011-04-29T07:00:00.011-04:00

Welcome to the Finally Friday Blog Hop - Week #2

The rules are simple:

1. Follow Barefoot in Portland...if you like me...I will follow back just as soon as I can!!

2. Please grab the Finally Friday Blog Hop button add it to a post or your side bar. The more people who know about it and join, the more hopping there will be!

3. Add your blog to the link below.

4. Visit and follow the blogs you like!

FAMILY FRIENDLY BLOGS ONLY PLEASE!!

Happy Friday!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T07:30:00.001-04:00

Hmmmm....someone has been using my camera...

Have a great day!

Weekend (Easter) Breakfast Menu

2011-04-22T13:00:00.001-04:00

I posted a while back about this great Puffed Oven Pancake (German Pancake). we have made it many many times since and watching it get huge and puff up on the sides never gets old. Check out the recipe here.

I have been searching for another idea for breakfast to mix it up a bit. I just stumbled upon a delicious looking recipe for a Sunny-Side Up Herbed Tart from Taste of Home. This recipes looks great and easy switch out ingredients for those picky eater.

Find it here.

Ingredients
4 slices pancetta or 4 bacon strips
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons chopped shallot
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 teaspoon sherry, optional
1/4 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons sour cream
1/8 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper

TART:
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
5 eggs
1 teaspoon water
1 tablespoon minced chives
Dash each salt and pepper

Directions
In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until partially cooked but not crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. In a small skillet, saute mushrooms and shallot in oil until tender. Add tarragon and sherry if desired; cook 1 minute longer.

Remove from the heat; stir in the cheeses, sour cream, salt and pepper. Set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, unfold puff pastry. Roll into a 10-in. x 9-in. rectangle. Transfer to a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Prick with a fork.

Spread mushroom mixture over pastry to within 1 in. of edges. Top with pancetta (place pancetta near the edges of the mushroom mixture). Score edges of pastry with a fork. Beat 1 egg and water; brush over pastry edges. Bake at 425° for 10-12 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.

Carefully crack remaining eggs off-center into each corner. Bake 8-10 minutes longer or until eggs are set. Sprinkle with chives, salt and pepper. Cut into four pieces. Serve warm. Yield: 4 servings.

This will make a great Easter Breakfast or Brunch dish. I know that I will be removing the mushrooms and likely the Sherry!

Have a great Easter Weekend!!

Finally Friday Blog Hop - Week #1

2011-04-21T22:00:00.021-04:00

Welcome to the Finally Friday Blog Hop - Week #1

The rules are simple:

1. Follow Barefoot in Portland...if you like me...I will follow back just as soon as I can!!

2. Please grab the Finally Friday Blog Hop button add it to a post or your side bar. The more people who know about it and join, the more hopping there will be!

3. Add your blog to the link below.

4. Visit and follow the blogs you like!

FAMILY FRIENDLY BLOGS ONLY PLEASE!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T08:37:00.000-04:00

My daughter's new found obsession...

Before

After

Instant PERM!!

Have a great Wednesday!

Monday Blog Hop Link Ups

2011-04-18T08:23:00.001-04:00

Here are some Monday Hops to join!

Happy Monday hopping!

Blog Bash 2011

2011-04-18T07:38:00.001-04:00

Mark your calendars Blog Bash 2011 is coming!

The first annual Blog Bash is set for June 22 through June 24. Blog Bash is a giveaway bonanza. Each blog participating will be hosting a giveaway worth at least $100. There will be up to 150 blogs hosting giveaways. Currently there are 121 already entered.

If you are a blog owner and interested in joining Blog Bash 2011, for more information visit Family Approve.

Are you interested in being a sponsor for a giveaway? I would love to discuss with you! Contact me at barefootinportland (at) gmail (dot) com

I can’t tell you how excited I am to be part of this “Bash.” What better way to celebrate the first day of Summer!

Have a great Monday!

What Cookin' this Weekend

2011-04-15T07:00:00.033-04:00

The weather may be warming up iaround here...finally but I am not ready to put away the old crock pot to start up the grill. Sunday is supposed to be a dreary raining day so it will be perfect to plug in the slow cooker and have a nice easy dinner that I get to smell cooking all day long.

I have a great recipes for Lasagna for the oven but I think I am going to give it a try in the crock pot. I have always wondered how it would turn out...I think it is time!

Here is the recipe I am going to give a try.

Find it here.

What You Need
1 lb.ground beef
1 jar (24 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 cup of water
1 container (15 oz.) POLLY-O Original Ricotta Cheese
1 pkg. (7 oz.) KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
1 egg
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
6 lasagna noodles, uncooked

Make It
BROWN meat in large skillet; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce and water. Mix ricotta, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tbsp. Parmesan, egg and parsley.

SPOON 1 cup meat sauce into slow cooker; top with layers of half each of the noodles, broken to fit; and cheese mixture. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles, broken to fit; cheese mixture and meat sauce. Cover with lid.
COOK on LOW 4 to 6 hours or until liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses; let stand, covered, 10 min. or until melted.
Not sure it is going to be any easier to make than a regular oven lasagna but I will enjoy the smells it creates through out the house.

Have a great weekend! What are you cooking?

Thank You

2011-04-14T22:58:00.000-04:00

WOW!

Today I reached 500 Followers!

Thank you all for being interested in what I have to say.

And for that I want to pass on a big...

You all ROCK!!!

Celebrations deConstructed - New Online Party Magazine

2011-04-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

I want to take a moment to give some much deserved recognition to Kim over at Party Frosting. She just launched her fist issue of the new Online Magazine called Celebrations deConstructed. She worked extremely hard on this issue and her amazing efforts paid off.

Check out the magazine here.

Kim provides party theme ideas and step by step instructions on how to put it all together. I cannot say enough about this magazine! You will have to check it out yourself!

While visiting her at Party Frosting you will find an endless supply of party ideas, recipes and some great shopping deals she finds! There is a party theme for everything under the sun!

Happy party planning!

Too Pretty to Eat...Almost

2011-04-05T07:00:00.040-04:00

Cupcakes are one of my favorite things to bake and of course eat! I love all of the cupcake shows on TV and I love searching for new recipes to try. I always have the hopes to decorate my cupcakes like they do on TV but I never have enough time. I usually find myself throwing on the frosting at the last minute. Hoping some day I will have more time in a day I save a lot of the ideas I come across. I thought I would share a couple of the Easter themed goodies I found.

Chick and Egg Cupcakes

Find it here.

Flower Cupcakes the kids will love to help with!

Find it here.

Robin Eggs Nests (my favorite)

Find this picture and many more HERE.

Happy Cupcake Decorating! If you have any more ideas please feel free to let me know!!

"Hop a Little Tuesday" Blog Hop - I'm Featured!

2011-04-04T22:00:00.001-04:00

Wow! Twice in the last week I have been the lucky one chosen and featured in blog hops! How fun!! Thank you to Stacey from Little Boys are Made of Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails and to Stacie from Love You Always and Forever. Check out great blogs and join in the hop!

Welcome to week 4 of Hop a Little Tuesday.

RULES:

*Become a follower of the first 4 blogs on the list. [leave comments and we will follow back] Your links will be removed if you are not following the first 4 blogs.

*Link yourself to the list.

*Visit at least 3 people from the list [leave comments saying that you are stopping by from Hop a Little Tuesday].

*Come back next week.

**Blogs ONLY. Facebook, Twitter, and other pages will be removed. We are working on Social Media hops. Look for them in the next couple of weeks!

One random person will be chosen to have a spotlight post next Tuesday on Little Boys are Made of Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails and Love You Always and Forever.

This weeks spotlight:

Barefoot in Portland

Link up and have some fun :)

Have a great Tuesday!

Friendly Friday Blog Hop - Hurray, I am Featured!

2011-04-01T07:00:00.003-04:00

I am excited to share that I am featured today over at the Friendly Friday Blog Hop! Thank you to Xenia from Thanks, Mail Carrier, Christi from Frugal Novice and Charla from Healthy Home Blog for hosting the Friday hop and having me in the spotlight!

Stop by one of these great blogs and join in the Friday fun!

Have a great day!

Snow Snow Go Away....Let's Make Easter Crafts Today

2011-03-31T19:41:00.001-04:00

With the Nor'easter looming over us for tomorrow it is hard to believe that it is Spring is already here and Easter is around the corner. But I am trying to completely avoid thinking about 6-12 inches of snow dumping on us...just when it was all going away. I can only hope that it melts as fast as it arrived!

I have been looking for a couple fun Easter projects for the likely snow day tomorrow. There are so many out there but here are a couple I found.

I think we have a winner! I have everything we need and my daughter can help cut out the bunnies. How cure this will be on the mantel. I will have to share a picture when we are done!

Find the tutorial here.

This will be another option.

Find this project here.

One more for tomorrow that will be a good option. The link has a link to a tulip template as well. How cute these will be on the mantel with the bunnies and chicks.

Find this project here.

I don't think we can do this one tomorrow but wouldn't this make a cute centerpiece or mantel decoration.

Find it here.

From the new movie Hop...check out this adorable project: Click here.

Happy Snowstorm if you will be as unfortunate as I will be tomorrow!!

Yoplait Frozen Smoothie Prize Pack Winner!

2011-03-28T18:55:00.001-04:00

We have a winner!

Erin, #107 is my winner of the Yoplait Frozen Smoothie Fitness Prize Pack Giveaway (now that is a mouthful). Winner was chosen via random.org.

Congratulations Erin!! Enjoy!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and entered the giveaway.

Wordless Wednesday: I just have to share...

2011-03-23T10:50:00.000-04:00

The view from where we were staying in Florida

The sunset on Monday night.

I am now back in the frozen tundra of the east coast....brrrrr.

Have a great Wednesday!

Giveaway Reminder

2011-03-18T07:00:00.019-04:00

There is still time to enter the Yoplait Frozen Smoothie Fitness Prize Pack Giveaway.

Are you working on a fitness goal? The Diet and Fitness Journal in the prize pack can help you get there. Keep track of everything you eat and log all of your workouts. You also are entering to win a free sample of Yoplait's Frozen Smoothie. They are delicious and good for you too. They are easy to make without the mess!

It is super easy to enter. Click on the link at the top right of the page or find it here.

Also, if you live near Southern Maine or know someone who does, enter to win 4 tickets to Smucker's Stars on Ice 25th Anniversary Tour Event on April 8th.

Enter at the link at the top right of the page or enter here.

Have a great weekend!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T07:00:00.022-04:00

Many of you likely know about this. I must have been living under a rock because this is the first time I have ever seen or heard of Chicago doing this...

Check out this picture and more here.

Chicago dyes the Chicago River GREEN for St. Patrick's Day! How cool is that!!!

But after my initial reaction I needed to find out how they did it. 40 pounds of vegetable dye! Now that is a lot of dye!

Want to know the story behind dying the river green? Here is it for you.

Have a great St. Patty's Day. Enjoy something green today!

Hoppin' Around on a Monday

2011-03-14T10:29:00.000-04:00

Have a great Monday!

Smuckers Star's on Ice Ticket Giveaway - Portland, Maine Location

2011-03-12T08:29:00.001-05:00

I have a great giveaway to offer you today! I have been provided a 4-pack of tickets to the Smucker's Star's on Ice 25th Anniversary Tour. It is rolling into Portland Maine on April 8th.

Do you live near Portland? Enter to win! This will be a GREAT event. Even if you don't live near Portland, do you know someone who does? Tell then about the giveaway or enter to win for a friend and surprise them with tickets!

There will be many amazing skating stars to see at this event. Evan Lysecek, Sasha Cohen, Kurt Browning, Jamie Sele and David Pelletier and so many more. Check out then entire cast of skaters here.

Here is how you can win:

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me your favorite Ice Skater or Skating Pair.

Extra Entries:
1. Follow my blog and leave a comment. (2 extra entries)
2. Blog about this giveaway and provide me the link. (5 extra entries - WOW)
3. Follow me on twitter (2 extra entries)
4. Become a Fan of Barefoot in Portland on Facebook (2 extra entries)

Please make sure you use separate comments for each entry for them to count!

This giveaway ends on Friday March 25th at 11:59 ET. I will choose a winner via Random.org and will be contacted via email. Due to the event date the winner will have 24 hours to respond.

Reminder -Winner must be able to attend the Portland, Maine event only!

Good luck!

Dont' forget - There is still time today to enter "Be Evan's Guest " contact at Smucker's. Contest ends today at 11:59 PM ET. Enter to win HERE.

Horray for Whoopie Pies

2011-03-11T07:00:00.050-05:00

Have you ever heard of a Whoopie Pie? If you are not from the North East, you may not have. Well..recently there has been much todo over Whoopie Pies and which state owns the claim to fame on the creation of the Whoopie Pie. Pennsylvania? Massachusetts? Maine? Well, I of course believe that Maine is the state that created the delicious Whoopie Pie!!

Recently there was an article in USA Today explaining the battle. Read it for yourself here.

Also, last night I saw an old episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network. It was a Whoopie Pie episode right in Portland Maine! Maine beat Bobby Flay!!! Whoopie Pies are everywhere.

So I pulled out my favorite cookbook: Cooking DownEast by Marjorie Standish and have to make her Whoopie Pies (which she called Whoopsie Pies) this weekend. My daughter loves chocolate and cannot wait to make these. I think it is a toss up one who is more excited to make them...me ot my 5 year old!!!

Here is the recipe:

Cookie:
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
5 tablespoons cocoa
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream together shortening and sugar. Add yolks. Sift together cocoa, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and add alternately to creamed mixture with milk and vanilla. Drop be teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size cookie you make.

Filling:
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat egg whites until stiff. Fold in some of the confectioners’ sugar. (set aside) Cream shortening. Add remainder of sugar and add more if needed. Add salt and vanilla. Fold in the beaten egg whites.

Cool cookies. Then put together with the filling and wrap each separately in wax paper.

Enjoy!!

Hare a great weekend!

Be a VIP Guest at Smucker's Stars on Ice - 25th Anniversary Tour

2011-03-10T19:15:00.002-05:00

Want a chance to be Figure Skater, Evan Lysacek's VIP Guest at Smucker's Stars on Ice? (ok, who wouldn't)

You could win the opportunity to have dinner with Evan and get a backstage tour of Smucker's Stars on Ice event in the New York City Area.

Grand Prize Winner will receive:

•Dinner with Evan Lysacek

•An autographed item from Evan Lysacek

•Two premium center ice level tickets to the Smucker's® Stars on Ice® show in East Rutherford, NJ

•3-day/2-night trip for two people

•Transportation to and hotel accommodations in New York City

Visit Smuckers to enter to win.

Must enter by March 13th

Enter here.

I will be giving away tickets to the Smucker's Stars on Ice show at the Portland, Maine location soon!

Stay tuned!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-09T07:00:00.005-05:00

8 days and counting....Florida bound!

Have a great Wednesday!

Yoplait Frozen Smoothie Review and Giveaway

2011-03-08T07:00:00.005-05:00

I was so excited when I was given the opportunity to sample Yoplait Frozen Smoothies. Last summer I found these in the grocery store and was thrilled how easy they were to make and how tasty they were. I had not had them for a while and looked forward to having them again.

Our favorite is Strawberry Banana and makes me feel like summer is closer than ever when I turn on the blender! It is so easy....just add milk and blend! Check out all the other great flavors here. I can't wait to try out the Blueberry Pomegranate. Besides the great taste these smoothies are nutritious. Each package has 1 full serving of fruit in every serving.

Along with a free sample of Yoplait Smoothies, I was provided an awesome prize pack provided by Yoplait through MyBlogspark. It includes a water bottle, diet and fitness journal (I LOVE THIS) and a bag to pit it all in. Check it out:

The journal is great. You can track everything you eat and all your work outs to keep you on track. And the best part of it all is...you can win one too!

Here is how to enter:

Leave a comment and let me know which Yoplait Smoothie you want to try. (Mandatory)

Extra Entries:

1. Become a follower of my blog or let me know if you already are.
2. Become a Fan of Yoplait on Facebook.
3. Blog about this Giveaway and send me the link to check it out.
4. Grab My Button for your Blog.
5. Become a Facebook Fan of Barefoot in Portland.
6. Follow Yoplait Smoothies on Twitter.

Please leave your email address for me to contact you and leave a separate comment for each entry for them to count!

Giveaway is open to everyone 18 + located in the US and Canada.

Giveaway ends on Sunday March 27th at 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be notified my email chosen via Random.org

Thank you Yoplait and MyBlogSpark.

Good Luck!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-02T07:00:00.008-05:00

2 weeks from tomorrow...this is where we will be!!

Have a great Wednesday!!

Winter Slump

2011-02-23T11:33:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been in a slump. I am not sure if it is the winter blues or just I am burnt out or a combination of both. I am so tired of the cold North East weather I could scream. There was a glimmer of hope last week when we had 40 degree temperatures for 2 days in a row…but that did not last long. The cold came back and the melting snow was stopped. Boo! Spring is my favorite time of year and we are getting so close. But when I look at the 10 forecast I don’t see any temperatures over 39 degrees….what gives?!?

All this got me on the hunt to bring on some spring of my own. What better way to brighten things up than new bedding!! I love changing my comforter every so often so I don’t get bored with the same one. Then when you rotate it is just like new!! I came across the Bed Bath store and found some great deals on Lawrence Home Bedding. Even though it is not very bright and springy, I really like this one. It will go with my wall color and the flowers are subtle so my husband cannot pitch a fit! Love it!!

Then as my search continued, I found these adorable Floor Pillows. I had never thought of using them before in the bedroom but it would fill in some space hear the windows…which has seemed wasted. I will likely go with the Hyatt rounds in neutral colors so the will match everything. I can see my daughter claiming those as hers for a reading nook…what a great idea!

The last thing that caught my eyes was the Bedrest Pillows. How fun are these!! When I was younger we use to call them "Husbands." What better way to relax and read a book…HAHAHA. Who am I fooling…I don’t have time to read!! But I will have time to snuggle up with this and my daughter on the weekend and watch cartoons!!! I will pick a coordinating Hyatt solid to match the bedding and the floor pillows.

I had way too much fun looking at all this stuff. I think it helped me kick some of those blues away! I hope they stay far away!

What are you doing special to kick the winter blues??

Have a great Wednesday!

How Yummy Does this Look?

2011-02-11T09:30:00.001-05:00

On Fridays I usually post a new recipe that I plan on trying over the weekend. I try to find new slow cooker recipes for Sunday....it doesn't get any easier. But after reading my friend Jessica's post over at Barefoot by the Sea, I stopped my search for the perfect dish.

She posted a Puffed Oven Pancake recipe that looks so yummy I cannot resist! I love breakfast anytime of the day.

Find the recipe here.

PUFFED OVEN PANCAKES (aka German Pancakes)

From Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book

- 2 T butter

- 3 eggs

- 1/2 C milk

- 1/2 C flour

- 1/4 t. salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put butter in baking dish (I just use an 8-inch casserole, I think the recipe calls for a round oven skillet or something)…heat in oven 3-5 minutes, til butter melted.

Beat eggs. Add milk, flour and salt. Beat til smooth. Pour immediately into baking dish. Bake 25 minutes, or until puffy edges and looks done in center. Serve with fruit, syrup, powdered sugar, whatever you like!

I am sure my daughter will like this recipe. She is so picky but how can she resist a puffy pancake with some powered sugar on top (always enticing). I think I may cut up some bananas, strawberries and apples to go with this puff. I cannot wait to try this one.

I know I said I had more giveaways this week but the week got away from me. I will be rolling out a new giveaway on Monday! Stop back to enter to win!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Friday Blog Hops

2011-02-11T09:29:00.002-05:00

Here is where I am hopping today....

Hop you can hop along too!!

And The Winner Is...

2011-02-07T09:00:00.004-05:00

What better way to start a Monday....We have a couple winners this morning!

The winner of the Glee Gum Make Your Own Candy Kit is #66 - MANDY83!

She will get the choice of a Make Your Own Chocolate, Gummies or Gum Kit.

Congratulations MANDY83!

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 93
Result:
33
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

The winner of Scott Naturals Tube Free Bath Tissue Giveaway is #119 - pmj!

pmj has one a pack of Scott Naturals Tube Free Bath Tissue.

Congratulations PMJ!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 124
Result:
119
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Thank you to all who entered. I have a couple more giveaways great coming up this week so stay tuned!

Have a great Monday!

Last Day to Enter Giveaways - LOW ENTRIES

2011-02-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

What are you waiting for? Who doesn't need toilet paper and don't miss a chance to win a Glee Gum Make Your Own Candy Kit!

Today is the last day to enter to win!

To win Scott Naturals Tube Free Bath Tissue - GO HERE

To win a Glee Gum Make Your Own Candy Kit - GO HERE.

Or just click on the links to the top right of the page.

Good luck!!

Slow Cooker Friday?

2011-02-04T09:30:00.000-05:00

I can't wait for Slow Cooker Sunday for this one. I am throwing this one in the crock pot today!

Slow Cooker Upside Down Chicken Pot Pie

Find the recipe here.

Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon instant chopped onion
1 dried bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 jar (18 oz) chicken gravy
2 medium celery stalks, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 1/4 cups Original Bisquick® mix
2/3 cup milk
1 bag (12 oz) Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers™ frozen mixed vegetables

Directions
1.Place chicken in 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker. Top with onion, bay leaf, pepper and gravy. Place celery on gravy.
2.Cover and cook on Low heat setting 8 to 10 hours.
3.About 30 minutes before serving, make and bake 8 biscuits using Bisquick mix and milk as directed on package.
4.Meanwhile, gently stir frozen vegetables into chicken mixture. Increase heat setting to High. Cover and cook 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
5.For each serving, split biscuit and place in soup bowl or tart pan. Spoon about 3/4 cup chicken mixture on top of biscuit.

Note: This recipe was tested in slow cookers with heating elements in the side and bottom of the cooker, not in cookers that stand only on a heated base. For slow cookers with just a heated base, follow the manufacturer’s directions for layering ingredients and choosing a temperature.

Have a great weekend.

A girl can dream can't she?

2011-02-03T12:09:00.000-05:00

With all the snow we have been having fall upon us lately I have been day dreaming about warmer weather and sunny destination. I spent a few minutes “surfing” the web (like how I added a reference to the warm weather fun!!) I came upon this website with a beautiful ocean view of Santa Cruz. I can just picture myself up on top of the rocks basking in the warm sun.

Also during my search I stumbled upon the world’s top ten most beautiful beach here. I have not been to any of the beaches on the list but I am not picky!!

The only good part about day dreaming about getting out of dodge is that we are going to be taking a quick trip to Florida in late March. We visit my Mom in Naples. You should see some of the pictures on their site…Wow! It makes me so excited to see the sandy beaches!

Have a great day dreaming of warmer weather if you happen to be up to your eyeballs in the fluffy white stuff like me!

Delicious Cookie Giveaway

2011-02-03T09:07:00.001-05:00

Stop over to Barefoot by the Sea today and enter to win a dozen Glittery Valentine's Day Cookies from Sandy's Baking Memories! Don't wait because this giveaway ends on February 6th!!

Visit Sandy's Baking Memories which is soon to be Firefly Confections to see all the adorable designs and yummy cookies!

What are you waiting for...GO!

Not So Wordless Wendesday

2011-02-02T07:00:00.009-05:00

Every time I stop and fill up my car at the gas station near my house I see this posted on each gas pump:

How do you Prepay for something before you pay for it?? This is not a Mom and Pop little gas station....it is a national or international (not quite up on my fuel company knowledge!!) chain. If you look closely you can see someone else got as annoyed as I did and tried to scratch out "in Advance."

I want to know what you think...Is this correct grammar?

I am off to go hunker down for the huge storm rolling in....another 18 inches of the fluffy white stuff is on the way today!

Have a great Wednesday!

Giveaways Galore

2011-01-30T11:35:00.000-05:00

Check out Barefoot by the Sea today! She has 2 great giveaways that end today and tomorrow...so what are you waiting for!!!

The first one ends today and can be found here from the Loving Shop. The second ends tomorrow can be found here is from Cowgirl Chocolates. Both are just in time for Valentine's Day!

Good Luck!!

Giveaway Reminder - Low Entries

2011-01-30T09:03:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that I have a couple great giveaways going on right now with LOW ENTRIES!!

Who doesn't need ~~Bath Tissue~~ Toilet Paper! I know it is one of those things I just hate to have to buy...but it is a necessity!

Enter to WIN Scott Naturals Tube-Free Bath Tissue Giveaway HERE or click on the link on the top right.

Spend quality time with your little one during the cold winter days. Enter to win a "Make Your Own Candy" Kit from Glee Gum. Super low entries for this right now. Enter HERE or click on the link at top right.

Coffee and some hops please....

2011-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hopping a bit and then off to face the day!

Have a wonderful weekend!

What's for dinner?

2011-01-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe that it is Friday again...not that I am complaining in the least bit...but wasn't it JUST Monday. Boy times flies when you are having fun...or just REALLY busy!

I feel like I am continuously trying to be organized but never seem to get there. I would love to be one of those gals who plan their family's meals out just once a month. Wow...would that be clever or what!! There would be so many advantages to doing that. You could buy in bulk, you could have make left overs into a new meal and you could take away the stress of...the "what's for dinner" question every day!!! I know I would love not to have to think about that all the time.

I don't think I can dive right in to planning a month ahead of time so I am going to try to do a week at a time which really should not be that hard. And I can imagine that most of you are saying....don't you do that already? Well...I try...but it never seems to work out...something come up and we never stick to the meals I planned. To keep me on track look what I bought....

Starting Sunday I am making a resolution to do it! Once I get this weekly planning down, I am going to give the monthly menu a good "college try." This calendar opens up to see the full month but the bottom has this great planning section for each day of the week...

If you have any good ideas on how to stay on track...feel free to share. And if you want to check out a great blog that posts weekly and monthly menu idea visit Hoosier Homemade. Oh...and you will also find lots and lots of CUPCAKE ideas and other delicious recipes!

Have a great weekend!

Bring on the Friday Hops

2011-01-28T06:00:00.024-05:00

For your hopping pleasure....

While you are hopping blog to blog...don't forget to hop on over to my giveaways! Check out the top right of this page for the links!

Happy hopping!

Glee Gum Make Your Own Candy Kit Review and Giveaway!

2011-01-27T11:30:00.001-05:00

At my house we like to bake. My daughter may not like what we make…sugar cookies, pancakes, blueberry muffins…to name a few…but she loves to help. So when I showed her the Glee Gum Make Your Own Gummies Kit she could not wait to help! Glee Gum was great to offer me the chance to try out one of their “Make Your Own” kits. I was able to choose from the Make Your Own Chewing Gum Kit, Gummy Candy Kit or Chocolate Kit. The Gummies were my first choice because you can make whatever shapes you can imagine…oh and I am a big fan of Gummies.

These Gummies were so easy to make. The kit comes with molding starch that you use to make your own molds. We used our a spoon and our fingers…because that is just fun…to make imprints in the mold. Once the molds are done you are ready to make the Gummies. The directions are super easy to follow and takes no time to do it. The faster you make the Gummies the sooner you get to eat the Gummies! I did need to do most of the cooking process as it involved boiling the liquid.

The last step…before eating of course…is to coat the Gummies with the sour mix. I chose to only coat some of the Gummies in case my picky eater didn’t like the coating. I can tell you the coating was good but if it is too sour you can dilute it with regular sugar. Take your time and have fun with it. Make fun shapes and most importantly enjoy the time you spend with your little ones.

Check out their website at http://www.gleegum.com/. You can read about the history of the company and find educational information to use with the kit. You can also find Glee Gum on Facebook and Twitter.

But Guess What? Glee Gum if offering the chance for you to win Make Your Own Kit of your choice!

Buy it: Visit Glee Gum and locate a retailer near you. Or buy it online for only $13.

Win it: One lucky reader will win a Make Your Own Kit of your choice.

Mandatory Entry: Visit Glee Gum and tell me which kit you would choose if you won!

Extra Entries:
1. Become a Fan of Glee Gum on Facebook
2. Follow Glee Gum on Twitter
3. Follow my blog or let me know if you already are
4. Become a Fan of Barefoot in Portland on Facebook
5. Blog about this Giveaway and send me the link to check it out.
6. Grab My Button for your Blog

Please leave a separate comment for each entry for them to count!

Giveaway ends on Sunday February 6th at 11:59 EST. I will choose a winner via Random.org
Winner will have 48 hours to respond and at that time a new winner will be chosen.
Open to resident in the Continental US ONLY.

Thanks to Glee Gum for this opportunity.

Have a great Thursday....it is almost Friday!!

Wednesday Hops

2011-01-26T06:00:00.004-05:00

Looking for some Wednesday Blog Hops to join?

Have a great Wednesday!

Scott Naturals Tube-Free Bath Tissue Review and Giveaway

2011-01-25T12:15:00.003-05:00

Recently I was asked if I would like to try Kimberly-Clark’s Scott Naturals Tube-Free Bath Tissue. I jumped at the chance to try this new product that not only comes from a great company but just by using it, helps the environment. Scott Brand Naturals Tube-Free Bath Tissue has no inner cardboard tube that needs to be disposed of. My first thought was, how hard is it to throw a little cardboard tube in the recycling bin or more likely for most, the trash can. However, when I received a sample package of the Bath Tissue along with a Product Fact Sheet, I realized just how much this product can benefit the environment.

Here are some facts from the Scott Naturals Tube-Free Bath Tissue Product Fact Sheet:

Today, U.S. households dispose of an estimated 17 billion bath tissue tubes annually, which is equal to:
• Over 160 million pounds of trash
• Enough material to fill more than 250 Boeing 747 airliners
• Enough material to fill the Empire State Building twice
• Equivalent to the weight of more than 350 Statues or Liberty
• Over 1 million miles long (lined end-to-end)
• Circling the earth’s equator over 45 times
• Traveling from the earth’s surface to the moon…more than twice

These totals are astonishing and it makes me stop and think what a huge difference we can make by switching to a tube-free bath tissue. This would alleviate and need to remember to recycle or just take the time to do it! I am so glad I had the opportunity to try this product. Not only is it earth friendly I love the feel of it. It is a perfect blend of softness and strength.

Now it is your turn to try!

Currently Scott Naturals Tube-Free is being tested at select Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in the Northeast U.S. Check your local store and stock up.

Or…

You can win it! A lucky winner will receive a 8-pack for yourself to try! Here’s how:

How to Enter

Leave a comment and let me know if you recycle regularly. (Mandatory)

Extra Entries

1. Become a follower of my blog or let me know if you already are.

2. Become a Facebook Fan of Barefoot in Portland

3. Blog about this Giveaway and send me the link to check it out.

4. Grab My Button for your Blog

Please leave a separate comment for each entry for them to count!

Giveaway is open to everyone 18 + located in the US and Canada.

Giveaway ends on Sunday February 6th at 11:59 PM EST. I will choose a winner via Random.org

Good Luck!

Have a great Tuesday!

What a crazy week....

2011-01-21T15:00:00.002-05:00

Can I just tell you about the week I have had....

First I will set the stage...a couple of weeks ago my husband decided to get an estimate on having our hardwood floors redone. To our surprise the price was so great he scheduled them right away...for Tuesday. They would be there for 3 days and told us we would not need to move out...it would not be a problem.

Tuesday comes and my husband was talking to someone about it and they said we really should not stay in the house with the fumes. Frantic, he calls me trying to figure out what to do. To make a really long short short we moved out and have been staying at my sister-in-laws' apartment all week (because the smell from the fumes WAS really unbearable). It was great the first night, fine the second night but the third....I had just about enough of my air mattress. Not to mention it has been the snowiest week ever! I have gotten spoiled with a garage so having to clean off my car every day this week has been less than enjoyable. But SO nice of her to let us stay there...none the less!!

But now we are home and I get to clean every inch of the house because there is a thin layer of dust from the sanding. Can you tell how thrilled I am?

However, the good news is the floors look BEAUTIFUL!!

Here are some before and after pictures of the problem areas...keeping in mind the previous owners of this house had 4 boys!!

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Now I am off to clean....for a very long time!!

Stop back next week...I will be rolling out some great giveaways!!

Have a great weekend!!

Manic Monday Hopping

2011-01-17T22:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

I have the day off today...Woohoo!! It is the only day ALL year that my office is closed and school (daycare) is open. So I am off to spend the day doing what ever I want to do and do it all by MYSELF! Before I head out I am going to do come hopping around. Come join the hops with me!!

Have a wonderful Monday!

It's Football Play Off Time

2011-01-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well it looks like we have been nominated to host this weekends foot ball play off game party! In these parts most of us are Patriots fans. I really could not care less about football but I do like to cook and entertain! I have my list of the regular snacks I make or bring to other parties but I am really getting sick of the same old thing. I did find a couple great looking recipes on ivillage.

The picture alone makes me want to get out the potatoes right now!

Potato Skins

Get the recipe here.

This recipe looks quite time intensive but I think the work will pay off...who doesn't like a fried nugget of cheese!

Cheese Nuggets

Get the recipe here.

I did try another easy idea for potato skins a while ago. Instead of scraping out the middle of the potatoes, slice them. Check out Tammy's idea over at Mommy Life With 5. And the wings pictured look quite yummy too!

Have a great weekend and enjoy the football!!

Friday Hops!

2011-01-14T06:00:00.030-05:00

Check out these great Friday Hops!!

Have fun Hopping!!

I Was Featured!

2011-01-13T12:00:00.007-05:00

Yea Me!! Yesterday I was featured in the Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop hosted by Kristin, Jaime and Melissa from Take it From Me.

Kristin, Jaime and Melissa have an awesome blog filled with giveaways, reviews and a great Wednesday Blog Hop! Check it out every Wednesday, follow the rules and you could be the next featured blog!

Thanks again Jaime and Melissa!!

Have a great Thursday....and by the way...we got about 15 inches of snow yesterday...I really need to move to Florida!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T00:00:00.002-05:00

YIKES...Here it comes! (Radar picture from 11:00 PM ET)

intellicast

Have a great Wednesday ~ Have fun in the snow if you are getting some!

Can't Wait for Sunday

2011-01-07T07:00:00.031-05:00

With being so busy during the holidays I put my Crockpot away. It is definitely time to take it back out. Snow is on the way this weekend. What better time to turn on the slow cooker than on Sunday morning and get to smell the wonderful smells of what ever it is I decide to cook all day long. I have found a couple top choices from Crockpot.

Chicken Marsala

Find it here

Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
1 stick butter
8 ounces cream cheese
2/3 cup Marsala wine
21 1/2 ounces mushroom soup, canned
3/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
salt and pepper

Directions
1.Cube chicken breast. Place chicken, butter and spices in the slow cooker.
2.Mix cream cheese, wine and mushroom soup. Pour over chicken.
3.Cover; cook 4-5 hours on High.

Beef Bourguignon

Find it here

Ingredients
6 strips bacon, cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces
3 pounds beef rump, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons flour
10 ounces beef broth, can condensed
2 cups red or Burgundy wine
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon whole thyme
1 whole bay leaf
1/2 pound white onions, peeled
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

Directions
1.Sauté bacon in a skillet on stovetop set to medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside.
2.Add beef cubes to skillet and brown well. Remove meat and set aside.
3.Brown carrot and onion in skillet and transfer to stoneware. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in flour, add broth, and mix well.
4.Add beef and bacon to stoneware, mix, and place in slow cooker heating base.
5.Add wine, tomato paste, garlic, bay leaf, onions, and mushrooms. Cover; cook on Low for 10-12 hours or on High for 5-6 hours.

I am getting hungry just looking at these recipes. There are so many others that look just as good. I may just have to make one Saturday and another on Sunday! Perfect idea!

Have a great weekend!

Have you ever wanted to know how to....

2011-01-06T11:00:00.002-05:00

A while back I was searching on Google for something (I am a Google addict) and I came across the site called Howdini. This site has thousands of videos on how to do just about anything. I was searching for something Food related but they have a ton of other categories. Some of the videos may seem trivial or elementary but there are also some really great ideas! Sometimes it is nice to see someone do something before you give it a shot.

Some of the videos I found were How to Host a Game Day Party, How to Save Money on Groceries and How to Host a girls night at home. There are a few good recipes in these! Once I log on to this site I find it hard to stop searching for things.

For all of you with little princesses or princes...Check out this quick on for How to Make a Castle Cake:

Click here: How to make a castle cake

Have fun if you take a peek at this site...there is so much there to find! Let me know if you find something good!

Have a great Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-05T07:00:00.017-05:00

Wordless Wednesday...just perfect for easing back into the blogging fun!!

Gotta love a warm day after it snows...perfect for snowman making!

Have a great Wednesday!

Wednesday Hopping

2011-01-04T23:24:00.000-05:00

Getting back in to the swing of things here so I am linking up with some Wednesday blog hops.

Link up with Welcome Wednesday hosted by Take it From Me. Follow the simple rules to join in the fun!

If you want to be a part of Welcome Wednesday, just follow these 5 simple steps:

1. Follow the Welcome Wednesday Host (Take It From Me) as well as the 2 Spotlighted Blogs of the Week. (These will make up the top three slots on the Linky)
2. Link up your blog name and URL with our Linky. (You only need to add your info once for it to be seen on all the blog hops)
3. Grab our Welcome Wednesday button and include it in a post about the event on your blog.
4. Go to as many blogs on the MckLinky as you want and Follow them. Be sure to tell them you are from Welcome Wednesday!
5. Be sure to Follow back any followers you have gained from our Welcome Wednesday event!

Check out the other hops on the right of this page and have fun hopping today!

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T10:05:00.000-05:00

Happy New year to everyone! It is hard to believe another year has come and gone. I wish you all a Healthy and Happy 2011!

I will back from my hy~~bernation~~ hiatus soon! Looking forward to sharing some new reviews and giveaways with you! So stay tuned!

Happy Black Friday

2010-11-26T07:00:00.013-05:00

I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving. I am on my way out and about today shopping on this wonderful Black Friday. I am not really sure why we decided to go...call me crazy! I have a plan of attack and I hope it does not take up all day.

For those of you who are venturing out...I wish you the best in grabbing up all those deals!!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Turkey Day

2010-11-25T07:00:00.015-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

Enjoy the time with your friends and family today.

I just had to post this picture...I hope it does not offend anyone...but it is too funny not to share.

Find it here.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-24T07:30:00.001-05:00

Here is my Thanksgiving dessert table...haha...I wish. Just another beautiful creation by Amy Atlas. Find it here

Have a great Wednesday!

A New Spin on the Old Favorites

2010-11-19T14:33:00.000-05:00

Last night I starting making my Thanksgiving shopping list. I started with the usual...Turkey, stuffing mix, potatoes, squash, peas. Then it hit me....how boring. For as long as I can remember my family had had the same Thanksgiving dinner with the same food. It has not even changed with the person hosting. I know there are just some things that CANNOT be changed like potatoes and stuffing (which happen to be my favorites). So I went on a hunt to find some variations on the old favorites...keeping in mind I have a picky 5 year old that will need to eat with us!

I found the yummiest looking dishes that I cannot wait to try.

Sweet Potato and Pear Gratin Recipe

Active Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Recipe Ingredients
3 lb medium sweet potatoes
3 Tbsp stick butter
2 tsp grated peeled ginger
1/3 cup maple or pancake syrup
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1/2 tsp salt
3 firm-ripe Anjou pears (1 1/4 lb), peeled, halved, cored and sliced crosswise 1/4 in. thick

Recipe Preparation
1. Boil potatoes in a large pot with water to cover 20 to 25 minutes until firm-tender. Drain in a colander; let stand until cool enough to handle.

2. Meanwhile, melt butter in pot. Add ginger; cook until fragrant. Remove from heat; stir in syrup, lemon zest and salt.

3. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a shallow 2 to 2 1/2-qt baking dish.

4. Peel potatoes; slice 1 1/2 in. thick. Layer, alternating with pears, in baking dish (microwave-safe if reheating in microwave). Brush with half the butter mixture.

5. Bake 15 minutes; brush with remaining butter mixture. Bake 15 minutes more, or until pale golden around edges. Spoon juices on bottom of dish over top.

Planning Tip: Can be made up to 1 day ahead. Reheat in microwave, or in oven if space permits. I love this part - anything I can do ahead is great!

Mashed Butternut Squash and Apples

Active Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter
3 1/2 lb peeled, seeded butternut squash, cut in 1- to 1 1/2-in. chunks (11 cups; see Note)
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and quartered
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Garnish: thyme leaves and apple slices

Recipe Preparation
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with nonstick foil. Put 1 Tbsp of butter in each lined pan. Place in oven 1 minute, or until melted.

2. Remove pans from oven; spread half the squash and apples on each pan. Toss to mix and coat.

3. Roast 40 to 45 minutes, tossing once, until tender.

4. Place squash and apples into a bowl. Add remaining 2 Tbsp butter and the salt and pepper. Mash until smooth. Scrape into a serving dish and garnish.

Note: Look for peeled, seeded butternut squash in the produce section.

Planning Tip: Can be made up to 2 days ahead, covered and refrigerated, or 1 week ahead and frozen. Reheat in microwave. I love this part even better - 1 week ahead of time!!

Both recipes can be found at Womansday.com or here.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Yield: 5 to 6 servings

Ingredients

2 pounds of potatoes peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks (Russet, Red or White Skin, or Yukon Gold )2 Tablespoons butter, cut up
1 Tablespoon butter melted
1/3 cup sour cream
4 ounces of Parmesan Cheese grated (about 3/ 4 cup )
4 eggs, whisked

1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper, fresh cracked preferred
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, optional

Directions

Place the potato chunks in a 2-quart saucepan with water to cover. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well, leaving potatoes in saucepan on the burner on low to dry for a few minutes.

Add the butter, sour cream and mash to desired consistency.

Pre heat oven to 375 degrees

Let cool 20 minutes and fold in the eggs and Parmesan cheese, and chives if you desire.

Place in 2 quart casserole dish and brush with a little melted butter

and Bake for 20 to 30 minutes till top lightly browns.
Stir in the salt, pepper and parsley and serve hot.

Find this recipe here.

Do you have any recipes that take a new spin on the old favorites you would like to share? I would love to hear about them!

Have a great weekend!

Keeping Company Thursday Blog Hop

2010-11-17T23:50:00.053-05:00

I am linking up with a great Blog Hop today. And check out who is in the #3 spot!!

Join in the fun with the Keeping Company Thursdays Blog Hop hosted by Traci66 and Heck of a Bunch.

Meet your Hostesses

Follow these simples rules and add your blog to the linky below.

* 1. Copy and Paste the 'Keepin' Company Thursday" banner and write a blog post about it on your page, explaining to your blog followers how it works and how to join. (You can find this on my right side bar or on Heck of a Bunch right side bar)

* 2. Follow the first two blogs, which are the hostesses, Heck of a Bunch and Traci66. We will follow back.

* 3. Follow the "LUCKY" #3 spot winner.

For this hop to really work you'll need to follow the 'honor code' and help us spread the word about Keepin' Company Thursday.
*4. Go to as many blogs on the list as possible and follow them.

*5. Leave them a comment saying. "Hey! I'm a new follower from "Keepin' Company Thursday" Check out my blog too! www.yourbloghere.blogspot.com Thanks!" They should all follow you back because that's what this is all about!

*6. If you get a follower via Keepin' Company Thursday please follow them back.

*7. Add your blog name and the URL to your Keepin' Company Thursday Post to the linky below

* You can also grab the code below to add to your post if you want the thumbnails to appear in your post.

How to get to be in the #3 spot

* If you add the Keepin' Company button to your sidebar or post and leave either of the hostesses, Heck of a Bunch or Traci66, a comment letting us know where to find it we will randomly draw a blog to be in the #3 spot next week. We would really appreciate if you did this step so we can spread the word about Keepin' Company Thursdays.

Have a great Thursday and have fun hopping!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I found another great use for candy corn! (I will stop with the candy corn references...I promise!)

Find it here.

Have a great Wednesday!

ecoStore Review

2010-11-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

Recently I was contacted by a great representative from ecoStore USA asking if I would like to review their products. I had heard of ecoStore USA but I had never used their products. After quickly checking out their website I just HAD to say yes to the offer. ecoStore USA offers a variety of affordable, eco-friendly products that have “No Nasty Chemicals.”

I try whenever possible to be more “green.” I saw this as a perfect opportunity to try some products and feel good about what I was using. I choose to “test drive” the All Purpose Cleaner and the Coconut and Vanilla Body Wash.

The All Purpose Cleaner has quickly become a new favorite. I was skeptical at first as I grew up thinking that the stronger the scent the better it was working. However, with all the research and reports there are about how chemicals in household cleaning products can cause cancer makes me think twice about the products I bring into my home and keep around my family.

Anyhow, the All Purpose Cleaner could not be a better product. The light citrus scent smells extremely fresh and clean . I have used it on just about every surface on my house. I read about how it has been known to work wonders on black appliances and I do have to agree with that. I use it to clean my black stove and it has never looked better. I really do feel good about using this product. It makes me feel like I am doing something better for the environment and making my home a safer place. This cleaner is great and I would highly recommend it.

The Coconut and Vanilla Body Wash was a natural choice for me because coconut is my absolute favorite scent and vanilla is a close second. The first time I used this body wash I was looking forward to it. At first I was not blown away by the scent, which is very light, but it left my skin feeling great. After a few more showers, I really came to look forward to using it. The scent was actually so light, it was just right and it lathered up quite a bit. I tend to have sensitive skin and this cannot be any better for it. I love how my skin feels after using this product. There is no residue and I just feel clean.

Visit the ecoStore USA website yourself and learn all about these wonderful products and many more including baby products and pet products and read all about being “green” and to how to live with “No Nasty Chemicals.” You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

And one last very important thing….FREE SHIPPING on all orders $25 or greater.

Disclaimer: I was given two products of my choice to use and review. I was not paid for this review. My opinions are honest and my own and in no way influenced by others. All photos are from http://www.ecostoreusa.com/.

Have a great Tuesday!

Cookies on Demand

2010-11-12T07:00:00.015-05:00

I love to bake. I love to bake just about anything. I love to bake when I can find the time...which is not all that often. When I do figure out how to add time to a day I usually end up making cookies...any kind of cookie. Since there is just 3 of us at my house and my daughter is quite a picky eater (even cookies), that leaves only 2 people to eat a whole batch of 'whatever it is I decide to make.'

It is sad to say but when I make cookies I usually end up either throwing some away because they don't get eaten. It is sad to see those tasty treats go to waste and I think I have found the perfect solution. I always knew you could freeze cookie dough...but I have now have an easy way to have...what I call..."Cookies on Demand." Some of you likely already know about this ingenious idea...but I am joining the party late! Sometimes the simplest of ideas are the hardest to figure out!

Form the round morsels of goodness and store them in a freezer bag all ready for you when you have a snack attack.

Don't forget to label the bag with cooking directions.

To see this idea as well as many more find them here.

Have a great weekend..I know what I will be going!!

Thirsty Thursday

2010-11-11T09:00:00.060-05:00

Just yesterday, I heard the phrase, Thirsty Thursday. Boy did that bring me back to my college days and what Thirsty Thursday really meant. I won't go in to that.....no one real wants to hear about my wild and crazy days...right!! :)

Now, years later I am putting new meaning to the phrase. My daughter, who is a very picky eater, will eat, well drink, smoothies. I typically think of these as summer time treats but I if she will drink them...why not make them anytime! With no school today it seems like the perfect day to experiment.

I found some great recipes that will sure to be a hit!

Kiwi Strawberry Smoothie

INGREDIENTS
3 peeled kiwi
1 cup frozen banana slices
3/4 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup frozen strawberries

Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until smoothie consistency is met.

Carrot Smoothie

INGREDIENTS

12 ounces of fresh carrot juice
2 cups of vanilla yogurt
1/2 of a peeled lime
3 baby carrots
8 ice cubes

Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until smoothie consistency is met.

Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie

INGREDIENTS

8 oz. chocolate milk
4 oz. strawberries
4 oz. bananas
A couple of ice cubes
Garnish with mint

Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until smoothie consistency is met.

Find all recipes and photos here.

The Kiwi Strawberry Smoothie sure to be a winner but I am not sure how the Carrot Smoothie will go over but carrots are her favorite vegetable! It is worth a try I say! And I have no doubt the Chocolate Smoothie will be a hit...who wouldn't like that one!

Have a great Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

Another great use for my favorite candy!

Find this great idea here.

Like a Kid in a Candy Store

2010-11-08T09:24:00.033-05:00

Recently I finally broke down and decided…after 16 weeks without a hair cut or hair color... I would carve out 3 hours of my busy schedule and go to the salon. I was so glad I did…all except the bill! Wow. Of course I thought I should do the right thing and get the special color shampoo and conditioner and the great product they used to tame my “hay head.” But I really wish I didn't have to spend SO much money. I got home and got to thinking and remember a website I heard about, Luxury Parlor, and went off to check it out.

I was so excited to find all of the awesome products my salon uses at great discounts. The first this I searched for was the Moroccan Oil. They have all the products! The shampoo, conditioner, the oil treatment and styling cream! This stuff works wonders on smoothing my hair….and there is not much out there that does. (see previous “hay head” comment ) Can you tell how excited I am? Well I was like a “Kid in a Candy Store” excited! All of these product in one place and a lot less than the salons.

Find the Moroccan Oil products here.

So while I was on this website, I decided to poke around a bit and boy I am glad I did. I found all the brands I use and Aveda is of one those products. They have every product you can think of. I especially like the “Be Curly Curl Enhancer.” I have a lot of wave to my hair but not a nice curl. When I am not trying to make my hair stick straight have used this product. It strengthens the curl and make it look natural…LOVE IT!

Find the Aveda products here.

One other product that have heard of but never tried is Kerastase. I have only heard people talk about this brand and how great it is…and now that I have found it here…I just may have to try it out! I may try the Kerastase Reflection Lait Chroma Reflect. It is designed for color treated hair (that’s me!!) to smooth your hair and boost the color! Could it get any better??? I say NO!!

Find the Kerastase products here.

Go check out http://www.luxruyparlor.com/ and let me know if you have a favorite product. And a lot of these items have FREE SHIPPING...happy shopping!!

Have a great Monday!

Doing some hopping around today

2010-11-05T09:00:00.005-04:00

I am hopping around today. Check out these great Friday hops!

Please share any other Friday or Weekend hops with me and I will post them here!! Thanks!

Have a great weekend!

I'm Making a List and Checking it Twice....

2010-11-03T07:00:00.119-04:00

Now that Halloween has passed I have shifted my thoughts to the holidays that will soon be upon us and all the shopping that I will need to do...as many of you likely will as well. I have started making my lists and gathering ideas as well as checking out other blogs to find great ideas!

For all of you who have children on your list to shop for I wanted to make sure you all knew about Barefoot Books and all the wonderful gift ideas that can be found at Barefoot in Portland. Barefoot Books offers beautifully illustrated children's books and other great gift ideas for kid's of all ages. The books spark the imagination through art and story. You will also find fun puzzles and the softest most adorable puppets....a little something for all the kids on your list.

Here are some of my favorites:

The Princess and the White Bear King

The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories

Port Side Pirates

Princess Puppet Bunny Puppet

Right now through December 24th you will receive FREE shipping on all orders $60 or more.

Also, with each order placed through my website, Barefoot Books will donate a book to First Book, a organization that provides new books to children in need.

AND....DO YOU WANT TO SAVE EVEN MORE MONEY??? CONTACT ME THROUGH MY PROFILE EMAIL AND I CAN TELL YOU HOW!!!!

Take a look at these titles and more at www.barefootinportland.com.

Have a great Wednesday!

Happy Halloween Weekend

2010-10-29T07:29:00.000-04:00

It is so hard to believe that Halloween is here already. Every year you get older time goes even faster....why is that?

This year my daughter is going to dress up as Princess Belle....I narrowly escaped her wanted to be Hannah Montana...phew! Since she is very blond and Belle is a brunette, I went out and got her a dark wig....and when I say dark, I mean dark. I did not realize that is was a black....and very very long. So I tried it on to see what I would look like as a brunette. Now that was funny. No, I am not going to post a picture of me in the long luscious dark mane but it did get me thinking. If I were going to a party this year....what would I wear???

Maybe a Witch? Very safe...

Find it here

Minnie Mouse? Kind of cute...

Find it here

Umm...Huh?

Find it here

I think I have found the perfect costume!

Find it here

I could dress just like my daughter as Belle! That would be a riot! One of these days...I will do it!!

Have a great Halloween weekend! Enjoy!

Another great recipe find

2010-10-28T07:33:00.000-04:00

As some of you know, I am always on the lookout for new recipes and food websites. It is funny because I have a TON of cook books but I always resort to the web to find new things! If only I had more time to try it ALL! I just came across this great recipe on Athenos that I can't wait to try.

5- Layer Greek Dip

Find it here.

Ingredients:

1 pkg. (7 oz.) ATHENOS Original Hummus

1 pkg. (4 oz.) ATHENOS Traditional Feta Cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped cucumbers

2 Tbsp. sliced kalamata olives

ATHENOS Pita Chips Original

Instructions:

SPREAD hummus onto bottom of 9-inch pie plate.

COVER with layers of remaining ingredients.

SERVE with chips.

This will be a great alternative to the regular layered dips and perfect while watching the football games. Do you have any favorite recipes websites you go to?

Have a great Thursday!

Weekend Cooking Anyone

2010-10-22T07:00:00.058-04:00

I know that I have talked about Kraftfoods.com before but I just have to share with you these great recipes I found. I really like their website too. It has a section that you can enter the food you have on hand and it will come up with a recipe for you to make with what you have....great idea!!

Check out this great side dish recipe...and you can make it right in the microwave!

Cheesy Spaghetti Squash

Find it here.

What You Need
1 large spaghetti squash (3 lb.)
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Reduced Fat Parmesan Style Grated Topping
1/2 cup KRAFT 2% Milk
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
2 plum tomatoes, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Make It
PIERCE squash several times with fork or sharp knife to allow steam to escape. Microwave on HIGH 10 min. or just until squash is softened, turning after 5 min. Let stand 5 min.

CUT squash in half; remove and discard seeds. Use fork to scrape insides of squash to form strands; place in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients; toss lightly with fork. Spoon into 1 squash shell; discard remaining shell.

MICROWAVE 2 min. or until heated through.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Make Ahead: Microwave squash and pull into strands as directed; place in microwaveable bowl. Refrigerate up to 2 days. When ready to serve, microwave on HIGH 3 to 5 min. or until heated through.

And take a gander at this dessert....holy cow do I want to make this right now!!

Under-a-Spell Red Devil Cake

Find it here

What You Need

1 pkg. (2-layer size) red velvet cake mix
3 pkg. (3.3 oz. each) JELL-O White Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding, divided
1-1/4 cups water
1/3 cup oil
3 eggs
6 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2 cups milk
1 tub (12 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
3 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate
1 Tbsp. butter

Make It
HEAT oven to 350ºF.

LINE 2 (15x10x1-inch) pans with foil. Spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle 2 clean kitchen towels with cocoa powder. Beat cake mix, 1 pkg. dry pudding mix, water, oil and eggs with mixer until well blended. Pour into prepared pans.

BAKE 15 to 17 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Immediately invert cakes onto towels; remove pans and foil. Cut 1 cake crosswise into thirds; place on wire racks. Starting at one short end, roll up remaining cake with towel. Cool cakes completely.

BEAT cream cheese in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Add remaining dry pudding mixes; beat 2 min. until well blended. Whisk in COOL WHIP.

UNROLL cake; remove towel. Cut cake crosswise into thirds. Spread pudding mixture over all 6 cake pieces. Reroll 1 cake piece; stand in center of large plate. Wrap remaining cake pieces, pudding-sides in, around first piece to resemble spiral, using flat cake pieces for outside layers.

MICROWAVE chocolate and butter in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 min. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is well blended; cool. Spoon around top edge of cake to cover outer cake pieces only, allowing glaze to drip down side. Refrigerate 2 hours or until pudding mixture is firm. Cut into wedges.

The dessert is a bit more involved but I think it will be well worth the time and effort. I will let you know when I make these delicious looking concoctions. If you make them first....do tell!

Have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-20T07:00:00.025-04:00

Some people really love Halloween....

Hmmm...

Find it here.

Wow

Find it here.

Have a great Wednesday!

The Spotlight Is On You Monday

2010-10-18T07:00:00.049-04:00

I wanted to take a moment to today to spotlight a great shop on Etsy...well actually two shops...from one great gal. The first is the Paperstork. This shop is filled with children's art work that is so adorable you will not be able to resist. If you are looking for something special she takes custom orders as well. Here is a sample of her work and a couple of my favorites.

The second shop I wanted to tell you about is Posie Hill Farm. This is a great shop where you will find great Vintage inspired items. Items include Vintage inspired Cake Stands and Vintage inspired Earring and Barrettes. These are too adorable that you have to check them out yourself! Here is a peek at a couple items.

Have fun take a look at all her great stuff!! Let me know what you think!

Have a great Monday!

New find for Slow Cooker Sunday

2010-10-15T09:24:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite websites for recipes hunting is Allrecipes.com I have made so many recipes from this site over the years I have lost count. The thing I like about it is that people leave reviews and comment on what they liked about the recipes and give ideas on how to make it better or make it a little different. So not only do you get the original recipe, you get many varieties of the same dish!

When I am looking for something new and different to make, I enter the type of food I want (chicken, beef, slow cooker...you get the point) and sort it by rating. This will give you the top rated recipes first.

I just found this recipe and it is a front runner for this Sunday's slow cookin'! It looks so YUMMY!!

Chicken Taco Soup

Find it here

Ingredients
1 onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) can chili beans
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning
3 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts
shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
sour cream (optional)
crushed tortilla chips (optional)

Directions
1.Place the onion, chili beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, beer, and diced tomatoes in a slow cooker. Add taco seasoning, and stir to blend. Lay chicken breasts on top of the mixture, pressing down slightly until just covered by the other ingredients. Set slow cooker for low heat, cover, and cook for 5 hours.
2.Remove chicken breasts from the soup, and allow to cool long enough to be handled. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup, and continue cooking for 2 hours. Serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips, if desired.

Check out Facebook Friday...I just stumbled upon this new link up at Mamabytes!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Remarkable...

2010-10-14T07:00:00.039-04:00

For the majority of the day yesterday I was glued to the live Internet feed of the rescue of the 33 Chilean Miners that were trapped for 69 days. I could not believe my eyes that all of the efforts that had gone into planning the rescue were actually coming to fruition and working flawlessly.

I got teary eyed and sometimes more than that every time I watched a miner emerge from the capsule. The stories of the miner's loved ones spending day and night camped out just waiting to see them was unbelievable.

The workers that went without sleep for days as they prepared the tunnel for the miners to travel through were amazing. It is wonderful to see so many people (and countries) come together.

I will have the images of the miners faces as they came out of the capsule and the emotion they expressed when greeting their families for a long time to come.

With all of the bad things we see in the news every day it is refreshing for such a horrific story have such a happy outcome.

Have a great Thursday!