Saturday, June 29, 2013

Poor Waitress Service

Poor Waitress Service


We don't go out to eat very often, but went out tonight for dinner (or supper) which kind of left a "sour" taste in our mouth, so to speak.  The first thing that happened was the waitress spilled some dressing from my salad on my husband's french fries when she brought our meals.  That was not a big deal, although not a good start.

 My husband's meal included cole slaw.  So, what do you think happened next.  He didn't get the cole slaw.  When the waitress came back to check on things he told her he didn't get the cole slaw and also that he had asked for ketchup when she brought the meal.   We waited for what seemed a very long time, when she came back with the cole slaw but no ketchup.  By that time, my husband was not real happy.  So he asked if he could get some ketchup again and she said "oh, I forgot the ketchup, I'll go get it".  

Finally, after a while she came back with the ketchup and asked if there was anything else she could get us.   My hubby's fries were rather cold by then.  Well, at that point there wasn't anything else he or any of us needed.  We didn't care for her personality to begin with.  I can't really describe it, but she was very overly friendly.  My husband said he wouldn't have minded if she would have been not friendly if she would have gotten things right.

When we left my daughter said she thought he was making kind of a big deal about it.  Things like this happen sometimes.  Would this have made you upset?  What kind of a tip would you have left for this kind of service?   


Friday, June 28, 2013

Things Are Growing Around Here......Like Daisies



Things Are Growing Around Here.....Like Daisies

It's summer and things are growing around my house.  I transplanted some daisies from my backyard and put them in the front of the house last year and they really took off.  Here are some of the plants shown below.

Daisies I transplanted by the house getting ready to bloom.


Daisies with cosmos growing beside them.

A beautiful closeup of a daisy.

Daisies are so easy to grow.  I haven't done anything special to them since transplanting them last summer.  When I first transplanted them I get them watered though so they wouldn't dry up.  They really spread also.  Just think, these first started them from buying a package of seeds quite a few years ago.  Now that I've put them in the front of the house I see them more, every time I go in or out.

If you don't think you have a green thumb just try it.  You can start from seeds or buy a plant and dig a small hole, put the plant in, and cover the roots.  Keep it watered so it doesn't dry out.  It's not that hard and you will get beautiful results.  I really like perennials because you don't have to keep buying flowers every year.  More pictures will be coming of some of my other flowers.   Summer is so beautiful with colorful flowers.


Thursday, June 27, 2013

Tri-Colored Rotini Pasta Salad

Tri-Colored Rotini Pasta Salad



1 -16 oz. box of tri-colored rotini

1 can black olives (sliced)
4 -5 cherry tomatoes or 1 large tomato (cut up in small pieces)
1 small onion (diced)
1 pepper (red or green) diced
1 regular bottle of Italian dressing
McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning (about 1 tbsp.or more, depending on how much you like it.

Cook rotini according to instructions on box.  Drain and rinse well with cold water.  Put in a medium bowl.  Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.   Cool in refrigerator.  This is good for summertime or for a potluck also!

Monday, June 24, 2013

Sweet Sally's Bakeshop Cookies Review - And Giveaway

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post however I received product to review.  All opinions are my own.


Sweet Sally's Bakeshop Cookies Review - And Giveaway 


Everybody I know loves cookies and baked goods, especially a good homemade baked treat made from scratch.  Lots of times you don't have the time to bake though, or maybe you want to get someone a unique gift for a special occasion.   I found a great place to get some awesome homemade baked goods called Sweet Sally's Bakeshop.

Sweet Sally's Bakeshop is a wonderful company whose owner and founder is Sally Saltzbart Minier.  Sally is a 3rd generation baker and was taught baking by her mom and grandma.  Sweet Sally's uses all natural ingredients in their products.  No preservatives are in any of their baked goods and all of their products are kosher. 

For my review I received a beautiful tin of Wellesley Oatmeal Wonders.  I was very
impressed with the pretty tin and ribbon around it when I received it.  It was also sealed with clear tape around the tin to keep the cookies fresh.  


 The first thing I noticed is that they the Wellesley Oatmeal Wonders really looked like homemade cookies fresh from the oven.  I like the added touch of the paper around the cookies to keep them safe from breakage.  It seems just like you are opening a present.  You get approximately 24 cookies in the keepsake tin for $24.


My family was excited to try the tasty treasures and loved them.  The flavor is awesome, with the oatmeal, chocolate chunks, and coconut in them.  You really can't eat only one of them.  I had to have a "couple" right away.  They are awesome with a nice cold glass of milk or a cup of tea.  My husband, kids and I agreed that the Wellesley Oatmeal Wonders were delicious.


Sweet Sally's has so many other baked goods to choose from, such as brownies, bars, scones, and so many more varieties.   You can also purchase a Sweet Sally gift card if you are not sure what to give someone.  Also if you or someone is on a gluten free diet they have a variety of desserts that are modified for restricted diets.

 Check out Sweet Sally's Bakeshop at their Website Facebook, and on Twitter:




If you would like a chance to win a tin of Wellesley Oatmeal Wonders for yourself just enter the Rafflecopter form below.  Ages 18 years or older in the continental U.S.  only.  Sorry, no entries from Alaska or Hawaii (Sweet Sally's only ships to the continental U.S.).  Ends 7/14/13.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



















Saturday, June 22, 2013

Golden Island Jerky Review And Giveaway

Thanks to Golden Island Jerky for providing free samples for review purposes.

Golden Island Jerky Review - And Giveaway




Do you get tired of the same old snacking ideas?  My family does.  We like something besides the chips and what not, so I was thrilled when contacted to review a great product called Golden Island Jerky.

A little about Golden Island Jerky:  Golden Island Jerky is the nation's leading brand and producer of gourmet jerky products.  It is headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.  They are a third-generation family-owned business with over 60 years of specialty meat experience.  Golden Island kettle cooks its beef and flame grills its pork jerky in small batches with no preservatives, ensuring that all flavors are authentic and delicious representations of the ingredients they are inspired by.  Each serving of Golden Island Jerky contains up to 8 grams of protein and 40 to 60% less sodium than most other jerkies.


If you have tried other jerky brands before, you may be interested to know that Golden Island Jerky is a whole lot better.  The flavors are so real and natural, unlike others that we have had before.  Golden Island Jerky has a soft and chewy texture, not tough and rubbery, like other jerky you usually find.  Also, if you want gluten free jerky they have that available in Mandarin Orange and Korean Barbecue flavors.

I got to try six varieties of Golden Island Jerky including the following:


Flame Grilled Korean Barbecue (gluten free)
Flame Grilled Teriyaki
Flame Grilled Barbecue
Kettle Cooked Mandarin Orange (gluten free)
Kettle Cooked Hickory Black Pepper
Kettle Cooked Chili Lime


My husband took a look at all the flavors when I received them and said "this will be fun to review"!  He loves eating jerky, along with my twin sons.  My daughter wanted to try it too and especially liked the Mandarin Orange.  Hubby liked them all, especially the Hickory Black Pepper.  One of my favorites was the Chili Lime.  The twins couldn't pick just one favorite, they loved them all.  We all did agree that Golden Island is by far and no doubt the best jerky we ever had! 
  



To find out more information about Golden Island Jerky go to their website and like them on Facebook at:


http://www.goldenislandjerky.com/


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-Island-Jerky/126452890745266


You can purchase Golden Island Jerky online and at select Costco locations and other fine retailers nationwide.  They also have frequent giveaways on their Golden Island Facebook Page.




Giveaway: If you would like a chance to win 6 bags of Golden Island Jerky for yourself just enter the Rafflecopter form below.   Age 18 years or older in the U.S.  Ends 7/12/13.

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Friday, June 21, 2013

Winners of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil and Beanfields Bean and Rice Chips Giveaways!




Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil and Beanfields Bean and Rice Chips Winners!





Winner of the Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil is:

Entry #1515 Karen G.

Winner of the Beanfields giveaway is:

Entry #1357Starr G.


Congrats to the winners and thanks to all for entering! 






Sunday, June 16, 2013

A Parade In Our Little Town!

A Parade In Our Little Town!

This past weekend our little town had a festival and yesterday there was a parade.  It lasted about 50 minutes which was a long parade to us.  The festival has been going on for 49 years and next year will be a special 50th anniversary.  The town has a lot of stores closed like a lot of small town businesses and even big cities, but the festival is still going on every year.  It's nice to see everyone get together in the town!  Lots of candy was thrown out for the kids and the chicken barbecue was enjoyed by all!  Here are a couple of pictures of the clown float in the parade.  I even got one of those green and white beach balls that they threw out!


Friday, June 14, 2013

Jack the Giant Slayer Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet) - Giveaway


Jack the Giant Slayer Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + 
Ultraviolet) - Giveaway




Warner Bros. is proud to announce the arrival of Jack the Giant Slayer released on DVD & Blu-ray on June 18!



About Jack the Giant Slayer:
Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing Jack (Nicholas Hoult), into the battle of this life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom and its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend... and gets the chance to become a legend himself! Directed by Brian Singer (X-Men, Superman Returns)

Starring: Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy), Ewan McGregor (Star Wars, Moulin Rouge!), and Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones).


Giveaway:  Enter below to win a Jack the Giant Slayer Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet).  Giveaway ends 7/10/13.  Age 18 or older in the U.S.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclaimer:  I received information from PartnersHub and Warner Bros. and no compensation was received.  Prize will be sent by sponsor.

Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing

Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing


1 pound ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 (16 oz.) size bottle Catalina dressing
1 head of lettuce (torn into small pieces)
1 medium tomato (diced)
1 small onion (diced)
1 (8 ounce) package of shredded cheddar cheese


1 (11.5) bag of Doritos Nacho Cheese Doritos (broken into pieces)

Fry ground beef and drain grease.  Add taco seasoning according to their instructions on envelope.  Put mixture in frig to cool.  When thoroughly cooled add everything except dressing and Doritos and mix well in a large bowl.  When ready to serve add Doritos and dressing and mix again to coat everything.  Sometimes I add a can of sliced black olives or a green pepper diced.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad


Here's a recipe I posted about a year ago and thought about making it today so here it is again.  It is great for the spring and summer months.  I really like it a lot and it's good for you too!

1 lb. spinach, washed with stems removed
2 tbsp. butter
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1 pint strawberries, sliced


Dressing:
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp. poppy seeds
2 tbsp. sesame seeds
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil


Mix all of the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.  Cover and refrigerate.  Rinse the spinach, remove the stems, and spread out on paper towels to dry.  Place the spinach in a large serving bowl and refrigerate.


Just Before Serving: 
Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat and toast the almonds until light brown.  Spread them out on paper towels to cool.  Clean and slice the strawberries.  Add the strawberries and almonds to the spinach.  Pour the dressing over the spinach and mix gently.  Serves 5.


I got this recipe from Make -Ahead Meals For Busy Moms Cookbook.  It is delicious!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Payless Stood By Their Word

Disclaimer:   This is not a sponsored post and I have not been compensated.  This is my honest opinion and yours may differ.


Payless Shoe Source Stood By Their Word 


I purchased a pair of shoes from Payless Shoe Source in the last part of winter I think it was.   I had seen a nurse in a podiatrist's office and admired her shoes and she told me she had gotten them at Payless.  She had told me you don't have to have expensive shoes if you have to put a support in your shoes anyways, like I do.  Normally I wear Nike shoes because they fit me the best but thought I'd check Payless out.


Anyways, I purchased a pair of shoes at Payless then and remembered the girl that waited on me say that if your shoes rip or fall apart out you can bring them back and get a new pair.  It's been so long that I didn't pay attention to the details, and if you needed a receipt. 



I really didn't wear the shoes a whole lot but did go walking with them and they were getting worn on the bottom.  Well, I went to wear them yesterday and noticed that they were coming apart by the rubber and material.



Since I was going to the city and was nearby it sounded like a chance to check if they would do anything about my shoes.  I asked the girl who waited on me about it and what the girl that waited on me when I purchased them said about replacing them.  She said they didn't have any like this and said they must be 3 years old.  I told her no they weren't that old.  Then she proceeded to tell me that without a receipt she could give me $12 for them.



I thought that was a fair thing and really was surprised that they would give anything for them.  Since I wanted some new shoes anyways, I started trying on some shoes and found 2 pairs that were on sale for $19.99 each.  So minus the $12 it only cost me about $29 for 2 pairs of shoes.  I'm going to be sure to keep the receipt this time.  



Payless Shoe Source turned out to be a pretty good company for me, and stood by their word.  Has anyone else had the same experience that I had?  Let me know your thoughts.






Friday, June 7, 2013

Official Copperhead Movie Pack - Giveaway!

Disclaimer:  Information included within this message were provided to me in promotion of the release of the Copperhead Blog App by PartnersHub.


Official Copperhead Movie Pack - Quick Giveaway!


Did you know that this year marks the 150 year anniversary of the Civil War & The Battle of Gettysburg? 

We were all taught about the Civil War in school, but how much do we really know about the challenging stories of the brave families during the era? Mothers, fathers, and children all experienced intense hardship as family members left to fight in combat. 150 years later the timeless stories of families affected by war still remain especially pertinent. 

Commemorate the 150 year anniversary & keep your kids learning during the summer by catching Copperhead, a Civil War movie the whole family can watch together and talk about! 

About Copperhead:
From director Ron Maxwell, (Gettysburg, Gods and Generals) Copperhead is unlike any other Civil War movie. Far from the Virginia battlefield, it’s the exciting story of Abner Beech (Billy Campbell), a peace-loving but stubborn dairy farmer in upstate New York. He detests slavery, but opposes the war for the sake of the “union.” Abner is neither a Yankee nor a Rebel. He is a Copperhead. This is an extraordinary story of family and community. Learn more:http://www.copperheadthemovie.com




Giveaway:  Enter the Rafflecopter to win the following below.  Ends 6/10/13. Age 18 years or older in the U.S.  I am not responsible for shipment of prize, it will be sent by sponsor.

 Official Copperhead Movie Pack: 
- Official Copperhead Movie Poster hand signed by Director/Producer Ron Maxwell (Gettysburg, Gods and Generals) (27 X 40)
- The Copperhead Official Companion Book [Author: Harold Frederic]
- Movie Theater Cash [Valid for 1 Movie Admission]



Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil - Giveaway!

Disclaimer: If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you. I have not received product or compensation for this post.





Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil - 32 oz.
Tropical Traditions is America's source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?



Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

A little over a year ago I did a review and giveaway of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.  They were my first review and giveaway that I had.  Well, I am very pleased to do a giveaway for this awesome company again!

If you have never heard of Tropical Traditions before you are truly missing out.  Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is a pure, unrefined coconut oil which is made in the Phillipines.  This oil is not mass produced, but is made by hand as it has been done for hundreds of years.  The coconuts are certified organic according to strict USDA standards.  No chemical or high heat treatment is used and it does not contain trans-fatty acids.  This high-grade coconut oil has a long shelf life also due to the high antioxidant properties.  You can keep it for several years and it does not have to be refrigerated. 

There are hundreds of uses for coconut oil!  Coconut oil is great for cooking and it doesn't become toxic in uses for high heat.  It's great to to use as a moisturizer for your skin.  I even have used it for my hair occasionally, when it gets dried out from over styling.  I love how my hair smells like coconuts after I use it and my hair gets silky smooth too.  When my lips get chapped I put a little coconut oil on them to make them nice and soft.

 Baking with coconut oil is great!  I have made no bake cookies with my coconut oil and they are so good that my family eats them as fast as I can make them.  Also using it to fry foods is great, and it makes an awesome pie crust. Here's a link from Tropical Traditions for some awesome recipesCheck out the short video below for lots of tips on how to use coconut oil:





 You can keep up with Tropical Traditions on their social networks shown below for special deals, breaking news, coupons, giveaways, and healthy recipes.

Giveaway:  If you would like a chance to win a 32 oz. bottle of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil to try out this amazing product for yourself,  just enter the Rafflecopter form below.  The first entry is to subscribe to Tropical Traditions Newsletter which is mandatory on the Rafflecopter form.

Ages 18 years or older living in the U.S.  Giveaway ends 6/21/13.







































Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Noxicare Vitamin B-12 Supplements - Review



Noxicare Vitamin B-12 Supplements - Review

I have a problem with being tired lately, especially in the morning.  Maybe it's the cooler weather this Spring, plus I have allergies.  I already take a multi-vitamin but it doesn't seem to be enough. That's why I was very interested in trying Noxicare Vitamin B-12 supplements.  These vitamins were a nice smaller size and very easy to swallow for me, not like my big regular vitamins I take.  I've taken them for a little over a week and they seem to give me a bit more energy, which I'm happy about.



A little info about the benefits from Noxicare is this:

Helps convert food into energy
Essential for red blood cell formation
Helps maintain nervous system health
Helps maintain a healthy homocysteine level, important for cardiovascular health



    
From Noxicare Website - SUGGESTED USE: As a dietary supplement, adults take two (2) tablets daily at mealtime, or as directed by a health care professional. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.

Noxicare Vitamin B-12 supplements have 500 mcg and include 100 tablets. 



  Noxicare has so many other products for your health needs so check them out at their website here.  You can order the B-12 tablets right now for $6.95.


Right now you can enter the Noxicare Vitamin B-12 facebook contest going on and they are giving away a Kindle.  Enter till June 7th.  Get six of  your friends to "like" Noxicare on facebook and you will be entered to win.



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.





Monday, June 3, 2013

Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles - Review



 Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles - Review



Let's face it, everybody gets tired, sore feet occasionally.  When you are on  your feet all the time, you need something to cushion them and make them feel more comfy.  I never used to have any foot problems till recently.   I can't wear heels or flip flops anymore because my feet get very sore and sometimes painful.

Being a BzzAgent, it was nice to try out Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles to review.   Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles are great for casual shoes, sneakers or work boots/shoes.  You could probably use these on just about any type of shoe.  I received the Women's Size 6-10 since I wear a size 8 shoe.  You can trim them to fit your specific size very easily with a regular scissors.  They have a guideline on the insoles to follow to get your right size which I liked also.

The first thing I did was feel the neat gel feel of them.  It felt great on my feet and I walked in them around the house.  They have a wavy gel pattern that feels like that are actually massaging your feet with each step!  I love how they felt and have been wearing them for about a week now.  My feet are a lot more comfortable now and not as worn out at the end of the day.  I liked how my feet felt they had a lot of support also.  

These are great if you have to be on your feet a lot or just want your feet to be more comfortable.   I would highly recommend Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles!  They are something I am going to continue to use in the future.


Disclosure:  I received sample of product to review and opinions are my own.  Yours may differ.  





Saturday, June 1, 2013

Beanfields Bean and Rice Chips Review and Giveaway


Beanfields Bean and Rice Chips Review With Giveaway

I've been looking for more healthy snacks to try lately.  I don't like eating potato chips or other nacho chips because they're not good for you, and I get tired of eating popcorn all the time.  Sometimes you want to have a crispy chip to crunch!  Then I heard of a great brand called Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips.   Beanfields is family owned, farmed and made in the USA.  Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips have twice as much protein and fiber as most tortilla chips. They also have 29%-37% less fat than most tortilla chips and are free of the 8 most common food allergens.  

Why Beans?

Beans are rich in nutrients including fiber and protein (healthy)
Beans rarely cause an allergic reaction (safe)
Beans fix nitrogen in the soil (important)
Beans take less water to grow per pound than any other protein source (smart)
Beans can grow on marginal farmland and in harsh climates (hearty)
Beans can be stored without refrigeration for long periods (planet-wise)
Beans are grown right here in the USA (jobs)
Beans are a staple protein source for most every ethnic group, on every continent (proven)
Beans are an affordable protein source (economical)
Beans are the number one recommended food by the American Diabetes Association (vital)
Beans are the only food listed twice on the USDA Food Plate as a vegetable and as a protein (very healthy)
Beans are important to America's food supply (security)
Beans are used in hundreds of recipes (taste)
Beans are America's super food!


When I received the box from Beanfields I quickly opened it and saw some great flavors that were very tempting to try right away!  The varieties Beanfields offer are Unsalted, Sea Salt, Pico De Gallo, Salt n' Pepper and Nacho.   So what did I do, I ripped open my first package which was the Nacho flavor.

Great Assortment of Beanfields I Received

  First I inhaled the smell of the bag of chips which was great, and then I dug in.  They were very crispy and the flavor was right on,  just the amount of spice.  I really loved the texture of them also.  You can see the black beans and they are nice and crunchy.  They also have navy beans and long grain rice for ingredients.  Not a lot of junk you can't pronounce at all.  You can tell they aren't like regular corn tortilla chips.  They are way better!  I then tried the Pico De Gallo, which is shown in a closeup below.  These are probably my favorite of all the flavors.  


Closeup of  Beanfield's Pico De Gallo Chip


My kids wanted to join in and so we finished off a couple of bags right away.  Yep, we were addicted to them already.  I was glad to see that they approved and were eating something a whole lot better than some junk food.  My son Travis ate a whole bag of the Nacho flavor himself in 5 minutes or less.  Well, it was a smaller bag so I guess that wasn't bad for a boy!   You can use these for dipping too, which would be great.  I didn't have anything to dip them in at the time, but enjoyed eating them alone just fine and dandy.  The other flavors were very good, I might add.  I'm saving most of the Unsalted variety for making nachos.  My husband's favorites were the Sea Salt and Salt n' Pepper.  Hubby said, I quote "these are good snacks", as he chomped away.  Then I told him, "yes, they're a lot better for you too"!  He thought they were just the right amount of sea salt and pepper and ate them out of the bag, along with a drink.

I highly recommend Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips and want to thank Beanfields for allowing me to review their awesome products!  Check them out on their social sites shown below:

Beanfield Website: www.beanfieldssnacks.com
Beanfield Facebook: www.facebook.com/beanfields
Beanfield Twitter: www.twitter.com/beanfields

If you would like a chance to win some of these delectable treasures for yourself, just enter the Rafflecopter below.  Winner will receive half a case (6 bags) of chips.  Age 18 years or older living in the continental USA.  Prize will be sent by the sponsor.  Ends 6/17/13. 







Disclosure:  I received sample of product to review and opinions are my own.