The Divining Rod Wines

Looking for some adult fun this Halloween? Look for The Divining Rod wines in stores now.  Pick up a few bottles for a nice treat for your guests at your Halloween party.

 “From water, comes wine” – never has this been more true than with The Divining Rod wines. By giving life to countless vineyards across California, Marc Mondavi quite literally “turns water into wine.” He possesses the grape growing and winemaking skills and knowledge that come from growing up in the Napa Valley, as a key member of America’s foremost wine family. But Marc’s “sixth sense” for water divining (also called water witching or dowsing) and connection with the land, put him on another level of winemaking. That’s why we say that his Divining Rod wines are more than natural, they’re supernatural. History Established in the 1940’s by Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, C. Mondavi & Family remains a family-owned business which has thrived for generations to produce fine wines for a variety of occasions and consumers. Built on a foundation of family values, hard work and European winemaking traditions, the winery offers a portfolio of wines for special occasions and everyday gatherings of family and friends. Day-to-day operations are handled by co-proprietors Marc Mondavi and Peter Mondavi Jr., both sons of legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi Sr., who serves as the company’s president and CEO. The family is now proudly welcoming members of the fourth generation to the business, continuing a legacy started 70 years ago and setting a foundation for generations to come. Marc Mondavi started The Divining Rod label in 2012 in honor of his ability to locate underground water sources and establish vineyards. The first new brand from C. Mondavi & Family in over 60 years, The Divining Rod has secured its place in a long line of fine wines created by this iconic family.

I love the history behind these wines.  Now, when I go in the store to pick my next bottle of The Divining Wines, I know the story behind the wine.

Current Wine Releases
 2010 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% "a little magic" (Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Malbec) SRP: $17.99
2011 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 95% Chardonnay and 5% "a little magic" (Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier) SRP: $17.99

Winemaker Our winemaker and water witch Marc Mondavi begins by giving life to vineyards by using his copper divining rods to locate underground water. This water is harnessed to nourish vineyards and create ideal conditions for vines to thrive. Marc then puts on his winemaker hat to create beautiful expressions of his special vineyards. Our wines are specifically made to highlight the beautiful fruit given to us by nature. Marc prefers to showcase the fruit of the vine, rather than the telltale signs of heavy-handed wine making.   This is what sets The Divining Rod wines apart from the rest.  I like the fruit of the wine, rather than the signs and TASTE of heavy-handed wine making.

Yummy Orange Mimosa

For all the parents out there who are exhausted from the Halloween parties and trick or treating, here is a quick drink to make for an adult treat.  Enjoy an Orange Mimosa!

1 ½ cups Orange Juice
¼ cup Triple Sec Orange Liqueur
2 cups Champagne

In a pitcher, combine orange juice and triple sec and stir. Add champagne and stir. Pour into a martini glass.

White Bean Chicken Chili

Items needed:

2 Bone-In Split Chicken Breasts 
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper (to season)
1/2 cup Onion (finely diced)
5 cups Chicken Broth
2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern Beans (drained)
1 (8-ounce) can Whole Kernel Corn (drained)
1 (4-ounce) can Chopped Green Chilies
1 teaspoon bottled Minced Garlic
1 ½ teaspoons Ground Cumin
1 ½ teaspoons Oregano
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/8 teaspoon Pepper
2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
1/4 cup Half & Half
Fresh Cilantro
Sour Cream
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Place chicken in a roasting pan. Season each breast with salt and pepper, then rub with olive oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees on the 3rd rack for 50 minutes. Remove chicken from oven and let cool, remove skin and shred into chunks enough to equal 3 cups, then set aside. In a large heavy pot and over medium heat. Combine chicken, onion, chicken broth, northern beans, corn, green chilies, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 40 minutes. Stir together cornstarch and half & half, then pour into mixture. Stir and cover. Let simmer an additional 4 minutes. Serve soup topped with cilantro, sour cream and monterey jack cheese.

I love  this Kids Academy app.  Brings of of fun while learning, too.  My kids just cannot play with it enough. Lots of learning games and I like that it reinforces what my child has already leanrned.  Great for preschool aged kids!

Kids Academy Releases Preschool Education Center for iOS and Android!

I am always looking for fun and educatiopnal apps for my kids.  Kids Academy has just that!  I highly suggest you check out these apps and download them to yur devices!  Kids Academy – the team behind some of the top educational apps for kids with over 10 million downloads worldwide just released the long-awaited version of their flagship app – Preschool Education Center. As the name suggests, Preschool Education Center is an all-in-one educational app for kids and toddlers. The app covers all aspects of early childhood education from the alphabet and reading to writing, building vocabulary and developing math skills. Based on the proven Montessori method the app offers a number of fun games that help master essential learning skills through play.   I love  this Kids Academy app.  Brings of of fun while learning, too.  My kids just cannot play with it enough. Lots of learning games and I like that it reinforces what my child has already leanrned.  Great for preschool aged kids! Until now, Preschool Education Center has only been available on iTunes but today's release makes it finally available for Android device on Google Play! This fun and free app is currently being featured in the Family section of the Android store in the USA, Australia and Canada.

Get the app free on Google Play!

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For iOS devices:

Kids Academy have also updated the iOS version of the app: Preschool & Kindergarten Early Learning Games adding new games, books and educational cartoons and shows as well as printable worksheets. - The update boasts a bunch of cute little monsters that will teach your kids about money and how to count it. - Kids Academy TV now has a 24/7 Live Zoo channel offering web-cam views on real-life animals.

Grab your free copy of the update on the iTunes App Store!

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BONUS! Free Preschool & Kindergarten Worksheets for Kids

Kids Academy is also finding a way to expand beyond the screen and help master pen and pencil with free printable worksheets. You can get free preschool worksheets on a variety of subjects from alphabet to math (the library is being constantly updated). Download, print out and get start practicing with good old pen and paper in seconds!

Head over to to the Kids Academy to get your FREE PRINTABLE WORKSHEETS and get your kids busy!

Olive Garden Never Ending Pasta Bowl 20th Anniversary

Where are all of my Olive Garden Fans?  Now through November 22, 2015 Olive Garden is having the 20th anniversary of the  Never  Ending Pasta Bowl!   This is my favorite time of year to get some great pasta from Olive Garden.  And who doesn't love the bread sticks?  Make sure to visit your Olive Garden to take advantage of this offer.  I did and it was delicious. 

Never Ending Pasta Bowl includes options to please the entire family:

·         Pastas: Rigatoni, Cavatappi, Spaghetti, Whole Wheat Linguine, Gluten-Free Rotini, Tri-Colored Penne, Fettuccine, Angel Hair and Mezzaluna Ravioli.

·         Sauces: Five Cheese Marinara, Traditional Meat Sauce, Asiago Garlic Alfredo, Alfredo, Marinara, New Chicken Pomodoro and Pesto Alfredo. 

·         Toppings: Meatballs, Italian Sausage, Chicken Meatballs, Crispy Chicken Fritta or Crispy Shrimp Fritta can be added to any combination starting at $2.99.

Tell me what Pasta Bowl you would get! 

I was compensated for this review iwith a gift card.  

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Here are a few pictures from our trip to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia SC.

Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

Here is an easy and chocolate filled Bundt cake recipe. I avoid all the hassle by buying boxed cake mixes. 

Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) box Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Cake Mix

1 (5-ounce) package Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix

1 cup Sour Cream

1/2 cup Warm Water

1/2 cup Vegetable Oil

4 large Eggs

2/3 cup Milk Chocolate Chips

Vegetable Shortening (for greasing)

Directions:

Grease a bundt pan with vegetable shortening, set aside. In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat together cake mix, chocolate pudding mix, sour cream, warm water, vegetable oil and eggs. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter into pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees on the 3rd rack for 50 to 55 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes, then turn over and remove from pan.  You can drizzle some chocolate sauce over the cake, if you LOVER chocolate! 

Spooktacular October Event

Ready for some Halloween giveaways?  There will be many winners in this one!  Don't be scared to enter!

Pear Salad

This is a super easy recipe and a Southern favorite.  You can have this ready in a jiffy.  Not only is it easy to make, it is very appealing to the eye and it tastes great!

2 can halved pears, drained
Mayonnaise
Grated sharp or cheddar cheese
Maraschino cherries
Head of lettuce

Tear off large pieces of lettuce leaves and arrange on large platter, making sure to cover entire platter. Place pear halves on platter.  Use a dollop of mayonnaise in the center of each pear.  Sprinkle each pear with grated cheese.  Top each pear with a maraschino cherry. Refrigerate until ready serve.  I have never fixed Pear Salad and had any leftovers!

How You Can Have a Spa in Your Own Home with Spa Life

Back to school can have it's perks.  Having a spa day all day is one of them.  Reviewz & Newz is helping to promote this wonderful giveaway.

The time has come again. Not only is school back in session, or almost back in session, but it is time to kick off the School Rules Blog Pop giveaway event! If you have been following for awhile, I am sure you already know how awesome the Blog Pop events are. If you are new here, you are in for a real treat. We have so many awesome giveaways in store.

To mark my kids going back to school this week, I wanted to start off with some really great products that would be great for relaxation. Back to school time can be so stressful. There is so much to do and it sometimes takes awhile to get back into rhythm. The kids and I had been staying up very late every night over the summer, but we had been sleeping in to.

Now that they have school in the mornings, they are going to bed early so they can get up early. The problem is, I still have a lot to do and I am not finding a way to get in bed before 1am, but I still have to be up early too. Between the stress and the tiredness, I just wanted a nice escape. My Spa Life was exactly what I needed.

Spa Life is not just a beauty solution is is a spa experience, and that is what makes all the difference to me. I don't want to feel like I am doing a chore, I want to enjoy the feeling  of caring for myself. I want it to be pampering and indulgent, and My Spa Life is all of that and more.

Spa Life has so many incredible products. So far I have been able to try out several fabulous facial wraps/masks as well as the fantastic Hand Gloves and Foot Sockies. The products are all so amazing. Each item is individually packaged and is single use.

I love that there is no guessing how much product to use. There is no messy rinsing. Seriously, washing(rinsing off) your face in the sink is one of the messiest things you can do. It is unpleasant and, to me, can totally undo any relaxation that may have come from an ordinary mask/masque(like a mud mask or something).

These wraps/masks, gloves and sockies are all so easy to use. You literally just make sure you clean the area, apply the wrap and sit back and relax for at least 20 minutes. I love relaxing as part of the directions. That is my kind of skin care.

I have used the masks a few times at night after the kids are in bed, and I love how great they feel while they are on. Of course they made my skin look and feel incredible after using them, which is wonderful. My skin has been a struggle for me since I was young. I am so impressed by these Spa Life facial wraps. You can even choose a warm or a cool wrap by either refrigerating before use or placing (sealed package) in hot water for a few minutes before use).

The real treat was on Monday though. Monday was the kids' first day back to school, so I could finally get the full relaxation experiences. I put soothing Lavender and Peppermint essential oils in my diffuser, applied the Beauty Trip Facial Mask, Hand Gloves and Foot Sockies and laid back with some music. I probably indulged in it for 30 minutes, and it was heavenly.

As I already mentioned, the mask made my face feel amazing and look luminous and vibrant. Considering I had only 5 hours of sleep, that is pretty great. The best part was the Foot Sockies though. I unfortunately have super dry skin on my heels and such. I have tried so many things to treat it, but no one wants to have lotion on their feet making them slippery or getting on the floor(or couch/bed if you put your feet up.

The Foot Sockies keep all the moisture inside the wrap. Not only does that keep your feet and everything they touch clean, but it keeps them moisturized so much better. The Sockies made my feet feel amazing, my skin was so soft. I felt like I was going to slip out of my shoes they were so soft.

The Hand Gloves were every bit as good as the Sockies. I did not even think my hands were that dry, but after seeing how much softer and smoother-looking they got, I realized why I needed them. I am convinced I now need to do this Spa Life relaxation treatment every week.

If you are dying to try these amazing Spa Life products yourself, you are in luck. My Spa Life has generously offered to give away the Spa Life Pink Collection set($72) to one lucky winner. The set contains: 2 Invigorating Hand Gloves, 2 Miraculous Moisturizing Foot Sockies,  2 Cucumber and Aloe Face Wraps  2 Avocado and Vitamin E Face Wraps  1 (6 count) Hydrosoothing Cooling Eye Pads in  Strawberry, and 1 (6 count) Hydrosoothing Cooling Eye Pads in Orange.

iSwimBand

  End of Summer #iSwimBand 

Disclosure: Barbara's Beat was provided an iSwimBand to review in exchange for our honest opinion. Reviewz & Newz is promoting this giveaway. This prize is valued ay $39.99.  Reviewz & Newz is not responsible for shipment of prize.

Sponsor: iSwimBand
Host: Barbara's Beat
Thanks to all the bloggers promoting this giveaway.
It may be time for school to begin in some areas of the country, but the temperatures and the calendar says it's still summer. Some families are even getting in another family beach vacation before fall begins. 

The Statioinery Studio

Reviewz & Newz is promoting this giveaway along with our friends from Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom!   Read below on how you can win a $50 gift card.

The Stationery Studio is the online leader in personalized stationery and gifts and often featured in media outlets like the TODAY SHOW, Good Housekeeping, USA TODAY, People magazine and much more. They also have a large celebrity fan base including Kim Kardashian West, Elizabeth Banks, Bethenny Frankel and Julie Bowen. Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom was able to get their hands on some of their amazing products for themselves recently. You can read their FULL REVIEW about that.

One lucky reader will win a $50 gift card from The Stationary Studio!

Entering is simple using the widget below. US only, ends 8/18/15 11:59 pm EST.

Rules: This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media. The winner will be chosen randomly and contacted by email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. US only. Daily Deals From a Nerd Mom and all bloggers involved are not responsible for prize shipment. The Stationary Studio will be in charge of that.

GOOD LUCK! :)

 

Childhood Asthma

As a child, I suffered from asthma. It was one of the worst experiences of my adolescence years. I wished I knew then what I know now.  So many different preventive measures can be taken to prevent an asthma attack.  Make sure you know the signs of an oncoming asthma attack and you may can prevent it. When you cannot prevent an asthma attack, know how to treat it and know when to seek medical assistance.

This post is sponsored by FilterBuy.

How To Prevent Summer Brain Drain with Scholastic

Reviewz & Newz is promoting this giveaway along with our friends at It's a Mom Things Reviews and More.  Read more on how you can win  some great prizes from Scholastic.

Summer is almost over which means back to school is around the corner! The end of the summer means something else too - summer brain drain! At the end of the summer children stop reading as much which leads to a loss of core skills (aka brain drain). The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge is the perfect way to prevent summer brain drain! Sign up for the reading challenge HERE!

Enter to win a summer reading package from Scholastic to help keep your kids reading. This package includes:Summer Reading printables, Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge (water bottle for parents), Bookmarks, an assortment of books (including picture books, novels and more), Posters, Signed poster from authors of “39 Clues” including Gordon Korman, Jude Watson, etc.

Why you need to register with Smart 911

I have a child with autism and I have used Smart911.  But, it's not just for children with autism, it is for all children or adults that may live alone or have a condition that a first responder needs to know about should you have to call 911.

Register at Smart911.  It is absolutely FREE! Create a safety profile.  Uploada CURRENT picture of your family members.  Since my son is non verbal, I wanted them to know exactly what he looked like in case of an emergency.  Input all of your information, it takes only a few minutes and could very well save your life or that of your child.

School starts soon and I want all of my readers to register at Smart911 and add your child's photo and all pertinent medical information concerning each member of your family.  If the unthinkable happens and your child is missing, there will be no searching for a recent photo, because it is all stored in Smart911.

Here are some statistics about missing children:

·         The ­first 3 hours are the most critical when trying to locate a missing child.

·         76.2% of abducted children who are killed are dead within 3 hours.

·         It can take more than 2 hours to gather information from a panicked parent.

·         With Smart911, parents can provide a photo and physical description of their child. If their child ever goes missing, 9-1-1 will be able to immediately send their photo to officers responding in the field.

·         Here’s a real 9-1-1 call where Smart911 helped police locate a missing child in Arkansas:

Do your family a favor and SIGN UP NOW at SMART911.  It may very well save a life.


I was compensated for this post, but all opinions are 100% my own. Images courtesy of Smart911.

More for Teachers at Staples

Being a teacher has it's rewards.  One of the best rewards is being a Staples Rewards Member.  I pay a lot out of my own pocket for supplies and materials for my classroom. I am happy that Staples will have Teacher Appreciation Week August 2-8, 2015.



During Staples Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers can get an exclusive coupon that provides 40 percent back in Staples Teacher Rewards on the most popular items in school supplies, teaching and art supplies from the brands we all love like Sharpie, Crayola, and 3M. 

The discount applies to in-store purchases only, made from Sunday, August 2 through Saturday, August 8, and excludes technology, Staples Less List & Extreme Deal offers.   The Refer a Fellow Teacher offer extends the savings to other educators.

I know that a lot of states are having tax free weekends, so please take advantage of this, too. Staples is my favorite place to shop for materials and supplies for my classroom. Being a rewards member is an even sweeter deal. Costs can add up in the classroom and this helps me get the much needed supplies and materials.

In addition to the 40% back in Staples® Teacher Rewards, teachers can use the Staples Less List, the back-to-school 110% Lowest Price Guarantee and Extreme Deals to save even more!

For this week only (August 2 through 8), Staples Teacher Rewards members can purchase a customizable Staples brand teacher planner for only $24.99 (regularly $39.99) with discount code, online only.

Teachers can download their 40% back in Staples® Teacher Rewards coupon and find information on the customizable Staples brand teacher planner at www.staples.com/classroom

If you are a teacher, I urge you to take advantage of the rewards programs available at Staples. They always have the best prices on the things I need for my classroom. If you know a teacher, please share this post so they, too, can get the best deals at Staples.

This post is sponsored by Mom Buzz Media and Staples.

Learn a Foreign Language with Babbel

Reviewz & Newz is happy to promote this giveaway along with our friends at Benoit Academy.  Read below on bhow you can win this great new app.

Babbel.com has teamed up with Benoit Academy to bring to you an awesome giveaway. One lucky reader will win 3 months of Babbel.com's foreign language learning app!

Babbel is for beginners all the way up to those who want to improve. They offer thousands of hours of fun, interactive courses. Each lesson takes just a few minutes. Babbel can even listen to your pronunciation and help correct it if need be. The Review Manager really makes sure that what you have learned is sticking in your memory. All previous activities show up on your Dashboard so you can see where you are and also what needs to be done.

Since the lessons are quick and can be used on mobile devices as well, you can learn a new language pretty much anywhere! Your progress is saved on a cloud and synced across your devices so you can easily pick up where you left off.

Giveaway

 

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies

Now that I have your attention with the words red velvet and brownies in the title, make sure to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board.  These mouth watering brownies are easy to make, but heed this warning, you probably want to make two batches!  These are gone in a jiffy in my house.Ingredients:

1 ½ cups Cake Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 cups Sugar
2 sticks Unsalted Butter (1 cup) (cubed)
1 (4-ounce) Baker’s Unsweetened Chocolate Bar (broken up)
4 large Eggs (beaten)
1 (1-ounce) bottle Red Food Coloring
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
2/3 cup Powdered Sugar
1 large Egg White
Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Directions

Spray a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake flour, salt and sugar. Stir together, then set aside. In a 3 quart pot and over medium heat, melt butter and unsweetened chocolate. Once completely melted, pour over flour mixture. Stir until combined. Quickly stir in eggs. Stir in red food coloring. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour batter into pan. In a medium size mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add egg white and beat. Using a small spatula or knife, drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet mixture, making swirls as you go. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees on the 3rd rack for 35 minutes. Let cool, then cut into bars.

Panasonic Headphones

Reviewz & Newz has a thing for headphones.  It seems my household is always looking for or needing headphones  Now, you can win your very own headphones from Panasonic.

 

Eco Friendly Laundry Solutions

Reviewz & Newz is thrilled to bring you this giveaway for an eco-friendly solution for your laundry!  Reviewz & Newz will not responsible shipment of prize(s).

Nerdy with Children

Reviewz & Newz is helping to promote this giveaway and is not responsible for shipment of prize(s)

Beauty Products That Are Budget Friendly

Let's face it, sometimes beauty products are expensive.  That is why I shop at Walmart and get the most bang for my buck!

Walmart helps you save money on the products you love.  I have always followed the advice of my grandmother, and I never leave home without my mascara. CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara helps me achieve fuller lashes. It is designed to max out every lash, leaving me with the ultimate big-lash look.  It has a patented volume-boosting hypoallergenic formula.  

I have used Olay Products since my grandmother first introduced them to me.  I am trying to pass down the tradition to the young women in my family.  Olay Ultra Moisture Beauty Bars are a must in my beauty routine.  Made with shea butter and having a creamy moisturizing lather, they leave you skin feeling clean, soft and smooth.   

My grandmother always, I mean always, has used Olay Moisturizer.  I absolutely love the Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream. This moisturizer  penetrates deep in your skin's surface layers to fight the look of fine lines and wrinkles.  It gives my skin a brighter, younger looking skin.  

Thanks, Grandma for the beauty advice.  Your skin was always so beautiful. You, too can have these beauty products by shopping at Walmart and taking advantage of their everyday  low prices.  And, if you want to save even more money, there are always coupons for these products.

Now, to help you get your CoverGirl and Olay products, I am giving away a $25 Walmart Gift Card.  

How To Get a Good Night's Sleep with Melatonin

I have always had a sleeping problem so I decided to try Melatonin.  I used the Natrol 1mg Fast Dissolving Tablets for a couple of nights and I can really tell the difference.

Not only did I get to sleep faster, but it was a quality night's sleep.  I usually only sleep for 5-6 hours at a time, but with this product I slept from 7-8 hours a night.  That does a body good!  I did not wake up drowsy or foggy, like some of the other the counter products leave you feeling.

I absolutely love that the tablets are fast dissolving and in a  delicious strawberry flavor. I have had great results so far and will continue to use the product.  

I know a lot of people that would benefit from using this product.  My Mother has issues with sleeping , so I am definitely going to tell her to try this out.  I know it is beneficial with those on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, because my child has autism.  I will be checking with my child's doctor to see if he can use this product.  

I have heard of many success stories of the benefits of using melatonin and since I had such a great experience using this Natrol 1mg Fast Dissolving Tablet, I hope I get the okay from his pediatric neurologist, so he can reap the benefits as well.  It could be life changing for him

Effects of Deployment

If you have a loved one in the military, chance are, they have been deployed. Since the war started and continues in parts of the Middle East, deployment of our service men and women is necessary.

Go Air Force

I grew up in a military family, so I know how hard having a parent deployed is.  They are away from home, their families, their loved ones, and it is especially hard on the kids.  While we try to go on with life and make every day life as normal as possible, having your husband or wife deployed, or even your child is difficult.

My father on his Naval ship during his deployment

I know how hard it was for me as a child when my father was deployed.  I missed him terribly.  I wondered when he was coming home.  Letters and communication with him was scarce.  I felt lost.  I wanted my Daddy home each night with the rest of the family.  I wanted him to tuck me in bed, take me fishing, or just watch a movie with me.

Since the war in the Middle East countries began in 2001, more than two million members of the military have been deployed.  Some have multiple deployments, making even harder on their families.  It takes a special, wife, husband, and family to deal with being in the military and the hardships we sometimes face.  There is no magic formula.

Returning home after his deployment, my nephew is reunited with his daughter

Recently, the young daughter of a California family showed Duracell how she kept in contact with her father while he was deployed.  She had a battery powered  recordable teddy bear.  She was able to hear her father's voice.  I cried when I watched this video, so grab your tissues.



There are many devices, such as  recordable story books or teddy bears which can convey the messages our children long to hear from their Mom or Dad.  I am happy to be a part of Duracell's campaign honoring our military.  In honor of all the families that stand behind our troops, Duracell wants to power more comforting moments for the loved ones by making a donation of $100,000 to USO's Comfort Crew for military kids,  You can read more about this and make a donation by visiting  http://www.uso.org/donate

Fun in Orange Beach Alabama

We were having so much fun, these are the pics we got!  Hope you enjoy.



We could not decide to flaot or get in the Ocean!  Decisions are ehard when you are having this much fun!




Should we get in the pool?






LOVE this view!

$25 Walmart Gift Giveaway Page

Make Your Wedding Unfogettable

If you are getting married soon, I have some deals for you!  Check out all the details below  and you can save so much money! 

Make your wedding unforgettable and save 25% Off All Wedding Products at MagnetStreet.com!

Order Wedding Save the Dates, Wedding Programs, Wedding Invitations or any Wedding products at MagnetStreet.com and Save 25%. Offer valid 6/30/15-7/7/15. Use code: WAFJULY at checkout!

MagnetStreet.com is your Wedding headquarters for all your printed products, helping you capture your moment and share your message. MagnetStreet is an online, full service stationery store that allows you to create highly personalized wedding announcements, invitations and more. MagnetStreet.com offers a variety of wedding products and designs in unlimited color options and designs to help you communicate your message in your own unique way.

Save the Dates

• Save the Date Magnets Large, small, square, heart—we offer a variety of magnet shapes and sizes for each design.
• Save the Date Cards From size and shape to paper stock, find cards to fit your unique style and budget.
  
• Save the Date Postcards Style and convenience! Available in two sizes, postcards are easy to address, stamp, and mail.

Wedding Programs

• Tea-length Programs With your ceremony printed on both sides, Tea-length Programs offer simplicity and elegance.
• Half-fold Programs Half-fold Programs open like a greeting card—sweetly narrating your nuptials on each side.
• Program Fans Available in four unique shapes, Program Fans help guests stay cool during your ceremony.

Wedding Invitations

• Rectangle Invitations Widely popular, Rectangle Invites are an easy way to tie your chic wedding look together.
• Shaped Invitations Add a trendy touch to your wedding with a Shaped Invite. Unique, modern and totally fun!
• Pocket Invitations Keep your enclosures neat and organized inside a pretty pocket fold. Choose from two layouts.

4^th of July Sale at MagnetStreet.com. 25% off ALL Wedding products use code: WAFJULY. Offer Valid: 6/30-7/7

Chocolate Cream Cheese Bars

Need a chocolate fix?  These chocolate cream cheese bars should do the trick!  The cream cheese adds to the indulgence.  This is easy to make and great to take to parties or other events!

Items needed:

1 (16.5-ounce) box  Devil’s Food Cake Mix
1 stick Margarine (melted)
1 large Egg, plus
2 large Eggs
1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese
1 (1-pound) box 10X Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Vegetable Shortening

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan with vegetable shortening, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, stir together cake mix, butter and 1 egg until completely incorporated. Press mixture into pan. In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, blend together cream cheese and 2 large eggs. Beat while slowly adding powdered sugar. Beat in vanilla extract. Pour mixture over pressed cake and bake at 325 degrees on the 3rd rack for 45 minutes. Let cool completely, then cut into bars.

This would be great to have at your next party!  I love easy desserts like this.  Make sure to pin this top your Pinterest board.

Backyard BBQ Event

Sugar Free Lemon Pie

Everybody loves dessert and especially if it is lemon pie!  Here is a recipe that is sure to please the palate without all the calories,

Items needed:

Crust:

1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs

1 ½ Tablespoons Granulated Splenda

4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated Splenda.  Add melted butter and blend together with fingers. Press into and up the sides of a shallow 9-inch pie plate. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees on the 3rd rack for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool.

Filling:

1 (8-ounce) package 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese

1 (12-ounce) can Evaporated Milk

2 large Egg Yolks

1 (1-ounce) box Sugar Free Lemon Instant Pudding & Pie Filling

½ cup fresh Lemon Juice

¼ teaspoon Lemon Zest

In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese while slowly adding evaporated milk. Beat in egg yolks. Beat in lemon pudding and pie filling. Beat in lemon juice and zest. Pour into pie crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees on the 3rd rack for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Place in the fridge for 3 hours to set.

Topping:

1 (8-ounce) container Sugar Free Whipped Topping

Spread whipped topping over pie. Place in the fridge for an additional 1 hour, then serve.

Sweet & Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

We do a LOT of grilling at my house.  Living in the South, we can grill all year long.  This is one of my favorite recipes, kids love it, adults love it,  everybody loves grilled drumsticks dripping with this sweet and spicy sauce.  

Items needed:

¼ cup White Distilled Vinegar

½ Tablespoon Dijon Mustard

1 cup Ketchup

4 Tablespoons Margarine (cubed)

½ cup Light Brown Sugar

½ Tablespoon Pepper

½ teaspoon Chili Powder

18 Chicken Drumsticks

Salt & Pepper (to lightly season)

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring vinegar and Dijon mustard just to a boil. Add ketchup, margarine, light brown sugar, pepper and chili powder. Stir together and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low for 15 minutes, stirring often. Let sauce cool and divide sauce in between 2 bowls. Lightly season chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper. Baste chicken with 1 of the bowls of sauce. Grill for around 20 minutes on one side, then turn and grill for another 20 minutes on the other side. Serve with other bowl of sauce, if desired

Yummy Protein Shake

Want a yummy protein shake? Here is a recipe a friend gave me. It tastes like a Butterfinger candy bar!!

2 ounces water
2 ounces almond milk
1/2 scoop chocolate whey iso protein
1 T sugar free butterscotch instant pudding mix
1 T creamy natural peanut butter
Blend with 4 ice cubes and pour into a glass. I made this for a snack for my 12 year old son and he loves it!




Nutritional Info

180 calories
10 grams carbs
11 grams fat
16 grams protein
179 mg sodium
5 grams sugar

Easy Crock Pot Crab Stew

Items needed:

5 (10-ounce) cans Cream of Celery Soup
3 (12-ounce) cans Evaporated Milk
1 quart Half & Half
4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cubed)
3 (8-ounce) containers fresh Claw Crab meat
Salt & Pepper (to taste)


Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot and stir together. Cook on low heat for 4 hours. Occasionally, skim froth and butter from top of stew and stir. Serve with crackers.