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Need Teacher Gifts? Check out Carolina Pad! {Review and Giveaway}

November 11, 2010 By

Around this time of year, I start to make out my Christmas gift list (I think it gets longer every year!).  One of the things that is the hardest for me to buy is teacher gifts.  I tend to go with the old standby….homemade cookies or coffee gifts cards.  But, I am looking for something different this year!

Fortunately, Carolina Pad read my mind!  I was asked to check out their new gift packs that would be perfect for teachers.  The gift packs offer many of their most popular products from the Hot Chocolate line, the Simply Chic line and more!

carolina pad

We received the Carolina Pad Gift Bundle No. 1 for review.  The set includes a Note Cube (with adhesive backs) in Royal Twist, Note Pad (with adhesive back) in Hot Chocolate, Paper Clips in Hot Chocolate and Hot Chocolate Ballpoint Pen.  The entire set is sold for only $5!!  This gift is not only affordable, but practical, too.

There are five gift packs available (so each teacher can have a different set!) and range from $5 to $15.  Stop the endless search for the perfect teacher gift and fill your sleigh with gifts from Carolina Pad! Make sure you “like” Carolina Pad on Facebook to get up to date on the latest holiday promotions (can you say FREE shipping??).

GIVEAWAY

Could you use a gift bundle from Carolina Pad?  One winner* will receive a $25 gift card to Carolina Pad to satisfy their shopping craving!

*winner cannot have won another Carolina Pad giveaway within the last 90 days.

How to Enter:

1. Check out the Carolina Pad gift bundles and tell me which one you like best!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Carolina Pad (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @CarolinaPad on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Carolina Pad on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 2nd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. I was not compensated in any way for this post except a sample product to facilitate this review.  Carolina Pad will handle prize fullfillment.
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Perfect Teen Stocking Stuffer from iWave {Giveaway}

November 10, 2010 By

cell phone caseAre you looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for the tween or teen in your home?  Is Santa bringing an iPod Touch or iPhone?  What teen wouldn’t love to bling out their new gift with these sparkly accessories (heck, I want them, too!) from iWave?  And they haven’t left out the boys!  Check out the cool nature themed sets, too!

About iWave:

“Nowhere else will you be able to find a company that incorporates fashion, unique design and value into one as good as we do. Our purpose is to give our customers the latest case, the latest accessory or any of the products that we make at a price they can afford, while not compromising quality or attention to detail. This unrelenting promise separates us from the rest.

iWave has recently joined the global effort to help save our environment by using fully recycled paper for packaging and natural dyes and pigments for package graphics. Our new Grass Roots collection, extends this effort into the product itself by using renewable materials such as bamboo, recycled wood and hemp and other natural materials so you can express your care for our environment even while listening to your favorite tunes.”

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will receive one cell phone or iTouch case plus a set of matching earbuds from iWave!

How to Enter:

1. Tell me whose stocking you would put this gift in!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and iWave (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @iWaveAudio on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 24th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. I was not compensated in any way for this post.  iWave will handle prize fullfillment.
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Wordless Wednesday

November 9, 2010 By 15 Comments
Christmas photo

On our way to Christmas portraits!

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Granny’s Famous Butter Cookies!

November 8, 2010 By 2 Comments

When it came to my Granny’s cooking,  all of us had our “favorite” things that she would make.   For a few of us, it was her Butter Cookies.  The best part about making these is getting to use the fun cookie press.  This was my favorite part (besides eating them) and it took many tries and lots of patience on Granny’s part but I finally got the hang of it.

I could never guess how many batches she made in her lifetime.  She used to make them all the time, and even packed them up and shipped them off to my cousin in California once because he just “had” to have them.  When I was in my first year of teaching, Granny and Grandpa came to visit my classroom.  The kids (or I) could have never guessed that Granny would come with a giant can of these for the whole class.   They are very simple but very good.  Not too sweet and not too filling!  I could eat a whole can by myself…..and back in the day Granny would let me, and never tell Mom!

Butter Cookies

What you Need:

The Helper's most important job: Sprinkle Application.

1 stick butter (Don’t even look at the margarine!)

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg yolk

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

pinch of salt

1 teaspoon almond extract (but I like a little more)

3 Tablespoons cream, half and half, or milk

Sprinkles, any kind or color

At least One Little Helper to stand on a chair at the counter, any age


This is the official "Granny" pattern but I think any kind will work.

How to make them:

Cream the butter, sugar, and egg yolk together using your electric mixer until good and fluffy.  Combine baking powder, salt, and flour.  Add this to the butter mixture and mix well.  Add almond extract and up to 3 T milk as needed to get the consistency right.  You need it to be about as stiff as mashed potatoes.

Put the dough into a cookie press; the pattern we always used is flat on the bottom and zig-zag on top (see photo to the right).  Press out cookies onto cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray into lengths about 1 1/2 to 2 inches long.  Decorate with sprinkles if you want, but they are just as good plain.

Bake at 350 degrees until the edges are light golden brown.

Here I am as a young first year teacher. Granny and Grandpa came to visit, bearing cookies. All of my 3rd graders thought they were the coolest grandparents ever.....and I agree!

Bridgette butting in here: I just had to say that I have actually tasted Jennifer’s Granny’s Butter Cookies and they are indeed little slices of heaven. Try them!
Filed Under: My So-Called Life Tagged With: , , , ,

Stay warm this winter with Zippo: Review and Giveaway

November 7, 2010 By

With my oldest being involved in sports, we have spent many weekends freezing on the sidelines of the soccer or football fields.  Shelling out endless dollars for hot chocolate from the concession stand is one option, but it’s not practical.  When I was asked to review the new hand warmer from Zippo, I was excited to check it out!

While neither my husband or myself are smokers, we do have a few Zippo lighters in the house and have always relied on them for years and years.  I am certain after trying out the handwarmer, it will stand up to the test of time just like Zippo’s other products do!  From the website:  “The story of Zippo Manufacturing Company is the story of its people, from the founder, George G. Blaisdell, to the many Zippo employees, customers, and collectors who have played a part in its 75-year history. Their loyalty to Zippo has made this one of America’s great companies.”

The Handwarmer is about the size of a deck of cards and very lightweight.  Although made from sturdy metal, its high polish  makes it appear sleek and compact.  It can easily fit in your pocket and has up to 12 hours of burn time!  I packed mine to my son’s soccer game this weekend in the cold temperatures and it worked great!  It didn’t weigh down my coat pockets and was less cumbersome than constantly pulling gloves on and off.  The handwarmers are easily refillable and relatively inexpensive so in the long run, you won’t be wasting money on disposable hand warmers (or hot chocolate)!

The flameless warmer is also odorless, making it perfect for hunters.  Not sure what do get Dad this Christmas?  Look no further!  The Zippo handwarmer is the perfect gift for any frosty outdoor activity.

GIVEAWAY

Can’t wait to see if Santa brings you a Zippo handwarmer in your stocking?  You can win one here at Experimental Mommy (ARV $19.95)!

How to Enter:

1. Visit Zippo and tell me which feature of the handwarmer makes this an ideal stocking stuffer!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Zippo (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 19th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is Jennifer’s opinion, a writer for Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Zippo for supplying the product for review.
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Chicago Cutlery

November 7, 2010 By 1 Comment

Living in New Orleans, there is definitely no lack of incredible food or amazing chefs.  Around every corner, you will find a restaurant that is full of enticing smells and dishes to die for.  So, I have to say that I was surprised at the findings of the recent Chicago Cutlery survey regarding the “Sharpest Cities Index.”

The study found that Canadians are actually sharper than Americans in their cooking habits and kitchen knife use with Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto scoring higher than American cities of New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.  I wonder where New Orleans placed in the survey?  In an effort to help out the cities that don’t cut the mustard, Chicago Cutlery is beginning a new initiative.  From the press release:

Chicago Cutlery“The Chicago Cutlery brand, best-known for its innovative collection of kitchen knives, also plans to reach a new generation of aspiring cooks, by enlisting Top Chef winner and restaurateur Stephanie Izard to participate in the campaign. Throughout the program Izard will help home chefs nationwide learn the basics of dicing, chopping and storing their knives, as they build their culinary talents in the kitchen.

With her help, Chicago Cutlery will provide helpful tips to demonstrate how its innovative products inspire confidence in the kitchen, such as the reusable blade protectors that go from the store to the drawer – helping keep knives sharp and drawers organized at the same time.”

I will admit that I am no chef.  Not even close.  My husband does much of the cooking in my home, and although he cooks well, we do not have a professional set of knives.  So, we were excited to try the Chicago Cutlery Landmark Edition 8″ Chef Knife.  About the collection:

“Chicago Cutlery Landmark Edition collection commemorated the 75th Anniversary of Chicago Cutlery. High-carbon stainless steel blades matched with polymer/steel combination forged handles provide contemporary and elegant styling that is also extremely functional.”
Photobucket
My husband used the knife to prepare the ingredients for a New Orleans tradition, red beans and rice.  He was impressed with the weight and balance of the knife and also liked the look.  I like that the knife came with the StorEdge Edge Saver which allows us the store the knife safely.  With a full lifetime guarantee, you really can’t go wrong with this knife which is sold for just $24.99.

This review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  I received the product from Chicago Cutlery in order to facilitate this review, but all opinions remain 100% mine.

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Reviewer’s Retreat Twitter Party 11/9 at 9pm EST! PRIZES!

November 4, 2010 By 1 Comment

review blog conference

The Conference I have started with my business partner, Cecelia, is only 6 months away!  We are making great progress in putting together a fabulous agenda including some wonderful speakers.  We decided to throw a Twitter Party to help advertise the conference and help a lucky blogger win a FREE Conference Pass!

So, please join us for a Reviewer’s Retreat Twitter party where we’ll be chatting about “review blogger” issues and giving away conference themed prizes and fun swag from our sponsors.

When: Tuesday, November 9, 2010 from 9:00-10:00 p.m. EST

Where: Twitter hashtag #RR11 and #reviewer; follow @coolbabykid, @BridgetteLA and @DoubleDutyDivas

Prizes: Pampers Prize Packs (diapers, wipes and bibsters), About One One Year Subscription, Free Reviewer’s Retreat conference pass, Free One Day Conference Meal Plan, a One Night Stay at Great Wolf Resort, Poconos-PA, and more!

RSVP: While not necessary, we will be giving away special prizes for those who RSVP and/or blog about the party. Please include your name and a link to your blog. If you blogged about the party please RSVP twice.

Filed Under: Promotions Tagged With: ,

Constructive Playthings Today’s Girl Doll and Kitchen: Review and Giveaway

November 3, 2010 By

hypothesis My girls will find hours of imaginative and creative play with the Today’s Girl doll and kitchen from Constructive Playthings.

materials

One Today’s Girl named Sophie complete with a 15 piece wardrobe, the wooden classic doll kitchen perfect for any 18″ doll, and one extraordinarily excited five year old daughter!  About the products:
doll kitchen“Inspire new recipes for make-believe with this wood kitchen sized just right for any 18″ toy doll. Imagine her “cooking” at the 15″ L. x 8″ W. x 11½” H. stove/sink with see-thru acrylic oven door and turning knobs and faucet or opening the 2-door refrigerator with interior shelving. Comes complete with a 4-pc. pot & pan set and 34 pretend foods.“ Today's Girl Doll“Totally today in attitude and fashion, our 18″ doll offers high-style play at a low affordable price. She has a soft, huggable body with jointed vinyl arms and legs, beautiful brown eyes with realistic eyelashes and rooted hair. With her 15-pc. wardrobe, she’s the ideal dress-up friend.”

results

Both of my daughters absolutely love cooking up special meals in their own wooden kitchen (and LOVE being Mommy’s helper in the REAL kitchen, too!).  Even their dolls have gotten in on the action and helped me stir on occasion, but this usually results in a doll needing a spin in the washing machine.  So, I was thrilled to give my daughters the opportunity to play with an actual doll kitchen from Constructive Playthings.

Photobucket

I first unpacked Sophie, a Today’s Girl which comes with three adorable outfits, and gave her to my daughter play with while we unpacked and assembled the kitchen.  My husband took the initiative to put together the kitchen which includes a stove/sink combo and separate refrigerator.  It took him about an hour to put it all together, but he commented that the directions were easy to follow and all pieces were included.  Once assembled, I was impressed with the quality!  The entire set is very sturdy and is sure to last us quite a while.

My daughter loved putting the play food in the kitchen and then the fun began!  Sophie, the Today’s Girl, cooked up quite a meal with the pot and pan set which was included.

summary

The Today’s Girl Doll and Wooden Kitchen Set were a huge hit in my home!  My five year old had to be bribed to put it down and go to bed and I have no doubt that she will return to it in the morning.  The Today’s Girl can be purchased for $49.99 and the Classic Kitchen sells for $99.99.  Make sure that Santa puts this in his sleigh!

COUPON CODE

As a Constructive Mom, if you click through my link, you will receive an exclusive reader

discount of 15% off your entire purchase. (this is not an affiliate link)

GIVEAWAY

Do you have kids who love to play kitchen?  One winner will receive one Today’s Girl Doll with 15 piece wardrobe (ARV $49.99) and the Classic Wooden Kitchen Set (ARV $99.99)!!

How to Enter:

1. Visit Constructive Playthings and tell me which Today’s Girl you would choose if you won!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Constructive Playthings (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @ConstructiveMom on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 24th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Constructive Playthings for supplying the product for review.
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WINNERS

November 3, 2010 By 7 Comments

WOW!  Tons of winners today!  Thanks to everyone who participated!

Nestle Walmart $100 gift card:  Donna B.

Nestle Stouffers:  Kimberly

Nestle Juice Juice:  Deb C.

Nestle TollHouse and $25 Target Gift Card:  Jennifer B.

San Lori:  Michelle H.

Emily Osment:  Laura

Mrs. Butterworth:  Meagain2

Aquaphor: Pamela S.

Wendy’s $5 gift card: Eve

GLEE DVD set:  Debbie S.

Monkey Around Sports:  lulumsu33

Musselman’s:  Patti H.

Redbox:  Loni

Teacup Piggies:  Traci S.

DYMO Label Maker:  Kara P.

Macy’s $25 gift card: Paul D.

Douglas Cuddle Toys: Susan H.

Little Piggy’s House:  Snowflake07

Congrats to all the winners!  You will all be emailed shortly! Please see my winner policy to claim your prize!

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Granny’s Kitchen: Thanksgiving Spinach Casserole

November 2, 2010 By 1 Comment

I am pretty  blessed with two kids who will eat just about anything, but this is a great recipe for getting some good leafy greens into your children.  Most kids won’t touch spinach, but this way is so good they might never know.  This side dish really goes with most anything, you don’t have to use it on Turkey Day specifically!

See on the right? That's spinach, disguised as creamy and breadcrumby goodness!

Granny’s Spinach Casserole

What you Need:

3 packages frozen chopped spinach

1 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese

1 package Lipton Dry Onion Soup mix

1/2 stick melted butter

Pepperidge Farm seasoned stuffing mix (comes in a bag)

How to make it:

Cook spinach according to package directions and drain well.  Add soup and cream cheese and mix completely.  Pour into an 8×8 glass dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.  Mix together melted butter and about 3/4 cup stuffing mix and sprinkle on top.  Bake at 350 degrees until hot.  YUM!

Thanks to my friend and writer for Experimental Mommy, Jennifer, for sharing her favorite recipes from Granny’s Kitchen!

Filed Under: My So-Called Life Tagged With: ,
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