Cheese Toast Thanks to Country Crock

I was able to test Country Crock thanks to Influentser.  The Simple Goodness of this spread was amazing when I made cheese toast.

Cheese Toast
- Sliced French or Italian bread
- Country Crock
- Cheese

Spread a light layer of Country Crock on the bread and cover with mozzarella cheese (or the cheese of your liking). Put in a preheated oven to the broil setting. Watch carefully as it only takes a short amount of time to toast.

**I received a container of Country Crock for testing purposes, all of my opinions are my own.

Cynthia Ruchti’s Summer of Fun $100 Giveaway

I was lucky enough to be chosen to receive a copy of Cynthia Ruchti's book As Waters Gone By. 

I really enjoyed this book. The topic, the setting, the characters, it all drew me in from the start until the end of this book.  It was a hard topic, lots of tough decisions and outcomes, but the way the author wrote about them there was always a helpful discussion around it.

I loved the setting of this book.  I live in Northern MN, so I have been to Bayfield WI many times. I enjoyed reading about a book set in an area I am very familiar with.

I look forward to reading more books by Cynthia Ruchti. 

About the book: 

As Waters Gone By (Abingdon, May 2015)

How can a marriage survive when separated by hundreds of miles and impenetrable prison walls?

Emmalyn and Max Ross may have to endure the fight of their lives to mend the tattered fabric of their marriage. His actions ensured she could never be a mother and put him in prison, giving their relationship a court-mandated five-year time-out. On a self-imposed exile to beautiful but remote Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, Emmalyn has just a few months left to figure out if and how they can ever be a couple again.

Nudged along by the exuberant owner of the Wild Iris Inn and Café, a circle of misfit people in their small town, and a young girl who desperately needs someone to love her, Emmalyn restores an island cottage that could become a home and begins to restore her heart by learning what it means to love unconditionally. Yet even as hope begins to find a place within the cottage walls, Emmalyn still wonders if she's ready for Max's release. She may be able to rebuild a cottage, but can she rebuild a marriage?

You can enter here.

I received a copy of the book As Waters Gone By to review. As always my opinions are my own.

Renuzit Pearl Scents

Renuzit Pearl Scents

  

I was lucky enough to be able to try out the renuzit pearl scents.  My daughter was super excited to try these, she thought the pearl beads were neat.

Renuzit Pearl Scents comes in many different scents:

• Blue Sky Breeze
• Serenity
• Sparkling Rain
• Tranquil
• Seductive Pineapple

I received the sparkling rain scent. The lid has holes in it to distribute the long lasting scents. I have it sitting on top of my daughters dresser. You can smell the air freshner everytime you walk in her room. 

You can find out more about the renuzit pearl scents on their Facebook Page. 

The Renuzit brand provided me with a sample of Renuzit Pearls Scents in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Purex Crystals Scent Splash

Purex Crystals Scent Splash

I have been using Purex Crystals for over a year now.  I really like the scents they have and how soft they make my clothing feel.

I was lucky enough to be able to try a new Purex Crystals product.  Purex Crystals ScentSpash is an in wash fragrance booster that infuses your clothes with the power of liquid freshness. You can choose how much to add to your washer.

This comes in three scents: Fresh Spring Waters, Fresh Lavender Blossom, and Fresh Mountain Breeze.

I tried the Fresh Spring Waters. This offered a liquid freshness to my clothing. I used less than half of a cap full in my load as a I enjoy a subtle scent. This eliminated any laundry odors and left a soft refreshing scent.

The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals Scent Splash in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Dial Miracle Oil & The Boutique Collections

I was lucky enough to be able to try two new products from Dial.

Dial Miracle Oil

I received a bottle of the Dial Miracle Oil hand soap. I absolutely loved the scent of this soap and how clean it made my hands feel. My 8 year old daughter also loves this soap making it a great family soap.

Dial Miracle Oil hand soap nourishes and keeps your skin hydrated. The miracle oil is infused with Marula Oil and uses Micro Oil technology to nourish and deeply hydrate your skin while protecting it from skin damaging free radicals.

Dial Boutique Collection

I also received a bottle of Dial Sugar Cane Husk Scrub hand soap.  This is one of my favorite hand soaps. I love this scent as well as previous scents like Water Blossoms and Coconut Lime Verbena.

The Boutique Collection Hans Soap comes in vibrant scents, is conditioning, has gentle micro-scrubbers, and is moisturizing.

These bottles look great in the bathroom and are perfect for the whole family.

The Dial Brand provided me with a sample of Dial Miracle Oil Hand Soap and Dial Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap in exchange for a product review. However, all opinions expressed here are my own.

Purex Crystals Aromatherapy

I was very excited to be able to try the newest Purex Crystals in Aromatherapy scents. I received a bottle of the Energy scent. I found this scent to be stronger than the regular Purex Crystals, but also really enjoyed it.

The NEW Purex Crystals Aromatherapy is an in-wash scent booster.

• Express your mood with each unique aroma
• Energizing & long lasting scent infusion
• Citrus & flora scents blended with essential oils

These new scents were available starting mid-October.  Unfortunately, I have been unable to locate these at any of my local stores. 

The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals  Aromatherapy in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap

I was lucky enough to receive two bottles of the new Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap to try.

The deep cleansing hand soap is the latest Dial Brand hand soap. These are premium soaps that feature vibrant scents, a gentle micro scrubber formula that smooths and moisturizes the skin. The design of these new soaps also adds style to your home.

This new deep cleansing hand soap comes in three scents.

• Yellow Raspberry & Black Sugar - refreshes your senses with a tart and rich sweetness
• Water Blossoms - invigorates with a crisp floral scent inspired by aquatic botanicals
• Coconut Lime Verbena - brightens your day with juicy and tangy citrus

 This soap has a moisturizing formula with skin conditioners that hydrate your skin and visibly improve skin dryness while micro-scrubbers help gently remove dirt from your hands to leave them feeling smooth and refreshed.

I tried the yellow raspberry & black sugar, and the coconut lime verbena scents. I loved both of these scents and will definitely buy these in the future. 

If you would like to try the new Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap, you can enter below to win one of two coupons for a free soap, maximum value $3.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


"The Dial brand provided me with a sample of the Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap in exhange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own."

Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash

Dial has done it again! They have introduced a new body wash, Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash.

This body wash gives your skin a daily boost of vitamins. The advanced formula, with a moisturizing Vitamin Complex, helps draw vitamins and moisture directly into your skin.

Vitamin B is a natural humectant that helps draw in moisture and keep skin hydrated.

I was lucky enough to be able to try this new body wash and absolutely love it. It made my skin super soft and the smell is so fresh. I was sent the kiwi scent and my 7 year old loves it as well. 

If you would like to try the New Dial Vitamin Boost body wash yourself be sure to enter below. I am giving away two coupons.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


The Dian brand provided me with a sample of Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.
 

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

This year I spent the Super Bowl at one of my friends watching the game and eating good food! I decided to make buffalo chicken taquitos. I had these at another friends house and she had found the recipe on Pinterest.

These were so easy to make. I cooked my chicken in the crockpot, so preparation was very easy! The sauce is spicy, but not super spicy. The kids at the party were able to eat them.

I used burrito sized tortillas and cut them into thirds. I served them with ranch dressing.  I will definitely be making these again!

NEW Purex Crystals Mountain Breeze

I love Purex Crystals. I have been using them for a couple of years now. I love the light scent they add to my clothing the best.

I was excited to be able to try out the newest scent, Fresh Mountain Breeze.

Using Purex Crystals in your laundry will infuse your clothing with long lasting freshness.

• Clothes smell fresh for weeks, not days
• Does not reduce the absorbency of towels
• Natural formula is safe for your family and the environment

Purex is hosting a sweepstakes to celebrate the release of NEW Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze.  Enter here for your chance to win:

• One grand prize winner will receive $500
• 100 second place winners will receive a coupon for free Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze 

I am also hosting my own giveaway for two coupons for a Free 28oz bottle of Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze! You can enter through the rafflecopter option below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Win a Fitness Tracker and a Year's Supply of Purex!

Purex has a new sweepstakes to start the New Year!

Stay fit and fresh this year with help from Purex. You can enter here to WIN a Basis Fitness Tracker and a year's supply of Purex Crystals! 

Purex Crystals to not interfere with moisture wicking fabric, they work great for all of your athletic wear! I use Purex Crystals in every load of laundry I do, I love how they make my clothing feel and smell!

Let Purex help you stick to your resolution this year.  Enter here for your change to WIN!

New Year Interview - With a 7 Year Old!

I have seen a few other New Years interviews with kids on other blogs. I thought it would be fun to ask Addison some of her favorite things for 2014. 

Cereal - Captain Crunch
Vegetable - Cucumber
Fruit - Strawberries
Snack - Oranges
Drink - Smoothie
Toy - McKenna (Her American Girl Doll)
Movie - Scooby Doo
TV Show - The Goldbergs
Game - Old Maid
Book - Ivy & Bean
Restaurant - China Buffet
Holiday - Easter
Animal - Elephant, peacock, and flamingo
What do you love most about your mom - she cooks for me
Where do you want to go on vacation - Japan
My wish for 2014 - That I get a tablet from the Easter Bunny

39 Books in 52 Weeks!

The last few years I have set a goal of reading 52 books in 52 weeks. I haven't met the goal yet, but each year I have been impressed with the number of books that I have read. 

I really like keeping a list of the books I have read. I read so much, I tend to forget the names of the books, but remember the stories. I've also had friends ask me about a book from a few years ago and I've been able to find the name and author by looking at my list. 

This year I read a total of 39 books!

1. Long Time Coming - Edie Claire
2. Ryan's Return - Barbara Freethy
3. Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn
4. Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn
5. Firefly Island - Lisa Wingate
6. Divergent - Veronica Roth
7. Insurgent - Veronica Roth
8. Dark Places - Gillian Flynn
9. The Wanderer - Robyn Carr
10. Angels Rest (Eternity Springs #1) - Emily March
11. Runaway Mistress - Robyn Carr
12. Sunrise Point - Robyn Carr
13. Somebody to Love - Kristan Higgins
14. The Maze Runner - James Dashner
15. Hummingbird Lake (Eternity Springs #2) - Emily March
16. Heartache Falls (Eternity Springs #3) - Emily March
17. My Kind of Christmas - Robyn Carr 
18. One Perfect Day - Lauraine Snelling
19. Mistletoe Mine (Eternity Springs #3.5) - Emily March
20. Lover's Leap (Eternity Springs #4) - Emily March
21. Nightingale Way (Eternity Springs #5) - Emily March
22. The Night Strangers - Chris Bohjalin
23. The Apple Orchard - Susan Wiggs
24. The Newcomer - Robyn Carr 
25. Reflection Point (Eternity Springs #6) - Emily March
26. 11th Hour - James Patterson
27. Tell the Wolves I'm Home - Carol Rifka Brunt
28. Off Season - Ann Rivers Siddons
29. Sand Castle Bay - Sherryl Woods
30. Matched - Ally Condie
31. Wind Chime Point - Sherryl Woods
32. Crossed - Ally Condie
33. Reached  - Ally Condie
34. The Best of Me - Nicholas Sparks
35. Sea Glass Island - Sherryl Woods
36. The Secret Keeper - Kate Morton
37. Critical Reaction - Todd Johnson
38. The Bright Forever - Lee Martin
39. This Man - Jodi Ellen Malpas

I'm excited to start my new list for 2014. I've already started the second book in the trilogy by Jodi Ellen Malpas.

Holiday Potpourri

I needed a quick little gift to make for my co-workers. Last year I received one of these from a friend and loved it. I refilled the water often and was able to use it for weeks!

The idea came from Pinterest. 

Each bag includes:

• One orange
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• A bit of grated nutmeg

I found the best deal on cinnamon sticks was to buy them by weight from our local natural harvest.

Instructions: Quarter the orange, place all in a small saucepan filled with water and simmer on lowest setting. Refill water as needed. 

I tied a homemade tag to each bag with red ribbon.

My co-workers absolutely loved these! I have extras, so I think I'm going to give some of these to my friends too.

Monster High Birthday!

I can't believe that my little girl turned 7 this year! Somedays it seems like she was just born.

Addison is really into Monster High this year and that is the theme she wanted. I lucked out and earlier this fall Target had Monster High products in their dollar spot! We picked up Monster High, notebooks, markers, stickers, and tattoos for the gift bags.  After Halloween I also picked up a package of eye patches and some glow in the dark mice (for the boys invited to the party), and a giant bag of candy.  I also added a balloon and a Go-Go squeeze apple sauce.

I decided to make a Monster High doll cake. One of my friends had a doll cake pan that I borrowed and I found this design on Pinterest. I used the Duff tye dye cake mix, which was really good. The colors were amazing! 

I love how the cake turned out, however, the doll cake pan was not tall enough for the Monster High doll. I ended up making a 8x8 square cake that I put under the doll pan and trimmed the edges. Even with that, it wasn't tall enough! I used the trimmed edges on top of the doll pan and secured them with tooth picks and it turned out great.

I also made 36 cupcakes. Some of them I used around the cake during the party, and the rest of them she brought to daycare for a birthday treat there.  I found a free printable for cupcake toppers, which I just printed out and taped two matching ones to a toothpick.

I had the party at our local gymnastics gym, where Addison belongs. I loved having the party there, it was probably the least stressful party I've ever thrown. It was two hours long, the kids got to run around for the first hour and used the gym equipment. The teacher working also set up an obstacle course for the kids to run through.  Then we had cake and ice cream and opened gifts. 

Purex & Isotoner Giveaway

ISOTONER smarTouch gloves keep your hands warm while using your touch screen devices. Keep them bright and clean all winter long with Purex liquid detergent and WIN! You can enter to WIN an iPad mini and a $500 Isotoner shopping spree! 

If you would like to enter, just click here!

Critical Reaction

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Todd Johnson's newest book, Critical Reaction. Earlier this year I read his first book, The Deposit Slip, and really enjoyed it.

Critical Reaction starts with an explosion at a nuclear power plant. It then leads into the health issues of multiple people involved and a lawsuit brought forward from one individual. 

This book also talks about the struggling relationship of a trial lawyer and his daughter who is also a lawyer. The daughter takes on the lawsuit for her friend and her dad helps with the process. During the process they work out many of their issues that stemmed after their wife/mother passed away.

This book was very suspenseful, which I really enjoy. It kept me wondering what would happen next.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes books that are suspenseful or about the law.

 

 

First Day of School!

I haven't posted in awhile and I apologize for that! I've been so busy this month, it's crazy.

Addison started first grade this year. She absolutely loves school, and I am so happy about that. She only has two kids in her class from last year, so she is busy making new friends.

She brings home reading homework about three times a week. They have these little readers that they have to read three times and then I sign off saying she did the work.  She has also started spelling and has weekly tests.

She loves math, but the math they are doing right now she finds "boring". She wants to be adding and subtracting, and so far they are just doing a recap of numbers, etc. 

I put her picture from this year next to her picture from her first day of kindergarten. I knew she had grown a lot over the year, but actually seeing it in a picture made it so real! My little baby is turning into a little girl!

 

Purex Fabric Softener Sheets

I was lucky enough to be able to try the Purex Fabric Softener Sheets. I received a box of the Sweet Lavender Scent.

 These dryer sheets helped with static as well as made my laundry smell great. 

For more information on the Purex Fabric Softener Sheets you can check out their webpage or their https://www.facebook.com/purex

Peach Butter

I love making homemade jellies and butters. Our local farmers market had a special on peaches, buy one box and get one free. I ended up with about 4 lbs of peaches for $3.

I went to the farmers market to get the peaches because I wanted to make peach butter. I made this years ago, and of course could not find the recipe I originally used. I ended up searching online and found one that sounded good. I saved it to Pinterest for anyone else that wants to try it.

I started by peeling the peaches. The easiest way I've found to do this, is to drop the peaches in boiling water for 30-45 seconds. Then plunge them in ice water. The peels pretty much fall right off. I then pitted and chopped the peaches. I used a big pot and added the peaches, water, and sugar. 

 After about 20 minutes of cooking, I pureed the peaches in my blender. I did this in three batches. Then you put the puree back into the pot and cook for 30-40 minutes until thick. I ended up with 5 - 1 cup servings. You can can this, but I chose just to use the freezer containers. I kept one for myself and gave four away to lucky friends and family.

My favorite way to eat the peach butter is on a toasted English muffin.