_bbR3iY5lLSjzaZNziPYc6VX6tk Inspiration CAN be found EVERYWHERE!: 2015

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Sound Intone E6 Sport In-ear #earphones

Since I need to keep Big Brother Happy. I received this product for free to facilitate my review, in exchange for my honest opinion. I will only highlight products I feel will be of benefit to my readers. For more information regarding product review, please refer to my media kit.

When I first received the Sound Intone E6 Sports Headphones with Microphone I have to say that I had, in the back of my mind the idea that these wouldn't be any different than others we have tried.  I was wrong.  These are so much more than "average" or "normal" headphones.


So much so, my daughter has already "claimed" them as her own.  I had asked her to help me test these out, since she has had to replace her in ear headphones at least 3 times a year, and sometimes even more than that.

She was impressed with the feel of these as soon as she took them out of the package. They are not heavy, but are so much more substantial than some others, especially for the price.

It comes with quite a few soft ear "pieces" so that you can get the right cover for your ear. So many times its a "one size fits all" which of course means they are generally uncomfortable. Jenn said they were comfortable in her ear from the very beginning.  Plus 1.

Then she was talking about the sound....again she said the sound was so much more than she was expecting.  The bass was "awesome". That would be Plus 2.

She and I both love the fact that it all fits in a relatively small, thin case.  I think this will help keep everything together without worry of the memory wires getting bent up or broken. Great for travel when not in use.  Plus 3.


She really liked something I didn't know was part of these headphones ... it has an inline mic!  If you use this on your phone, you end up with a hands free phone that so many states require.  Plus 4.

The only problem she found, was the "bent" design of the connector.  If you have your electronics in certain cases, the design will not allow for the connector to properly attach to the jack.  She has one of those cases, but since she has an extension piece for her jack (came with the case) she added the extension and was good to go.  I personally don't think that this is a negative, but something that you need to be aware of.  

Product was received as part of the Tomoso.com review program in exchange for my honest opinion. Please read more on our review policy in our Media Kit




Now boarding Flight 2016

I saw this one on a friends Facebook page and just had to grab it to share.
I hope you have a wonderfully fun and safe New Year's Eve and are looking forward to a great 2016. I know I am!


DEAR FRIENDS AND FAMILY,
The Boarding on Flight 2016 has been announced......


I hope you have checked in only the best souvenirs from 2015 in your luggage....

The BAD and SAD moments if carried, must be thrown away in the garbage on arrival .......

The flight will be for 12 months long.
So, loosen your seat belts, jingle and mingle.

The stop-overs will be:
✳Health,
✳Love,
✳Joy,
✳Harmony,
✳Well-being,
✳Peace.

Refueling will be at:
**Giving
**Sharing
**Caring.

The Captain (God) offers you the following menu which will be served during the flight

## Cocktail of Friendship,
## Supreme of Health,
## Grating of Prosperity,
## Bowl of Excellent News,

## Salad of Success,
## Cake of Happiness.

All accompanied by many bursts of laughter...

But remember, you will enjoy these meals and the journey better if you talk, share, smile and laugh together. Sitting silent and sullen will make the flight seem longer.

Wishing you and your family an enjoyable trip on board of flight 2016.....

Before the Flight 2015 ends,
Allow me to Thank All my Amazing Friends and Readers, who Made 2015 Beautiful. Without you, things would have been oh so different.  I appreciate you all so much.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Zucchini Finger Foods what a surprise

I love disguising things that my family doesn't regularly eat.  With the "added" ingredients, they just might agree to the zucchini.
These would be good for the remainder of the Football Season and the Super Bowl as well as New Years "noshies" and more.




Ingredients
  • 1 small zucchini
  • 1/3 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Instructions
  1. Attach zucchini to Mandoline food guider, set round knob to #6.
  2. Spread out zucchini slices on UltraPro Oven Plate.
  3. Top each slice with about 1 tsp. of marinara.
  4. Microwave for 2 minutes or until zucchini have softened.
  5. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and microwave for 10-20 seconds, or until cheese melts.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Make your own Baby Food ... super easy

I really like this one.
We didn't go to this extent when my kids were little, but then again we didn't have as many food related health scares.  
I think if I was having little ones I would seriously think about doing this instead of buying those expensive little jars.

  • Steam wholesome food in the Tupperware® SmartSteamer according to this helpful chart.
  • Use the Power Chef™ System to purée the steamed food. 
  • Freeze individual portions in our Fresh & Pure Ice Tray for later use.



Just a little chart of ideas on how to make your own baby food for your baby using the Tupperware Smart Steamer and Power Chef. There are so many other things that you can make using these products, they are just that versatile.

Check out this video on just how easy it is to make your own baby food and store for later use.  No more jars needed.


Just steam, purée and freeze.  With these simple steps you can have fresh food for your baby, made with your own hands and help save on your family's food budget!

TIP: Mamas-on-the-go can use the smaller Chop ‘N Prep Chef to purée cooked food right at the restaurant table!

I can see this as a great baby shower gift. Especially now that it seems everyone wants to go organic and healthier.  

Why can't it start with our baby's food?

Check them out on my Tupperware Site and don't forget to subscribe to my site to get an email with new posts, to keep current on all my recipes (easy cooking) and more.

Looking for more baby food recipes?  Check out these easy recipes from topreveal

Sunday, December 27, 2015

White Chocolate Mousse

Now this one just looks decedent ... 
right up my alley.



Ingredients
  • 12 oz. white chocolate
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, divided
  • ¼ tsp. peppermint extract
  • Crushed peppermint candies

Instructions
  1. Place white chocolate in 1-cup Micro Pitcher. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir. If not fully melted, continue melting in 15 second intervals until melted.
  2. Whisk ¾ cup heavy cream into melted chocolate. Place in refrigerator to allow mixture to cool completely.
  3. Place remaining ¾ cup heavy cream and peppermint extract in base of Power Chef fitted with the Whip Accessory and turn handle until cream has formed stiff peaks.
  4. Pour cooled cream and chocolate mixture over whipped cream and turn handle until ingredients are combined.
  5. Serve chilled.
  6. Top with crushed peppermint candies if desired.
Now I think this would be great as is, I would probably crush the peppermints even more to make it almost like colored sugar.

This would be great for you and your honey or for even more servings for your New Year's table, I can see them served in shot glasses or cordial glasses.  Really sharp!  You would be the star for the day or night.

Check out my Tupperware Site for more products and subscribe here so you don't miss out on any recipes I share to make you a star without spending all day in the kitchen!

Saturday, December 26, 2015

CRANBERRY & PECAN TOPPED CHEESE LOG

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas filled with lots of friends and family and of course that Santa brought you all that you desired this year.

Although my family is still here for another day, I am already thinking about the New Year and New Year Celebrations.  This one looks like a winner (and super easy) if you are having a New Year's party at your house .. or if you need to bring something to someone else's house party.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp. water
  • 10.5-oz. log goat cheese
  • ¼ cup pecans, chopped using Chop ’N Prep Chef
  • baguette or crackers for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine cranberries, sugar and water into 2-cup Micro Pitcher. Invert 1-cup Micro Pitcher over top to cover ingredients.
  2. Microwave on high 1:30–2 minutes.
  3. Stir to combine ingredients. Mixture will thicken as it cools.
  4. Pour cooled mixture over log of cheese and top with chopped pecans.
  5. Serve with toasted baguette or crackers.

Like what you see?  Check out my Tupperware Site for more products.  
Oh and don't forget to subscribe here so you don't miss out on any recipes I share to make you a star without spending all day in the kitchen!

Friday, December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas 2015

Just a quick note to wish you all a very 
Merry Christmas



I hope that Santa brought you something that you were asking for this year ... that is if you were a good boy or girl.



One of the things I love to listen to this time of year ... and of course see is the awesome Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Wizards in Winter put to lights.  You have probably seen this many times before, but just in case I bring you a video from 2009 - 
Wizards in Winter complete with lights!



Hopefully you will be spending time with friends and family or at least be able to talk to them for at least a little bit.

When you do wish them a Merry Christmas from me too

Thursday, December 24, 2015

It's Santa Tracking Time



I love watching this every year.
It just doesn't seem to get old .. no matter how old I get.
Hopefully you will get to share this one some little believers this year.  
Or let it kindle the little believer in you.

It's time for some Santa Tracking 

Where is he when you clicked on the link?
Is he getting close to where you live?

Are you hoping for something special this year? 




Have you been good?
If so, I hope he brings you all you've been hoping for.

Merry Christmas

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

A little Christmas present for my readers

Since Christmas is at my house, I don't know how much I will be online after today until the family finishes our celebrating.  But I wanted to make sure you all had something to look forward to on my return.

I debated about whether to make this 3 prizes or just one.  And then I started to think about what my daughter spends when she goes to Starbucks and realized it had to be just 1.

Someone will win $30 in Starbucks Gift Cards from me just 'cause.

I'm not asking for much in return, but if you want to share my other giveaways (or enter if you haven't already) that would be AWESOME.  
My giveaways are always posted over on the top right.


Good Luck and thanks for visiting!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Happy Birthday Son ....

I can't believe it.
Where have the years gone?


My "baby" turned 30 today ...... 
WOW I can't believe it.




He and Abby make a great pair ... 
Don't you think?

They look great together.





Happy Birthday Dan.  
Hope it is a great day!


Monday, December 21, 2015

Fight for your dreams

Good morning 
Yes I know its Monday, 
Yes I know its early, 


 BUT







Nobody is going to hand you your wants and dreams.
Nobody is going to make you feel happy or worthy with your dreams.

YOU are the only one that can do that.
Remember they are YOUR dreams.
Not mine, not your neighbors, not even your best friends.  
They are YOURS.  
And YOU are the one that will make them happen.  Get to doing it.

Thank you Judy Lutz for reminding us of this.

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Wake up and be free

I have one wish for today.

That wish is that you will wake up and feel free.



I think this is just so important.
You can't do what you want, what you need to do to be YOU if you are constantly trying to impress someone.

Why do you want to impress anyone?
What will it give you?
Will it make you happy?
But think before you answer ...
Will it make you happy to be something you are not?
Will it make you happy to do something that doesn't feel right?

If you are honest with yourself ... you will stop trying to impress others and just be YOU.

Stop and be FREE

Just saw this on David Wolfe's FB page .. stop by and tell him if you agree.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

#Ozeri 3X 44" Tower Fan

Since I need to keep Big Brother Happy.
I received this product for free to facilitate my review, in exchange for my honest opinion. I will only highlight products I feel will be of benefit to my readers.  For more information regarding product review, please refer to my media kit


The Ozeri 3X Tower Fan is 44 inches tall and very sleek looking. I love the black color of this fan along with the black and chrome base. The blue light at the base of the tower when in use, just make this fan stand out from the rest.


I know it stated that it was 44 inches tall, but I was kind of surprised as to just how tall 44 inches is when it was put together.  Putting it together mind you was very easy and required NO tools.  I think it took all of 5 minutes to unpack and have ready to use.  Yes that quick.



It came in this pretty big box that was heavier than I thought, again not to be afraid of because it was basically 3 pieces with only the body of the fan having any real weight.  The whole unit shipped at just a little over 18 pounds so as I said, the weight is not to be afraid of.  It is part of what makes it so solid.



When I first thought about what I would use this fan for, I thought at this time of year, it would be perfect to help move the warm air around the room where my wood stove is before it goes to my second floor.  I actually now think, it could help move the air around a good bit of my downstairs.  

Being able to use 1, 2 or all 3 of the fans means you can move a little or a lot of air at the push of a button.  

You have so many options, in all 9 different combinations, as well as 3 pre-programmed air flow patterns to get the air moving plus you can have it oscillating or stationary.  

For those of us that hate getting up all the time to change the fan speed or turn it off and on (plus more) it comes with a pretty nice slim remote control.  But the really great idea is the nice remote slot on the back of the unit so it won't get "lost" when not in use.  


Here you can see the controller, see how slim it is?, inside the remote slot.  


I found that this fan is really pretty quiet, even on the highest of speeds in comparison to any others I have used in the past.

I can actually see this one in use during the Winter months in the same room as our wood stove.  During the Spring/Summer it will be used in our bedroom to help move the air from the AC. We may even be able to keep the AC unit on a higher temperature because of this Tower Fan. Using the sleep mode, I don't think it will cause any issues.   

Now I have done a little video of this fan in action because I wanted you to see "first hand" what this baby can do.  But please know, remember, I haven't done many of these videos so .... don't expect a Star Wars quality or even Barney the dinosaur, but who knows maybe one day I will get there.  The Ozeri 3X 44" Tower Fan.
No more box fans for me!  No more hiding the fan when company comes and then wishing you could turn it on.  No this can stay out and not clash with your decor, yet be ready to cool down a room or move the heat around at the push of a button.  I'm sold as well as many others (see Amazon.com) and I think you will be too.


Please remember that I received this product for free or at a discounted rate to facilitate my review, in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information regarding product review, please refer to my media kit.

Remember you are supposed to keep LIVING

Sometimes we all need a little reminder that what we are experiencing really is part of life .. but no matter what we ALWAYS get back up because we are LIVING!


I really need to remind myself of this when things get tough.
I know I don't have it as difficult as some and many may actually think I live a charmed life (I don't but that's ok).  But there are times that I feel like all I do is fall down.  I'm letting people down or I'm not living up to my full potential.  And I think most importantly I am letting myself down.

But as this reminds us ... falling down is all part of life, but getting up is part of living.

So lets remember this and keep living!

Friday, December 18, 2015

#SimplyEarth Peppermint Essential Oil

Since I need to keep Big Brother Happy.
I received this product for free to facilitate my review, in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information regarding product review, please refer to my media kit

I have to say that I was a bit surprised when my bottle of Simply Earth Peppermint Essential Oil arrived.  It was sent via regular mail, in a small mailer envelop, not even a padded envelop, but it was wrapped in a small amount of bubble wrap around the bottle.  That being said, it did arrive just fine.

I have seen or purchased other Essential Oils in the past and found that the Simply Earth oil was in a much larger bottle, 15ml, than the others.  I will admit I was very happy to see this.  I really love the smell of peppermint and having even a little bit more is a good thing.


The bottle also has an interesting dropper.  It is called an Euro dropper.  

Basically it is attached to the top of the bottle and allows 1 drop of the oil to be released at a time.  I found that it was much easier to control amount of drops I used with this kind of dropper.  I believe that all liquids of this type should have this kind of dropper.

You may be able to find a Peppermint Essential Oil at a slightly lower cost, but remember it is a bigger bottle than other companies and they donate 13% of the profits to organizations who help to rehabilitate human trafficking victims.

I have heard that Peppermint Essential Oils have some great benefits other than the wonderful scent.  Here are just a few, and those I have tried myself, but remember there are so many more.

  • I added a few drops to my garbage can in the kitchen, so every time it is opened you get a nice minty "breeze"
  • I added a few drops to a small vessel and put in my office for a very subtle scent, add a fan on low and the scent is stronger. 
  • It can pep you up in a non-stimulating way for long drives or long study sessions.  
  • It can make you feel ready to face the day, if you add a few drops to your shampoo and/or conditioner.  I've tried this one and have to say it really does work!
  • I even added a few drops to my bath sponge and shower gel to add a bit more zip to my shower.  
  • Many household "pests", including spiders, don't like the smell so they will be leaving or not staying at your home.
  • A single drop in water, herbal teas or food products like chocolate, get an interesting flavor without being overpowering.
This small, eco-friendly family owned/run company seems to have a real winner with their Peppermint Essential Oils.  

I will definitely be looking to try a few more of their essential oils in the near future.

Product was received from Simply Earth as part of the Tomoso.com review program in exchange for my honest opinion. Please read more on our review policy in our Media Kit

#Ovente Flavor Infusing Tumbler

Since I need to keep Big Brother Happy.
I received this product for free to facilitate my review, in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information regarding product review, please refer to my media kit




I have to say right at the start, this is a perfect tumbler for so many things. I have been using mine primarily for my daily lemon water but it could also be used for loose tea so that you can brew and drink from the same vessel.  No more cleaning multiple containers just to have your "special" tea during the day or night.  

I will be trying this one with all the loose teas you have at home.  I think we are the "loose tea" family because I personally think loose tea makes for a better flavor and I can see this tumbler being perfect for that as well.

Another one of the things that is perfect for the hot drinks I have been using it for, is the fact that even though the inside is hot, the outside isn't so you don't have to worry about "warm fingers" when you grab and go.  Oh and since it is stainless steel, inside and out, it is durable.

It really is very easy to use.  I have been using mine just like this for about a week and think it will be a welcome "friend" all winter long. Here is a real quick video I did when I was first starting to use the tumbler.  It's also one of my first videos one handed so ... 

The tumbler holds 16 ounces, so if you are trying to get the recommended 8 cups of daily fluids (ie. water) you can get 2 of those cups done with one tumbler.

The infusion basket is BPA free, and can be removed once the water has been infused with your desired flavoring or as I did, just left in place to continue flavoring the water as I drank it.


As you can see in the other pictures, there is no "flip top" to drink from, the top just screws off for you to drink.  

At first, I was a bit concerned that it would therefore be spilling all over when I tried to take a sip, I was wrong.   Somehow the inside valve seems to regulate the flow of liquid as you tilt the tumbler to drink.

It has a non-slip padded bottom and it fits in most car cup holders.  I can't tell you how many tumblers I have had that, even though they say in the advertising that it will fit in a car cup holder .. it doesn't.  


Here you can see it easily fit in my car cup holder ... and did not go wobbling around as I took the curves.  I will definitely be using this tumbler for many years to come.


If you are looking for an infusion Tumbler I recommend the Ovente Flavor Infusing Tumbler. It keeps your liquids hot or cold for a long time and looks pretty sleek too!

Thursday, December 17, 2015

8 Things to Stop doing as 2015 Ends

Do you make New Year's Resolutions?

I use to.  But I started to see the pattern of making resolutions and breaking them within a few months.  When it got to be before the end of January I stopped.  I kind of figured why bother?

Here is something that I think we should all set as our New Year's Resolution, either as a part of your New Year's resolutions or your only resolution like me.


Don't you think this one is perfect?
Will you join me in making this our New Year's Resolutions?

I'm not sure where this came from, I saw it on someone's Facebook page, but it was a cut from someplace else.

So whoever created this one originally .. Thank you.  It is PERFECT.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Reader Appreciation Giveaway


I'm in a "holiday mode" which means I am doing all kinds of running to get everything together for the holiday season when everyone (ok not everyone but it sure feels that way) gets to come to my house.  
          EEEKKK its super cleaning time.

Anyway, I decided that since I am buying gifts for my family, I should be buying one for you, my reader family.

I would love to be able to give everyone a gift, but alas I am not that crazy ... ok maybe I am that crazy but my pocket is just not that full.



One of my readers will receive a set of adult coloring/doodle books and some colored pencils to help them relax during this very stressful time of year.  
I know that just the simple act of coloring and creating some pretty designs is very soothing to the mind.  I can't remember where I saw this, but I know they actually did a study to prove it.
So when I saw these I just had to grab a few to share with you.  Especially when one of them is called "The Art of Inspiration".
Good Luck

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

A Beary Merry Holiday Hop Dec 15 to Jan 1

I want to welcome you to my stop 
in the A Beary Merry Holiday Hop.  


Our hosts for this event are
and

I really love doing events that they host, because we always have really interesting prizes as well as wonderful bloggers joining.
I always seem to find someone new to follow after doing one of their hops and I bet you will too.

This event is not themed, so I am betting that you will see all kinds of prizes, which is always fun to see.  
The only requirement, 
prizes must be $25 or more.
For my prize a
 $25 Gift Card to Gymboree
AND
$25 Gift Card for Old Navy
Just in case you still need something 
after the holidays

I am self sponsoring this giveaway so that I can share with my readers to thank them for their support over this past year.
Good Luck!

Monday, December 14, 2015

Candied Nuts for all occasions

This would be a great recipe for the holidays but any kind of entertaining would be "enhanced" with this simple recipe you made.


Ingredients:



Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
  2. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring until evenly coated
  3. Spread out the nut mixture over a Silicone Wonder Mat that was placed on a cookie sheet
  4. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring half way through.
  5. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to cool
  6. Serve immediately
  7. Or place in a sealed container

OR
If you have a Stack Cooker, you can use that to make this in 3 minutes in the microwave!


  1. Combine all ingredients in the 1 3/4 qt Casserole of the Stack Cooker, stirring until evenly coated.
  2. Microwave for 3 minutes on high.
  3. Stir to make sure all is coated and evenly combined
  4. Spread out on a Silicone Wonder Mat placed on a cookie sheet
  5. Place in freezer for 10 minutes.
  6. Serve immediately
  7. OR place in a sealed container 


Would be great for housewarming gifts too.
If you would like any of the Tupperware pieces mentioned here, check out my Tupperware site.  You can order in my PJs if you so desire!  Any questions?  Just ask.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

#Lakehouse Nonslip Bamboo Cutting Board


I received this product for free to facilitate my review, in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information regarding product review, please refer to my media kit


Do you have a cook in your family that is always looking for stability and ways to be green in the kitchen?  I know you just shook your head and said "WHHAAT"?  
I love having a good and stable cutting board to use in the kitchen that is also made from "green" products that are made from renewable products.


Here is a Nonslip Bamboo Cutting Board from Lakehouse that meets those criteria.  The silicone "clips" on all 4 corners means the cutting board won't be slipping all over the counter as you try to cut.  I love that the bamboo is environmentally friendly, durable and has a natural antibacterial property.  It will also NOT dull your knives, which is another big plus for me.  One of the most dangerous things in the kitchen is a dull knife and this will not contribute to a dull knife. 


I love the "juice slot" so that when you are cutting things like tomatoes, you don't end up with the juice all over the counter.

I actually tested my Bamboo Cutting Board using the remainder of my slab bacon.  


If you know anything about slab bacon, you know that besides being extremely tasty, it can be difficult to cut.  You need to have a stable cutting surface that allows you to make your cut as thick or thin as you want.  This was perfect.

But another thing I liked about this cutting board is that you can use it for all kinds of things, not just kitchen cutting.  I can see this board used as a cheese board while entertaining.  You could use it for a few different types of cheeses because of its size (15.75 x 10.25 x .75). 

I think this would make a wonderful housewarming gift or even a Christmas gift!  If I didn't already have one, it would have been on my wish list.

Product was received from Lake House Products, LLC as part of the Tomoso.com review program in exchange for my honest opinion. Please read more on our review policy in our Media Kit