Ashers Chocolates Review

Another product I received today was from Asher's Chocolates. A company that is and has been family owned. The company is based in Philadelphia's historic Germantown section. In the beginning, they made maple syrup, jam and jellies. And soon got into creating wonderful tasting chocolates.

I received a box of their assorted chocolates. They tasted wonderful, so decadent. They we're the finest chocolates I have tasted in a long time. You can taste all the fine ingredients that we're used. The Carmel, the cherries, and the chocolate itself. The box was great also for gift giving. The assortment was 15oz of majestic milk and dark chocolate, and great flavor in every bite. The creamy milk chocolates, and the white chocolate we're like pure velvet in your mouth. And the nut clusters we're to die for. I have to say my favorite was the mango souffle.

If this assortment was this good, I can only imagine how wonderful their other products are.

Besides the chocolate you can buy fudge, chocolate covered pretzels, and so much more.

They have great assortments for Easter. So check them out at www.ashers.com . There you will find more products, and other great information.



 Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

  

Onesta Organics Review

Today I received several packets from a company called Onesta Organics. Onesta Organics make raw pet food, formulated for pet's health and disease prevention. They produce their own products in their own facility.

The packets I received we're for dog treats, and one cat treat. They we're vacuum packaged and place inside another re-seal able package. For the dog's I received gizzard chews. These gizzard chews are human grade chicken and turkey gizzard. The dog's loved them. They we're excited as soon as I opened the package. They looked good enough for a human to eat. They we're the right size for my min pins. But don't be fooled, my rottweiler ate them to. These gizzard chews are great for dogs with allergies. And a ideal treat for training your dog. They also make a great meat supplement for your dogs normal diet.

I also received veggie hides, that are hypoallergenic. The ingredients are veggies, sprouted seeds, kelp and other healthy plant ingredients. Onesta does not use grains or gluten, corn or soy. They don't use rice or any other ingredient that your dog may be allergic to. Just compare their product to other garden types and you will see which is the most healthiest for your dog.

In with my products to review was also Onesta Organics gizzard chews for cats. I passed this on to my daughter in law for her Persian cat. But also handed one to my Ferret and she loved it. My daughter in law said her cats really enjoyed the snack. And she liked the fact they she was feeding them such a healthy treat. Onesta Organics treat's are USDA certified. The chews are 100 percent human grade. I could have fooled my husband, that's how much they looked like beef jerky.

The cat treat gizzards are made of free range chicken and turkey. And best of all the pastures are in the USA, that the chicken and turkey's we're raised on.

That also is a benefit of buying this product, it is made in the USA. And you are helping someone keep their job.

The cat treats come in three great natural flavors that cat's love. Plain is organic gizzards, Cinnamon which is organic gizzards and organic cinnamon, and the last is kelp which is organic gizzards and organic kelp.

The gizzard chews are cut up into small pieces , so your cat can enjoy them.

There website has a host of great products and information. So if you are interested please visit them at www.onestaorganics.com . You will also find their ordering information, and location info there.

 Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

 
 

 

 

Help save water

If its true that water will be the most important resource loss in the next decade, why not learn now on how to conserve. It's a precious resource that we can conserve for future generations. And there's not better place to start than in our home's.  With just some simple steps everyone can help.

First check your home for any leaky faucets, and leaky toilets. Save money and try to fix them your self, if not have a professional look at them.

If you are able to replace your older toilet, there are now low flush models on the market.

Using aerators in all your faucets will help also. For your shower head, replace it with a low flow version.

 
 

You may also consider a instant water heater installed next to your kitchen sink. This helps with less wasted water for the hot.

For your lawn thing about installing a drip irrigation system.

   

Don't waste water when brushing your teeth, or shaving. Turn the water off until you are ready to rinse.

Taking a shower over a bath also helps save. Lather up, turn off the water, and when done washing rinse off. Limiting your shower to five minutes helps save even more.

For dishes and laundry, fill up the loads and adjust water temps and load water levels.

Hand washing dishes, fill a dishpan, lather up and wash, then rinse.

Water your lawn in the morning or evening will help, less water will be lost due to evaporation.

Hope you grab some tips from here. If you have one let me know.

 

Cooking on a budget, it's easy

There is nothing wrong with being on a budget. And your meals do not have to be the same thing every night, and they don't have to be boring. Planning your meals when items are in season, and playing around with other items, you can enjoy a variety of meals. Sales are a great way to stock up, and dollar store items don't hurt either. Now a days there are alot of dollar stores selling food products, like can goods, pasta, and even spices.

What do I mean by in season products. Products like apples, oranges, sweet potatoes and yams are winter products. They cost less to ship when they are in season. So if you can use in season products you save more money, than buying them when they are not in season. Spring season you have your artichokes, honeydew, limes, and even snow peas. Summer season products give you most of your berries, your tomatoes and eggplants.

Also if you can, you can stock up on your season products to.

During your season's you can create great tasting recipes like summer salads, winter soups and so forth.

Canned beans are a great staple to have on hand for any fixed budget. They can go along with just about any meal, soup as well as salads. And they are great even by themselves. Chili is one favorite, and can be made very quickly with black beans as well as kidney beans. One great chili recipe is adding your favorite beans to a can of tomato sauce with either ground beef, pork or turkey. Add your favorite spices, and simmer in a crock pot or cook on the stove. Garnish with some cheese or sour cream and green onions and you have a great tasting low budget meal. It is not only low cost, but also healthy.

As I said many times give me pasta seven days a week and I will never starve. Pasta recipes are endless. They are inexpensive, and available almost any where including the dollar stores. Put your own sauce on, or a jar sauce with some Italian seasoning, some cheese and you are good to go. Add a salad and you have a complete meal in minutes. But don't stop there, pasta can also create some great Asian dishes. The best pasta for this is angel hair. Cook as you normally would, drain and then add some great ingredients. You can add soy sauce, sesame oil, pea pods, or any other Asian ingredient you may have. I love making my own Lo Mien noodles, with some sliced slivered carrots and peas. Don't forget you can also add some chicken to.

And why we are talking about chicken, did you know that it is the least expensive meat there is. It's a great product to stock up on. And it can be easily transformed into many dish's. Chicken made Asian style with a marinade of brown sugar, soy and hot sauce, garlic and sesame oil. Use what ever chicken you wish. If you would like to do chicken breast, then cut up into bite size pieces and marinade. Overnight is best, but one hour does fine to. Place some oil of your choice into a hot skillet, turn out your chicken with half of the marinade, and cook turning until the chicken is cooked through. You can serve over rice or pasta. Chicken with onions and peppers and cherry tomatoes is another great idea. Cut into bite size pieces and cook on skewers. Grill until done. You can marinade them or just season with your favorite spice blend.

Have a budget tip, let me know.

Recipe's Today

Some people find brisket hard to cook but I have a great recipe. If you cook the brisket at 250 degrees, the fat cap quickly starts to melt and leaves the meat dry. Just make sure you seal and baste the brisket while cooking. The fat should be 1/4 inch thick. You will score the fat with a crosshatch pattern. Making shallow incisions also, but avoiding the lean brisket. After this rinse your brisket with cold water. Then pat the surface front and back until dry. Season the brisket on front and back with a good layer of salt and pepper. Then with your fingers massage the seasoning into the meat. This causes tiny abrasions on the brisket. Then you want to wrap the brisket in two layers of plastic wrap. And put the brisket in the fridge for 12 hours. When you are ready to cook, preheat the oven at 250 degrees.

 

 

 

 

Take a good size cast iron skillet and heat it on medium high for three minutes. Add 2 tbsp of veggie oil in the skillet. Make sure the oil covers the pan by swirling it around. You then brown the brisket on both sides. After that center the brisket in the middle of the skillet with the fat side facing down. You want to surround the brisket with chopped aromatic herbs and veggies. I like to use garlic and onions and baby carrots. You will then pour 1/2 cup of basting liquid into the skillet. My favorite is apple juice, but use your own favorite. Then cover and seal the skillet with aluminum foil.

 

Put your skillet into the oven on the center rack. Carefully peel back a corner of foil for basting. A turkey baster will do great, baste every hour. If the liquid dries out, add 1/2 cup of your basting liquid. Cook at 250 for 45 min per pound. Use a meat thermometer and get a reading of 170 degrees. When the temp is reached, remove the skillet and let the brisket rest on a cutting board for 20 mins, then slice and serve.

 

   

Herb Disk Collection from Johnnys Seeds Review

Today I received six pots and saucers with a herb collection from Johnny's Seeds. I loved this. Right away I got the seeds started, so I can transplant them into my garden when it's time. There we're 6" nursery pots with the saucers, and a disk of cilantro/coriander, chives, parsley, thyme, and genovese compact basil and arugula. Everything was there that I needed to start my herb garden.

Johnny’s Selected Seeds is a privately held, employee-owned seed producer and merchant headquartered in Winslow, Maine, USA. The company was established in 1973 by our Founder and Chairman Rob Johnston, Jr. Johnny’s mission is helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information and service.

I am really going to enjoy these products from Johnny's Seeds. Johnny Seeds is a great place for all your vegetable seeds, medicinal and culinary herb seeds, flower seeds, and more. They have it all. Even your fruit plants, and tools as well. They ship not only in the US but Internationally. Your one stop place to shop for all your garden needs. They have seeds to fit any one's needs. From the home gardener to small growers as well as retailers, and wholesalers. If you need it, you will find it here.

I know that the herbs I received will come into use everyday in my home. Especially the cilantro, we cook with that very often.

Johnny's 512 Mix (OG) - 20 Quarts was already received and reviewed.

But now I can use the mix to start my herb garden.

Their website is a wealth of information. Everything you need to know about as well as supplies you will need.

So hop over to their site at www.johnnyseeds.com and find out more.

  Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

 

Chicken Scratch LLC Review

Today I received five sample jars of jelly and jam from Chicken Scratch LLC. A company started by two neighbors with a chance meeting at culinary school. The business came into full bloom in 2006. The company specializes in gourmet gift baskets and cakes.

The first jar I tasted was the crawfish pepper jelly. I tested and tasted it alone first, then over some cream cheese spread on a cracker. It was a spicy pepper jelly, with seafood seasonings, clove, black pepper, thyme, marjoram and other spices. I really enjoyed the flavor.

Next the family tyred the peach and pineapple jam, you could taste the fresh peaches and pineapples with tropical spices. It was great on the pork chops I had made for dinner. After grilling them, I brushed the jam on each one. It tasted fantastic.

My little one before bed had the banana butter jam on toast with peanut butter. She loved it. So much she asked to have it for breakfast. It is a nice tasting jam that is made by slowly cooking bananas with brown sugar. This is obvious in the taste, that it was made with love.

The next sample was the peach pepper jelly, a peach tasty goodness. My husband made a little BBQ sauce for my chicken tomorrow and I plan on using it that way. But my taste test with it was over cream cheese. I just love any good jam over cream cheese. The spice was just the right amount, nothing overwhelming.

The last jar was the blackberry pepper jelly, I saved this for my daughter when she got home from work. She loved the taste, spicy with fresh blackberries. She is on a diet and eats alot of pork or chicken, so she decided to use it on her chicken breast. The chicken was grilled, and basted with the blackberry pepper jelly. I tasted a piece when it was done, and I must tell you it was delicious.

I also received some Cajun dill dip mix to try. My daughter made this to take to work tomorrow, and share with her co-workers. To make is easy, just combine the mix packet with one cup sour cream or mayo and refrigerate four to six hours before you serve. It makes about two cups. So with it she is taking some nacho chips and potato chips. I know it will be enjoyed.

The last item was birthday cake cheeseball mix. This you combine the packet with 8oz of soft cream cheese and then you roll it in nuts or cookie crumbs. Need I tell you what we had for dessert tonite. Heavenly is the only way to describe it.

I wanted to use the pictures courtesy of the Chicken Scratch website so my readers could see some of the other great products they have.

They have other products like meal mixes, dessert mixes, as well as the one's above.

If you would like to visit their website for more information on buying their products go to http://www.chickenscratchllc.com/ . You will find some great information there.


 Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

  

Toothpaste is not just for your teeth

 Everyone knows toothpaste is to whiten and brighten your teeth. But it also has other capabilities that do wonders.


 It works great on those bug bites, even sores and blisters. This kind of skin irritation weeps up, and can sometimes even itch. By taking a small drop of toothpaste to the bite or sting will stop the itch and help reduce the swelling. Have a sore or blister, toothpaste will help dry them up, and the wound will then heal even faster.

We have all been frying and been burned by the grease, toothpaste gives a temporary cooling effect. Do this immediately to relieve the sting from the burn, and prevent it from weeping or even opening.

Did you wake up with a facial blemish, well heal it with a tiny bit of toothpaste applied the night before going to bed. Then wash it off with warm water in the morning.

Your teeth are not the only thing that is enamel our fingernails are also. For cleaner, shiner nails use toothpaste to scrub under your nails and on the tops.

Out of regular gel, than guess what, gel toothpaste contains the same water soluble polymers that many hair gels on the market. So if you are out of gel try a gel toothpaste, it is also a great trick for keeping those baby barrettes on the little one.

If fish was for dinner or you used garlic or onion, scrub your hands and fingertips with toothpaste and there will be no smelly traces left.

Have a stain on your clothes or carpet that you can't get out. Try some toothpaste on the stain and rub it briskly until you can no longer see it. Do the same for the carpet and rinse after.

Kids are always scuffing up leather shoes, apply toothpaste to the scuffed area, scrub and brush, then wipe clean.

All children like to color, but not always on paper or in coloring books, rub toothpaste on a damp cloth and gently wash the mark, and watch the crayon mark wash away.

Clean your jewelry with toothpaste also. Apply it overnight, then wipe clean with a soft cloth in the morning. Diamonds shine brighter by giving them a little scrub with toothpaste and a little warm water rinse. Do not use toothpaste on pearls though. Their finish can be damaged.

DVDs and CD's can be cured of scratches by applying a very thin coat of toothpaste to the disc then rubbing it gently and then rinsing it clean.

Polish up those piano keys that retain oil from your skin with a damp lint free cloth and toothpaste. Rub the toothpaste on then wipe the keys, cleaning with another lint free cloth.

Baby bottles can also get a sour milk smell, clean them to freshness with toothpaste and a bottle scrubber. And it will not only be residue free it will deodorize them great. Make sure you rinse well.

For those of us who do alot of ironing, you can remove any burned crust by gently cleaning with toothpaste.

Scuba divers, or swimmers who use goggles rub a small spot of toothpaste into each of the lens, then they rinse the goggles and now they see clearly. Just don't rub to hard and create scratches.

I hope you find some of these tips helpful.

   

    

  

  

  

  

Pets losing their best friend

It's hard enough for your self when a pet is lost. They are apart of our family and when they are gone, they are missed dearly. But you may not have realized if you have more than one pet and you loose one, your pet that is left is grieving to.

Dogs are most particular in feeling this loss. This is due to dogs being pack animals. Dogs love being surrounded not only by their owners, but with their dog buddies that they have lived with. Dogs as well as other animals do have feelings. They also grieve. The signs for this is a decrease of appetite, clinginess, and show signs of lethargy. Some dogs will also whine and bard more than usual. They may not even want to sleep in their usual place. Don't forget they are used to sleeping within their pack, and playing with their pack.

You can help your pet bounce back, and it will also take your mind off your loss. Spend a little extra time with them, take longer walks, cuddle, and do a little more playing with them. After all they think of you as part of the pack also. The more you help them get over their loss, the less stress they will have. And they and you will bounce back even faster.

It is even best not to get rid of the pet's toys and bedding that you lost. Your pet can still smell their scent. And this can help them also with their stress. The only thing you should remove is their bowl if they we're not sharing. This will help your pets feelings of still competing.

If your dog is great with other dogs why not set up some doggie dates. It's a nice time for you and your dog. Encouragement is the best way for your dog to get back in the groove of things. Your pet is sensitive to your emotions also, so try minimizing this.

The best tip is not to replace your pet right away. Give yourself and your pet time to grieve and recover. You will know when the two of you are ready.

It is not certain how long a dog remembers, but evidence shows they remember their companions for some time. No one is for sure if it is weeks, days or months, but you will know when they return to being normal.




 

Lemons in my House

Lemons aren't just for lemonade, now you can clean with them like I have found to do. After you are done squeezing out all their great juice, don't throw those peels away. Put them to good use around your home or business. Did you even know that lemon juice has five to six percent citric acid and a two to three pH level. This makes the peels low pH acidity, which is great for breaking down rust and other mineral stains. But yet it is gentle, and will not dull finishes. Even some left over juice will come in handy. The lemon rind is its own applicator, plus the oil in the peel is wonderful for culinary applications. And as far as beauty treatments, well its great there to.

If you have a greasy mess, in your pans, or stove top use lemon halves before your toxic chemical cleaner. Sprinkle the area with some salt to create abrasion, onto a juiced lemon half, and rub your grease away. Then you can just wipe up the rest with a towel.

If you have a stained tea kettle or coffee pot, this can be from a mineral deposit. Fill your kettle with water, then add a handful of thin slices of lemon peel. Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat and let the kettle sit for one hour. After which drain the water and rinse with clean warm water. Coffee pots can be done by adding ice, salt, and lemon peels to your empty pot. Then swish, swish, swish, and do this for a minute or so. Then you dump it and rinse with warm water, and you have a brand new looking coffee pot.

Every one have spill overs in their microwave. Now you can clean up those exploding bowls of food with lemon rinds. All you do is put the rinds into a microwaveable bowl fill with water half way up. Then cook it uncovered for five minutes. The water should boil creating steam which will condense on the walls and top of your microwave. When the five minutes are done, remove the bowl ( it will be hot ). Then finish cleaning with wiping with a dry towel.

If you have a garbage disposal you can now get rid of those smells naturally with lemon peels. Just dispose of the peels and while you are getting rid of them, they will deodorize your disposal at the same time.

Have chrome in your home, clean it by using a squeeze of lemon, than rinsing and buffing with a dry towel. Preferably a soft one.

Copper can be cleaned with a half lemon dipped into salt and rubbing it on the dirty spot. Let the paste sit for five minutes then rinse with warm water and polish with a dry soft cloth.

For that stainless steel sink, again clean it the same way you do for copper.

Lemon peels will also keep pests away due to the acid in the lemon. Just chop some peels up and put them along your thresholds, windowsill or any cracks where ants or other pests are coming in.

Do you have a humidifier, yup lemon peels again. Put the lemon peels in a pot with water, then simmer on low to scent the air.

How about your cutting board, does it need to be refreshed. Go ahead and disinfect your board. Then rub the surface with a half lemon, letting it sit for a minute, and rinsing it in warm water.

I have this problem often, with brown sugar turning into a brick. Take some lemon peel that is free of pulp and pith and place it into your brown sugar bag.

And if you use lemon zest, for cooking did you know you can dry it or freeze it for later use. To dry it just do your zesting and leave it on a towel until dry. Then store in a tight fitting jar. Freezing it in a freezer safe container for later is also great.

Being Italian I love making Biscotti with lemon zest added is delicious.

To make lemon extract powder, take your zest making sure it is pith free and put it into a blender until powder is made.

For summer drinks, make some lemon sugar. Do this by making your powder and then adding it to sugar. This taste great in ice tea.

You can also add the powder to black pepper for freshly made lemon pepper.

Lemon peels dipped in chocolate then sugar is a great sweet treat.

Lemon peels are a great beauty product to. And it's much less expensive to use. For age spots apply a small piece of lemon peel and leave on for a hour.

If rough elbows are a problem rub a half lemon with baking soda onto your elbow and give it a twist back and forth for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Lemon peels rubbed on your face make a nice face tonic.

You can also make a nice sugar scrub by finely chopping lemon peels. Then add enough olive oil so you get a paste like mixture. Get into the shower and wet your body, then apply the sugar mixture on, rubbing it in. Then rinse off and you will feel some soft skin.


 Let me know if you have a lemon peel idea.

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

A night of Darkness

On March 26, at 8:30 local time the world will join together for a hour of global action. Even the Eiffel tower will be helping out, as well as the Empire State Building. And the great pyramids of Giza, and the famous Chicago skyline. All for the call for action for climate change. You can take this time to be creative, and conserve electricity at the same time.

This would be a great time to grab some candles, prefer soy ones, and spend some time with your mate.

Or maybe have a candle light dinner, prepare before hand. And when the lights go out enjoy your meal.

How about a nice relaxing bath, by candle light with some nice bath salts, and nice smelling aroma's.

If you have been so stressed out, why not even take the hour to meditate. This is very relaxing.

You can even grab the family and take a moon light walk, do some star searching at the same time.

What ever you do just remember lights out.


 

J & J microwave pork rind review

I always enjoy getting products to review from family owned companies. And this product was no different. It came from a owned and operated food distribution company that has been in business for over twenty years. J & J etc, Their passion is what has brought fresh, low risk foods to today's markets.

The two I received we're BBQ and regular. They we're fun to make in the microwave. I never had pork rinds except for the ones in a bag, that you needed to cook first. They had great flavor for being in the microwave. They we're not dried out at all. My entire family loved them. They had the right amount of seasoning on them. And we're nice and crispy to the bite.

For the plain flavor pork rinds, the taste was similar to the bag kind, but better. It was a more fresh taste, crispy with a fantastic flavor. They also did not come out all dried up from being microwaved. We really enjoyed the pork rinds, that's for sure.

Here is their nutritional benefits:

1 oz. serving

4g Total Fat
    1.5g Saturated fat
>1g carbohydrate
0 sugar
23g Protein

J & J sell other products as well, so if you want more info, stop by their website at www.microwaveporkrinds.com .

 Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.





 

Eden Foods Organic Popcorn Review

I received some organic popcorn today from Eden foods. The company has been in business for over 40 years, and is still growing. The Eden
Co-op is a natural food store with products made from whole grains, beans, soy foods and sea veggies. Since being in business they have added a cafeteria, bakery and even books. Back when the company was a deli, it was one of the few places where you could get natural, organic food. Eden Foods is one of the oldest and natural organic food companies today.

When producing this popcorn, Eden selected yellow popcorn with superior popping qualities. It popped into large, fluffy tender kernels of popcorn that was bursting with great flavor. Popcorn is one of the most loved snacks there is. In my house we always have it on hand. The package the popcorn came in is resealable, so you know it will be fresh the next time you use it. The popcorn is low in calorie's, low in fat, and rich in fiber. And did you know that non organic popcorn is on the FDA's list of being the most contaminated product with toxic pesticides and with chemicals. So eating this product from Eden you know you are putting healthy food into your body, and that taste good to.

The benefits to eating this popcorn from Eden is, knowing that it is healthy for you. The popcorn is organically grown in vital soil, and in the USA.  It comes in a resealable package, that helps keep its moisture, and freshness. To ensure even more popping after opening it is best to refrigerate. The best benefit of Eden Organic Popcorn is that is not only healthier, but healthier for our environment. They use no chemical additives, or preservatives, no pesticides or herbicides, and no fumigants.

You are eating a healthy fiber, just what your body needs. Your calorie intake is low, and it is satisfying without spoiling your appetite. You don't have to worry about saturated fats or cholesterol, or sodium. The organic popcorn is a great whole grain snack.

The whole family enjoyed the popcorn and it was easy to make. There was very little kernels left in the pan.

Eden foods, have many other great products also. And if you would like to learn more on them and this product, visit them at www.edenfoods.com .

 Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

Easter Egg Time

All children love to dye Easter eggs, so why not do it by using plant based dyes. This way you know what your children are getting. By dyeing this way you also get more lovelier eggs. It's also a great lesson to teach your children about going green. By boiling some materials right with the eggs colors them ahead of time. You can be creative with products right from your fridge or pantry. Also the longer your hard boiled eggs soak in color the more intense they will be. Another great trick is using crayons, they give a batik effect. Write with the crayon on the egg before dyeing. Rubber bands on the eggs before dying give a tie dye effect. Rubbing a egg with veggie oil before dyeing will give the egg a glossy look.
So now let's make colors:

Red can be obtained by using red onion skins boiled right in with the eggs you will need alot of them. Pomegranate juice will also produce red.

Orange can be made the same way with yellow onion skins boiled right in with the egg. Lemon or orange peels boiled with the eggs will also give you color. Carrot tops boiled with eggs, celery boiled with eggs, ground cumin boiled with eggs also produce color. Turmeric boiled with eggs or dill seeds boiled with eggs is another color choice. Dill will produce yellow-brown colors.

To create brown you can use strong coffee, instant coffee and also black walnut shells boiled with the egg.

Yellow green is created by green apple peels boiled with your eggs.

Green, use spinach leaves boiled with the eggs.

Want blue, try using canned blueberries with their own juice. Red cabbage leaves boiled with the egg. Even purple grape juice will make violet blue.

Reach for a lavender color by using diluted purple grape juice. Beets either fresh or canned is another great product to use to dye the eggs. Beets will give you a nice pink color shade. Also cranberries or cranberry juice gives a pink hue. Raspberries is another great way to get pink.

If you have a dye tip share it here.

  

 

 

  

Your dog's warning signs of cancer

Recently my friends dog died of cancer, and she never knew her dog had it. She adopted her dog, and they told her she was in good health. She had the dog for five months when the dog became ill. There we're no signs until the last day of her life. So I wanted to share some signs that may be concerning, and should prompt a vet check. But more important get a health contract when adopting, and find out if something happens what is their policy. You are not aloud to sell or adopt out sick animals.

1. Sudden weight loss.
2. Unusual swelling or growths.
3. Wounds that do not heal.
4. Disinterest in food.
5. Abnormal bleeding or discharge.
6. Foul odor.
7. Trouble swallowing or breathing.
8. Persistent stiffness or lameness.
9. Struggling to urinate or defecate.
10. Loss of stamina or lethargy.

If you suspect anything wrong, you should always get your pet to your vet for a exam and blood test. These tests can reveal any imbalances that can indicate cancer growth. There are four dangerous words, in vet medicine, "lets just watch it". These test could be the difference between five more wonderful years with your best friend. Spaying and neutering also helps limit these problems. And always limit your pets exposure to hazardous pesticides in their food and on your lawns. Also make sure your pets get exercise, and plenty of it.


 

  

Mamooch's Product Review

Some call it pasta sauce, some gravy, some even call it spaghetti sauce. Well call it what ever you want, but when it comes to eating pasta I will eat it hot, canned, even cold, but you never need to ask me twice.

Today's product came from Mamooch's Authentic, a company with a family history of 100 years old. The made a product that tasted like you cooked all day, but in reality it was a quick mix.

The pouch I received made the same amount of sauce as two 26oz jars, and enough meatballs to feed six to eight hungry people. And the pouch of marinara and meatball mixture I received will make my family think I spent all day making dinner tonite. Through in a nice salad, and garlic bread and there you go, a quick Italian dinner.

The sauce was fantastic, you would never guess it did not come from a jar. Just the right amount of Italian herbs and spices. The aroma of the sauce filled my entire home with the smell of Italy. The meatballs we're bursting with flavor. And when following the directions on the pouch, you have enough to feed up to eight hungry people.

All you need to make the sauce and meatballs is four cans of tomato puree. Use according and buy according to your instructions. 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, they prefer 85% or ground round. 1/4 cup grated cheese, and one cup water.

The sauce already has sugar, herbs and spices like basil, red pepper flakes and oregano, garlic and salt. The meatball mix already has bread crumbs, herbs and spices like basil, oregano, parsley, salt and garlic.

If you would like more information about the company, the sauce, and where to order stop by their website. www.mamooch.com .

 

    

What to give at your next Bridal Shower

My son is getting married this August, and his fiance bridal shower is coming up. So I thought I would share you, some ideas on gift giving at your next bridal shower. I find that one of the things that helps best is to think to your self, of what kind of relationship you have with the bride to be. Is it someone marrying your child, is it a friend, is it a friend of a friend. This could all be the deciding factor on what gift your buy.

I think the best way of getting the right gift is this. How well do you know the bride? If you are not close with the bride, I would go with a traditional gift, maybe something from their registry if you know they have one. But don't give a personal gift if you don't know them that well. If you are a group of Aunts of the bride, maybe you can get together and buy something like a dining room set, or a nice kitchen appliance.


If you have a personal relationship with the bride, and you know her sense of humor, why not get something that is fun and crazy. Something she will not get affeneded by. Something that the two of you can laugh about afterward. Private stuff she might not want the mom or new mother in law to see, you know something she can share with the groom on the honeymoon night.




As with any other occasion, the gift card is always a good choice. But one like Victoria's Secret, or another retailer similar to that. A gift card to a fancy resturant isn't a bad idea either, one that they can use on their honeymoon.

Making a gift your self isn't a bad idea either. You can make a great honeymoon gift basket with honeymoon destenation in mind. Are they going to Hawaii, why not get some beach towels, massage oils, a nice romantic cd, and other island feeling items.




Another basket idea is a housewife starter kit, filled with some nice house starting ideas. Pots and pans, some recipes, cookbooks, nice gourmet food items, things of that nature.

Share ideas with me here.

  

  

  

Garden, Home, Summer and "Bugs"

Sooner or later in spite of the up and down temps, summer is coming. And with that comes the summer "insects". After you work so long at getting your lawn and garden into shape, its time now to deal with these pests. But before you start spraying your bug spray, some of these pests that bug you, are really great for your garden.

Some of these good pests are, bee's that help pollinate, and spiders that eat white flies.

Lets talk about wasps for a minute. Did you know wasp are really scavengers, eating insects and caterpillars during the summer months. Some even pollinate your plants. And the nice part about them is unless you provoke them they will not sting. Then there are Hornets, which create those enclosed gray nests, you find in your shrubs, trees and eaves of your home.  Getting stung by one of these can produce a mild to severe reaction to someone who may be allergic. If you are ready to get rid of them try a product that kills them on contact. There are products that will kill them in a few days, and also affect those returning to the nest. Also a good way to avoid contact with them, is to put any left over picnic food away. These stingy pest are attracted to food and drinks, and the sweeter the better.

When you think of a nice picnic, you always think "ants". But did you know that ants are really beneficial to building soil and will eat eggs of other pests, like fleas. Some ants feed on honeydew, and will move honeydew from plant to plant. If you want to keep the ants in your garden, and away from your picnic area, remember to clean up food when your done. If you have a outdoor hill try using a spectracide, from your local store.

Then there is the famous pest we all hate, mosquitoes. Which feed on us in warmer climates. But not only us, they feed on animals and birds as well. The best thing to use to protect yourself is using a good repellent on your skin or wear long sleeved clothing. Just like your skin, you can also spray a repellent on your clothing. On the market today you can buy a repellent patio lantern, which is great for nighttime entertainment.

Bee's come in thousands of species, but most of them really are solitary. Your honeybee will be seen daily in your garden, pollinating flowers and plants. Usually docile, you will get stung if you step on them or try to swat them. But if you do get stung, the bee will shortly die after. A good spectracide works great on bee's, and is available at most stores.

A common pest around my home and yard is the spider. They are allies in our yards believe it or not. They feed on harmful living insects like caterpillars, aphids, mites and even beetles. And they also help to protect our plants. Most people are afraid of these pest, but the average spider wont even harm you. You still have to be careful because some spiders are poisonous, and can also be dangerous not only to you but your pets. The black widow is one spider to look out for, and avoid. They like to hide under rocks, and moist dark areas. Killing spiders with a pesticide can be difficult, because those hairs on them protect their bodies. A good product to use is Hot Shot, found at local markets, this will get through the layer of hairs they have and also affect their nests.

Then you have those black flies, especially when eating outside. Similar to mosquitoes though, the female are only on the hunt for blood. Males only feed on nectar, which they get from your plants. Running water is the breeding place for these flies. So make sure your fountains and out side water source's are off and cleaned regularly. If you are wearing dark clothes, you may find that these flies will also come around you more. In warmer months to avoid them, wear lighter colors.

The mission of chiggers is different than your other bugs. They pierce skin and inject a secretion that has powerful enzyme that will break down your skin cells. This will then cause swelling three to six hours after you have been exposed. To rid them is a quick fix and inexpensive. Areas around picnic tables and lawn chairs can be sprayed with spectracide triazicide a concentrate that will kill them on contact.

Another pest we fear is the tick. A tick is totally dependant on blood and tissue as well. Feeding is not only on humans, but birds and wild and domestic animals as well. The longer the tick feeds, the greater chance you or the animal is going to get a infection. You can get rid of them by treating the source, which may be your lawn. There are products available that will kill ticks on contact, and keep your lawn tick free.

 

Beauty points to Healthy Options

Trying to decipher an ingredients list or figure out which personal care products are safe can be overwhelming. But as the author of Healthy Beauty points out, “conventional cosmetics and personal-care products contain many frank and hidden carcinogens, making them the most important and still unrecognized class of avoidable carcinogen exposure for the overwhelming majority of consumers in major industrialized nations.” In his book, Samuel Epstein arms you with the knowledge to avoid those toxic ingredients and find safer products, including everything from toothpaste and deodorant to nail polish and anti-aging cream.
We are giving away a copy of Healthy Beauty: Your Guide to Ingredients to Avoid and Products You Can Trust by Samuel S. Epstein, MD with Randall Fitzgerald. Check out this excerpt and don’t forget to leave a comment for your chance to win the book!


 Excert from Care2.com

Rabbit Creek Products bloody mary dip mix Review

I received a great dip mix today from Rabbit Creek Products. The company was named after a creek which runs through a small Eastern Kansas town. Donna Cook owner, has been voted business woman of the year in 1995. The company not only has great tasting products but great customer service. With over 350 products to choose from, you can't go wrong. They produce not only great tasting dips, but bagel spreads, soups and quick breads.

 Since it's Friday, I decided to make the dip with potato chips, and other snacks for dinner and watch a movie. It was easy to make by just adding some sour cream. The result was a really good dip mixture that went great with chips. 

The company has so many products I would not know where to start. Every thing from soups to cheesecakes. And the great part is this little packages are filled with all the dry ingredients you just add what else is required. It's as simple as that.

So check them out at www.rabbitcreekgourmet.com .

  Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

A new study led by a Michigan State University researcher shows people who owned and walked their dogs were 34 percent more likely to meet federal benchmarks on physical activity than those who don’t have dogs. The study appears in the current issue of the Journal of Physical Activity and Health.
According to epidemiologist Mathew Reeves, the study shows that promoting dog ownership and dog walking could help many Americans to become healthier. Currently fewer than half of the American population meets recommended levels of leisure-time physical activity.
“Walking is the most accessible form of physical activity available to people,” Reeves said. “What we wanted to know was if dog owners who walked their dogs were getting more physical activity or if the dog-walking was simply a substitute for other forms of activity.”
Obviously if you are taking your dog for daily walks your level of activity increases, but the team found that not only did owning and walking a dog increase the amount of walking a person does but that they were more active overall.
“There appears to be a strong link between owning and walking a dog and achieving higher levels of physical activity, even after accounting for the actual dog walking.”
Reeves also noted  that spending time with a dog  has been shown to have a positive impact on quality of life


 courtesy of the news

Tree Street Grains Review

If you are looking for a pancake mix that is healthy and made with high quality ingredients, than you will love these. Tree Street Grains, 16 grain pancake mix, high fiber/high protein pancake mix and 9 grain gluten free pancake mix.

I received these three mixes today from the Tree Street Grains company who is owned and operated by David Cobia. The company now sells at 16 retail outlets and on the Internet.

The first bag 16 grain, is stone ground, 100 percent whole grain with a ton of flax. In the mix is no white flour, no artificial ingredients and no preservatives. With just one mix you can not only make pancakes but waffles and muffins.


 
The next mix is 9 grain gluten free pancake mix. It is the ultimate mix in gluten free multi grain and flax ingredients. There is no white rice used, nor is there any added starch. The mix is full of fiber and protein, 100 percent whole grain.The pancake mix not only taste good, it is very mild tasting. This mix also can be used for waffles and muffins.


 

The third bag of pancake mix was high fiber/high protein. A mild tasting pancake mix. Made with whey and soy protein, flax and no white flour. This pancake mix can also be used for waffles and muffins as well as the pancakes.

The benefits of these products, is that every time they are used you are starting your day in a healthy way. They made great pancakes, so light and fluffy. Better than any box mix I have used in a long time.

They are very great tasting, so if you are interested in learning more about them, please visit their website.
www.treestreetgrains.com.


 Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.