Rainbow Bridge: Cinnamon the guinea pig

Cinnamon the guinea pig who lived to be 12!

I entered into a scrapbook challenge and I called this Rainbow Bridge.   She was a previous "show guinea pig" and was in the cage surrounded by other guinea pigs that we adopted from the Shelter.  She is waiting for me with all of her adopted brothers and sisters at The Rainbow Bridge.

I created this page for the challenge

National Scrapbooking Day 2014 Hurry to get in the challenges in time!

image credit:  Ben Franklin

HAPPY NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY Scrappers!   I've been so busy scrapbooking that I never even knew the day was here until yesterday, Friday when I received an announcement (see below) from Scrapbook.com(and they are having a great time!)

image credit:  Scrapbook.com

I'm entering everything I think I can do!  You have almost a month to finish a number of these challenges but many are due tonight at 12am PDT.   At least that's what I'm reading on many of the rules.

Profiteroles Recipes: Food Porn!

Image Source:  Profiteroles Recipes

Ingredients: 1⁄4 cup milk, 1⁄4 cup water, 1.75 oz. butter, 1 1⁄2 teaspoons sugar, 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, 3⁄4 cup allpurpose flour, 3 eggs, one egg white for pastry and yolk for egg wash.
1. In a small sauce pan bring milk, water, butter, sugar and salt to a boil
2. Over medium heat, add flour all at once; with a wooden spoon stir vigorously for approximately 3 minutes (the flour will be cooking while you stir into the dough)
3. In a mixing bowl, add flour paste and on slow speed add 2 eggs and 1 egg white (one at a time) to incorporate; increase speed until smooth.
4. In a pastry bag with a desired tip (or a plastic gallon bag with corner snipped) pipe out round shapes and then brush with egg yolk.
5. Bake at 425 degrees for approximately 40 minutes or until dry on inside.
6. Cool completely before slicing and adding frozen Yonanas in middle


HAZELNUT PROFITEROLES
1. Split pastry in half and fold in store bought hazelnut spread.
2. Add 1 scoop hazelnut yonanas to center of profiteroles
3. Dust with coco powder


MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP CHOCOLATE PROFITEROLES
1. Add 1 scoop Mint Chocolate Chip Yonanas to center of profiteroles
2. Drizzle chocolate syrup over top of profiteroles

This is my new food porn for the family!  The one that I'm making is more of a Bananas Foster which has:  Bacon Fat Carmelized (the bacon goes in another dessert!)  Peanut Cream.
Tell me about your favorite Food Porn!

Glee Gum Candy Kit Giveawway until 5/14

Glee Gum Candy Kit Giveaway Hosted by Deals of Sweetness

Sponsored by Glee Gum

Co-Hosted by Pea of Sweetness

Innovative activity kits with sweet results. As educational toys, the Make Your Own Candy Kits are designed to connect, create, and captivate!

• Make your own chewing gum
• Make your own chocolate
• Make your own gummies
• Fun & easy to make on the stove or with a microwave.
• Everything you need is included.
• Natural ingredients.
• Great gifts for kids (ages 8 and up)!

Emilee from Deals of Sweetness had a lot of fun making gummies with their three kids. See what they thought in her Glee Gum Make Your Own Gummies Kit Review. The review is GREAT!  I am so excited about this giveaway!

About the prize: One winner will receive a Make your Own Candy Kit of their choice (Chocolate, Gummies or Gum).

About the giveaway: This giveaway begins on 4/30 at 7pm and ends on 5/14 at 11:00pm (times are Central) and is open to Continental US residents ages 18+. Please refer to the full terms and conditions in the Giveaway Tools.

Entry-Form

  Disclosure: Emilee from Deals of Sweetness and Pea of Sweetness received free product(s) to facilitate their review. No other compensation was received. Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

M.O.O.N. Pamper Your Pet Announcement

Prize: 

Interactive Feeder

Junior Interactive Feeder

Stimulo Cat Feeder 

Paw Plunger Petite

Paw Plunger Large

Vetericyn Pet Med Spray for Skin care and Hot Spots 

Newman's Own Organics Dog Treats Assortment 

(3) Tuggo Dog Toys

(2) Petbrosia 3 lb Boxes

and growing...

ARV: $310+

Hosted by:

Joans 5 Star Reviews
and 

Sign-ups close 5/6

Click HERE to sign up and for more html info.

M.O.O.N. has now added several perks/discounts for frequent participation in our events but you must be a member of our Facebook group to be eligible.  Please visit the M.O.O.N. group if you are a blogger and would like more information regarding these perks and other group events.

**If you are a company and would like to see your brand advertised in a M.O.O.N. event similar to this or a Blogger interested in working with M.O.O.N. please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com

Mother's Day Essay about my Mom 2014 and Giveaway

Image Source:  FTD Mother's Day Selection

Essay Contest and Giveaway to enter:
 Tell them about your mom! Though she’s worthy of an essay, share with them in 200 words or less a story of the mom in your life. What’s the best advice she’s given you? How has she raised you? Is she the funniest person you know? Every mom is a standout. Share with them a story that honors yours.

Read more at http://www.confessionsofanover-workedmom.com/2014/04/take-time-enjoy-cup-tea.html#F847byYe6IESud11.99

 

 My essay:

My mom is alive and well today and youthful (no matter what she says!)  She is a retired nurse and is working 2 volunteer jobs a week.  She has two dogs that keep her busy.  

My mom is a very funny person.  She can fill your day just telling dog stories of the dogs that we had as a family when I was growing up at home.  People who meet my mom love her instantly and she has a lot of friends both where she lives and from her days working as a nurse in PA.  

Her love for dogs is what something that she passed on to me.  When I got married we instantly brought rescue dogs into our home and did some fosters as well.   My mom didn't get rescue dogs until I was married and she lost (to their death) a number of dogs (within her moves to Michigan and to where she lives now).  I'm so proud of her and feel that I brought that love of dogs full circle since she now adopts like my husband and I do.

My mom  also passed on her love for other people to me and being outgoing and talking to anyone (and I mean even strangers walking their dog while we are walking ours!)  I know that many of her few different settings as a nurse naturally opened up these opportunities to be outgoing and meeting new people all the time and doing things for them that are so nice.

The way in which she would give the shirt off her back to strangers is what I do to this day.  I'm really thankful in the ways that my mom started when I was a young child, demonstrating how to live my life as a loving and quality adult.  I love you Mom!

* To FTD:  This photo that I'm using from your page is the gift that I'm giving my mom this year.  I'm always getting flowers from you for my mom and (RIP) my mother-in-law and step-mom.

 On May 11, Mother’s Day will celebrate its 100-year anniversary. FTD is proud to be the only floral delivery service that’s been there from the start. In honor of the centennial and moms everywhere, they are looking for 100 Stories of Mom and will honor 100 Moms with a special bouquet of flowers.

Tell them about your mom! Though she’s worthy of an essay, share with them in 200 words or less a story of the mom in your life. What’s the best advice she’s given you? How has she raised you? Is she the funniest person you know? Every mom is a standout. Share with them a story that honors yours. Participants will have the option to post a video or share in 200 words with photo. The top 100 stories will receive a $50 FTD gift card. Here’s my story.

Read more at http://www.confessionsofanover-workedmom.com/2014/04/take-time-enjoy-cup-tea.html#F847byYe6IESud11.99

*To my readers:  If you would like to order that bear and chocolate and roses, this is the information about it:

Just for You Mom Mothers Day Mini Rose

Starting at $24.99 $14.99 Sale

On May 11, Mother’s Day will celebrate its 100-year anniversary. FTD is proud to be the only floral delivery service that’s been there from the start. In honor of the centennial and moms everywhere, they are looking for 100 Stories of Mom and will honor 100 Moms with a special bouquet of flowers.

Tell them about your mom! Though she’s worthy of an essay, share with them in 200 words or less a story of the mom in your life. What’s the best advice she’s given you? How has she raised you? Is she the funniest person you know? Every mom is a standout. Share with them a story that honors yours. Participants will have the option to post a video or share in 200 words with photo. The top 100 stories will receive a $50 FTD gift card. Here’s my story.

Read more at http://www.confessionsofanover-workedmom.com/2014/04/take-time-enjoy-cup-tea.html#F847byYe6IESud11.99

My altered book for the CMCC 17 Challenge

Here is the Colour Me Playful Challenge #17

Use the above colors in this challenge.

The challenge is: Only the colours we indicate may be used for your project. Neutrals such as black, gray, white, vanilla, skin colours and kraft are also welcome.  

This week we are using Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Pacific Point and Tempting Turquoise ...have fun!

We are permitted to use similar colors of our choosing that comes close to the ones named above.

 

My entry for this challenge is an altered book I made:

Planning to cook for Monday Night thanks to Lindsay of Pinch of Yum!

Sweet Potato, Kale, and Sausage Bake with White Cheese Sauce

image credit: Pinch of Yum

image credit: Pinch of Yum

image credit: Pinch of Yum

image credit: Pinch of Yum

Lindsay, of Pinch of Yum writes, "I was not expecting kale to be such a superstar in this recipe, but it was really the crown jewel of the whole thing. I think that’s food karma – include good healthy things and more good things will come back to you, and it will probably be covered with cheese. Honestly, though, the just slightly wilted taste and texture with the salty bite and melted softness of the Gruyere was like heaven to me. And roasted sweet potatoes and Italian sausage are my bread and butter, so the combo altogether was obvi comforting and delicious."

image credit: Pinch of Yum

Save Print

Sweet Potato, Kale, and Sausage Bake with White Cheese Sauce

Author: Pinch of Yum

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (3-4 cups)
• 16 ounces Italian pork or chicken sausage, cut into small rounds
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup flour
• ¾ cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 2 cups finely chopped kale

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Add the sweet potatoes and Italian sausage. Shake to coat in oil, let sit for a few minutes to brown, and shake the pan gently again to move everything around. Repeat until the sweet potatoes and sausage both have golden brown exteriors. Toss with the kale and transfer to a greased 9-inch square baking dish.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bring the broth and ½ cup milk to a low boil, then turn the heat to keep it at a low simmer. Whisk the flour and remaining ¼ cup milk to form a thick paste. Add this to the broth, whisking to keep the sauce smooth. Add ¼ cup Gruyere and stir until melted.
3. Pour the sauce over the sweet potatoes, kale, and sausage in the baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese and bake for 10 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Notes

This makes quite a bit of sauce - you might not need all of it depending on how sau-say you like things.

Sketch 387 Reward Challenge April 2014

I love this challenge!  I wanted to use some non blue pages to make another beach page about Sandie (my dog) and enter it.

I'm so glad that I have another page to put into Sandie's scrapbook!  I kinda got away from working on that and I think I will continue to do more pages for her scrapbook tomorrow and the rest of the week until the May Challenge and the Colour Me challenge comes out.

Sketch 389 Scrapbook Challenge April

Today I am sharing a page that I made for the Sketch 389  Here's the challenge:

Here's my entry:

Journaling says: "Sandie (my dog) and John (my husband) go on the beach twice a day.  We live at Silverstrand Beach, CA.  I can't tell enough stories about living here.  We love it!"

Materials Used:
  Bazzill-Blind Date
  Recollections Glitter cardstock
  Ki- Perm Teal Scallop Page
  Bazzill- Handsome  (picture mats)
  2 Beach Stickers
    (sold at Michael's)

  Scrabble Tiles
    (found on Etsy)

  Fancy Light Blue Ribbon
  Light Blue Ribbon
   (not sure where I bought this)
    

California Oranges $100.00 Value Giveaway 5/1-5/31

The sun is shining bright here in California, so I’m excited to share our next free blogger opportunity with you. This time we’re working with California Oranges to bring your readers the opportunity to win a gift box filled with goodies valued at approximately $100!

This gift box will include:

• Certified Organic Oranges
• Tangerine Balsamic Vinegar
• Persian Lime Olive Oil
• Orange Blossom Honey
• Orange & Lemon Almonds

This prize package is being provided by CaliforniaOranges.com, which was started in 1997 by the family who has farmed Pleasant Valley ranch since 1909! Their award winning, certified organic, California Navel Oranges have come to be recognized by many as the World’s Most Delicious Oranges.
They have a variety of amazing treats your readers will be excited to have the chance to win! Click here to learn more about CaliforniaOranges.com and check out their amazing oranges.
All bloggers who sign up to participate in the giveaway event will get one link FREE Twitter or Pinterest link. Bloggers with more than 10,000 Facebook fans will receive an additional Facebook link! We simply ask that you post the HTML and Rafflecopter to your blog, and promote the event at least 3 times per week on Facebook, Twitter or the social media outlet of your choice.

Click here for more details and to sign up.

Mother's Day Gift for my mom

Mother's Day Gift for my mom
http://www2.fiskars.com/.../Mod-Bath-Basket-for-Mothers-Day

DIY Beauty Gift Basket with Peppermint Foot Scrub, Body Oil + Soap

photo credit:  Henry Happened

http://www.henryhappened.com/peppermint-foot-scrub.html



HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SOAP

step by-step photos found here  \http://latikasoap.blogspot.ro/2013/04/diy-soap-gift-mothers-day-gift-idea.html

March 31 2014 Happy 12th birthday SANDIE!

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY SANDIE!

Sandie turned 12 just a couple of days ago, March 31!  She's such a young gal.  She still acts like a puppy and I love her more and more each day.  She brings such love and happiness into our home.  

For her birthday she received a new toy with lots of squeakers and a big dog biscuit and also a bowl of dog yogurt.  We're still celebrating with her.   I hope she lives for a LONG time!

Update

Hi!
It's been awhile.  I wanted to update anyone who reads my blog.  The winter (really summer here in Southern Calif.) has
been a time of depression for me.

John and I celebrated our 17th anniversary on Valentine's Day and then the next day was the 1 year anniv. death of my Mother In Law and I was a mess.

Going for support here soon!  Looking forward to that. 

Sandie is doing well and turns 12 on March 31st when I turn 54.  We're going to have a good time together on our birthdays!

Just Natural Organic Care Giveaway

Welcome to the Just Natural Organic Care Giveaway!

*~ 3 products of your choice! ~*

Hosted by: Savory Savings

Sponsored by: Just Natural Organic Care

As a society, we are seemingly more worried about what we put into our bodies – you see a bigger push for stores and even restaurants to offer organic, all-natural and gluten-free foods, but I wonder, does that same desire for chemical-free living extend to our body care products as well?  Pick up any bottle of “mainstream” shampoo and you may find yourself face to face with a list of ingredients that you cannot pronounce, or that contain harsh agents such as parabens, alcohol, and sulfates, just to name a few.  If we demand all-natural products for the inside, we should do the same for the outside!  Just Natural Organic Care offers a full line of hair and skin products made from organic ingredients, as well as being free of sulfates, parabens, alcohol and gluten!  In addition to that, they are also vegan and cruelty-free!  Krista over at Savory Savings had the chance to try out Just Natural Organic Care’s psoriasis line of haircare products including the shampoo, conditioner, vinegar rinse and body soap!  Be sure to check out her full review as she shares about softer hair and an itch-free scalp for the whole family!
Would you like to win three products of your choice from Just Natural Organic Care?  Enter with the Giveaway Tool below!  This giveaway is open to US residents only, ages 18 and older.  The giveaway will run from November 13, 2013 through November 27, 2013 at 11 PM CST.
 

Lipgarb Gloss Giveaway 11/11/13 - 11/25/13

Welcome to the lipgarb gloss giveaway!

Hosted by: Savory Savings

Sponsored by: lipgarb

Going out often involves dark rooms – either in dimly lit restaurants, dark bars and clubs or dark theaters.  When you need to reapply your lipgloss, or check your makeup in one of these places, or in the car at night, you either have to track down a public restroom or worse, wing it in the dark and hope for the best!  There is a new lipgloss out there to help with this!  With a built in light and mirror, lipgarb gloss is your girl’s night out new best friend!  These vibrant glosses come in a multitude of colors, apply evenly and are not sticky. Krista over at Savory Savings recently had the chance to review two of the fun colors and even shares how lipgarb is committed to being green by packaging their products literally in the garbage of others!  Be sure to read her full review and get the scoop!
Would you like to win two lipgarb glosses to enhance your night out?  Enter to win with the giveaway tool below!  This giveaway is open to US residents only and will run from November 11, 2013 through November 25, 2013.   The winner will receive two lipgarb glosses in the colors of their choice.

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Event! Dec. 26th - Jan. 7th.

Mark your calendars for December 26th, 2013 - Jan. 7th, 2014 for the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway sponsored by Conversations with Carolyn and additional sponsors!   Gifts that will be presented each day vary from children-adult-animal gifts and more!

If you would like to be a sponsor in this event, please write to candlesales@mail.com  and write "12 Days of Christmas Giveaway" in the topic and then please tell me about $10.00 gift sponsorship.  Thank you!  More information and forms coming soon.

If the 12 spots are not filled by Dec. 1, 2013 then this event will be cancelled.  Thanks.

Personalized I SEE ME Lunchbox Giveaway! ends 11/30/13

Welcome to the I See Me! Personalized Lunch Box Giveaway!

I am thrilled to be able to bring you another awesome giveaway for the #LiaHChristmas event! I See Me! has been putting smiles on children's faces since May 2000 with their personalized products that not only educate but entertain our children.

Their goal is to produce educational books that teach young children how to recognize letters and spell their names, in addition to building their self-esteem through personalized books that celebrate the uniqueness of each child! I See Me! books are popular among celebrities including Courtney Cox, Brooke Shields and Jessica Alba. I had the opportunity a little while back to review the I See Me! personalized puzzle with my youngest son, Tre. He loves sports, loves puzzles, so I was thrilled to be able to get him the new Kick, Score, Run! personalized puzzle. You can read our review here. What I love about the I See Me! products is that you can bundle products with the same theme, or purchase a gift set. My son, for instance, is a sports fan. He loved the puzzle, and I could purchase him a matching lunch box as well as a placemat!

A lot of the products also have matching books, making this an excellent gift to give that special little person in your life! I remember the first time I received a coordinated gift set from my nana - it was a complete desk set. Desk pad, pencil holder, clip holder, calendar, paper pad, and a matching pen with a stand. I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world! Want to be informed whenever a new product is added to the store, or an awesome discount promotion is upcoming? Sign up to receive them right here! You can find all of the I See Me! products on their Pinterest boards, or follow along for updates on Twitter and Facebook!

On with the giveaway! This giveaway will run from 12:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, November 10 through 11:59 p.m. EST on Saturday, November 30. Open to residents of the continental United States, ages 18 and older. Winner will have the option of choosing from all of the personalized lunch boxes available here.

Good luck to all!

 Disclosure: Life in a House of Testosterone organized this event. I received no compensation for promoting this event. All opinions are 100% my own and may differ from your own or those stated in this post. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook, Google+, Twitter or Pinterest. Prize shipment will be coordinated by Life in a House of Testosterone and the sponsor of this event.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Happy 91st birthday in heaven Mom! Giveaway! ends 11/9/13

Hi!  Check out the names UNDER the photos!

One of Mom's Mother's Days in the nursing home.

Hi everyone!  Meet my Mother In Law (God rest her 91st year old soul!)   For her birthday I am going to have a party.  Here at home we are making cupcakes and burgers (a new recipe from my husband) and I will add the recipes here.

I will also have a USA only giveaway!  The giveaway is a neon charm bracelet that I gave to my Mother In Law (not this one but another one that is the same) and she wore off/on with this bracelet in the picture that I gave to her.

Winner:  Theresa Johnson!

All you have to do to enter is COMMENT on this blog about the things (name more than one please) that you like to do to celebrate birthdays!   If this works out well to start, come back throughout the day and I'll add some more gifts!  Winners will be announced on Monday.  USA only Giveaway ends tonight at 11:00pm ET.  Have fun!  Keep coming back and adding as many comments as you wish.  Comments drawn via random.org  Thank you!


 ADDING ANOTHER GIFT!

WINNER:  Amanda Lawson!

 AND ANOTHER GIFT:

Winner:  Jessica Whitehouse!

I'm including something that I'm making today for my husband and myself to enjoy for the birthday so that you can enjoy it too if you LOVE RED VELVET CUPCAKES!

Pop Sugar

Red Velvet Latte

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
1/2 cup cold-brewed coffee
Whipped cream, for garnish
Red sugar sprinkles, for garnish

Directions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk to a simmer. Remove from heat, and mix in the chocolate chips and red food coloring until the chocolate is completely melted.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of coffee to each mug. Divide warmed chocolate milk over coffee. Finish with whipped cream and red sprinkles.

Friday Freebies 11/8/13

and other bargains!

To be entered into the contest all you need to do is COMMENT HERE on this blog entry with a Friday Freebie offer (or one that is good all weekend, or any other bargain that is for today and even into the weekend!)

The winner will be chosen by Random.org and that person will win either something from my stash of AVON or SCENTSY.  I won't tell how that is determined until the winner is announced in email.

Two things that determine if you are the winner:

1.  You belong to my fan group, CHATTING WITH CAROLYN.
2.  That you send your email address to me in private on my group, CHATTING WITH CAROLYN.

Please have ALL of your comments entered here by tonight, 8pm PT (11pm ET) Fri. 11/8/13.  Please be available to answer your email notification of the win (if it is you) by Sunday night, 11/10/13  8pm PT (11pm ET).