Friday, June 29, 2012

What Are We Celebrating Today - Sat, June 30, 2012?

Angela will be home later this afternoon. I hope she had a lot of fun, but not too much fun. LOL.

There really isn't much being celebrated today. I guess that's good, as the heat here is just terrible. I don't feel like celebrating anything, and I can't believe June is over. Angela will start school in about 4 weeks.

1). Leap Second Time Adjustment Day: A leap second can be added, or subtracted, twice a year to keep time in sync with the atomic clock time. This is one of the two days...the other is Jan 31st. Some years scientists have to add or subtract a second and some years nothing needs to be added.

2). Meteor Watch Day: This holiday is a time to look to the skies for meteor showers. Will you be lucky enough to see meteors streaking across the night sky? Hopefully your night will be clear so you can, though the best annual show is the Perseid Meteor shower each August.
Have a great Saturday and stay cool.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Bzz Review: Mozaik -- The NEW Plasticware

As a Bzz Agent, I've been given the opportunity to review different products, and these opinions are all my own.
I was sent a service of 8 box, which is a 40 piece set of Mozaik Plasticware. This service for 8 costs about $10 in the store, and is well worth the price. I was also sent a small box of serving forks, which didn't make it to the party itself. The teenage girls saw them and promptly confiscated them. I should have gotten a photo of the girls eating with them.

From their website: Sabert® is proud to introduce a fashionable new line of heavyweight plastic partyware. Available in Classic and Contemporary styles, Mozaïk® may look like the real thing, but it’s durable, affordable plasticware that you can wash and reuse, or simply dispose. Either way, it’s a great way to serve with a little more style.
Oh wow, this product is wonderful!!! The plates are very sturdy and easy to rewash and reuse, which we did. This is the first time I didn't break a fork while using plastic cutlery. Now I asked the guys to let me take a few photos of them using the Mozaik, and they promptly had to play with their food.
The photos were taken at JB's after graduation party last weekend. I'll refrain from putting up all the graduation photos I took that day.
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Yes, JB is making a car out of his food. That's what I get for asking to take photos.
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Oh, I think this one is my husband's plate....see what I put up with?
I give the Mozaik 5 stars. It's the nicest and sturdiest disposable plates and cutlery I've ever used. Ed and Mary both commented that the plates looked like the real thing, and until Ed actually picked up a fork, he thought it was metal. You can really pile a lot of food on the big size plates without any issues...no bending, breaking, or soaking though.
Since the package said the pieces were reusable, we decided to wash the plates. That worked very well, and now they can be used again. The designs didn't wear off and the plates look as good as new.
I'll definitely be finding some of the Mozaik 8 Piece Sets for my next outdoor party and I may even take them camping since they are disposable.
Check out the website for all the other products in the Mozaik line. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.


Sunday, June 24, 2012

Book Review: Crossing Values by Carrie Daws


Crossing Values is the first book by author Carrie Daws. It also the first book in a series, with Ryan's Crossing being the next book. I don't have a publish date for it though.
From the back of the book: For years, Amber traipsed around the northwest avoiding the skeletons in her closet. Job-hopping every few weeks, she refused to let anyone get close to her.
As winter plants itself firmly across the Rockies, she takes a chance on a job at a logging company with a family different from any she’s ever known.
Watching the family interact creates more questions than answers for Amber. Feeling like she’s entered the happily-ever-after written at the end of fairytales, she watches for cracks in the façade.
Surely as the days pass, the play-acting will cease and the real family will emerge.
Or could she be wrong? Could they truly be genuine?
Could Faye understand the trauma from her past or Peter think of her as more than just the winter office help? Could this family really hold the key to what she’s seeking?
Crossing Values by Carrie Daws
Crossing Values is only 160 pages long, so it was easy for me to read in an evening. I really wanted to love this book, as the premise sounded so good. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. I knew this was a Christian fiction book (obviously, since I obtained the book from CWA), but it crossed that fine line in to being preachy. Preachy is a turn off for me, as it is for quite a few other readers of Christian Fiction. I expect that Carrie will grow as a writer and fix this issue, as Crossing Values is her first book.
Another issue that stands out for me is the lack of kissing, especially following the marriage proposal. Couples that get engaged kiss (even Amish kiss), and it's almost like sealing the proposal. I don't want graphic or anything, but there should be some mention of a kiss or two. And no, I don't know why that bothers me so much.
Now the banter between extended family members flows well and is so enjoyable. It reminds me a lot of my mother's side of the family. The feeling of love and hope come through and made me wish I was right there at the table eating with the family.
There is nothing objectionable in the book, so it's appropriate for all ages. I can't seen teenagers reading and enjoying it though. The list price $11.99, but it's a little cheaper on Amazon right now.
Overall, I'd give the book 3 1/2 stars.

As a member of the CWA Review Crew, I was given a copy of the book Crossing Values by Carrie Daws to read and review. The opinions are my own.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

My 10 Grilling Tips....

SocialMoms and Applegate have come together to have me promote Applegate Hot Dogs, which are now available in the Atlanta area, both at Kroger and Whole Foods. Applegate Hot Dogs are nitrate and nitrite free and actually come in at least 9 different varieties ranging from Organic Turkey Dogs to Super Natural Beef Hot Dogs. http://www.applegatefarms.com/hotdogs_sausage.aspx


Did you know that eighty percent of antibiotics sold in the U.S. are used in animal agriculture? The vast majority are used for non-therapeutic purposes, such as promoting animal growth and compensating for the effects of unsanitary and overcrowded conditions. Applegate makes sure their animals are never given antibiotics, hormones or artificial growth promotants. Their products are made with natural and organic ingredients, and best of all, they are gluten and casein free. I just recently found out that I have to be gluten free, so Applegate  ( www.applegatefarms.com) products may become a staple in my household.
With summer and the warm weather comes grilling season. My family happens to be year around grillers, with at least one meal being grilled a week. I actually do most of the grilling at my house, not my husband, and over the years, I've made my share of mistakes.
10 Important Grilling Tips.....
1). NEVER use gasoline as lighter fluid or squirt gasoline into your grill. It's just plain dangerous! Not only could it explode and hurt someone, but think of all the carcinogens you could end up putting on your food. And no, I've NEVER done this.
2). Bring your meat to room temperature before putting on the grill. I know it sounds a little odd, but having the meat at room temperature will help cook it evenly on the grill.
3). Make sure your grill is in a safe area, away from the house and dry materials. I know that sounds like common sense, but you'd be surprised how many people every years start their house on fire from their grill.
4). NEVER light a grill in the house or in a tent. I know that sounds like common sense, but people do it. Not only is it a fire hazard, but when gas/charcoal burn, the result is the release of carbon dioxide (and other things) in to the air. When there isn't enough oxygen for complete combustion, carbon monoxide is the result. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas that will suffocate you, since it strongly binds with the iron in the hemoglobin in your blood. Even a small exposure to carbon monoxide can have lasting results. Hmm, can't tell my husband and I are chemists, huh?
5). Don't leave a lit grill unattended, especially if there are children around.  I know there are times when you need to run inside for something, but it only takes a few seconds for a child to touch a hot grill. In this age of cell phones, it's just safer to call in to the house and have someone else bring out what you need.
6). Clean the grate of your grill after every use...and preferably while it's still hot. It's much easier to clean hot. A decent grill brush isn't very expensive, and keeping the grate clean will make the taste of your food so much better.
7). Use Tongs and never pierce your meat. When you grill, you want the juices to be locked in. Every time you put a hole in your meat, the juices escape. The result will be dried out meat. Yuck!
8). Preheat your grill and get it HOT. When you put your meat on the grill, you want it to sear and lock in all the juices. If you put meat on too early, the meat will just dry out.
9). Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the food. I know most of us just look to see if meat is done, but the smart thing to do is stick that thermometer in the meat. Make sure it is done, especially with ground meat, as ground meat tends to harbor more bacteria. Trust me, you don't want to get sick.
10). Avoid flair ups and have a water bottle on hand. Fat from burgers, steaks, etc will cause flair ups and using a teaspoon of baking soda in your water bottle can help control them. You want your food cooked, not turned in to charcoal. By that means, use seasonings, but not ones with a lot of sugar. Sugar is another carbon based molecule and will not only attract the flames, but burn. BBQ sauce has a lot of sugar and should be put on only at the end of cooking.

I hope my tips help you to have a wonderful and safe grilling season. If you have any more, please feel free to leave them below. Thanks you SocialMoms and Applegate for this opportunity. I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Applegate blogging program, to earn My SocialMoms Rewards Points. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. http://applegate.socialmoms.com/



Sunday, June 17, 2012

Getting Ready for a McCormick Grill Mates Party....

I was lucky enough to have been chosen as a McCormick Grill Mates Grill Ambassador through the Crowdtap site. A variety of McCormick Grill Mates Products was sent to me to use. Since a friend's son was graduating high school, we decided this would be a great time to have a party (especially after our original grill out party was cancelled due to excessive rain).
The first thing we tried out was the McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning on steaks. These were Chuck eyes, as the steaks taste and act a lot like rib eyes but for much less. The other side of the steak had a lot more seasoning on it.
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Now I used the McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak seasoning on some hamburgers and the Molasses Bacon seasoning on others.
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These Molasses Bacon burgers were quite good. My husband and the other guys like the Montreal Spicy Steak Season on their burgers better though....but I think it's just a guy thing. My neighbor Dawn is sold on the Montreal Steak Seasoning, since it's so versatile.
I also did make a slab of ribs with the Memphis Pit BBQ Rub. That was a little messy, as I rubbed the dry mix into the ribs with my hands...ohhhh, orange hands. The ribs must have been very good, as I only got 1 bite....yes, not even a full rib....just one stinkin' bite. The Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Sauce was available for dipping the ribs. Oh, the BBQ sauce is good, as it has such a nice sweet smoky flavor.
Mary finally made the decision to have BBQ Pork, since we weren't sure how many of the people invited to JB's graduation party would show up. BBQ pork can be made ahead of time in a larger quantity, and she was also worried about rain. The Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Sauce makes a great sauce for both the BBQ pork and to put in the baked beans.
The actual party was last weekend....and hopefully I'll get a chance to post some photos. The food was great and the cake was gorgeous.
Thank you Crowdtap and McCormick!

What Are We Celebrating Today - Sun, June 17, 2012?

First I'd like to wish all the men out there a very Happy Father's Day!! I will be calling my father later today. I already texted both my brothers. Many countries actually celebrate this holiday on the third Sunday in June.
So, we are celebrating....
1). Work at Home Father's Day: Today we celebrate those fathers that work from home or are stay at home dads. That number is getting bigger every year, as dads decide to spend more time at home. This is rare that both this holiday and Father's Day fall on the same day. This is also called Husband Caregiver day
2). Eat Your Veggies Day: Yes, this is almost in the middle of fruit and veggies month. This holiday is the perfect opportunity to re-introduce a healthy portion of vegetables into your diet. Now I don't mind some veggies, while there are one or two I just can't stand....and a few I'm allergic to.
3). Stewart's Root Beer Day: I like this one! Stewart's Root Beer was introduced way back in 1924 at a humble drink stand. Today, it's a national brand with a cult following that's been enjoying new and original flavors for over 75 years. I think it only comes in the brown bottles (and as a fountain drink), so it makes the kids feel so grown up. Personally, I grew up with A&W.
Well, I'm going to try and get at least a little sleep. This no sleeping thing is going to kill me.


Thursday, June 14, 2012

Angela's Production Dance Number

Okay...I finally have our dance studio's production number to show you. I know you won't be able to pick out Angela, as it goes too fast and there are too many dancers. Just trust me, she's in there. She does NOT have the boot on either (Ang is not in to hip-hop).

Production
I hope you enjoy it.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

What are we Celebrating today -- 6/2/2012?

Angela and I were gone most of the day, as we went to see the premier of Madagascar 3 in 3D at the Mall of Georgia. I didn't realize that mall was so far away. It took us over an hour to get there.
Okay, so today we are celebrating....
1). National Bubba Day: This holiday honors anyone named or called Bubba. To qualify to be honored today, your name can be formally, or informally "Bubba", and actually, you can even take on the name "Bubba" for just the day. That way everyone can celebrate this day. Right, Bubba?
2). Yell "Fudge" At Cobras in North America Day: Huh? Now according to to what I found on the web: "In order to keep poisonous cobra snakes out of North America, all citizens are asked to go outdoors at noon local time and yell “fudge!” Fudge makes cobras gag, and the mere mention of it makes them skeedaddle."  Um, no....I don't get it. It sounds like an Indiana Jones thing to me, but I could be wrong.

3). Leave the Office Early Day: Yes, today is the day to sneak out a few minutes early and enjoy the day. This holiday encourages you to take some time out from the desk to realize that rest, relaxation and getting away can actually improve morale, attitude and productivity. Too bad this one falls on a Saturday this year.
4). Chimborazo Day: Do you know which mountain pokes out furthest into space? No, it’s not Mount Everest, but it's Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador. It has to do with local and not height of the mountain, exactly. I can explain it if you want...but most of you probably don't care. This is the day to celebrate that mountain though.
I hope all of you are having a great day. The next 4 days are going to be so busy here, so I won't be around much.