BOO! WAT-AAH! Halloween Giveaway!

Of all the products I've reviewed here over the years, WAT-AAH is one of my all time favorites. Getting my kids to drink more water is a big issue for me and WAT-AAH helps make it a little less challenging. The bottles are bright and colorful, great for getting kids' attention. It's been a long time since we first tried WAT-AAH, but I know the taste was a huge hit with my crew. WAT-AAH has rolled out something special just in time for Halloween. Check out WAT-AAH Boo and CEO Rose Cameron’s new blog, www.HealthisCool.org.

WAT-AAH!, a brand of functional water for kids and teens, unveils "WAT-AAH! BOO", a limited edition bottle to celebrate Halloween and to promote healthy hydration in support of the Partnership For A Healthier America's (PHA) initiative, whose honorary chair is the First Lady Michelle Obama. On the label, the brand's familiar character, the WAT-AAH! Boy, is portrayed mysteriously in silhouette and screaming, "BOO!" to surprise its audience. He is surrounded by familiar Halloween imagery such as a witch, ghost, haunted house, pumpkin and full moon, each drawn using simple graphic lines. In the spirit of the holiday, a fun and unexpected treatment of PHA's "Drink Up" logo is also featured; it defines the body of a black spider crawling up the web, which serves as a background for the entire scene.

How would you like to win some awesome WAT-AAH for your family! One lucky reader will win a Halloween prize pack fro the great folks at WAT-AAH! The prize packs will include WAT-AAH! bottles, t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers and more. This is a quick giveaway so your prize will arrive by Halloween! Enter using Rafflecopter below. Winner will be notified by email and will have twelve hours to respond before another winner is selected. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Today is your lucky day. You didn't know that did you. You thought you would swing by Nessa's blog for a Read while you sip your afternoon tea or coffee or whatever, but that's all about to change because, TODAY, I've got a little something extra for you all. Today is My First Giveaway Day!!  You're on the edge of your seats now aren't you... and you should be. 

Remember that, I'm still an newbie at this whole blogger routine and since this is my first giveaway and I am eternally grateful to her, I feel obligated to tell you about the creator of the prize at hand. This necklace (a $25 value) was hand made by the darling Ms. Amanda Rempe. She makes all sorts of amazing creations that you can check out over at amandalynnedesigns.com and you really should. I like her designs for their simplicity and versatility. You can put them on and leave them on with your jeans or when you're headed out for the night. I'm especially fond of the I Do necklace and wish I would have had it for my sister-in-law last weekend. 

Amanda started her business a little over a year ago and things have taken off for her. I have been privileged to watch her grow up for the past ten years and I am so proud to be able to host a give away featuring her jewelry.  On top of that, she was sweet enough to create a necklace just for this give away, and JUST FOR YOU! 

The copper disk is 18mm wide and is available on a 16" or 18" chain.

Now, how to get your entries, its simple.  You have until next Tuesday's post with Ramblings of a Texas Housewife to get your entries in, so don't wait around!! And because Nessa  generously hosts my Tuesday blog, she automatically gets 2 entries. You're falling behind already... SCOOT!

Connect back to my blog, Thoughts of an Oxymoron and follow me for 2 entries.

Tweet this give away @replying me @thetameone for 1 entry. Add @amandalynnedesigns to your tweet for 2 entries.

 

Check out amandalynnedesigns.com and tell me your favorite item for 1 entry. You can post your comments under this blog post.

So, are you excited yet? You're going to love it, I know you are!  I will announce the winner next Tuesday. You can send me your address information,etc. then.

Read more from Megan over at Thoughts of an Oxymoron and be sure to come check out her column here next Tuesday!

Holiday Gift Guide: A Century of Flavor Review & Giveaway

One of my favorite holiday traditions is putting in a CD of Christmas tunes, donning an apron, and hitting the kitchen. I start whipping up all sorts of baked goodies as Christmas gifts for loved ones and neighbors. It doesn't take long for wonderful aromas to fill` the house, as I sing along, stirring, sifting, and mixing. I love cooking so much and especially enjoy it during the holidays.



Since this is my favorite time of year to hit the kitchen, I was thrilled when given the chance to review Nielsen-Massey Vanillas' A Century of Flavor. This is a fantastic cookbook! It is filled with beautiful photographs, easy to understand recipes, and oh my does it have some delectable food inside! There are recipes for everyone from the beginning cook to the experienced chef. Many can be made with minimal prep and fuss. I love low fuss! If you want to make something more adventurous, they have that too! I made the most marvelous scones I've ever eaten with a recipe from this book. A Century of Flavor is going to be treasured in my kitchen for years to come.

Check out these amazing recipes!

Creamy Vanilla Sweet Potatoes

4 medium sweet potatoes

~canola oil

2 ounces cream cheese, softened

½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened

¼ cup real maple syrup

1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

5 strips bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wash the sweet potatoes and lightly coast the skins with canola oil. Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Place the potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour or until fork tender.

Cut the hot potatoes into halves. Scoop the potato pulp into a mixing bowl, discarding the skins. Beat at medium speed for 1 minute using an electric mixer. Add the cream cheese, butter, syrup, vanilla extract, salt and pepper. Whip until creamy.

Spoon the whipped potatoes into six ramekins coated with nonstick cooking spray and top with the bacon. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheat 375-degree oven for 5 to 8 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, they may be reheated in a microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.

Serves 6

Crisp Vanilla Butter Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar

1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup chocolate pieces of choice

Cream the butter, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla powder in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt on low speed until just blended. Place the dough on parchment paper and shape into a 12-inch long log. Chill for 3 to 24 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat an insulated cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Cut the dough log into ¼-inch-thick slices and place on the cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Place the cooled cookies on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Place the chocolate pieces in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on High for 15 seconds. Repeat at 5-second intervals, stirring and checking the consistency. The chocolate is ready when it freely drips from the spoon in a fine line. Spoon the chocolate into a large plastic food storage bag. Twist the bag until the chocolate is in one corner and then trim the tip of the bag. Drizzle the chocolate over the cookies.

Variation: Add ½ teaspoon of any Nielsen-Massey Pure Flavor Extract, such as Chocolate, Almond, Lemon, Orange or Coffee, to the cookie dough to create a signature cookie.

They make your mouth water, don't they? I bet you'd love to read more of these wonderful recipes. You are in luck, as I have three of these fantastic cookbooks to share with my readers! All you have to do to enter is head over to Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, then come back here and leave me a comment with something you learned or a recipe you'd love to try.

For Bonus Entries:

*Follow on Networked Blogs. This is worth 5 entries, so leave 5 comments.

* Subscribe to my blog.

* Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

* Follow me on Twitter & tweet this giveaway.

* Blog about this giveaway. It doesn't have to be a whole post, you can just mention it when you are posting about other giveaways if you wish. Just be sure to include a link back to here.

* Add my holiday gift guide button to your blog. This is worth three bonus entries, so leave 3 comments.

*Add my normal button to your blog. This is worth 5 bonus entries, so leave 5 comments.

* Stumble this post. Please leave your username.

Deadline to enter is 11:59pm CST on 12/14/09. Good luck!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Faith & Fangs Blog Tour & Giveaway

As New Moon mania hits in theaters nationwide today, I bring you reviews of two Christian books that are vampire related. These books were provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

TOUCHED BY A VAMPIRE: EXAMINING TWILIGHT THROUGH A BIBLICAL LENS by Beth Felker Jones

People around the world are asking the same question, enraptured with Edward and Bella’s forbidden romance in the Twilight Saga, a four-book serial phenomenon written by Stephenie Meyer. The bestsellers tell the story of a regular girl’s relationship with a vampire who has chosen to follow his “good” side. But the Saga isn’t just another fantasy–it’s teaching girls about love, sex, and purpose. With 48 million copies in print and a succession of upcoming blockbuster films, now is the time to ask the important question: Can vampires teach us about God’s plan for love?

Touched by a Vampire is the first book to investigate the themes of the Twilight Saga from a Biblical perspective. Some Christian readers have praised moral principles illustrated in the story, such as premarital sexual abstinence, which align with Meyer’s Mormon beliefs. But ultimately, Beth Felker Jones examines whether the story’s redemptive qualities outshine its darkness.

Cautionary, thoughtful, and challenging, Touched by a Vampire is written for Twilight fans, parents, teachers, and pop culture enthusiasts. It includes an overview of the series for those unfamiliar with the storyline and a discussion guide for small groups.

My Thoughts: This was a very interesting book. I agreed with some of the author's points, and others not so much. The book did give me quite a lot to think about. The questions it asked led to some great conversations between Ashley and I. All in all, I found it fascinating, even if I didn't agree with everything in it. Ashley has read the first three books in the series, so being able to ask her specific questions about the books was nice. The author did bring up things I'd not thought about. I am glad this book let me get a little more in touch with what Ashley was gleaning from the books. I've read them all and am a fan of the series, but I discovered that Ashley was interpreting some parts of the books in a way I never expected. Had it not been for Touched by a Vampire, I might never have known this. You can pick up your own copy of Touched by a Vampire here.

THIRSTY by Tracey Bateman

There's no place like home, they say.
"Hello, I'm Nina Parker…and I'm an alcoholic."
For Nina, it's not the weighty admission but the first steps toward recovery that prove most difficult. She must face her ex-husband, Hunt, with little hope of making amends, and try to rebuild a relationship with her angry teenage daughter, Meagan. Hardest of all, she is forced to return to Abbey Hills, Missouri, the hometown she abruptly abandoned nearly two decades earlier–and her unexpected arrival in the sleepy Ozark town catches the attention of someone–or something–igniting a two-hundred-fifty-year-old desire that rages like a wildfire.

Unaware of the darkness stalking her, Nina is confronted with a series of events that threaten to unhinge her sobriety. Her daughter wants to spend time with the parents Nina left behind. A terrifying event that has haunted Nina for almost twenty years begins to surface. And an alluring neighbor initiates an unusual friendship with Nina, but is Markus truly a kindred spirit or a man guarding dangerous secrets?

As everything she loves hangs in the balance, will Nina's feeble grasp on her demons be broken, leaving her powerless against the thirst? The battle between redemption and obsession unfold to its startling, unforgettable end.

My Thoughts: Thirsty was absolutely nothing like I expected. Are there vampires in it? Yes. Would I call it a vampire novel? Um, no. I feel it is much more a story of a woman's struggle with alcoholism. It's a great story, but honestly, I could take or leave the vampires in this. That whole aspect of the story just never quite worked for me. It is a good book though, don't be tempted to pass it over just because of the vampires. They really are not a big deal in this novel, at least in my opinion. You can purchase your own copy of Thirsty here.

I have a copy of Thirsty to give to one lucky reader. All you have to do is tell me if you are a Twilight fan or not in the comment section. Please be sure to leave your email address so I can reach you if you win. Deadline to enter is 11:59pm CST 11/27/09. Good luck!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

The Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina Kenison Review & Giveaway

The Gift of an Ordinary Day is a mother's account of raising her sons and what happens now that they are ready to leave the nest. The best way I can think of to put it is that it a book about growing up. The sons are growing, changing, becoming independent. The mother is trying to find who she is after years of being simply mom. How do you be a mom when your kids are leaving?

This book really touched me. The author helps you to realize that is the ordinary moments in life, the ones we take for granted, that we need to treasure. As Katrina Kenison shares with us her relationships, her dreams, and her hopes for herself and her children, she speaks to every mothers heart.

As the mother of an almost teenager I am beginning to see what people mean when they say that kids grow up in the blink of an eye. Wasn't it just yesterday that Tristen was toddling about? So, this book touched me deeply, as I realize my own children will be leaving us, sooner than I care to think about. I give it two thumbs up!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation from Hatchette Book Group other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Giveaway

Big thanks to Hatchette Book Group for providing me with 5 copies to giveaway to my readers!

Mandatory Entry-
Comment on this post with why this book appeals to you. Please be sure to leave me a way to contact you if you win.

Extra Entries-
Subscribe to my blog (2 entries, leave 2 comments) left sidebar

Follow my blog

Stumble this post (2 entries, leave 2 comments)

Follow me on Twitter & tweet about this giveaway (2 entries, leave 2 comments) left sidebar

Grab my button or add me to your blogroll (5 entries, leave 5 comments) left sidebar

Blog about this giveaway (5 entries, leave 5 comments)

Fave my on Technorati (5 entries, leave 5 comments) left sidebar

Deadline to enter is 10/20/09 at 8:00pm CST. Winner will be announced and contacted on 10/21/09. Good luck!

Great Children's DVDs

Have you heard of Sid the Science Kid? He is an adorable little boy who is curious about everything. The best way I can describe him is as sort of computer generated puppet. You can find his show on PBS. I recently was given the opportunity to review two of his dvds, The Big Club and Change Happens. The episodes on the disc explore decay, growing, melting, animal communication, why dirt is dirty, and more. As a parent I was very impressed with how much information was presented in a kid friendly way. All the adults on the show from Teacher Susie to Sid's family, encourage his curiosity and help him learn about whatever his "Big Question" is for the day. I love that they encourage the youngster to explore. These dvds are very educational and fun at the same time! The characters are likable, the stories are presented well, and the songs are too cute!

The Bug Club Episodes

• Hello Doggie
• Home Tweet Home
• The Dirt On Dirt
• Don't Forget The Leaves
  
  

Change Happens Episodes

• My Mushy Banana
• My Shrinking Shoes
• My Ice Pops
• The Perfect Pancake

I also was able to review Dive Olly Dive Ship Shape Sub. He makes me think of Jay Jay or Thomas that my kids loved, but he is so much cooler because he is a submarine. My eight year old told me that by the way, I have no preference between the two modes of transportation. Olly, along with his friends Beth, Skid, Diver Doug, and my favorite Ranger the Cowboy Seahorse, all come together to teach children lessons like listening to others, learning from you mistakes, and more. The animation is great, the stories are well thought out, and the series seems devoted to teaching kids valuable life lessons. I thoroughly enjoyed this dvd and wish the series had been around when my kids were younger.


Ship Shape Sub Episodes

• Haunted Ship Prank
• Less Is More
• Navigation Consternation
• Follow That Lobster
• Don't Tell Beth
  

Since I had no preschool age kids to test these flicks on, I had to borrow some. My testing group was made up of a 6 year old girl, a 5 year old boy, and 2 year old twin girls. They enjoyed all the dvds, but Sid the Science Kid Change Happens was the favorite. I was told by their mom that decay was the topic of the day after they watched it. The little girls loved the music, especially "I'm Looking For My Friends" and would try to imitate the dance that May does. The older kids watched intently, asked lots of questions, then told everyone what they had learned from the show. Mom told me she has never seen all four of them sit and stay interested all the way through a dvd before. Mom gave all three disc an A+ rating.

I whole heartedly agree. As a parent and former daycare provider, I really think these are some of the best children's programs I've ever watched. They truly grab the child's attention and keep it until the end. The kids learn a lot from each episode and have a good time doing it.

I am thrilled to be able to give away all three of these wonderful dvds to one lucky reader!

How to Enter:

Leave a comment telling me you want them.

Earn Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each):

• Blog about this giveaway linking back to my blog.
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Follow Me on Twitter & Tweet about this giveaway (leave the link to your tweet for verification)
• Add my button to your sidebar.
• Fave my blog on Technorati (leave your Technorati username for verification)

This giveaway ends August 4th at 10:00pm CST. One winner will be chosen randomly and will have 3 days to claim their prize. Be sure I have a way to contact you if you win!

A Bloggy Milestone & Giveaway

As of this post, Ramblings of a Texas Housewife has received more than 90,000 visitors, has 109 Followers, over 180 RSS Feed Subscribers, and has over 400 posts! Thanks so much for all of you for making this happen! I never dreamt that so many people would want to read what I have to say.

I promised a giveaway when my Followers reached the magic 1-0-0. So, here it is. If you are a Follower or a Subscriber, leave a comment here letting me know. I'll choose a winner at random on May 1. The prize? It's a surprise package, but I'll give you a hint and tell you it involves pampering yourself. So, be sure to comment and let me know you follow or subscribe for a chance to win! Want an extra entry? Grab my button and leave a comment letting me know.

This contest is open to US residents only. Only blog followers or subscribers are eligible to win.

Dont't Forget ~ The Voice & Angel of Wrath Giveaway

Don't forget to go here and enter to win The Voice & Angel of Wrath, two amzing novels! The deadline to enter is 4/16, so hurry up and enter! Then click the button above to check out all the great giveaways at Contest Monday on MomDot.

Fabulous Jewelry Giveaway

Fairy Tale Jewels is having a Fabulous GIVEAWAY for a $100.00 Gift Certificate to fairytalejewels.com. Head over to Bunny Chic Boutique to enter and get all the info. There are really beautiful pieces over there. Go check it out!

What I Know NOW About Motherhood

This is such an interesting topic. One could go many different directions with this because you learn lots very quickly once you become a mother. But, the post below is the first thing that I thought of.

What I know now about motherhood is that it is the biggest emotional roller coaster one could ever ride. Not only that, but I didn't know what emotions really were until I became a mom.

Now I know...

I know what joy is..pure joy. It is lots of things, starting with that first little butterfly wing type movement in your belly. Then that amazing moment when you hear the first cry. Joy is the first time you touch the face of your tiny miracle. Later, joy is seeing the look of happiness on the face of your child. I am constantly rediscovering what joy is.

I also now know what real pain is. Who knew that another person's hurt could cut you like a knife? It can and does...be it from a skinned knee or the school bully's constant teasing. Your heart aches when your babies hurt.

Fear is real now too. You feel it when you are waiting for the doctor's office to call you with test results or when you only look away for a moment and your child has vanished. It is an excruciatingly awful feeling, words cannot describe it. I never knew real fear until I held the title of Mama.

The emotions a mom experiences daily can go from one extreme to the other, but no matter what it makes you feel remember it's the most important job you'll ever have.

Check out other moms' talking about what they know now at the Notes From My Nest Mother's Day Blog Bash Giveaway. Lots of good reading, prizes, and fun to be had!

Mother's Day Giveaway Event @ Hip Mama's Place

Hip Mama's Place is a great blog I recently discovered. They are hosting a great Mother's Day Giveaway Event that you should go check out right now! Look around while you're there; it's a fun blog to visit.