Friday, December 16, 2011

Elves have invaded the Keech home.

Last year we did elves and then we did them again this year.


What are these elves you ask?
Well I guess it started with the book Elf On the Shelf.


Then this year they came out with a TV Show.

The book explains that the elf comes to each kids house to watch over them and report back to Santa every night if they are naughty or nice.

It also goes on to say that the elfs have magic and can fly but if a kid touches them they will lose their magic.

Now I thought that $30 was too high for a book and a little stuffed animal.  So what did I do?  Bought my own.

This year I bought a bunch from oriental trader.  Who would of guessed?  Anyway, after reading the reviews of the book many peopl have mixed feeling about this tradition.

A couple of the negative reviews:  taken from Amazon

"Yes my children loved this, but I thought it was creepy. This sounds like a wonderful idea until you get sick of moving the stupid elf everynight. One night you'll lie awake in bed and remember, damn it, I forgot to move the elf. Then wait until the kids tell their other friends about "their elf" and their friends don't have an elf, and then they call your kid a liar. Year after year until you can't take it anymore and you can't move the thing another 30 days another year and you finally tell them that you are the elf on the shelf and then your kids cry. I'm not making this up. "

"OK, I think kids have enough pressure from the world without having a fake elf sitting around watching them. I totally disagree with this concept. If you want children to enjoy life, stop with the judging threats and just teach them to be happy and to expect to make mistakes from time to time. That's how we learn what's important in life and what is not....(a "not" exmple would be like not planting fake elves around the house to tattle on kids being kids...) "

IMO  ... these people have issues.  but thats me.



My elves come the day after we put the tree up. 
I use them as a fun way to get the kids to behave, what parent doesn't tell their kids around this time of year "I'll tell Santa if you don't _____" 

Hubby was kinda put off by the don't touch them thing.  Sean holds him to it and when they were sitting on the couch eating popcorn and needed to be moved Sean made him put on gloves to move them back to the tree. 

Sean also cries if Caitlyn picks on up and walks around with them.

But otherwise they are fun, sometimes naughty elves.

First day three elves showed up hanging from the tree.  Two boys and a girl.  They named them Jingle, Glitter and Elfie.

Next day they were sitting on the couch eating popcorn and watching TV.

They have been found in the bathroom holding toothbrushes and toothpaste.

The kids love finding what they did the night before.

One night we went out to dinner and the boys were less than good behaved.  That night the 2 boy elves brough back coal for them (momma was prepared with gummy coal packages) 

We also have Santa ornaments with each kids name on it and a he is holding a sign that can say Naughty or Nice.

Caitlyn spilled powered lemonade on the counter one day and the next morning her elf was making snow agles in the powder.  :)

One night the elves had fun putting toliet paper all over the christmas tree.

And finally last night they have a great game of cards.

I need to take pictures so you can see all that the elves are up to!

I have fun finding new and exciting things for the elves to do.  Most ideas I have been getting from Pinterest.com




Elves get a big thumbs up from the Keech House!




Chicken Saltimbocca

Another recipe.

Checkout the Winter Crockpot Virual Party for all kinds of recipies!

This one I made while we were up north hunting.  Adjusted a recipe I found in a Taste of Home cookbook.


Chicken Saltimbocca


6 boneless chicken breasts
6 slices ham
6 slices Swiss cheese
flour
Parmesan cheese
pepper
Garlic salt
Seasoned salt
oil
2 cans (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup any wine on hand
¼ c lemon juice
Cooked egg noodles

• Flatten chicken by pounding with mallet, back of pan, can of soup while in zip lock bag or between wax paper. Top each piece with a slice of ham and cheese. Roll up tightly. Sprinkle all sides of chicken rolls with the flour, Parmesan cheese, salts and pepper

• In a large skillet, brown roll-ups in oil on all sides; transfer to slow cooker. Combine the soup, wine and lemon juice; pour over chicken.

• Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until meat is longer pink. Serve with noodles.


This turned out great.  Everyone took at least 2 healpings and finshed it off the next day.
You could probaby layer the ingredients without browning and get the same effect.

I will make these with double the cheese next time because hubby said he could not taste the cheese.  this may also have been because of the cheese, may not have been that strong.

The next day I poured all the leftover, including the noodles, back into the slow cooker to warm.




Big thumbs up and definately on my make again list.

Hope you enjoy!


Monday, December 5, 2011

Root Candles

Root Candles had astrong good smell coming from then as soon as I opened the box. 

I received 3 candles:    Pinot Noir, Frosted Lemon Scone & Pumpkin Spice Latte.  I especially liked the  Pumpkin Spice Latte

Root Candles say they have The Best Candle in America.

They have been around since 1869.

They sell scented candles, diffusers and non scented candles.

They also sell these cute tassles that disguise the way you are add scent to your room.



These candles smell great. I love the amount of scent these put in to the air, they way they burn and the large variety of scents.

I fell in love with the pumpkin latte scent.  I have small children so I try andstay clear ofopen flames so I have tried putting these on my plug in warmer.   A great way to make the scent fill the room also.

These are along the lines of Yankee candle but much better quality.

Would definately recommend to others!



Root Candles definately gets a


from me!



***  I received a set of three candles from bzzagent / root candles in exchange for word of mouth advertising.  However, all opinions expressed in my blog are my own. *****




Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Kroger's The Truly Awesome™ Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are truly Awsome.


I shared these with my co-workers.  They diappeared. 

I took them up north with me while hubby was hunting.  I should have found a better hiding place.  My IL's dog found these truly awesome too.  I called the dog a very bad word, as I told my son after he repeated it.  Need to head to the store and buy some more so I can have more than 2.


With chocolate chips as the #1 ingredient, how could Kroger's The Truly Awesome™ Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies not be deliciously satisfying, any time of day?




Taste as if mom baked them herself, thanks to real, wholesome ingredients

Warm them up a few seconds in the microwave and they taste like they just came out of the oven

Free of added preservatives and artificial colors

Almost 2x the size of other chocolate chip cookies

Just hit shelves earlier this year

Come eight delicious cookies to a pack

Suggested to retail for $2.79

Exclusively available at Kroger, Fred Meyer and Ralph's stores (Kroger Family of Stores)

Sure to please and delight the entire family



Ok, these are really, really good.  When I first set them out at work one of my coworkers was already saying "I had those and they are really good."

They are BIG cookies, much bigger than others ahoy matey cookies.  ;) 

They also have lots and lots of chocolate chips.  They were literaly jumping out of the cookie.  Mmmmm  Chocolate.

After reading about microwaving them I will have to try that.  Nothing is better than fresh cookies from the oven!

I highly suggest these cookies.  Can't wait until I hit the store and buy me some more.  :)





Would I buy these again?
You bet, as soon as I get a chance.

Would I suggest to someone else?
Yes, go get yours today!



****  I got two boxes of these to try and share from BzzAgent.  One I shared with coworkers.  One I ate 2 cookies and IL's dog ate the rest  :0  So gonna buy more.   All opinions expressed here are my own and not influenced by free chocolate chip cookies!  ******





Wordless Wednesday



Famliy

Friday, November 18, 2011

Fakkai Hair Products


Todays review is for Fekkai Hair Products

When I told my friend Mitzi at scrapbooking, also a BzzAgent, about getting this campaign she was jealous.  she loves their product and would go out of her way to get them.  I told her the great news that these are now being sold at local stores instead of just salons.

I recieved two full bottles of full volume shampoo and conditioner.  I also recieved samples of the shapoo and conditioner and a sample of the glossing cream.

Why should you give Fekkai hair products a try? Well, in Frédéric Fekkai's words, they will help you achieve that 'effortless chic' look that is so famously French. We wouldn't argue with a Frenchman when it comes to style but if you want more reasons, here are a few.

Products within the Fekkai line:
  •  Have luxurious textures and refreshing, invigorating scents
  • Help maintain the healthy look of your hair
  • Have all been tested in the world-renowned Frédéric Fekkai Salons
  • Are developed to meet the standards of Fekkai's A-list clients
  • Address specific needs of different hair types
  • Include shampoos, conditioners, masks, glazes, mousse, creams, lightweight hairsprays and shine mists.
  • With four high performance collections available, beautifying your hair is easy:
Types
  • Glossing™ - With olive oil - Helps restore shine to normal or dull hair
  •  Shea Butter -With shea butter - Helps restore moisture to dry, unruly hair
  • Technician® Color Care - With Triple Color protection complex- Helps prevent fading and guard against UV rays
  • Full Volume® - With botanicals - Adds body and volume to fine, limp hair
Glossing Cream™ – The Fekkai Finishing Touch

This award-winning, frizz-fighting, soft-seeking shine cream works for nearly every hair type. With olive oil, it reboots shine. This superstar formula is a secret from the runway to the red-carpet for that finishing touch.

The trick is using just the right amount – a pea size is enough to add that perfect finishing touch. Rub in your palm and run through your hair – avoiding the roots.





Now what do I think?

This shampoo smells good, my hair did have some more volume.  But nothing to write home about.  I liked it but I also like Pantene and Treseme.

Would I buy it again.?

I have a couple brands that I really like.  Depends on the one I can get the cheapest.  All have the same quality to me and then my decision is driven by price and if there is a coupon.

More volume?

Maybe, maybe not.  I always have to use other products to get more volume.  The shampoo alone does not do it.  I need root boost and other stuff and a good spray to get the volume I want.



This get a normal size Yea



*** I am a BzzAgent and recieved Shampoo, conditioner and other samples in exchange for word of mouth advertising.  All opinions expressed in this blog are my own and a result of trying the product.  ****





Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Burt's Bee Sensitive Skin Products

My BzzKit from BzzAgent
 By BzzKit was packed full.  It had 2 full sized products, Facial Cleansurer and Daily Moisturizer.  It also contained 8 samples of the Daily Moisturizer and coupons.

I quickly told everyone about these products and may samples were gone in a couple of days.




The Full Size Products I recieved:

Sensitive Facial Cleanser



This soap-free facial cleaner is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin while gently cleansing away dirt, oil and makeup without over drying or causing redness or irritation. Also, it:
  • Contains Quillaja, which is extracted from the bark of the Soapbark tree and provides a natural foaming lather
  • Contains Yucca, a desert plant high in saponins, which have traditionally been used in cleansing
  • Costs $9.99
Sensitive Daily Moisturizer



This all day, nourishing moisturizer is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin without causing redness or irritation. Also, it:
  • Contains Rice Extract to moisturize
  • Contains Aloe to soothe
  • Is Non-Comedogenic (it won't clog pores)
  • Costs $14.99
More Products from the Sesitive line:

Sensitive Eye Cream



This lightweight eye cream is clinically proven to moisturize the delicate eye area without causing redness or irritation and helps reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness. Also, it:
  • Contains White Genepi Extract, an ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory properties
  • Contains Eyebright, which contains tannins, thought to decrease inflammation
  • Is Ophthalmologist-Tested
  • Costs $14.99


Sensitive Night Cream



This rejuvenating night cream is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin overnight without causing redness or irritation. Also, it:
  • Contains Rice Extract to moisturize
  • Contains Aloe to soothe
  • Is Non-Comedogenic (it won't clog pores)
  • Costs $14.99

I have been trying these products and here is my take on them.

Sensitive Facial Cleanser


This product feels really weird.  There is no soap toleave your face dried out.  This I really like because I hate my face feeliong tight and dried out at night.  But it feels like a moistureizer going on so it really does not feel clean.

These product have no scent which is both good and bad. I like some fragrance sometimes.

Even though it feels weird I do like this product.  But I do not think I will Change from my Este Lauder cleanser.

Sensitive Daily Moisturizer

Now this product I really liked.  Since I am getting older Ihave found that moisturizer is something that I need for my skin.  However, it ishard to find one that will not make my face break out.  This one doesa good job of not being oily and not clogging pores.



Would I recommend the cleanser?

Yes,The cleasure felt weird but it does a good job.

Would I buy it?

Probably not, can't get over the feel of it.

Would I recommend the moisterizer?

Yes, This did a good job without making my face feel greasy.

****I received these products as a part of a campaign for BzzAgent.  However, all opinions expressedin my blog are my own.****



Monday, October 24, 2011

Send a Comfort Package



Brighten someone's day, by sending a little comfort their way. For each new comfort package you create and send, Hanes will donate $1 to NBCF up to $25,000




Breast Cancer awareness is a campaign that is close to my heart.  I have had friends struggle with this cancer and one that lost her battle with it at an early age.  Hanes is doing its part by thring to give a virual way to uplift some ones spirt while pledging to donate money to the cause. 

Take a minute to click the above to go to the facebook page and send one of this packages.  Send it to someone who is battling this disease and needs some encouagement, a friend that is down and needs a lift, or to someone just because.


Everyone one needs something to give then a pick-me-up every now and then.  Send this and get a big thumbs up!!


***I write blogs for one -to -one network and could win a prize for this blog post.  But all opions expressed are my own.***

Friday, October 21, 2011

Party Potatoes

Another recipe ... These recipes are for the Fall Virtual Crockpot Party hosted by A Busy Moms Slow Cooker Adventures and  Crockpot Recipe Exchange .

 
Picture from Pillsbury.  Mine do not have the green onions, and look more soupy.


2 cans (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of Chicken soup
1 container (16 oz ) sour cream
2 can (4.5 oz)  chopped green chiles
1 bag Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend (6 oz)
2 bags (32 oz) frozen southern-style diced hash brown potatoes
finely crushed nacho-flavored taco chips
DIRECTIONS

1.  Place a crockpot liner in the the crockpot. In medium bowl, mix soup, sour cream, chiles and most of the cheese, reserve some to sprinkle on top. Arrange half of potatoes in slow cooker. Top with half of sour cream mixture, spreading evenly. Top with remaining potatoes and sour cream mixture; spread evenly.
2.   Cover; cook on High setting 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours.
3.   Just before serving, sprinkle top with cheese and chips.
 
 
Another recipe I adapted to my tastes ( and for my picky hubby).  This is my old standby for potlucks.
Remember that crockpot liners are your friend.  This crusts over and is a soak over night type of clean up.  The liners is your best defense.  Just throw away when done.
 
 
 
 
This recipe I take to pot lucks at work and it has my 6 quart filled to the top.  It comes home empty.
 
 

That is the best review you can get if it is all eaten.


 
***This recipes is adapted from Pillsbury.  I doubled it, changed from mushroom to chicken soup changed amount of cheese and omitted the onions.  (Hubby hates mushrooms and onions.)  Enjoy ****