November 29, 2013

Bar Harbor Inn Blueberry Pie

My husband has a friend who goes by the name Louis aka Lou. Lou has a very special talent. He can cook. I don't mean he can make all the normal man meals and such, I mean he can really cook! Lou just happens to be the Executive Chef at the Bar Harbor Inn Oceanfront Resort in Bar Harbor, Maine. Lou gave my husband and I a copy of his cookbook, The Bar Harbor Inn Recipe Collection, after I had my husband ask him for a cheesecake recipe that I had seen on their Facebook page.  This cookbook can be bought at The Bar Harbor Inn Gift Shop.
I have tried several recipes in the book and although they turn out yummy, they don't look like the pictures in the book! I'm good at baking and cooking but I'm lost at presentation!
On page 35, the Maine Blueberry Pie is the one to try first! YUMMMMM! I added a bit of homemade vanilla whipped topping and I thought my tastebuds had exploded and died! The pie was gone bore I could take a picture and I'm not going to show you the blueberry stain on my shirt because that's embarrassing!  But I will share this recipe with you here, on my blog! Think of it as my Holiday Gift to my readers from Debra of Debras Random Rambles. Enjoy!

Maine Blueberry Pie
Pie crust:

2 c. flour 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 c. shortening 1/4 c. cinnamon sugar
1/2 c. butter

Sift together flour and salt. Mix in butter and shortening and sugar. Add just enough ice water to hold the dough together. Form into a ball, cover and chill for about an hour. Roll dough to fit a deep dish pie pan.

Filling:

2 1/2 quarts Maine Blueberries 3 tblsp Flour
1 c. sugar 6 tblsp butter
1 egg yolk zest and juice from one lemon

Pour blueberries into prepared Pie Crust. Sprinkle with flour and sugar then dot with the butter. Roll out the top crust and flute. Brush crust with egg yolk and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake at 450 F for 19 min and then lower to 350 F and bake until golden brown.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Topping of your choice.

That's it! Simple and very yummy!!!

Best Brownies EVER!

Best brownies ever!
Melt together in microwave or on top of stove in pan, stirring constantly until melted and well blended:
2 squares (1 oz each) Unsweetened baking chocolate
1/4 c butter

In seperate bowl combine:

1 c. sugar
2 eggs (beaten)
1 c. flour (sifted)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 c. nuts (optional)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Add melted mixture to dry mixture and mix well.

Bake at 350 F for approx 30 min or until a toothpick insertted comes out clean.

Another one of my mommas baking recipies! My kids love these and they are hardly cooled before they are gone!

My no makeup experiment!!

My experiment:
I went 5 days with no makeup! I was challenged by someone who shall remain un-named. She challenged me to do it for 10 days but after 5 I was done! For me this is something big! I am that woman who cant run to the corner store for milk without taking a shower and doing hair and makeup. (You never know who will you see!) I am so petty about it I have been known to shower at 10pm and do full makeup just to run to the gas station, 1/2 mile away, to get milk!
For 5 days I did not wear makeup of any kind. I did moisturize tho. I only wore my hair pulled back into a clip. Yes, I did shower. No way I would have not done that!  To be honest, Im one of those that really needs to wear some makeup or I will scare the cats and dogs!  After 5 days I gave up!  
You would think that after all that, my skin would have had a break and decided to behave, even just a bit. NOPE! I still got the dreaded chin pimple, and more. I dont think my skin improved one bit! It still looked kinda dull and my fine lines and wrinkles seemed to stick out more. I am not one of those grow old gracefully women. I have had to color my hair since I was 18 due to all the white. Not gray, white! This is something my husband and children like to torment me about the second the color starts to go.
My conclusion:

Maybe it just looked bad to me. I dont know. Im too scared to ask opinions of anyone who saw me. My husband, children and friends are the brutally honest type and I dont think I could really take it. So for now I will call this my fail and swear not to do it again!

Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Pumpkin Cookies
Beat:
2 tsp vanilla 2 tsp milk
2 eggs (beaten) 2 c. sugar

Beat in:
1 tblsp cooking oil

Add:
1 c. pumpkin 4 c. flour
4 tsp baking powder 2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt

Optional:
Add chocolate chips if desired.

Mix well. Bake at 350 F for 10-12 min just until firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool 1-2 min before placing on a cooling rack.

I grew up eating these cookies every fall and winter. My momma was one of the best bakers I knew!

I really wanted to add pics but the kids ate them almost as soon as they were on the cooling rack!

November 21, 2013

Vinyl Disorder Wall Decal Review and Giveaway


I was given the opportunity to review a wall decal from Vinyl Disorder! I chose to get something for my daughters room since her walls are kinda bare. She shares a room with a "goth" sister so it had to be something basic that would be girly but be ok with her sister as well. So together we picked this butterfly.
Butterfly Animal Wall Quote Mural Decal CP027

Shipping was fast and it arrived in a cardboard tube in perfect condition. When I applied it to her walls the only issue was the wall had a bubble and it caused the application to bubble a bit. A tiny cut and presto it was fixed! Both girls liked how it turned out!
And because they are removable, if my daughter changes her mind, I can take it down and get another one! These are perfect for renters who are unable to paint of use nails to hang items on the walls. No damage!

Not only do they have a wide range of items for walls, they also have car stickers and decals, t-shirts and more! Ever wonder where you could get a memorial car decal for a loved one who has passed? You can order them here!

Vinyl Disorder is offering a giveaway to one of my lucky readers! One reader will win a decal of their choice up to 15". You can use the easy copter below to enter! Good luck and please keep in mind that Debras Random Rambles is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Vinyl Disorder will fill and ship the prize to the winner.

You can find Vinyl Disorder on the following medias as well: Facebook & Twitter

a Rafflecopter giveaway



November 19, 2013

Wallartsy Giveaway

I love to decorate my kids rooms and each time I hang something on the wall my poor husband cringes thinking about how he will have to repair all those holes. So when I found vinyl art for the wall I was in love no holes no sticky residue just perfection!

Wall Artsy is this wonderful Etsy company that makes so many of these vinyl decals that my head just about spun trying to find the perfect one! I was lucky enough to get to pick from all of them and we went with the Construction Theme Boys Room Vinyl!


I love this decal and it looks wonderful on the blue walls in my son's room. Now I have to say for those of you who are a little worried about applying one of these to your walls, this company provides idiot proof directions that even I had no trouble following! It helps if you have an extra set of hands to help apply your decal if it is as large as this one, but my daughter and I had this up and done within a half an hour. It looks awesome! When I am ready to change the theme of his room I just peel it off and I can redecorate with not extra work! I LOVE THIS IDEA!

Let me show you a few of the other decal they make! Here are just a few for the girls!


For the home!

And just a few more for the boys!


They have so many options I know my readers will find the perfect decal for that special person in your life! Wall Artsy and Faith Filled Footsteps are giving one lucky reader a $45.00 Gift Certificate to purchase your favorite decal! Now I know some of you just cannot wait to get one of these and you can head on over to Wall Artsy and find the perfect decal now!


The Giveaway will run from November 21, 2013 and close late on the evening of December 5, 2013. The winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter. The winner will be announced both on the Rafflecopter as well as Faith Filled Footsteps Facebook. Faith Filled Footsteps is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.











Purex and Isotoner Team up to Win!!!!


ENTER TO WIN HERE!

Cant win if you dont enter!!!!! Good luck!

November 17, 2013

Blogger Opp!!!!

300 Mastercard gift card giveaway  



$300 Gift Card sponsored by H&R Block Event

Event date: Nov 20th, 2013 to Dec 15th 2013

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

November 16, 2013

words to live by giveaway

"I started this business almost 3 years ago when I was laid off from my full time job. I decided to just "GO FOR IT" and do something that I LOVE and have always wanted to do! My parents are both very creative people and have made handmade items for years.  When it came to a shop name, well my husband started selling on ebay years ago and under the username Kspeddler (we are originally from Kansas ~ Kansas peddler : ) When I opened the shop I had no idea how it would go and so I just used that name not knowing that you can't change it! I didn't want to lose all of our sales and feedback so I just kept it. I guess it was meant to be. The professional name I use is "Words To Live By signs" I wanted to create artwork with family values in mind.  The first sign I made was "The Fruit of the Spirit" and everyone loved it and wanted one! I started designing other "family rules" and nursery art. The shop took off and we have sold over 5,000 signs on etsy and wholesale to several different shops across the nation. I love designing custom signs for our clients! Send me your ideas and we will help you create it!  I am so blessed to have this business with my husband. I thank God everyday for the blessings he has given us! We hope you love our signs and find the perfect one for your home." ~Michelle
Words to Live by Custom Signs is my new favorite sign company and a definite go to for the holidays. This sign company is a wonderful breath of fresh air. They have some of the same old signs you see time and time again BUT when you really get to looking through the signs they offer you find a treasure trove of all these super neat signs with sayings I have never seen. I am a huge fan of subway art in general! It offers cuteness with a touch of primitive that really makes a house feel like a home. I have to say Words to Live by Custom Signs does this so well.
Here is the super cute sign we got to hang in little man's room. The colors look so nice with the crazy blue walls in his room. Let me show you this super cute sign!

Here are just a few more of the goodies they have to offer!

 



I know that all of my readers will love these signs as much as we do! Words to Live by Custom Signs and Faith Filled Footsteps are giving one lucky readers a $75.00 Gift Certificate to purchase the perfect sign for your home! Now patience is not my virtue and I know some of you will not be able to wait to get the sign you love so you can check them out here and find the perfect sign!


The Giveaway will run from November 18, 2013 and close late on the evening of December 2, 2013. The winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter. The winner will be announced both on the Rafflecopter as well as Faith Filled Footsteps Facebook. Faith Filled Footsteps is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.

November 14, 2013

Hot Flairs Giveaway

 
This is a sponsored post.
Sponsored by:  Hot Flairs Accessory .
 
Owner C. Graciani has been an online entrepreneur since 2002 when she started out as a wholesaler of women's handbags and accessories. It was not until 2010 that she decided to move up in the social media commerce and retail her items. She carries designer lines like Haute & Sole, Tina Takis and other boutique and designer inspired jewelry pieces, handbags and other accessories.

Hot Flairs Accessory Auctions came about when she was so busy working she had no time to shop, alot of people have busy schedules, so the social commerce sales on Sunaday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, at 9PM EST made sense. Shopping is so simple, when you want to buy an item, just leave the comment "SOLD" underneath the item post in the comments section.

Hot Flairs Accessory Auctions has something for everyone. They cater to all the fashion flairs of people, as long as it's hot we got it!
 
 Join them every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 9:00PM (EST) for live sales.

They run flash sales throughout the week- so don't miss out!

 3 winners will each win a set of these necklaces, 3 in a set. They will be shipped directly to the winners. The company will pick which necklaces the winners get. Good luck to all who enter!!!
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Bloggers! Attention!!!

300 Mastercard gift card giveaway  

$300 Gift Card sponsored by H&R Block Event

Event date: Nov 20th, 2013 to Dec 15th 2013

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

November 12, 2013

ePantry Review, Promo Code AND Giveaway (Updated)



I was offered the opportunity to review products from ePantry. With as big a family as we have, I jumped at the chance to review cleaning products and anything that is better for the environment and my kids. All of the opinions are my own and my review is my honest opinion.


This is what the generous people at ePantry sent me to review! The tissues are not pictured. The kids opened that because they all have a cold and we were short on tissues at the time!

Out of the all the products I was sent, I love the candle the most! I didn't have to burn it for very long to get the smell to fill my home. I live in a cottage style home that resembles a gingerbread house, so it is on the smaller size. I had it lit for about 2 hours and then snuffed it because I had to run errands. When I got back home a few hours later, I could still smell the scent in the air! I love that! Its soy with a 35 hour burn time.

My second favorite, would be the Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Countertop spray. I didnt just use it on the counter top tho. I also cleaned the cupboards, the wall, quick spray cleaned the dining room floor and the stove top. The Honeysuckle smell was not overpowering. The kids came in from school and asked "Whats that smell?" When I told them, the recurring comment was "Thank God you didn't use the other smelly stuff!" 


I was sent the following products as well:

Body Wash: Olive Leaf by Method (Pure Naked) Not an over powering scent and my skin feels so good after I shower!

Facial Tissues: Green Forest. Kids liked them! They were not rough on their noses and withstood the blowing of the noses! No ripped tissues to report. I like them as well since we only needed to use one at a time instead of 3-4.

Gel Hand Wash: Clementine by Method. Awesome smell and a little bit will do you!

Dish Soap in a pump: Sea Minerals by Method. Good smelling. Works good on dishes that are not too greasy. If you have a greasy dish, you may want to stick with a more potent dish soap or use a scouring pad with this soap.

Glass + Surface Cleaner: Mint by Method. I left my windows sparkly and streak free! I like it a lot better than the vinegar and water solution I have been using! And the light minty smell didn't bother me a bit.

Automatic Dishwasher Packs: Basil Scented by Mrs. Meyer's. Since I do not have a dishwasher I asked my very good friend Karen to review them. She has an older model of dishwasher that has an issue with dissolving the packs. Here is what she had to say.  "I was asked to do a product review on this. I was quite impressed with my old dishwasher. Worked great no nasty residue, sparkling dishes even with me missing a rinse agent. Its all natural easy on environment, and smelled great! I always hesitate on bubble packs as they usually don't work well in my old machine. I was happy to see it fully dissolved! "  ~Karen~


The ordering process is very simple. You go to https://www.epantry.com .


You are walked through the process of setting up your products by answering questions about how many in the home and other basic questions. Then you can pick which products suit you and your family the best. Then they suggest a schedule for you to get products delivered to your door. How simple! You can edit any of your selections, change deliveries or even cancel the subscription very easily. Your first month you get FREE Shipping! If you ever need to return anything, that's FREE to do as well.


 They even show you savings and break it down for you. 
This is a screen shot of my savings by what my account says:






Readers of this review are entitled to use a special promo code for 20% off their first months shipment! Use code: debrasrandomrambles

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

One lucky reader will win the box of supplies pictured! This is a $75 value! Who wouldn't want to win this to help get ready for the Holidays? Good luck to all who enter! ePantry will ship the prize directly to the winner. Debras Random Rambles is not responsible for prize fulfillment.



East Canvas Prints Review and Giveaway

Easy Canvas Print Review and Giveaway
Sponsored by Easy Canvas Prints

California Delicious $50 Gift Card giveaway

http://missfrugalmommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/CD-giveaway.jpg
;
Welcome to the California Delicious Giveaway
Hosted by Miss Frugal Mommy & Sponsored by California Delicious
        California Delicious

About California Delicious

California Wine Gift Basket
 
“All our gift baskets are made in California and are ready for delivery to every state. We have unique food, wine and spa gifts for all the Holidays. We design festive gifts for Christmas and Hanukkah, loving and thoughtful gifts for Valentines, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and special treats for Halloween and Thanksgiving. We offer gifts for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, new job promotions as well as get well wishes, sympathy and condolence baskets. We have gorgeous and delicious gift baskets for any event or occasion!”
Read more about California Delicious in Miss Frugal Mommy's Review!
 
Now for the exciting part!
One winner will receive a $50 gift card to California Baskets!
Enter to win in the rafflecopter below, all entries will be verified, one entrant per household or you will immediately be disqualified. Winner will be contacted via email and has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.
This giveaway is open worldwide, but the basket must be mailed to a U.S physical address.
Good Luck!
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
http://missfrugalmommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/DISCLOSUREEEE.png
 
~Debras Random RAmbles is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Good luck!~

Immortal Energy Review


 
I was sent a 3 day sample of Immortal Energy for my honest review.
 All the opinions are my own.
 
 
The boost you get from taking this is not a jittery panicky kind of boost like I had with the 5 hour energy stuff. It is a more of a boost to help keep you going. I did not experience any side effects besides feeling more awake. I really did like it. As a mom of 7, with 6 at home, I need all the help I can get to keep going sometimes!
 
Immortal Energy™ is a blend of Chinese herbs that have been used in Chinese medicine to restore your body to its optimum state. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it would be said that the tonic herbs in this blend are mostly “Qi” tonics. But it also has a few “jing” tonics as well. In TCM it is said that “our Jing is our foundation and you cannot build a strong house without a good foundation.” Certain Chinese herbs have been used, for thousands of years, as remedies for weak Jing, to help rebuild and replenish this all-important energy of one’s vital essence. This herbal tonic is the Chinese version of energy food.
 
Some of the ingredients:
(copied off another site)
 
DEER ANTLER (LU RONG)

Deer antler
is widely used in Asia, and now throughout the world, to strengthen adrenal, reproductive and brain functions. It is mainly used as a rejuvenating agent. Short term use is believed to quickly build strength and power, while consistent long-term use is believed to re-build deep life force, preserve youthfulness and to enhance longevity.
Numerous studies done in China, Japan and Korea have shown that the pantocrine in deer antler increases work capacity, decreases muscular and mental fatigue, and improves sleep and appetite. Deer antler has been shown to increase the oxygen intake of the brain, liver and kidneys in laboratory animals. It also significantly increases red and white blood cell production in laboratory animals, with the effects improving as dosage is increased.
Deer antler extract provides minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients including the insulin-like growth factor IGF-1.
Clinical trials have shown that IGF-1 may:
Enhance immune functions
Increase muscular strength and endurance
Possess anti-inflammatory properties
Possess growth-stimulating properties
Help regulate low and high blood pressure
Help promote sounder, more refreshing sleep
Improve eyesight, including night vision
Help reduce cholesterol and triglycerides
IGF-1 is also an important supplement for people interested in reducing the signs of aging and for those people interested in living the longest, healthiest, and most active life possible.

ASTRAGALUS (HUANG QI)

For centuries people have used astragalus root to enhance strength and regulate metabolism. The herb has only recently gained popularity among herbalists and practitioners of alternative medicine in the West. Chinese medicine uses astragalus root to enhance the body’s energy, known as “qi”. Astragalus root is a mild diuretic, and it can help to reduce perspiration as well. In traditional Chinese Medicine, all of these uses are attributed to the ability of astragalus root to replenish “qi”, so a person who is ill can regain strength and immunity. Astragalus root is also been shown to protect the adrenal cortex, the gland that produces hormones related to stress. It may also help allergy sufferers by strengthening the immune system’s response to allergens in the environment.

GINSENG (REN SHEN)

Ginseng is used for improving thinking, concentration, memory, work efficiency, physical stamina, and athletic endurance which have a significant impact on our energy levels.
GOJI (GOU QI ZI)
The nutritional and medicinal benefits of goji berries are legendary. Goji berries are very high in antioxidants and have great anti-inflammatory properties.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine goji is used as a blood and immune system tonic. It supports vision, is a mood elevator, and is known as “the happy fruit.” One of the most famous herbs in Asia to promote beautiful skin. It can improve memory, and increase libido.

SCHIZANDRA (WU WEI ZI)

Schizandra is known as the five-flavor fruit; it has each of the five flavors (sweet, spicy, sour, salty, and acidic).  It’s one of the most famous herbs used in Chinese medicine. This herb is considered to be one of the premium mind tonics of herbalism. It is used to sharpen concentration, improve memory, and increase alertness. Yet, unlike caffeine-like stimulants, schizandra does not produce nervousness when increasing energy. In fact, some people consider schizandra mildly “calming” while producing wakefulness and improved focus.

The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by Immortal Herbs or the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
 
The only downer for me is the price. $59.95 for a bottle. Since Im on a stricter than strict budget for the holidays, this may be a tax return purchase.
.
 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


Creekside at Beaver Creek

 

Save up to 30% on your Beaver Creek, Colorado ski vacation! Book now!!!

Check  

 HERE FOR CURRENT DEALS


 
 
Vacationers looking to leave everyday life behind and enjoy remarkable skiing and the grandeur and beauty of a modern alpine ski resort should head to Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Creekside at Beaver Creek is a luxury ski-in/ski-out property located within the heart of Beaver Creek village. Nestled right up against the bubbling Beaver Creek, guests are steps away from world-class restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
 
In the morning, you can ski right to the lifts and access nearly 1,900 acres of skiable terrain including immaculately groomed green cruisers to steep powder-filled Aspen groves and chutes. At the end of the day, after a relaxing dip in the hot tub, unwind in a comfortable two or three bedroom condominium, elegantly decorated to make oneself at home.

Whether you are visiting Colorado to ski/snowboard or just take in the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll find your stay at Creekside at Beaver Creek a memorable one.

Book by Opening Day and Save up to 30%!

Book your winter 2013/2014 vacation to Creekside at Beaver Creek by the time the lifts start turning and save up to 30% off regular rates for the 2013/2014 ski season! (Beaver Creek opening day is Nov. 27, 2013)  
 

November 10, 2013

UGLee Pen Review and Giveaway


 
 
I was sent a set of 3 pens to review from UGLee. The opinions are my own.
 
I really liked using these pens. It took me a bit to get used to the conforming shape but once I did they were really nice to use. I love the fact they are refillable. No more throwing away pens! I would say this is the best ergonomic pen that I have used.
 
 
They are very light and they write smooth with consistent ink.
 
You can visit the UGLee site HERE .
 
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

One of my readers is going to win an 3 piece UGLee pen set. Use the form below to enter.
 Good luck!