7UP Raspberry Lime Rickey – Refreshing For The #Holidays or Any Day!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dr Pepper Snapple Group for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
When I was growing up, my Dad had one of the few remaining independent corner drugstores. I used to love helping him out at the soda fountain, and my favorite drink to make for myself and for customers was a Raspberry Lime Rickey. The beautiful color of the raspberry syrup as it blended with the soda water, the fun of using the lime squeezer and the tart smell of the fresh lime juice; these are memories that I cherish.
Recently I decided to update the Lime Rickey for the holidays. I used 7UP, which makes a great mixer for so many drinks because of its natural lemon-lime flavor. I found everything I needed at Safeway. I bought several bottles of 7UP, frozen raspberries, and some fresh limes. I also picked up some last minute brioche crackers and brie.
To make a 7UP Raspberry Lime Rickey, you’ll need:
8 ounces of 7UP
ice
1/2 ounce of lime juice (or the juice of one half of a fresh lime)
2 ounces of frozen raspberries (I bought them with no sugar added)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Starting with the raspberries, add two ounces to a bowl with the juice of one-half lime and one-half teaspoon of sugar.
Muddle them all together. You can use a muddler or a wooden spoon to do this.
Strain the raspberry-lime mixture through a sieve to get out the seeds.
Next, fill a tall glass with ice and add the syrup mixture and the 7UP. Then stir and garnish with a fresh lime wedge.
This is tasty and incredibly refreshing!
To make this drink alcoholic, simply add one ounce of either gin or vodka. Both taste delicious with the raspberry-lime and the 7UP.
I also like to add a touch of Angostura bitters to mine!
Enjoy!
Find more fun holiday drink recipes and entertaining tips!
#TRYDRY and Ditch the Ick! New Dry Spray Antiperspirants are SuperCool!
I love Summer Music Festivals, but what I don’t love is the heat! I can remember going to a festival in Birmingham, Alabama. I was with a group of friends and we were all melting! We tried frozen lemonade and those little motorized fans. We wore huge sunhats. They even had stations where you could run in and get showered with water for a few moments. Still, there we were with amazing seats up close and no real relief from the unrelenting sun.
Now, I am usually not a horrible sweater, and I do wear antiperspirant, but, that day, nothing worked. I was wearing my favorite concert t-shirt and it had pit stains. I was so embarrassed that I was clapping with my arms pressed to my sides. Decidedly not fun! How embarrassing.
Recently I got a chance to try out something new, the Dry Spray Antiperspirant from Dove! You can find these sprays at Walmart in Degree Men, Degree Women, Dove, Dove Men+Care and Axe. Super cool, no pun intended!
These new antiperspirant sprays feel cool and comfortable. You simply shake the can to activate the spray. They go on instantly dry and feel clean with no residue left on your clothes. The freshness lasts up to 48 hours. I’m a big fan.
Check out the new dry sprays at Walmart! You can watch a quick video and reserve your own sample to try it out for yourself.
Stay fresh and dry while feeling super clean. Ditch the Ick!
This is a sponsored post and I have been compensated by Global Influence.
Win $50 Amazon GC or Paypal Cash – Lexi’s Pathetic Fictional Love Life #Giveaway
Lexi’s Pathetic Fictional Love Life
Lexi Middleton has been socially invisible to her classmates, but starting her junior year, that’s going to change. First, she’s determined to hook a boyfriend, ensuring dates with flowers and possible kisses on the doorstep. Second, she wants to be a writer for the school paper, even though it freaks her out to think of everyone judging her by her punctuation and metaphors.
High school is difficult enough—keeping up her grades, dealing with increasing sibling rivalry, and trying to stay out of the way of her personal nemesis, Amberlee—but when Lexi catches the eye of her long-time crush, she also becomes the focus of mean-girl tactics.
Caught between who she was and who she wants to be, Lexi must decide how to confront a bully, and choose who to let into her heart.
Purchase from
Author Jo Noelle
Jo Noelle grew up in Colorado and Utah but also spent time in Idaho and California. She has two adult children and three small kids. She teaches teachers and students about reading and writing, grows freakishly large tomatoes, enjoys cooking especially for desserts, builds furniture, sews beautiful dresses, and likes to go hiking in the nearby mountains. Oh, and by the way, she’s two people—
Canda Mortensen and Deanna Henderson, a mother/daughter writing team.
They began writing separately several years ago but found the process much more fun when they started collaborating. They are debut authors, with Lexi’s Pathetic Fictional Love Life as their first completed work. Other titles include Newbie and Damnation.
Deanna attended college before marrying and starting her family.
Canda received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Reading Specialist endorsement, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Her day job focuses on teaching teachers and children about literacy.
Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/18/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Free Preschool & Kindergarten Learning Games From Kids Academy
With this app, you can turn your iPad or iPhone into a learning center for your kids. This enjoyable app is based on the proven Montessori approach and opens the door to the exciting world of children’s stories and songs.
Kids Academy always has high quality apps that help make learning fun for your kids. This app was recently updated and improved with beautiful graphics. There are a few books that are free and it’s really wonderful how the app reads to your child. This is a fantastic way for kids to learn on their own. You can upgrade to get more selections, but, this is a good introduction to see if your children enjoy it and if it will keep them entertained.
Get Preschool & Kindergarten Books, Songs & Early Reading Games App on iTunes
This app has vibrant colors and fun music that kids love. Easy to use and super convenient to take with you wherever you go, whether waiting in a doctor’s office or having fun in the car. Based on the proven Montessori learning method, Kids Academy develops spelling, writing and reading skills through fascinating games! In this app from Kids Academy, children practice their handwriting skills with fun games and learn their letters by tracing along the dotted lines on the screen of the iPad or iPhone. They also learn words that begin with that letter and learn both upper and lower case. Another fun activity is filling a jar with fireflies when they trace numbers correctly. There are left and right handed modes to accomodate your children and different levels of difficulty. This free version is upgradable with more games and features should you desire to unlock them.
Get Alphabet Tracing & Montessori App on iTunes
Android users can also find Kids Academy on Google Play!
Also be sure to visit Kids Academy on social media!
Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media and Kids Academy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Wishing You A #Lush Christmas
Oh Lush! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways! You are like waking up to the sun shining in your windows as a cool ocean breeze caresses your body and your mind.
When I walk into your stores, I am surrounded by a warm comforting cloak of magical scents and colors that enchants my senses and soothes my spirit.
If you’ve been introduced to the delightfulness which is Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, whether online or in-store, then you know of what I speak. If not, what are you waiting for?
Lush Store – MA
Lush makes their products from fresh, organic fruits and vegetables along with the finest essential oils. Their inventors began by visiting farmer’s markets and flower shops, bringing their fresh finds back to the labs and infusing them into their newest inventions. And, that is how things are done today.
Charitable giving is at the heart of Lush and they advocate for the environment, animals and people in need. In 2007, they invented a beautiful hand and body lotion called Charity Pot. 100% of the purchase price goes towards supporting humanitarian, environmental and animal rights causes locally and around the world.
Cruelty-Free, Compassionate, No Animal Testing! Super fun, colorful and creative!
Getting Lush products in the mail always has me giddy with anticipation, so I was particularly excited to unwrap my Lush Christmas gift this year. I received the Happy Christmas box.
Opening this box brought me the lightness of spring on a rainy Winter afternoon, and cheered up any blues or fatigue. Fresh, clean and citrusy, this is a fabulous selection of seasonal and year-round favorites, sure to keep my showers bright and cheery as we soon enter into a new year.
Inside!
So White Shower Gel
I’m in love. This sweet shimmering shower gel smells like fresh-picked green apples and champagne! I’m not sure how they did that, but they did! So crisp you just want to sit and smell it all day! With bergamot and neroli oil, it uplifts, softens and soothes.
Also try: The So White Bath Bomb for fizzy fun!
Baked Alaska Soap
The soap is a big snowball shape when made and this is a slice of this beautiful rainbow soap with a snow crust. This soap is gorgeous and reminds me of the view inside a kaleidoscope. It is made with cheerful lemon myrtle, toning grapefruit and stress-relieving ylang ylang. I love its smooth clean feel on my skin. It has a predominantly lemon citrus scent and a good lather!
Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub
Beautiful blue salty slush! Fun to use and an excellent exfoliating body scrub. It leaves my skin feeling soft and new. The sea salt in it is extra-cleansing, mineral-rich and softening. The scent is light, mimosa blossoms with a dash of lemon juice, overall an orangy-citrus with a touch of the ocean.
Each Peach (and two’s a pair) Massage Bar
My first time trying a massage bar and I enjoyed it. Fruity avocado and mango kernel butters mixed with Fair Trade cocoa and shea butter nourish and soften as they moisurize. Just let it glide over your skin, then massage it in, especially over dry areas. It’s also great to use with your significant other. It has lime, sweet wild orange, grapefruit and mandarin oil, but I mostly smell lemons. Leaves your skin silky smooth.
Santa’s Lip Scrub
Perfect for softening your lips and leaving them kissable for under the mistletoe or anytime. This cherry-cola flavored sugary scrub exfoliates and coconut oil moisturizes leaving my lips super soft. Also, tastes delicious when you lick it off. When you put lipstick or gloss on afterward, it simply glides on, or leave them au naturel. Perfect for winter! Part of the delicious flavor and color comes from extract of cherries and dates.
Celebrate Hand and Body Lotion
I have dry skin and my skin loves the rich creaminess of Celebrate. Almond oil and cocoa butter leave my skin moisturized while the scent is fruity and soft, like a light orange mimosa. It is made with orange flower lime and cognac oil.
The beauty of Lush is that they have seasonal treats, but, they have wonderful products year-round as well that make every day a holiday!
With a smorgasbord of delightful scents and textures, they are my favorite pampering products and leave you with a touch of joy and magic.
Disclosure: I was provided samples for review purposes, however, all opinions are 100% my own.
Wordless Wednesday: And the Little Ones Too
Share the Magic of the Holidays with Candlewick Press – #Giveaway
In 1992, Candlewick Press opened its doors as an independent children’s publisher, and they remain an independent publisher today. They are 100 percent owned and operated by their employees — who include their 85 staff members in Somerville, MA and more than 155 authors and illustrators.
Candlewick Press arrived on the scene with some of the highest-quality picture books anywhere. And in the years since then, their offerings have grown to encompass all ages, from board books to e-books, high-end novelty to cutting-edge fiction. What hasn’t wavered is their goal of excellence, and commitment to the authors and illustrators who create their books and the readers who love them.
Their books really are different, each one filled with love and magic!
They have some wonderful Christmas books out that would be perfect for now or for any time of year!
Here’s a particular favorite of ours!
Guess How Much I Love You (20th Anniversary Edition) (ages 1-3)
Sometimes, when you love someone very, very much, you want to find a way of describing how much you treasure them. But, as Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare discover, love is not an easy thing to measure! For two decades, Sam McBratney’s timelessly endearing story, beautifully rendered in Anita Jeram’s exquisite watercolors, has captured the deep and tender bond between parent and child. Guess How Much I Love You is one of the world’s best-loved picture books.
Celebrate twenty years of sharing love to the moon and back with this anniversary edition dressed in an elegant new cover.
Maisy’s Christmas Tree (ages 2-5)
Today Maisy and her pals are decorating the Christmas tree! There are lights to string, ornaments to hang, candy canes to put up, and an angel to place at the very top. After wrapping presents, it’s time to sing Christmas carols around the tree. Merry Christmas to Maisy and all her friends!
What better treat to tuck in a stocking than this sweet Maisy board book shaped like a Christmas tree?
Peppa Pig and the Day at Snowy Mountain (ages 2-5)
When Peppa Pig and her little brother, George, wake up one day and see that it’s snowing, they can’t wait to go to Snowy Mountain. There’s so much to do there — sledding (using Daddy’s belly), ice-skating (George is a natural; who knew?), and of course skiing. Mummy Pig remembers how to ski. But does she remember how to stop?
It’s a celebration of winter sports as Peppa and her charming family have a day of snowy fun.
And Then Comes Christmas (Ages 4-8)
From icicles clinging to roofs and houses strung with colorful lights to visiting Santa and hunting for the perfect tree, this classic-in-the-making celebrates all of the holiday’s excitement. Evoking both winter’s changes to the world outside and well-loved traditions taking place within, here is a story to encourage readers to curl up with their loved ones and bask in the magic of the Christmas season.
A lyrical invitation to watch for signs of the approaching season — and revel in the homespun rituals that warm a family celebration.
Now, one of you lucky readers is going to win this collection of books for your family! Happy Holidays!
Disclosure: Review books were provided, however, all opinions are strictly mine.
Win Dancing Deer Baking Company Treats for a Sweet New Year! #Giveaway
I truly love the Dancing Deer Baking Company! I remember leaving work one day and stopping in to Whole Foods. I wanted to buy a few things and something to eat on the way home. They had some cookie samples in the bakery section that caught my eye. After a bite, I had to know what kind of cookies these were as they were full of flavor and tasted homemade. They were Dancing Deer Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies, and since then, I’ve been a frequent customer. Their Deep Dark Gingerbread Cakes are totally amazing as is the Chocolate Espresso Cake.
I recently got a chance to sample Dancing Deer’s Traditional Christmas Bakery Gift Assortment and try some new treats!
I’d never had the Molasses Clove Cookies, but they were soft, chewy with a nice hint of spice . I fell in love with the fudgy Chocolate Chunk Brownies which simply melt in your moouth, by far my favorites. Also in the basket I received were Chocolate Sea Salt Stars and hand-decorated Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies which are crispy, tasty and pretty enough to be ornaments! All of it was packaged beautifully in a gorgeous burgundy seagrass basket that I will be using to decorate my home and keep track of all the little things I always manage to lose otherwise.
Dancing Deer Baking Company treats are known for their truly scrumptious taste, artful but simple packaging and pure, high quality ingredients. Their products are always baked from scratch and make wonderful gifts. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or want to treat yourself, Dancing Deer is one of the true joys that makes life sweeter.
Dancing Deer also gives back in a variety of ways with their main philanthropic efforts devoted to helping homeless families through the Sweet Home Project. Such a great cause!
Now, one of my readers will get to sample these delicious treats! Enter to win your own sampler! *Treats will be comparable and mailed after the New Year*
Happy Holidays from Strange Daze Indeed and Dancing Deer!
Disclosure: I received a sample for review purposes, however, all opinions are strictly my own.
Two Fun Apps Make Learning Math Fun!
SplashMath for Pre-K
I really wish these apps were around when I was learning Math. I feel that interactive is the way to go. This Preschool & Kindergarten Splash Math game is the Prequel to the successful Splash Math Series Grades 1-5. This app has incredibly vibrant colors that pop off the page and a cheerful fun soundtrack. As your children move through the different games with their Hippo host, they will find themselves thoroughly engaged and delighted and that is when learning is effortless and enjoyable.
SplashMath for Grades 1-5
This app is perfect for children ages 6 and up and you have different levels thatthey can experiment with. Splash Math Grades 1 to 5 is a collection of math problems that uses colorful graphics as well as interesting characters and sounds. It covers addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, geometry, time and number sense. You can even get a progress report weekly on your child’s successes. This is surely something they can enjoy on their own and get a head start on learning. The interactive aspect is a blast!
Join the 8 million+ users!
Download Splash Math on iTunes!
Get SplashMath for Grades 1-5
Get SplashMath for Pre-K
Or check them out on Google Play!
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Enter the $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Ends 12/31
Write a short review of any Splash Math app on the iTunes App Store. If you have already reviewed Splash Math app, simply update your review.
Send an email to giveaway@splashmath.com
This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media and StudyPad Inc. All opinions expressed are my own.