Win an Udderly Smooth prize package for Dad – #FathersDay Giveaway and a blog hop!

June 4, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 124 Comments

Welcome to the Dads, Grads, & Everyone in Between Giveaway Hop, hosted by the Blogging Mamas Network!

Summer’s approaching and it’s time to celebrate Dads and Grads! Hop around to all the bloggers participating and enter awesome giveaways worth $25 and up!

Here on Strange Daze Indeed, I wanted to host a giveaway with one of my favorite sponsors. You know those brands that have super high quality, reasonable prices, amazing customer service, are family-owned, generous, and that go out of their way to help with anything and everything? Well, there aren’t that many of them out there, so when we find one, we love to feature them!

For this Dad’s and Grad’s day, we’re offering a Prize package from the wonderful Udderly Smooth!

While Udderly Smooth’s products are soothing and moisturizing, they’re not just for women. They’re great for guys too and can be used for shaving, hydrating and keeping their skin soft! It’s one of the best healing creams I’ve ever tried and I love the fresh, clean natural scent so I always keep some on hand.

Udderly Smooth is great for soothing dry, cracked, skin, for everyday, even for sunburns. It’s really nice to keep a tube in the fridge in summer where the cooling effect amplifies the relief.

And, maybe if you’re nice, your guy may even share!

Included in this prize pack:

Udderly Smooth Hand and Body Lotion

Udderly Smooth Body Cream

Udderly Smooth Shea Butter Foot Cream

Udderly Smooth Hand Cream

Udderly Smooth Vitamin E Cream

and other goodies including an Udderly Smooth baseball cap, samples, and pomegranate lip balm

Not to mention, that there is a cow mug involved here! Yes, one of you is going to win not only this amazing prize pack but also a really kickin’ cow mug! Now, if that’s not udderly awesome, I don’t know what is!

Enter via Giveaway Tools below and the very best of luck to you all!

Entry -Form

So Easy Being Green, Viva Veltoro, the Blogging Mamas Network, Strange Daze Indeed and the Dads & Grads participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

BBQ Chicken Burritos with #KCMasterpiece

June 1, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 56 Comments

The weather has been getting warm; the flowers are in bloom; and, for me, this brings to mind one thing: BBQ!

I love that hickory-smoked tangy delicious tantalizing flavor on anything within reason.

I came up with this recipe on a day when I wanted to make a quick meal for the family that was both healthy and delicious.

This recipe uses only five ingredients, takes about 20 minutes and has just the right tang to spice up your day.

I buy 10″ tortillas and heat them in an ungreased skillet on med-high for about 10-15 seconds per side.

You can either roast your chicken beforehand or go the quick route and buy a rotisserie chicken.

burritocooking

Grab your black beans, cooked corn and KC Masterpiece Original. They go in a pan with the shredded roast chicken.

In summer, we have wonderful fresh corn in New England so I like to use fresh cooked whenever I have it since it’s so easy to just skim off the cob with a knife.

My recipe for 4 follows. Hope you enjoy it!

BBQ Chicken Burritos with #KCMasterpiece

Ingredients

1 roasted chicken - about 4 cups shredded
1/2 cup KC Masterpiece Original Barbecue Sauce
1/2 cup frozen corn that you've steamed or fresh cooked corn niblets skimmed off the cob
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed
4 10" tortillas

Instructions

Take your chicken and shred it. I don't like to shred it too small. Place in a bowl.
Place your skillet on medium - medium high and add the chicken, barbecue sauce, corn, and black beans. Stir well as you cook for about 5 minutes.
Warm your tortillas and place them on a plate. Spoon 1/4 of the mixture into each and roll up.
Serve whole or cut in half.
Garnish as desired.

https://www.strangedazeindeed.com/2014/06/bbq-chicken-tortillas-with-kcmasterpiece.html

For garnishes I use whatever I have handy. I like to add a dollop of sour cream. You can use reduced-fat or Greek yogurt if you like! I like to garnish with fresh lime wedges avocado and cilantro. I also add salsa and guacamole if I have them!

Don’t get too stressed out though! Summer is for good times not sweating over a hot stove!

This recipe is so easy because it features KC Masterpiece which is my all-time favorite. For me, it has just the right balance of heartiness, flavor and spice and takes a simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with DataRank and #KCMasterpiece; however, the recipe and opinions are expressly my own.

New Baby Needs Event – Win a $1250 prize package! – #Giveaway

May 31, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 7 Comments

New Baby Needs Event Is HERE!! We Are Excited To Be Celebrating These New Additions!!

We congratulate Joy Of Momma Joyner and This Mama’s Life who have just added new babies to their families! To celebrate, they have joined up with an awesome group of bloggers and sponsors to bring you wonderful products that a New Baby Needs! ONE WINNER will walk away with this entire prize package worth over $1250!

The Prize Package includes items from the following sponsors:

Halo – SleepSack – $29

Pish Posh Baby – Baby Jogger Vue Stroller – $199

Undercover Mama – Nursing Tank Top – $35

Fairhaven Health –

Making Mama’s Milk Cookies – 1 Month Supply Of Cookies – $48

Avent –

Tiny Love – NEW Tummy Time Fun: Under The Sea – $30

Applecheeks – Applecheeks Bundle – $30

Tommee Tippee – Colorful Bottle 3-pack – $24

Little Toader – Teether – $10

Baby Shusher – Baby Shusher – $35

Buncha Farmers – stain remover, 3 varieties of our hand made manuka honey soaps, hand sanitizer, body and facial skin cream – $39

Buttons Diapers – 3 Diaper Covers and 3 Daytime Inserts – $43

Baby Box Company – Baby Box – $150

Clever Relish – Wipes Case Cover – $15

Levana – Oma+ Powered by Snuza – $99

Bobee – Diaper and Wipes Dispenser – $40

Hairbow Company – Outfit – $20

Aden + Anais – Dream Blanket – $50

Mixie Baby – Mixie Bottle – $20

PediPed – 1 Pair of Originals – $35

MAM – Cooler Teether and Oral Care Rabbit – $12

BabyBjörn – Bouncer Balance Soft – $199

Chewbeads – Jane Necklace – $30

Ciinolin – Swaddles and Baby Steps Cards – $55

GlowBug Cloth Diapers – Diaper and Insert – $13

PRK Products – Baby Food Organizer – $25

Entering is simple! Just fill out the Giveaway Tools Form below. There are plenty of entry options, and the more you do, the better your chances of winning!

The New Baby Needs Event Prize Package is open to all legal residents of the United States who are 18-years-old or older. This event will run from 12:00am EST Sunday, June 1, 2014 through 11:59pm EST Sunday, June 22, 2014.

Best of Luck!

Entry -Form

Disclaimer: Joy Of Momma Joyner, This Mama’s Life, Strange Daze Indeed and all the participating blogs are not responsible for the fulfillment of the prizes. The sponsors will send the prizes directly to the winner. We are also not responsible for any unfortunate accidents that may result from the use of any of these products.

Simple Products at a Great Value

May 28, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 24 Comments

bekindtoyourskinsimple I treat my skin with extra special care because it’s sensitive. I don’t like to take chances that may make it feel uncomfortable, break out, or become red and irritated. Some of the factors that cause my skin to be more sensitive are times when it’s overly dry, especially in winter or exposure to any skin damaging environmental factors. These include wind, sun, or excessive exposure to heat or cold. Genetic factors also play a part as well as age, gender, stress, and hormonal activity.

Here are some tips for sensitive skin that I adhere to:

I strive for simple products, ones without a laundry list of ingredients and chemicals. I stay away from highly fragranced cleansers. I also look for clean and clear moisturizing products so that the hydration helps resist drying and abrasion.

Other good skin tips I follow are:

Always take off any makeup with gentle cleaners when I get home, wear sunscreen, eat healthy foods such as fruits and veggies and drink plenty of water. In this way, I can hydrate from the inside out as well as the outside in.

And very important:

Treat your skin with TLC! Use gentle products that are made for sensitive skin, like Simple Skin Care.

Simple Skin Care, the expert on sensitive skin care has come out with some new products to help pamper your skin and keep it healthy. Simple is always gentle and sensitive to your needs.

Check out these new Simple Skin Care products:

When your environment starts taking a heavy toll, keep your moisturizer light!

Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer hydrates your skin instantly. Simple Foaming Facial cleanser rinses thoroughly and leaves nothing behind but clean fresh moisturized skin, and new Simple Nourishing 24-hour Day/Night Cream leaves skin super smooth skin and soft to the touch.

simplegel

I love this new gel and bought a few at Walgreen’s this week. It’s clean and see-through and so fresh and hydrating on my face! It’s also very reasonably priced and I got a bonus for buying two participating Simple products in May.

The Simple Rules:

simplerules

These wonderful products contain NO parabens, NO dyes, NO harsh irritants and NO artificial perfumes.

Walgreen’s is currently featuring a wonderful promotion featuring Simple Skincare:

During the month of May, if you buy any 2 or more participating Simple products, you’ll get 2,000 Balance Reward Points. I love my Balance Rewards card. It’s like having free money!

For even more savings, participating Simple products at Walgreens are Buy 1 get 1 50% off when you use your Balance Rewards.

Pamper your skin and get money back. Simply Awesome!

Disclosure: I worked on this post with Global Influence and have been compensated; however all opinions are expressly my own.

Wordless Wednesday: Tom YUM Goong

May 21, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 12 Comments

Valentia Skin Care – New Even Glow Serum

May 20, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 7 Comments

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I’m not a pushover when it comes to beauty products. I have a set of standards that I adhere to, and if I don’t like something, I’ll tell you! That being said, about a month ago I was given a chance to try Even Glow Serum by Valentia Skin Care and, so far, I really like it!

Our skin is damaged every day due to environmental pollutants, chemical laden cosmetics and oxidative stress.
Essentially, Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants.

Free radicals can negatively impact our health and our skin in many ways and deplete our natural protective resources. Without additional antioxidants, the skin’s ability to defend against these pollutants is diminished and signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone can appear.

Even Glow Serum starts with a 20% Vitamin C base which is in itself a powerful antioxidant treatment. Complementing this are skin super oils chosen to enhance and supoprt the Vitamin C.

I’m a firm believer in Vitamin C through fresh juices, fruits and supplements. I also appreciate it in my skin products.

The Power of Natural Ingredients

Parabens, phosphates, and other chemicals found in many skin care products can disrupt your skin’s natural processes. Adding natural ingredients can help strengthen its resilience and protective abilities, leaving your skin healthier and more youthful.

Here are some of the natural ingredients this serum contains:

Vitamin C:

(as mentioned above) Helps prevent environmental aging, wrinkles and pigmentation. Vitamin C is also necessary for the production of collagen, which helps maintain skin elasticity, strength and durability, providing a smooth and plump appearance.

Sea Buckthorn Oil:

I’ve been a fan of sea buckthorn oil since I first began using it about a year and a half ago. It helps erase fine lines, sun spots and imperfections in skin tone. Rare Omega Fatty acids (Omega-6 and Omega-7) in the oil help promote scar healing and moisture rentention and Sistosterol improves microcirculation giving skin a healthy glow.

Resistem:

Reduces Inflammation and Regenerates Skin Tissue Faster, also provides long-term benefits in protection

Hyaluronic Acid:

Protects and Helps Retain Moisture lost over time as we age and helps protect skin with a breathable barrier

Rosehip Seed Oil:

One of the best plant seed oils containing Vitamin A for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation and Vitamin E for firmer skin without dryness

Green Tea Extract:

The catechins in green tea are a potent antioxidant which also contribute to the overall anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant benefits.

Each ingredient in Even Glow has its own positive effects; however, the synergy as they all work together provides the most benefit.

My experience:

How does it smell? It has the fresh natural scent of oranges. I’m a huge citrus fan so I enjoyed this.

How is the texture? Neither too runny nor too thick

How is it on my skin? It absorbed quickly and I could feel a very mild tightening effect. It was non-greasy and non-sticky which is something I look for in my skincare products.

Did it leave my skin oily? No, not at all.

Is it vastly overpriced? No, in fact, it is on sale right now at Amazon for $35.

How long will it last? Mine has lasted me over a month so far as you do not need to apply much, just a few drops.

How does it work? My skin looks healthy, glowing and more youthful after using this for a month. I notice the fine lines are diminishing over time. They won’t go away miraculously, but, I do see change! My skin looks smooth, bright, plumper and the tone is even.

And, one of my crucial questions, did it irritate my skin, did the fragrance bother me: No, not at all!

Would I use this again? Yes!

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.

Win $50 Paypal Cash or Amazon gc – Missing Lily Book Blast #Giveaway

May 15, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein Leave a Comment

Missing Lily
“You don’t know who I am,” I whispered. He didn’t move—either away from me, or closer—and after an interminable moment, I stepped back and hurried out of the house.

He didn’t follow me as I fled into the night.

Lylin was not used to being alone—much less alone, hurt, and lost. So when she is separated from her guard and forced to abandon her horse, she counts herself lucky to stumble upon a manor house. Still frightened by those who chased her into the night, she keeps her identity a secret, calling herself Lily as she accepts the help of kind servants, and the compassion of Lord Fallon. When they fall into an easy friendship, she wonders if her secrecy was too hasty. However, as she gets to know the manor and its residents, Lylin discovers that she’s not the only one hiding secrets, and it may be a very good thing that her host doesn’t know her true identity as a member of the royal family.

Purchase on

AMAZON

Author Annette K. Larsen
I was born in Utah, part of a crazy, fun family of nine. I grew up in Flagstaff, AZ and St. Louis, MO before striking out on my own college adventure in Virginia. I decided to try my hand at writing novels after I was married and living in Idaho. I write clean romance because it’s my favorite genre, but often difficult to find.

I have Charlotte Brontë to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally, a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it.

I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Blog

Tour Schedule

Not yet read Just Ella?

It is on sale for $3.99 for the duration of the blog tour.

Grab your copy on Amazon.

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/10/14

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

$50 Paypal cash or Amazon gc Giveaway – The Almond Tree Book Blast

May 14, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein Leave a Comment

The Almond Tree by Michelle Cohen Corasanti
“An epic drama of the proportions of The Kite Runner… Grabs you from the first page… A gripping and compassionate work of fiction”
—Huffington Post

The unforgettable story of a young Palestinian boy whose mathematical gifts allow him to escape the difficulties of life as an Arab Israeli, The Almond Tree is a beautifully crafted debut novel written by a Jewish American woman from the perspective of a Palestinian Muslim male. It is about the power of love, the price of hatred, and the possibility of redemption.

Even as a young boy Ahmed Hamid struggles with knowing that he can do nothing to save his friends and family. Coming of age under Israeli martial law, his entire village operates in fear of losing their homes, jobs, and belongings. But more importantly, they fear losing each other.

On Ahmed’s twelfth birthday, that fear becomes reality.

With his father imprisoned, his family’s home and possessions confiscated, and his beloved brother Abbas succumbing to hatred in the face of conflict, Ahmed must find a way to care for his family and find a better future for himself. Gifted with a mind that can solve mathematical equations, he uses his intellect to take an inspiring journey that will lead him from his war-torn homeland to a life in America he could never have imagined for himself.

A sweeping story of family, love, and friendship told against the devastating backdrop of half a century of conflict, The Almond Tree is a powerful novel that allows us to walk in one extraordinary Palestinian’s shoes and see the world through his eyes.

“Corasanti’s accomplished debut novel offers a humanistic look into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict…Sensitive, moving…” —Kirkus Reviews

Amazon

Author Michelle Cohen Corasanti

Michelle Cohen Corasanti received a BA from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and an MA from Harvard University, both in Middle Eastern Studies. A Jewish American, she lived in Israel for seven years and was married to a Palestinian Muslim for several years afterwards. Nearly a decade in the making, The Almond Tree grew out of the many stories Michelle heard and witnessed while living with Palestinians and Israeli friends and family she knew and loved in Israel and at Harvard. She currently lives in New York with her family.

Website * Facebook * Goodreads * Twitter

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/6/14

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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Labor Day and a wonderful recipe for Peach Pie

May 11, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 41 Comments

Have you seen Labor Day yet?

If you have, or even if you haven’t, you may have heard that a peach pie has a major role in this film!

Last weekend, I invited a good friend over to have coffee and my own Peach Pie and watch the movie on DVD.Though my pie did not turn out as perfect as the one in Labor Day, we had a great time! My friend loved the movie, especially the chemistry between the two main characters and the romance.

I found Labor Day to be a movie that illustrates how life can change in just a second. Each one of us has to decide for ourselves what chances to take, and oftentimes following your gut and your heart will take you places you never imagined or dreamed possible. Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin are excellent in this drama that is about life and love, and about coming of age for Henry, brilliantly played by Gattlin Griffith.

Each of the main characters in the movie undergoes a transformation. When it opens, Adele (Winslet) has been paralyzed with grief and depression over events in her life. Frank (Brolin), the stranger who enters Adele and Henry’s lives unexpectedly as he jumps out a hospital window to escape from prison has been leading an empty existence and Henry is struggling to understand adolescence and having to become an adult way too early.

I don’t want to spoil it for you as it’s now on DVD and you can check it out! I found it fascinating how just five days can change a life forever and a peach pie can be so much more than just dessert.

Speaking of peach pie, one of my favorite scenes is the “peach pie baking scene”. It’s a very sensual scene somewhat reminiscent of the pottery scene in Ghost, yet it has its own special “flavor”.

The recipe for the pie comes from author (of the book, Labor Day) Joyce Maynard’s mom, and Maynard taught Brolin and Winslet how to make that very same pie for Labor Day. The above photo shows Maynard (in the red sweater) sharing her recipe with Kate and Josh and the dialogue in the scene comes from her own special tips. To become confident for the scene, Brolin’s character, Frank, baked a pie every day on the set so it would be authentic. And it is!

For those who want to learn how to make the peach pie Josh Brolin made in Labor Day, the recipe follows:

Labor Day Peach Pie

Ingredients

3 pounds peaches
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Crisco vegetable shortening
1 stick plus 1 tablespoon chilled butter, cut into pieces
1/3 to 1/2 cup ice water
2 tablespoons Minute tapioca (plus 2 additional tbsp to stir into peaches)
1 beaten egg
1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir in 2 tbsp Minute Tapioca to help absorb juices. Let stand, stirring occasionally.
Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, work in the shortening and 1 stick of butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the ice water over the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork. Continue adding the water just until the dough holds together. Shape the dough into a ball and divide it into two discs, one slightly larger than the other.
Place the smaller disc on a sheet of waxed paper, and use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. If the dough sticks to the rolling pin, dust it lightly with more flour. Lay a 9- to 10-inch pie pan face down on top of the circle; flip the pan over and remove the paper. For the crust, on a sheet of waxed paper, roll out the other disc to form a 14-inch circle. Do not roll the dough more than necessary.
Sprinkle the tapioca on the bottom crust. Add the filling, mounding it in the center, and dot with 1 tablespoon butter. Lift the waxed paper with the remaining crust and flip it over the filling. Peel back waxed paper. Trim the edges of the crusts and pinch together the top and bottom crusts. Optional: Roll out the trimmings and cut into decorative shapes. Brush the pie with the egg, and arrange the shapes on the crust. Sprinkle with sugar. Poke fork holes or cut vents in the top crust. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.

https://www.strangedazeindeed.com/2014/05/oflabordayandpeachpie.html

Enjoy!

Win $50 Paypal Cash or Amazon GC – Marriage Isn’t For You by Seth Adam Smith

May 9, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 2 Comments

Marriage Isn’t For You: It’s for the One You Love
What is the best wedding advice you ever received? For author Seth Adam Smith, it was the advice from his father who said, Marriage is not for you. It is about the person you marry. These few words completely changed the way Seth looked at his relationship with his wife-to-be. Because at that moment he realized that an expression of love is not about the person expressing it. Rather, it is about the person they choose to be with. It is about making the person you marry feel loved. Seth’s blog post on the subject was viewed by more than twenty-seven million people, and he has been featured on several national TV programs including The Today Show. Now released as a hardcover book, these sage words make the perfect gift for newly married couples, those who have been around the block a few times, or anyone who wants to learn how to make their relationships stronger.

Amazon

About the Author
SETH ADAM SMITH was born in Anchorage, Alaska. Since 2004, he has produced videos and articles for businesses, nonprofit organizations, youth groups, artists, and political causes. He is the editor-in-chief of ForwardWalking.com. He and his wife, Kim, live in Florida.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/31/14

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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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