Sunday, June 30, 2013

Nielsen-Massey Vanilla *Giveaway*

This July, join more than 90 percent of the US population who regularly enjoy the creamy dairy delight during National Ice Cream Month with a new take on the traditional treat that will please contemporary taste buds. The rich flavors of coconut and Madagascar Bourbon pure vanilla make this ice cream recipe a stand-out. Made with Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract, the same extract used in gourmet restaurants across the country, this recipe is topped with aromatic toasted coconut for extra texture and taste. Be sure to have the ice and coarse salt your ice cream maker requires. For those without an ice cream machine try one of these three low-cost techniques for creating ice cream:

The Bag Method:
Take a well-chilled ice cream base, put it in a plastic bag (Ziploc), which rests inside of a larger Ziploc bag filled with kosher salt and ice, then shake for a long while and end up with some pretty good ice cream.

Ice Cream in a Can, or Kick the Can:
Put ice cream base in a small coffee can, which rests in a larger coffee can, surrounded by rock salt and ice. Seal the tops and roll the can around.

The Stir-Every-30-Minutes Method:
Take custard base out of the freezer every half-hour and give it a vigorous stir until you have an ice-cream-like consistency. It’s the simplest of all techniques.

Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream
(Yield 1-1/2-quarts)
Ingredients
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup caster sugar (baker’s sugar)
1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract
2 (13.5-ounce) cans unsweetened coconut milk
½ cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted (garnish)

Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk cream, sugar and vanilla extract until combined; set aside. Add coconut milk to a large glass measuring cup; add cream-sugar mixture and stir. Assemble ice cream maker and pour ice cream mixture through filling hole. For the perfect ice-cream follow the manufacturer’s appliance directions. While ice cream is churning, toast the coconut. Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a small rimmed baking sheet, evenly spread coconut; place in oven and toast, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, as coconut will toast quickly. Cool and store until ready to use. *Caster sugar can be difficult to find. To make a superfine sugar, add granulated sugar to a mini food processor bowl and pulse until sugar is a superfine, but not a powdery consistency.
 
 

7 Men

7 Men by Eric Metaxas

About The Book:
In Seven Men, New York Times best-selling author Eric Metaxas presents seven exquisitely crafted short portraits of widely known - but not well understood - Christian men, each of whom uniquely showcases a commitment to live by certain virtues in the truth of the gospel. Written in a beautiful and engaging style, Seven Men addresses what it means (or should mean) to be a man today, at a time when media and popular culture present images of masculinity that are not the picture presented in Scripture and historic civil life. What does it take to be a true exemplar as a father, brother, husband, leader, coach, counselor, change agent, and wise man? What does it mean to stand for honesty, courage, and charity, especially at times when the culture and the world run counter to those values? Each of the seven biographies represents the life of a man who experienced the struggles and challenges to be strong in the face of forces and circumstances that would have destroyed the resolve of lesser men. Each of the seven men profiled - George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson, John Paul II, and Charles Colson - call the reader to a more elevated walk and lifestyle, one that embodies the gospel in the world around us.

My Thoughts:
This is a very interesting book. Lots of information and history, and I think it would be beneficial for young med to read!

About The Author:
Eric Metaxas is the author of New York Times #1 bestseller Bonhoeffer. He is currently the voice of BreakPoint, heard across 1,400 radio outlets by an audience of 8 million. He currently lives in New York with his wife and daughter.

Buy this book at 7 Men on Amazon.
 

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Secret Of The Red Ranger DVD

Power Rangers Super Samurai: Secret of the Red Ranger – Volume 4

The action-packed Power Rangers Super Samurai: Secret of the Red Ranger – Volume 4 came to DVD and Digital Download June 11th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Follow the Rangers as they fight to take down Serrator’s secret plan to split apart the world. Saban’s Power Rangers Super Samurai, the #1 Live-Action Kids Action Series, continues to please kids of all ages as it celebrates 20 years of success. Power Rangers Super Samurai: Secret of the Red Ranger – Volume 4 includes four episodes along with two music videos.

Callan loved this. He watches Power Rangers with Daddy, and they love it!

 
 

Best Pinterest Practices


Friday, June 28, 2013

Better Than Pants *Giveaway*

What makes Better Than Pants different than the other funny t-shirt sites? There’s nothing worse than finding a t-shirt that you really like but hating the color or the type of shirt it comes in. That’s why on every one of the designs you can choose from 11 different styles, 11 different colors, and in sizes up to 5XL. Sure that makes more work for us since we have to custom print every shirt ordered, but it’s worth it because our customers get their shirts exactly how they want them. If you have any questions or comments please email us. Regardless, when you're looking for funny shirts or offensive tees you can always trust the Better Than Pants brand.
We got two tees, one for me and one for Jason. My shirt says Super Mom, of course, and Jason's says Get In My Belly from the Austin Powers movie! They are great tees, really comfy, we love them!
 
 

Summer Music Fests


Summer Music Festivals 2013 via Cool Daily Infographics

We're Having A Garage Sale Today

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Escape Monthly *Giveaway*

The rushing sound of waves. Warm white sand beneath your feet. The light mist of sea water kissing your face. The sweet taste of an exotic fruit drink and a luscious chocolate face mask! You deserve an escape - every month!
Escape Monthly is a destination-inspired monthly delivery of luxury products to help you relax, renew and escape! Join today and indulge in experiences inspired by luxurious spas, tropical getaways, cultures of the world and more! Paradise awaits.

Use code: YOURESCAPE and get 20% OFF for life!
 

Tips for Getting the Best Hair Coloring Downtown

Changing the color of your hair or adding color to your hair can give you an instantly new look and give your look a new and different dimension. Getting the right hair color for the look that you are trying to achieve is a matter of working with the right professional and keeping the following crucial tips in mind. Here are some of the most important tips you should keep in mind to get the best hair coloring in downtown Philadelphia that you can.

Consider Your Particular Face Shape and Hair Situation
One of the first steps to getting the best color job that you can get is to determine what color is going to work best for the texture, length, and how fine your hair is, as well as your face shape. Just because a hair color looks great on your best friend or the receptionist at your office does not mean that it is going to work for you. different hair colors will look different on different people depending on how fine their hair is, how well taken care of it is, and how you are able to take care of it as well.

Choose to Go Lighter when You Are Not Sure
If you are not sure of what color you want for your hair, remember that going to a lighter shade of color rather than immediately opting for a darker color is going to be much easier to fix if it happens to go wrong. If you think that, you would like to go darker but are unsure of what a drastic change like this is going to look like, talk to your stylist about going lighter at first to ease yourself into the transition.

Try Something Less Permanent at First
If you are in doubt about the color that you want, perhaps talk to your stylist about a semi-permanent hair coloring in downtown Philadelphia before committing to a color that you may or may not end up regretting immediately after the color job is done. A semi-permanent hairstyle can be a great option for those who might want to try out a color but are unsure if it is going to work for them.

Professional Skin Care Helps Keep Your Skin Youthful and Beautiful

Professional skin care is done by an esthetician who has been schooled and trained in all the therapies and products that will maintain the youthful skin you already have or to rejuvenate your skin. Some of the techniques used by an esthetician are extractions, facials, chemical peels, exfoliation, and waxing.

Extractions and Facials
When you have an impacted or clogged pore, the esthetician will use very gentle pressure to remove the sebum. If necessary, he or she can use a metal extraction tool to lift out the sebum that is causing the inflammation. Another tool that can be used is a lancet to make a small incision or opening for the sebum to be removed. Sebum is in all your skin except the bottoms of your feet and the palms of your hands. It is the substance that protects your skin, keeps it moist, and has properties that slow down the aging of the skin and protects your skin from cancer as well. Facials are one of the treatments most often performed by estheticians. During a facial, all makeup is removed and the skin is cleaned. From there, a mask may be put on to clean even deeper and a facial massage can be performed to smooth and relax tense and stressed out muscles. Facials can be scheduled regularly, depending on the client’s skin and budget.

Peels, Exfoliation, and Waxing
Chemical peels are a type of exfoliation treatment and can be done in a light peel, medium peel, and a deep peel. A dermatologist will have to perform a deep peel. This treatment is used to address and treat issues such as sun damage, acne scarring, aging, and to even out the skin tone. Exfoliation is another treatment available from an esthetician that removes dead skin cells. Brushes and scrubbing are used to begin with. Waxing is a procedure where warmed, soft wax is spread on the skin in a thin layer. Cloth strips are then applied and once the wax has hardened, the wax and the cloth are pulled off, removing the hair caught in the wax. Professional skin care can help bring back your skin’s youthful vitality or help you maintain the beautiful skin you have.
 

Choosing the Right Tattoo Shop and Design for You

Tattoos have been a part of human culture for hundreds of years all around the world. They have been a tribal practice among people in places like New Zealand, Africa, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Cambodia, among other nations. Although it is an ancient tradition, tattooing is still very popular today. The process has come a long way since its creation. Techniques are used that ensure the safety of each client and prevent cross-contamination. For instance, tattoo shops in Lafayette, LA, always properly sterilize their equipment or use single-use pieces. Because tattooing breaks the surface of the skin, it’s important to use a shop that makes their clients’ safety a top priority. Using someone that is unprofessional and unsanitary could lead to infection.

Choose an Expert Artist
Tattooing is a practice that gives the client a way to express themselves and gives the artist some free range to be creative. Sometimes a client may choose an exact tattoo or picture that they want replicated, or they can work out a new design with the artist. It’s important to look at the past work of an artist or shop to ensure they can produce a high-quality tattoo. When a design is chosen, the client should work closely with the artist to choose specific placement and approve a preliminary sketch. Every precaution should be taken when dealing with permanent tattoos. A professional artist realizes the importance of exactness and will rely on the input of their client.

Design Options
The design possibilities of tattoos are as varied as the reasons clients have for getting them. For some, name tattoos are chosen as a symbol of their dedication to someone special in their lives, like a family member. Others get abstract designs to follow in the traditions of their cultures. Individuals commonly get tattoos simply for appearance reasons. Women sometimes choose permanent makeup tattoos to eliminate their daily makeup routine. If you are considering getting a tattoo, visit tattoo shops in Lafayette, LA. Experts will show you the types of designs they are capable of. They will also talk to you about the process, and you can get an idea of the potential cost. Choose a shop that will be sensitive to your concerns and be willing to accommodate your needs.
 

Deal Dash

DealDash is the fair and honest alternative to penny auctions. Launched in February 2009, DealDash is the longest running auction site of its kind in the United States. DealDash offers a risk-free, fair and honest alternative to penny auctions and free shipping on all items. DealDash auctions are easier to win thanks to No Jumper auctions. These auctions end earlier, have less bidders and are easier to win.

Bid on auctions for items like laptops, video games, iPads and gift cards to save up to 99% off retail. 1. All auctions start at $0 with no reserve pricing.
2. Each bid placed raises the price by $0.01 and restarts the auction clock to 30 seconds. If no bids are placed, the timer runs out & the auction is sold.
3. To participate in the auction, purchase Bids in packs of 100 Bids. Didn't win the auction? - Don't worry. You can use the Buy it Now option to buy the item for a fair retail price and get all the bids used in the auction refunded back to your account for free.
 

Fertility Treatment Options and Answers

Infertility is an emotional and frustrating struggle that many families face. Adoption and other options are available, but the struggle of not being able to have a child may never be overcome. Fertility treatment is a viable option for those who find themselves in this complicated situation. Working with trained and experienced medical professionals ensures the best possible experience and the most effective treatment. In such a complex and delicate situation it’s important to explore all the options available and find the best solutions. It is not an easy situation and there are no quick solutions, but there is hope.

Finding Effective Solutions
Individualized treatment is the key to successful and effective solutions. There are a variety of causes of infertility and multiple factors involved. With so many differences not one treatment will work the same for each family. Advances in medicine and technology have provided many people with solutions and answers to their infertility issues. Finding the cause of infertility will take time and extensive testing. It is for these reasons it is important to work with experienced and well-trained doctors. Those who have experience in these situations know how to properly handle the situation, providing the family with answers while understanding the emotional complexities involved. It’s important to find the best clinic with experienced and well-trained staff members. Because it is such a struggle, it’s essential to work with caring and reliable individuals.

Trust and Communication
As most people would agree, family is the most important. Being unable to complete a family can be completely devastating for couples and individuals on many different levels. Fortunately, there are multiple options in fertility solutions; helping many families find the answers they are looking for and helping them complete their family. Fertility treatment can be expensive, making it difficult for many individuals. That is why it is important to understand all the details and discuss all the solutions available before making any serious decisions. Effective communication between doctor and patient is crucial in these situations, making it important to work with a trustworthy doctor. Finding the best solution may take time, but there are answers for those who are struggling with infertility.
 

Be a Healthy Woman with Help from a Gynecologist

Today, more and more women are taking charge of their feminine health. You can research a variety of related topics on the Internet and most likely have plenty of friends and family who are happy to give their advice. While it is important to educate yourself, a key component of this education is seeing a gynecologist who specializes in women’s health and who can teach you about your own reproductive health. Here are some common services provided by women’s doctors:

Preventative Exams
Preventative exams usually include an overall health exam, BMI evaluation, breast exam, vitals check, and anything else pertaining to the age and family history of the patient. It is important for women to be open with their physicians to be sure they cover any exam that the patient might need for their lifestyle.

Pap Smear
A pap smear is a specific preventative exam with the purpose to check for pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix. The doctor will collect cells by scraping them off the cervical canal. Some women say it is painful while others don’t feel a thing. This is typically done once a year after a woman has become sexually active.

Birth Control
Obtaining a prescription for birth control is a common reason for women to see a gynecologist. The doctor will ask questions to find out the women’s preferences, needs, and what seems logistical for their lifestyle in order to be able to recommend specific kinds of birth control. Prescription birth control can come in many forms, such as the contraceptive pill, NuvaRing, patches, shots, and IUD.

Family Planning
A women’s specialist can also consult on family planning. This includes pre-conception counseling, talking about your health and the health of your partner, testing for anything that could get in the way of having children, discussing assisted reproduction techniques, and fertility/infertility management.

Menopause Management
Menopause management should include overall consulting about all things related to menopause. A gynecologist can educate his or her patients on typical expected symptoms of menopause, how to work with or alleviate the symptoms, and medications to help with menopause. A few tips for natural ways to help your menopause symptoms are eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and sleeping enough.
 

Fall In Love with the Lace Camisole

Women’s styles are constantly changing, but one piece of clothing that seems to be constant through the ages is the camisole. There are variations of this feminine undershirt, like the lace camisole, but the purpose behind it is to allow for greater coverage and security when wearing outer layers that may be sheer or have lower necklines than you feel comfortable with. Camisoles are a fun way to add a little color to your outfit. They come in every color you can think of, and since mixing and matching color and pattern is so popular today, you can have fun incorporating your camisoles into everyday use.

A Beautiful Way to Layer
The styles, cuts, and designs of women’s underclothing have come a long way. What once used to be a more simple and boring white undershirt, has now become a beautiful, colorful accessory to your outfit. An undershirt allows you to play around with different styles you may ordinarily avoid. Layering always adds a little something extra to your outfit. You can layer these shirts with an oversize sweater or blazer. If something doesn’t give you the coverage you prefer, simply throw on a camisole and voila, you have a more modest option and you can still rock your sheer and low-cut tops. In the winter, you can layer with camisoles and t-shirts creating a fun look and a little more warmth during the colder months of the year.

Day Use or Night Out
A lace camisole has a few inches of lace attached to the bottom of the shirt. This lace element makes it wearable for both casual and dressy use. You can wear a bright pink or pretty blue to school or work during the day, and then change into black or navy for an evening out on the town. You can wear them while you run your errands, and wear them to church on the weekends. They are very affordable, and you can find them for great prices in all of your favorite stores. These beautiful undergarments are perfect for any occasion and will make you feel beautiful everywhere you go.

The Mustachifier

The Mustachifier is, well.....a mustache pacifier for babies! It is a cute and unique gift! There are 3 different 'staches: The Gentleman, The Cowboy, and The Ladies Man! I received The Gentleman. It is so funny to see these on babies, and so cute! They are really real pacifiers that your baby will love!
 
 

Donate Blood


The Ins and Outs of Blood Donation via Cool Daily Infographics

It's Pick Flowers Day

Happy Spring Equinox

~Hayley