Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Tacky Box

~This post was not written by Accidentally Domesticated.~ I am posting to help promote a friend's Giveaway from her blog.

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Give a Child the Gift of Kindness This Holiday Season giveaway

Buy the Award Winning 32-page Margo’s (or Max’s) Magnificent Choice and receive a free Tacky Box
DALLAS, TEXAS — Give a child the gift of kindness this holiday season with their own Tacky Box Set, and check off one – or more – names from your holiday shopping list. November 28 through December 20, buy the Silver Nautilus Award-winning, 32-page Margo’s (or Max’s) Magnificent Choice for $19.99 plus shipping and the Tacky Box ($9.99 retail) is free.

This is one gift sure to make an impression on the child’s life and those around them. The Tacky Box Set helps parents encourage a message of respect and goodness to children at an impressionable age, both words and deeds while the child has fun. Children need guidance in developing the ability to self-police acceptable and non-acceptable words and behaviors.

How it works:
STEP ONE: Cuddle up with your child and spend 10 minutes reading the story of Margo’s (or Max’s) Magnificent Choice 

STEP TWO: Compare our world to the jungle and explain to your child that he or she will hear and see all kinds of tacky words and behavior. Encourage your child to proactively decide how to respond when the inevitable occurs. Will he or she choose to be tacky or be kind like the monkey in the story? 

STEP THREE: After your child makes his or her own magnificent choice, give a high five just like the wise old owl and present your child with an authentic Tacky Box to decorate. 

STEP FOUR: Display the decorated Tacky Box prominently in your home. Have your child use the tablet to write down any tacky words (or behavior) he or she uses or witnesses and lock the piece of paper in the Tacky Box. The act of writing down the word or action and placing it in the box symbolizes your child’s commitment to remove tacky words from the heart and mind. 

STEP FIVE: Enjoy watching your child self-monitor words and behavior and set an example for others! And get ready for the ripple effect.
For Chris Kent Phelps, inventor of Tacky Box Set and co-author of Margo’s Magnificent Choice, Winner of the 2014 Silver Nautilus Award, the idea for Tacky Box was the result of an experience with her then five-year-old daughter. She and her mother, Cindy Kent, wrote the story to accompany the box, and Kent – a professional artist – illustrated it.

Phelps says, “Our children are exposed to many things beyond our control when they’re away
from us, so it’s our responsibility to prepare them to handle the bad or tacky words and actions they will hear and see. As part of our ongoing mission to make the world a kinder place, we want to help parents arm their children with this fun educational tool. With the holiday offer, we hope it will allow more parents, family and friends to get the book and Tacky Box for each special child in their lives.”
According to The Children’s Book Review, Margo’s Magnificent Choice “…is a well-written story that teaches kids about the power of words and the impact of making good choices. When combined with a Tacky Box, the story makes a very effective and hands-on parenting tool and proves that learning about kindness can be very fun.”
 
Margo’s (or Max’s) Magnificent Choice is available for purchase at www.TackyBox.com for $19.99 plus shipping. Each book ordered will come with a free authentic Tacky Box ($9.99 retail) and a notepad illustrated with monkeys to use for writing down tacky words and behavior.

Want to know what we thought of it? Head over and read it here.

For more information on the Tacky Box Set, go to www.TackyBox.com or on Facebook –www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox, Twitter – www.twitter.com/thetackybox, YouTube – www.youtube.com/thetackybox or Pinterest – www.pinterest.com/thetackybox.

Turkeys on my Porch.. Say WHAT?


I have a it old a wild life problem. I live nears woods ana main road. My neighbors through the woods believe the deer population is dwindling( which it IS NOT in Maryland) and feed 30-50 deer every day a 5:00pm.  They complain about my dog that doesn't bark much because she scares the deer away... Etc..


I am not anti wildlife, but I do not want Turkey's on my front porch and I would prefer deer to stay further away from my home due to Lyme disease that is carried by deer ticks. As I have two small children.  This is why I agreed to review Predator Scare Guard Tap.



So far so go! I haven't had a turkey on my porch in awhile!


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.

Limoncello Recipe, or Orangecello, Limecello, etc...

Limoncello Recipe, or Orangecello, Limecello, etc... A homemade Christmas gift your friends will actually use and appreciate. I am Italian, I don't like most alcohol, but I DO like Limoncella. It is an easy homemade gift to give your friends, you look fancy and they aren't stuck with 20 fruitcakes, jams or some other homemade item that people only seem to think others need. I don't know how to do things in small amounts, that just isn't me.




 Ingredients
  1. Zest from 40 Lemons
  2. 1 gallon grain alcohol or Everclear. Use Vodka if your state doesn't trust you with grain

Let the Lemon Peels soak in vodka for 40 to 80 days. You can do as little as 4 days, but the longer you let it sit the better.


After 40 days have passed make a simple syrup. The amount of water and sugar you use depends on how strong you like your alcohol. My father got my bridesmaids drunk on this before my reception. They didn't drink much... So be careful!

Basic Simple Syrup

1. 4 cups sugar
2. 5 cups water

Use this ration as you determine how strong you want your Limoncella


  • Boil the sugar to water ratio for  5-7 minutes
  • Remove from heat and let cool
  • Mix the Lemon Mixture with the simple syrup 
  • Let rest for another 40 days 
After the Limoncella has rested for 40 days  strain and discard the lemon zests.

Then bottle in individual containers. Mason jars or use glass soda bottles for smaller sized gifts. 

Store in the Freezer for best tasting results.




*With the actual lemons squeeze with a good juicer and freeze in ice cube trays for lemonade
 or recipes.

Get your tools 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. 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.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Brooklyn Beans Variety Pack Review + Giveaway.

I admit I asked to review this brand because we already buy it. I like our guests to think we are fancy with a variety of coffee and the fun packing makes it look pricey. Guess what it isn't that expensive. With Amazon Subscribe and size 40 K cups are only $18.70  





And it even has a nice easy open bottom. That way the K-cups aren't fallout out all over the pantry!





Here is the Product Description from the Brand
! Our 40-count Brooklyn Bean Roastery sampler pack includes four samples of the following light, medium, and dark-roast blends: Breakfast Blend, Boardwalk Blend, Brooklyn Bridge, Colombian, Cyclone, Donut Shop, Fugheddaboutit and French Roast..
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.

Dave's Killer Bread Review- The Awesome Bread



My family had the chance to review Dave's Killer Bread. My husband re-named it the awesome bread.


  • Available in 12 varieties in major grocery chains across 17 states and parts of western Canada, Dave’s Killer Bread packs a punch with delicious flavors loaded with seeds, ancient grains, and whole grain nutrition. Each slice also containsas much protein as one egg! A loaf of Dave’s Killer Bread retails between $5.00and $6.00.


• Seeded Honey Wheat is the first Non-GMO Project Verified honey wheat
bread on the market. With 5g of fiber and protein, the sweet taste and
crunchy texture of Seeded Honey Wheat will make it an instant family
favorite.
• With 21 Whole Grains and Seeds Thin-Sliced, you don’t have to sacrifice
taste and nutrition when watching calories. Loaded with grainy texture and
hearty flavor, 21 Whole Grains and Seeds Thin-Sliced only has 60 calories
per slice.
• Packed with a whopping 6g of protein and 4g of fiber per slice, Good
Seed™ has the boldest texture and sweetest flavor of all of their breads.
 
So I would have gotten pictures of it out of the package and in a nice sandwich, but my family ate it so fast I just didn't get a chance!


 So just know it is good for you, don't tell your family and they will love it!

Monday, November 17, 2014

Two Rivers Mega Coffee Sampler Pack Review + Giveaway.


Why yes there is a mystery K Cup in this box.
I was so EXCITED to get this box. There isn't a duplicate Kcup in the box which is good and bad. As my WHOLE family wants to try the Tootsie Roll Hot Chocolate.  That is right this is a case of 40 delicious K Cups and not a single duplicate! This is PERFECT as a Christmas gift or to keep in the house to please all your holiday guests! I know my in-laws will love the variety if it lasts until they come to visit!

Do you want a chance to win this huge selection of K-Cups! Enter here!  *These will be sent from the company and I am not responsible for shipping,.


a Rafflecopter giveaway 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.

Dinosaur T-Rex Room Guard with Motion Sensor Review.


This is so much fun for the parents. You see my husband and I are a bit twisted when it comes to our children. This is the perfect toy to set up while your child is sleeping. Think maybe the Elf on the Shelf appears riding this dinosaur that is projecting dino images on your child's wall. Yes. We are saving for therapy, but this toy and the entertainment it provides for the whole family is worth it. Get it, blame them elf for the crazy images on the wall and get laughs for the whole family!



Imagine your child waking up to that on their wall one morning. Maybe with an Elf riding the dinosaur?

  • T-Rex room guard has motion sensor and 5 mighty roar sounds
  • T rex roars into action every time an unwanted visitor trespasses into your bedroom! (hidden on/off switch)
  • High technology built in trembler alert and motion sensor to detect movement
    24 realistic dinosaur images in your own room on 3 interchangeable discs, Hidden disk storage on dinosaur
  • Projects Images Over 3 Feet, Ages 3 +, Uses 3 AA batteries

Go here to order one to torment your kids.



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.

Big Slice Apples Review + Giveaway

 Big Slice Apples were a HUGE hit in my house. The big kids ( husband included) loved adding the apples to oatmeal and over waffles.

Directly From Big Slice Apples, a little about their brand.

Six fantastic flavors of these pouches initially launched into 250 Super Target retail locations in January. In February, they launched into all 1,650+ of their locations. This is pretty amazing stuff for an American company from the heart of the Midwest, originally created by a grandson trying to recreate his grandmother’s amazing big sliced apples!


Great on Oatmeal

Look at all the Varieties available:

So go here to find a location near you
and enter to win 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.

Small Packing Organizer Review



I don't like to carry a diaper bag. I don't change my daughter in public restrooms, most of the changing tables are just too high for me and frankly I don't know how often they clean them. I however always keep a nice supply of diapers, wipes and snacks to go. I won't keep snacks in the car because I am afraid mice getting in to the car and chewing my brake lines. ( It has happened to more than one of my friends. so valid fear)

This is why I was so excited when I was asked to review the small packing cubes.  These are great for traveling with multiple children. Get a few different colors and pack each child's outfits in different colors. Going on a cruise an need clothing organized before your main luggage arrives? Traveling alone with kids? Need emergency kits in your cars? These are your go to bags.






The bags have more than enough room for a few baby outfits, diapers and wipes. Each set contains 4 packing cubes  check it out.






Available in multiple colors: gray, green, purple, pink, red, dark blue, light blue, yellow and orange
Small Packing Cube Size: 11" x 6.75" x 3"

Product Benefits:
See through mesh panel of these travel packing organizers allows you to easily find what you need.
Maintain your privacy while going through security in the airport.
Save time ironing your clothes at the hotel. The packing cube set will help minimize wrinkles on your clothes.
Maximize your luggage space so you can squeeze in more of your stuff.
Traveling with the entire family? Make packing and unpacking easy by assigning a cube per person or purpose.
Save time packing and unpacking by allowing you to unpack only what you need.
These travel packing cubes fit on your luggage, duffel, suitcase, backpack, slim bags on on their own.


If  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.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Gurin Electric Compact Dehumidifier Review



This took me a bit longer to review as I wanted to make sure it actually worked well. I have it set up in my Master Bathroom as it is the bathroom we use the most. It is small and very quiet. It doesn't fill up fast but it does do the job intended.






If you have a small space like a laundry room, bathroom or college dorm room this little machine is ideal! 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.

BPA Free Stemless Wine Glasses Review


BPA Free Stemless Wine Glasses Review 

              Great for the College kid on your gift list! 

 *The company states they are dishwasher safe, but to use a non heated cycle. My dishwasher does not give that option and I do not believe they are indeed dishwasher safe. 


Please note. I STILL haven't figured out what to do for a back splash in my kitchen. that is not dirty, but where I tore horrible wallpaper off the walls.

The classes are a decent size, great for putting apple juice in with kids that want to feel grown up, drunken college students pretending to be klassy, or in laws that get a little wild.



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.

Lego Deals! Amazon Lego Movie Legos

Legos are the hardest item to find a deal or on clearance.Many of these are considered Best Price or a Good price by using the site Camel, Camel, Camel to compare prices.



Saturday, November 15, 2014

Jiva Organics USDA Organic Garam Masala Review


Jiva Organics USDA Organics sent me  Garam Masala  to Review. I have NEVER cooked with Garam Masala which made me VERY nervous.

 According to Wikipedia "Garam masala (from Hindi: गरम मसाला, garam ("hot") and masala (a mixture of spices)) is a blend of ground spices common in North Indian and other South Asian cuisines.[1] It is used alone or with other seasonings. The word garam refers to "heat" in the Ayurvedic sense of the word, meaning "to heat the body" as these spices, in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, elevate body temperature."

This scared me so I turned to my FAVORITE website to get ideas for dinner. SuperCook.com


Look at how many family friendly recipes came up in my search!

 I picked a simple Chicken Garam Masala found here. It looks easy!

It comes in a nice resealable bag too!

 Look at how few ingredients!
Just put a little olive oil in the pan. 
 Then some chicken.
 Green onions or dried chives

 Fresh tomatoes

 Add the seasonings.


And you have a gourmet meal!

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.

Braciola De Manzo

I confess. I never made Braciola until today, but people always thought I could make Braciola. When we had guest I would go to the local Italian store and buy it pre-made and pretend that I was the person that cooked amazing Braciola. So hopefully my inlaws aren't reading this blog, because I did that pretty often before we moved away from the amazing Italian store. Braciola, Braciole or whatever else you decide to call it is simply rolled thin round steak stuffed with bread crumbs,cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper.



  • *1 1/2 pounds thin beef steak or top round steak
  • *1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • * 2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • *1 Large Egg
  • * 2 teaspoons parsley
  • * 1 Clove garlic
  • *1/2 teaspoon salt
  • *1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • *1/2 cup olive oil
  • * 1 jar sauce or tomatoes ( if using tomato puree add 1 can tomato paste)

How to Cook

  • Mix the breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, cheese and garlic together in a bowl.
  •  I was sent an awesome Garlic Press set from Alpha Grillers . It made it so EASY to get small pieces of garlic for the stuffing and to peel the garlic to simmer in the sauce!
  • Spread the steak out on a cutting board and spread filling on it thin.

  • Roll the filled beef tight and secure with butchers twine or toothpicks.
         


  • Brown in 1/2 cup olive oil.
       


  • After browned add 1 jar sauce or 1 cup tomato puree and 1 can tomato paste.
               


  • Simmer in sauce for two and half hours


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.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Campus Books-Operation Smile.- Rent your text books to other students!

Have you heard of Campus Book Rentals ? I am very jealous that today's college students don't have to wait in long lines and hope to find decent quality used books. When I was in college WAY  back in 2000 there weren't many other affordable options for college text books they could easily cost $500 to $600 a semester.That was over 10 years ago, so I am sure it is much, much more today!

When you rent books from Campus Book Rentals it is just like having your own books without the extra costs and having an unneeded expensive book at the end of the semester. ( I have a stack of $200 Linguistics Books that I NEVER needed when I taught, even though it was a required course.)

Campus Books
  • Allows you to highlight in the rented text books 
  • Flexible rental periods! Great for any college!
  • Free shipping BOTH WAYS! 
  • SAVE 40 to 90% off books! ( STOP OVER PAYING THE COLLEGE NOW they have enough of your money) 
  • They also donate to an awesome organization called Operation Smile
    •   Operation Smile is a medical organization that helps children born with cleft palates. 

Do you already own expensive text books? Campus Book Rentals now has an amazing program called Rent Back   The programs allows college students to rent textbooks they already own to other college students.  

Again back when I was in college the school book store would offer $4 for a book that was in new condition that I previously bought new for $300! This option will allow the owner to make two to four times the money than what the school book store would offer to buy their books!