Kung Fu Panda and Tropical Traditions Winners!

Congrats to the following winners!!!:

Kung Fu Panda 2

wildcat32 said...

My favorite is Reese's Puffs.

monster6236 at gmail dot com

Tropical Traditions

05/28/2011

ape2016 said...They have organic meat like chicken and bison.

two quick things....

Google Friend Connect is down on a lot of blogs, including mine. As long as this problem persists, if you are not a follower currently, please feel free to follow instead on twitter for your mandatory entry at http://www.twitter.com/misaacmom or subscribe to my RSS feed.

A different note, I am reformatting my blog - the current format will serve as a place holder until I officially make changes to the design.

Have a great memorial day weekend all - Thanks!

Good For You Girls - Review

If you have a tween or teen girl, you may be experiencing a sudden interest in fashion, hair styling, makeup, etc.  While it is important to keep your arms around what is age appropriate by setting boundaries, this is also a great opportunity to introduce the importance of personal care.  At this time skin care may be an issue, where it was a non-issue before.

As kids go through puberty, the hormones can cause a variety of reactions.  The increased oil production may mean breakouts, a need for more frequent cleansing.  As a parent, in addition to worrying about your child having acne, you may also worry about the actual skin care treatments.  Many skin care products contain chemicals that have been proven harmful.  A natural and organic skin care plan may be something you are interested in.

Good For You Girls is a skin care line designed for young girls.

NO Parabens
NO Sulfates
NO Phthalates
NO Propylene glycol
NO Mineral Oils
NO Silicone
NO Synthetic Fragrance
NO Dyestion in the skin can cause break outs.

See here for GOOD INGREDIENTS and INGREDIENTS TO AVOID.

I have been very pleased with virtually every natural and organic skin care product I have reviewed.  What is great is that this is a product lined designed for young skin.  This system will help teach your daughter the importance of a daily skin care regime with products that are designed, created and packaged with young girls in mind.

Miss N. has had severe problems with skin sensitivity -  once she had a zit and I was afraid to put zit cream on it so I used a small dab of toothpaste.  This was even worse - her skin broke out in contact dermatitis rash that we finally had to go to the Dr. to get a prescription to clear.  I was very worried about how we would treat her skin as she got older.  My husband had skin problems as a teen and I still continue to battle with this so our expectation is that our children will as well.

I thought about when she had eczema and remembered the only thing that worked was a simple organic hand cream.  It made sense that organic products would work as well.

Miss N. was very excited to try this and did so immediately.  She was able to review the Complete Starter Kit which consists of a gel cleanser, toner and moisturizer.  This currently retails for $19.99 USD (May, 2011).  The three step process is simple and easy enough for girls that age to follow.  She loved the kit, the ease of use and the effectiveness of the products, especially the moisturizer which she said made her skin feel soft.

Good For You Girls also offers a Blemish Wash available separately for if and when acne becomes a problem, a Shimmer Skin Lotion (fun and practical!) and Deodorant.

The Good For You Girls Complete Starter Kit IS a product I would buy again.  It is a product I feel comfortable having my daughter use on her face, the price is very affordable and the size of each product in the kit (2oz) is perfect for a child her age.  If you are interested in skin care for your daughter, I would highly suggest looking at Good For You Girls as an option.

I received a product for review purposes.  I did not receive any form of compensation and all opinions expressed were my own.  For more information on this blog and on my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy at the bottom of the page.

Necklace Nesessities necklace extender set review

I like necklaces of varying lengths - currently a longer length (vs. choker) is more in-style. Sometimes a necklace hits the neckline where it ends up being covered by your shirt - just a little bit shorter, or longer, would be perfect but the necklace is NOT shorter or longer so you don't end up wearing it

I have several necklaces of shorter lengths. A great solution to revamp your necklace collection is to use a necklace extender. For necklaces that need to be just a little bit longer or to modernize your jewelry, this is a great solution without investing in a ton of new necklaces.

Necklace Necessities offers a wonderful necklace extender set - what I love about this set is that there are three extenders - one in gold tone, one in silver tone and another in pearls (faux). Certainly you would not want to use a pearl extender with a gold necklace and vice versa. 

These come packaged in an adorable pink with black polka dotted purse shaped box.   For a limited time, also inside is an added treat - a box of adhesive strips that are to be used at the back of the neck - once you put on the necklace, rest the extender and/or clasp on the strip.  The strip prevents the clasp of the necklace from moving to the front.  (I have this happen all the time and it is so annoying!)  These are also available purchased separately.

I found that the necklace extenders were very easy to use.  You simply secure the spring ring clasp to the back of the necklace and then secure the other side of the necklace to the extender - very easy! The only thing I can say that is negative is that this only works with smaller clasps - (this would not work with torpedo, toggle or magnetic clasps for example). 

During the month of May (2011) shoppers will receive  a FREE 30-piece package of Necessities Secure Strips when they order a Necklace Necessities ensemble!  New specials are available every month. 

Sold online at  http://www.necklacenecessities.com/ boutiques and salons in the U.S. and Canada
Retail Price:
$5.95 Necessities Secure Strips™,
$7.95 Necessities Skin Guard
 $19.95 Necklace Necessities™ set

FAQs can be found HERE. 

Follow on facebook HERE.

I received a product for review purposes.  I did not receive any form of compensation for this post.  For more information on this blog and on my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy at the bottom of this page

Pirates of the Caribbean winner!

Anonymous said...
Like Pirates of the Caribbean on FB (leann brandner voyer) LKVOYER at aol dot com (I'm a follower)
May 14, 2011 12:54 PM

Congrats Leann!!!!

photos from Artsplosure 2011

I had planned to try and do two festivals this weekend but my husband pretty much refused. We didn't make it to the Got To Be NC Fest also, but here are some great photos from Artsplosure 2011. I had really wanted to make it this year - for the past few years my company has held the Family Day picnic on the same weekend as Artsplosure. Usually I would be too tired to try and do both in one weekend after a day at Family Day with my kids (imagine a carnival with unlimited food, games and rides/activities for free - fun but EXHAUSTING). My company no long does Family Day :( Of course we were sad but on the upside we got to attend Artsplosure this year!

I was so excited to see the Amococo, Architects of Air exhibit. Months ago I had been googling geodesic dome homes - I somehow came across this project through other links of other unusual homes and structures. When standing in line, I finally figured out that this was the same thing I had found online and I became SO excited. I never even thought that I would get an opportunity to see it in person but luck was on my side...

We had a little wait but the line went pretty quick. We did have to take off our shoes to enter which I understood but was not thrilled apart. Once inside I forgot all about my shoes. The colors were magnificent - the futuristic environment was very dreamy - inspiring and soothing. Unfortunately it was hot as blazes inside so we did not stay as long as we all would have liked but it was definitely worth it!

Miss N. was trying to be a good sport but had been at a sleep over the night before and the girls were up most of the night - needless to say by the end of the day she was cranky. Over all though we all enjoyed the art, music and most of all, food. (Nothing better than carnival or festival food!) The girls had ice cream and we all shared fried dough and a lemonade.


See some of the fun pictures below:

Smurfs at Got to be NC Fest!

You may have read my post "What to do in the Triangle this weekend". One of the featured things to do is the Got to Be NC festival. Well there will be some not so secret surprise guests roaming around.

The Smurfs have been touring the Triangle and will be heading out for some festival fun tomorrow.  Make sure you take the kids to meet them.

In a couple of months, the new Smurf movie will be released and I will be able to share some goodies with my readers in a fun giveaway.  Until then if you are local, try to make a special visit and make your child's day.  If not, the Smurfs may be visiting your city soon!

Lovable Labels Camp Pack review and giveaway

Sending your child to a sleepover or a camping trip can be fun and exciting. It can also be aggravating when once they return, half of their items are missing. Parents of campers quickly learn how important it is to label items.

LovableLabels.ca offers a unique camp pack for kids. Available in numerous styles, this is a personalized way to effectively label your child's items. These labels are heavy duty and secure! My children have drinking cups labeled with these labels and we wash several times a week in the dishwasher. So far the labels are still secured on nicely with no fading, bunching and loss of adhesive.

These labels are great - included in the Ultimate Camp Pack are the following labels:
•15 Regular Sticker Labels
•40 Slimline Sticker Labels
•72 Press n'Stick Clothing DOTS
•12 Shoe Labels
•2 Mini-Metal Tags (two 4” silver ball chains included)
•12 Square Labels

We received the Diva camp pack and Miss E. loves it. It actually arrived right after a camping trip and I wish we had received it before! I had to label a ton of items and this would have made my life SO much easier. This is great for summer campers, scouts, daycare and even the weekend sleepover.

Lovable Labels has offered one Momanthology.com reader an Ultimate Camp Pack of their choice. This is a value worth $44.95 USD!

To Enter: Yo must follow my blog in order to be eligible to win via Google Friend connect. Go to the Lovable Labels website and leave us a comment telling me which one of their amazing product is your favorite and leave your GFC user name! Once you’ve entered by leaving a comment, you can gain additional entries:

Extra entries:

"Follow @mylovablelabels and @misaacmom on Twitter and tweet "WIN Camp Pack" from @mylovablelabels @misaacmom at http://bit.ly/lNq2Y6" and include link in your comments.

‘Like’ Lovable Labels on Facebook for one extra entry and write below that you are a new fan.‘

Add my button to your blog.

Rules:
* US and Canadian entries only
* Must be 18 years of age or older to win
* No PO Boxes
* email must be in your user profile or posted in your comment. If I cannot contact you I will select another winner
* Winner selected at random
* one main entry per person

This giveaway ends just in time for Camp Season at 11:59 pm on June 4th, 2011. The winner will be selected by random.org or randomizer and will have 2 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.

I did receive a product to review and the sponsor is providing another copy to one of my readers. For more information on this blog and on my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy at the bottom of this page.

Got Milk?

It is important to try and be a positive role model for children. I do try my best, but of course there are times that I have failed. (When you hear or see your child do something that you say or do regularly, and it doesn't sound quite right, you know it is time to modify your own bad habits and behaviors!). I always try to teach my children the value of kindness and empathy by being kind to others and sympathetic in different situations. I try to teach manners by demonstrating good manners. I try to eat better so my kids will eat better. Our behaviors are modeled by our children so it is as important for parents to be on their best behavior as it is for kids!




I am allergic to lactose but we always have milk in the house. My husband makes sure that the kids drink at the very least one glass of milk every day. We stress the importance of a good diet, and especially for our girls, the importance of calcium as they are growing. The girls typically have milk in the morning with their cereal, but also a glass at dinner. Of course if we have cookies, the girls have to have milk and any type of condensed cream based soup is 100x better with milk than with water.

To find out more about milk, including nutritional information and ideas of how to incorporate milk into a healthy diet, check out the links below:
Gotmilk.com
Recipes
Health Benefits
Facebook
Twitter

The National Milk Mustache got milk? campaign is encouraging people to create their very own milk mustache picture, watch the video about Moms, and send an e-postcard to someone they love. Check it out on Facebook HERE!
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the National Milk Mustache got milk? Campaign and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate

May 20th Winners

I had to disqualify two entrants whose name was drawn because they were not followers. Here are the lucky winners!

CHERRIOS SPOONFULS OF STORIES

5webs said...
I Tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/5webs/status/64845190648696832
Alicia



FRESHETTA

debbie said...
I would like to try the harvest supreme pizza.

Congrats!!!

Silk - Review and Giveaway

Although I love dairy Milk, it does not love me. I can eat dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, but not milk unless it is lactose free. We are huge cereal people so I still buy milk for my family. For myself I will opt for Soy Milk, Almond Milk or lactose free milk. My teen loves dairy milk and Almond Milk so I purchase both for her.

For people that are lactose intolerant, vegetarian, vegan or on a heart healthy diet, Soy Milk is a wonderful alternative. I started drinking soy milk a few years ago and regularly purchase now. Silk is having a 10 day challenge to try their products but I already use them regularly!

The first time I tried it with cereal, I had to get used to the difference in taste. I typically buy the vanilla flavored Simply Silk Soy Milk but have also tried the Pure Almond and Chocolate varieties. Silk is also available in organic and light versions. I love the sweet taste and silky texture (thus the name....). It is smooth and light but very flavorful.

Nutritional information is available on the Silk website - find the product you are interested in and click on it. Want to learn more about Soy Milk? Click HERE and you can find out how it is made. Find out what makes Silk an environmentally conscious company, focusing on initiative such as promoting wind power, sustainability and promoting local support of our communities through organizations such as Farm Aid and Reverb.

The people at Silk would love for you to try their product line. Simply post which Silk product you use regularly or, if you have not tried Silk before, which products you would love to try. Two winners will win a Silk product coupon and branded reusable bag.

Extra entries:
- Share on FB or twitter (1x each, leave link)
- Follow Silk on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/lovemysilk
- add my site to your blogroll or my button to your blog (1x each)

THE RULES
* Please make sure that your email address is in your profile or please post it with your entry.
* US entries only
* Giveaway starts 05/20/2011 and ends 06/04/2011 at 11:59pm EST
* one main entry per person
* No PO boxes
* Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry
* winners selected via random.org or randomizer

What to do in the Triangle this weekend....

So it is Friday.... besides celebrating the end of the world this weekend, what are your plans? Here are three ideas to keep you entertained.....

See a movie!

Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger TidesPirates, Pirate Ships, Ponce de Leon and Mermaids.

Tuesday I saw a special premiere of the 4th installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. I really was not sure if I would enjoy it or not - I loved both the first and the second Pirates movies, but the 3rd did not hold my interest at all and I have heard similar sentiments from other Pirates fans.

Disney has redeemed itself with Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides! Back are favorites Jack Sparrow, Barbossa and Gibbs, but be prepared for an entirely new cast of characters. People are already talking of wanting to see Sparrow's next adventure.

Synoposis:The main treasure in this version is the fountain of youth - with a map that has exchanged many hands, many are on the quest to get there first. The Spanish, the English and of course, the pirates! Not just any pirates mind you.... in addition to our favorite Captain Jack Sparrow, we also have the most well known pirate of all - the infamous Blackbeard. Some of the plot was quite predictable, but there were just as many unpredictable parts, keeping it interesting. Ther is one bit I am still not 100% clear on and will be interested to see other viewer's take on the incident.


Characters:
Depp gives us another solid performance portraying Captain Jack Sparrow. Sparrow is just as quirky, crazy and uncommitted as ever. A magnet for trouble, he is simply along for the ride, navigating himself out of one sticky situation after another. Although sneaky, conniving and unreliable, he can always be trusted when it truly counts to do the right thing..


In a seemingly endless line of love interests, Penelope Cruz plays another of Captain Jack Sparrows' ladies in waiting - a feisty Spaniard that Sparrow "ruined" when luring her away from the convent with professions of love, only to leave her broken hearted. She wants revenge - on Sparrow.

Barbossa is back, stealing the show with a quirky sense of humor. He is also broken hearted after having the Black Pearl cruelly stolen away - he is also seeking revenge against the one who wronged him.

Gibbs is also back, one of the few faithful to Sparrow who for the most part returns the favor, just not at quite the same level of commitment.

There are also a couple other newer characters introduced - primarily the missionary Phillip and betwitching mermaid Syrena amoungst others soldiers, pirates and mermaids.

Picture Quality:
The 3D special effects were incredible! I have only seen a few 3D movies but this was by far the best in terms of realism.

Review:
Overall I really did love the movie - much more so than I expected to. This film is definitely not for younger children - It is better suited for older kids and adults. There is quite a bit of adult humor, with more than one sexual innuendo thrown in. For the moviegoer that loves adventure, this will not disappoint.
(disclosure, I was provided with free admission to see the movie for review purposes; I was not required to write a positive review.)

Get Artsy

Triangle residents can experience art, good food and fun at the annual Art Festival, Artplosure. Details can be found HERE.

Art Market
Saturday, May 21: 11am - 7pm
Sunday, May 22: 10am - 5pm

Music in the Park
Saturday, May 21: 12pm - 10pm

Sunday, May 22: 11am - 6pm



Kidsplosure
Saturday, May 21: 11am - 6pm
Sunday, May 22: 11am - 6pm

Amococo on City Plaza
Thursday, May 19 & Friday May 20: 1pm - 7pm

Saturday, May 21 & Sunday, May 22: 11am - 7pm


Celebrate where you live!

Got to Be NC Fest! Not just food and games - fiber arts, roller derby, and more


Carnival Hours

Friday: 12 noon - 12 mid.
Saturday: 10am - 12 mid.
Sunday: 10am - 10pm

Building and Exhibits Hours
Friday: 10am - 8pm
Saturday: 10am - 8pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm

MUSIC
Saturday Schedule

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Bluegrass Band Competition, Dorton Triangle Stage
5 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southbound 85
7 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southbound 85
9 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southbound 85
Sunday Schedule
11 a.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southeast Express
1 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southeast Express
3 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog
5 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog
7 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog

Saturday, May 21st 2011 - North Carolina State Fairgrounds

9 a.m. Gates open
9 a.m - Noon Lineman's Rodeo
10 a.m. Graham and Expo Buildings Open
10 a.m. Carnival Midway Opens
10 a.m. Rocky The Trick Mule -- near Holshouser Bldg.
10 a.m. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show -- Grandstand pad
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Smurfs wander the fairgrounds
11 a.m. Clogging-- Graham Building Community Stage
11 a.m. Antique Tractor Parade
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Bluegrass Band Competition, Longbranch Triangle Stage
Noon Clogging -- Graham Building Community Stage
Noon - 9 p.m. Carolina Roller Girls Regional Tournament -- Dorton Arena $5
1 p.m. Ray Price Harley Davidson Ride-in arrives
2 p.m. - 9 p.m. Antique tractor Pull -- Grandstand
2 p.m. Rocky The Trick Mule -- near Holshouser Bldg.
2 p.m. Flying Tiger Martial Arts -- Graham Bldg. Community Stage
4 p.m. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show -- Grandstand pad
4 p.m. Flying Tiger Martial Arts -- Graham Bldg. Community Stage
5 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southbound 85
7 p.m. Rocky The Trick Mule -- near Holshouser Bldg.
7 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southbound 85
8 p.m. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show -- Grandstand pad
8 p.m. Buildings Close
9 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southbound 85
Midnight Carnival and Festival Gates Close


Sunday, May 22nd 2011 - North Carolina State Fairgrounds 9 a.m. Gates open
10 a.m. Graham and Expo Buildings Open
10 a.m. Carnival Midway Opens
10 a.m. Rocky The Trick Mule--near Holshouser Bldg.
10 a.m. Border Collie Sheepherding Demonstration -- Grandstand
11 a.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southeast Express
11 a.m. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show -- Grandstand pad
Noon. Antique Tractor Parade
1 p.m. Border Collie Sheepherding -- Grandstand
1 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southeast Express
2 p.m. Raleigh Concert Band -- Graham Bldg. Community Stage
2 p.m. Rocky The Trick Mule -- near Holshouser Bldg.
3 p.m. Raleigh Concert Band -- Graham Bldg. Community Stage
3 p.m. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show -- Grandstand pad
3 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog
3:10 p.m. Raleigh Concert Band
4 p.m. Border Collie Sheepherding -- Grandstand
5 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog
6 p.m. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show -- Grandstand pad
6 p.m. Buildings Close
7 p.m. Rocky The Trick Mule -- near Holshouser Bldg.
7 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog
10 p.m. Carnival and Festival Gates Close


Indoors or out, there are plenty of activities to keep you and your family entertained. Whatever you decide to do, have fun!

Tropical Traditions - Detergent Review and Giveaway

I have reviewed several Tropical Traditions items - The Gold Label Coconut Oil, Raw Honey, Coconut Peanut Butter. Most recently I was able to try the Household Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent. This is a 5 lb container of concentrated, powder detergent.

This detergent is is non-toxic, environmentally safe and contains no phosphates.


Powdered Laundry Detergent cleans and safely bleaches your clothes with the added power of Oxygen Bleach Destainer and Deodorizer and there are no harmful by-products upon decomposition.


I was unsure what to expect as I have had some powdered detergents that dissolved and others that left grit all over my clothes. This dissolves quickly and leaves no grit or residue. This is concentrated so just a small amount is needed. I have an extra large capacity washer so I use one and a half small scoops - a normal sized washer would require one scoop for a regular load. I would purchase this on my own outside of a review opportunity.

Cost effective - costs less to use than commercial liquid detergents and costs no more to use than commercial powdered household laundry detergents.

Green! - Powdered Laundry Detergent contains no dyes, perfumes, fillers or phosphates.

Concentrated - Less packaging, less waste.

One reader will win a 5 lb container of detergent.

MAIN ENTRY:
You must be a follower to be eligible to enter and win. Simply post another Tropical Traditions item I have not mentioned above that you would like to try.


EXTRA ENTRIES:
- Follow sponsor on twitter @troptraditions
- sign up for Tropical Traditions Newsletter here:
- Share link to this giveaway on FB or twitter (1x each, leave link)
- Add my site to your blogroll or my button to your blog (3x each)

THE RULES:
* Please make sure that your email address is in your profile or please post it with your entry.
* US and Canadian entries only
* Must be 18 years of age or older
*Winner will be selected via random.org or randomizer
* winner must be able to supply an address (not a PO Box)
* Giveaway starts 05/15/2011 and ends 05/28/2011 at 11:59pm EST
* One main entry per person
* Main entry must be followed or no other entries will count
* Entries that do not follow rules will be disqualified.

Recent reads

Today I finished the "The Secret Holocuast Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister" by Nonna Bannister. I love WWII stories and this was an exceptionally well written and moving story.  For years her family was unaware of the details of her past.  Nonna did not share these details until later in life.  During the war years she secretly documented her experiences in minuscule handwriting and in different languages. These documentations were well hidden well and survived.  Through the years Nonna quietly, in solitude and secrecy, translated these writings. 

This is a personal account of a woman who spent her formative years and early adulthood in pre-war, war and post-war environments.  Her personal narrative gives a unique perspective of what it was like to be a civilian caught physically and politically between the battles between the Russians and the Germans.  Nonna also accounts for harrowing conditions outside of concentration camps, inside concentration camps and inside work camps. 

The book is filled with footnotes and references - for someone that documented her experiences, but also relied a great deal on memory from childhood, some of these memories were incorrect in regards to the time or the length of time.  Any small inaccuracies are noted and explained.

I have read The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank, A Child al Confino by Eric Lamet, In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer by Irene Opdykemany and fictional accounts such as Sarah's Key, and likewise have watched many fictional and non-fictional movies including Schindler's List, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Charlotte Grey, The Island on Bird Street, Head in the Clouds. This account was one of my favorites.  I still want to read Eli Wiesel and plan to try and do that this year. 

I am taking a change of pace and have started to read Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue.  It has received great reviews and has been on my reading list for a couple of months.  I will post a review of that when I am finished. 

Roasted Veggie Salsa and Chili sauce

I accidentally subscribed to Martha Stewart's Everyday Food, but it was a happy accident. I love the magazine - it is digest sized and chock full of simple gourmet recipes. Most of the recipes require a small list of ingredients. From this month's issue I immediately knew that I wanted to try and make the roasted salsa and chili sauce. I modified both a bit.

For the Salsa I did the following:
- roasted tomatoes, scallions, garlic, and jalapenos.
- once browned, put the items in a food processor with fresh cilantro and lime juice and coarsely chopped.

I added too much of both the lime and cilantro, so I added a can of petite diced tomatoes and a few dashes of salt to reduce the overpowering taste of both. It turned out beautifully! I love fresh salsa. When I tried the salsa later I determined that it was delicious but too mild. I simply added a dash of the chili sauce to a small bowl of salsa and it spiced it right up wonderfully.

For the chili sauce I varied the recipe quite a bit. I chose to roast the chilies instead of cooking over the stove - basically the ingredients were garlic and unseeded chili and jalapeno peppers but did not use as many as the recipe called for. I added ketchup and OJ for the base but I also substituted rice vinegar for the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar for the molasses and added a spoonful of hoisan sauce. Once the peppers, onions and garlic were roasted thoroughly I added to the food processor until liquefied.

Tomorrow I plan to make stir fry with rice noodles. I will cook in a regular Terriyaki base, but Ryan and I can add the chili sauce to our dishes to add a little spice.

The June 2011 edition Martha Stewart Everyday Food also had other great, easy recipes - several using cucumber, a lovely lime, shrimp and edamame rice bowl, white pizza, flank steak, broiled tofu, creamy salad dressing and more!

Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides giveaway

Johnny Depp should be reason enough to run to the movie theatre but if you are Pirates fans like we are, you will be running to see the next installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean.

What is next in the saga of Captain Jack Sparrow and what is stranger than dead pirates (one with an octopus for a beard)? Dead pirates on Stranger Tides...... Expect slightly different historical and mythological twists - think mermaids, Blackbeard and Ponce de Leon!

Freebie!: To get kids excited for the new premiere, Disney has created a microsite with fun downloadable activities for kids. It includes face masks, coloring sheets, door hangers, mazes, etc. and can be found inside the below relay link. This link is only good for 6 - 7 more days so hurry! Click HERE.

Pirates opens to the public on May 20th, 2011. I am hoping to attend the movie premiere and share all the juicy details with you, but until then I do have some fun goodies to share with one lucky duck.

One follower will win a PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES prize pack consisting of a t-shirt, bandanna and 2 temporary tattoos! (only open to US and Canada please).


MAIN ENTRY:
I will make this one easy. You must be a follower to be eligible to enter and win. Simply Like Pirates on Facebook and leave your user name. https://www.facebook.com/PiratesoftheCaribbean


EXTRA ENTRIES:
- Share link to this giveaway on FB or twitter (1x each, leave link)
- Add my site to your blogroll or my button to your blog (3x each)

THE RULES:
* Please make sure that your email address is in your profile or please post it with your entry.
* US and Canadian entries only
* Must be 18 years of age or older
*Winner will be selected via random.org or randomizer
* winner must be able to supply an address (not a PO Box)
* Giveaway starts 05/13/2011 and ends 05/20/2011 at 11:59pm EST
* One main entry per person
* Main entry must be followed or no other entries will count
* Entries that do not follow rules will be disqualified.

Disclosure: the prize pack was offered to one random winner through Disney I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post and was not required to write a positive review. For more information on this blog and on my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy below