Arizona has to be one of the harshest and arid climates. Living here we have brutally overprocessed water loaded with minerals, dry summers, winters and dust for days. With all of these factors skin can dry, crack and be in a constant state of thirst. Part of my struggles is to find a lotion and or moisturizer that will hydrate and soften my skin without feeling greasy, oily and or dry me out. I have been reading more about using vegetable oils in lieu of lotions. All that being said, for the last few weeks I have been using fractionated coconut oil for my hair and skin. Continue reading “Fractionated Coconut Oil Review and Giveaway”
Boston Creme Pie Cupcake Recipe & Giveaway
Welcome to the Eat In Challenge Sponsored by
Networking Perks & The Love Cooking Company
Co Hosts
The Five Fish
&
Networking Witches
BACON! Meat candy and secret addition to any awesome dessert, adding a bit extra salt and a smokey flavor that is sure to be pure decadence. Put your meat candy to work with bacon grease instead of shortening. You can spice up the flavor an extra notch with bacon grease. I have done three dessert treats with bacon grease and they were to die for. Here is my gluten free, Boston Cream Pie cupcake recipe that is sure to be a hit!
Light Yellow Cake:
3/4 c. cooled, solid bacon grease
2T. butter (for a less rich cake, increase the butter and decrease the bacon grease)
1 7/8 c. sugar
2 large eggs
2 3/4 c. flour (I love my Pamela’s gluten free)
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/4 c. milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- Beat eggs and sugar until blended, add in butter and bacon grease and beat until fluffy. Sift together baking powder and flour. Slowly fold in flour mixture while alternating adding milk and vanilla. Beat until well blended.
- Pour into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18-25 mins at 350 degrees.
Cream filling:
2 c. milk
5 T. cornstarch
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp vanilla, 1/4 tsp. fresh vanilla bean
- Place cornstarch in sauce pan, add sugar and slowly fold in milk while stirring with whisk. Cook over medium heat, slowly add in vanilla and continue cooking until mixture is very thick. Remove from heat and allow to cool entirely.
- Once mixture is completely cooled, place into frosting bag with narrow coupler.
Chocolate Ganache frosting:
1 package chocolate chips
1 c heavy cream
1 tsp brandy
- In medium sauce pan heat chips and brandy slowly adding cream, stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat, allow to cool before frosting cake.
- Once your cupcakes, frosting, and pudding are cool you can begin the layers of goodness. Using your frosting bag and narrow coupler, insert the coupler into the middle of the cupcake and fill until you see the pudding rising out of the top of where the coupler is inserted. Or with the Mrs Fields pan, you can easily add the pudding without the hassle of the frosting bag.
- Do this for each cupcake until all pudding is used and or all cupcakes are filled to desired fullness.
- Place cupcakes on cooling rack and place foil underneath cooling rack. Begin to slowly drizzle frosting over the tops of cupcakes ensuring that frosting is not too hot or too cold. Each cupcake will be glossy. Allow the layer of frosting to cool before adding more. If the frosting in pan becomes hard, reheat on medium heat until desired consistency and start process of frosting again. Do this until all cupcakes are covered and frosting is completely used.
- Set cupcakes aside in fridge to allow frosting to harden overnight.
- Serve with milk and enjoy.
So Summer is here and we as moms need to figure out what to do with the kids. With Summers comes BBQs, potlucks, and other great events and many times we need to bring a dessert. Let the Love Cooking Company help with their Mrs. Fields Bake N Stuff Cupcake Pan. This pan lets you create one of a kind cupcakes that will be remembered for years to come.
Cupcakes are the perfect single serve sizes. Create a masterpiece cupcake with candy inside! The unique two-part Mrs. Fields’ Bake N Stuff Cupcake Pan allows you to make hollow cupcakes that you can fill with your favorite small candies! Simply pour in the batter, lock down the lid and bake. When they’re done, you’ll have the tops and bottoms for six 3-inch cupcakes. Then just fill and decorate, and get ready for some fun!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: The bloggers participating in this event have NOT been compensated for this post. Networking Perks provides honest opinions, beliefs or experiences on products reviewed. Networking Perks is not responsible for prize fulfillment; The Love Cooking Company will be responsible for prize fulfillment. This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media. If you have any questions or would like help in promoting your own product please contact Karie@TheFiveFish.com or Joie@NetworkingPerks.com. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Naturalico Rechargeable Electronic Callus Remover Giveaway
Are you feet beach and summer ready? Do your feet leave you feeling self conscious? It’s time to get our Summer Feet on and to do that we might need a little help. Let the Naturalico Rechargeable Electronic Callus Remover help get those feet looking their best. In no time your feet will easily have that rough skin removed in the comfort and ease of your own home.
Sport those bare feet, sandals, flip flops, or gents you can cuddle up to your lady and play footsie without those rough feet and heels.
Welcome to the Summer Feet Event sponsored by Networking Perks!
and
Thank you to our Co-Hosts
Deliciously Savvy
Momma without a Clue
Tales From A Southern Mom
Totally Temberton
Pretty In Pigment
Disclosure: The bloggers participating in this event have NOT been compensated for this post. Networking Perks and The Five Fish is not responsible for prize fulfillment; Bakeit Fun will be responsible for prize fulfillment. This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media. If you have any questions or would like help in promoting your own product please contact joie@NetworkingPerks.com or Karie@thefivefish.com. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Fuel Your Sound for Music – AudioTechnica SonicFuel Earbuds Giveaway
Let me just say I am very particular and have undiagnosed OCD, I have to have things a certain way. When I listen to music I have despised the old school foam headphones, they made me want to itch. The over the ear headphones cause a feeling of claustrophobia. In the ear, well, those have to fit or I am constantly fidgeting which causes me even more frustration. I love to hear the sound of music, clearly, so ear buds have to be just right. From the deep bass, to the treble and understanding the words speaking life into my ears. Ear buds are like Cinderella’s glass slipper, not each ear is like the other, you have to find that right fit. Continue reading “Fuel Your Sound for Music – AudioTechnica SonicFuel Earbuds Giveaway”
Winning Moves Easter Event Giveaway
Oh no! It’s raining and while April Showers may bring May Flowers it’s no fun for the family. So when contemplating what to include in your kids Easter Baskets think about Winning-Moves. Their games will bring back fond memories from when you were a kid and even help you make new memories with new games.
Connect 4 Twist & Turn, for ages 6 and up, is just like the traditional Connect 4 game, with a twist! Each layer of the tower twists, strategize to see if you can “Drop, Twist and Win!”
Fish, Fish, Squish! is for ages 5 and up. This game allows you to mold your own school of dough-fish and get ready to “squish” your opponents’ fish. Every three-in-a-row with the cards earns you a squish. But you’ll want to stay on your fins! Everyone else is trying to squish your fish too.
Disclaimer: Participating Blogs were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. Winning Moves will be responsible for product shipment to winner of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact Joie@NetworkingPerks.com if you have any additional questions or comments.
Drink Wine Day & Giveaway with Tandoor Chef
While February is synonymous with Valentine’s I am happy to share if you despise Valentine’s as much as myself we have a new, much more celebrated day to rejoice. National Drink Wine day is on February 18th and gives way for a new way to celebrate the second month of the year.
The folks at Tandoor Chef are helping to kick off the festivities by sharing some of their favorite food, available at your local Safeway grocer, and wine pairings. If you were to ask me, I would have to say just about any Coppola Diamond label is sure to be an excellent choice, white or red, with any food. Personally, I am a fan of red and stock up on Malbec’s and Petite Syrah’s when my fancy strikes.
So the other evening when The Chad was on travel, the kids were at their bible study life groups, I was able to enjoy a warm meal (albeit from the microwave) uninterrupted with a glass of wine. I enjoyed the Palak Paneer which is spinach with a cheese sauce. I love spinach so this was something for me to nosh on in peace and sip my Coppola red blend.
Tandoor Chef has a tool that pairs wine and Indian food, I took a gander at the various wine (and beer) pairings to see what would taste well with each option. While the Palak Paneer indicated a pairing of a Riesling, I opted still for a red. However you might opt for their pairing based on your tastes, and the best part about the pairing tool is the opportunity to win $250 in wine!
Find Tandoor Chef at your local Safeway grocer, or other local grocers near you, and find them online for great meal ideas and deals.
Disclaimer: No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email. This giveaway is being sponsored and conducted by Tandoor Chef and is responsible for product shipment to winner of this contest. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. TheFiveFish did receive payment for consumption and promotion of this product, but in no way were influenced or control the contest. Contact karie@thefivefish.com if you have any additional questions or comments.
Say I Love You with Warm Tea – Tea Gallerie Giveaway
Nothing is more comforting that curling up to a nice cup of hot tea, unless it’s with your special someone. I received two samplings from Tea Gallerie and my husband and I enjoyed them together. I always look forward to Tea Galleries loose tea to share with family and friends. A good hot cup of tea can take the chill out of you and help you relax.
I tend to gravitate to the green teas and Tea Gallerie has a wonderful selection:
- Chunmee
DragonWell
GunPowder
Maofeng
Risheehat
Sencha
Cherry Rose
China Jasmine
Gen Mai Cha
Green Mango Tea
Green Plum And Pear
Green Pomegranate
Green Tangerine
Jasmine Blueberry
Jasmine Pearls
Lemon Mango
Moroccan Mint
Green Pina Colada
Tropical Green
Tropical Passion Fruit
Vanilla Jasmine
Jasmine Peach
Cherry Almond
Ginseng Green
And Many More
These loose teas are not only delicious to brew but pretty to look at. I keep mine in glass mason jars with labels. I gives the kitchen a homey look and fills us with natural antioxidants, and other good things.
Say I love you with a cup of tea. Tea Gallerie is going to give one person China Jasmine and the Green Pomegranate teas to try.
February Eat In Challenge
Best of all is our giveaway this month. We are giving away THREE (3) copies of “What The Fork Are You Eating: An Action Plan for Your Pantry and Plate” where the author debunks food myths and misconceptions. Stephanie Sacks is a certified dietary nutritionist, dietician, who breaks down the best way to shop and eat foods. Her personal struggle with food allergies and conditions and extensive knowledge makes her rich in the topic. The book shares 50 mouth watering recipes that help you clean up your pantry and save time and money as well!
If you haven’t signed up yet this month please do so! Otherwise please enjoy our giveaway and the great recipes from our fellow bloggers for our February Eat In Challenge.
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Disclaimer: Participating blogs were not compensated for this event, may contain affiliate links. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor will be responsible for product shipment to winner of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contactus@networkingperks.com if you have any additional questions or comments.
Eli’s Cheesecake Giveaway
Eli’s Cheesecake came up with the perfect recipe by selecting only the finest ingredients to hand-decorating and staying up all night to bake their crisp all-butter cookie crusts. Eli Schulman believed baking was an art. So when he created the very first Eli’s Cheesecake as the signature dessert for his award-winning restaurant, Eli’s the Place for Steak, a legend for 39 years, his customers proclaimed it “Chicago’s Finest.†With the same care and dedication demonstrated by Eli himself, The Eli’s Cheesecake Company, a family owned business, has been baking up delicious cheesecakes and other desserts since 1980.
Eli’s Cheesecakes come in a variety of flavors, decorations, and even shapes. This is the perfect way to say I love you to your family. Have a delicious Eli’s Cheesecake delivered directly to your home, the perfect way to say “I Love You!”.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: Participating Blogs were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. Eli’s Cheescake will be responsible for product shipment to winner of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact Joie@networkingperks.com if you have any additional questions or comments.
What The Fork Are You Eating
If you are like others who started off the new year feeling not yourself or your health is less than favorable, your initial thought might be to start exercising, eating better, and then maybe visit your doctor. Did you know that most physicians who advise to eat a healthy diet and exercise cannot even tell you what a healthy diet looks like? That’s right! In fact, 99 of the 106 medical schools polled in a survey indicated they only required some form of education (conference, seminar, etc), but do not require a formal university course study. So what the fork are you eating and what the fork can your doctor really tell you about your diet when they don’t even know? Stephanie Sacks, author, certified nutritionist and chef, can help you overhaul your plate and your pantry in her book “What the Fork Are You Eating?: An Action Plan for Your Pantry and Plate.”
This book is absolutely revolutionary in breaking down the foods we eat, why we should or should not eat, buy, or consider them as food items. We spend so much time focusing on “low-fat” or “sugar free,” with the intention of helping ourselves, but all we are doing is pumping more artificial additives into our bodies that we simply cannot process.
By no means am I a dietary professional, scientist or physician, however, I am a consumer and person who struggled with the reality of food and how it wreaked havoc on my life. My weight suffered, my skin as I had horrible acne, fatigue, and my own personal struggle and triumph with cervical cancer. Converting to a whole foods, organic diet allowed me to take control of all these ailments and help me live a better life with more energy and radiance.
“What the Fork Are You Eating” will help you understand how foods are made, how they affect your body, our environment, and your budget. A step-by-step guide to the small changes that have a big impact on our family health and the financial health of our budgets. Not only will you learn about how, or how little, our food is regulated, but this book is packed with wholesome, affordable recipes that your entire family is sure to love.
If you are ready to read the most powerful, life changing book of the year, then enter to win your very own copy of “What the Fork Are You Eating: An Action Plan for Your Pantry and Plate”
Disclaimer: No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor will be responsible for product shipment to winner of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact karie@thefivefish.com if you have any additional questions or comments.