Pinion Pins Review & Giveaway!

Have you heard about Pinion Pins yet? I hadn't either until I was contacted by the company asking if I would be interested in trying out their product a couple weeks ago. Was I? Of course! I love trying new things and sharing them with others. I was up for the challenge.

One package includes 8 pins and caps, plus 1 magnetic key. Retails for $19.95

So what are Pinion Pins? They are an "innovative new pinning system that allows you to attach materials together and have them stay fast."

Images from: www.PinionPins.com

They were originally created as a solution to help hold comforters, duvets and sheets together. And they do work great for that purpose. I always have mismatched sets of blankets and sheets on my bed. These pins do help keep all of my layers together while the hubby and I toss and turn in our sleep. Keeps things from getting bunched up and twisted. I was intrigued by this product and wanted to see what else I could use these handy little pins for around the house.

Firstly, Easter was coming around and I had made these adorable Salt Dough Easter Egg decorations that I had found on Pinterest. I wanted to hang them up for our Easter party but wasn't sure how or where I should put them. The eggs turned out a little heavier than I was anticipating. These pins hold up to 10 lbs. so I knew they would be up for the task. They worked famously, held steady and didn't ruin my curtains. Yay!

My favorite use for them though is to keep the diapers on my two and a half year old twin boys. Or as I have come to call them, the "Deuce of Hazards." It is not necessary all of the time but if you have ever had a child that likes to remove their diaper or onsie at the exact wrong time or place, you will understand how great these pins can be. A couple of months ago I went in to get my twins up from their nap and found a horrific site. They had removed their diapers and "painted" practically everything in their room with...you guessed it...poop. It was awful. Now, we are in the process of potty training these little rascals and they are still getting the hang of when and where to remove their diapers. These pins have helped me greatly in this way.

Now, these pins are sharp and you would need to take special care when placing them onto your child's diaper but I am confident that they are safe to be used in this manner. I pulled with all of my might to practice and the caps did not budge without the use of the magnetic "key." I even let the twins try and they could not pull them apart either. They won't be able to remove them and choke or hurt themselves in any way.

I do not use cloth diapers but I imagine, for those parents that do, these pins would help with the cost of cloth diapers. You wouldn't need to spend oodles of money on the new fancy cloth diapers. You could go old school and the diapers would be very secure without the use of regular old safety pins, which have popped open for me unexpectedly on occasion. That never feels very good.

I pinned right through the "tape" of the diaper.

Placed the cap on securely.

And used the key to remove the Pinion Pin when ready. Easy peasy. No mess, no fuss. Great!

These pins are very versatile and I am sure the ways of use are endless. You should give them a try. Here is where you can find some for yourself:

The Pinion Pins website!
Buy some on Amazon!
Like them on Facebook!
Follow them on Twitter!

And now for the giveaway! One lucky reader will win one package of Pinion Pins! You can enter right here:


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for stopping by! You stay classy San Diego...just kidding ;-)

** I did receive one box of Pinion Pins for free in order to conduct an optional and honest review.

Boardwalk Food Company Beer Bread Mix: Review & Giveaway!

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Oh boy! I wish the picture of my sandwich did it more justice. What a deliciously serendipitous meal!

So, a while back I applied to try and get a box of this beer bread mix to review from a new small Florida based business called Boardwalk Food Company. I didn't even care what flavor they sent me, I just knew that I wanted to taste some. Which actually may surprise some people in my life because I do not drink beer. Not a fan. Except for cider beer that is. Love me some cider beer. But, cooking with beer...that I LOVE to do! Beer Cheese Soups, Beer Brats on the grill, Beer Breads, Beer Battered foods...all good stuff. When I was automatically denied to receive this fun product I was a little bummed out, but only for a few moments. My Mom's voice popped into my head saying, "The answer is always no unless you ask." So, I asked again...and was approved...obviously ;-) Yay!

Now, I had this beautiful box of Lemon Poppy Seed Beer Bread Mix and waited for some inspiration. It says right on the back of the box to add one 12 oz. bottle of beer (or soda) and bake. So easy! I already knew I wanted to use beer to really get the full intended effect of the product. I even thought about buying a bottle of Leinie's Summer Shandy but figured that may have been done by someone else already. So, I waited some more. I am very patient. It totally paid off.

Saturday afternoon, out running errands with my three littles and I pass an estate sale. Woo hoo! At the end of their driveway was a box of free stuff. Right on top...five old issues of Taste of Home magazine in perfect condition, just waiting for me to come by. Score! They ranged in dates from 2008 to 2010 but I did not care. I just like recipes. And cooking. And baking. And...you know this already. Moving on...

At home I sit and open the top issue in the stack and within just a few pages I stumble upon my unexpected inspiration. A very small section where the magazine staff tells us their favorite yummy quick bread concoctions. First idea on the list is "Lemon Poppy Seed Bread made into a chicken salad sandwich". DING! DING! DING! We have a winner. (Thank you Jan Briggs, Editor, for having such a great idea way back in the Summer of 2010) The light bulb flashed on bright in my head. I had just been grocery shopping the day before and scored two Lemon Pepper Seasoned Whole Chickens on clearance at Cub Foods for $4.29 a piece! (3.25 pounds each) I didn't have a specific plan when I purchased them but knew that I couldn't pass up such a deal. As a family of seven on one income I am always looking for great deals on food.

Saturday night I roasted one of the beautiful little birds. Mmm!

Sunday morning, after the kids were all fed and playing happily, I retreated to my "happy place" and started to "play."

Time to make some bread.

As the box says, I added one bottle of beer to the mix. We usually have beer in the garage refrigerator for guests so I went out to see what kind we had on hand. Summit Horizon Red IPA. A Minnesota beer. Even better! (Psst...I'm Minnesotan) A little bit on the darker scale of beer which was perfect because I didn't want the bread to be too sweet, as I was going to be using it for sandwiches.

Mix together until just moist, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake it for 55 - 60 minutes at 350°.

When done baking, spread melted butter on top of the loaf and then sprinkle it with sugar. The box said to use 4 Tbsps. of butter but I only used 1 Tbsp. and it was plenty. I did not want the bread to be too soggy for my sandwich slices.  At this point it smelled and looked amazing.

It sliced up perfectly! Nice top crust while being soft and warm in the middle. I tried some and it was very good. I could definitely taste the beer and can see how the possibilities would be endless with this product. Different beers and sodas would bring out so many flavor combinations. Super fun!

Now, it's time to make the Chicken & Apple Salad for the sandwich filling. Here is one of my own personal recipes I thought would pair perfectly with the Lemon Poppy Seed flavored bread.

Chicken & Apple Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 of the meat from a 3.25 lb. roasted chicken (white & dark)
1 small apple (I used a Braeburn)
1 celery stalk
1/4 of a red onion
1/2 Cup Mayo
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
Salt & cracked pepper to taste (I used Himalayan Pink Salt)

Directions:

Rough chop the chicken into chunks.

Dice the celery nice and small. I love some crunch in my chicken salad but like to keep the pieces nice, small and fairly uniform in size.

And the red onion.

And the apple. If you are not going to use the diced apple right away, I suggest tossing them in a little lemon juice to keep them from turning brown too quickly.

Once the fruit and veggies are all in the bowl with the chicken, add the salt and pepper. Do not be afraid of the pepper. Just go right ahead and grind away.

Gently toss them all together dry and then mix in the mayo and Dijon, adding more salt and pepper if you see fit.

Perfect creamy deliciousness. This recipe makes about 3 cups prepared. Place a couple spoonfuls between two slices of bread and enjoy. I used the Lemon Poppy Seed Beer Bread and it truly was a fun combination of flavors. I would definitely make it again. Yummy!

If you get a chance to try out these fabulous beer bread mixes from Boardwalk Food Company, I highly recommend it. Here are web links so you can get your hands on some, too:

Boardwalk Food Company website.
Follow them on Twitter!
Check them out on Instagram!
Like them on Facebook!
And don't forget about Pinterest!


Don't worry! I haven't forgotten about the giveaway! One lucky reader will win a tasty box of Beer Bread Mix for their very own. Flavors available to choose from are Original, Lemon Poppy Seed, Rosemary Sea Salt or Cornbread. Thanks you so much Boardwalk Food Company!

Good luck and thanks for reading!





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I did receive one box for free in order to write an honest review.

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Back-to-School Palooza Giveaway!

Welcome to the

Back-to-School Giveaway Palooza

Sponsored by: Failing Perfect, Dibsies Personalization Station, Zazzle, Fundanoodle, and Educational Insights

Another amazing group giveaway happening right here! As a mother of 5, I know that every little bit helps when sending the kiddos back to school each year. A huge thank you to my fellow mom bloggers and our fabulous sponsors for putting this together and allowing me to participate. Good luck to my readers and thank YOU so much for stopping by! Here's to a super duper end to our summer season. Peace! - Ginny

Hosted & Organized by: Failing Perfect

Co-hosted by: Here We Go Again, Ready?, Intelligent Domestications, Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains, Spaceships and Laser Beams, Peace and Chaos, and The More The Merrier

 I can't believe it's that time of year again! It's time to get those kids ready to go back to school. It seems like just yesterday when we were looking forward to the start of summer. Because we love our readers - and their kids - we want to help you get ready for back-to-school by helping one lucky reader get the year started with a bang. That is why we teamed up with our blogger friends and a few generous sponsors to bring you the chance to win this fantastic giveaway! One winner is going to receive a prize package worth over $430! This giveaway includes something for everyone in the family from preschoolers through college students. Here is what is included:

• Kindle Fire HD 7" Tablet, Wifi, 16 GB  & $100 Target Gift Card from Failing Perfect (Retail Value: $269.00)
• Personalized Lunch Box & Personalized Backpack from Dibsies Personalization Station (Retail Value: $78.00)
• $50 Zazzle Gift Code from Zazzle
• Hot Dots Laugh It Up! Math Vocabulary Cards for grades 1-3, Hot Dots Reading Informational Text for grades 4-6, Hot Dots Pen, & GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope for ages 3+ from Educational Insights(Retail Value: $79.95)
• The winner's choice of one activity kit:  I Can Bead, Lace, Rip, Trace!, I Can Pound!, I Can Build Uppercase! or I Can Build Lowercase! from Fundanoodle (Retail Value: $32.99) 

Back-to-School Palooza Giveaway: The Details

• Giveaway will begin on August 18th, 2014 and will end at 11:59 PM, Mountain Time (US) on September 2nd, 2014.
• Open to residents in the continental US, 18 years or older.
• One entrant per household.
• Void where prohibited by law.
• No purchase necessary to enter or win.
• Winner will have 24 Hours to respond to winner notification email, or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.
• Winner will be chosen via random.org.
• The winning entry will be verified.
• Sponsors will be individually responsible for prize fulfillment.

If you agree to the above terms, then enter using the Giveaway Form below. Good Luck!! 

Back-to-School Giveaway Palooza

Good Luck!

Disclosure:  This blog did not receive compensation and is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This post may contain affiliate links. By participating in the Sweepstakes, each entrant unconditionally accepts and agrees to comply with and abide by these rules and the decisions of Failing Perfect ("Sponsor"), which shall be final and binding in all respects. Failing Perfect is responsible for the collection, submission or processing of Entries and the overall administration of the giveaway. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and/or any other social media. Please contact michelle@failingperfect.com with any questions, comments or problems related to the Sweepstakes. 

If you would like your product or service featured on a similar giveaway, contact michelle@failingperfect.com for more information.

Be sure to check out Failing Perfect's other current giveaways.

Back to School in Style Sweepstakes!

Good afternoon everyone! I am happy to be part of another amazing group giveaway and offering you chances to enter here from my blog. I know that school shopping is right around the corner, with summer quickly coming to an end. (Insert sad face here) But wouldn't a $100 gift card help out a whole bunch with clothes shopping and what-not? Heck yes! So keep on reading and enter for your chance to win one of these ten great gift cards. Thanks for stopping by!

Welcome to the Back to School in Style Sweepstakes!

Mom Powered Media wants to show you how much education means to us and the future of our wee ones and are personally sponsoring a Target and American Eagle Gift Card!

Aloetree is a brand new organic children’s clothing line with a mission to give back to kids and raise funds to prevent child trafficking. This clothing line is not only gorgeous and perfect for any little one in your life but it has special characters that tell a special story of a different eco-system and unique and positive quality.

Rachel Florio-Urso is the Founder of Celebrity Baby Trends, a Television Producer, On-Air Personality, CEO of Rachel Florio PR and a Mother of six as well as a humanitarian that loves to give back. Rachel is an expert in the Parenting industry and knows what's hot for tots and their family. We {HEART} Celebrity Baby Trends and you will too!

Ibiley Uniforms & More celebrates the sense of community, education and progress through the development of refined dress codes for your organization! At Ibiley, you can find high quality, comfortable and easy to care uniforms, corporate wear, scrubs and more! Serving customers nationally make sure and check out their fantastic selection!

The Ultimate Green Store provides a collection of many of the finest environmentally friendly products for you, your home, office, kids and even your pets! The Ultimate Green Store carries products from many of the world’s leading manufacturers and designers of sustainable, natural, organic, recycled, eco-friendly goods- products that are made with your health and the health of our planet in mind.

Yala is about making simple, elegant clothes from the heart, for the planet. Living well is always in style. Proudly welcoming the dreamers, the believers and the seekers. Come stand with us. Facing the warm sunshine. True clothes you can live in. Elegant. Sustainable. Comfortable. It's that simple.

Forever21 is the authority on fashion & the go-to retailer for the latest trends, must-have styles & the hottest deals. Shop dresses, tops, tees, leggings & more. Now also carrying plus sizes!

Tea Collection carries the best modern, designer children's clothing for babies, girls and boys in sizes newborn to age 12. Kids and baby clothes for little citizens of the world. Shop their worldly collections today.

Gymboree has been dressing children since 1986. The brand's fashionable clothing and accessories are designed and crafted to withstand rugged play while letting kids be kids in outfits they love to wear. Gymboree currently operates more than 600 stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as an online store at www.gymboree.com.

This BTS event was organized by Mom Powered Media and special guest Conservamom. Stop by and say hello to our co-hosting bloggers: Monica's Rants, Raves & Reviews, My Mommy Brain, Finger Click Saver, Barbara's Beat, Memoirs of a Clueless Woman, A Medic's World and Iowa Mom.


* TEN winners will receive ONE of the following $100 Gift Cards: Aloe Tree, AMEX, Ibiley, The Ultimate Green Store, Yala Designs, Forever 21, Gymboree, Target or American Eagle.

Giveaway ends August 19 at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. Excludes Quebec. Only one entrant per household, per address. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Enter using the giveaway form below. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers 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. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contactteri@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments. 

Squeasy Snacker Review & Giveaway!

Time for another review and giveaway! I found an opportunity through TopMommyBlogs.com and was chosen to receive and review three of these new Squeasy Snackers to try out on my four year old daughter and not quite two year old twin sons. As a mother, I love to find new things that will make my life easier and a little bit cleaner. Honestly, it is exhausting constantly cleaning up after all the kiddos day after day after mess-making day.

I did receive my Squeasy Snackers for free in order to do my review, but I assure you that my opinions will be honest, as always. I will admit, I was not 100% sure how this product was going to stand up to my twins, who I sometimes call "Masters of Destruction." They can usually dismantle and destroy anything their chubby little hands can reach but these snackers passed my test. Ha! They truly did work great.

I received three of the 6 oz. Squeasy Snackers shown above, one each in blue, turquoise and pink. One of my lucky readers will be the winner of this same package (an almost $45 value)! Keep on reading ;-)

Yes, yes. The child covered in pudding is adorable. I am sure we all have pictures of our own children very similar to this one. If you are like me, after the first couple of times doing this and then having to carry a pudding (or something like it) covered slippery child immediately into the bathtub, clean them all up, get their clothes to the laundry room, somehow find time to get back to the kitchen in order to clean the highchair and the floor and...I am sure you get my point. It gets old quick. There are many foods I actually avoid feeding my toddlers because it just isn't worth all of the clean up. Now I don't have to worry about that anymore! Woot woot!

So what exactly do we have here? A reusable, no spill OR free flowing reusable food pouch that is top rack dishwasher safe and freezer friendly. What?! This is so great. I have actually looked at the store bought, pre-packaged pouch foods for my kids at the local stores. They really are not in my budget for how little you get for the price. I also recently read in the news that some of these store bought pouch products, I think it was an applesauce, was found to have mold in it. No thank you, I say. I want to know what is going into my childrens' tummies and with these snackers I can do just that.

My first test...Applesauce. The snacker bottles have a pretty wide mouth and I was able to just pour it right from the jar into their bottles. No mess, no extra dishes. Nice!

The bottles are simple to use and are easy to take apart for filling and cleaning.

For the applesauce I tried it with the spill proof insert and without. Either way worked just fine for the kids.

Eddie can open and close the lid by himself.

Zayne was able to slurp his applesauce to his little heart's content.

Even Daphne enjoyed her new Squeasy Snacker! And guess what? No one spilled anything!

Next test...Milk. The bottle stands nice and upright and can also be stood on it's cap.

Ooh!

Ahh!

Oh! As you can see, there is cereal and crumbs on the table but absolutely NO applesauce or milk. I am one happy Momma!

The snacker bottles turn inside out for super easy cleaning.

I washed them in the top rack of my dishwasher using my old bottle/nipple basket for the smaller pieces and they came out perfectly. I will definitely be using these on the kiddos often. Easy peasy!

Please take a moment to visit the website at www.squeasygear.com and also LIKE their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/squeasygear.

And now for the giveaway! Good luck :-)




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