Sunshiney Daze

Monday, July 29, 2013

Mustard Day 2013

Did you know that Saturday, August 3rd is Mustard Day? Did you even know there was a Mustard Day? Me neither....

Well all you fans of Mustard or Trivia, let me elucidate:

French's Classic Yellow Mustard was first introduced in 1904 at the St. Louis World's Fair. Since then it's become the most popular condiment for hotdogs. Plus, there are new flavors too, like Spicy Brown (one of my favorites) Dijon, Horseradish, Honey, and Honey Dijon. Okay, I'm starting to get hungry!

Another interesting tidbit, there is a National Mustard Museum. It's in Middleton, Wisconsin. You can celebrate National Mustard Day there on August 3rd! They have a whole day of fun planned for this event, including opening ceremonies with Dr. Mustard, French's Mustard Man, and yes, the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile! They'll be live music and free hot dogs, mustard games, and magic.

Can't make it to Middleton Wisconsin for National Mustard Day? Well, you can celebrate by making some delicious food of your own, using mustard or course!

Here's a great recipe for Super Juicy Chicken:

3lbs        fryer chicken, cut into 8 pcs
½ cup    FRENCH’S® Classic Yellow® Mustard
3 Tsp      McCormick® Grill Mates® Montreal Spice

1. PREHEAT grill to medium heat

2. PLACE chicken pieces on large plate and coat both sides with FRENCH’S® Classic Yellow® Mustard. Sprinkle Montreal Spice on.

3. GRILL over medium heat for 20 minutes till juices run clear or 160F internal.

Makes 4-6 servings

Mmmm....

So don't forget Saturday, August 3rd is National Mustard Day. Go celebrate with some delicious French's Mustard! Afterall, it's America's #1 mustard brand!

Disclosure: I will be receiving samples for the purpose of a review. The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

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Thursday, July 25, 2013

Keeper of Reign

I'm one of THOSE parents.... I read what my children are reading. Not only to make sure the content is appropriate, but also to keep up on the latest books so I can have a decent discussion with my kids when they start referencing characters. I've noticed that on some of the series I get sucked right in along with my kids, and can't wait for the next installment!

Well, it happened again! Keeper of Reign grabbed me from the first page and didn't let up until the end! My kids kept circling round and wanting to know what I was reading that was so good (that, or they were hungry because I was reading and not fixing dinner!)

So, let me tell you about Keeper of Reign. Emma Right is a Christian author, and Keeper of Reign is a children/young adult fantasy book.

From the author:

Set in the fantastical kingdom of Reign, Right’s vivid chronicle follows a people called the Elfies, who have been cursed to remain an inch in size until they can find a way to reverse their misfortune. Leading them in a quest to return to their former greatness is teenager Jules Blaze and his four siblings, who journey into the land of their enemy, Gehzurolle, in order to find a way to undo the curse. Throughout their misadventures these five siblings and their friends learn important messages about the power of family, friendship and how sometimes it is the hardest things that enable you to grow.

Besides the great story that kept me page-turning with excitement, I loved the interaction of the Blaze children. I grew up in a large family and recognized a lot from my own childhood. The characters are well-developed and I felt like I knew them well, and they became friends as I read. I even found myself mourning with them. I'm not giving any plot twists away, but there are some doozies in there! I wasn't quite sure who to trust.

I really enjoyed Keeper of Reign, but I have to admit I groaned out loud at the end. Not because it wasn't a great ending, it was, but now I have to wait impatiently for Book Two to come out!

Disclosure: I received this book for the purpose of a review. The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Hi Ho Silver, Away!

I have had a crush on the Lone Ranger ever since I was a little girl! Yes, I even had my own Lone Ranger mask. So, to say I've been excited to see the new movie, The Lone Ranger.... well, that's an understatement. I've been bouncing up and down in anticipation!

I was smart and brought my husband to the premier so I wouldn't fall into a Armie Hammer/Johnny Depp drool-infused stupor. So let's just put it out there, Armie Hammer is one handsome guy and looks really great in his white hat and mask, and I am a fan of Johnny Depp and he didn't disappoint me in this movie.

So, did I like the Lone Ranger movie? Overall, a resounding yes! I loved the camaraderie between The Lone Ranger and Tonto. I liked that Tonto was so much more than a side-kick, he was the smart one in this film. I really loved the action sequences! The final big showdown had me bouncing up and down in my seat loving the action while I hummed along to the William Tell Overture!

What didn't I like? I thought the cannibalistic part of the villain was a bit too much. Very gross! He was a scary guy without that, I don't know why that part was added. I also thought it was a little long. It started great and ended great, but dragged a bit in the middle.

Overall, I really enjoyed the Lone Ranger movie! It kept me interested and in parts I was swept up in the moment. And yes, I've been humming the William Tell Overture a lot lately! And yes... my kids may be getting a little tired of me saying, "Hi Ho Silver, Away!" every time I start car. Personally, I think I'm hilarious!

Disclosure: I had the opportunity to see this movie for the purpose of a review. The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

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Despicable Me 2 - Twice the Fun!

I loved, loved, loved Despicable Me! I want my own minion army.... but that's a whole other post. Ü

So, when I had the amazing opportunity to see Despicable Me 2, it was with great excitement and a little trepidation. Excitement because I was very much looking forward to more minions, and trepidation because not all sequels are as good as the first.

Well, in my humble opinion, Despicable Me 2 is better than the first. I think I laughed the whole time... I mean belly-jiggling, tears streaming guffaws! It is really funny!

All my favorite characters were back in full force, plus some new ones that I love! Gru the (Former?) super villain is hilarious as ever and actually has a partner this time. I loved the sub-plot of Gru struggling with his oldest daughter's first crush (yes, the freeze gun comes into play! I'd like one of those myself, what a weapon against raging teenage hormones!)

I felt like the minions stole the show in Despicable Me 2. The have a much more integral part of the plot. Their laugh is contagious and I still giggle every time someone says Mr. Ramsbottom.

I loved the whole movie but the ending scene had me crying I was laughing so hard! The younger set liked it but those of us who are a bit older found it hilarious! I won't spoil it for you, but I'm sure you'll love it too!

I'm definitely going to see it again, and own it when it comes out on Gru-Ray!

Disclosure: I was offered the opportunity to see this film for the purpose of a review. The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

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Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Bejeweled Frenzy!

Go on, admit it... you love Bejeweled Blitz! I most certainly do! So, when I was offered the opportunity to review a new game called Bejeweled Frenzy... well, you know I was all over that!

So, Bejeweled Frenzy from Hasbro is a card game where the players race to match gems and build the largest stack of cards. There are also Boost Gems (who doesn't love sparkly things!). Speaking of sparkly, the cards are a little sparkly too!

The basic premise of the game is a lot like Bejeweled. Players take turns picking a card and try to make a match of three gems. If you're successful you can collapse your stack and get a gem. Gems and cards are worth different points. The person with the most points at the end of the game wins! It's not complicated at all, easy to catch on and start playing immediately.

The game is rated at ages 8+, for 2-4 players. The approximate retail price is $14.99

We had a great time playing this as a family. My son didn't even mind that he was playing with sparkly cards and gems! We recently went on a trip and spent a lot of time playing Bejeweled Frenzy! We really enjoy it! Though, I will add that it is more fun with four players, than with just two. We're bringing it to our family reunion and I think it will be a hit there.

So, now I have two different ways to be addicted to Bejeweled! I think my kids are actually getting a little tired of me always asking them to play Bejeweled Frenzy with them! Nah..... they love it too!

Disclosure: I was offered the game for the purpose of a review. The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

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Family - In All It's Forms

As most of you know, my children are adopted. When they were very little a friend told me, "I know you think you love your children, but you can't really know what love is because you didn't give birth to them." At first I was pretty miffed, but then I came to realize, she just doesn't understand love.

I loved my children from the moment they were placed in my arms with a fierceness that was almost over-whelming. I would do anything for them, making sure my arms and our home will always be a safe haven from life's storms.

That's the thing about love, and families. It has nothing to do with DNA or genetics.... it's about who you share your heart with, who you serve with unconditional acceptance. I love my children and my husband more than life itself, not because we share genes, but because we choose to go through life together, through all the ups and downs, the storms and the rainbows. I am their safe haven, and they are mine.

I had the opportunity to view a trailer for the upcoming movie, Delivery Man. In the movie, Vince Vaughn plays an affable underachiever looking for his purpose in life, when he finds out he’s fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago. Now he must decide whether or not to come forward when 142 of them want to meet their biological father.

When I read the description about the film, I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to see it. Then I watched the trailer. I loved it! I watched him learn what being a father is about, in a very humorous way! It's about family, however unconventional it may be. I for one, look forward to seeing this film! I love funny, heart-warming films and this looks right up my alley!

Check out the trailer and see what you think:

Delivery Man comes out in theaters November 22nd. Maybe I'll see you there!

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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Cascade Platinum!

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Cascade. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

I do not like to do dishes, the only reason I do it is I like dirty dishes even less! I want to get it done as quickly as possible with the least amount of work and hassle. Now, mix in the fact that I have a teenage boy that eats constantly (and I really mean constantly) yet leaves his dirty dishes all over the place and I really, really don't like doing dishes! I own a dishwasher but it makes me crazy to have to pre-wash dishes before I put them in the dishwasher. Isn't that what a dishwasher is for.... to wash dishes?

I had the opportunity to try a new product from Cascade calling Cascade Platinum Pacs. I'm a fan of Cascade, I personally think it works the best. Well, now they've improved it. Cascade Platinum eliminates the need to pre-wash dishes, scrubs away 24 hour stuck on food, and really shines your dishware. If that's not enough, Cascade Platinum also prevents hard water buildup in your dishwasher so your dishwasher can sparkle along with your dishes!

So, does it work? Why, yes it does! First, I love that they are little pacs that I can just toss in my dishwasher soap dispenser, no muss, no fuss! I've used it several times and my dishes come out looking cleaner! My glasses don't look spotty! I even gave it the ultimate test... dirty dishes I found in my son's room that had been there for who knows how long. Yuck! Cascade Platinum actually got all that nasty stuck on mystery food! I even noticed that my dishwasher is looking cleaner! Woot! I'm a fan!! Big thumbs up from me! Now my dishes can act as a showcase for the great food I cook!

Speaking of food presentation, Cascade has teamed up with Gail Simmons, who is a Top Chef judge and editor of Food + Wine magazine to discuss why presentation is just as important as preparation! You can check out some great info from Gail Simmons on the Cascade Facebook page!

Now for even more fun, Cascade is have a "My Platinum" contest on Instagram with great prizes! Each week two winners will each win a new KitchenAid dishwasher and a 6 month supply of Cascade! There is also a grand prize of a Platinum Kitchen Makeover! Wow!

You can post photos on Instagram following each week's theme! Check out how to enter at www.tinyurl.com/PlatBlog. Make sure you follow the rules and include the right hashtags! Good luck!

Cascade, I'm a fan!

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Blog Archive

Monday, July 29, 2013

Mustard Day 2013

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Keeper of Reign

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Hi Ho Silver, Away!

Despicable Me 2 - Twice the Fun!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Bejeweled Frenzy!

Family - In All It's Forms

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Cascade Platinum!

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