October 12, 2012 · 11:12 pm

Himalayan Salt Shop, Salt Lamp Review and Giveaway!!! 15% Discount Code Added!!!

How would you feel about something that looks really neat, creates a warm, cozy glow and is good for you?  If you are like me, you would be all for it.  I was recently sent a Himalayan Salt Lamp for review from the Himalayan Salt Shop.  Salt lamps can come in natural shapes like the one I received or they can be crafted into special shapes.  The salt lamps from the Himalayan Salt Shop are the highest quality.  The natural salt lamp is mounted on a wood base, you simply insert the bulb, plug in and turn on using the handy toggle switch right on the cord.  A beautiful glow is emitted and it just creates such a great ambiance to any room.

There is a guide to the size of the lamp and the room size it should be used in for maximum effectiveness.  The lamps come from the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. Each salt crystal lamp is chipped out by hand and a hole is bored in the base for the light.  When the salt crystal rock heats up, it emits negative ions. These ions clean the air by removing dust, pollen, dander, cigarette smoke and bacteria. They also offset the effects of the positive ions produced by computer monitors, TV’s and other electrical devices. Negative ions are also produced in nature by thunderstorms, waterfalls and the ocean. That’s why we feel refreshed and energized in these environments. The lamps offer this same benefit.

The lamps are super easy to care for, once a month, it is  recommended you unplug the lamp and wipe it down with a damp cloth. This will remove any dust or dirt. Then just plug the lamp back in and the heat will dry it off.  I love that it is such a pretty nightlight and great to use in the bedroom while it helps clean the air and reduce allergens.  Mommy Ramblings likes this lamp so much and thinks it would make such a great holiday gift we are adding it to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide!  Mommy Rambling’s readers can get a 15% discount on orders when they use the code SALTAGAIN.  

 

 

Himalayan Salt Shop is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a 4-5 lb Himalayan Salt Lamp!  Thank you Himalayan Salt Shop for the review lamp and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Himalayan Salt Lamp Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using Rafflecopter below.  Good Luck!!!

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· 10:41 pm

Hyland’s Homeopathic Medicines Review and Giveaway!!!Hyland’s Homeopathic Medicines

 

If you have little ones in school, you are probably dealing with sniffles and sneezes and coughs and wheezes   Ethan was never sick until he started preschool, truly I think the child had one cold in almost 4 years of life, never had an ear infection, never a stomach virus, and I think he had one fever.  Then preschool started and so did the runny nose and his first ever ear infection.  During the school year it seems like they just have waxing and waning runny noses and coughs until spring.  It is not anything to slow them up and so it is nice to find something to just relive some of the symptoms.

I was sent an assortment of children’s cough, cold, allergy and sleep products and an adult cough and cold product from Hylands.  We have used Hylands teething tablets in the past and their cough syrup.  I like that they are homeopathic and that they help with some of the annoying symptoms of a cold.  It also helps that they don’t taste yucky and my kids don’t mind taking them.  Many of the products have dis-solvable tablets just like the teething tablets that your child take 2 or 3 of every 15 minutes until the symptoms disappear and then they can take them every four hours.  My 3-year-old has a cough so we gave him the cough syrup which looks like the honey that it has in it.  My little one drank it right back cheerfully, they both took the tablets for runny noses and  we also have tried the calming tablets close to bedtime.  The products worked and my three-year old was not coughing and they both stopped with the sniffling.  These products are a nice way to calm some of the annoying symptoms without drugging your children.

Hylands is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win the same assortment of products that I received.  Thank you Hylands for the wonderful review products and for sponsoring this sniffle stopping giveaway!!!  Open to US residents.

Hyland’s Homeopathic Medicines Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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· 2:20 pm

The Dark Side of Blogging!!!

I love being a blogger, but there are some things that really suck.  That’s when you realize people have either been cheating in their entries or other bloggers are doing unscrupulous things.  That is when I become very irritated.  I thought I had seen it all; but every day I am privy to even more underhanded tactics that taint what I do, the fabulous people I have come to know and the PR reps and sponsoring companies who so generously host these reviews and giveaways.

I know many will say one person cannot make a difference but, I will certainly try. If you frequent blog giveaways you may have noticed a new trend in the blogging community.  That trend is that many bloggers are promoting the same giveaway on their pages.  Why would they do this?  They do it for inflated stats that have nothing to do with their blog, their writing, their reviews or giveaways, but are the result of riding on the coat tails of  a blogger with good stats and a good following.

These giveaways make you like as many as 100 or more Facebook pages and follow the same number on Twitter and Pinterest, subscribe to the blog newsletters and more. All the bloggers either pay for a spot or promote the giveaway earning them one free link and pay for additional links. Confused yet? The Facebook pages that a person must like are often arranged 25 to a page and the entrant must like every one, if one is not liked, they will not receive credit.

The other thing they do, is that certain entries can count as multiple entries in an effort to drive up their number of entries. For instance a blogger may say that following them on twitter counts for 25 entries, this way they get 25 entries for one small task. Why is all this done you may be asking.  It is all done in order to gain blog subscribers, Facebook fans, Twitter followers, Pinterest followers, and to boost the number of entries on their giveaways.

Why is this important?  Well, it is important to them because they believe that PR reps and sponsoring companies will be impressed by the inflated stats and send them enormous review items like washers , dryers, kitchen appliances, etc.  Sad truth is they have been getting away with it for a while now.  They are not about blogging anymore, not about content, many of them post nothing but these joint giveaways of 100 or more bloggers together for even the smallest giveaway prizes.  It hurts the people entering the giveaways because when bloggers wrote their own reviews and did individual giveaways there were more for them to enter and the amount of entries were not in the tens of thousands.

These bloggers that are doing this now are making the chances for an entrant similar to being struck by lighting with the number of entries zooming up in the hundreds of thousands. When does it end?  Well, more and more bloggers who truly care about their craft and the integrity of their blog are speaking out.  PR companies are being alerted of these inflated stats that do not mean a thing because many of the giveaways are entered by “sweepers” who will enter for any product and either sell on ebay or hoard.  They are not a representation of followers and probably have never even followed the blog prior to them having to like it for an entry.

More ugly things happening, are brand new bloggers do not put dates on their blog posts to make it look like they have been blogging longer. Another sneaky and underhanded tactic is that many unscrupulous, new bloggers are taking on the name of a very popular blog and sending that blog’s stats to the PR companies.  For instance, let’s say there is a blog that is very popular called “Rambling Mommy” a newbie will create a blog called “A Rambling Mommy” or Rambling Mommie” etc and when the PR companies ask for their social media accounts and followers they submit that blogger’s stats.  See?  They already have their blog loaded with reviews of products that they have in their house, big group giveaways and no dates so they look like this big time blogger.

If you see a new blogger suddenly getting sponsors that we as bloggers know require much hoop jumping, you can be rest assured that something fishy is going on. The last ugly thing for now is about bloggers rigging  Rafflecopter giveaways so that their immediate family members are winning the “big” giveaways.  These are on the independent giveaways but, it is more than obvious.  It really disgusts me, can you tell? I for one will not be running any of these multi giveaways on my blog and I do not rig my giveaways.  I would love to start a coalition of bloggers who feel the same and want to create a society of true bloggers with integrity.  If you are interested in banding together with me on this please contact me at carolyn@mommyramblings.org or use our contact form. Our giveaway rules can be found HERE!


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· 1:46 am

Trueberry Truly Personalized Children’s Book Review & Giveaway!!!

I was thrilled to be contacted recently by Trueberry and asked if I would like to do a review for their truly personalized children’s books.  More than just a name, their books tell a story that is unique to your child and has their photographs on the pages to really make it a keepsake.  I was able to go to their website and it was so easy to select the book I wanted, edit and add text and pictures and I was done.  The book arrived and it is just superb.  My five year old loves seeing himself as a baby and learning the story of his life and this book is so cute with how it sets up his birth and early years.  This is such a great gift idea that will be treasured.  You can even share this book online with friends and family.

I choose  The Incredible Adventures of Your Child’s Name and Flappity Jack as my book and had it personalized for my son Ethan.  To understand how it works you can watch the video below.

 

Mommy Ramblings thinks Trueberry Personalized Books make excellent gifts especially for the holidays.  For this reason we are adding Trueberry Truly Personalized Children’s Books to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide!
Trueberry Personalized Books is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky winner will have the opportunity to create their own personalized book.  Thank you Trueberry for this review opportunity and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway  on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.
Trueberry Truly Personalized Children’s Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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October 11, 2012 · 5:39 pm

5 Enchanted Disney Movies Now Avaliable on Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Packs!!!

In August Disney released the following 5 enchanted titles on Blu-ray:

 

  • THE RESCUERS: 35th Anniversary Ed & THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER – 2 Movie Collection
  • THE ARISTOCATS: Special Edition
  • LADY AND THE TRAMP II: Scamp’s Adventure – Special Edition
  • POCAHONTAS & POCAHONTAS II: Journey to a New World – 2 Movie Collection
  • THE TIGGER MOVIE: Bounce-a-RRRific Special Edition
What a treat to see these Disney favorites on Blu-Ray!!!  I grew up with many of these and the others my older kids did and now I get to share them with my youngest 2 children and how much fun it is to see these films through their eyes as they watched them for the first time.  This is the 35th anniversary edition of The Rescuers and the very first time it has been released on Blu-Ray ray in this special combo pack featuring The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under.  With the voices of Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor it is absolutely even more spectacular than ever!

 

The Aristocrats has always been a favorite of mine and this combo pack is full of special features like the deleted song, “She Never Felt Alone” and “Oui Oui Marie” Music Video that is just too cute!  Great additions to the movie you remember and love.

 

Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure  is on Blu-Ray for the first time ever!  This recent twist on a legendary classic features Scamp, the pup of Lady and Tramp and full of adventure.   He is a naughty little pup who just can’t help himself.  A delightful addition to the Lady and the Tramp family that will have you loving the family affair.

 

Pocahontas and Pocahontas II for the first time ever in high-definition will astound you with the beautiful songs and adventure that you remember from the original and the sequel Journey to a New World will extend the story that you do not  want to end.  With deleted songs like “If I Never Knew You” and deleted scenes this 2 disc combo pack is a real treat for the whole family.

 

Last but certainly not least, is Tigger and Pooh and the whole Hundred Acre Wood Crew on a Bounce-A-Riffic special edition of The Tigger Movie with all new bonus features like special games that play when the movie is paused.  In this movie Tigger sets out to find other Tiggers in his family tree and learns a lot more, he learns that families come in lots of different shapes and sizes.

 

To commemorate the 35th anniversary of an original classic, Disney proudly presents a special 2-movie collection featuring all-time family favorites, “The Rescuers”and “The Rescuers Down Under,” for the first time ever on Blu-ray! Join two of the world’s bravest mice – Bernard and Bianca – as they set out on two thrilling rescue missions full of comic adventure while soaring through the Devil’s Bayou and flying sky high in the Australian outback. Buckle up for the ride of your life as these tiny heroes with great big hearts outrun and outwit their rivals to save the day. Brimming with lovable characters and unforgettable music, the 2-movie collection is high-flying fun for the entire family! Share the laughs and excitement for the first time on Disney Blu-ray.

 

Disney’s spectacular 20th full-length animated feature “The Aristocats” arrives for the first time ever in stunning Blu-ray high-definition as a Special Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) and Digital, on August 21, 2012.  Featuring a beautiful new digital restoration and great new bonus features, “TheAristocats” invites audiences to relive all the tune-filled feline fun, comedy and adventure of this Disney classic. The exciting tale takes place in the heart of Paris where a kind and eccentric millionairess, wills her entire estate to ‘Duchess,’ a high society cat, and her three kittens.

When the bumbling butler Edgar tries to pull off the ultimate catnap caper in order to secure the fortune for himself, it’s up to alley cat Thomas O’Malley and his band of swingin’ jazz cats to save the day.  “The Aristocats” features the voice talents of Eva Gabor, Phil Harris, Sterling Halloway and legendary French singer Maurice Chevalier, who performs the film’s titular opening song. The legendary Disney songwriting team of brothers, Richard and Robert Sherman, get the joint jumping with the jazz-inspired musical numbers “Ev’rybody Wants To Be A Cat,” “Scales and Arpeggios,” and “Thomas O’Malley Cat.”

 

Disney’s beloved classic continues in Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure – for the first time ever on Disney Blu-ray. Lady and Tramp’s mischievous pup Scamp is always in the doghouse. Now, an itch for a collar-free life and freedom is sending him on the ultimate adventure! With nonstop laughs, paw-tapping songs and exciting bonus features, Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure is a new breed of Disney fun that the whole family will love!

 

Includes Both Pocahontas Films and Exciting All-New Bonus Features!

Walt Disney Pictures’ action-packed animated musical adventures “Pocahontas” and “Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World” debut for the first time ever in vivid High Definition — on August 21, 2012.   Combined also for the first time in a Two-Movie Collection, the exciting release allows families and fans of all ages to own these timeless stories of hope, courage and friendship together in an exciting Disney ‘Combo Pack’Including Blu-ray and DVD, and also available on HD digital download.

The Two-MovieCollection, Blu-ray debut features exciting all-new bonus material including “Drawing Inspiration: The Lost Story of Hiawatha,” a fascinating behind-the-scenes featurette showcasing how Walt Disney and his team were once developing a full-length animated feature called “Hiawatha,” that ultimately directly influenced the development of“Pocahontas.”

 

 

“The Tigger Movie” Special Edition Includes All-New Exclusive Bonus Features

Walt Disney Studios brings the magic of the Hundred Acre Wood to life with “The Tigger Movie,” bouncing onto Blu-ray high-definition and HD Digital for the first time on August 21, 2012. Featuring new digitally enhanced picture and sound and exclusive bonus features, “The Tigger Movie” Bounce-A-Riffic Special Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack invites families to relive the childhood fun of the one and only Tigger.

The exciting new Blu-ray Combo Pack provides hours of viewing fun with bonus materials including two all-new features: Disney Intermission—when the film is paused, young fans can participate in a variety of Hundred Acre Wood themed games including guess the character, spot the differences and counting; and “A Tigger Tale” afeaturette where the filmmakers discuss how Tigger’s literary and film history influenced “The Tigger Movie.”

 


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· 11:24 am

Holstein Housewares, Mini Doughnut Maker Review!!!

We had an electric donut maker when I was a kid.  We did not have the Internet back then or Pinterest so it was harder to score great donut recipes but I remember we did make the ones that came with the unit and we did the best we could without all the help we get today with videos, pictures, oodles of recipes with reviews and more.  What an advantage we have today with the online resources and how we can share tips and recipes with people all over the world.  Recently, I saw a mini donut maker on Totsy and quickly scooped it up.  The unit was the Holstein Doughnut Maker.

It arrived a few days ago and I wanted to make sure that donuts were great, so I scoured the web for donut recipes with great reviews.  I found a recipe for glazed chocolate cake donuts at Big Mama’s Home Kitchen Blog.    It was a recipe not specifically for an electric donut maker but I figured it should work okay.

Donut Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups Devil’s Food cake mix
2 T unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large stand mixer bowl, add all ingredients and mix on medium speed for 1 minute until smooth.  Transfer batter into large resealable bag, snip the corner, and pipe into donut pan, filling 2/3 of the way full. Note:  This recipe makes 12 donuts, so you will need to make in two batches if you only have one donut pan like me.

Bake for 9 minutes, or until donuts have risen and spring back to touch.  Let cool in pan for 2 minutes, then turn pan upside down over parchment paper.  Let donuts cool while you make the glaze.

Vanilla Glaze Ingredients:

4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan over low heat, add all ingredients and stir until smooth.  Place a donut into vanilla glaze, flip over, and use spatula to help glaze sides of donut.  Carefully lift out glazed donut with spatula and place back on wax paper.  Quickly add sprinkles before the glaze dries.  Repeat with all donuts.  Let glaze dry completely before serving.  Enjoy!

 

I used the recipe exactly as is and just cooked them for about 3-4 minutes as per the doughnut maker’s instructions.  I used a non-stick cooking spray on the doughnut molds.  I also filled a pastry bag without a tip to neatly pipe the doughnut batter in the molds on the maker.  After I finished cooking all the doughnuts, I made the glaze and dipped the entire doughnut in the glaze and quickly topped with sprinkles before the glaze dried.  They were delicious, chocolatey and moist.

The next day I tried an experiment with cinnamon roll doughnuts using the mini-bites dough from Pillsbury.  They turned out great and were super easy for a quick morning snack or breakfast treat.

I really like this doughnut maker, it cooks evenly, heats up fast, cooks fast and clean up is a snap.  I highly recommend this unit.


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· 12:48 am

“I Like Old Clothes” by Mary Ann Hoberman Review & Giveaway!!!

I recently received the book, I Like Old Clothes by Mary Ann Hoberman for review.  This is a delightful story that is especially fitting for a child that is the recipient of mostly hand me down clothes.  This book was originally published in 1976 with different illustrations. Follow along as  older sister explains why she likes old clothes to her younger brother.  She loves that the clothes have a history and thinks about who wore them before and what kind of adventures they went on.  It makes a child who may feel bad about or being teased about wearing hand-me-down clothes feel special.

Synopsis

I like old clothes, / Hand-me-down clothes, / Worn outgrown clothes, / Not-my-own clothes. . . . Originally published by Knopf in 1976 (with illustrations by Jacqueline Chwast), this poem—an exuberant celebration of hand-me-down clothes—is just as relevant and accessible today as it was over 30 years ago.  Children’s Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman offers a bouncy, fun-to-read-aloud text and a refreshingly agreeable, resourceful protagonist who likes old clothes for their “history” and “mystery.” Illustrator Patrice Barton brings new, contemporary life to the poem, with an adorable little girl and her younger brother playing dress-up, making crafts, and happily treasuring their hand-me-downs.
About the Author:
Mary Ann Hoberman is the author of And to Think That We Thought That We’d Never Be Friends and many other children’s books.
Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of I Like Old Clothes.  Thank you Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this sweet giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.
I Like Old Clothes by Mary Ann Hoberman  Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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· 12:16 am

“People Like Us” Blu-ray & DVD Combo Pack Review & Giveaway!!!

 

From The Studio That Brought You “The Help,” Comes The Inspirational Story About Family Reconnections And Life’s Changes Starring Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde and Michelle Pfeiffer

PEOPLE LIKE US

Available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD, Digital & On Demand 

 

BURBANK, California, — From the studio that brought you the award-winning blockbuster “The Help,” comes an emotional and inspirational story about a young man’s journey of self discovery as he connects with a family he barely knows.  Starring Chris Pine (Star Trek), Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games), Olivia Wilde (Tron) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Dark Shadows), DreamWorks Pictures releases “People Like Us” – a must-own, heartfelt and relatable story – on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD, Digital and On-Demand.

 

“Charming, funny…and heartfelt”

– Scott Mantz,Access Hollywood

 

Inspired by true life events, the “People Like Us” Blu-ray Combo Pack comes complete with bonus material that delves deeper into the story that inspired the making of this great film. These extras include audio commentary with filmmakers and talent, an extended scene of L.A.’s popular Henry Taco Stand featured in the film, deleted scenes and bloopers.

 “Humane and riveting…One of the year’s very best!”

– Pete Hammond – Boxoffice Magazine

“People Like Us” is directed/produced by Alex Kurtzman (Cowboys & Aliens, The Proposal, Star Trek, TV’s “Hawaii Five-O”), written by Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci (Transformers, Star Trek, Cowboys & Aliens) and Jody Lambert (her first writing debut) and composed by award-winning composer A.R. Rahman (127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire). Chris Pine, who plays Sam, is a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman whose latest deal collapses the day he learns his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home to put his father’s estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. While there, he uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down — he has a 30-year-old sister (Banks) he never knew existed.

Mommy Ramblings Says:

I really liked this movie, it was engaging and the actors were great.  From the time Sam learns of the death of his father and the first words out of his mouth are, “What’s for dinner?” you know they had a complicated relationship.  When he does finally show up to his childhood home, he is in for a very big shock.  Sam soon finds out he is not an only child but that he has a sister and a nephew.  His nephew is quite a handful and blows up the school swimming pool, getting expelled until his mom Frankie turns things around on the Principal.  Lots of complex relationship and family issues make this a very heartfelt movie and has you thinking about what you would do in the same situation.  See, Sam has $150,000 in cash in a shaving case with a note from his father to take care of his sister and nephew that no one knows about but him.  My husband and I really enjoyed this movie and I think you will too.

BONUS FEATURES:


Blu-ray Combo Pack:

·       Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actors Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks

·       Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actress Michelle Pfeiffer

·       Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Writers Roberto Orci and Jody Lambert

·       Number One with a Bullet: The Story Behind “People Like Us”

·       Taco Talk: Extended Henry’s Taco Scene

·       Deleted Scenes

·       Bloopers

DVD:

·       Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actors Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks

·       Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actress Michelle Pfeiffer

Digital

·       Number One with a Bullet: The Story Behind “People Like Us”

·       Taco Talk: Extended Henry’s Taco Scene

·       Deleted Scenes

·       Bloopers

DreamWorks is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One luck blog reader will win People Like Us  Blu-Ray & DVD Combo Pack.  Thank you DreamWorks for the review copy and for sponsoring this entertaining giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.
People Like Us Blu-ray & DVD Combo Pack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Please enter the giveaway using Rafflecopter below.  Good Luck!!!

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October 10, 2012 · 10:18 pm

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil Review & Giveaway!!!

Tropical Traditions Gold Logo I was recently sent a quart of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil to review.  Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is certified organic according to strict USDA requirements. It is hand-made in the Philippines the traditional way.  Virgin Coconut oil is different from other coconut oils because it is made from fresh, certified organic coconuts and they have the distinct aroma and taste of coconuts present. Tasteless coconut oils are probably made from copra, not fresh coconuts.  You can use Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil in many recipes in place of oil and butter.  The Tropical Traditions website has  oodles of recipes from appetizers to desserts.  I chose to make the chocolate almond bark.  The ingredients were super simple and listed below.  It took about 4 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes in the freezer.  It had a great rich dark chocolate flavor.  If you like it a little sweeter I would add more honey.  There are so many other recipes I cannot wait to try.

 Chocolate Almond Bark Recipe

Servings: 8-10 Preparation Time: 10 minutes

1. In a saucepan, combine cocoa powder and virgin coconut oil. Melt on low heat, stirring continuously.

2. Add honey and stir for 1-2 minutes until combined.

3. Remove from heat. Let cool for 1-2 minutes.

4. Add in almonds.

5. Line an 8×8 glass dish with parchment paper. Pour chocolate mixture into the dish.

6. Put in the freezer for 30 minutes (or until hard).

7. Remove from the freezer, break into squares and enjoy!

8. Store in the fridge, otherwise chocolate bark will melt.

Mommy Ramblings thinks that Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil will help you with your holiday cooking and baking this season and so we have added it to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide under the section: Products to Help Make Your Holidays Merry and Bright!   You can find out how to use Coconut Oil HERE as well as look at the frequently asked questions about Coconut Oil by clicking HERE!

Tropical Traditions is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a quart jar of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!  Thank you Tropical Traditions for the review product and for sponsoring this delicious review on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US and Canadian Residents.

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil  Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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October 9, 2012 · 11:22 pm

Disney’s, Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta Unleashed on Blu-ray & DVD!!!

 Disney’s  BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA 3: Viva La Fiesta!  Now available on Blu-ray & DVD! 

Fans who fell in love with Papi and Chloe in the box office hit “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” and their universally beloved litter of pups in “Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2” (the #1 direct-to-video title of 2011*), will enjoy this exciting and playful new installment in the pedigreed franchise.
 We had the opportunity to review this Blu-ray edition.  What is not to love about adorable pups and lots of action, talking dogs, great songs, special effects, and fun.  This is another great Disney film and wonderful to share as a family.  My kids were captivated by the four-legged stars like Papi and little Rosa.  If you want furry fun and a great family night you can’t beat spending it with Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3.  You can also visit and like them on Facebook HERE!

 

Everyone’s favorite talking Chihuahuas Papi (voice of George Lopez) and Chloe (voice of Odette Annable ) are back,  joined by their five playful pups in an all-new family comedy. It’s canine chaos as Papi’s family (dog and human) move into the posh Langham Hotel, complete with a luxurious doggy spa. But there’s trouble in puppy paradise when Rosa, the littlest member of the pack, feels smaller and less special than ever. Now it’s up to Papi to help Rosa find – and celebrate – her inner strength, which turns out to be bigger than she ever dreamed and reminds humans and canines alike of the importance of family, friends and teamwork.

 

The canine cast features the voice talents of Miguel Ferrer (“Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” “Traffic”) as Delgado, Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo (“Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” Hispanic National Radio Morning Show DJ)  as Humberto, Emily Osment (TV’s “Hannah Montana,” “Hannah Montana The Movie”) as Pep and Madison Pettis (Disney Junior’s “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” “Game Plan”) as Lala.

 

The film’s human stars include Marcus Coloma (TV’s “Make It or Break It,” South Beach”) and Erin Cahill (“Fast Track: No Limits”, “Boogeyman 3”) who reprise their roles from “Beverly HillsChihuahua 2” as  the dog’s masters, Sam and Rachel Cortez, plus Frances Fisher (“The Lincoln Lawyer” and TV’s “Torchwood”) as travel writer Amelia Jones.

Fans who fell in love with Papi and Chloe in the box office hit “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” and their universally beloved litter of pups in “Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2” (the #1 direct-to-video title of 2011*), will enjoy this exciting and playful new installment in the pedigreed franchise. The all-new “Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3” is a must-own family fiesta of fun for everyone. Based on characters created by Jeff Bushell, the film is written by Dana Starfield. It is directed by Lev L. Spiro and produced by Sara E. White.

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