Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The day that CHOBANI went bad and FAGE took it's place forever!

spoiled chobani
I usually eat a Chobani a day.  But ever since I was product testing the Fage Greek Yogurt, I told my husband that I would eat what he had purchased for me the next week (plenty of time on the package to eat it).  WOW!  Today the notice about the recall comes out and I had him go into the refrig. and pull them off the shelf (10 of them) and of that amount 5 looked like the one in the above picture and so he returned them all and received $14. and some change for them.




Thursday he went back and picked up 7 of the Fage and they cost $1.49 each just like the Chobani so that's a little more than we're really happy paying for our yogurt.  But I will continue to buy the large size which gives me more yogurt than the small cups.  

I would have done this for BzzAgent but they have so many ways to tell you how to do it for them that it took away the creativity in which I use to post.

I would like to share some great yogurt recipes that you can make using FAGE or any GREAT GREEK YOGURT!

 FROZEN YOGURT RECIPES

Banana Frozen Yogurt

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas about 3 large
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 cups vanilla yogurt
1-2 tablespoons honey or to taste
Directions:
In large bowl, combine bananas, lemon juice, yogurt and honey.
Chill at least 4 hours.
Pour into ice cream maker and follow directions for freezing.

Frozen Blueberry Yogurt

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed
2 1/2 cups plain yogurt
1 cup half and half
1 cup sugar
Directions:
Mash blueberries and combine with remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Freeze as directed.

Lime Vanilla Frozen Yogurt

Ingredients:
two 32-ounce containers whole-milk plain yogurt
1 vanilla bean
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lime zest
6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup superfine granulated sugar
Directions:
Strain yogurt for about 8-12 hours. Pour off the whey (liquid in bowl).
With a knife halve vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out seeds. In a blender puree vanilla seeds, half of drained yogurt, and remaining ingredients. In a bowl stir together vanilla mixture and remaining yogurt.
Transfer mixture to ice-cream maker and freeze. Transfer frozen yogurt to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden up a bit.

Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt

Ingredients:
1/3 cup chunky peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups skim milk
1 (1 1/3 ounce) envelope dream whip whipped dessert topping mix
1 cup plain fat-free yogurt
Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, brown sugar and vanilla; set aside
In a small bowl, gradually add milk to dry whipped topping mix; stir or whisk until well mixed
Gradually whisk into peanut butter mixture; then add yogurt
Freeze:
(pour and freeze prepared yogurt in an 8 inch square baking pan, cover with foil; freeze until solid (1-2 hours) break frozen mixture into pieces and process in food processor just until soft. Optional- repeat freezing and beating 1-2 more times
OR (pour prepared yogurt into a metal mixer bowl, cover with foil; Freeze 2 hours or until firm at edges and semi-soft in centre; beat with electric mixer on med-high until soft; Optional- repeat freezing and mixing 1-2 more times)
Yield 1 quart (8 servings).

Chocolate-Chip Raspberry Frozen Yogurt

Ingredients:
3 cups unsweetened frozen raspberries
2 cups fat-free plain yogurt
1/3 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup mini chocolate chips
Directions:
Process raspberries, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla until smooth in food processor. Pour into ice cream maker and prepare according to manufacturer’s instructions, adding chocolate chips in the last 5 minutes of freezing OR see tips under “No Ice Cream Maker?”
Variations:
For chocolate-chip strawberry frozen yogurt, substitute unsweetened frozen strawberries.
For chocolate-chip banana frozen yogurt, slice and freeze 2-4 bananas, depending on size, and substitute 3 cups frozen banana slices for raspberries.

Fresh Peach
Frozen Yogurt

Ingredients:
1/3 cup of fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
2-1/2 cups of plain, whole milk yogurt
1/2 cup of raw sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
Directions:
Combine all the ingredients, chill them for 2 hours, and then churn the confection. Light, fresh, and creamy, this frozen yogurt is bound to be one of your favorites.

Honey-Lemon
Frozen Yogurt

Ingredients:
2/3 cup of honey
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of grated lemon rind
pinch of salt
2 cups of plain, whole milk yogurt
2 egg whites
Directions:
One of my favorite frozen yogurt recipes! Honey and lemon go together beautifully in frozen yogurt. The honey gives the dessert a smooth texture and natural sweetness, while the lemon imparts a bright snap to the taste. To make this delightful delicacy, combine the first four ingredients in a heavy enameled or stainless steel saucepan over medium heat and stir them until they’re well blended. Then set the mixture aside to cool.
Next, mix in the yogurt and chill the concoction for 2 hours. Then beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, gently fold them into the yogurt preparation, and churn the dessert in a two-quart freezer.

Matcha (Green Tea) Frozen Yogurt

Ingredients:
1 cup homemade yogurt or plain whole milk yogurt
1 teaspoon matcha (green tea) powder
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
Mix small amount of yogurt with tea and sugar to make smooth mixture. Incorporate into rest of yogurt and mix well until completely blended.
Chill in the fridge for a few hours then churn the mix in the ice cream machine/frozen yogurt maker according to the manufacturer’s instruction.

credit: http://yogurt-everyday.com/frozen-yogurt-recipes.html

Monday, October 28, 2013

GIANTmicrobes Giveaway 10/28 - 11/11

GIANTmicrobes


GIANTmicrobes Giveaway Hosted by Pea of Sweetness

Sponsored by GIANTmicrobes


GIANTmicrobes® are stuffed animals that look like tiny microbes — only a million times actual size! They're humorous, educational, and fun! Each GIANTmicrobes® comes with an image and information about the real microbe it represents. They make great learning tools, as well as amusing gifts for anyone with a sense of humor.
Emilee from Pea of Sweetness loves the educational plus fun value of GIANTmicrobes and chose to review a cancer cell. Since her husband is a 2x cancer survivor they particularly like that the cancer cell can be turned inside out to a healthy cell! Check out her full GIANTmicrobes Review.

GIANTmicrobes

About the prize: One lucky winner will receive a GIANTmicrobes of their choice!
About the giveaway: This giveaway begins on 10/28 and ends on 11/11 at 11:00pm (times are Central) and is open to US residents ages 18+. Please refer to the full terms and conditions in the Giveaway Tools.
  Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may be different than yours. CONVERSATIONS WITH CAROLYN is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Halloween Party Preparation: Slimey Wormy Eye Ball Non-Alcoholic










                    Copyright © 2013, Carolyn J. Mullin All rights reserved.



The Worms Crawl In,
The Worms Crawl Out,
Into your stomach,
And out your mouth.
They eat your intestines,
They scramble your heart.
Now you feel like
You're all apart.
This is how
It is to die
You end up looking
Like apple pie!

This song was originally posted at:
http://bussongs.com/songs/the-worms-crawl-in-the-worms-crawl-out.php

Copyright © 2013, Carolyn J. Mullin All rights reserved.


 
Copyright © 2013, Carolyn J. Mullin All rights reserved.



Non-alcoholic directions (use club soda in place of vodka!)

 DIRECTIONS:
 http://dailynoff.com/skittle-infused-vodka-how-to/
Credit: 
Recipe for this alcoholic drink and description:


Image Credit:  http://www.instructables.com/id/Worm-Slime/

"Ah.  Nothing says halloween and spooky-ness like a little bit of gross worm slime.  Fortunately, this drink has a slimy name, but the cocktail itself tastes delicious.  Green and sweet, you need skittle infused vodka to make it work.  Its super easy and very much worth the effort though."

Make it:
1.5oz Skittle infused Vodka

1oz lemon lime soda

1oz orange juice

Super wormy right? haha not really.  Pour all your ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake away.  Pour into a chilled martini glass and garnish with candy gummy worms.  Yum!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Super Simple Learning Giveaway 10/22 -11/5


Super Simple Learning


Hosted by Pea of Sweetness

Sponsored by Super Simple Learning


The most popular of Super Simple Songs videos are now on one DVD. From their earliest videos to the hugely popular Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, you’re sure to find many of your favorites in this collection. These are super simple, super fun videos that children will LOVE singing along with at home, in the car, or in the classroom. Smiles and giggles are guaranteed!
Check out the full Super Simple Learning DVD Review on Pea of Sweetness.
About the prize: One lucky winner will receive a Super Simple Learning DVD!
About the giveaway: This giveaway begins on 10/22 and ends on 11/5 at 11:00pm (times are Central) and is open to US residents ages 18+. Please refer to the full terms and conditions in the Giveaway Tools.


  Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may be different than yours. Conversations with Carolyn is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Friday, October 25, 2013

What am I making?


Today I bought ....


1.  new glue gun and long glue sticks  (old one donation)

2.  orange and black craft paper

3.  black pipe cleaners  (no I have no pipe to clean!)

4.  1 large pumpkin

5.  small cans of  black and blue latex paint


What am I making?
 l
 l
 l
 l
 l
 l
 l
 l
 l
 l
 l
 l

CLUE:   1.  It meows and is popular.   

                          
Brought to you by:
                   
Have More Scary Halloweens!


Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Guest Post: How to Drop Your House on a Witch!

How to Make Pretend Witch Legs for Halloween
http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org


Materials Needed

Knee High Socks
Stuffing
Red Heels or other Cool Looking Shoes
Rubber Band or Yarn

Step 1

Go to the Dollar Store to get some cheap knee high socks
http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org



Go to the Dollar Store to get some cheap knee high socks.  They don’t have to be striped… but a pattern would be great.  Or, go to a Department Store and get some socks on sale.



Step 2

Put stuffing in socks deep enough to reach the tips of the toes
http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org



Put stuffing in socks deep enough to reach the tips of the socks.

Step 3

Finish adding stuffing to each sock and tie off with rubber band or yarn
http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org



Finish adding stuffing to each sock and tie off with rubber band or yarn.

Step 4

Add some cool looking shoes
http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org



Add some cool looking shoes (from the thrift store) and then place them in a spot that makes it look like something landed on them… Like your house.

What we are doing is getting any color shoes (lighter the better) and then painting them ruby red and glittering them!

You are going to get some amazing compliments for this Halloween Decoration.  Mostly from kids trick or treating who are just going to be totally creeped out by the legs…. wondering what you did to get them there.  But, isn’t that what Halloween is all about?



Day 23 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Nearly 600 pets dead; still no source, FDA says: Jerky Treat Mystery

dog jerky treat
courtesy the Mawaka family
 
Toby, a 6-year-old Boston terrier, died in 2012 after his owners say he was sickened by chicken jerky pet treats made in China. 
 
From the Dog Channel to the stories being shared across the Internet, there is no clue yet in solving this problem.  But who do they name as the main culprit?  CHINA!   And I'll tell you why and what will be done about this mess further down in this article.

Some news reported by the Dog Channel (and other reports out there)  
"Most of the pet illnesses reportedly involved chicken jerky, but advisories were extended last year to duck and sweet potato jerky treats. Jerky-wrapped rawhide and jerky paired with dried fruit or yams have been flagged as well.

The testing of more than 1,000 jerky samples over the past two years has looked for the presence of everything from pesticides and mycotoxins to irradiation markers and toxic metals.

"Testing has also included measuring the nutritional composition of jerky pet treats to verify that they contain the ingredients listed on the label and do not contain [other] ingredients,” the FDA stated.

The agency stopped short of advising consumers to eliminate jerky from their pets’ diet.

"Jerky pet treats should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be fed only occasionally and in small quantities,” the FDA noted.

The agency asked veterinarians who suspect a jerky-related illness to document it on the FDA Safety Reporting Portal and possibly provide samples to the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN).

The agency recommended that veterinarians who submit a case conduct a routine urinalysis after freezing a subsample of 10 milliliters. In addition, veterinarians who suspect liver or kidney injury should obtain routine blood work for possible FDA investigation."
 
Please read MORE details of all of this HERE.   







 
 
What's the matter with CHINA and pet food?

"The jerky was sold as jerky tenders or strips made of chicken, duck, sweet potatoes or dried fruit. Most of the treats were made in China.

The FDA said the illnesses have been linked to many brand names of the jerky (none of which it named) and most commonly involve chicken or duck jerky treat or jerky-wrapped treats.

The FDA did not list brand names of the jerky or names of stores that may have sold the treats. The agency said there doesn't appear to be a geographic pattern to the case reports.
Within hours of eating the jerky, some pets exhibited decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption and/or increased urination, the FDA said.

The illnesses involve many sizes and ages of dogs and multiple breeds, the FDA said.

Severe cases have involved kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding and a rare kidney disorder. About 60% of cases involved gastrointestinal illness, and about 30% involved kidney and urinary systems. The remaining 10% of cases reported various symptoms, such as collapse, convulsions, tremors, hives and skin irritation.

Since 2011, the FDA has tested more than 1,200 jerky pet samples for a variety of chemical and microbiological contaminants that may cause the illnesses reported in pets, from antibiotics to metals, pesticides and salmonella.
"To date, none of the tests  have revealed the cause of the illnesses," the FDA said."

The agency did inspect facilities in China that manufacture jerky products associated with some of the highest numbers of pet illness reports, but that did not identify the cause of illness."
 MORE:   http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/228820701.html
 
image:  http://www.pic2fly.com/Tainted+Dog+Treats+From+China.html

Well, tomorrow I'm going to share with you the importance of making your own treats.

I leave this book recommendation for you from one of our articles and tomorrow I will bring even more and some recipes!!


 Buy your copy and LEARN as much as possible at:                   

Day 22 of the UBChallenge!

Monday, October 21, 2013

Clorox® Canisters for Healthier Classrooms and COUPON for you!!

Take the pledge to donate Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes to your kid’s classroom and receive a $1 OFF coupon.

With every pledge, Clorox® will donate $1 to Alliance for a Healthier Generation* and give one canister of Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes to a school in need.†
*up to $50,000

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation works with schools and teachers to create healthier learning environments for students and empower kids to develop lifelong, healthy habits. By donating Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes to local schools, you will help Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program supply teachers with the resources they need to provide the best learning environment possible this school year.

Take the PLEDGE and tell me what you received from Chlorox in the comment.

CLICK HERE!


Download ONE selection on the page and in the comments tell me which one you downloaded.



Then I will select the first person who commented and add their name to this page as the WINNER and tell you what you are getting in the mail for the WIN!  :)

Fan of the Week Contest Winner for Oct. 14th - 20th, 2013 is



The FAN OF THE WEEK CONTEST winner for Monday, Oct. 14th through Sunday, Oct. 20th, 2013 is.....


Jayme Irving

and she did all of the following for the contest this past week:

LIKED and SHARED many notes on the page

COMMENTED on the PAGE and MY BLOG  (in the future though
   the winner will have commented at least 10 times on my blog
   comments.)

PARTICIPATED in contests and giveaways and SHARED them
   with others.

CHEERED on others who won either contests or giveaways.

     Thank you Jayme from Carolyn and Theresa!

Congrats on winning those coupons too!


   This coming week I'm also looking for fans to start new comments and frequently comment on Topic of the Week (Monday and Thursday). 

Sunday, October 20, 2013

FOOD Bucket List turned into Food HORROR Story

credit: Pinterest.com
Why not start right at the number one FOOD GROUP, "Exotic Food" when creating your FOOD BUCKET LIST!  I have not made a regular Bucket List yet, so I thought that I would divide my Bucket List into categories.   Food, Restaurants, Travel, etc...

Maybe when you hear EXOTIC you go to the WEIRDEST or the STRANGE or even MOST EXPENSIVE food that is out there.  This is my list and so I am defining my exotic food list by foods that I have envisioned I would get into my most COMFORTABLE clothes and have brought to my home and served to me!

My mind doesn't go to THIS LIST.  I'm sorry but I'm not eating CAMEL, GIRAFFE or gross....  SHEEP BALLS!  That list (if you click on it HERE) is made up NOTHING that I would try.  I saw this complete list on tv on Nightline or some 20/20 show.   I just know that I could not get the DORIAN past my nose. (My apologies to my favorite chefs on Food Network who cook with this and don't use a clothespin on their nose.)

     INTERRUPTION!
I'm sorry but on Saturday afternoon I watched my recorded NIGHTLINE from Friday night and I was so disgusted that I stopped myself from going on with the food bucket list and I had to focus on what was before me.....





Heart%20Attack%20Grill%20Jon%20Basso_1000%2010-16-13.jpg 
Jon Basso and some of his nurses at Heart Attack Grill [Photo: Susan Stapleton]
And then the WHOLE story that's been in the news about this "establishment" of HORROR (I think) of what happens when a self-loathing businessman takes one of the vices known to men, gluttony, and tells the media one story (of "healthiness") and then serves this "sin" on a platter and glorifies obesity.  And before I share this I want to point out that this past year with the death of my Mother In Law in February, I went to comfort food and sugar as my way to deal with Depression.  I'm working hard on breaking free of this extra 50 lbs. that I put on.  So I am preaching to ME before anyone else.  

"Nearly two weeks ago, owner Jon Basso went on Bloomberg to show off the cremated remains of a customer who allegedly died at the restaurant.
· I am an Ex-Employee of the Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas, AMA! [Reddit]
· Ex-Heart Attack Grill Hostess: I Was Told To Film Passed-Out Customer 'So They Could Send It To The Media' [Huff Po]
· All Coverage of Heart Attack Grill [~ELV~]"


Questions for Commentors:
     What do you think about the Heart Attack Grill now that you've either reread the stories or are reading them for the first time?
     Do you get this sick feeling in your stomach (no pun intended) when you see this emphasis placed on the bigger you are the better?  For example, if you weigh 350 lbs. or more you eat free?

Day 20 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Dare to ENTER! NO CARVING Pumpkin Decorating Contest End 11/2/13

image credit:  Plaid Crafts





Welcome to the 13 days of Halloween:  NO CARVING Pumpkin Decorating Contest.  This is not just a contest note, but a teaching note as well.  You have until 11/2/13 to enter as many as 5 entries (all no carving pictures) to califbeachgal@fastmail.fm at 11:59pm ET on 11/2/13.

I love love love this pumpkin decorated with jewelry that you could find at a dollar store or for on etsy or eBay or even my favorite, a thrift store! 

Now the RULES to this contest are varied....  read CAREFULLY.
This is an INTERNATIONAL contest!  3 winners this year, 1 in each category below:

1.  Most HUMOROUS pumpkin  (NON CARVING)
2.  Most SCARY pumpkin      (NON CARVING)
2.  The Best Non-Halloween pumpkin   (NON CARVING)

This is for ADULTS (age 18 and older) and you need to take a picture of your pumpkin with a NOTE in your handwriting that is your signature (first name is fine) next to the pumpkin.  We want to make sure that you are the creator and not a Pinterest picture.  Nor do we want someone else's contest entry on the Internet.

For something different this year, we are going with a NON CARVING CONTEST.  Just like the picture at the top of the page, you are DECORATING, not carving.

1. Must be your own pumpkin, please put a note with it that has your name.

2. EMAIL submissions to:  califbeachgal@fastmail.fm 

3. Include NAME, FaceBook Name, and how you heard of the contest please?

4.  All submissions must be turned in by Nov. 2. 2013 11:59pm ET

5.  Once the final top 2 are determined in each category, their names will appear here on this post and on Dragon's Blood Inc.
(Theresa, my contributor's website)

6.  You may only submit ONE entry (meaning you have to select one category in which to enter.)

7.  You must LIKE  both, Chatting with Carolyn  and Dragon's Blood Inc. on FaceBook in order to have won!



For more ideas we suggest you begin we share from the following article, http://www.ehow.com/list_6963439_decorating-ideas-non_carving-pumpkin.html

And going from there to:



 http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating#slide-1
    Be sure to go all the way through the slides to the end.



http://www.pinterest.com/pin/36732553184221618/




More ideas from The Stir



And this great SLIDE SHOW from The Stir.



http://www.pinterest.com/pin/359584351467828861/

And these ideas in 4 different articles here.


http://www.pinterest.com/pin/25262447883036973/


My biggest suggestion is to go to PINTEREST.  By clicking that word, you will be taken to a collection of Pinterest pins that are all about non carving pumpkin decorations.






    Friday, October 18, 2013

    WINNER OF Freebie Friday IS...



    #6 on the comment list on the blog.  The random.org did the selecting and the winner is:    

    Blogger Jayme Irivng said...
    Anything would be great!

    October 18, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    and your prize is over $100.00 worth of coupons from my collection in which every coupon is $1.00 and over in savings!   CONGRATS JAYME!!
    Delete
    each coupon is $1.00 or over in savings!


    Instructions for winning:  PLEASE email me at califbeachgal@fastmail.fom or use the MESSAGE button on the fan group to give me your address for mailing!

     --------------------  CONTEST IS OVER!   --------------------

    For the FIRST PART of this COMMENT contest is to SHARE one Freebie (can be Buy One Get One Free deal or any freebie deal) that you know about on the Internet or from a COUPONER's blog for TODAY's  use.  Please do not choose local grocery deals but you can use BIG BOX stores (like Toys'RUS or Amazon.com or even KINDLE books that are free today!)

    Be sure that you share the TIME IT ENDS or qualifications (like USA ONLY or for the first 5000 people who enter)  per freebie entry in your COMMENT.   You may comment with a different freebie up to 5 times.  Each freebie deal should be one comment.  And then comment again with another one.  The WINNER is going to be drawn using Random.org from all the comments.

    For 5 more extra comments that qualify for the WIN could you please tell me the kinds of prizes (not costly) that you like to win in contests and giveaways.  Be sure to use a new comment for each suggestion.

    CATCH:  I may or may not use one of your ideas as the PRIZE of this FREEBIE FRIDAY (for those who are sharing contest or giveaway prize ideas as their comments).

    HAVE FUN!   Any questions should be sent to me using the MESSAGE button at Chatting With Carolyn by clicking here and joining my group and then using the message button (private message from you to me) and I will share the answer here on this blog.

    While I have your attention, there are many giveaways and contests at my FB fan page

    $500.00 K-Mart Gift Card for a Halloween Giveaway Event

     

    It’s a Halloween Giveaway Event

    MPM Network Bloggers are super excited to share their Halloween Recipes, Crafts, Decor Ideas and so much more with you this holiday season. Make sure you take a peek at the fabulous posts below. Surely you will find something that makes you smile!

    HALLOWEEN NAILS
    I'm providing three looks that you can try on any "level" of Halloween nail art. 

    Bloody Fingerprint Nails

       Beginner:
    Bloody Fingerprint Nails
    image credit: nailsmag.com

    White Nail Polish
    Red Nail Polish
    1.  Paint your nails white
    2.  Using diluted red nail polish, press one finger into the polish and then press the finger onto the dried white nail polish.


    Hello Kitty Manicure

    The various styles and hints can be found here:

    http://www.becomegorgeous.com/nails/art/hello_kitty_nail_art_ideas-3098.html

    You can search etsy, eBay, Amazon and nail stores online for Hello Kitty decals.  The dots are made with a toothpick or nail art tool. 


    One lucky reader will receive a $500 K-Mart Gift Card!
    Giveaway ends October 28th at 11:59pm, open to US, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway
     
    Disclosure:Conversations with Carolyn is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

    Mail Manager from mail boss giveaway


    Rubyblood is a guest here to bring you another awesome giveaway hosted by Life of a Mad Typer as part of our HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!

    Times are changing and chances are you have been a victim of mail theft. Read my review and story of my own mail theft here.

    We have partnered with Mail Boss to give one lucky reader a Mail Manager of their own to protect their packages this holiday season and year round!

    The Mail Manager is valued at $149 for the mail box itself. This giveaway is for the mailbox and does not include the post used with the mailbox.


    DISCLAIMER:
    18 + only. USA only Entries will be verified Winner will have 48 hours to verify or another winner will be chosen. This blog is not responsible for shipping or lost prizes.

    Good luck!

    Thursday, October 17, 2013

    The 500 FANS and SUPPORTERS GIVEAWAY! 10/18/31 Opens and 10/31/13 Ends


    We reached 500 fans on FaceBook today (not to be confused with my old and defunct group that reached 500 fans a couple of years ago).  We're just starting all over again with a new group of fans (some the same and thankful for them too!) and now as of today I have a CONTRIBUTOR...  Theresa.  And my steady co-owner, my husband, John!  So happy for them.

    Well I have some new goals now for today and with this group of 500.  I incorporated my (first goal of the plan the day I opened the group and that was to have the TOPIC OF THE DAY) and Theresa suggested that I do it a couple of specified days of the week and so we are.  Those days are THURSDAY and SATURDAY.  And what I would like to do is blog about the outcome of those topics on Friday and Sunday.  Along with anything else that I blog for the day.

    Another item that is happening is the FAN OF THE WEEK CONTEST.  That actually started the other day and goes through Sunday and starts new again on another given Monday of the week.  It won't be every week because there needs to be time for me to gather up some prizes.  And I want to keep it FRESH and EXCITING!

    One item to note is my Scentsy and Candle Making and More business that I have online.  Most of the posts concerning that will be done on my separate blog for that...  and the first thing I need there are some MORE followers!  Welcome to my candle blog at http://carolynscandlesandmore.blogspot.com/  I have an Etsy shop to go with that too and I hope to open that shop for the public one day before Halloween!  So for now you can join the CarolynsCandlesAndMore blog.  Thanks!

    And now I bring to you the giveaway part of this.  There will be three prizes to be won.

    1.  Sample size prize of some of the Scentsy fall waxes.
    2.  Sample size prize of some of the Scentsy layer products.
    3.  Surprise prize that isn't related to Scentsy.   (will depend if it's a man or woman what the prize will be)

    Due to postal concerns this contest is ONLY for the residents of the United States (not Hawaii or Alaska).  You can expect to receive your prize within 2 - 2.5 weeks of winning.  If it will be later than that I will contact you!   GOOD LUCK!


    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Disclaimer:
    a. Here is the complete release of Facebook by each entrant or participant.
    b. I acknowledge that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

    13 Days of NAILS Halloween Contest ends 10/31/13 with Nail Art Information

    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/56576539040394480/

    INTERNATIONAL CONTEST!

    The 13 Days of Nails Halloween Contest is going to be SPOOKTACULAR



    1st place Beginner Winner, 1st place Intermediate Winner, and 1st place Advanced Winner:         
       Nail Gift Bag (USA, not Alaska or Hawaii)
       Online Gift Card (Hawaii, Alaska and other countries)


      (as to what is in each bag, that is to be determined according to contestant interest and participation)

    Each contestant will determine which level in which they want to compete.  This is their choice since they will be able to determine best which level they are.   I will show a manicure that will best match up with the level in which they choose to compete. You can only enter in one level (beginner, intermediate or advanced) and you may enter as many as 13 images for the contest!

    Send your photos to me at califbeachgal@fastmail.fm by 11:59pm ET on 10/31/13.

    Here is the first MANI of the contest that I will post for an idea and directions with it.  Who doesn't love CANDY CORN? This is a beginner's level mani. 

    image and directions credit:  GirlsLife.com

    Tools:
    Orange polish
    Yellow polish
    White polish
    Thin paintbrush (or white nail pen)

    Steps:
    1. After applying a base coat, paint the entire nail orange. Let dry.
    2. Paint yellow straight across the bottom of the nail.
    Tip: To get a straight line without tape, start your brush on the outside of your nail and roll your finger outwards while keeping the brush straight.
    3. Using a nail pen or paintbrush, paint white at the tip of your nail. Let dry, then cover with a clear coat. Voila!

    (You can get the white nail pen at most any drug store or online, my online idea would be:   http://search.ulta.com/search?p=Q&lbc=ulta&uid=359921554&w=white%20nail%20pen&method=and&view=grid&isort=price)

    You can buy it wherever you want, this was one of many online spots I found.  I bought the whole French Nail kit and the white nail pen came with that.  As you can see, it's worth it to get the whole kit and not just the white pen.  http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2239843&productId=xlsImpprod4160059&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat80068

    (I don't make any money on this entire blog at the moment or any of the links that I post.)

    Also... you do not have to do this mani or enter the one you do like this into the contest.  These are mani's that are being provided here to give you some help for creation of yours!  


     Disclaimer:
    a. Here is the complete release of Facebook by each entrant or participant.
    b. I acknowledge that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
     
     

    Wednesday, October 16, 2013

    Wordless Wednesday: Nail Art of Halloween 2

    ENTER IF YOU DARE! HOLD ON TO YOUR NAILS!

    Easy!

    Easy!

    Easy!

    Easy!

    Easy!

    Expert!

    Intermediate!

    Easy!

    Easy!

    Since it's WORDLESS WEDNESDAY the idea is just to show images and not include any words.  But this post is in preparation for the 13 Days of Halloween which begins tomorrow, Thursday and goes until 10/31/13. 

    Day 16

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