Saturday, May 30, 2015

Summer BBQ with Jarlsberg Cheese and Contest

*I received complimentary items to facilitate my review, all opinions are 100% my own.


This year my family and I have made a Summer To Do List. One of our activities is BBQ at the lake. We picked National Hamburger Day to kick off our start to our list. We went to our local grocery store to look for a cheese we have not tried, Jarlsberg. They are having an Extraordinary Grilling Contest and we were happy to help spread the word by having our own BBQ day using their products.



I love cheese added to food and eaten by itself as a snack. I like a variety of types from blue cheese, swiss cheese, goat cheese and many more. I like the cheese to have a distinct flavor and add a unique quality to the everyday foods I make. For our hamburgers I selected Jarlsberg lite pre-sliced cheese for ease of use outdoors and fewer calories. The cheese added a sweet nutty flavor to our hamburgers and the way the BBQ sauce was squishing out the little cheese holes was perfection. There were no leftovers at this BBQ!






 Jarlsberg® Cheese Extraordinary Grilling Contest.  Jarlsberg® Cheese is giving away a professional grill week starting May 23, 2015  and running through August 31, 2015.

Since summer is the perfect time to enjoy a great burger on the grill, Jarlsberg® Cheese is celebrating the no-fuss season with the season’s perfect contest. Topping your favorite burger, chicken or grilled vegetables with a variety of flavors from Jarlsberg® Cheese has never been easier.  Jarlsberg® Cheese,  Jarlsberg® LiteCheese and Jarlsberg® Smoked Cheese add flavor to any grilled recipe and is available nation-wide.

What better way to enjoy the summer grill season than to win a free, professional grill, in the Jarlsberg®Cheese Extraordinary Grill Contest? Every week, Jarlsberg® Cheese will give away a professional grill to one winner. Entering is easy. Simply enter to win by filling out the Jarlsberg® Cheese Extraordinary Grilling Contest form on the Facebook/Jarlsberg USA site. You may enter one time every week, from May 23, 2015 through August 31, 2015. Each week one winner will be randomly selected, and be notified by email.

Jarlsberg® Cheese is available nationwide in the deli grocery retailers and club stores. There is a Jarlsberg®Cheese for every palate:

·         Jarlsberg® Cheese, is a mild, semi-soft skim cheese made from cow’s milk. Jarlsberg®  Cheese is famous for its characteristic mild, mellow and nutty flavor. 

·        Jarlsberg® Cheese Lite has the same great taste as regular Jarlsberg® Cheese  with 50% less fat and 30% fewer calories, than regular Swiss cheese.  

·    Jarlsberg® Hickory Smoked Cheese has a piquant smoky taste, and like most smoked foods has a darker, browner surface.  Jarlsberg® Hickory Smoked Cheese is cold smoked over smoldering, hickory chip embers, this Hickory smoked flavor will enhance your cold or hot foods, with its deep, smoky charms.



If you are looking for Recipe Ideas for your own Summer Adventures you can check out Jarlsberg Blog and Twitter.  Below is a recipe from Jarlsberg Cheese website that would be a delicious addition to any outdoor grilling adventure. 



Jarlsberg® Grilled Fig Pizza

Description: Description: cid:image003.jpg@01D08CAD.3C2912E0
Ingredients:

2 cups Shredded Jarlsberg® Cheese
 1 pound of dough (buy at your local pizzeria)
1 can crushed tomatoes
Olive oil spray
Toppings as desired
Figs – fresh and as many as you desire
Salt, pepper and basil to taste

1.    Before you light the grill, spray olive oil over grill, being sure to cover well. Once grill is hot,        gently lay the dough, stretched out already, on the grill.
2.     Cook for 3 minutes or until crust starts to brown slightly, then flip.
3.    In a separate bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, adding in salt, pepper and fresh basil to taste.
4.    Lay tomato mixture and Jarlsberg® Cheese on top of crust, and scatter some fresh, sliced figs.
5.    Cover for 4-5 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Use a large spatula to remove pizza from grill.







Laura
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

CanvasPop Review and Giveaway



         I was given a canvas for my review, but all opinions of this product are completely my own.


I really love Instagram, and I have a lot of fun playing with it. It's a great way to document everyday life for myself personally, and for the blog. But those photos are small and I never thought the images could be made larger and still look fabulous.

But then CanvasPop offered me the opportunity to do a review of a canvas and I jumped at the chance. I had seen their work online and always thought it was very distinctive, and high quality. So I selected one of my Instagram pictures, and you can see from the picture above, it turned out beautifully.


Tulips are my favorite flowers and I try to buy myself a bunch every week. It's my inexpensive little indulgence that makes me happy every time I see them on my desk. So putting them on canvas is special to me, and I just love how CanvasPop turned my color photo into black and white.

This is a 16X20 canvas print, made with the highest quality materials and great workmanship. I really was thrilled and amazed that they had taken a photo of mine and turned it into something so lovely. A friend commented on how much she liked it and I was proud to tell her that I was the photographer.

Besides doing Instagram prints, CanvasPop offers many different kinds of designs and services, including Facebook prints, photo collages, panoramic photo prints, custom framing, and so much more. Just go to their website to see all the amazing things they offer.

And when my print arrived, it was carefully packaged to keep it from getting damaged during transit. It was also ready to be hung from it's study wire on the back of it.

I love dealing with a company that offers exceptional customer service, a fabulous product, and that delivers it in record time. I love all these things about CanvasPop, and am recommending it to all my family and friends.




I'm totally excited to let you know that CanvasPop is giving away to one of our readers a 16X20 canvas print with a 0.75 inch frame and free shipping.

This is a great opportunity to turn one of your favorite photos into something that can last a lifetime and be loved for years to come.

They are also offering our readers a discount code, FRUGALFAMILYTREE35, that can be used for 35% off of an order until June 30th.

You can also check out their Twitter page and Instagram to see even more of the amazing photo services they offer and beautiful quality of their work.


GIVEAWAY



a Rafflecopter giveaway


*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 27, 2015 and ends on June 5, 2015 at 12:01 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent a product to review for this post.

Patricia
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Savings for Summer Camp Digital Media Academy #CreateTheNext #ad

* I am participating in a USFamilyGuide blogger campaign and this is a sponsored post #ad




Over the last few years I have learned about the need for kids to have S.T.E.M. knowledge. I have seen great DVDs for little ones to help them grasp Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and taking a class would build on their knowledge. My son is a year shy of the age group for the S.T.E.M. classes but your child may not be. Digital Media Academy is a summer camp that offers an educational program for kids ages 6 to 17 while still having fun. There are classes that involve engineering with Legos, designing a video game with same tools and technique that professional use, digital filmmaking and acting, iPhone programming, robotics, app development & more. Help your child learn and have a memorable summer by finding the right camp and programs for their interests.


Students launching a Rocket 

 Founded at Stanford University, Digital Media Academy is ranked as one of the ten best summer camps in the world.

Digital Media Academy is also proud to introduce Made by Girls, a new program dedicated to empowering girls and closing the gender gap in the tech industry.

Give your teen a pre-collegiate experience or build a child's confidence through project-based learning. Learn at some of the most prestigious colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada. 

Students learning outside of the classroom


Save $75 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy with code TECHSUMMER. Sign up for multiple weeks and save big! Campers save $125 for each additional course they register for. Register by May 31 to #CreateTheNext best-selling app this summer!

Kids and teens learn computer programming, app development, 3D modeling, robotics, graphic design, filmmaking, and much more. DMA summer camps are one or multiple week experiences taught by industry experts and tech professionals. Campers get hands-on experience creating projects using the latest hardware and software from Apple, Canon, Adobe, and more. 



Questions? Call 1(866)656-3342 to speak with a Guest Service Representative or email info@digitalmediaacademy.org and mention the US Family Guide Special Offer

#CreateTheNext this summer at Digital Media Academy!




Laura
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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Apple Fruit Galette Recipe


I can see that making fruit galettes could easily become my passion. What I love about them is that they are rustic looking, taste so delicious, and look like they are much more difficult to make than they really are.


I discovered this recipe for the delicious crust from one of my favorite magazines, Cottage Living. Unfortunately, the magazine folded a few years ago, but I have held onto every old issue, and recently ran across the recipe.

I guarantee you will adore this apple galette, and it could become your go-to dessert for a delicious dessert at home, or to bring to a picnic, or to someone you really like.

There is no worrying about making a perfect pie crust with a galette, and you can use differ kinds of fruit, or a combination.

It totally impressed my family, and there wasn't a crumb left over.


Recipe for Apple Fruit Galette

Ingredients:

For pastry crust:

 2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 large egg yolk
3 tablespoons ice-cold milk

1 egg
2 tablespoons water


Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Mix in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Whisk together egg yolk and milk, pour into flour mixture, stirring just until dough starts to form a ball.
Press together with lightly floured hands, and form into a flat round. Cover with plastic wrap, and place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

For fruit filling:

2 pounds apples (4-5) Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Granny Smith
3 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Peel and core apples; cut each in to 8 wedges. In a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. When butter is foamy, add apples and stir frequently until they are slightly softened, about 10 minutes.
Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over apples. Stir into fruit, and continue cooking about 5 minutes, until liquid is syrupy and bubbling.

Remove dough from refrigerator. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface into an approximate
10-inch round. Place on a large, lightly greased baking sheet. Scoop fruit mixture into center of round.
Fold about 1 inch of dough all the way around to form a rim. Combine egg and water, brush outside of tart with the egg wash.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool on pan 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Makes about 6 servings.

*I've made this galette many times, and in fact, I'm making it today for my grandson's end of the year preschool party. I wanted to share the recipe again with everyone. If making a pie is a little intimidating to you, try the free formed galette, I bet you'll love it!!

Patricia
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Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Sweet as Honey: Maya the Bee Movie and Giveaway

Disclosure: I received complimentary items to facilitate my review. No other compensation has been provided, and all opinions are 100% my own.


Watching a movie at the end of the day is a family fun night we do several times a month. We curl up on the couch, have some snacks and get lost in a world outside our own for an hour or so. Over the weekend we watched and fell in love with Maya the Bee. This wonderful movie that will definitely be on our Summer Movie list. This movie shows kids how to "bee" true to their own heart, be loyal to friends and celebrate diversity. Maya learns about the bugs outside her hive as she explores the world around her. I think I like Maya because she reminds me of my own child, he questions the norm and has a zest for seeing what is out in world. She is a spunky little Bee that kids will adore.


Movie Summary:

Maya the Bee, based on the children’s novel beloved by generations, is now buzzing with new excitement as this fantastically funny and family-friendly film!

Maya is a little bee with a big heart. While most bees believe that other insects should be feared, Maya can’t help but make friends with Flip the violin-playing grasshopper, Kurt the dung beetle and even Sting, a young hornet. This group of “fearsome” friends causes some bees to avoid Maya. But when the Queen’s royal jelly is stolen, it will take Maya and all of her bug buddies to figure out who did it and how to save the day!




My son thought Maya was cute and brave. His favorite character is the violin playing grasshopper Flip. I love this little song they sing to "bee" yourself. Movies with a positive family friendly topic are always a great find to add to our movie collection. My son loves to watch a movie over and over like most kids do, that means it needs to be a movie that I agree with him hearing the message. Maya the Bee has the Dove.org seal of approval for all ages family friendly.










After watching a movie that my son enjoys I like to find ways to share learning with him on a topic he may not know about. I have so many ideas to celebrate all things "bee" autiful about bees for my son. We can learn about honey, pollinating and hive life. I see many crafts and recipes on Pinterest that can help my plans and Shout Factory has provided a few as well.


Click Communications: BLOGGER BUTTONS &emdash;


GIVEAWAY

Enter to win a copy of Maya the Bee Movie on DVD

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 19, 2015 and ends on June 1, 2015 at 12:01 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 72 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent a product to review for this post.

Laura
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Thursday, May 14, 2015

Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con is Coming! Ticket Giveaway #conlife #wizardworld



I must admit I have never attended a Comic Con, YIKES! Sad I know but this year things are different. We have wanted to attend one for years and I feel like my son being 5 this is the perfect time to go. He loves super heroes, Nintendo, Disney and more. His Dad and I have been gamers and cartoon fans for years and love sharing those interest with our son. What can be more fun then attending an event where we can all dress up, meet cool celebrities and buy stuff for our collections. If you are new to attending Wizard World Comic Con shows like us you can watch this video to see more of what it is about.



The Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con will be at the Sacramento Convention Center June 19 thru 21st. Each day has different speakers and activities so be sure to check the schedule and get your tickets here to plan your experience at Sac Comic Con.




Here are a few of the celebrities I am looking forward to meeting, Patrick Warburton who plays Joe Swanson on Family Guy and was David Puddy on Seinfeld ( I want to ask him if he does the voice on the Skylanders Swap Force game because it sure does sound like him), Danny Trejo was in Spy Kids movies and Muppets Most Wanted says he loves to play the bad guy in movies so the youth can see bad guys never win, The Blue and Green Rangers from the TV show Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers and WWE Superstars Dave Batista and Diva Eva Marie.

photo by: Wizard World
Being the HUGE Simpsons fans we are I am also looking forward to meeting animator Phil Ortiz, he also has worked on Smurfs and He-Man. I want my son to see the variety of artists that work to make his cool characters he knows and loves.



GIVEAWAY

To kick off the 36 Day countdown till Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con arrives I am hosting a giveaway for a 4 pack of tickets to attend Sunday June 21st. Sunday the event is from 11 am to 5 pm with the Kid's Costume Contest that day too. The tickets are for adults and kids over 10, children 10 and under get in FREE when accompanied by a paid adult (Limit 2 kids Per Paid Adult Admission)

a Rafflecopter giveaway



*Giveaway limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 14, 2015 and ends on June 15, 2015 at 12:01 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I will be provided tickets to event for this post.

Laura
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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Salami Pasta Salad Recipe


My family and I recently found a new beach near our house, one that is uncrowded and really lovely. The white sand, piles of logs and driftwood, and beautiful blue water make it the perfect beach for sharing family time.

I know we'll be spending lots of time there this summer with the kids, and I'm really looking forward to it. Those times will include lunches and dinners, so I'm always looking for foods that can be packed up and easily transported.

Pasta salads are the perfect beach and picnic food, and the variety of recipes available is amazing. You can make a pasta salad as a side dish, or with the addition of heartier ingredients, make one as a main dish for lunch or dinner.


This recipe for Salami Pasta Salad has recently become a big family favorite. I added some big slices of warm, buttered French bread and it made a great make-ahead, easy dinner.

And one thing I do love about pasta salads is that they really are make-ahead recipes. And a recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd when you are entertaining. It's really delicious, and might just become a family favorite in your house too.


Recipe for Salami Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked white and green rotini pasta
1 - 10oz. can of RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies
1/2 cup finely diced onion
1 cup diced Italian dry salami
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For dressing:
1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoons oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the tomatoes and chilies, salami, cheese and onion.
In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.                                                        


Patricia
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Monday, May 11, 2015

Summer Camp Savings: Digital Media Academy Save $75


* I am participating in a USFamilyGuide blogger campaign and this is a sponsored post #ad





I can recall from my childhood dropping off my older brother at Summer Camp, it seemed so rugged and outdoor. That was many years ago and summer camp has many more options for topics. Everything from art to sports to acting and even technology camps. I have learned about a Digital Media Academy in California that offers many options for Summer Camp including programs for game design, 3D animation, film making, robotics and even surfing.



Founded at Stanford University, Digital Media Academy is ranked as one of the ten best summer camps in the world.

Digital Media Academy is also proud to introduce Made by Girls, a new program dedicated to empowering girls and closing the gender gap in the tech industry.


Give your teen a pre-collegiate experience or build a child's confidence through project-based learning. Learn at some of the most prestigous colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada. 

Kids and teens learn computer programming, app development, 3D modeling, robotics, graphic design, filmmaking, and much more. DMA summer camps are one or multiple week experiences taught by industry experts and tech professionals. Campers get hands-on experience creating projects using the latest hardware and software from Apple, Canon, Adobe, and more. 


The DMA Experience from Digital Media Academy on Vimeo.

Save $75 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy with code TECHSUMMER. Sign up for multiple weeks and save big! Campers save $125 for each additional course they register for. Register by May 31 to #CreateTheNext best-selling app this summer!

Questions? Call 1(866)656-3342 to speak with a Guest Service Representative or email info@digitalmediaacademy.org and mention the US Family Guide Special Offer

#CreateTheNext this summer at Digital Media Academy!









Laura
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Thursday, May 7, 2015

Gorton's Seafood Smart & Crunchy Review and Giveaway #smartandcrunchy

* I am participating in a Gorton's Seafood blogger review. I was sent products for my post #ad



My family and I are fans of Gorton's Seafood. We have tried many of their new products as they come out and always enjoy them. This time we tried the new Smart & Crunchy 100% Wild Caught Alaska Pollock and oh my this has been the best on so far!! I loved the fresh taste of the fish and the crunchy batter.

I wanted to make a simple and fast meal for my family so I made green beans and jasmine rice to go with our Smart & Crunchy Fish Sticks for dinner. My son loved them and wanted more, I had to bargain that he eat rice and veggies before he could, he clear his whole plate for more fish sticks.





GORTON'S ALL NEW SMART & CRUNCHY

Always crispy, never fried, Gorton’s Smart & Crunchy Fish Sticks have 50% less fat than Gorton’s regular fish sticks and are 180 calories per serving.

Smart & Crunchy Fish Sticks & Fillets are made with 100% wild-caught Alaska Pollock.

Smart & Crunchy Fish Sticks & Fillets are breaded in a tasty panko breadcrumb that gives them a great crunch your family will love.

Gorton’s entire line has no artificial flavors, and no MSG.

Fish and seafood are natural sources of lean protein and critical nutrients like vitamins and minerals including iron; zinc; and vitamins A, B and D.

Gorton's is easy to keep in your freezer so you always have a nutritious and great-tasting meal on-hand.

I made a simple version just eating the fish sticks as they were right from the box but they can be used in many recipes. Like the Greek Salad Fish Pitas and Fish Parmesan with Pasta Primavera



You can check here for Gorton's Coupons to print for your next trip to the grocery store. 




GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive:

Two (2) full-value product coupons
One (1) adult-size and one (1) child-size Gorton's apron
Smarty Crunchman Plush Stuffy


a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 7, 2015 and ends on May 17, 2015 at 12:01 am EST. Winner will be emailed and has 72 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent a product to review for this post.




Laura
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Friday, May 1, 2015

Double Chocolate Walnut Donuts Recipe





The other day when I was at the grocery store, at my favorite coffee shop, and out running errands, I kept seeing donuts. Donuts seemed to be everywhere, but I resisted buying any, I didn't need donuts, right?

When I got home, I still wanted donuts, so I pulled out my donut pan and decided to make these delicious Double Chocolate Walnut Donuts, which I think are just as good as any bakery sells.

One of the great things I love about making donuts is that, except for the buttermilk, I always have the ingredients on hand. I used to think they would be hard to make but they aren't, in fact it's very easy.

These donuts are chocolate, with a chocolate glaze, and can be made with nuts or sprinkles, or just left plain. Either way, they taste great.


Recipe for Double Chocolate Walnut Donuts

Ingredients:

 1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze:

 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
big pinch salt
4 tablespoons whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup walnuts, chopped small

Directions:

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a donut pan with a light coating of nonstick baking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar.
In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold together until all of the ingredients are well combined. Use a small spoon to portion batter into the prepared doughnut baking pan.  Each doughnut mold should be about two-thirds full.  Bake doughnuts for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into one of the doughnuts comes out clean.  Remove from the oven.  Allow to rest for five minutes before inverting doughnuts onto a wire rack to cool completely.  Allow doughnuts to cool completely before glazing.
Repeat the baking process until all of the batter is turned into doughnuts.

 To make the glaze, in a medium bowl whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.  Add 2 tablespoons of milk and all of the vanilla extract.  Whisk to combine.  Mixture may be thick.  Add milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is thick but still pourable.
Dip each donut about halfway down into the chocolate glaze. Place on a wire rack, and then sprinkle on walnuts.
Let the donuts sit for a few minutes to settle.

Makes 10 donuts.
Patricia
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