A Nut in a Nutshell

Walking on Eggs

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:13:00 +0000

Yesterday I took my car in for an oil change at the dealer.

So I'm sitting there in the waiting room and a service clerk comes out to give the bad news to some Cadillac contessa.

I tried not to listen but she had that arrogant Thurston Howell III voice and it permeated my protective devices.

He told her about these most ridiculously unnecessary repairs totally $6000, and she droned on and on with her questions.

He sold his bill of baloney. She bought it.

When he came up to me and asked if I was the owner of my car, I said, "I don't want you to talk to me. You bring bad tidings. Send someone else who bears news of great joy."

But ma'am..

No, I'm serious. I need good news today.

Ma'am.

Please. I can't take it.

Ma'am? Your car is ready. The keys are in it and it's waiting by the desk.

Oh.

Nature Made SAM-e Boosts My Mood {Review and Giveaway}

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:12:00 +0000

I am no stranger to Nature Made SAM-e because I'm no stranger to depression.

SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound in the body, but not all bodies make it in the same levels, so it can be taken as a dietary supplement.

It's best known for helping to restore a healthy mood. And that's why I take it.

It doesn't work on day one. You have to take it for a while, so it builds up in the body. The first time I tried it, by the end of the first month, I was regularly feeling more upbeat.

Is it a miracle worker? Absolutely not. It helps, but it is not a cure. For me, it's worth it. I like the extra "sunny" I feel when I take it, but it may or may not have the same type of effect for you.

And it's expensive, at least for my budget, so watch for sales. My drugstore does a BOGO sale about once a month, and that helps a lot!

Buy It! You'll find Nature Made SAM-e readily available at drugstores and mass retail stores near you.

Win It! One lucky reader will win a 3-month supply of Nature Made SAM-e, reusable water bottle, and a journal.

GIVEAWAY RULES

REQUIRED ENTRY: Visit Nature Made and tell me something you learned about SAM-e not mentioned in the review.

(You must include your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile, or you will not be eligible to win.)

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(Optional extra entries:)(After you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these extra entry options as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

~Follow me publicly on google friend connect - 1 entry

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~~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet) copy and paste the following:

Win a 3 month supply of Nature Made SAM-e, water bottle, and journal! at A Nut in a Nutshell #giveaway http://bit.ly/ap3yMx

~Enter any of my active giveaways (listed in right sidebar) - 1 entry each

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~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)

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You have until 10 pm EST on August 10, 2010 to enter. 1 lucky winner will be randomly selected. I will email the winners and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or a new winner will be chosen. Entering this giveaway means you are in agreement with this blog's Terms of Use policy. Open to US residents. Good luck!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Nature Made and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review.

Polyester Foaming at the Mouth - W/W

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:46:00 +0000

Sometimes one bite just isn't enough.

Herman T's BBQ Sauce {Review and Giveaway}

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:44:00 +0000

My mom served food with no sauces, no seasonings, no flavor, and it wasn't until I was out on my own that I realized how good food could be.

And I sure do love BBQ sauce! So I was happy to test out Herman T's BBQ sauce, which is a dry mix, something completely new to me.

Herman T's sauce originated from his grandfather's 1950's recipe and was so popular with friends and family that he began to sell it to the public. It's gotta be good, right?

I am not one to enjoy slaving over a hot stove, so I was more than happy to see how easy it was to make the sauce.

Whisk together 1/2 cup catsup, 1/2 cup water, and one tablespoon of dry mix in a saucepan. Heat to a boil, and you've got yourself some ready-to-eat sauce.

I mixed up the regular sauce and the spicy sauce so as to do a taste comparison.

First I tasted the mild sauce and then I tasted the spicy sauce. Honestly, I really couldn't tell that much of a difference between the two, maybe just the slightest bit more heat with the spicy.

I thought both of them had a slightly sweet flavor, and the catsup taste was quite noticeable. That's not a bad thing, but I would have preferred the spice to overtake the catsup flavor. I might experiment next time and add a bit more dry mix than it calls for.

I really liked whipping up a sauce that's fresh not bottled, and knowing that it contains no chemicals or MSG makes me feel good about eating it and serving it.

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Buy It! You can purchase the BBQ sauce for $7.95 or 2/$15 right at Herman T's.

Win It! One lucky reader will win a 2-pack of (mild and spicy) Herman T's BBQ sauce!

GIVEAWAY RULES

REQUIRED ENTRY: Visit Herman T's and tell me something you found interesting other than what was mentioned in the review.

(You must include your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile, or you will not be eligible to win.)

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(Optional extra entries:)(After you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these extra entry options as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

~Follow @HermanTsBBQ on twitter - 1 entry (leave username)

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~Follow me on twitter @blueviolet - 1 entry (leave username)

~~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet) copy and paste the following:

Win a 2-pack of Herman T's BBQ sauce - no chemicals, no MSG! - Enter at A Nut in a Nutshell #giveaway http://bit.ly/a61lxg

~Enter any of my active giveaways (listed in right sidebar) - 1 entry each

~Add my blog url to your text blog roll - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

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~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)

~Join my Blog Frog community - 2 entries (contribute and you get 3 entries) 1x per giveaway

You have until 10 pm EST on August 9, 2010 to enter. 1 lucky winner will be randomly selected. I will email the winners and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or new winners will be chosen. Entering this giveaway means you are in agreement with this blog's Terms of Use policy. Open to US residents. Good luck!

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Family Review Network on behalf of Herman T's and received products necessary to facilitate my honest review.

Do You Mom Like Your Mom Mommed?

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:42:00 +0000

I love my mom dearly but she was not at all the kind of mom I ever wanted to be.

She never played with us. Ever.

She was always cooking or cleaning or running errands.

And she was often a bit short-tempered.

I know she loved us, but she didn't ooze the love, ya know?

When I had my own kids, I was totally different. I didn't try to be different. I just was.

I played with my kids. I came up with all kinds of creative activities we could do together, crafts, games, songs, you name it.

And I was and am a hugger and a lover, and they knew it and they know it.

They really never had a choice about it. I loved 'em up good.

Even now, my 19-year old son gets hugs from me every day. Sometimes he comes to me to get them (don't tell anyone), sometimes he reluctantly lets me have them, and sometimes I literally chase him around the house to get them.

I'm nowhere near a perfect mom, but I do ooze the love.

Gorton's Seafood {Review and Giveaway}

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:40:00 +0000

I honestly thought frozen fish were pretty much still like the dreaded fish sticks served to me on a plastic lunch tray back in elementary school.

I had no idea they had evolved into such a wide variety of delicious seafood options.

I guess I should have trusted the Gorton's fisherman.

Gorton's Seafood has everything! They do have the classic (albeit much better) classic breaded fish sticks and fillets, but they surprised me by having grilled tilapia and salmon fillets.

And that is exactly how they piqued my interest once again! Flame-grilled and lightly seasoned, the variety I chose has just 80 calories and a mere 2.5 grams of fat per fillet.

Plus, they are a great source of Omega 3's!

So I baked the Signature Grilled Tilapia Fillets (took a mere 20 minutes in the oven) and I served it to the seafood lover in my home - my man-child.

And he loved it, absolutely loved it! And I felt good about serving him a healthy meal.

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Check out that Gorton's July Grilled Giveaway button on my sidebar and enter to win! You could win an Apple iPad or one of 1000 free product coupons this month. Hurry the month's almost over!

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Buy It! Gorton's frozen seafood is readily available at a grocery store near you. Check it out!

Win It! Five (5) lucky readers will each receive two free product coupons for any Gorton's frozen seafood item.

GIVEAWAY RULES

REQUIRED ENTRY: Visit Gorton's website and tell me which seafood variety you would most like to try.

(You must include your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile, or you will not be eligible to win.)

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(Optional extra entries:)(After you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these extra entry options as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

~ "Like" Gorton's Seafood on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

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~~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet) copy and paste the following:

Enter to win the Gorton's Seafood giveaway - 5 winners at A Nut in a Nutshell #giveaway http://bit.ly/dafdBb

~Enter any of my active giveaways (listed in right sidebar) - 1 entry each

~Add my blog url to your text blog roll - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Add my button to your blog - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)

~Join my Blog Frog community - 2 entries (contribute and you get 3 entries) 1x per giveaway

You have until 10 pm EST on August 8, 2010 to enter. 5 lucky winners will be randomly selected. I will email the winners and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or new winners will be chosen. Entering this giveaway means you are in agreement with this blog's Terms of Use policy. Open to US residents. Good luck!

I received product coupons in order to facilitate the review. No other compensation was received. This post is based on my own honest opinions and experiences.

Don't Leave Me Lookin' That Way

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:42:00 +0000

When my daughter was 3 years old, she had a lot of play dates and I remember one in particular. Just the pick-up actually.

Her mom came to the door and she thanked me profusely for hosting the little girly gigglefest that day.

But, she was looking at me so oddly the entire time we were talking. Skeezin' me out, I gotta tell ya.

When she left, I decided to look in the mirror just to see if there was anything that was possibly worth staring at.

Well, yes. Yes, there was.

A speckle of spinach nested comfortably in the toothy forefront of my visage.

Would you tell me? Tell me you'd tell me.

Bingo's Big Adventure! {Review and Giveaway}

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:39:00 +0000

Meet Bingo, a most curious cat. He's a rather new addition to the farm, and there's so much to see! In Bingo's Big Adventure,we get to follow the fun as he explores his new home.

There are things to be tasted and touched, and there are other animals to meet. Bingo is determined to explore everything as he climbs up, on, and over things.

Bingo climbs a tree and is particularly curious about a rooster, so curious in fact, that he might get himself into a bit of trouble...

This is an absolutely darling book, perfect for ages 3-8, and is written by a friend and blogger, Julia King.

The book is filled with wonderful photos of the farm and its animal friends, and the author's gift of storytelling makes you feel as if you're right there with Bingo through it all.

You can read more about Bingo and Julia at bingoadventures.com.

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Buy It! Bingo's Big Adventure is available in both hardcover and paperback at Amazon, or directly through the Bingo's Adventure website.

Win It! Two (2) lucky readers will each win a copy of Bingo's Big Adventure signed by the author!

GIVEAWAY RULES

REQUIRED ENTRY: Visit the Bingo's Big Adventure blog and tell me something you learned about the book or its author not already mentioned here.

(You must include your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile, or you will not be eligible to win.)

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(Optional extra entries:)(After you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these extra entry options as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

~Sign Bingo's guest book - 1 entry

~Follow me publicly on google friend connect - 1 entry

~Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries - leave 2 comments w/ email address

~Follow A Nut in a Nutshell on networked blogs - 1 entry (leave username)

~"Like" A Nut in a Nutshell on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me on twitter @blueviolet - 1 entry (leave username)

~~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet) copy and paste the following:

Win an autographed copy of Bingo's Big Adventure -adorable children's book - 2 winners at A Nut in a Nutshell #giveaway http://bit.ly/cF9qQf

~Enter any of my active giveaways (listed in right sidebar) - 1 entry each

~Add my blog url to your text blog roll - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Add my button to your blog - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)

~Join my Blog Frog community - 2 entries (contribute and you get 3 entries) 1x per giveaway

You have until 10 pm EST on August 3, 2010 to enter. 2 lucky winners will be randomly selected. I will email the winners and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or new winners will be chosen. Entering this giveaway means you are in agreement with this blog's Terms of Use policy. Open to US residents. Good luck!

I received a copy of the book in order to facilitate the review. No other compensation was received. This post is based on my own honest opinions and experiences.

A Wee Bit of A Poll About Dining Room Tibble Tabbles

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 11:35:00 +0000

I swear that's what I call my table, a tibble tabble. Don't ask.

So just for fun...cuz it's not like CSN will really let me review one of their dining room tables or anything...

...but if I could, and if I had a formal dining room to put one in, I'd go for something much more modern than what I have now.

Which one would you pick?

#1

Mama likey the tibble tabbles.

But, I'm gonna have to pick something else to review. What shall it be?

We'll see, we'll see.

Breyers Smooth and Dreamy Ice Cream Treats {Review and Giveaway}

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 11:33:00 +0000

I lurve me some ice cream, and I especially like ice cream treats! Breyers has introduced Smooth and Dreamy ice cream bars and sandwiches, and I could not wait to try them out.

The best part about ice cream treats is that they're single served portions. That helps me control myself!

The store that I went to had three varieties, and silly me, Miss Cantmakeadecision, bought them all. But, chocolate has a power over me that way.

I bought these Triple Chocolate Chip ice cream bars! These were really good. The ice cream is very creamy, just like they claim, and the chocolate shell on the outside is delicious! I really liked these a lot.

It was gone way too soon. Saddy.

I also bought the vanilla fudge brownie and chocolate caramel brownie ice cream sandwiches! I find chocolate and caramel irresistible together so that was the one I tried. I have yet to try the vanilla one.

I thought it was just ok, not nearly as good as the ice cream bars. I didn't really taste the caramel and that bummed me out. I also thought the sandwich cookie was too dry. The ice cream was creamy and delicious though.

I'll be honest. I probably won't buy the ice cream sandwiches again, but I will definitely buy the ice cream bars. Those were yum to the tum!

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Buy It! You can find Breyers Smooth and Dreamy ice cream goodies at a supermarket near you!

Win It! Three (3) lucky readers will each win a coupon good for one free Breyers Smooth and Dreamy ice cream product.

GIVEAWAY RULES

REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment telling me what your favorite ice cream treat is!

(You must include your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile, or you will not be eligible to win.)

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(Optional extra entries:)(After you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these extra entry options as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

~"Like" Breyers on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow Breyers on twitter - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me publicly on google friend connect - 1 entry

~Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries - leave 2 comments w/ email address

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~"Like" A Nut in a Nutshell on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me on twitter @blueviolet - 1 entry (leave username)

~~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet) copy and paste the following:

Win Breyers Smooth and Dreamy Ice Cream Treats 3 winners! at A Nut in a Nutshell #giveaway http://bit.ly/amW57i

~Enter any of my active giveaways (listed in right sidebar) - 1 entry each

~Add my blog url to your text blog roll - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Add my button to your blog - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)

~Join my Blog Frog community - 2 entries (contribute and you get 3 entries) 1x per giveaway

You have until 10 pm EST on August 7, 2010 to enter. 3 lucky winners will be randomly selected. I will email the winners and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or new winners will be chosen. Entering this giveaway means you are in agreement with this blog's Terms of Use policy. Open to US residents. Good luck!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Breyers and received products necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Saturday Giveaway Parade 7/24

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

When listing, please include the END DATE!

Links must be directly to individual giveaways, not to your home page.
NO Affiliate Links.

I reserve the right to delete anything not respecting my rules.

Skinny Jeans on Men - Like or Not Like?

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:40:00 +0000

I'm a huge fan of skinny jeans. I even like jeggings.

For ladies. Not men.

It really boils down to the fact that I prefer some things to be left to the imagination.

I prefer all things on a man to be left to the imagination.

Truth be told, women don't really want to see it in or out of clothes.

Truth be told.

The Divvies Bakery Cookbook: No Nuts, No Eggs, No Dairy - Just Delicious! {Review and Giveaway}

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:37:00 +0000

Can you imagine a life without sweets? Me neither!

For a long time, people with food allergies had to steer clear of sweet treats, but now with wonderful cookbooks like The Divvies Bakery Cookbook, there are delicious goodies that everyone can enjoy, with or without food allergies.

All recipes are no-nut, no-egg, no-milk, and vegan. (Some are even gluten-free.)

I decided to make Divvies Famous Chocolate Cupcakes, which the author, Lori Sandler and her son, Benjamin, the inspiration for Divvies, made together on The Martha Stewart show!

They are so chocolatey and moist and flavorful and SCRUMPTIOUS!!!!

I realize they're not frosted in this photo. Oops. I'm loops.

Ohhhh! I gotta tell ya one of my favorite things about this cookbook is a section up front where she gives you all these tips and tricks.

For instance, did you know that white vinegar can be an egg substitute? And plain seltzer makes cakes light and airy?

I know...that's wackadoo and new to you, isn't it? Me too.

Wanna try a sample recipe so you can see how delicious the treats are?

Try this one for homemade fudge. It's next up at my house.

Buy It! You can purchase The Divvies Bakery Cookbook at Amazon.

Win It! Two lucky readers will each win a copy of the cookbook!

GIVEAWAY RULES

REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment telling me what your favorite baked treat is!

(You must include your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile, or you will not be eligible to win.)

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(Optional extra entries:)(After you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these extra entry options as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

~"Like" Divvies on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow Divvies on twitter - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me publicly on google friend connect - 1 entry

~Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries - leave 2 comments w/ email address

~Follow A Nut in a Nutshell on networked blogs - 1 entry (leave username)

~"Like" A Nut in a Nutshell on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me on twitter @blueviolet - 1 entry (leave username)

~~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet) copy and paste the following:

Win the Divvies Bakery Cookbook - no nuts,no eggs,no dairy - 2 winners! @ A Nut in a Nutshell #giveaway http://bit.ly/c6f1ds

~Enter any of my active giveaways (listed in right sidebar) - 1 entry each

~Add my blog url to your text blog roll - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Add my button to your blog - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)

~Join my Blog Frog community - 2 entries (contribute and you get 3 entries) 1x per giveaway

You have until 10 pm EST on August 6, 2010 to enter. 2 lucky winners will be randomly selected. I will email the winners and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or new winners will be chosen. Open to US and CAN residents. Good luck!

I received a copy of the cookbook in order to facilitate the review. No other compensation was received. This post is based on my own honest opinions and experiences.

Campbell's Chunky Soup New Recipe Ideas! & The Cooking Guy Cookbook Giveaway

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:12:00 +0000

I just discovered a tasty new way to use Chunky soup to help save money on cooking, while enjoying a terrifically tasty meal.

Sam Zien, "The Cooking Guy" has been going loco creating combinations of soups and sides to make new delicious meals. You can find over 30 of his quick and easy dinner combinations on facebook, and each meal costs less than four bucks.

Campbell's Chunky soup knows I'm a fan (raise your hands in the air for Baked Potato w/Cheddar and Bacon Bits!) so they sent me a little sample pack so I could get my own soup on.

And I did! Chunky Soup photographers can make Sirloin Burger with Country Vegetables atop mashed potatoes look awfully pretty, huh?

And here's how it looked when I was serving it up. Not as pretty, but definitely as tasty! This is one hearty, warm, and satisfying meal.

Here's the other combination they sent me to try: Beef with Country Vegetables over rice. First the Campbell's pro photo.

Now my amateur shot. I skimped on the rice, I think, but it still shows how it's a feel-good, warm and soothing meal.

Now that Chunky clued me in on the recipe possibilities, I'm going to continue to serve it for dinner like this for my son. He's picky, and he ate every single spoonful and forkful.

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I told you how Sam Zien came up with all these great ideas, right? Well, he has a new cookbook out called Awesome Recipes and Kitchen Shortcuts and I am going to give away a copy of it to one lucky reader!

GIVEAWAY RULES

REQUIRED ENTRY: Visit Chunky Soup, pick a variety that sounds delicious to you, and give me a creative idea of your own on how you could serve it (other than what was in my review)

(You must include your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile, or you will not be eligible to win.)

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(Optional extra entries:)(After you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these extra entry options as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

~"Like" Chunky Soup on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me publicly on google friend connect - 1 entry

~Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries - leave 2 comments w/ email address

~Follow A Nut in a Nutshell on networked blogs - 1 entry (leave username)

~"Like" A Nut in a Nutshell on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me on twitter @blueviolet - 1 entry (leave username)

~~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet) copy and paste the following:

Win Sam Zien, the Cooking Guy's new cookbook! @ A Nut in a Nutshell #giveaway http://bit.ly/bOLsBG

~Enter any of my active giveaways (listed in right sidebar) - 1 entry each

~Add my blog url to your text blog roll - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Add my button to your blog - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)

~Join my Blog Frog community - 2 entries (contribute and you get 3 entries) 1x per giveaway

You have until 10 pm EST on August 5, 2010 to enter. 1 lucky winner will be randomly selected. I will email the winner and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or a new winner will be chosen. Open to US residents. Good luck!

I received the above food samples and a cookbook in order to facilitate the review. No other compensation was received. This post is based on my own honest opinions and experiences.

Come With Me to the #DanceWithCaress Twitter Party!

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:08:00 +0000

Hey lovely ladies....do you want your skin to look and feel positively glamorous?

Join Caress and A Nut in a Nutshell, for a twitter party next Wednesday!

We can dish all about how to keep our skin silky, moisturized, and sexy all while enjoying fabulous fragrance!

We'll be sharing tips and tricks, and talking about the great new products from Caress, and there will be giveaways too, including autographed prizes from award-winning dancer and country singer Julianne Hough and Latin pop sensation Debi Nova.

Come tweet with me!

DANCE WITH CARESS TWITTER PARTY!

Date: Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Time: 8-9:30 PM Eastern time
Place: On twitter, tweet with #DanceWithCaress hashtag
Hosts: A Nut in a Nutshell, Caress, and RocketXL
RSVP: Leave your twitter name on the linky on this post and tweet the following:

Have you RSVP'd for the #dancewithcaress twitter party? - Wed. 7/28 8pm ET! http://bit.ly/9B2X24 Spread the word and RT!

Prizes:

Caress Whipped Soufflé product given away every 15 minutes!
Grand prize includes: 1 DVD copy of Dance With Julianne: Cardio Ballroom autographed by award winning dancer and Caress spokesperson Julianne Hough, 1 autographed CD copy of Luna Nueva by award winning recording artist and Caress spokesperson Debi Nova, 1 autographed poster of Debi Nova, and Caress Whipped Soufflé products. ARV $40

How to join the party:

Tweet during the party using the #dancewithcaress hashtag
Be sure to follow your hosts @blueviolet, @Caress, and @Rocket XL
RSVP: Leave your twitter name on the linky below and tweet the following:

Have you RSVP'd for the #dancewithcaress twitter party? - Wed. 7/28 8pm ET! http://bit.ly/9B2X24 Spread the word and RT!

I'll be there to guide the conversation, ask questions, and give away prizes, and Caress and Rocket XL will be on hand to share in the fun too!

How to tweet during a twitter party:

Use a tweet separating program (such as tweetgrid.com) which will filter all tweets using the #dancewithcaress together so you can follow them more easily.

Make sure you include the party hashmark #dancewithcaress on your tweets so that everyone at the party can see what you're tweeting!

I am not receiving any compensation for participating in this twitter party. I was asked to host and I thought it would be fun. That's it! By participating in this promotion, you are agreeing to the Terms of Use policy of this blog. Winners need to have RSVP'd and attend party.

Tuneful Tykes - W/W

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:45:00 +0000

I just love the way they were looking at each other.

Dole Summer Smoothies! {Giveaway}

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:42:00 +0000

I served up some summertime fun in the summertime sun last Saturday!

Dole asked if I wanted to have a Summer Smoothie party, and I said you betcha!

And I went trotting off to the store in search of Dole frozen fruit, and when I saw the Strawberries, Peaches, and Bananas, I knew that was it!

I was going to use a tropical smoothie recipe I found on Dole's website, but then I looked at the back of the bag and the recipe there was so easy peasy that I was sold.

Into the blender we go - 2 cups frozen fruit, 2 cups juice. (I used pineapple.)

No ice necessary, because the fruit is frozen and cold already! Sweet!

I had to mix up the yum several times to serve the whole family, but it took me about 2 minutes per batch. So not a problem.

And voila! C'est magnifique!

I asked my niece to tell me what she thought about the smoothies.
This is the result.

I love happy customers!

The best part about my summer smoothie party is that it was at my brother's house! Ha!

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Buy It! I had a heck of a time finding a grocery store who carried Dole frozen fruit, but eventually I hit Wal-Mart and they had TONS of it, so there's your secret stash store.

Win It! Five (5) lucky readers will each receive two coupons good for any Dole frozen fruit package.

GIVEAWAY RULES

REQUIRED ENTRY: Visit Dole's smoothie recipes and tell me which one sounds super scrumptious to you!

(You must include your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile, or you will not be eligible to win.)

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(Optional extra entries:)(After you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these extra entry options as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

~"Like" Dole on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me publicly on google friend connect - 1 entry

~Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries - leave 2 comments w/ email address

~Follow A Nut in a Nutshell on networked blogs - 1 entry (leave username)

~"Like" A Nut in a Nutshell on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me on twitter @blueviolet - 1 entry (leave username)

~~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet) copy and paste the following:

Win Dole frozen fruit and make delicious healthy smoothies at home! - 5 winners! @ A Nut in a Nutshell #giveaway http://bit.ly/cZDZGm

~Enter any of my active giveaways (listed in right sidebar) - 1 entry each

~Add my blog url to your text blog roll - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Add my button to your blog - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)

~Join my Blog Frog community - 2 entries (contribute and you get 3 entries) 1x per giveaway

You have until 10 pm EST on August 4, 2010 to enter. 1 lucky winner will be randomly selected. I will email the winner and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or a new winner will be chosen. Open to US residents. Good luck!

I received free product coupons and party supplies in order to facilitate the review. No other compensation was received. This post is based on my own honest opinions and experiences.

Will I Ever Get To Move?

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:38:00 +0000

The house is off the market. Temporarily.

The realtor was doing a crap job. I knew it. XXX knew it. And it was time she knew it.

Fired.

Let me count the ways in which she sucked.

Oh forget it, too many. Can't be done.

I think I'm leaving it off until I get back from BlogHer.

Why?

Because my son will be here alone while I'm gone, and things like this happen.

But when I get back...for sale. For real.

Lumby On The Air {Review and Giveaway}

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:37:00 +0000

Lumby on the Air

written by Gail Fraser

Lumby on the Air takes place as Pam and Mark Walker are about to host a family reunion to celebrate their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.

When their family begins to arrive, personalities start clashing. A rebellious teenager, an uncontrollable radio shock jock brother-in-law who won't stop poking fun at Lumby, and Mark's sister's obsession with a prize cat...it's all a giant mess!

Intermingled with the family chaos, Mark continues to entertain the reader with his constant harebrained schemes. Along with the family reunion, it's county fair week in Lumby, and Mark is convinced he can win in at least one of the fair events. Between attempting to shear sheep with a personal razor, and trying to lead a wild bull through an obstacle course, he is always hilarious.

This is the fifth book in the Lumby series, and the charm and quirkiness of the town and its residents is ever present. Lumby is the kind of place to which you'd love to escape, knowing you'd be welcomed as one of their own.

I read every book in the series back to back. The series just captured me, I loved it, and I can't wait for the next one!

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Buy It! Lumby on the Air is available at Amazon for the current price of $10.20.

Win It! One lucky reader will win a copy of Lumby on the Air!

GIVEAWAY RULES

REQUIRED ENTRY: Visit Lumby Books and tell me something you learned about the author or the book series (other than what has been mentioned in the review.)

(You must include your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile, or you will not be eligible to win.)

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(Optional extra entries:)(After you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these extra entry options as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

~Subscribe to the Simply Lumby newsletter - 1 entry

~Follow me publicly on google friend connect - 1 entry

~Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries - leave 2 comments w/ email address

~Follow A Nut in a Nutshell on networked blogs - 1 entry (leave username)

~"Like" A Nut in a Nutshell on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me on twitter @blueviolet - 1 entry (leave username)

~~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet) copy and paste the following:

Enter to win Lumby on the Air, 5th book in acclaimed Lumby series @ A Nut in a Nutshell #giveaway http://bit.ly/9MlYVW

~Enter any of my active giveaways (listed in right sidebar) - 1 entry each

~Add my blog url to your text blog roll - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Add my button to your blog - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)

~Join my Blog Frog community - 2 entries (contribute and you get 3 entries) 1x per giveaway

You have until 10 pm EST on August 3, 2010 to enter. 1 lucky winner will be randomly selected. I will email the winner and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or a new winner will be chosen. Open to US and CAN residents. Good luck!

I received a copy of the book in order to facilitate the review. No other compensation was received. This post is based on my own honest opinions and experiences.

Obliteration Served Up Grandma Style

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:37:00 +0000

My grandma was weird.

She doesn't look weird, but she had to be weird to do what she did.

She lived in a house which had an attic, and this attic had an ongoing bee problem.

And my grandma was the exterminator.

Now it was blazing hot up there, as you can imagine, and the bees were sluggish.

So my grandma found it pretty easy to kill them.

Mid-flight.

With these.

Oh yes, she did.

She cut those lazy, lethargic bumbles in half - with a pair of scissors.

Nature's Notebook {Review and Giveaway}

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:35:00 +0000

There is something singularly special about the ocean and its beaches , and the wonderful Courtney Noelle from Nature's Notebook captures its essence in her artistic photography.

Whether you choose to capture the romance of your wedding day...

Send a loving greeting to a special someone...

Create an inspirational piece of art for your home...

Remember a special vacation or trip to the beach....

Or simply create a family heirloom...

...there are so many different ways to use the beauty of the shoreline.

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Want to see what I chose?

I absolutely love how it came out. She designed it just perfectly!!!

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You can choose from a wide variety of frame styles and colors, including canvas, and you can choose from black and white or color photography. You can even design your own print!

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Buy It! You can find the above pieces of artwork and more available for purchase at Nature's Notebook!

Win It! One lucky reader will win an 8 x 10 Love print in winner's choice of color or black and white.

GIVEAWAY RULES

REQUIRED ENTRY: If you could choose one word or a short message to capture on a sandy beach, what would it be?

(You must include your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile, or you will not be eligible to win.)

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(Optional extra entries:)(After you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these extra entry options as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

"Like"Nature's Notebook on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow Nature's Notebook on twitter - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me publicly on google friend connect - 1 entry

~Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries - leave 2 comments w/ email address

~Follow A Nut in a Nutshell on networked blogs - 1 entry (leave username)

~"Like" A Nut in a Nutshell on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me on twitter @blueviolet - 1 entry (leave username)

~~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet) copy and paste the following:

WIN a Love print from Nature's Notebook! Capture the magic of the ocean and the beach @ A Nut in a Nutshell #giveaway http://bit.ly/aywRI7

~Enter any of my active giveaways (listed in right sidebar) - 1 entry each

~Add my blog url to your text blog roll - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Add my button to your blog - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)

~Join my Blog Frog community - 2 entries (contribute and you get 3 entries) 1x per giveaway

You have until 10 pm EST on August 2, 2010 to enter. 1 lucky winner will be randomly selected. I will email the winner and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or a new winner will be chosen. Open to US residents. Good luck!

I received a print of my own in order to facilitate the review. No other compensation was received. This post is based on my honest opinions and experiences.

Hefty Strong Advice for Summertime Picnics {Giveaway}

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:33:00 +0000

Hefty created this silly little video to help us make sure our summertime picnics are fun, memorable, and hassle-free events.

It's actually pretty cute, corny, and entertaining, and the tips do make good sense.

They call it Hefty Strong Advice.

My advice is simply to NOT be like the dad in the vid. What a fool!

PS. At the end, you'll find a link to a $1 off Hefty coupon!

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Win It! One lucky winner will receive two (2) FREE Hefty product coupons good for a package of any size or style plates, bowls, or cups.

GIVEAWAY RULES

REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment telling me what your favorite picnic food is!

(You must include your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile, or you will not be eligible to win.)

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(Optional extra entries:)(After you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these extra entry options as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

~"Like" Hefty on facebook - 1 entry (leave username) - get a $1 coupon while you're there

~Follow me publicly on google friend connect - 1 entry

~Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries - leave 2 comments w/ email address

~Follow A Nut in a Nutshell on networked blogs - 1 entry (leave username)

~"Like" A Nut in a Nutshell on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me on twitter @blueviolet - 1 entry (leave username)

~~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet) copy and paste the following:

Enter to win free Hefty products! @ A Nut in a Nutshell #giveaway http://bit.ly/a5jOFk

~Enter any of my active giveaways (listed in right sidebar) - 1 entry each

~Add my blog url to your text blog roll - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Add my button to your blog - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)

~Join my Blog Frog community - 2 entries (contribute and you get 3 entries) 1x per giveaway

You have until 10 pm EST on August 1, 2010 to enter. 1 lucky winner will be randomly selected. I will email the winners and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or new winners will be chosen. Open to US residents. Good luck!

I received a gift card from Hefty as a thank you for the post. No other compensation was received. This post is based on my own honest opinions and experiences.

Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes Summer Tropics Giveaway!

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:52:00 +0000

Take a trip to the tropics this month at Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes restaurants!

All month, you'll enjoy a little taste of paradise with new tropical-infused creations!

Look at this Tropical Spinach Salad with Sweet Mango - DELICIOUS!!!

But don't worry, your past menu favorites are still available...and they just might have a new tropical twist themselves!

Here's a peek at the Summer Tropics tastiness you will experience!

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Win It! Are your taste buds tingling? Good! Two (2) lucky readers will each win two dining passes for Souplantation or Sweet Tomatoes restaurants!

GIVEAWAY RULES

REQUIRED ENTRY: Visit Souplantation and tell me something from the menu you would love to try!

(You must include your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your profile, or you will not be eligible to win.)

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(Optional extra entries:)(After you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these extra entry options as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

"Like" Souplantation on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow Souplantation on twitter - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me publicly on google friend connect - 1 entry

~Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries - leave 2 comments w/ email address

~Follow A Nut in a Nutshell on networked blogs - 1 entry (leave username)

~"Like" A Nut in a Nutshell on facebook - 1 entry (leave username)

~Follow me on twitter @blueviolet - 1 entry (leave username)

~~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet) copy and paste the following:

Taste the Tropics at Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes - win 2 dining passes - 2 winners! @ A Nut in a Nutshell #giveaway http://bit.ly/dayV6I

~Enter any of my active giveaways (listed in right sidebar) - 1 entry each

~Add my blog url to your text blog roll - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Add my button to your blog - 2 entries (leave link and 2 comments)

~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)

~Join my Blog Frog community - 2 entries (contribute and you get 3 entries) 1x per giveaway

You have until 10 pm EST on July 31, 2010 to enter. 2 lucky winners will be randomly selected. I will email the winners and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or new winners will be chosen. Open to US residents. Good luck!

NEW Johnsonville Secret Code Words!

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:50:00 +0000

Have you been playing the Johnsonville Grillville game I told you about on this post?

I have! I already entered 80% of the code words in the game!

I'm totally going to win that grand prize!

And I am still going to share this week's code word with you. (They're making me, lol.)

Hurry and enter! The promotion ends Tuesday, July 20th!

This Week’s Johnsonville GRILLVILLE Secret Code Word is SAUSAGE

If you go to A Nut in a Nutshell on facebook, I have a different 5 point code posted there! Go get it!

*comments off - just go enter your code words!*

Saturday Giveaway Parade 7/17

doot65@comcast.net (blueviolet) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 02:00:00 +0000

When listing, please include the END DATE!

Links must be directly to individual giveaways, not to your home page.
NO Affiliate Links.

I reserve the right to delete anything not respecting my rules.