Worldreader

Worldreader: Vote for #worldreader to win the American Giving Awards 2012 http://bit.ly/U7DwbJ *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

Kikkoman Juicy Bird Project

Kikkoman Juicy Bird Project: Thx @KikkomanKitchen 4 my free Soy Sauce! Like them on FB for offers and recipes http://on.fb.me/PlwCPJ #JuicyBirdProject *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

Wisk® Deep Clean

Wisk® Deep Clean: Thx Wisk for my free #DeepCleanMission sample! Think your clean laundry is really clean? Think again. http://bit.ly/Sn8E6h *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

New Orajel Single Dose Cold Sore Treatment

New Orajel Single Dose Cold Sore Treatment: Thx Orajel 4 my free #SingleDose - Get a $1 off coupon Single Dose Cold Sore Treatment here! http://bit.ly/PJD6UM *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

Influenster.com new website

        I am currently a member of Influenster.com. It is a website that sends you products to test and review. They choose who gets to receive the items based on badges that you unlock, your demographics and various other things. I've only received one VoxBox from them since I signed up, but I loved the box and all the things that were in it. You can find the reviews of the products I've tried in older posts.
        Well, they have recently made some changes to their website. They have made it more hip and given more badges to earn. I have only one problem with the site itself. It is now a bit confusing to find the things you are looking for. I'm sure after a couple of days of navigating and going through all the badges to see what needs to be done to earn them, I will get more used to the new site. I do think that it is more lively, it does catch your attention more. I hope that you all will decide to check out the site. You can get to it by going to www.influenster.com. Head over there now you will love it!

Wisk® Deep Clean

Wisk® Deep Clean: Thx Wisk for my free Deep Clean sample! Like Wisk on FB for $1 coupon http://on.fb.me/O336xm #DeepCleanMission *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

Chicken Jerky

Chicken Jerky

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast tenders, sliced into strips about 1/4 to 1/8 of an inch thick
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:
Mix all the ingredients except the chicken in a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Add the chicken strips, seal the bag and ensure that all the meat gets coated with marinade. Place bag in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

Place the meat strips on dehydrator trays. Dry at 145 degrees for 5-7 hours or until completely dry (length of drying time depends on thickness of strips).

Nerf FireVision from BzzAgent

I can't wait to try the Nerf FireVision. I am getting this because I am a buzz agent with BzzAgent. I am getting this as a free product to test and tell about. In the coming weeks after I receive this, I will let you all know what I think of this product and what my kids thought. I will give prices and more info after I receive it. I hope that you will come back and see what I thought of this cool product I get to test. And as always, if you would like to test things out for yourself, you can always become a BzzAgent too, just go to bzzagent.com to apply. Thanks and talk to you soon.

How to Clean and Season Old, Rusty Cast Iron Skillets

What You Need

Materials
The end chunk of a potato (enough to be able to hold firmly)
Course salt
A rusty cast iron skillet
A little vegetable oil (canola or olive will do)
Equipment
Gloves (optional, but recommended)

Instructions

1. Place your rusty skillet in the sink and sprinkle a couple tablespoons of salt into it.
2. Take your chunk of potato and start scrubbing. The moisture from the potato will be enough to help the salt dig in to the rust.
3. The salt will get dirty very quickly. You may choose to rinse out the pan to survey your progress. If there is still rust, add more salt and repeat Step 2.
4. Continue to the sides, edges, bottom and handle of your pan.
5. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
6. Place pan on stove burner, this will help dry any remaining moisture.
7. Once dry, put a small amount of vegetable oil in the pan and rub it in with a paper towel.
8. Keep pan over low heat for at least 30 minutes.
9. Let skillet cool. Make sure to wipe off any excess oil before storing your skillet. If you leave extra oil in the pan it can turn rancid.
10. Every time you use your pan, after you've cleaned it (I never use soap, but that's up to you), put the pan on a low burner and repeat the oil and paper towel step. It's best to store your pan in the oven, but it worked much better when stoves had pilot lights that stayed on (thus keeping ambient moisture away from your pans).
Additional Notes: As I said above, I never use soap on my cast iron pans. My dad's way of cleaning was to wipe it out with a paper towel when it was still hot and then run it under some water (if needed), then put it on the stove with a bit of oil to reseason it. Many people do just fine using a mild soap and sponge, but I urge you NOT to scrub it with soap. That action will break down the seasoning you've worked so hard for. You don't want to start from scratch each time you use your pan. It would become a miserable experience and you'll hate your cast iron.

Get Rid of Ant Solution

Get Rid of Ants Solution

This is a recipe for getting rid of those pesky ants that come every spring and summer. Mix up the solution, pack cotton balls in a jar cover, put the solution on and they will be gone.

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons boric acid
3 cups warm water

Directions:
1. Mix the sugar and boric acid well.
2. Add the warm water slowly, mixing all the while so it won't be too lumpy.
3. Store in a jar until ready to use.
4. When ready to use, put cotton into the top of a jar lid to fill it and then saturate the cotton to the top.
5. Place it in the location where it is needed.
6. Note: This solution will keep for a long while. A good technique is to drip a drop or two over the edge of the lid to rest on the counter so the ants will find the solution sooner. It sometimes takes a little while for them to find it, but find it they will. When they do, do not disturb them as they drink. They will hang over the edge of the lid and drink for a while and then take it back to the nest killing the colony. Almost overnight they will be gone.

How to Tell if an Egg is Bad

How to Tell if an Egg is Bad

Place the egg into a bowl of cold water. The water level should be about 2 times higher than the egg.

Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom of the bowl and probably lie on their sides. Slightly older eggs (about ...See More

Homemade Mosquito Trap

Homemade Mosquito Trap

Materials:
2 liter bottle
glue
1 tsp yeast
1/2 cup sugar
lukewarm water

Instructions:
Cut the top off a 2 liter bottle. Invert the cone and place it inside the straight part of the bottle. Glue the two pieces together. Add 1 tsp yeast and 1/2 cup sugar to some luke warm water, and pour the mixture into the bottle. Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that you exhale. The yeast feeds off the sugar and emits the same gas, so the mosquito enters the bottle, thinking it will find food there and is trapped.

Prize Center Entry Confirmation | American Family

Prize Center Entry Confirmation | American Family

ARM & HAMMER® Plus OxiClean® Crystal Burst Detergent

ARM & HAMMER® Plus OxiClean® Crystal Burst Detergent: Thx ARM & HAMMER® for my FREE detergent! Check out their coupons! http://bit.ly/Hgmthp #CrystalPower *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

smiley360.com—Be Heard. Be Happy.

smiley360.com—Be Heard. Be Happy.

Hey everyone!

I'm sorry that I haven't posted much lately, it's been a busy month. I had one child graduate high school and another graduate kindergarten. I ended up getting sick so I've been down for awhile. I have a memorial this weekend for my father that I have to go to,so as soon as all of this stuff is over I should be able to start posting more. Thanks for sticking with me.

New and Improved Vaseline® Total Moisture®

New and Improved Vaseline® Total Moisture®: Thx @VaselineBrand 4 my free #TotalMoisture! Click 4 a chance 2 claim yours http://on.fb.me/HhJ2E7 limited supply *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

ARM & HAMMER® Sensitive Toothpaste

ARM & HAMMER® Sensitive Toothpaste: Thx ARM & HAMMER(R) 4 my free product! Get your free sample of Sensitive Toothpaste http://bit.ly/wT0KE7 *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

Just For Men® AutoStop

Just For Men® AutoStop: Thx Just For Men 4 my free sample! Receive a coupon for $3 off! http://bit.ly/xuSVYz #SmileyMission *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

Operation Smile

Operation Smile: This April Like Operation Smile on Facebook and SwimWays will donate $2 per Like http://on.fb.me/IKxw0E #OperationSmiley360 *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

Palmolive Fresh Sponge Dishwashing Liquid

Palmolive Fresh SpongeTM dishwashing liquid has a unique dual-action formula designed to wash away odor causing residue from sponges and clean dishes to a sparkling shine. Both dishes and sponge are left smelling freshly cleaned.

Product Details:
·       Cleans dishes
·       Freshens sponges
·       Tough on Grease, Soft on Hands®

Where to Buy

The suggested retail price of Palmolive Fresh SpongeTM is $3.29 for a 25oz. bottle. It is available in most grocery stores, and mass retailers like Walmart and Target. 

I absolutely love this stuff. It saved me some money when it came to buying a new sponge and it smells great. I received this as a free full size sample from Influenster.com and I will be buying more.

Operation Smile

Operation Smile: This April Like Operation Smile on Facebook and SwimWays will donate $2 per Like http://on.fb.me/IKxw0E #OperationSmiley360 *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

Just For Men® AutoStop

Just For Men® AutoStop: Thx Just For Men 4 my free sample! Receive a coupon for $3 off! http://bit.ly/xuSVYz #SmileyMission *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

Just For Men® AutoStop

Just For Men® AutoStop: Thx Just For Men 4 my free sample! Receive a coupon for $3 off! http://bit.ly/xuSVYz #SmileyMission *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

Homemade Butter Recipe

Butter is one of those really simple foods to make — once you do it once you've got it down pat. The goal is to completely separate the fat from liquid that's bound together in the heavy cream.

Start out the same way you would making whipped cream from scratch by pouring your heavy cream into the stand mixer and placing on a low setting to start (no measurement necessary, just use what you've got on hand). If you haven't made homemade whipped cream before, you're about to learn how in this recipe as well!

As the cream begins to thicken a little, you need to crank up the speed to a steady medium. Here's where it gets fun — after about 5 minutes of steady mixing you will begin to see the soft peaks of homemade whipped cream form before your eyes:

If you were making whipped cream, this is the point in time where you would incorporate sugar to taste and call it a done deal, but we're making butter here people — so keep on beating!

Speed the setting on up and the soft cream peaks will thicken and firm up into what looks like white butter, but trust me, keep on going...

That thick creamy texture is going to begin to break down into little granules:

Now just as you begin to think your butter fat is never going to separate from the liquid, all the little granules bind together in the whisk and the liquid will start splashing up from the mixer — go ahead and turn the speed down at this point. This is where your butter will begin to change over to yellow in color.

Turn the mixer off and strain the butter through a sieve — reserving the buttermilk if you so choose. Make sure to press out as much of the liquid from the butter as possible.

Rinse your butter under cold water, continuing to press and knead to get rid of excess buttermilk. You should now have a healthy handful of good old fashioned butter!

This is the point where the possibilities for your freshly made butter come into play:

• Leave as is and use a completely natural spread on everything from fresh bread to a healthy dollop on top of a big steak.
• Incorporate salt to taste if you like salted butter (we did and went with about 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt).
• Instead of salt, infuse with blends of herbs to create herb butter.
• Infuse with garlic to make a garlic butter spread.
• Incorporate chipotles into the butter and freeze then slice — these come into play for steaks again.
• Add honey and whisk together quickly to form a thick whipped honey butter. This go round, we kept things simple by adding a touch of salt and spreading on a fresh piece of bread — so good.

Jello Shots

JellO-Shots......." Cut an Orange (or lemon or lime) in HALF and gut it. Mix the jello shot (1 cup hot water, box jello, 1 cup various liquors), stir till dissolved, then add the jello mix to the half shell and refrigerator for 3 hours or more. Once solid, slice and serve!"

Homemade Shampoo Recipe

     Homemade Shampoo Recipe

Step 1: Basic

For normal hair, or as a base to add your own scents, use

·         ¹/₄ cup distilled water

·         ¹/₄ cup liquid Castile Soap - I use unscented, but you can choose your favorite

·         ¹/₂ teaspoon jojoba, grapeseed, or other light vegetable oil

Mix together all the ingredients. Store in a bottle. Shake before use.
This mixture isn't as thick as commercial shampoos - you'll need to just tilt the bottle over your head.
I am really impressed with how much lather I get from it though!

Step 2: Stimulate

To wake up your scalp and your senses, try tea tree and peppermint oil!
This one's my personal favorite, and the one I use daily. It's so refreshing!

Combine

·         ¹/₄ cup distilled water

·         ¹/₄ cup liquid Castile Soap - I use unscented, but you can choose your favorite

·         2 tsp jojoba oil

·         ¹/₈ tsp peppermint ess oil

·         ¹/₈ tsp tea tree ess. oil

Mix all ingredients, then add ¹/₄ cup distilled water
Store in a bottle. Use as you would any shampoo, rinse well.

Step 3: Quench

For dry hair, try this:

·         ¹/₄ cup distilled water

·         ¹/₄ cup liquid Castile Soap - your favorite scent

·         ¹/₄ cup aloe vera gel

·         1 teaspoon glycerin

·         ¹/₄ teaspoon avocado oil or jojoba oil

Mix together all the ingredients. Store in a bottle and always shake well before using.

Apply to hair and allow to sit for a few minutes. Rinse well with cool water.

Step 4: Soothe

Chamomile makes this 'poo a calming treat. Chamomile also has natural lightening properties, so combine this with lemon juice if you want to lighten your hair!

·         1 cup distilled water

·         1 cup castille soap - try Lavender!

·         6 chamomile tea bags

·         1 ¹/₂ tablespoons glycerin

Steep the teabags in 1 cup of boiled water for 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard. Add castille soap to the tea. Stir in glycerin until well blended. Keep in a dark, cool place in a sealed bottle.

Step 5: De-Flake

Dandruff can affect many different people in every age group. Dandruff can manifest as either very dry and flaky scalp or very oily scalp with flakes. Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is not caused by a dry scalp or from improper hair care. It can be caused by increased oil production, hormonal fluctuations, stress, and illness.

To banish a flaky scalp, try this simple recipe:

·         ¹/₄ cup distilled water

·         ¹/₄ cup liquid Castile Soap

·         ¹/₂ teaspoon jojoba, grapeseed, or other light vegetable oil

·         1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

·         3 tablespoons apple juice

·         6 finely ground cloves

In a small grinder or blender, mix all ingredients on low for 30 seconds.

Wet the hair with warm water and shampoo the mixture into the hair well. Rinse with warm water.

Cover and refrigerate leftovers. Discard after 3 days!

Step 6: Shine

Fragrant and lively, try this recipe to add shine to your hair
.

·         ¹/₄ cup distilled water

·         ¹/₄ cup liquid Castile Soap - try Lemon!

·         2 Tbsp dried rosemary

·         2 Tbps sweet almond oil

·         ¹/₄ t lemon essential oil or fragrance oil

Boil distilled water, add rosemary and steep until fragrant.
Strain leaves and let cool. Mix all ingredients and add to water and stir well.
Store in a bottle. Use as you would any shampoo, rinse well.

Step 7: Rejuvenate

This is a great shampoo for any hair type.

·        ¹/₄ cup distilled water

·         ¹/₄ cup liquid Castile Soap - I use unscented, but you can choose your favorite

·         ¹/₂ teaspoon jojoba, grapeseed, or other light vegetable oil

·         3 tbsp rosemary

·         1 tbsp lemongrass

·         2 tsp tea tree oil

·         ¹/₂ tsp vanilla extract

Boil distilled water, add rosemary and and lemongrass (in tea strainer if you have it) and steep until fragrant (about 20-30 minutes)..
Strain leaves and let cool. Mix all ingredients and add to water and stir well.

Mix the tea tree oil and vanilla into the water. Add soap.

Store in a bottle. Use as you would any shampoo, rinse well.

Step 8: Yummy

I can't resist the alluring smell of this luxurious shampoo.

·         ¹/₄ cup distilled water

·         ¹/₄ cup liquid Castile Soap - I use unscented, but you can choose your favorite

·         2 tsp jojoba oil

·         10 drops vanilla fragrance oil

·         10 drops coconut fragrance oil

Mix together all the ingredients. Store in a bottle. Use as you would any shampoo, rinse well.
Dry not to drink this one. It smells to good. . .

Step 9: Dry

This is a great in-between treatment for hair, if you're helping someone who can't wash their hair on their own, or for removing dirt and oil from the hair when fresh water in unavailable

·         ¹/₄ cup oatmeal

·         1 tsp crushed lavender or other fragrant herb

·         1 tsp baking soda

Grind these together with mortar and pestle, small grinder, or place in a baggie and crush with a rolling pin.

Sprinkle enough of the mixture to cover all hair, and massage for five minutes before it it brushed out

This could be made in bulk and stored in a cool, dry environment.