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Antique Watering Can in the Garden

March 31, 2010 By 14 Comments

Antique watering can in garden

Antique Watering Can in the Garden

When we bought our Victorian era home, it had been in the same family since it had been built.  Although we did not find any big dollar treasures, there were odds and ends hanging about from a century of inhabitation.  This 1930′s antique watering can has certainly seen it’s share of wear and tear, but I found beauty in it it’s beat down appearance, and have planted something in it each of the past few years.  The shabby red painted sister of this old watering can,  actually lives in my kitchen.  I had to rescue her before my dumpster loving husband threw her out.

I also have some antique marbles we dug up while gardening displayed in the garden, as well.  What antique finds do you display in your garden?

Filed Under: Garden Tagged With: ,

Designer Holistic Jewelry for Mother and Child

March 31, 2010 By 153 Comments

jizo on a rock

Last week, I received some pieces from a new holistic jewelry line, designed by Valerie Johns.  Valerie a psychotherapist and artist, was inspired by the Buddhist figures of Jizo, during her time in Japan.  Jizo is one of the four primary bodhisattvas, “enlightened teachers”, and is considered a protector of children, both genuine and inner, as well as , travelers.  Out of Valerie’s contemplation of Jizo, she developed her vision of Chibi.  Chibi means “little one” in Japanese, and represents the childlike qualities we all possess, not just real-life youngsters.

Chibi Earrings

Chibi Earrings

As you can see from my description above, the figure of Jizo, has much in common with all mothers.  We are the protectors and teachers of our children.  They in turn play the role of Chibi, reminding us of the playfulness, that we sometimes forget.

The jewelry line is available on the JizoandChibi.com website, along with several other related products.  I was sent the large Jizo in silver (as seen above) and the small Chibi in gold (similar to earrings to the right) for this review.  Jizo is solid sterling silver, with a brushed surface.  He is rather a cute little fellow, and the story behind him makes him even more charming.  The small Chibi is gold over sterling, and will go to my daughter.  She exhibits the spirit of Chibi more than anyone else I know… adult or child.

jizo pendant

Each piece comes in a small shimmering mesh bag and yellow box, with the Jizo & Chibi logo.   The line ranges from small silver pendants to a  large sitting Jizo in vermeil, and any would make a lovely Mother’s Day gift.

Disclosure: product sample provided for the purpose of review.  All opinions presented here are my own.

Mother’s Day Gift Giveaway (closed)

.Congratulations to Kristi C. the confirmed winner!

Filed Under: Reviews & Giveaways, Women Tagged With: ,

Sometimes a Scented Candle is all I Need

March 29, 2010 By 8 Comments

There are times after my daughter falls asleep, and my work is done… or not.  When I just want a little quiet and solitude.  Just to let my mind clear out.  Light a scented candle, cut the lights, shut off  TV and radio, and simply be.

These moments tend to not last very long.  There is always something I should be doing, and thoughts of the to-do list shoulder their way in, after a brief spell.  No matter how short, these tiny respites seem to rejuvenate, and keep me going.

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Filed Under: Misc.

Pork Chow Mein Recipe | Easy Pork Chow Mein Recipe Using Tenderloin

March 28, 2010 By 8 Comments

This pork chow mein recipe makes a nice big batch of chow mein.  We simply eat it with chow mein noodles.  My family loves this easy home made version of Chinese take-out, so it goes pretty quick  .  Leftovers are great for a light, but nutritious lunch, with no worries about MSG, because it it home cooked.  It is one of our favorite family recipes, and you will find this pork chow mein recipe is very easy to make.

pork_chow_mein_recipe

Pork Chow Mein Recipe | Easy Pork Chow Mein Recipe Using Tenderloin
5.0 from 1 reviews
Print
Recipe type: Entree
Author: Robin Gagnon
Prep time: 7 mins
Cook time: 8 mins
Total time: 15 mins
Serves: 4-6
It is easy to make your own chow mein.
Ingredients
  • 1 pork tenderloin
  • 1 med. sweet onion
  • 1/2 a small head of green cabbage
  • 12 oz. bag of mung bean sprouts
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tbs + 1/2 tsp corn starch
  • 1 tbs soy sauce
  • canola oil
  • sesame oil (optional)
  • Ready made Chow Mein Noodles
Instructions
  1. Drizzle approx. 2 tbs. of canola oil in a large flat bottom skillet, or wok. Put on Med-high heat.
  2. While pan is heating chop onions & cabbage. Add to pan as ready. Stir frequently.
  3. Begin slicing pork tenderloin. Use a very sharp knife to get thin pork slices (put it in freezer for about a half hour beforehand to stiffen if necessary).
  4. Once cabbage is softened, set the cabbage & onions aside in a large bowl.
  5. Saute the bean sprouts over med. heat, just until stiffness relaxes, then dump them in the bowl with the rest.
  6. Lightly cook the pork, just until rawness is gone. Add it to the bowl.
  7. Drizzle some sesame oil over the bowl contents. (optional)
  8. Whisk broth, soy sauce and cornstarch together, in med. bowl.
  9. Heat over med-high heat, until thickened.
  10. Add the cooked pork & veggies, while stirring the chow mein to coat.
  11. If your chow mein gravy is a little to thick, add water, a couple tbs. at a time. If too thin, whisk a 1/2 tsp of corn starch in a little water, push chow mein to sides and whisk sauce while cooking.
  12. Serve the homemade pork chow mein over premade noodles, and/or rice. Enjoy.
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chopped vegetables for pork chow meinpork sliced for chow mein recipe

Prepping the meat and vegetables for the chow mein.

 

This is a personally developed Pork Chow Mein recipe.

Filed Under: Food, Recipes Tagged With: ,

Giveaway: Carrabba’s Italian Grill Gift Card

March 26, 2010 By

Carrabba’s is currently running a promotion called “Viaggi del Gusto Passports”.  It will help visitor’s to sample a wide variety of  tastes, from native Italian cuisine..

The Passport offers complimentary dishes and discounts which provide a culinary tour through Italy including:

  • Limoncello Bread Pudding & a quartino of wine hailing from Tuscany
  • Bruschette or Calamari representing Sardinia
  • 20% discount on carry-out (in case you want to enjoy Italy right at home!)

When you visit the restaurant, simply request a passport, but hurry the promotion ends on April 15th.

Be sure to visit the Carrabba’s Italian Grill website  and enter to win their current sweepstakes.  The prize is a fantastic tasting trip through Italy.  Now that sounds like a lot of fun.  http://carrabbasjourneysoftaste.com/

Disclaimer: Gift card for this giveaway provided by Carrabba’s

Giveaway

Carrabba’s Italian Grill has kindly offered to send the winner of this giveaway, a $25 gift certificate to use at one of their restaurants.

Mandatory Entry: The Carrabba’s brothers take great pride in the Italian family heritage behind their cooking.  Tell me about a dish that brings up some great feelings about your family heritage.

For additional entries:

  • Follow this blog via email or RSS
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect
  • Follow @TwiMommi on Twitter, and tweet this giveaway (up to one time per day)
  • Fan Carrabba’s on Facebook .
  • Fan Blommi on Facebook.
  • For 3 Entries! Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post (be sure to leave 3 separate comments)

One winner will be selected from all valid entries, using random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn.  Contest ends Wednesday,  April 7, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST.  Open to US residents , age 18+.

Congratulations to Deb C., the confirmed winner!

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Filed Under: Food & Beverage, Reviews & Giveaways Tagged With:

PBS Earth Day Kids Contest

March 24, 2010 By 1 Comment

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, The Design squad on PBS Kids Go! is Is running a nationwide competition for 5-19 year olds.  It is called the 2010 Trash to Treasure competition, and kids will be challenged to recycle, reuse and re-engineer everyday materials that may have ended out in the landfill otherwise.   The contest actually launches on April 5th, so you get a little extra time to brainstorm, since I gave you an early heads up.

Here is a video of last year’s winner:

There will be three categories for youngsters to compete in: Mobility moves things or people, Environmental helps protect the environment and Playfun stuff to use indoors or out.  Inventions must include at least two re-purposed materials.  Kids can submit sketches, photos or design plans right online, and it is not a requirement that the actual item be built by the entrant.

The 3 winners  will receive a trip to Boston, to build their invention with the help of the team from Design Squad.  The process and their prototype will be featured nationally on the Design squad PBS program.  In addition, the top 25 invention submissions will be posted on the Design Squad website.

For full rules and to for your child to enter visit: http://pbskids.org/designsquad/contest/index.html

Disclaimer:  I really don’t have anything to disclaim.  WGBH had given me the heads up that this contest was going to launch soon, and I thought it was interesting.

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Filed Under: Misc. Tagged With: ,

Mirror, Mirror

March 24, 2010 By 21 Comments

I get the feeling I am in for big trouble.

toddler looking into mirror

toddler with mirror

Filed Under: Misc. Tagged With: ,

Snack Taxi Reusable Sandwich Bags: Review

March 23, 2010 By

reusable fabric snack bags

I recently got to try out some of Snack Taxi’s line of eco-friendly reusable food storage bags, for review.  I received a sandwich bag, snack bag, napkin and produce bag.  The reusable sandwich & snack bags only differed in size.  They are cotton fabric on the outside and are lined with nylon, which is coated with polyurethane, on the side which does not touch the food.  The pouches are fastened with velcro closures. The napkin is a double sided with complimentary patterns, so it can mix and  match with the other items in the product line readily.  The produce bag is a large nylon fabric sack, which can handle a pretty hefty amout of fruits or veggies. Just the thing to bring along to the farmers market to protect your more delicate purchases.

As you can see in the pictures, SnackTaxi products come in a wide array of fabric patterns, but what you see here is just the tip of the iceberg.  They offer everything from kitschy, to feminine, to classic,  to “guy” themes.  There is a pattern for everyone.

reusable food storage bags

When the time comes to wash your Snack Taxi bags, no worries.  They can be hand washed and left out to air dry, for maximum lifespan, or in the washer & dryer for convenience.  If your Snack Taxi sacks get especially gooped up, it is suggested you fill them with hot water and let them soak for a little while before washing.  In my opinion, they seem quite durable and should last a significant amount of time, whichever cleaning method you select.

These will work great for my daughter’s lunch, when she starts preschool, in a couple months.  Using these 4 days a week will certainly cut back on our plastic bag waste.

Disclosure: While I received a sample for review, the opinions presented here are my own.  No monetary compensation was given.

Giveaway is closed, congratulations to Heather, the confirmed winner!

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Household, Reviews & Giveaways Tagged With: ,

Spring Greening Series Kicks Off

March 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

My Spring Greening series starts now.  As a former green blogger, this will be a fun series for me.  It will feature eco-friendly products & information, as well as, spring cleaning and gardening.   The Spring Greening series will run now through Earth Day.

If you would like your green product featured in a review and or giveaway in this series, contact me via the PR page.

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Filed Under: Misc. Tagged With: , ,
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