Saturday, July 30, 2011

Pear Tree Greetings (July Giveaway)

Pear Tree Greetings has just introduce their new baby line!  They are all so cute, they almost make me want to get pregnant again, just so I can use them!


For all you Moms-to-be, tell Pear Tree Greetings how you announced you were expecting to family and friends. Did you do it in a funny, touching or memorable way? You could win $1,000! Get the details here.

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Pear Tree Greetings is giving one my readers $25 to spend on anything in the Pear Tree Greetings store!

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Enter to win (mandatory)
Tell me what you would use the $25 on at Pear Tree Greetings!

Additional Entries:
1) Share this giveaway on Facebook
2) Tweet “Enter to win $25 to @PearTreeGrtngs from @JustAnotherMM at www.justanothermomday.blogspot.com
3) Follow my blog

Giveaway ends August 9, 2011 at 11:59pm Central time.  Winner will be choosen via random.org and announced on here.  Winner will have 24 hours to respond. 

(Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post but am a Pear Tree Pearista.)

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Blueberry Boy Bait


I mentioned earlier that we went blueberry picking over the weekend.  It rained while we were there, but we still managed to get 15 pounds of blueberries....and I probably ate about 10 lbs while we were there. Now comes my favorite part.  Using them.  Of course my favorite food blog Smitten Kitchen had this amazing recipe for Blueberry Boy Bait.  The name sold me.  I instantly whipped this little cake together and ended up with something so delicious and buttery that I could have eaten the whole cake tonight.  Instead I am restraining myself and sharing this must make recipe with you.

You are probably asking...."What kind of name is Blueberry Boy Bait?"  Well I'll tell you.  In 1954 a 15 year old girl won second place in the junior division of a local bake off with a variation of this recipe.   She named it, after the effect it had on boys.  Brilliant.  Try it, and I think you'll agree.     

p.s. after 1000 attempts at taking photos of the finished product, I borrowed Smitten Kitchen's.  Her pictures are always amazing. 

Blueberry Boy Bait 
from Smitten Kitchen

2 cups plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon table salt
16 tablespoons unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (if frozen, do not defrost first as it tends to muddle in the batter)

Topping
1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (do not defrost)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon


For the cake: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 13 by 9-inch baking pan.
Whisk two cups flour, baking powder, and salt together in medium bowl. With electric mixer, beat butter and sugars on medium-high speed until fluffy, about two minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just incorporated and scraping down bowl. Reduce speed to medium and beat in one-third of flour mixture until incorporated; beat in half of milk. Beat in half of remaining flour mixture, then remaining milk, and finally remaining flour mixture. Toss blueberries with remaining one teaspoon flour. Using rubber spatula, gently fold in blueberries. Spread batter into prepared pan.

For the topping:
Scatter blueberries over top of batter. Stir sugar and cinnamon together in small bowl and sprinkle over batter. Bake until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan 20 minutes, then turn out and place on serving platter (topping side up). Serve warm or at room temperature. (Cake can be stored in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.)

blog designers.... little help please

I want to redesign my blog a bit.  Problem is, I don't know how to do everything when it comes to this.  Anyone out there design blogs or know of someone that designs blogs.  I just need a few things changed. 


Thank you!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Wordless(ish) Wednesday...Blueberries

Sunday we drove up to Michigan and went blueberry picking.  It rained.  But we still got plenty of blueberries.


Tuesday, July 26, 2011

News

So I have been kind of missing in action lately.  Some of it is becuase I have been busy swimming, going to the park, on walks, etc.  I am trying to spend as much time as possible with Jack before school starts.  Speaking of school...that's my other news.  I got a new job!   I will still be teaching but in a great suburban district.  This is my dream job.  So I have been busy interviewing, and getting all my things together for this new job.  I am sorry for the lack of posts, but I am back.  I promise.  Starting tomorrow...today we are off to Milwaukee to see the Cubs take on the Brewers.  Go Cubbies!!!!!!!

 

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Key Lime Pie

This post does not need a fancy title, or fancy pictures or fancy anything really.  In fact my pictures don't look nearly as good as this dessert tastes. 

I first fell in love with Key Lime Pie my frist time visiting Key West.  I have never been a lemon or lime lover, so I was hesitant to try this dessert.  One bite and I was hooked.  I now make this in the Summer, regulary.  In fact, I make this in the Winter reguarly too.  While the picture may look pretty "blah", the taste is not....it's like a vacation in your mouth.  And like they say ....Key Lime Pie should NEVER be green.

This recipe is easier than counting to ten.  It the perfect last minute desesert and requires almost no ingredients.  I have tried many Key Lime Pie recipes, but always come back to this one.
Nellie & Joe's Recipe.  It's on the back of their Key Lime Juice bottle...and it's also listed below.  This recipe calls for a graham cracker crust, but when I'm feeling a bit crazy I make it with a strore bought Oreo Crust.  Perfection.

Nellie & Joe's Key Lime Pie
9" graham cracker pie crust (or Oreo)
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yolks (whites not used)
1/2 cup Nellie & Joe's Key Lime Juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine milk, egg yolks and lime juice.  Blend until smooth.  Pour filling into pie shell and back for 15 minutes.  Allow to stand 10 minutes before refrigerating.  Goes great topped with freshly whipped cream.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Wordless(ish) Wednesday...Starbucks Edition

One of our favorite things to do in the mornings is go to Starbucks. I have my mocha, and Jack has his water with a straw.  What I love most about it is that he thinks this logo below, is me.  Everytime we go to Starbucks he says "look...Mama!!!"  I wish....




Speaking of Starbucks, enter to win my 100 "like" giveaway.  Click  the link at the top of the page to enter!

Monday, July 18, 2011

100...and a fireman!

I will call this Summer....."The Summer of Not Posting". 

I am have been bad on the posting this summer.  Mostly because Jack and I are spending every second playing, walking, swimming, eating....and when he naps, I clean.

Summer is half way over.  I have been busy.  I feel like Summer is flying by.  But I have one little thing to make it up to you.  A giveaway.  I have reached 100.  100 followers on my Facebook page.  That makes me so so happy.  To those that "like" me, check out my giveaway over on Facebook...and if you don't, "like: me now!?

I don't know if I have mentioned this, but Jack is obsessed with Firetrucks.  When I say obsessed that is an understatement.  He talks about them NONSTOP.   I hear him in his crib at night saying hi to the firetruck, and when he is awake, he is about EVERYTHING firetruck. 

So here are a few pics of my future fireman. 





I hope you are enjoying the heat and the Summer.  We are.  Things are good. 

  

Thursday, July 14, 2011

98...and an apology

First of all I want to say sorry for being MIA for the past few days.  I had so much going on.  We have just been on the go everyday and I felt like I didn't even have time to breathe! (Deep Breath)  So....as of tomorrow my summer is officially half over.  Which means that I am getting sad just thinking about it. 

Over the weekend we celebrated my Grandpa's 98th birthday.  Yes 98.  It was hot out.   But Jack and the rest of us had a great time anyways.


 Jack with his cousins....
 a VERY rare Jack and Daddy shot..
 And I may have forgot to mention, but my one and only sister got engaged over the 4th.  This is her...and him.  I can't wait to help plan!!
 So of course we had champagne to celebrate (please ignore the awful hair and face I'm making)
 Finally the man of honor..my Grandpa.  Happy 98th!


 

Seventh Generation Diaper Winner

I am a little late, but I wanted to annouce the winner of the Seventh Generation Diaper giveaway.

#2...Kelly from Hamilton Happenings!!! 

Congrats, and please email me within 24 hours to justanothermomdayblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

A Call to Liz Johnson

So this is a strange post, but I posted my email wrong on the giveaway winners post.  So Liz Johnson, is you are reading this, please email me at justanothermomdayblog@gmail.com.  That is the correct email. 

I will be back to regular posting tomorrow.  I have had a stressful few days.....

Monday, July 11, 2011

2 lucky readers!

I hope everyone had a great weekend, I will be posting my weekend pics later today, but I wanted to annouce 2 winners! 
The first is the winner of the Old Navy Giveaway

#28, Liz Johnson!

And the winner of the Blue Bunny Ice Cream is ....

#18, Christina!

Please, both of you email me at justanothermomblog@gmail.com within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Celebrate the Weekend with an Old Navy Giveaway!

While I love the weekends, it's one week closer to me to going back to work.  The weather lately has been perfect.  Hot and sunny, which is great for the pools or parks!  To celebrate the weekend and the great weather I have an Old Navy giveaway for one of you! 

I am a part of Crowdtap, which is a great website!  Members take surveys and join discussions.  Companies offer memeber to be part of their panels and give them some great things because of it! I am a part of Old Navy's panel and was given free embellished tank certificates.....Old Navy has so many tanks in so many styles that I have my closet stocked with them!



The winner of this giveaway will win a certificate for a tank top of their choice (up to $17.95).

To Win (mandatory):
Tell me what you have planned for the weekend!

Extra Entries:
1.  Follow my blog
2.  Follow me on Twitter
3.  Like my facebook page
4.  Blog about this giveaway


Because the certificate expires July 21, this contest will end Sunday, July 10 at 11:59 pm.  Winner will be choosen via random.org and posted on here.  Winner will have 24 hours to respond.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Winner and a smile!

First I want to announce the winner of the $50 gift card to Photo Card Creations.  With so few entries, sometimes I wonder if anyone is reading my blog.  It says over 500 followers, but maybe we have some shy people reading ... ; ) 

Congrats to #3 Kim K (is that Kardashian?!?!) 

Send me a quick email at justanothermomdayblog@gmail.com  within 24 to claim your prize. 

I am enjoying being home this summer so much.  We have so much fun. I have also realized that being home is WAY more exhausting than working.  I am constanly on the go with Jack..we are always out and about or going for walks, swimming, etc.  I love it though.  He is learning so many things everyday!  One of the things he is learning is to smile on cue.  It doesn't always work, but he is pretty good at it.   Here are some of his smiles to brighten your day.





Have a great day!

p.s. if you LOVE Old Navy (and who doesn't?) check back tomorrow for a great giveaway!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Seventh Generation Diapers Giveaway!

I didn't realize how important diapers were until I became a Mom. Some go the cloth diapers, and others choose disposables. There are many choices out there when it comes to disposables, and there is a difference in which brand you choose. Jack become irritated easily, so I tried many before I found the perfect fit.  I was sent a sample of Seventh Generation diapers, which I found are an amazing fit, especially their newly relaunched Free & Clear diapers.



Seventh Generation wants to offer you an EXCLUSIVE sneak peek at their newly re-launched Free & Clear diapers. With the same great performance that parents have come to expect from Seventh Generation, Free & Clear diapers have a brand new look that makes it `clear´ what makes them so special.

What Seventh Generation leaves out is just as important as what they put in. Free & Clear diapers do not include chlorine processing, fragrances, latex and petroleum based lotions. In an effort to contribute less overall landfill waste and continue to ensure a premium standard of absorbency, the new Free & Clear diapers have been redesigned with a lighter-weight core. With processed chlorine-free wood pulp in Free & Clear diapers, Seventh Generation also makes certain that no chlorine is released into the environment during the totally chlorine-free (TCF) whitening process of the diapers and training pants.

Seventh Generation has also reduced the size of the diapers´ plastic packaging, meaning that each pack now contributes even less overall landfill waste than before. In fact, Seventh Generation Free & Clear diaper packaging can now be recycled at local supermarkets where plastic bag recycling collection boxes are available.

****BUY***
You can purchase Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers at your local supermarkets, drug store, and super store.  Click HERE for a $2.00 off coupon!


****WIN****
One of my lucky readers will win a pack of the newly relaunched Free & Clear diapers. 


To Enter *mandatory*: What do you love about eco-conscious products?

Extra Entries :

1. Follow Just Another Manic Momday
2. Like Just Another Manic Momday's Facebook Page
3 Like Seventh Generation on Facebook and comment on their page


*Remember to leave a comment for each entry!*

Giveaway will end on Sunday, July 10th at 11:59pm EST. Giveaway is open to US residents only! The winner will be chosen via random.org, and announced on here July 11th.  The winner will have 24 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.

I also want to thank Seventh Generation Diapers and My Blog Spark for this review and giveaway opportunity!

Disclaimer: This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. I was provided a pack of diapers free of charge and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Last Chance.....enter to win $50 gift card to Photo Creations!

This is a low entry giveaway, and it ends in just a few hours...check it out here!

A hot 4th.....

It feels good to relax.  It was a VERY busy, VERY hot 4th of July weekend. I hope you all had a great weekend also. 
I thought I'd share a few pics of our weekend.  We saw fireworks.  Twice.  The first try Jack fell off his lawn chair about 5 minutes before they started.  We ended up inthe emergency room.  Ended up being a bruised, lip, but we thought it may have needed stitches. 
All that aside, we saw many of our friends and family, went to a few fests, and saw a parade.  Now back to our routine and to enjoying the rest of Summer.

 Right before his fall and ER visit.....
Jack LOVES firetrucks!







Sunday, July 3, 2011

4th of July....

I hope you are all having a safe and fun 4th of July.  Eat, drink and relax!!!

Click image to enlarge
4th of July Fun Facts Infographic
Via: VA Home Loans