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Friday, April 29, 2016

KiddosArt Pacifier Clips - Product Review (5Stars)




The KiddosArt Pacifier Clips are adorable and well designed. The clips are grippy enough to stay in place but not so crazy grippy that they'll wreck your babies adorable clothing. The prints on the clips are super sweet and the bright colors will appeal to your baby and they'll actually WANT to leave the clip on their clothing.


The clip easily attached to the MAM brand pacifier I used to demo it, and this style clip should work with most pacifiers. The only brand
I'm not sure about is the Phillips Avent but I'm pretty sure you could make it work by threading it through the little hole. These are well made and the design makes them very appealing as a gift for yourself and your little one, or a great shower gift for a friend or loved one.

Product Link

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review; the thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.


#KiddosArt

Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.


You can find Crystal riding unicorns, taking the ordinary and giving it a little extra (making it extraordinary), blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at:http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/



Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Bread Making 101

every day bread
EveryDay Bread (also used for cinnamon rolls and cheese bread)
You’ll need:
6 cups bread flour
2 tsp salt
6T brown sugar
1C 95F H2O
1C + 3T lukewarm butter milk or regular milk
2T yeast
1/4C melted butter (or olive oil if you prefer)
Additions/Options: raisins w/cinnamon and sugar, cheese and herbs…see alternate steps at #8 for adding these.
1) Combine flour, salt, and sugar (hold back ¼ C of flour for working with later) in your mixer using the regular beater
2) Whisk yeast into water and let sit while you combine milk and butter
3) Add yeast mixture as well as butter/milk mixture - - using your bread hook
4) Let rest 5-10 minutes (I usually fold laundry, change a diaper, let the dog out, etc…and then come back to it…no need to set a timer…just give it a little break)
5) Continue mixing with the dough hook – add flour and water as needed (dough should NOT be sticky)
6) Place dough on a floured surface and knead a bit by hand and then place into a greased bowl to let raise an hour or so (it should double)
7) Place dough on a floured surface and knead again by hand, then separate and place into 2 bread pans and allow to rise again…unless you’re making cinnamon rolls or cheese bread then continue to alternate step 8 after you’re done kneading.
8) Allow dough to rise another ½ hour in the oiled bread loaf pan
9) Bake for 45 minutes at 350F
10) Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving.


finished cinnamon rolls



Alternate steps:
* Cinnamon Rolls
8) Roll out dough, butter, add sugar and cinnamon. Roll up. Slice and palce in oiled 8x13 pan and allow to rise ½ hour
9) bake 35-40 minutes at 350F
10) Allow to cool a bit before serving (although warm cinnamon rolls are divine, so don’t wait too long)



** Cheese Braid Bread
8) Roll out, butter, add cheese and spices, roll up.
9) Cut, braid, place in oiled bread pan ½ hour to raise
10) Bake 45 minutes at 350F
11) Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving.
**We recently tried the cheese bread with spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese, and mini pepperoni’s and it was a quick little meal – like a hot pocket with less mess. In this case, you’ll want to refrigerate the finished product.
finished cheese herb bread braid

Notes:
Bread should be 185F internal temperature.
You may want to rotate your loaves mid-baking…depending on your oven temperature and how evenly it heats.
Avoid slicing bread too soon…you’ll smoosh the crumb and it won’t be pretty (still quite tasty though)



dutch oven bread (coffee chocolate flavor)










Dutch Oven Bread for Beginners 
You’ll need:
3 cups bread flour
1T yeast
1 tsp salt
2 C warm water
Additions/Options: raisins w/cinnamon, craisins w/orange zest, cheddar cheese with chives, asiago cheese with Italian herbs, garlic w/parsley rosemary and Italian herbs
1)      Stir together dry ingredients in a large bowl. Choose a bowl with a tight fitting lid or plan on using the dreaded plastic wrap (which kicks my a__ every time)…
2)      Add water and any liquid ingredients you’ve chosen. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is well combined. It’s going to be sticky and a bit of a “hot mess”, but that’s okay!
3)      Cover the bowl and set aside for 8-10 hours at room temperature…unless you keep the house chilly, and then put it in the oven with the oven light on. (Mine doesn’t always get 8-10, I usually mix it before bed and bake in the morning…the time isn’t really all that important)
4)      Preheat the oven to 450F. Place a cast iron Dutch Oven with the lid into the oven while preheating. Heat the Dutch Oven for approximately ½ hour.
5)      While the Dutch Oven is preheating, scrape your dough from the bowl and work with it on a  heavily floured surface. (This is a super sticky messy dough – so use floured hands, but don’t knead it too much. Just get it into a bowl and let it hang out while your Dutch Oven finishes warming.)
6)      Carefully remove the Dutch Oven from the oven. Place dough into Dutch Oven.
7)      Cover the Dutch Oven and return the Dutch Oven to the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on.
8)      Remove the lid on the Dutch Oven and allow bread to bake another 8-12 minutes.
9)      Shake gently and move the loaf onto a cooling rack.
10)   Cool before cutting to avoid damaging the crumb of the loaf.
11)   Enjoy!
*No need to grease the Dutch Oven

**If adding craisins or raisins, dust lightly with flour so they are evenly dispersed through the loaf





Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.


You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

Baby Safety Magnetic Cabinet Locks - Product Review



This review is from: Baby Safety Magnetic Cabinet Locks 6 Locks 2 Keys For Cabinets & Drawers Comes with 2 Safety Latches + 8 Extra 3M Adhesives + Ebook, No Drilling or Tools Needed- Easy Installation by Infantcity (Baby Product)

I was in love with these from the word go - they were pretty easy to install and they're surprisingly strong. I appreciate that you don't have to look at them - so your kitchen isn't transformed into some sort of daycare. They're cleverly hidden and the kitchen still looks very grown up. The magnet/keys can be tucked away and out of reach and eyesight of little ones. Our older children figured out how to use them, and even our 2 year old has now figured it out, so it's not like some locks that even grown ups struggle with. Our youngest who is 1 is now safe to explore without getting into chemicals or other dangerous items.

Another thing I really like is the ability to turn the locks "off" so you can still work around the kitchen without worrying about the locks. This didn't seem like a big feature at first, but on days when I'm putting away a lot of groceries, it can be really handy to have complete access to all my cupboards, drawers, and cabinets. Once the groceries are put away, I can flip the switch and turn the locks back on again and I'm ready to go.

This is a very well thought out product and I'm very happy with it.

I received this product for a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

#Promotion

Product Link

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Popsicle Mold by Gikbay - Product Review


Product Review

GikBay Popsicle Molds Ice Pop Maker Repeat Use Durable BPA-Free plastic Oval Ice Pop Mold ,Set of 6
by GikBay


We have really been enjoying these great popsicle molds! #Popsiclemolds

We make our own greek yogurt and it works perfectly for making yogurt popsicles. The molds are easy for me to make the pops in, and easier for the children to enjoy. Even the youngest member of our family enjoys the great shape of the handle. As a mom, I know each ingredient that goes into these and that gives me piece of mind knowing I'm feeding my kiddos a healthy snack free of artificial colors and sweeteners. I also can feel good knowing I'm not wasting anything or adding to a landfill with unnecessary waste.

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.


Product Link - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DKLVN1U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&keywords=popsicle+molds+toddler

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Hydration Running Belt - Product Review



Product Review for 2016 Hydration Running Belt - Free Accessories - Fits iPhone 6 Plus w/ OtterBox - with 2 BPA Free Water Bottles - Waterproof Fuel Pack by JD Fit
Offered by Berkman Designs

This belt is nice for a smaller framed runner/dog walker. My son is a runner and he loves it. It didn't fit my curvy mom body, so I just caution consumers to check the sizing before buying. The pocket is nice for holding your keys or other valuables. This is well made and a great concept for anyone who is active and wants to stay hydrated with ease.

I also like that there is a reflector on the back - keeps my little runner safe!


I received this product at a discounted rate in exchange for my honest review: the thoughts and opinions are solely my own.


Product Link


‪#‎BerkmanDesigns‬



Surmount Water Bottle - Product Review



This is basic water bottle - it's nice because it's BPA free. The outside has a nice feel to it and the cover fits snuggly. The colors are simple yet attractive, and it is well made and seems like something will last being toted to sports events, school, etc... This simple design is great for anyone, but especially for children because there aren't straws to worry about keeping clean.

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review; the thoughts and opinions are solely my own.

Product Link

#Surmount

Carmen is 9 and this is what she had to say: https://youtu.be/fZPr9BID9xM





Cariloha Crazy Soft Bedding - Product Review



These sheets are everything the name implies - they are absolutely CRAZY SOFT! I find myself sleeping better than ever, and I don't want to get out of bed in the morning. I was impressed the moment I took them out of the package and then I washed them and they got even softer. It's easy to imagine yourself at a beach front resort when you wake up surrounded by all this softness. This is a great way to treat yourself to a beautiful night sleep. I don't think I will be able to go back to regular sheets; I previously slept on Egyptian cotton sheets and they can't hold a candle to these Cariloha Crazy Soft sheets!

I received this product in exchange for my honest review: the thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.

Product Link

#Organic Bedding



Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.


You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

AngelCraft 12x12 Self Adhesive Vinyl Sheets - Product Review




Product Review for Angel Crafts 12" x 12" Self Adhesive Vinyl Sheets - BEST Permanent Assorted Vinyl


Product Link





The pre-cut 12X12 sheets are very convenient for a grab and go projects. The colors are vibrant and the multi-pack had a great selection of matte and gloss colors including a great gold and silver shimmer option(pic3136). For this project I picked a hot pink gloss and cut two sizes of the decal (pic 3131 & 3140). I cut the decal using the standard vinyl setting on my Cricut Explore (pic3137) and it cut beautifully, making the weeding easy (pic3138). The smaller decal has 1/16" cuts for the centers of the letters (pic3139) and it cut cleanly and was easy to weed. The shine and color are consistent and the vinyl is heavier than store brands. I've had issues with lesser quality vinyl cutting all the way through, stretching and distorting. This material is far superior and one I'd be happy to use for gifts and personal use. A little contact paper (3141) and the decal is ready to be applied to the back window of my car.


#Angelcrafts



















Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.


You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/






Ultimate Baby Kit - Product Review



This is a cute basic grooming kit for baby. The bag has an attractive print. A nice addition for a new parent or expectant mom.

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.


Product Link

#UltimateBabyKit





Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.


You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/


Best Child Safety Locks! - Product Review



Child Cabinet Locks for Baby Safety, Pairs with Dark-wood, Easy to Install, Excellent Toddler Locks, No Drilling, Magnetic Lock Mechanism, Will Proof a Drawer or Cupboard, 3m Approved Design, Birch Safety Includes 4 Locks + 1 Key, Protect Your Little Ones Today!

Product Link
#BirchSafety

These are the nicest child safety locks I've ever used (and I have 4 children). I love that you can turn them "off" - so when I'm doing a lot of cooking or the kiddos aren't around, I just flip the switch and it's as if I'm living the single life again. Kiddos wake up from naps and I turn them back on again. A great feature is that you can't see them on the outside of your cabinets. I previous had several cabinets "locked" using ribbons to tie them shut. Nothing screams 'fun stuff is in here kids' like a bright ribbon tied to your cupboards. These were easy to install, they work great, and I am impressed all the way around. This is something I would definitely buy for an expectant friend as a shower gift.

Check out these before and after pics:




I received this product at a reduced price in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.

Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.


You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/