Saturday, September 29, 2012

*ENDED* Giveaway (9/23-9/29): Jamberry Nail Shields ~ choice of ANY design! {3 winners}

"I feel pretty
Oh so pretty
I feel pretty and witty and bright,
And I pitty any girl who isn't me tonight."
-West Side Story
That song states exactly how I felt when I tried Jamberry Nails last week! Let's just say, I rarely...okay, more like never, do my nails. I keep them cut really short and don't like to take the effort to paint them, as they don't last long with my life style. I guess that I rather have bland nails then partially chipped nails all of the time. So, when Jamberry Nails Independent Consultant, Tammie Donavant, offered to let me review a set, I thought, "Sure, why not?!" Now I am hooked! One easy application left my nails looking like I spent hours at the salon. The best part of it all? They are only a fraction of the cost of salon nails, I didn't spend hours doing them, and they will last a lot longer than painted nails! Ladies, I have found a new fetish! They can even be applied on toes, giving me happy feet by the pool next Summer! Below is the process, in a my lovely picture tutorial. I know, I know, my cuticles look horrible!
 Clean nails with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. You want clean, oil-free nails! Then, cut or file nails to desired length and shape.
 Buff the top of the nail, and push back cuticle.
Match nail to the nail shield that best fits. I cut my shield in half.
 Peel off nail shield and warm with a blow-dryer for 10-15 seconds.
 Once shield is flexible, press the shield onto the nail. Apply with firm pressure to adhere. 
 Trim the excess top with nail clippers or scissors.
 File off the remaining shield using a downward motion to remove excess. 
Apply heat, using a blow-dryer, and pressure to the shield until it is sealed to the nail.
 Done! (I used the Burgundy Paisley print!)

Why Does It Work So Well?
Jamberry Nail Shields are a solid film covering that can be applied directly to the nail. This special material is both pressure and heat activated to create a watertight bond to your nail. The film is finished with a high gloss protective layer that prevents your nail from chipping or scuffing. The shields are made in the USA, with NO harsh chemicals, and are latex-free, making them safe for all ages. These can be applied in 15 to 20 minutes, although your first time will take a bit longer, as you figure it all out. They are made to last 2-3 weeks on fingers and 4-6 weeks on toes. Each sheet comes with 18 shields, in 10 different sizes, providing you with 2-4 manicures or pedicures per sheet! Plus, there are over 200 styles available! They also sell special sizes for children, called Jamberry Juniors! Be sure to check out the fun prints for upcoming Autumn, Halloween, and Christmas!

Special Offers:
*Buy 3 Sheets, Get 1 FREE! Just add 4 items to your cart, and the discount will automatically appear!
*Save 10% on your order through the month of October! To redeem, you must place order through consultant, Tammie Donavant, using Paypal or Square.

Want to get your hands on these now (no pun intended!)? You can browse the variety of nail shields and/or place an order at www.nailplay.jamberrynails.net. Questions? Feel free to Email Independent Consultant, Tammie Donavant!

ENTER BELOW TO WIN! There are many ways to enter the Giveaway below, the first entry is mandatory, and the others are optional bonus entries. The more ways you enter, the greater your chances of winning! Three winners will each receive one sheet of Jamberry Nail Shields, in any print of their choice (a $15 value). Drawing will be held October 1, 2012, via Random.org. Winner will be emailed and added to the Winners Wall.

Thank you to Jamberry Nails Independent Consultant, Tammie Donavant, for providing me with one free nail shield sheet, to review, as well as sponsoring one for three giveaway winners. All opinions in this review are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy and Giveaway Rules here.
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Friday, September 28, 2012

Featured Business: Liberty Lady Designs ~ Make Easy Money, Right From Home!

My name is Robin Calhoun and I am very happy to be a Liberty Lady Consultant. I have spent the last year trying to find beautiful bead bracelets without the high cost. I even tried to justify the cost but couldn't actually invest in the high end bracelets. Then I found Liberty Lady Designs which was founded by a stay-at-home mom who loves jewelry, but lives on a budget. After spending 15 years with direct sales and retail companies, she was looking for a way to provide for her family and help others do the same. After researching brand-name companies selling European beads, she discovered that there is an alternative to get the same beautiful beads to you at a fraction of the cost! She wanted to bring this opportunity to other like-minded people who want a new way to earn extra income, have fun, or possibly get out of a dead-end job. Liberty Lady Designs was founded in December of 2011 and is a family-run business by the owner, Patty Lynch, and her family. Each piece of jewelry is handmade and designed by Patty. 
Because each piece is handmade and not mass-produced, please understand that no two pieces will be identical; therefore you have a truly unique work of art! We do strive to make them as similar as possible to the item showing on the website.

We are proud to support some amazing organizations with our awareness jewelry. 15% of the sale of each bracelet goes towards the specifically named charity.

In addition to bracelets, Liberty Lady Designs also carries key chains, necklaces, earrings, bookmarks and all the supplies you need to create your own masterpieces.

If you fall in love with this company and it's products,  like I did, please consider joining. There is a one time fee of $10 which includes a website, team support, and one time discount of 40% to purchase the items you feel will best showcase the products. The commission is wonderful too--Consultant 25%, Downline 5%, and Second Line 2%! There are no quotas, no mandatory start up kits, and no inventory needed! Plus, you receive $5.20 S&H on any size order. The best part is you get to wear your kit items everyday! You may have parties, but it is not needed. I have just worn my products and set up a Facebook page and I have made money while I do other things. Check out the great video on my Facebook fan page!


Be sure to enter our special Liberty Lady Designs Giveaway, right here on When Pigs Fly, October 7-13, 2012! We will be giving one lucky winner their choice of any $25 bracelet!

View full Policy Disclosure here.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

FREE Entrance to National Parks on 9/29

The National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management are offering Saturday, September 29, 2012 as a FREE Entrance Day to Nationwide participating parks! The Army Corps of Engineers has waived day-use fees at their parks, too! You can view a list of participating parks and their operating hours here.


*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

FREE Personalized Greeting Card from Treat.com (through 9/26)

Treat.com is giving you one FREE Personalized Greeting Card, for any occasion, when shipped directly to you! Offer ends Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST. Simply select your online card, personalize it, and enter promo code TREATXOXO, upon checkout. Then choose the option to have it mailed directly to you or pay the price of a stamp to have it mailed to a recipient. One free card per household.

FREE Pedia-Lax Probiotic Yums Sample

Head over to Target and request your FREE Pedia-Lax Probiotic Yums sample! These are strawberry-flavored, sugar-free bites that have as much good bacteria as a serving of yogurt. Allow 8-10 weeks for delivery.

FREE Herbal Essence Shampoo & Conditioner Sample (Facebook Offer)

Herbal Essence is giving away a FREE 'Honey I'm Strong' Shampoo & Conditioner sample, to the first 100,000 people to "Like" their Facebook page and complete the request. You will receive a coupon, good for a trial size of this set.

*Limit of one per person, per household. While supplies last.

Monday, September 24, 2012

FREE Lunch at Romano's Macaroni Grill on 9/28 (Facebook Offer/Print Coupon)

Do you live near a Romano's Macaroni Grill? Get a FREE lunch there, this Friday, September 28, 2012, between 11 AM and 4 PM only! Simply "Like" their Facebook page, and print out the coupon or display it on your mobile phone. Coupon is good for one FREE "Choose 2" Lunch Combination. Offer good to the first 100,000 coupons printed, so hurry!

*Only one coupon allowed per party, per table. Dine-in only. Excludes Montana, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico (sorry guys!) Taxes and gratuity not included.

FREE Coffee Offers 9/23-9/29

Stop by a participating McDonald's between Sunday, September 23-29, 2012 only, and pick up a FREE Small Premium Roast Coffee. Limit of one per person, per visit. Please note: not all locations are participating. Those that are will have a sign posted. Most on the East coast appear to be though!

7-Eleven is giving away FREE Large Coffee, on Friday, September 28, 2012 only, from 6 AM to 10 AM.

Stop by a participating Krispy Kreme on Saturday, September 29, 2012 only and get a FREE 12 oz. cup of coffee!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza

Pizza:
1 large (16") pre-made pizza dough or homemade dough recipe
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
8 slices canadian bacon (aka: thin sliced ham)
1 cup cooked chicken, cubed bite-size

Sauce:
1 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 Tbs. flour
1 cup milk
1/4 tsp. sea salt
Few dashes ground black pepper
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 Tbs. dijon mustard

Preheat oven, according to temp. stated on your dough package. Place rolled out dough onto a greased pizza pan.

If using raw dough or homemade recipe: Pre-cook the raw pizza dough partially, prior to applying the toppings. This avoids the crust from getting under-cooked or soggy. I usually cook it at 400 degrees, for about 8-10 minutes. Then apply my toppings and cook for an additional 15 minutes, at 400 degrees F.

If using pre-made, already cooked pizza crust: Just apply your toppings and cook according to package directions.

To make the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan and sprinkle the flour over it. Stir together for about 30 seconds to let the flour cook out, then slowly whisk in the milk, while stirring frequently. Once the milk and butter/flour mixture have been incorporated, add the salt, pepper, nutmeg and mustard. Stir to combine and let simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

To make the pizza, spread the sauce onto the crust. Evenly place the ham and chicken on top. Sprinkle with cheese.

Cook according to the instructions on your package of pre-made crust or follow the instructions on your homemade dough recipe. Cheese should be melted and bubbly. Remove from heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes before cutting.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

FREE Personalized Greeting Card from Cardstore.com (Any occasion) *Ends 9/23

Head over to Cardstore.com and get your FREE Personalized Greeting Card, plus free shipping, for any occasion! Select the card you want, personalize it, and enter promo code CCL2673 upon checkout. No credit card information needed. Offer expires 9/23 at 11:59 PM EST.

FREE Admission to Nationwide Museums ~ Saturday, Sept. 29 (Claim your ticket now!)

Museum Day Live is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine, in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket...for free on Saturday, September 29, 2012 only! Official tickets can be found on the Museum Day Live website. Find participating museums here.


  • Only an official Museum Day Live ticket is eligible for free entry. 
  • One ticket per household, good for two people (ticket holder plus a guest).
  • A ticket will gain entry to only one of the participating museums, excluding parking and special events and exhibits.
  • If museum reaches capacity, museum has the right to limit the number of guests until space becomes available.

Friday, September 21, 2012

FREE Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Body Lotion or Body Wash *9/21- 9/23 only (Facebook Offer)

Head over to the Bath & Body Works Facebook page to claim your offer for a FREE 2 oz. Bottle of Aromatherapy Body Lotion or Body Wash ($3.50 value) Just click on the "Get Offer" icon, on their page. They will immediately email the coupon to the email address associated to your Facebook account. Either print the coupon or show the email on your phone, at your local Bath & Body Works store, between September 21-23, 2012. Valid in-store only.

*Limit 1 per customer. No purchase necessary. While supplies last. Not valid on previous purchases. May not be combined with any other offers, coupons or discounts. Not valid online or at Bath & Body Works Outlet stores.

Upcoming Giveaway: Jamberry Nails {3 winners} Starts 9/23!

Beginning Sunday, September 23 through September 29, you can enter to win a set of nail shields by Jamberry Nails, right here on When Pigs Fly! Three winners will each get to choose one set, in any print! I LOVE these!!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

How to Avoid Cold & Flu Season

If you have children, chances are you have sick ones during cold and flu season! You know how every parent has their own tricks-of-the-trade? Well, this is a list of things we do right here in our home, to help avoid it and/or defeat it quickly. I'm not a doctor by any means, but I'd say it's working pretty well, as we have not had the flu in years (no flu shot), and our colds are slightly less than a sniffle most of the time. And yes, we do get out of the house :)
  • Wipe down the bar on public shopping carts (most stores now provide you with wipes to do so)
  • Keep hand sanitizer in your purse or car and immediately apply it after leaving a public place
  • Wash hands as soon as you get home
  • Avoid playdates with children who's siblings are sick (chances are, they are next and just not showing it yet)
  • Take vitamins daily
  • At the first sign of a sniffle, increase vitamin C intake
If your child already has a cold, these tips may help it not to progress or not pass it to siblings:
  • Place toothbrush in very hot water for a few minutes (or buy a new toothbrush)
  • Wash all used hand towels in hot water
  • Wipe remote controls, phone, computer mouse/keyboard, doorknobs, and light switches with an antibacterial wipe
  • Have child sleep with upper body propped up with two pillows to help mucus not build up in nasal passages
  • Rub chest with a Vicks or herbal rub
  • Increase Vitamin C (we like to drink a bottle of Odwalla Citrus C-Monster or a Bolthouse C-Booster)
  • Take a very warm shower with the door shut and vent turned off, to allow for excessive steam, to open nasal passages
  • Encourage child to blow nose often, releasing mucus build up
  • Avoid dairy (especially milk) which causes an increase in congestion during a cold
  • Wash hands throughout the day
  • Run a humidifier in room while sleeping
I do some of the above remedies as soon as I feel that a sniffle could be turning into a full blown cold or they get that scratchy feeling in their throat. This normally cures it before it goes any further! If you are not sure about a particular remedy for your child, please consult your doctor first.

What do you do to avoid colds and/or get over them quickly?
Share it with us, in a comment below!

FREE Queso at Moe's Southwest Grill on 9/20

Do you live near a Moe's Southwest Grill? If so, stop in on Thursday, September 20, 2012, and get a FREE 6 oz. cup of Queso! Limit of one per customer. No coupon or purchase necessary. Find a Moe's location here.

Featured Business: Jamberry Nails ~ Independent Consultant Tammie Donavant


Jamberry Nail shields are like nothing you've ever tried before! Jamberries are a solid film covering that can be applied directly to the nail to achieve a look not found anywhere else. This special material is both PRESSURE and HEAT activated to create a WATER TIGHT BOND to your nail. The shields are made in the USA, with no harsh chemicals, and are latex free. They even have Baby Jams (a smaller sized nail shield for kids). Jamberry Nails are the hottest thing in fashion....they will be worn by several models at New York's fashion week this year!!
Jamberries can be applied in 15-20 minutes at home, for a fraction of the cost of salon nails, with even better results. There are over 150 styles to choose from, and with their BUY 3 GET 1 FREE offer you can afford to try several of your favorites. Each sheet of shields contains enough product to complete 2-4 mani/pedicures. They last 2-3 weeks on fingers and 4-6 weeks on toes! Tammie can't wait to show you these fun fashions for fingers and toes :) Be sure to check out Independent Consultant, Tammie Donavant's Jamberry Nails Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nailplayRVA. Also check out her Jamberry Nails website, for a large variety of nail shields to choose from!

View full Policy Disclosure here.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Italian Turkey Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells

24 whole jumbo pasta shells
1 pound ground sweet Italian turkey sausage (or use links by removing the casings)
2 whole fresh garlic cloves, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
4 cups baby spinach, stems removed
28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
2 Tbs. basil pesto (from a jar like Classico)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Prepare shells according to package instructions and cook until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water; set aside.

In a large pan brown the sausage and garlic. Cook until meat is completely cooked through. Drain grease and return to pan. Stir in the ricotta, Parmesan, and spinach. Cook over low heat until spinach begins to wilt just a little.

Meanwhile, in a medium size bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes and pesto. Spoon a little bit of the sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Stuff each shell with 1-2 tablespoons of the sausage filling and place open-side-up in the pan. Top the shells with the remaining tomato sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella.

Bake, covered, for 15 minutes, then uncovered for 5 minutes.

FREE Doughnuts @ Krispy Kreme 9/19 for "Talk Like a Pirate Day"

In celebration of "Talk Like a Pirate Day", visit any participating Krispy Kreme on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 and talk like a pirate or wear an eye patch, to get one free Original Glazed doughnut!

Wear full pirate attire, minus the weapons :) , and receive a bounty of one Dozen FREE Original Glazed Doughnuts!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

FREE Whole Life Pet Treat Sample

Whole Life is giving your dog or cat a FREE Treat sample! Allow 1-2 weeks for delivery.

New Popular Halloween Costumes for 2012: CostumeDiscounters.com Review

With Halloween quickly approaching, my kids excited about coordinating their costumes with each other. Actually, we already have them ordered and ready to go :)  This year the boys decided to be Pokemon Pikachu and Ash, which is available through Costume Discounters. Every year the boys match their costume theme, ranging from Super Mario Bros., Star Wars, and Indiana Jones! The problem I have had over the years is trying to find affordable costumes, without them looking "cheap". Especially since we quite often try to get a couple years out of them, then re-sell them. So when I do find a quality costume site, I tend to keep them on my list.

Since my boys already had their costumes all set for this year, I ended up ordering my niece a cute Rag Doll costume instead. This costume included a cute dress with ruffle trim and bonnet with attached wig. She is going to look adorable in it! I got it from an online CostumeDiscount store. I was impressed with their section for clearance costumes! A few other things that really caught my attention was their affordable prices, fast shipping, and variety of new 2012 Halloween costumes! If you are in the market for a new costume, I recommend checking them out!


Thank you to Costume Discounters for providing me with one free costume, of my choice, to review. All opinions in this review are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy here.

The Fresh Smells of Home: NEW Glade Expressions Review


It's here! It's here! A way for your home to smell and look great! Finally, no more ugly spray cans laying around the house. Glade has come out with a new line called Glade Expressions, inspired by art, which provides a chic look to traditional fragrance mist cans and oil diffusers. The Fragrance Mist starter kit comes with 1 refillable holder and 1 refill. It is the first refillable fragrance mist by Glade! You simply squeeze the bottle to release a light mist, instantly enhancing any room! It even has a removable label, allow it to blend into your decor. The Oil Diffuser comes with 1 trendy holder (available in bamboo or white) and 1 refill, and does not need to be plugged in or require batteries. The spill-free design, and wide and thick wick, fills a room with fragrance for up to 30 days!

Four fragrances to choose from!
  • Cotton & Italian Mandarin - Open your home with the bright, breezy blend of cotton and sparkling citrus, honeydew and sandalwood*
  • Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice - A ripe, spicy blend of sweet pears and crisp apple with a dash of cinnamon and clove that warms and invigorates
  • Lavender & Juniper Berry - Lush lavender blends with fresh juniper berry, eucalyptus and rose to relax the senses and open your home
  • Pineapple & Mangosteen - Evoke a tropical paradise with the blend of freshly cut pineapples and hint of tangy mangosteen, creamy coconut and passionflower

*Available in Glade Expressions® Fragrance Mist only.

You can find the Glade Expressions line as most grocery stores, mass retailers, and some drug stores. Check them out!

As a BzzAgent I received coupons for free Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist and Oil Diffuser Starter Kits, plus coupons, to review. All opinions in this review are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy here.


Cooking Made Easy: Progresso's Recipe Starters Cooking Sauce Review

 
I recently had the privilege of trying Progresso's new Recipe Starters Cooking Sauce! I tried the recipe on the can, for an easy Chicken Pot Pie (see picture below!). The question was...will it taste as good as MY Chicken Pot Pie recipe?! The verdict was soon delivered as a definite "Yes", as my son polished off the last piece in the pie pan. The cooking sauce made for an easy short-cut in my original recipe, providing a tasty roasted garlic flavor, made with chicken stock. They took classic "mother" sauces such as Be'chamel, Veloute', Tomoato, Espagnole, and Hollandaise, and re-created them into five easy-to-use varieties-- Parmesan Basil, Three Cheese, Portabella Mushroom, Roasted Garlic, and Fire Roasted Tomato. Each can provides an original recipe to get you started! You can even scan the QR code on the can, for additional recipe ideas. These delicious sauces are located in the soup aisle, next to broths and other sauces. Check em' out!



Progresso's Recipe Starters Chicken Pot Pie

1 box Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
1 can (18 oz) Progresso™ Recipe Starters™ creamy roasted garlic with chicken stock cooking sauce
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 bag (12 oz) Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers® frozen mixed vegetables
1 1/2 cups chopped deli rotisserie chicken

Heat oven to 425°F.
Make pie crusts as directed on box for Two-Crust Pie, using 9-inch glass pie plate. In 2-quart saucepan, using wire whisk, mix together cooking sauce, flour, poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth. Add vegetables; heat to boiling. Boil 2 minutes,stirring frequently. Stir in chicken. Spoon into crust-lined pie plate. Top with second crust; seal edge and flute. Cut slits in several places in top crust. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until crust is golden brown. After 15 minutes of baking, cover edge of crust with strips of foil to prevent excessive browning. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Cut into wedges.

Makes 6 servings

As a BzzAgent I received a free can of Progresso's Recipe Starters Cooking Sauce. and coupons, to review. All opinions in this review are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy here.

FREE Kashi Soft-Baked Chocolate Square Sample (Facebook Offer)

Head over and "Like" the Kashi Facebook Page, to request your FREE Soft-Baked Chocolate Square sample! These bars are made with black beans, sweet potatoes, and agave. Allow 4-6 week's for delivery.

Monday, September 17, 2012

NEW! Prayer Wall

Do you have a need in your life that we can pray for? There is something so powerful about people coming together in prayer! I have witnessed it first hand and have personal testimonies of how prayer has changed my life, as well as the lives of those around me. We are firm believers that God hears our prayers and answers according to His will and time. Visit our NEW Prayer Wall page, where you can leave us a comment, telling us how we can pray for you. Nothing is too big or too small! You can choose to leave your name or remain anonymous. Also, feel free to come back later and give us an update.

FREE Italian Spices Set (Facebook Offer)

Italian Foods is giving you a FREE Italian Spices Set, when you "Like" their Facebook page and fill out the request form! Allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.

Thank you to reader Darlene B., for this freebie tip!

NEW! Credit Exchange Ad Packages Now Available

Do you own a business and want to get word out about your services or products, to thousands of nationwide daily readers? We are excited to announce another affordable way for you to advertise on When Pigs Fly! If you have a product(s) we would be interested in personally using, we would consider ad space right here on When Pigs Fly, in exchange for a product(s) you sell, or credit toward products available from your business. Simply visit our Advertising Info Page for details and email us with an offer!

FREE Green Giant Wrist Band *First 10,000 (Facebook Offer)

Green Giant is giving away 10,000 FREE Wrist Bands, when you "Like" their Facebook page and pledge to eat more vegetables the next 30 days! Allow 8 weeks for delivery.

FREE Dove Clear Tone Deodorant Sample

Target is giving you a FREE Dove Clear Tone Deodorant sample! Head over and request yours! Allow 8-10 weeks for delivery.

Classic Nilla Banana Pudding

Going old-school with this dessert! A true classic. 

3/4 cups white granulated sugar, divided
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Dash salt
3 large eggs, separated
2 cups cold milk
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
45 Nilla Wafers
4-5 ripe bananas (depending on their size), sliced
Additional Nilla Wafers and banana slices, for garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Add water to the bottom half of a double boiler, about a 1/3 of the way up. Bring water to a boil, over medium heat. Once water comes to a boil, mix 1/2 cup sugar, flour and salt in the top half of the double boiler. Stir in 3 egg yolks and milk. Cook, uncovered, over the boiling water, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

Spread a spoonful amount of custard on bottom of 1.5-quart casserole dish. Cover with a single layer of wafers and then a single layer of sliced bananas. Pour about 1/3 of custard over bananas. Continue to layer wafers, bananas and custard to make a total of 3 layers of each, ending with the custard.

In a chilled glass bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form, but not too dry (see tip below). Spoon on top of pudding, spreading evenly to cover entire surface and sealing well to edges.

Bake, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned. Enjoy it warm by cooling slightly first or enjoy it cold by cooling completely first and then refrigerating it (I prefer it cold). Garnish with additional wafers and banana slices just before serving (optional).

Tip: Your egg whites will stiffen quicker and better if you use a chilled glass bowl. Soft peaks will begin to form when the egg whites go from the foamy stage to more of a white-colored stage. They are considered soft peaks when you pull your beater straight up, out of the mixture, and the tips curl over. Stiff peaks are when you pull the beater straight up and out and the peaks remain in the upright position. Be careful not to over-beat.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

*ENDED* Giveaway (9/9-9/15): Pampered Chef Deep Covered Baker & Recipe Book

Want to make a meal that tastes like it was cooking in the crock pot all day, in less time? The Deep Covered Baker, by Pampered Chef, does just that! Measuring at 12.5" x 9.5" x 12.5", this quality stoneware will bake a 5-Lb. chicken, 4-Lb. roast, casseroles, desserts, and much more! The best part is that this baker is versatile, and can be used in the microwave or oven, saving you even more time! Short on space? The lid inverts into the baker for easier storage. Don't know what to make in it? No need to fret! The Covered Baker Recipe Book will give you over 100 new recipes to try!

The Stoneware products are ideal for cooking--
  • Evenly distributes heat and draws moisture away from the surface
  • Retains heat, so your just-out-of-the-oven foods stay hot longer
  • Virtually nonporous, so it doesn't retain oils, odors or flavors
  • Microwave-, freezer-, and conventional and convection oven-safe
Transform meals with a variety of Savory Sauces!
Pampered Chef offers more than just cookware, bakeware, and kitchenware. Be sure to visit the Pampered Pantry, where you will find a variety of dessert and savory sauces, bread mixes, drink mixes, rubs, seasoning mixes, and infused oils! Reduce time in the kitchen with Pampered Chef's Specialty Cutting Tools and Cookware Tools!

Special Offer:
Get the Deep Covered Baker at a HUGE discount with this special Êºprice of the dayʺ offer! 
Simply book an online, Facebook, or in-home catalog party, and your show date will be the price for the baker! (Example: Book your show on the 5th of the month, and only pay $5 for the baker!)  Email Tonya Agosto to schedule your date early, to lock in the best price! *Offer expires 12/31/12.

Want to get your hands on these great products now? Check out the Pampered Chef website! Getting married soon? Check out their Wedding Registry! Have questions or want to book an in-home, online, or Facebook catalog party? Contact Independent Consultant, Tonya Agosto, by Email or by calling  (804) 218-9746.

ENTER BELOW TO WIN! There are many ways to enter the Giveaway below, the first entry is mandatory, and the others are optional bonus entries. The more ways you enter, the greater your chances of winning! One winner will receive a cranberry-colored Deep Covered Baker and Deep Covered Baker Recipe Book (will be emailed to you as a download), an $85 value! Drawing will be held September 17, 2012, via Random.org. Winner will be emailed and added to the Winners Wall.

Thank you to Pampered Chef Independent Consultant, Tonya Agosto, for providing me with a Deep Covered Baker and Baker Recipe Book, to review, as well as sponsoring one for a giveaway winner. All opinions in this review are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy and Giveaway Rules here.

Having technical difficulties with this Giveaway? Email jennifer@jennifervandahm.com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, September 14, 2012

Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken

1 lb. (3-4 breasts) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1.25 oz. packet taco seasoning mix
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
10 oz. can mild enchilada sauce
Green onions, chopped
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
Sour cream (optional)
1 box of Spanish or Mexican rice

Roll each piece of chicken in the taco seasoning, coating evenly. Place into the crock pot.

Top each piece of chicken with 1/2 cup of cheese. Add beans to crock pot. Slowly pour the enchilada sauce over the top.

Cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Serve the chicken over Spanish or Mexican rice. Spoon sauce and beans over top. Garnish with green onions, sliced avocado, and sour cream, prior to serving.

Tip: You can also serve the meat and bean mixture (sliced or cubed) in a warm flour tortilla, with any of your favorite taco toppings!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Great Deal: FREE Shutterfly Photo Book *Only pay shipping (Expires 9/15)

Get a FREE Photo Book, through Shutterfly (only pay shipping of $7.99). This normally retails for $29.99! This photo book is an 8 x 8 hard-cover book, with 20 pages of personalized photos and captions. Offer expires 9/15/12.

FREE Purina Active Life Dog Food Sample

Request a FREE Purina Active Life Dog Food sample! Just visit Walmart's site and look for the Purina Dog food ad, located on the second screen of the scrolling ad banner. Then, click the "Get a free sample" button.

*Allow 4 weeks for delivery. Limit of one sample per household.

Warm Cheesy Bacon Dip

You can never go wrong with a warm, creamy dip! 

1/2 cup mayonnaise
8 oz. cream cheese, softened at room temperature
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
8 buttery crackers, crushed
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, and cayenne pepper. Transfer the mixture to an ungreased shallow baking dish.

Top the mixture with cracker crumbs and bake for 15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the pan from the oven and top with the cooked bacon. Serve immediately with additional buttery crackers.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Looking for a Family Halloween Costume Theme?

FOR SALE: Super Mario Bro. Family Costume Set 
Looking for a family costume theme for this Halloween? We are selling our Super Mario Bro. family costume set, for only $50 ($60 if shipping)! The following items are included:

1. Child's Mario Costume (size: medium 8-10)
 *includes costume, gloves, hat, and mustache

2. Child's Luigi Costume (size: medium 8-10)
* includes costume, gloves, hat, and mustache

3. Adult Mario Toad Costume
*incudes home-made purple vest (size: medium), large baggy drawstring white pants, gloves, and adjustable mushroom hat.

 4. Adult Princess Peach Costume
*includes pink lace dress (size 9/10), tiara, gloves, a blue pendant (needs chain).

  Email me if interested or if you want more pictures. First come, first serve!
Here is what the costumes look like on!
*The "belly" costume under Toad's purple vest is NOT included.
We used an old Tiki man costume for that look :)