Victoria's Voice

Follow Your Way Blog Hop Week 3

2012-03-20T14:04:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the NEW Follow Your Way Blog Hop where everyone can participate. The new follow your way is just that, a simple hop that you can link up the way YOU would like to be followed.

Some Examples are:

Blogs
Your favorite posts
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Linkedin
Pinterest
Networked Blogs
Linky Followers
Follow by Email

The rules are simple: Be polite and check out and follow some of the great listings. Leave them a message that you are following so they know to follow you back.

When you add your link for a blog show how you would like to be followed. For example:

"Victorias Voice-Linky Followers".

Or you can add a direct link to your social sites.

Follow Your Way is replacing the Get Wired Blog Hop. I hope to see everyone return and can't wait to check out new followers. Feel free to grab the button and post on your sites if you wish

It may take a few days, but my goal each week is to follow everyone who links up. If I miss you, please let me know and I will be glad to follow. Leave a comment if you wish, I love reading them!

That's all there is. It really is up to you!
Now let's get to follow'n!

If you would like to keep updated on the latest giveaways and hop information you can sign up for the weekly newsletter.

Udderly Smooth 10,000 Fan Milestone Facebook Giveaway

2012-03-18T07:49:00.000-05:00

Get ready for spring by telling your greasy, thick moisturizer to MOOve on over and like the Udderly Smooth Facebook page (www.facebook.com/udderlysmoothusa)!

Help Udderly Smooth reach the 10,000 fan milestone, and they’ll launch a new Facebook giveaway for a cow charm Pandora bracelet and Udderly Smooth product.

Look to the power of the cow spots to relieve your dry spots. Share and like the Udderly Smooth Facebook page and learn more at www.udderlysmooth.com.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

2012-03-17T18:51:00.001-05:00

We had a very busy day today. Spring break has started and we have a lot of work we are trying to accomplish before we go do something fun. So the day was filled with rebuilding our privacy fence. Since I knew we would be so busy outside, but I still wanted a delicious St. Patrick's Day meal, this turned out to be perfect. Something new that we tried was a Horseradish/sour cream sauce. It was a great addition to the corned beef. This was the first time that I cooked the cabbage in the microwave as well. By cooking it this way, our house did not have the awful sulphur smell you get when cabbage is over cooked.

My husband wanted it cooked more on the shredded side this year so I cooked it a little longer in the slow cooker. Tomorrows left-over corned beef sandwiches will be a huge hit.

Ingredients

3-4 pounds lean raw corned beef brisket
2 medium sized white onions, cut into wedges
3 tablespoons pickling spice (included with brisket)
1 or 1/2 head head cabbage, cut into wedges
1 medium rutabaga, cut into wedges
1/3 cup horseradish, drained
1 pound large carrots, cut into 4-inch pieces
1/3 cup sour cream
1 1/4 pounds large fingerling potatoes
1 Tbs ground cloves
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1 Tbs dried ground basil

Directions

1. Place the corned beef in a large slow cooker and scatter the pickling spice on top and add the ground cloves, basil salt and pepper to taste. Layer the rutabaga, carrots, potatoes and onion in the cooker (in this order for even cooking). Add enough hot water (4 to 5 cups) to cover the meat by at least 1 inch, put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high, 7 to 8 hours.
2. Remove the meat and vegetables from the slow cooker and keep warm. Put the cabbage in a microwave-safe dish with 2-3 cups broth from the slow cooker, cover and microwave 7-10 minutes or until desired tenderness. Meanwhile, boil a cup of broth in a pot until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Mix with the horseradish and sour cream in a small bowl.
3. Slice the corned beef (or in our case this time - Pull apart) and serve with the slow-cooked vegetables, cabbage and sauce.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2012-03-17T18:21:00.000-05:00

There's a dear little plant that grows in our isle,
'Twas St Patrick himself, sure, that set it;
And the sun on his labor with pleasure did smile,
And with dew from his eye often wet it.
It thrives through the bog, through the brake, and the mireland;
And he called it the dear little shamrock of Ireland...
~Andrew Cherry

Cystex PLUS You Sweeps

2012-03-17T07:44:00.000-05:00

Cystex PLUS You = ? Do you have a story to tell about how Cystex® PLUS Urinary Pain Relief Tablets or Cystex® Cranberry Urinary Health Complex have been a PLUS in your life? Or do you have thoughts about how they could be a potential PLUS in your life?

On the Cystex Facebook page, we want to hear your stories about how the tablets and/or the liquid have helped in the past or could be helpful in the future, whether it’s the tablets helping to keep you to afloat by managing painful symptoms until you can make it to the doctor, or the Cystex Cranberry Complex liquid helping to boost overall Urinary Health, we want to hear about it!

By entering the Cystex PLUS You Sweeps and telling us your story about how a particular Cystex product has been or could be helpful to you, have the chance to be featured on the Cystex Facebook page as our “story of the month,” and could also win yourself a Cranberry red Coach Wristlet too! Check out the Cystex PLUS You Sweeps today, and enter for your chance to win: www.facebook.com/cystex

Gain and Family Dollar - Win A Years Worth of Products

2012-03-16T15:47:00.002-05:00

Spring is here and I love that fresh scent of clothes hanging on the line to dry and I am like a busy bee Spring cleaning the house. There is nothing like a nice breeze coming through the open windows and the smell of a freshly cleaned house.

Gain and Family Dollar have teamed up to offer you a chance to win a year’s supply of Gain products to help you with your Spring Cleaning. Try some of their tips and don't forget to enter to win! Good Luck and Happy Springtime!

4 Fresh Cleaning Tips From Gain and Family Dollar

1. Laundry Day: Give mesh bags to each family member for
dirty socks and undergarments. Simply toss the bags in the
washer and items will stay sorted.

Tip: Keep your clothes soft and fresh with Gain detergents,
fabric sheets and dryer bars. Your nose will thank you.

2. Sponge Smarts: With a permanent marker, label sponges
with locations they’re meant to clean to prevent use of
bathroom sponges in the kitchen and vice versa.

Tip: The amazing scent of Gain dishwashing liquid will help
make dish time downright delightful.

3. Non-Washable Fabric: Begin by removing dust and hair
with a vacuum tool or lint roller. If easily detachable, take
outside and shake like a rug.

Tip: Help eliminate odors from fabric and air for freshness
that fills your home with Febreze® Fabric Refresher™ and
Febreze Air Effects® in Gain original scent.

4. Color-Coding: Assign each family member a color and
use it for toothbrushes, towels and shower caddies. Keep
extras on hand in baskets or the linen closet.

Tip: Use Mr. Clean® Multi-Surfaces Liquid Cleaner with
Gain scent to help clean dirt and eliminate odors on
linoleum as well as tile floors, toilets and bathtubs.

Oscillo 10K Fan Celebration Facebook Giveaway

2012-03-16T07:40:00.000-05:00

Flu season isn’t quite behind us…yet. If you’re ready to nip flu-like symptoms in the bud, then head over to the Oscillococcinum Facebook page (www.facebook.com/oscillo) to help them reach the 10K fan milestone so they can launch a new product giveaway!

Like the page and share it with your friends; once they reach 10,000 fans, they’ll launch the 10K Fan Celebration Giveaway.

Oscillococcinum, or Oscillo for short, helps you feel like yourself again by working safely and naturally with the body to relieve flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, headache, body aches, chills and fever. Learn more at www.oscillo.com.

Giveaway Express Linky 3/16/2012

2012-03-16T07:12:00.000-05:00

ALL ABOARD!

Do you have a giveaway going on? Link it up here! Every Friday the Giveaway Express will be opened for you to submit your giveaways..

To link up simply enter the prize being given away and Expiration Date. Please link directly to the giveaway or giveaway event. If the link is to anything other then your giveaway or event, it will be deleted.

The Natural Dentist “Lucky Gums” Facebook Giveaway

2012-03-15T13:34:00.002-05:00

Is there “pink in your sink?” You aren’t alone! Every day, millions of people see the signs of bleeding gums when they brush or floss their teeth. Bleeding gums (even just a little bleeding) is a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Rinse can help stop bleeding gums naturally to reduce this problem and help prevent future health issues.

Head over to The Natural Dentist Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thenaturaldentist) to celebrate their 7K fan milestone by entering the Lucky Gums giveaway.

Seven lucky fans will win The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Rinse along with other gum-loving natural oral care products from The Natural Dentist! The seven winners will be selected and announced on March 16.

Baby Anti Monkey Butt “Cutest Little Monkey” Photo Sweeps

2012-03-15T13:32:00.001-05:00

Think your little monkey has cuteness cornered? Then enter the “Cutest Little Monkey" Photo Sweeps on the Anti Monkey Butt Facebook page until March 29 for a chance at great prizes, including a Babies R US shopping spree, fun monkey-themed baby gear and Baby Anti Monkey Butt product. Give your little monkey some tender loving derriere care with Baby Anti Monkey Butt Diaper Rash Powder and Cream, both boast the power of calamine for comfort and healing! Learn about the full line of Anti Monkey Butt products at www.antimonkeybutt.com.

Winners randomly selected each Thursday in March, grand prize will be randomly awarded on March 29. Enter here: http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/191582.

Conair’s “Lucky Green” Facebook Giveaway

2012-03-15T13:30:00.001-05:00

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Conair’s feeling lucky and wants to spread the luck and green cheer! Enter the Conair's "Lucky Green" giveaway, and on Friday, March 16, at 12 p.m. ET, 10 entrants will be randomly selected to win an Infiniti Pro by Conair Model 270 1875-Watt Salon-Performance AC Motor Styling Tool, Conair’s own “green machine!”

Visit www.facebook.com/conairhair to enter by 3/16 and learn more about the giveaway.

Cottage Pie Recipe

2012-03-14T12:50:00.001-05:00

Traditionally called Cottage Pie the Shepherd's pie is a classic hearty dish that is truly a feel good kind of food. Try replacing the regular mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes to give this dish a great new taste. This is a favorite recipe that I have used for years. And like with any Shepherd's pie you can add whatever you have leftover from the fridge or pantry.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Serves 6

Ingredients:

2 lb. peeled potato, cut into large cubes
6 tbsp milk
1 stick butter, cubed
Salt and ground black pepper
1/2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrot
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen Lima beans (optional)
1 cup frozen corn
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups cubed beef (or if you prefer ground beef)
1 pint beef stock
1 cup chopped white mushrooms
2 tbsp finely chopped flat leaf parsley
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
1 cup Cheddar Cheese

Directions:

Heat the oven to 375°F
Boil the potatoes until soft, drain. Place the milk and butter in the pan used to boil the potatoes, return to the heat and warm gently until the butter has melted. Add the potatoes and mash. Season to taste and keep to one side.
Heat the vegetable/olive oil in a large deep pan. Add the onion and carrot and fry for about 5 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the cubed beef or ground beef and one-third of the beef stock to the onion and carrot mixture and cook, stirring constantly until all the meat is browned. Add the remaining stock, parsley, mushrooms, Lima beans, corn, and season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes.
Remove the lid and cook uncovered for 10 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly.
Place the meat sauce into an 8"by 3" deep ceramic or glass ovenproof dish and cover with the mashed potato. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and bake in the heated oven for 30 - 35 minutes until the surface is crisp and browned. Serve immediately.

NEW Follow Your Way Blog Hop Week 2

2012-03-13T13:58:00.001-05:00

Thank you for a great turn out for the first Follow Your Way Blog Hop. I believe I caught up to everyone and followed every which way possible.

Welcome to the NEW Follow Your Way Blog Hop where everyone can participate. The new follow your way is just that, a simple hop that you can link up the way YOU would like to be followed.

Some Examples are:

Blogs
Your favorite posts
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Linkedin
Pinterest
Networked Blogs
Linky Followers
Follow by Email

The rules are simple: Be polite and check out and follow some of the great listings. Leave them a message that you are following so they know to follow you back.

When you add your link for a blog show how you would like to be followed. For example:

"Victorias Voice-Linky Followers".

Or you can add a direct link to your social sites.

Follow Your Way is replacing the Get Wired Blog Hop. I hope to see everyone return and can't wait to check out new followers. Feel free to grab the button and post on your sites if you wish

It may take a few days, but my goal each week is to follow everyone who links up. If I miss you, please let me know and I will be glad to follow. Leave a comment if you wish, I love reading them!

That's all there is. It really is up to you!
Now let's get to follow'n!

New Newsletter Format

2012-03-13T07:53:00.001-05:00

Good morning everyone. I have finally solved my newsletter dilemma. It is called starting from scratch! :0)

I am now using Mail Chimp for my newsletter platform. If you wish to subscribe to my weekly newsletters you can sign up below or on the sidebar. I promise not to spam you, the newsletters will be sent out every Tuesday and will continue to sum of the past week and let you know what is currently happening with giveaways and blog hops.

Newsletter Blues

2012-03-12T11:38:00.000-05:00

I need to really come out of my hole in the ground and stop thinking things will not affect me. *UGH*

I am a blogger blog (check)
I do not have a custom domain (check)
I should not lose my GFC as of March 1st (*Ahem* - Hello?)

Since March 1st none of you beautiful people who have signed up for my newsletter has received one. Why?

I have asked this question in several Google and Blogger platforms with no response. I am working on finding another newsletter program. I am signed up with Mail Chimp, but I need to be smarter then a chimp to work it :0)

What are you using for your newsletters? Do you like it and is it easy to use?

Motivational Monday ~ Staying Strong

2012-03-12T09:30:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days, weeks, or even months where everything just seems to keep piling up?

One of my close friends lost her sister last week to a long battle with cancer. The same day she found out one of her brothers had a heart attack, and her mother was struggling to deal with it all. To add on to everything else her husband had surgery this week for a hip replacement. It is a very tough time for her and we will be right by her side to help her through and stand strong when she cannot.

Many are still struggling to cope with the loss and the pain of the previous weeks storms. They work everyday to pick up the pieces and move on.

How do we from day-to-day find the strength to keep pushing on? We rely on our faiths, the love of family and the support of good friends. With time all wounds heal and we find the strength within ourselves that we never knew we possessed.

“Finding the center of strength within ourselves is in the long run the best contribution we can make to our fellow men. ... One person with indigenous inner strength exercises a great calming effect on panic among people around him. This is what our society needs — not new ideas and inventions; important as these are, and not geniuses and supermen, but persons who can "be", that is, persons who have a center of strength within themselves.”
― Rollo May, Man's Search For Himself

Meyer Lemon Tree Winner Announce

2012-03-12T08:34:00.000-05:00

Cori W. is the winner of the Meyer Lemon Tree! Congrats Cori!

A great big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Express 3/9/2012

2012-03-09T06:50:00.001-06:00

ALL ABOARD!

Do you have a giveaway going on? Link it up here! Every Friday the Giveaway Express will be opened for you to submit your giveaways..

Show You're Smarterer!

2012-03-07T09:57:00.000-06:00

Have you ever thought about how much you actually know about the technical, social, and digital skills you use every day? Everyday you are learning something new. You may know more then you think you know, but how do you know? A fun way to find out is to test yourself on Smarterer.

What is Smarterer? Smarterer is a fun platform that provides tests that grade you on digital, social, and technical platforms. I have participated in some of the tests provided and it is really surprising how much that I really do know. While taking the tests you get an automatic right or wrong answer, which is great for learning something new.

Why Smarterer?

Every day you use the computer or tweet, facebook, etc., you learn something new. Half the time you don't realize you are learning, you just do it. If you were to go out on a new job search, wouldn't it be great to have something to measure your skills by? That is what Smarterer is designed to do. You answer questions from the tests provided, receive a score, and then you can share it.

Meet The People Behind Smarterer

Smarterer was co-founded in October 2010 by Dave Balter @davebalter, Michael Kowalchick @mikepk, and Jennifer Fremont-Smith @jfremontsmith. Find out more about the team.

For more information or to sign up go to Smarterer.com and start having fun seeing how smarterer you really are!

I am participating in the Smarterer campaign through BzzAgent.com. I have been a BzzAgent since 2010 and have participated in several great opportunities. If you would like to become a BzzAgent go to BzzAgent.com and sign up today!

DisneyNature's Chimpanzee ~ In Theaters Earth Day April 20th 2012

2012-03-06T15:19:00.000-06:00

We have watched and were amazed by all the other series from DisneyNature. Among them were "Earth", "Oceans", and "African Cats". These films teach so much and are entertaining for the whole family.

To be release on Earth Day 2012 is DisneyNature's newest film “Chimpanzee” is the fourth release for Disneynature, the first new Disney-branded film label from The Walt Disney Studios in more than 60 years. The label was launched in April 2008 to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to capture a variety of wildlife subjects and stories.

The newest DisneyNature film is about Oscar, a young chimp whose playful curiosity and zest for discovery light up the African forest until a twist of fate leaves Oscar to fend for himself with a little help from an unexpected ally.

Chimpanzee Trailer

Chimpanzee in theaters everywhere on Earth Day April 20^th

For more great videos, games, books and much more visit Disney.com/Chimpanzee
Like Facebook.com/Disneynature
Follow twitter.com/Disneynature

NEW! Follow Your Way Blog Hop Week 1

2012-03-06T14:06:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the NEW Follow Your Way Blog Hop where everyone can participate. The new follow your way is just that, a simple hop that you can link up the way YOU would like to be followed.

Some Examples are:

Blogs
Your favorite posts
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Linkedin
Pinterest
Networked Blogs
Linky Followers
Follow by Email

The rules are simple: Be polite and check out and follow some of the great listings.

When you add your link for a blog show how you would like to be followed. For example:

"Victorias Voice-Linky Followers".

Or you can add a direct link to your social sites.

Follow Your Way is replacing the Get Wired Blog Hop. I hope to see everyone return and can't wait to check out new followers. Feel free to grab the button and post on your sites if you wish

It may take a few days, but my goal each week is to follow everyone who links up. If I miss you, please let me know and I will be glad to follow. Leave a comment if you wish, I love reading them!

That's all there is. It really is up to you!
Now let's get to follow'n!

Head Trip by Jack Eadon Winner Announced

2012-03-06T11:25:00.000-06:00

Katie K. is our winner for Head Trip by Jack Eadon

Congrats Katie! Thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reminding Myself To Be Grateful

2012-03-05T07:22:00.002-06:00

This past week has been a constant reminder of how grateful we should be for everything that we have in our lives. For all those who have lost their homes even worse, their loved ones to the deadly storms that tore across the states the past few days, you are constantly in our hearts and minds.

Tomorrow smile at someone

That you've never seen before.

Take time to think of others that

You feel compassion for.

Tomorrow tell somebody

How they brighten up your day.

Let random acts of kindness

Put your feelings on display.

Tomorrow hug your children

Somewhat tighter than before.

Be sure to think of all the things

You can be thankful for.

Pat your dog a little longer.

Hug and kiss your husband/wife.

Thank your God for granting you

Another day of life.

by Michael Mack

Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA10 Review

2012-03-04T12:19:00.002-06:00

I received the Daily Antioxidant Peel for review, and have to admit I was a little leery to try it. When I hear acid peel, I tend to worry about the affects that it will have on my skin. But I have had the opportunity to try and review many other Exuviance products and I know that they would not steer me wrong. This is the first time I have ever used such a product and I have to say I don't know why I worried so much. I liked that the box came with a jar of 36 pads and a bottle of the anitoxidant separately. I use it every morning. I like this product because I can immediately follow up with moisturizer and my makeup The one step pad does not need to be neutralized and no rinsing is required. My face has never looked better and it feels fresh all day. I would advise to not using it around hairlines and eyebrows. It tends to leave a bit of a sticky residue on the hair. You notice a slight sting when you when you put it on but this is nothing to worry about, actually it is the citric acid doing it's thing.

About Exuvience Daily Antioxidant Peel CA10

The creators of the original lunchtime glycolic acid peel are excited to unveil another, chemical peel safe for at-home use - the Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA10. This one-step, leave-on daily peel is formulated to exfoliate and deliver potent antioxidant protection for everyday defense against aging. 10% Citric Acid, a well known antioxidant and anti-ager found in citrus fruits, exfoliates and prepares skin for moisturizer absorption and smooth makeup application without downtime. The antioxidant power of Citric Acid neutralizes damaging free radicals brought on by daily environmental exposure to help prevent signs of aging.

Size: Contains 36 pads (including 1 test pad) + peel solution, 1.9 fl oz
When should the Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA10 be used versus Exuviance Performance Peel AP25? Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 should be used twice weekly to diminish the existing visible signs of aging, and Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA10 should be used on in-between days for daily exfoliation and to help prevent future signs of aging.

Where can you purchase the Exuviance Daily Anitoxident Peel CA10? That is simple just head over to Here where you can purchase the 36 pad kit for $65. While you are there check out all the other great products NeoStrata has to offer.

I received this product to review. I was not compensated in any way in order to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own. For further policy disclosure please click here

Google+ Blog Hop 3/2/2012

2012-03-02T06:43:00.000-06:00

Google+ is fast growing with the last report showing up to 62 million users on Google+ and adding over 625,000 per day. If you do not have a Google+ account, simply sign up for a Gmail account and then click the +YOU to create your Google Plus account. For more information on Google+ Click Here.

The Blog Hop Rules are simple:

Add me (Vickie Cook) to your circles on Google+
If you wish, follow Victoria's Voice through GFC
Link yourself to the list below
Follow and add some of the other great folks linked up on Google+
Copy and paste the blog hop button on your blog so that others can join (optional)