Through Hazel Eyes-A Mom Blog | Tag Archive

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Makin’ Banana Pancakes, Letting the Kids Help

3 Comments 12 January 2010

It is not unusual to find us preparing or eating Breakfast for dinner on any given night. Pancakes, Sausage (from our favorite meat market) and fruit are what you would find on the menu. The kids? They inhale all of it. Sometimes I use the box mix, Krusteaz specifically, you know, where you just add water. Most of the time though, I will go all out and make them from scratch. We choose pancakes the majority of the time because it is easy to double the recipe creating a quick and easy snack the next day or two. Or you could freeze them and pop them in the toaster for breakfast. There is one recipe that we all love, but I have not been given permission to share as it is a family recipe of a good friend of mine. However, I came across this gem of a pancake recipe. The two are quite similar. These are are perfectly fluffy and delicious all around. We don’t stop at just the pancake though, we always have to add something to it. Usually fruit or chocolate chips. One of Ryan’s favorite fruits to add are the bananas. He likes cutting them all up. I consider this an easy way to get the kids involved and add a little more nutrition.

General

Beauty Sense

5 Comments 11 January 2010

I’m pleased to announce the start of a new topic here at Through Hazel Eyes. We are going to talk about all things beauty. On Mondays from here on out you will be able to find an article on beauty. We will talk about skin, hair, fashion, healthy eating and well just about anything related to beauty. I will be hosting product reviews and giveaways to go with several of the topics. I will be interviewing specialists on topics that I myself do not specialize in, and maybe some that I do just to get another take. As some of you may or may not know I am a licensed cosmetologist, which includes the studies of Esthiology.

So here is the deal, while I do have the next couple of weeks lined up, I would also like to know What You Would Like to Know? Contact me or email tara@throughhazeleyesblog.com with any topic that you have been curious about, specific or in general, and I will answer your question, or I will find the right person to answer your question.

If you are a beauty related company and would like us all to to learn more about your product, please contact me to submit your company.

Reviews

Tassimo=Amazing

20 Comments 08 January 2010

Several years ago now I had a good friend who received an Espresso machine for Christmas. I remember it being the bees knees, except for the fact that it took forever, it was loud and when your beverage was complete it was so incredibly scalding that you couldn’t drink it for at least a half hour. Fast forward to the last couple of months. I kept hearing of this Tassimo and have not heard of one bad experience yet. I was still skeptical and had to try it for myself. After all, it’s made with Bosch and my husband adores Bosch tools. Oh, and we both love coffee. A lot.

Now that I have this precious gem of a brewing system, I would like to first share a video on it’s usage. Then we’ll get to my full on honest opinion.

Yep, you saw that right. I have this set up right next to my computer in my “office”. I don’t know that that is actually a recommended location, but it works out perfect for me. Now that you were able to see for yourself how easy and user friendly this brewing system is, I’ll share some specifics.

The Tassimo was very easy to set up and use immediately. It took approximately 10-15 minutes for me to tear into open the box, rinse the filter, wash the water tank gently and insert my first ever T-Disc. Along with my Tassimo I received a box of Gevalia Chai Tea, Starbucks Cafe Verona Coffee and Gevalia Espresso. Each of these are amazing in flavor. I went out the very next day to purchase several other flavors and some hot cocoa and have not been dissapointed with any of the selections. I truly believe there is something for everyone.

The only complaint I had initially was the cost of the T-discs. My husband made me sit down and do the math. I mean sure, if you drink coffee as much as we do then you probably buy one of those big tubs of your favorite kind for around $10.00. Killer deal. However, even though I was getting my killer deal in bulk coffee, I was still stopping at Starbucks every time I went grocery shopping. We’ll be nice and say twice a week at $5.00/drink. Then there is our local coffee shop, where I get my tri-weekly weekly Chai Tea. So add another $5.00/week at the very least, making that at least $15.00/week. One package of Starbucks coffee T-discs, 12 discs/package, cost 10.99 on Tassimodirect.com. If you made it this far you get my point. So, when I head to the grocery store now I grab my to-go mug of my very own Starbucks coffee. I promise you, it tastes just as good as if they brewed it.

To Buy:

You can visit Tassimodirect.com. There you will find the perfect brewing system and a full selecton of T-discs starting at 5.99/package. After purchasing and receiving your Tassimo Brewing system you will find an enclosed code that entitles you to two free T-disc packages. You can also opt to use T-Disc Direct Delivery making sure you never go without your favorite beverage.

Some or all of the material used in this post have been provided to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Giveaways, Promotions

Motor Oil Matters-$35 Jiffy Lube GC Giveaway Closed

291 Comments 07 January 2010

Several years ago I went through a phase. This phase began from the time I purchased my very first vehicle at 16 and lasted oh, about 5 years. The phase? I refused to get my oil changed by myself. There was nothing I dreaded more than pulling into one of those 10 minute oil change services. Eventually, I got over this. I learned the hard way that motor oil is in fact a very important element to keep your vehicle running smoothly. I’m not going to get into the details because I already have not heard the end of it here in my very own home, Rob(my dear husband), no names.

I had to embrace the fact that my husband works more than I do leaving me with more time to run these types of errands. Not to mention if he weren’t even around. A girl just has to take charge these days. I wanted to learn the basics so those oil change guys would not take advantage of me and try to sell me windshield wipers and air filters when that is something my husband insists on replacing himself. If you’re in the same shoes as me, a great place to gather more information is in the Matter of Fact! section of M.O.M. Also be sure to quiz yourself at M.O.M Know Best.

A few bullet points provided by Jiffy Lube:

According to a study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, nearly 9 out of 10 female motorists are involved in their household’s vehicle maintenance and repair
According to a national survey that polled 522 women, 46 percent incorrectly assumed simply switching from conventional engine oil to synthetic oil enables the number of miles between oil changes to be safely extended*
Using a quality motor oil in the right grade can help maximize fuel economy, and help save money by preventing costly engine damage
Off-brand, no-name or discount oils that do not meet industry standards or the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements could cost consumers in the long run by potentially damaging the vehicle’s engine or possibly voiding the manufacturer’s warrant

The Giveaway:

Complimentary of My Blog Spark, Motor Oil Matters and Shell Lubricants is one $35.00 Gift Card redeemable at Jiffy Lube to cover the cost of an oil change.

To Enter:

I want to know what you find most interesting on the Motor Oil Matters website.

Additional Entries:

Subscribe (5 entries)

Follow me on Twitter and tweet (2 times/day)

Follow me

Blog about this giveaway and link back (3 entries)

Giveaway ends January 14, 2010. I will draw the winner via random.org and announce here after.

A Gift Card has been provided to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Congratulations!! Jen, comment number 151 is our winner. Thank you to everyone who entered!