Jenny On The Spot | Reviews and Giveaways

Who inspires me to keep on keeping on???

Others inspire me.

The first person who inspired me to set a goal to begin with was my dear friend, Sara. I watched her complete her first triathlon. I listened to her tales of training for that triathlon, and finally learning to swim at 28 years old. I was inspired, amazed, and jealous.

I remember sitting under a tree on a cold and rainy August day in Seattle. Vividly. I sat under a tree to help keep me dry while I nursed my 6 week old son. My first child. I was a full-on post-partum mess.

The rest of this post is chillaxin’ over at BlogHer where we are talking about who or what inspires us to reach our fitness goals. I will be closing comments here to encourage discussion over there! Plus, your comment there could win you a $1000 Visa gift card!

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This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Ritz.

Update: winning number is comment #67

The daily grind. *They* don’t call it grind for nothing! For me, it’s not that everyday is the same… it’s that the week just keeps on coming! Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday… Set the alarm and — GO! GO! GO!

Like most women, I hit the ground running with my list of to-do’s… from deadlines to family needs to beyond! It is exceedingly easy to get caught-up in all the DOing and GOing. Whether I realize I do it or not, there are things I do to give my mind a break and add a little repreive from the chaos — even if tiny bits at a time.

• I always get my coffee on. It is a physical and psychological lift.
• I check in on the Facebook. I work from home, Facebook is my little water cooler. And also Twitter *cheesy grin*.
• My dirty little secret? 15 minutes a week I hit the tanning bed. I know, but I do… I live in the Pacific Northwest and I look VERY forward to my 15 minutes of warmth every 7th day! It is just about the only time my feet are without socks!
• I try to keep my hunger in check. It is easy for my to dig in and forget to eat. I am not very efficient when working on an empty stomach.

Speaking of food…

I just got to try the Ritz Crackerfuls Cheddar Cheese and Bacon filled crackers. To be honest, I was skeptical, but am a skeptic no more. The crackers are very tasty, and the bacon gives a nice kick! Besides… BACON!

Cheese-filled crackers often times have a bland flavor, but not these. And since they are packaged individually, it is an easy snack to keep in a desk drawer, or in the glove compartment when a gal needs to grab a quick *something* to take off that edge!

I’m curious. What is one thing you integrate into your day that helps you refocus, or helps you  remember you are human and not just a GO machine? If you answer that question here, you will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! ALSO — visit the BlogHer.com review/giveaway round-up page: BlogHer.com special offers page – where you will find 16 other chances to win $100! Sixteen chances!

Rules:

• No duplicate comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
• This giveaway is open to US Residents, aged 18 and older
• Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
• Contest begins 7/9 and ends 7/31/2010.
• You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

View the official rules here, and for additional information on Crackerfuls please visit their official site!

*Save $1.00 on Ritz Crackerfuls filled crackers. Click here for your coupon!*

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Keep up on the ridiculous, the insightful, the always digressive…

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This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop Tarts.

*Update! The winner from this post, combined with the comments from this post is… Comment # 78… and that belongs to Angie! Congratulations Angie and thank you to all who entered and shared with us here!

What is a better summertime treat than ice cream? Ice cream CAKE, perhaps? Perhaps – Pop-Tarts Ice Cream Cake?!!!

Made out of Awesome.

If you would like to be Da Bomb at the next summer picnic, maybe you want to bring your own Pop-Tarts Ice Cream Cake! It’s easy! You need…

1/2 gallon of yummy ice cream (softened)…

AND 1 large package of instant pudding and 1 and 1/4 cups of milk…

Mix for 5 minutes

Line the bottom of 9×13 with Pop-Tarts! I used the Pop-Tarts® Ice Cream Shoppe(tm) Vanilla Milkshake and Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts. Trim Pop-Tarts to fit in pan all snug-like.

Pour blend of ice cream, pudding mix and milk over bed of Pop-Tarts.

Spread evenly, then top with whipped cream.

Chop Pop-Tarts for topping (Chopped-Tarts! Heehee)…

Enlist a helper.

Voila!

Freeze several hours or overnight.

Bring to a BBQ of your choosing…

And serve up the goodness!

How about you? What type of treat do you like to bring to the many potlucks and BBQs that summertime brings? Leave a comment here for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card (comments combined with this post). Additionally, I am not the only one experimenting with fun holiday Pop-Tarts ideas! There are 8 other bloggers playing with food too, which means there are 8 other chances to win! Visit the BlogHer.com special offers page to find out where else you can enter. Contest ends July 4, 2010!

Rules:

• No duplicate comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
• This giveaway is open to US Residents, aged 18 and older
• Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
• You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
• Official rules

Please visit the official Pop-Tarts Sprinklings site!

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***Winners Update! I’d like to Congratulate commenters #13 & 16 — Danielle and Kim on their Full Circle Farm produce box wins! Thanks to everyone for participating. Don’t forget – you can still use the the Jenny On The Spot code – JOTS2010 to receive $15 off your first order!

Full Circle Farm is an organic, 400 acre farm located in Carnation, Washington that DELIVERS.

I have been receiving Full Circle Farm produce for 3 weeks and have been delighted with the service and the product.

Full Circle Farm has dozens and dozens and DOZENS of drop-off locations in Western Washington – King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties.

At www.fullcirclefarm.com, a user goes through an easy registration process to begin receiving some of the finest, local organic produce. There is no sign-up or service fee nor minimum order commitment. If you want one box… you get one box.

Simple. Easy. Convenient. Organic. Delivered.

With over dozens upon dozens of locations to pick-up one’s farm-fresh boxes of organic produce… Full Circle Farm makes it a breeze to get your greens. They have also expanded its “farm-to-table” service to include home delivery for the Puget Sound area, bringing farm-fresh produce and artisan goods directly to your doorstep.”

And with just a few clicks of the mouse, it is so simple to add to your order or change your order.

The part I loved the most about using Full Circle Farm was the simplicity – on many levels… from signing-up, to keeping my order tailored to my family’s needs, to picking up my box of awesoemsauceness… no wandering the produce aisles for this bounty!

After I picked up my box, I got cookin’! Vegetable Stir Fry, Rice, Teriyaki Chicken & Salad

Stir Fry:

No fancy recipe here. I took some FCF produce (spring onions, carrots & zucchini), and few items I had on hand (broccoli, cauliflower & garlic). I heated up some olive oil and a couple cloves of minced garlic. Then stirred… and fried le veggies!

Rice: You know how to make rice!

Teriyaki chicken: I marinated boneless, skinless chicken thighs in Veri Veri Teriyaki, and the hubs grilled it. OmNomNom.

Salad:

I used the green leaf, arugula, spinach and tomatoes from my Full Circlebox. I added feta with a vinegar/oil dressing.

The dinner plate:

The next morning I made scrambled eggs… I added zucchini and tomatoes from my order… some fresh garlic and parmesan.

One evening I roasted the FCF fingerling potatoes. I added a tablespoon (plus a little) to a baking pan, added sliced fingerlings. I topped them with salt, pepper… mixed… Then toppped with parmesan. Cooked them at 425 for about 30 minutes, and… easy peasy!

Really, after 3 weeks of veggies, there would be A LOT of pics and recipes, so I’ll share just one more. One that got rave reviews from the moms and dads at my daughter’s preschool graduation… Strawberry Salad.

The folks at Full Cirlce Farm include a newsletter and recipes in each box. I decided to use their salad recipe… for a spinach salad with strawberries and lemonette dressing:

In this salad: spinach, strawberries, feta, spicy candied pecans, and the lemonette dressing (pecans, feta & lemon not from Full Circle Farm).

Candied pecans (MY own beloved recipe of Awesome):
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Pinch cayenne
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
In small bowl, mix together sugar, 1/2-teaspoon salt, 1/4-teaspoon cinnamon, ginger, 1/4-teaspoon pepper and cayenne.
In medium skillet, combine butter, sugar mixture and pecans. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar has melted and nuts are coated. Cool on lightly greased aluminum foil.

Full Circle Farm Lemonette Dressing (oh, this is so easy!):
Mix juice of one lemon (about 4 T) and 1/2 c olive oil in a bowl… until incorporated. Add a pinch of salt an pepper. ***my own add: about 2 tsp sugar… to take the edge off the lemon***

Have I peeked your interest? Local readers, would YOU like to try out Full Circle Farm? Anyone in the Full Circle Farm service area (King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties) is eligible to win one of TWO produce boxes! That’s a $31 value! Simply leave a comment telling me what your favorite organic produce is! ALSO – if you can’t wait to get started… sign-up and use the code: JOTS2010 to receive $15 off your first order!!!

Rules:

• No duplicate comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving the link in the comments.
• “Liking” Full Circle Farm on Facebook and leaving a separate comment telling me you did.
• You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving the link in the comments.
• This Full Circle Farm is open residents of the following Western Washington counties: King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap
• Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
• You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
• Contest starts June 22 and ends July 20, 2010! Good luck!

*Disclosure: I received product from Full Circle Farm in order to create this review. My opinion is honest, and my own. Veggies rock, and as a result of my own experience with Full Circle Farm I have signed-up to begin my own regular delivery… because I want to put organic veggies where my family’s mouth is. So there

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I stay fit because I never want to go back. Ever.

*Been there, done that*… for 20 years… and I am much happier here…

Over the years I tried SO many things, and failed. I was sad, uncomfortable and insecure. I spent my young years… 20 of them, hating me. Hating the fact I could not seem to get a grip and control my own life. But one day… I had my *light bulb moment*.

To read the entirety of this post, you will need to go here… It’s BlogHer and the place where I am participating in a series titled 8 Weeks to a Fitter You. Over there, you can read more about my journey, and answer the following for a chance at a $1000 Visa gift card: Why do you stay fit? Have you had a “light bulb moment” that changed your fitness direction?

I’m closing comments here… I would love for you to contribute to the conversation just beginning over there!

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This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop-Tarts.

Sure, you could bring homemade ice cream or potato salad or fruit salad to the Fourth of July bar-b-que  this year. Everyone likes that stuff. And everybody brings that stuff.

Who wants to be like everybody else? What about bringing sparklers? No, not the ones that are a fire hazard… everybody brings those too — how about Pop-Tarts Sparklers?

All you need to make these easy and festive holiday treats are:

an ice cream sundae glass:

some festive filler:

wooden skewers:

Ice Cream Shoppe™ Vanilla Milkshake Pop-Tarts® & a star cookie cutter:

Cut the Pop-Tarts into stars with the cookie cutter. I suggest lightly greasing the cookie cutter with non-stick cooking spray – the pokey-star-ends need a little *something* to emerge without breaking! Then slide a star onto a skewer! Add some festive filler to the sundae glass, then insert skewers with Pop-Tarts stars. I added a skewer I decorated with red and silver curling ribbon to add color and whimsy.

My kids and our sleepover friends couldn’t wait to dive in and eat their own Pop-Tarts Sparkler! Of course, there are always the Pop-Tarts Sprinkly Ice Cream Bites too… a great treat for a hot summer afternoon! For other fun ideas visit the Sprinklings site! So many holiday options!

By the way… there is a $100 Visa gift card up for grabs! And I am not the only one experimenting with fun holiday Pop-Tarts ideas! There are 8 other bloggers playing with food too, which means there are 8 other chances to win! Visit the BlogHer.com special offers page to find out where else you can enter.

To enter here, please leave a comment telling me what your kids’ favorite summer treat or activity is! Contest ends July 4, 2010!

Rules:

• No duplicate comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
• This giveaway is open to US Residents, aged 18 and older
• Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
• You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
• Official rules

Please visit the official Pop-Tarts Sprinklings site!

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Keep up on the ridiculous, the insightful, the always digressive…

Get Jenny On The Spot by RSS or EMAIL or newsletter!

Follow JOTS on Twitter, join the Facebook Fan Page and/or Networked Blogs!

How do I stay motivated and keep on my fitness routine? My support system — my “partners in crime”! Though my first thought after reading this question was, “Being able to fit in my jeans is what keeps me on my fitness routine, DUH!”

But no. In reality I would say there are 2 main things that help keep me going: Partnership & Accountability… I am a pretty social girl, afterall!

At the Seattle Half-Marathon finish line with my running partner Katie…

Of course I have more to say about partnership & accountability, but the rest of the post is living over at BlogHer  – where we are discussing fitness and giving away a $1000 Visa gift card! I hope you’ll click on over and help answer — What motivates YOU? What keeps you focused on your own fitness routine? I’m closing comments here… I want to hear all about your tips at BlogHer, where the conversation is a-happenin’!

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There are several factors involved in my strategy (ifyouwill) to stay fit. A HUGE motivator is my butt… fitting into my jeans. I got rid of all the clothes that were a size up, so if I slip-up… I will have to go naked or buy a bigger size. And I really don’t know what would be worse. *deadpan stare* Here are a few key points I recognize as major contributors to my continued fitness:

•    Consistent exercise
•    Goal setting
•    A partner
•    Just say “NO” to deprivation
•    Hydration

You can read the ENTIRE post about my fitness “strategy” over at BlogHer, where my first of 5 fitness-focused posts is up! I am delighted to be hosting the Crystal Light Pure Fitness page… sharing along with with several other great bloggers … and of course, there is a $1000 Visa gift card is being given away! I hope you take a few moments to swing by that post! I am closing comments here so we can dig into the discussion over there! Please Chime in and share — What do YOU do to stay fit?

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Do you see this ring? Have you ever seen A RING LIKE THIS?

Would you like to win one?

*Update! We have our winner – lucky commneter #29! Congratulations Jennielynn! You are one lucky laday!!!

Read on…

Father’s Day is fast approaching. I have to ask, what could possibly say “I LOVE YOU” more than a ring MADE OF GEARS for Father’s Day?! Of course, it’s not a ring JUST for men… gals too! You can get the Gear Ring ranging from sizes 5 to 14! But since Father’s Day is coming up… *ahem*…*nudge nudge*

GEARS. Pure genius. So genius, in fact, the ring is protected by numerous patents pending. Fa’ real. This is not just any ring!

But, let’s focus on the felllas – since Father’s Day is upon us. What man doesn’t love GEARS? Mix these gears with the highest quality stainless steel for jewelry… and you have a Father’s Day gift made in MAN HEAVEN.

I received my own Kinekt Gear Ring, so I could get my review on. I should probably let you know that the ring did come with a warning:

The spinning of this ring may inadvertently cause a lack of productivity and work-related progress. Please enjoy responsibly.

Smart folks, those Kinekt Design people. It’s true. You can’t stop spinning the gears! Can. Not. It is so smooth! It makes the stinkin’ coolest and softest whirrly/spinny sound! In fact, I almost couldn’t get this review written!

SRSLY.

I thought I had it bad… but then I *gave* it to my husband. After-all, the ring IS for him. Maybe. Girls can totally wear this ring too. Thing is, before I got to touch it, I promised him he could be the owner. Lucky man. When I handed it to him it was almost like handing him a 2,000 square foot man-shop filled with new tools. Except, all packed into the size of a ring. He was all, “Dude. This is AWESOME.” *insert Beavis & Butthead style-laughter here*

You gotta watch this video. I could describe this ring to death… Instead, I think you just need to see it in action. Yes – not only a GEAR ring, but an ACTION ring:

Like buttah.

Kinekt Design just launched 3 months ago, and may be the only company making jewelry with moving gears. They have numerous patents on their utility and design. It took over a year to design, on account of the fact — it is a RING MADE OF MOVING GEARS. *waves hands wildly* If you visit the Kinekt official website you can learn much more about the history behind this gear ring, and it’s unique features.

If you want one in time for Father’s Day, order soon! Kineket Design is fast, but even with their jewelry-making magic, they are not shipping magicians… Father’s Day is June 20… mark your calendars. OR you could always enter here to win one:

The folks at Kinekt Design are offering one Gear Ring for one lucky reader here! You heard me! This ring (including shipping) is valued at $165! That’s a nice gift! Or keep it for yourself Simply leave a comment to enter. Tell me who in your life you think would love to receive his or her own Gear Ring! *Please note that email addresses of entrants will be shared with Kinekt Design.

Rules:

• No duplicate comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving the link in the comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving the link in the comments.
• This Kinekt Gear Ring giveaway is open to participants worldwide!
• Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
• You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
• Contest starts May 27 and ends June 11, 2010! Good luck!

*Disclosure: I was provided a Gear Ring for this review… that I get to keep. The opinions expressed here are honest and my own.*

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Keep up on the ridiculous, the insightful, the always digressive…

Visit my main blog – Jenny on the Spot!

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*Update — We have our two winners! The *folks* at random.org chose:

Congratulations to Jeanenne & Inkthis! Thank you all for your participation and continued love for the delightful products of Foxy Blunt! And thank you to Foxy Blunt for treating us to Awesome!

I am in love.

LOVE I tell you. A veritable pink, puffy heart explosion of LOVE.

*birds singing*

A friend of mine posted a link on my Facebook wall awhile ago.

Reminds me of a song… “Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match… find me a find…catch me a catch!” Oh, a match was made!

A first glance, I thought… “OH Those are pretty.”

Good Luck… with that

I am not a fru-fru kinda- gal. I am not a fan of lace or dainty stuffs. However, I DO like flowers and whimsy and pink. But in particular ways. Then I have some rocker-chick in me too… I like tattoo art. I like clean lines. I like colors that pop.

Eclectic? Yes, let’s call my tastes “eclectic”.

AND I like a good sense of humor. I value wit and get a kick out of new twists on old themes.

Which brings me to my point, the greeting card. A card + a greeting = greeting card. Easiest math I’ll ever do. There are many cards to choose from, for all imaginable or unimaginable occasions.

But how many greeting card lines successfully bridge the gap between style, wit AND charm? How many draw in your eye… Building an expectation of one thing, and get an entirely other “thing”.

Welcome New Baby… adios sex (blank inside)

Foxy Blunt is that “other thing”.

When I fist laid eyes on the Foxy Blunt line, my eyes were pleased. I loved the lines, the colors, the balance of whimsy and color and design.

Then I read one.

Thank You… for recognizing how important I am

Clearly. We were meant to be together.

That was all she wrote. Foxy Blunt has offered up two boxes sets to give away here. Contents vary. Contents guaranteed to delight!

You have several ways to enter to win:

• Leave a comment sharing which Foxy Blunt card is your favorite (no duplicate comments)
• Tweet about this contest, including @foxyblunt in your tweet and leave the link here in the comments
• Become a fan of Foxy Blunt on Facebook, and let me know in a separate comment.

Good luck and have fun checking out Foxy Blunt!Contest runs May 21 to June 6, 2010. While there, grab a desktop background (they’re free!). Right now, I have the one that says, “Dreaming…. of happy hour.” I have a dream…

*I was provided cards to keep for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

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Keep up on the ridiculous, the insightful, the always digressive…

Visit my main blog – Jenny on the Spot!

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Follow JOTS on Twitter, join the Facebook Fan Page and/or Networked Blogs!