Gluten-free Food Ideas for This Holiday Season

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Finding recipes to make a gluten-free holiday meal? Sheryl Goldstein, author of The “No Gluten Solution, Cooking for Family and Friends,” can give you some ideas. Check out her latest video on five Gluten Free recipes using Millet:





Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. Any opinions expressed in my review are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Bloggers Wanted: SodaStream Giveaway Event

To contact us Click HERE

Attention bloggers:  This is a free blogger event hosted by Jen's Blah Blah Blog and Pink Ninja Media. You will receive one free link on the form at no cost as a thank you for participating in this event. Participation is free when you post an announcement on your blog about the event.


PARTICIPATION DETAILS

* Prize: SodaStream Fountain Jet (winner's choice of black/siler, red/silver, or white)

* Event dates: January 10, 2013

* Contest is open Worldwide!

* FREE link (Facebook) with announcement post (or pay $5 of not posting announcement)

* Optional additional links are $2 each.

* Optional Host pages are $5 each.

* Agree to post the giveaway HTML on the date the event begins and promote at least 2x a week

* Please mention Jennie from "Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts" referred you! Thanks much!

~ SIGN UP HERE ~

Jessica Alba, Megan Fox & Ed Helms Toasts the 2013 Golden Globe Nominees

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Moët & Chandon toasted to 70 years of the Golden Globes in Los Angeles at the 2013 Golden Globe nominations at the Beverly Hilton. To celebrate more than two decades as the official Champagne of the iconic awards ceremony, Moët & Chandon showcased its magnificent 2004 Grand Vintage Brut Champagne on a beautiful tower display at the award nominations. Magnums of this exclusive champagne will be flown to the US especially for the awards on January 13th, making the nominees some of the first people in the United States to enjoy this unique vintage Champagne.

 
Immediately following the nominations announcement, Moët & Chandon presented President of the HFPA, Dr. Aida Talka O’Reilly with a special crystallized 3 Liter bottle marking the 70th anniversary of the Golden Globe Awards. The three presenters, Jessica Alba, Megan Fox and Ed Helms, all continued to celebrate the occasion after the announcements were made. The trio sipped Moët & Chandon Imperial from signature golden goblets at the very early hour, joking and toasting each other as they walked off the stage. They even left the nominations ceremony with champagne in hand – a great way to start the morning!





Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this promotion. Any opinions expressed in my review are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser Review

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Wash Away Worries, Dirt & Grime
Jan Marini's Bioglycolic Face Cleanser with glycolic acid is a gentle cleanser suitable for all skin types. This deep cleansing formula is soap free, non-irritating, and rinses completely without the need for a post-cleansing toner or astringent. The cleanser also contains sorbitol, a natural humectant derived from berries that leaves the skin soft and hydrated.


I received a couple of samples to try. This creamy cleanser is nice and gentle for my sensitive skin. Also, there's no strong scent at all, which is another thing I liked. Sometimes I get breakouts from some of the other facial cleansers I've tried (even the expensive brands). So far I had no problems using Jan Marini's Bioglycolic Face Cleanser. My sister has the same problem as me. I am recommending this to her. This daily cleanser gently cleans and exfoliates the skin without drying.


To use, gently massage over dry skin. Remove with a clean, wet and wrung out washcloth. Splash face 10-15 times with lukewarm water and blot dry!


Features & Benefits:

* Thorough and deep cleansing action
* Contains glycolic acid as a follicular cleansing aid and resurfacing agent
* Naturally derived humectants leave skin soft and hydrated
* Enhances the benefits of all other skin care products
* Excellent cleanser for all skin types


WHERE TO BUY: The Bioglycolic Face Cleanser is available for $29. Find your nearest retailer at www.janmarini.com


Disclosure: I received samples to try from the PR firm or company in exchange of my review. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Colossal Asian Veggie 'N Chicken Pack

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Per Serving (1/4th of recipe, about 1 1/2 cups): 5 Points+
222 calories, 1.5g fat, 811mg sodium, 19g carbs, 3.25g fiber, 9.5g sugars, 30.5g protein 

The recipe: "300 under 300", pages 170 - 171
or http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1587 

As I've said before, I love making Hungry Girl foil packs.  They are quick, easy, and always turn out moist and yummy.  This recipe had TONS of veggies in it, which I love.  You get so much food for so little calories - awesome! 
My main complaint about this recipe was the lack of sauce.  For all those veggies, there was only 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce, along with a little rice vinegar.  I like to be able to taste my sauce!  Plus, when everything is cooked in the foil pack, the veggies release quite a bit of liquid, watering down the already too-small amount of sauce.  In other words, this recipe needs more sauce! 
To compensate, I ended up adding soy sauce to my serving.  Although it adds a lot of sodium, it doesn't really add any calories, and it was worth the added flavor this dish was desperately needing.  If you make this recipe, it might be worth it to add a tablespoon of lower calorie stir-fry sauce to each serving for more flavor.  I have found ones for only 20 calories a tablespoon that taste great.  The portion size alone is a good reason to make this dish, even though it needs a little help!

Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling {Book Review}

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Videojournalism is a new field that has grown out of traditional print photojournalism, slideshows that combine sound and pictures, public radio, documentary film-making and the best of television news features. This amalgam of traditions has emerged to serve the internet's voracious appetite for video stories.

Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling is written for the new generation of "backpack" journalists. The solo videojournalist must find a riveting story; gain access to charismatic characters who can tell their own tales; shoot candid clips; expertly interview the players; record clear, clean sound; write a script with pizzazz; and, finally, edit the material into a piece worthy of five minutes of a viewer's attention. Videojournalism addresses all of these challenges, and more - never losing sight of the main point: telling a great story.


MY REVIEW

I find this quite an interesting book. If you're into shooting a video documentary and good storytelling, this book has amazing photographs on Ken Kobré's experience and clear explainations about the subject on videojournalism. Some of the images might be disturbing, happy, sad, or funny. Mostly, I really like the detail about how he captured the videos and how he tells his story. It's a great read if you're into this kind of stuff.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Professor Kenneth Kobré directs the photojournalism sequence at San Francisco State University, California. His photographs have appeared in Newsweek, Time, Business Week, San Francisco Examiner, and numerous other publications.

Kobre also is the producer of the hour-long documentary "Deadline Every Second: On Assignment with 12 Associated Press Photojournalists.” Please "friend” Ken on Facebook, www.facebook.com/kenkobre, and then "like” the page for "Deadline Every Second,” where you can view the trailer.

WHERE TO BUY: Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, FocalPress.com and bookstores.





Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the mentioned book from the PR firm or publisher in exchange of my review. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Santalia Clinical Acne Daily Cleanser Review

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New Solutions for Healthy Skin from an Ancient Source
Founded on the principle of providing acne-prone and sensitive skin with a natural, clinically proven solution, this simple regimen helps to quickly reduce and clear blemished skin without over-drying. Santalia's products are formulated without benzoyl peroxide, sulfates, artificial fragrance, dyes or preservatives and are naturally preserved with honeysuckle extract.

Santalia infuses each product with these ingredients for optimum results:

• organic sandalwood oil is used to calm irritations and combat bacteria
• traditional Australian plant extract, Lemom Myrtle, is known for antibacterial activity
• Australian bush food, Kakadu Plum, is considered the world's richest source of Vitamin C which is critical for healthy skin
• extracts of Laminaria digitata, an extract of seaweed rich in minerals for balanced skin, and zinc help reduce 5-alpha reductase activity and P.acnes

The Santalia product line includes: Acne Treatment Kit, Daily Cleanser, Refining Mask, Daily Balancing Serum, and Intensive Spot Treatment.


I was recently given the opportunity to try Santalia Clinical Acne Daily Cleanser. It is a foam cleanser that deep cleans dirt, oil and bacteria while gently exfoliating without overdrying. My problem areas are the chin (below my lip area), the side of my face and sometimes my forehead. It's pretty much my T-zone area. After trying the cleanser, it feels refreshing and I love the natural grapefruit & tangerine citrus scent. Active ingredient contains 0.52% Salicylic Acid. From my experience with other acne treatment products, Salicylic Acid works better for my skin than the Benzoyl Peroxide (which irritates my skin).

Features & Benefits:- leaves skin feeling fresh- calm irritations and combat bacteria- skin feels smooth and balanced



WHERE TO BUY & AVAILABILITY: The Acne Treatment Kit will be available for purchase in January 2013 via www.santaliashop.com
Disclosure: I received samples of the mention product from the PR firm or company in exchange of my review. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts.

Get Fit New Years Resolution Giveaway

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Sponsored by: Nutrisystem | Eat Smart | ProForm | BeachBody
Co Hosted by Mom Blog Society | Jackie's Reviews | Geeky Gamer Mom | She Informed | Country Stew | Confessions of a Messy Mama | Zoe's Printable Coupons | Fishful Thinking | The Deal Fanatic | Route 249 | SOS Mom | Swank Savings
Welcome to the Get Fit New Years Resolution Giveaway! My New Years resolution is to tone up, lose weight, work-out more, and eat healthier. There's still time to start looking great by summer time, go to the beach and not afraid to wear my favorite bikinis.

PRIZES:

• Ab Glider
• 6 Month Nutrisystem
• EatSmart Scale
• Insanity Worked Package

At Nutrisystem, we believe that your health and happiness matters most.

That's why for more than 40 years, we've been helping millions of people make themselves a priority, and discover that they, too, can change their lives for the better.

By providing real food you know and love, guidelines you can live and learn by, and balanced nutrition your body needs, we've created a program that makes losing weight work for you.

• Measuring Functions: % Body Fat, % Total Body Water, % Muscle Mass and Bone Mass
• Proprietary Automatic User Identification Technology; Stores personal data for up to 8 users
• EatSmart "Step-On" Technology - Get instant readings with no tapping to turn on!
• Large 3.5" Blue LCD display with white backlight - Easy to read.
• Auto Calibrated; Auto Power-Off; Runs on 4 AAA batteries (included); 100% EatSmart Satisfaction Guarantee

 

• Burn 2x the Calories Per Minute
• 2-in-1 Easy Abs Plus Workout DVD
• 3-Minute Abs Workout DVD
• Amazing Abs Digital Eating Guide
• Vertical and Rotational Lock

This might just be the hardest fitness program ever put on DVD. Your personal trainer Shaun T will push you past your limits with 10 INSANITY workout discs packed with plyometric drills on top of nonstop intervals of strength, power, resistance, and ab and core training moves. No equipment or weights needed. Just the will to get the hardest body you’ve ever had.






{GIVEAWAY}
One (1) lucky reader will receive all of the above mentioned prizes! Contest is open WORLDWIDE, 18+ (ends January 6, 2013 at 11:59pm EST). For your chance to win the Get Fit New Years Resolution Giveaway, simply enter via the Rafflecopter below. GOOD LUCK!

The winner will be notified via email. No reply within 48 hours would make us choose another winner at random. For fairness sake, we will be evaluating all the entries - anyone that uses multiple entries from one ip address will be disqualified from the giveaway. Only ONE IP per household is allowed. Please read our disclosure for more information and giveaway rules. 


{Please wait while Rafflecopter form loads...}

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Disclosure: I received no compensation for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts" is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Bloggers Wanted: $200 Cash Giveaway Event Sign-Up

To contact us Click HERE

Attention bloggers:  This is a free blogger event hosted by Mom Powered Media and sponsored by TopHatter. You will receive one free link on the form at no cost as a thank you for participating in this event. Participation is free when you post an announcement on your blog about the event.


PARTICIPATION DETAILS

* Prize: $200 Cash (PayPal)

* Event dates: January 1, 2013 - January 30, 2013

* Eligibility: Contest is open Worldwide!

* Blog Must Have At Least 2,000 Facebook Fans and Be At Least 3 Months Old



* FREE link (Facebook) with announcement post (or pay $5 of not posting announcement)

* Optional additional links are $2 each (send payment via paypal or amazon credit to payments[at]mompoweredmedia.com) 

* Optional Host pages are $10 each.

* Optional Event Co-Host pages are $20 each.

* Agree to post the giveaway HTML on the date the event begins and promote at least 3x a week

* Please mention Jennie from "Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts" referred you! Thanks much!

~ SIGN UP HERE ~

Colossal Asian Veggie 'N Chicken Pack

To contact us Click HERE
Per Serving (1/4th of recipe, about 1 1/2 cups): 5 Points+
222 calories, 1.5g fat, 811mg sodium, 19g carbs, 3.25g fiber, 9.5g sugars, 30.5g protein 

The recipe: "300 under 300", pages 170 - 171
or http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1587 

As I've said before, I love making Hungry Girl foil packs.  They are quick, easy, and always turn out moist and yummy.  This recipe had TONS of veggies in it, which I love.  You get so much food for so little calories - awesome! 
My main complaint about this recipe was the lack of sauce.  For all those veggies, there was only 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce, along with a little rice vinegar.  I like to be able to taste my sauce!  Plus, when everything is cooked in the foil pack, the veggies release quite a bit of liquid, watering down the already too-small amount of sauce.  In other words, this recipe needs more sauce! 
To compensate, I ended up adding soy sauce to my serving.  Although it adds a lot of sodium, it doesn't really add any calories, and it was worth the added flavor this dish was desperately needing.  If you make this recipe, it might be worth it to add a tablespoon of lower calorie stir-fry sauce to each serving for more flavor.  I have found ones for only 20 calories a tablespoon that taste great.  The portion size alone is a good reason to make this dish, even though it needs a little help!

Dead Running & Dying to Run Blog Tour + Amazon/Paypal Giveaway

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Welcome to the Dead Running & Dying to Run Blog Tour
Hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer
Blog Tour Schedule


Dead Running

Cassidy Christensen is running.

Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.

Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.

Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.

With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.



Dying to Run
Cassidy Christensen wants to run.

Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, her only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but she won’t allow another family member to be killed in her place.

This must-read sequel to Dead Running will have you laughing, biting your nails, and hoping for more.



Purchase Dead Running * Dying to Run



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. Cami teaches strength training classes at her local rec and shares healthy living tips on her fitness blog: http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com.

Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.



Links Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Fitness Blog


{Blog Tour GIVEAWAY}

There will be four (4) winners for each item. Winner will receive a $25 Amazon GC or Paypal Cash and 3 sets of iFrogz Earbuds & Armbands. Contest is open Worldwide, 18+ (ends January 31, 2013 at 11:59pm EST). Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer (http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com) and sponsored by the author. Good luck!
 


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a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: I received ebook copies of the mentioned books for my review as well as other info to share in this promotion.  My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts" is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.