Vegan Giveaway - Day 3 - OPP Vanilla

Hello lovelies!  It's Day 3 of our vegan contests/giveaways!  I want to THANK everyone commenting and participating!  REMEMBER...even if I've already chosen a winner on the previous prizes and posts PLEASE comment on them to be eligible for the GRAND PRIZE next week!  Those who comment on ALL 7 posts will be eligible for that 'drawing'.

Today the prize at stake is Garden of Life's OPP (Organic Plant Protein) - Vanilla Flavor and it's WONDERFUL!  I LOVE the way it smells!  It's funny because I never really liked vanilla scented or flavored things growing up but the older I get the more I like them!  Here's a smoothie I made using the Vanilla OPP...

I threw in Frozen Strawberries, Frozen Bananas, Dates, a bit of Nut Butter, and the Vanilla OPP.

So....YEAH!  Today's winner will receive a bag of Garden of Life's OPP Vanilla!
HOW TO WIN IS BELOW

Before I get to that I wanted to let you know of some of the things I have in the works!  I ended up purchasing a GoPro Hero 3.  I got it for a great price.  I have to say it's VERY different from a simple camera, cam-corder, or iPhone.  I'm still tinkering with it.  As some of you know I have been testing the waters with a YouTube Channel and I would LOVE for you to subscribe to my channel.  I will be doing more videos and giveaways over there down the road, too!  I have also gotten into a few more YouTubers as well and I will be sharing some of their videos in the near future.

Work has been crazy and it is just going to get crazier!  I have been writing and writing and writing with more writing on the way!  To see what I have been up to visit The Raw Food World NEWS Site's RECIPE Section, The Sororitea Sisters Site, and you can always follow me on Instagram I post nearly everyday on there, too!

NOW...on to more goodies!  The winner of yesterday's B12 Spray was Jacky!  CONGRATS!

AGAIN...today's prize is shown at the top of this post and is the OPP Vanilla from Garden of Life!

What I really LOVE is that these products are ALL on Garden of Life's No-GMO List! To learn more about their Non-GO Project - click HERE.

AND...The grand prize that I will be choosing a winner for will take place after Monday, July 13th. The grand prize includes the following...

* Dr. Formulated Organic Fiber

* Perfect Food Wheat Grass Powder

* Raw Meal - Spiced Chai

* Chia Seeds

* Organic Plant Calcium

* OPP (Organic Plant Protein) Chocolate

* OPP (Organic Plant Protein) Energy

HOW DO YOU WIN?

If you would like to win TODAY'S PRIZE leave a comment below and I will choose one winner! 

*If you don't have a blogger profile please remember to leave me your email addy in the comment, too* 

If you would like to win the GRAND PRIZE - the Prize Pack - leave a comment on all 7 daily contests and I will choose a winner for the prize pack next week! U.S. Shipping addresses only, please. AND YES...you are still eligible to win the prize pack if you won an individual prize! GOOD LUCK!

Dollywood Photography From My iPhone

Over at my Travel Blog earlier today I posted More From Dollywood and there are plenty of more photos over there if you want to check those out but the ones I am posting here today are ones that I feel turned out exceptionally well especially since all I used was my iPhone to take them.  This is the first time I haven't taken an actual camera on vacation to take my 'good' photos.  Needless to say I was pleased with the outcome.  We were trying to travel light and most of what we did pack was for Paco.  We drove over 10 hours in my Fiat and it certainly got the job done.  We averaged about 400 miles a tank.  We only spent a bit over $100 for gas so that was AWESOME.  Now on to the photos, eh!?  This first one is one of the many mills that Dollywood featured.  It was functional and festive.  Inside you were able to purchase their fresh made breads that they made daily.

One of the many decorated gardens was this one.  It had flowers galore!  Not only that they had a turning Ferris Wheel that moved slowly with the potted flowers in each Ferris Wheel Car.  I stopped and stared at it for a few moments.

I mentioned in another post that we visited Dollywood at the beginning of this years Gospel and Harvest Time Festival.  It last about a month and a half and features over 350 live performances throughout the theme park.

While we were there we did see a number of preachers, reverends, pastors, etc from different denominations and faiths.  There's a small church there that is named after the doctor who delivered Dolly Parton as a baby.

One thing I will have to research more is if there is a connection to birds and birdhouses and Dollywood and/or Dolly Parton.  I saw a SLEW of birdhouses throughout the theme park.  And I don't mean just any old birdhouse.  I mean INVOLVED birdhouses that were colorful and creative...ones that were HUGE...ones that had multiple stories...even ones that were themed.  Some were unusual, some where tall yet thin, and others were just so stunning I couldn't help but snap a photo...or 10 photos!

This one was behind a kiosk.  I couldn't believe that it wasn't more out in the open!  It stood about 6 to 6 and a half feet tall, had 3 floors, windows, doors, a deck, etc.  It was very beautiful!  If we visit Dollywood again...I just might have to try and count how many birdhouses I see!

Going along and keeping with the Harvest Time theme - giant colorful displays like this one could be seen throughout the theme park. 

As you can see this is almost like a Christmas Tree made out of potted flowers that tier into the sky.  Behind it was Hay, Wheat, Corn Stalks, and other festive decor. 

You can tell that Dollywood goes above and beyond to change things up and make the place look amazing!  I hear that Christmas Time is even more involved, too! 

We saw several people working on adding lights to many of the standing structures.  I bet they were getting ready for the Christmas Time Festival.  I'm sure it takes a LONG time to decorate for that!

I Spotted My Parents on the Aviation Webcam!

My Parents are on vacation this week and decided to go to Virginia Beach, VA.  Yesterday morning they visited the Association of Naval Aviation at Hampton Roads Squadron. 

My Father text messaged me the link to the Webcam.  Followed by another message that said "We're Waving!"  I thought for sure my father was going crazy if he thought I would actually be able to SEE him waving!  I didn't know what kind of a delay this webcam had or where in the park my parents WERE or if the camera was where they were, you know what I'm saying? 

Anyhow...after re-looking...I spotted them!  I quickly took a few screen shots on my iPhone!  How cool is that!?  In the first photo near the center statue walking toward the flowers and in the 2nd near the red flowers on the bottom you will see them!  My mom's on the left and dad on the right in his blue tank top, shots, and hat! My Dad was in the Navy during the Vietnam Years and is a proud veteran.  He was on the USS Kitty Hawk.

I also read the following on their website and will be looking into it more...

 

We salute the proud heritage of Naval Aviation that has had many of its beginnings in Hampton Roads. Since 1910, many men and women have trained here, manning aircraft carriers, planes, ships and subs. Don’t miss this beautiful Navy memorial on the Virginia Beach oceanfront boardwalk, honoring the airmen and women who help defend our country and protect all Americans.  Take the virtual tour of the monument.

M-Cell Tower

Several Weeks ago we noticed a significant drop in cell service at our home. We do not have a land line we only use our cell phones.  My husband has a home office and studio and once he's done with his air shift at work he will work mostly out of our house.  In addition to being on the air he's in Marketing & Sales and NEEDS a reliable cell signal at all times!  We were NOT able to get the service we needed due to tower maintenance in our area for about a week.  This was unacceptable.  In addition to his work he was also missing and dropping phone calls from his doctors while he was having multiple issues going on a few weeks ago.  We submitted a Trouble Ticket and I ended up calling 3 times and we went to our local store twice.  The last time we showed up at the store we were finally able to get some answers and move forward with what we were going to do and how we were going to try and handle the issues we were having.  Long story short - we ended up getting an "M-Cell Tower".  That's how it reads on the iPhone when it's hooked up so that is what I have been calling it but the official name is AT&T 3 G MicroCell Wireless Signal Booster.  It retailed for about $199.  When we went in Dale ended up getting a great deal on the new iPhone and I ended up taking his old one - which was still a step up from mine - I previously had an iPhone 4S and now I have his old iPhone 5.  He upgraded to the 5S.  I ended up getting a SWEET deal on mine for turning it into them...they offered me $200 for it because it was in great shape.  They replaced my SIM Card as well which totally made a difference too!  So by getting the $200 Gift Card I decided to spend it on the M-Cell Tower.  They ordered it from a neighboring store and we picked it up the following Monday Morning.  Hubby took it home and hooked it up and we haven't looked back!  It's just what we needed!  I have 4 to 5 bars of service consistently, now!  It's AWESOME! 

In short...The AT&T 3G MicroCell device acts like a mini cell tower in your home, and connects to your existing broadband Internet service. You receive improved cell signal performance for both voice calls and cellular data applications like picture messaging and Web surfing.

So far - we haven't had a problem with this at all and based on our current Cell Phone Family Plan it doesn't cost us any additional money per month.  It's working like a charm!

Photos From a 5-Year-Old

Meet Gavin.  He's the son of one of my very close friends.  She was in our wedding and I was in hers.  Her son is now 5 years old.  It's been a while since her and I have been able to spend any length of time with each other because she lives in VA and teaches.  She and her son visited the area last week and I was lucky enough to meet up with the two of them after I was done with work on Friday.  They met me at the Fair and when I was done at 5 we spent some time walking thru the barns, displays, and exhibits, and then on to the carnival and watched the rides for a bit.  He didn't want to go on any of the rides, tho.  We left the Fair Grounds about an hour and a half later and went to a restaurant in the city. 

We went to Kim's Kafe in Warren.  I know the owner and she always has veggie options - which I appreciate VERY much!  I ended up having one of their Veggie Stir Fries!  Kelly had a Turkey Wrap and her son had a Quesadilla.  Kim was 'in stitches' over Gavin.  It was quite comical!  What fun!

Afterwards, I took them for a quick walk around town.  They seem to enjoy the waterfront and parks and the weather was pleasant.  His favorite part was a downtown business that features an operating "Railroad/Train Set".  He could push the button from the street and make it 'work'.

After that we walked over to Friday Night "Music In The Park" where there was a regional band that played country music from the 60's, 70's, and 80's.  That's where HE swiped my iPhone and decided to take these photos!

Not too shabby for a 5-year old, eh!?

I think I got home about 9 or a little afterwards...it was the earliest night for me last week.  What a crazy week!  But I am so happy I got to spend some time with these two!  I do wish we were able to see more of each other but you know how it goes - life tends to get in the way!

VeganDelish App Review & Contest Giveaway!

***NOTE***My Comments weren't working correctly over the weekend so I'm extending this contest thru TUESDAY NIGHT!  Please re-enter in comments!  Thanks!  Sorry for the inconvience!***

I've had my eye on this iPhone/iPad App for quite some time!  When Carrie from CarrieOnVegan.com and VeganDelish asked me if I wanted to giveaway a few of the apps on my blog - I JUMPED at the opportunity!

Most Vegetarian and Vegan Apps I have tried I end up deleting because they only offer 'so much' and become 'stale' after a while.  LOTS of the veg apps seem to be outdated and never updated!  NOT THIS APP!  This is AMAZING!  Seriously...check this out!


Here you will see a screenshot of the iPhone App which is what I have been using but because I have both an iPhone as well as an iPad and I also have the CLOUD for my devices I will probably end up installing and using them on both devices!

Carrie suggests a great starting point with her easy to read and understand "How To Use This App" section.  I thumbed thru it but I am the adventurous type so I got right to it!

Kicking things off at the Recipe Tab - it gives you a Laundry List of recipes with AWESOME Photos of each recipe and a short title.  You can easily scroll/thumb thru them and with one easy "tap" on one of your choice you are already experiencing something wonderful!

I chose the "Herbed Hemp Dressing".  When you tap on your recipe of choice you will see - such as in this screen shot - it includes a quality photo, description, you are able to add to your faves, rate it, and add ingredients to your shopping list with ease.

I added this one to my favorites!  I noticed the recipe calls for Coconut Vinegar and I recently got some and was looking for the perfect test recipes - this sounds like a "goodie".

A few quick side notes...the BACK BUTTON is easy to find and really handy!  You can SEARCH by keyword - you can also SHARE on Twitter, Facebook, Print, and Email.  This app has a lovely Kitchen Timer INCLUDED, too!

The SHOPPING LIST feature is excellent, too!  Not only can you add right in the shopping list tab - you can also add specific ingredients while looking thru recipes!  I added Cacao, Avocados, Silken Tofu - while looking at a recipe - and then went to the shopping list and it was all there and ready to go!  it even categorized it for me!  It put the Cacao Powder in Grocery, Avocado in Produce, and Silken Tofu in Refrigerated.  You can also print or email it!

When you tap on Categories - it breaks down the recipes in: Breakfast, Desserts, Gluten-Free, High Speed Blender, Juices, Kid-Friendly, Low-Sodium, Main Dishes, New Recipes, No Sugar Added, Oil-Free, Party Foods, Pressure Cooker, Quick & Easy, Raw Food, Salads and Dressings, Sauces, Sides, Slow Cooker, Smoothies, Soups & Stews!  WOW!  I couldn't ask for anything more!

Of course the FAVORITES Section is AWESOME!  You can keep those faves handy without having to scroll thru everything.  Don't get me wrong I LOVE the endless possibilities in this app and the enormous recipe collection AND selection!

Speaking of endless possibilities - that's what I LOVE MOST about this app!  It's the LARGEST - most active, continuously updated Vegan App I have ever seen and I just LOVE it and will treasure it forever!

Now...WHO WANTS TO WIN THIS App?

That's right!  Who wants to WIN this App!?  Carrie's allowing me to give away 3 of them to my readers!  All you have to do is FOLLOW MY SITE and comment on this post!  In your comments please let me know if you plan on using it on your iPad or iPhone and what you found most interesting about it!  good Luck!  I will choose 3 Winners on MONDAY! 

The Gang's All Here

 Happy Monday everyone!  LOTS going on!  And LOTS of photos!  The furkids wanted to say HI!  Here is a very recent photo of Riley (left) and Suzie (right).  They are getting read for a day of 'maxin' and relaxin' while mom and dad work!  They love vegggin' out but at the same time it's been so cold and crappy weather-wise that they often snuggle to keep warm.

Then we have Charlie!  He's the "Fat Cat" of the family! Pictured here he is laying on the landing of our steps.  He's usually a grump but we still LOVE HIM! 

It was a nice weekend this weekend despite the weather!  I did get a lot accomplished Saturday Morning!  A lot of house work and cleaning up.  DH and I went for an early dinner on Saturday Night!  We went to a restaurant we haven't been to in a really long time.  Richards Restaurant in Youngsville.  We will start going there often now that I know they have a nice sized salad bar!  That's something we lack in our area any more.  I might actually make a special phone call today to thank them for it!

 Here's Paco!  He's the only one who lets me do his nails.  Riley usually takes care of them himself and I take Suzie in to get them done as I don't trust myself.  She has dark nails and thick nails and she's a tough cookie.  Paco isn't too bad usually.  I use one of those Ped-i-PAWs nail files.  But pictured to the right you can see that Paco is biting his nails!  I think he learned that from his brother Riley!  And pictured left is when I was going out of the kitchen into the living room over the weekend.  We use Baby Gates for their protection...mostly Paco's protection.  Since he has bad knees I really want to keep him safe.  When I am in the kitchen he tends to try and jump.  I also try and keep him down stairs so we have another Baby Gate by the stairs.  BUT that gate does double duty!  So the other two don't go up stairs and eat the cat food!  PLUS that gives the cats their freedom to lounge upstairs, too!  It works well!  PLUS...we can just step over the gates if we need to.

As you can tell I am really LOVING the superior camera on THIS iPhone!  I took this photo of Riley and Paco and Paco just looks so cute here!  I love his stance!  Riley...well...he's washing his feet!  I couldn't imagine our house without FurKids!  It would be so quite and boring.

I have been InstaGram-ing most of these photos!  This next one was featured as the #DogOfTheDay over the weekend!  I was so excited!

 This is Suzie!  She loves being up HIGH.  Like on the back of the sofa.  She love her picture taken.  She's a ham.

Since we don't have any human kids - I know I talk about our FurKids a lot but they really ARE our LIFE.

And this next one is of Riley being lazy!  Just a few of many photos I have been taking lately!  I have a lot of other things to talk and blog about but I think I will do a separate post within the hour.

The 'kids' love to be center of attention and don't want me to share their post! LOL

OH!  Yes!  And here is Gabby!  I didn't forget about her!  But she IS a sneaky one!  It's not the best photo but the lighting was bad in my hallway!

She's such a sweat pea!  

How was your weekend?  Are you blogging about your kids?  Human or Furkids?  Let me know in comments!

Participating Post:
Catching The Light
HELLO Monday

"Cheesy" Veggies & Rice

Last night I made this for my lunch today.  It's Vegan "Cheesy" Veggies & Rice!  For the veggies there are Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Carrots.  For the Rice I used Brown Rice eventho it's hard to see in the pic because it's covered with "cheesy" sauce...and because it was taken with my iPhone.  (Speaking of which...I hope to be getting a new iPhone in the next few weeks so my iPhone pics should be better!)

I did the tasty Vegan Cheese Sauce I did for the Mac & Cheese I posted yesterday but kicked it up a notch.  I used more of each ingredient but then I also used Instant Mashed Potato Flakes as a thickener.  It worked really well in this case.  Plus I really like the potato flavor it added to this dish.

Is it wrong of me to want to eat this as BREAKFAST?

I'll hold off as long as I can...

YUM!

I'm Sly...Er...Something...

I have been playing around with a few iPhone Apps lately and one of them is called Graffiti Me!  So that is just what I did with this photo of me from a year and a half ago.  My sister and I went shopping and we were trying on goofy hats.  I LOVE HATS!  This is the before and after photo.  Just for fun, really!

Participating in:
Photo Art Friday