Louisiana Crawfish Company Fresh or Fresh Boiled Crawfish delivered to your door.

My Mother's Day weekend was amazing.  Especially the way we started it off on Friday!

Friday I received a special delivery.

Thank you Louisiana Crawfish Company!

Any guesses on what was waiting inside?

What could it be...ummmmm!  Louisiana Crawfish Company carries such a diverse line of Cajun and Southern favorites...like Alligator and Turtle, Gulf Shrimp, Cajun Samplers, Turducken (I can't wait to try that!) and other Louisiana Foods to name just a few of their offerings available for purchase online and delivered direct to your door.

Drum roll please.....It was.....

A 10 pound party pack from Louisiana Crawfish Company!

 

But what was in the green mesh bag???

My boys couldn't wait to see what was inside.  Oh, the excitement was flowing through the air...

They so wanted to see what was inside!  But, I had to explain we needed to follow the directions that came with these LIVE CREATURES so we could enjoy them for supper later.

First we had to take the mesh bag out of the cooler with our creatures (keep reading to find out what they were), since we were going to enjoy them immediately.  Off to the bathtub they went for a nice cool shower..not a bath or they will drown. 

Just make sure you let them drain after their rinse in cool water.  ***OH!  Make sure you don't throw that cooler away from Louisiana Crawfish Company, it will come in very handy later!!!

Boy, the cool shower lived up these creatures!  But it was time to cool them down more to keep them fresh and ready for supper.  Back into the cooler the bag went.

A little ice of top to keep them until supper.  Don't forget to put the cooler lid back on.

A few hours later I was ready to begin fixing supper.  It was time to open the mesh bag... 

Beautiful Live Select (Large) Crawfish! 

We were all so excited to get busy so we could enjoy these delicacies.  Back to my pamphlet that came with them for the next as to what to do.  I have never prepared Crawfish before.  And these ones were HUGE, they reminded me of baby lobsters.

The crawfish made an appearance in the kitchen sink for some tender loving care and entertainment for the boys.  I washed the crawfish thoroughly with running water and removed a few dead ones.  While I was doing this, I placed two large pots on the stove with enough water to cover the crawfish, when they would be added later (as I didn't have a large enough pot to fit all these Crawfish).  It was amazing seeing how many live crawfish made up 10 pounds....It is plenty!! 

The water came to a boil.  So I had to go get the rest of what came in the 10 pound party pack from Louisiana Crawfish Company... (I love that this party pack comes with everything you need to make an amazing meal..even thought we added some extras as you will soon see).

It was time to add the Seafood boil to the boiling pots of water. 

The aromas were amazing and strong.  I could smell so many different spices. I couldn't wait to see what our crawfish were going to taste like.

It was time to add the life crawfish to the boiling water. 

After adding the crawfish I covered the pots immediately and returned them to a boil.  A quick 2 minute boil and I turned the stove off and let the crawfish rest in the pots for 15 to 20 minutes (I love how simply these directions were laid out in the pamphlet).

I next removed the crawfish from the water....Make sure you don't dump the water!  Use a large slotted spoon or colander inset to get them out of the pot. 

Now get out your Louisiana Crawfish Company cooler...make sure it is rinsed out.  Layer the boiled crawfish 2" deep and then sprinkle the Creole Seasoning that also came included, over each delicious layer.

Place the lid back on the cooler tightly and let the crawfish continue to steam approximately 15 minutes.  While the crawfish are steaming we added our extras into the pot of boiling water, including...

Ears of corn, spicy sausage and red potatoes. Oh the amazing aromas continued to fill the air!

It was finally time to enjoy our Cajun feast!  We spread newspaper down on the table so we could just dump out the goodness and dig in!

This was so much fun and what excellent flavors!  I felt like with had brought the South up to our neck of the woods.  The crawfish were full of sweet meat that was perfectly seasoned.  Our oldest son couldn't get enough and had the hang of getting into the meat by the end of our fun and extended meal.  Our youngest wasn't so sure about eating them.

But he loved the beads and thought the bibs were funny.

Thank you Louisiana Crawfish Company for such an amazing and memorable Mother's Day weekend meal!

We are planning on making this a family tradition.  It is no wonder you are the #1 shipper of live crawfish.  Wow, you exclusively manage your family farm for live crawfish production.  It is great to see that in addition to your family’s farm that you now contract with several premier farms throughout the state and fishermen in the Atchafalaya Basin to fulfill the large demand!  Why to go! 

I was thrilled to find out Louisiana Crawfish Company offers the fastest shipping option available with crawfish being caught and shipped the same day leaving their farm by 5:00 pm for delivery the next day as early as 9:00 am!  Plus they offer four different grade sizes: Jumbo, Select, Field Run, and Bait size.

Don't worry that shipping and handling may prevent you from enjoying live, fresh crawfish...the shipping is included right in with the price with no hidden charges...What a great deal and with the selection of sizes of crawfish you can control how much you want to spend for this fun food experience.  The only thing is....Live Crawfish season is roughly January through June...so you better get busy ordering today...or wait and other some of their other line of products.

Learn more about Louisiana Crawfish Company on their website or on Facebook.

Disclaimer: Louisiana Crawfish Company provided me with free
samples of their product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product

Win a Bottle of Shielo VOLUME flexible design Hair Spray Giveaway $18.99 Value

At the beginning of the month I had the opportunity to review Shielo VOLUME flexible Hair Spray.

The post office had mix up, so a new bottle was sent out for my review.  After receiving the new bottle, the one I had been waiting for arrived.

So I am going to share this extra bottle of Shielo VOLUME flexible design Hair Spray with one lucky person.  A $18.99 Value!

Enter below to win!

New Mario Snack Olives in 100 Calorie Pouches. Convenient and Delicious! Review

I don't know about you, but I love 100 Calorie portions that are now offered in the stores...it helps me manage my portions so I don't over eat on delicious food.  I was thrilled to find out there is a New Kid on the Block when it comes to the 100 Calorie Pouch.

Mario Snack Olives

What a perfect idea for a snack that leaves you feeling satisfied and guilt free.  Plus, I love salty snacks!

I want to let everyone know Mario snack olives come in a easy to tear open pouch.  And don't worry about a mess, these olives are packaged without the brine, but are lightly coated in olive oil to help them stay juicy and fresh.  I was amazed to see how many olives came in each pouch...I counted between 18 and 19 Olives in each bag!

I was provided packages of all 3 of the varieties currently on the market, to help with my review.

Pitted Kalamata Olives seasoned with Thyme were beautiful and had wonderful texture.  The thyme complimented these perfect olives without over powering them.  I almost felt guilty eating them, as I am use to only putting a few Kalamata olives on a Greek salad when I make them at home, and cherishing each and everyone of them.   

Pitted Green Olives seasoned with Thyme and Chili

Look at these beauties!  They were nice a moist and firm but not hard.  A very enjoyable olive.  I was worried at first when I saw the word Chili.  I figured these olives would be over the top spicy.  Boy, was I wrong.  Mario Green Olives seasoned with Thyme and Chili had a nice light heat, but were not spicy.  I could taste the natural flavor of the green olives. 

Green Pitted Olives seasoned with Thyme and Garlic, a combination made in heaven, if I were God.  I am a huge garlic fan, and these delightful olives were balanced with the garlic and thyme.  One did not over take the other.  Yet, the green olive still showed off its beautiful flavor. 

Thank you Mario for creating a new easy to enjoy snacking sensation!  I know you will be on the go with me this Summer.

Check out Mario Snack Olives on Facebook and Twitter...and since you are checking them out, why don't you show them a little love!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Having an I love my Dogs, Morning.

Written in partnership with Dog Fence DIY and their team of dog containment system specialists. The DIY team seeks to engage dog owners and promote positive training practices and safety with fences.

 

I am having one of my morning where I feel the need to share how much my dogs mean to me.  The are the most amazing and loyal companions.  They are part of our family and I can't imagine how things would be without them. 

 

The day our beloved "Lady" passed away was terrible and I do not want to relive that moment ever again.  But then we had the opportunity to rescue "Radar" and he is perfect and has a wonderful personality. 

 

We have decided when it is time again we will plan on finding a rescue that needs a new home. 

 

I would love to hear about your pets and have a perfect day...why not take your pet for a walk. 

Voda Swim - Envy Push Up Top Swimsuit Giveaway / Review $127 Value!!

Who here is ready for the summer to begin?

Who here is ready to jump into the swimming pool, beach or head to a water park?

Who here has the perfect swimsuit to wear on these outings?  A swimsuit that will flatter your figure (even if it is a work in progress....as I know mine is!).

How about Push up Swimwear this year?  Don' worry or be frightened! The line of Swimwear by Voda Swim had incorporated a NEW concept in its offerings. (Enter for you chance to win below

The patent is pending on this revolutionary Envy Push Up Swimsuit.

It is available in so many styles including but not limited to bikinis, one pieces, monokinis and tankinis.

So what makes this Push up swimsuit different and not bulky? A soft and pliant enhancer, cups the breast, giving a full, rounded contour, with a natural bouncy movement. and provides great lift and support.

Don't worry Voda's Envy Padded swimwear retain less than 1 Tablespoon of water!  A typical push up top holds up to 1 CUP of water in each bust!  Wow, that is a lot!!!

The Envy Push Up top visually increases the bust size by up to two cup sizes, without looking like a push-up. 

I LOVE that these Padded swimsuit options do not have under wires.  I HATE under wires and find them very uncomfortable.  So without the use of wires, I am amazed the Push-up tankini
 I selected to review is able to create natural looking cleavage in a comfortable way.  Thank you model Yulia Drummond for creating this phenomenal Push up technology.

So, like I just mentioned, I selected Pushup tankini ... Shirred Tankini and Adjustable Scoop  - Aloha design.  I like how I was able to select the top and the bottom sizes..you are not limited by having to get the same size for both...unless you are like me.  I ordered size XL for both the Push up tankini
 top and bottom. I currently wear between a 12 and 14 in clothes, if that helps any of you with the sizes. 

The Padded tankini I received was so comfortable and had some fun "bling" on the top and bottom.   This fun 14K gold plated areas are chlorine and salt water resistant. 
I loved how adjustable this Tankini was, it really can be customized on how you want to wear it.  Plus it does enhance.

Look at my before:

                            And After in a Voda Padded tankini:

Pretty amazing huh? 

And it is comfortable to boot.  I love the stretchy fabric, which helps hold everything in its place.

Voda is offering an amazing 10% discount code for All my wonderful followers to use on www.vodaswim.com. "FISHFULBLG".

Okay...who wanted to win a Voda Envy Push Up Swimsuit?  Enter below for your chance!!!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms Book Giveaway / Review by Kristine Carlson

Happy Mother's Day....

Let's find Simple Ways to Stress Less and Enjoy our Families more.

I am excited to be part of the Don't Sweat Moms Campaign. 

I was provided this book:

A little bit about Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms book: "In the first new Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff book in nine years, Kristine Carlson shows how moms can live with less stress and more happiness. Kristine Carlson gives mothers tried-and-true advice that will empower them to find greater peace, joy, and harmony within themselves and their homes. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms reveals how to: be a mom (not a friend), balance being a woman and a mom, pursue your passion (but not at the expense of your children, and reclaim your family time."

This book is a perfect gift for all the moms you know, even after Mother's Day! You can purchase a copy online at Amazon.com.   Or see if you are lucky and win a copy for yourself below!

I loved Chapter 17 - Your Family's Health Begins at the Grocery Store.  My favorite pointer was:

"Stay out of the middle aisles and cruise the perimeter for all the good stuff.  Your basic food groups are all there - fruits, veggies, eggs, dairy and meat."

I had never thought about a store that way.  It is sooooo true.  I know it is one of my new shopping tactics.  Thank you Kristine Carlson!

Get the book and join our #DontSweatMoms community! Make the choice Stress Less an More Happiness!

You can even sign up to receive the 1st Chapter for FREE!

Affirmations for Moms are now included in the Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Meditation app.

Disclaimer: I was  provided a free
sample of this product to review and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

Raise Armpit Stain Remover Giveaway / Review $12.50 Value

I feel like many times I focus on my children's laundry challenges, but I also have a HUGE issue with some of my husbands older clothing.  It is the dreaded under arm stains.  That is where....

RAISE Armpit Stain Remover

has came in the nick of time and saved many shirts from the dreaded rag bag, at our house.  Raise Armpit Stain Remover was featured on The Doctor's and will be in the upcoming June issue of Shape Magazine.

Raise is a VERY Powerful stain fighting formula specifically designed to dissolve and lift yellow sweat stains from clothing.

I figured I would try it out on one of my husbands shirts and see how Raise Armpit Stain Remover would preform.

The bottle stated that it is best used by pre treating the effected area, rubbing together (or using a small brush) and letting it sit for 15-20 minutes before laundering.  But make sure to AVOID contact with surfaces such as counter tops, stainless steal, enamel, metal, glass, marble or glazed tile. 

So what I did is place the shirt on an old towel before pre-treating.  Raise is very liquidly so make sure you follow the directions.  Plus make sure to keep out of reach of children and wash your hands immediately after use, as Raise Armpit Stain Remover uses a strong acid as one ingredient.  I almost forgot....don't use Raise on clothing that has been treated with bleach in the past, as it will set making the stain permanent. 

After treatment and a wash...his t-shirt was as good as new. 
  

For a limited time RAISE Armpit Stain Remover is offering a 2 for $20 special on their site www.armpitstainremover.com .   Don't miss out on this fantastic deal...or your chance to win your own bottle of Raise Armpit Stain Remover.

Enter below for your chance to win and Good Luck!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Children's Oxylent Multivitamin Powder Giveaway / Review +$30 Value

It seem like such a challenge to find a great kids multi-vitamin on the market today.  The most difficult issue for me is to find a children's vitamin that contains Iron.  Take a look at your children's vitamins.....Is there Iron?

We have found one children's chewable multi-vitamin on the market that contains iron and we have used for years.  My boys are always asking why they can't have any of the "fun" vitamins.  I always explain they aren't as good for them because they are missing iron.

So when I found out I was going to be sampling and review an amazing new Children's Vitamin, I was thrilled.  I couldn't wait for its arrival and to surprise my boys!

The day finally arrived our  Children's Oxylent  Multivitamin Powder was delivered including a great bag of swag....Keep watching so you can enter to win some Oxylent of your own!

I first want to say I was impressed with how appealing the box packaging and individual packets of the multivitamin powder were.  I then I noticed the Children's Oxlyent product I received contained NO Sugar! Perfect only stevia to add a little sweetness.

Being a concerned parent, I had to check out everything about Oxlyent before offering it to my boys.  I was impressed to find out it is award-winning and contains a perfect blend of minerals and vitamins (including iron).

I found out the box of 30 premeasured Children's Oxylent Multivitamin Powder could each be added to water (4 to 6 oz) and create a fizzy Berry Punch Flavored drink. 

It is free of gluten, dairy, caffeine, and artificial flavors and colors (so don't worry).

What a fun, new and exciting way to get your children to take their daily vitamins.  Children's Oxylent is formulated for children ages 4 years and older.  Did you know the effervescent nature of Children's Oxylent offers exceptional absorption of vital nutrients, but is best taken with meals.  
So would my boys like Children's Oxylent?

I wish I could have caught all the excitement as to what they thought it was going to taste like...

Two out of Three loved it and couldn't wait to drink it again the next night.  They felt like they were drinking sparkling soda.  The enjoyed the tart and fruity flavor.  I had to remind them that this was medicine and only Mommy or Daddy could give it to them (always trying to be safe).  The only problem I had was if they do not drink it fast enough there is some residue that reminds in the bottom of the glass.
I know as soon as we are out of our samples, I will be placing an order from some more from Oxylent.com.  If you want to order some of your own and not wait to see if you are going to be the lucky winner...Please use the code, "BLOGOXYLENT" to recieve 15% off an entire order until May 31st, 2012.

So who wants to win their own box of Children's Oxylent, a Oxylent Growth Chart and some Swag???

Enter for your chance below...

All opinions are mine. I did not receive a product in exchange for a positive review.  These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and should not be used to treat and diagnose. Please refer to your health care provider before making changes in your health plan.

Mayesa Healthy Chocolate All Natural Drink Giveaway / Review

The Chocolate Drink of the Gods.....or my family and I

Mayesa healthy chocolate drink

I am so excited and thankful to be given the opportunity to sample and Giveaway such an amazing  and All Natural Drink.  I was thrilled to find out something so decedent and rich could be a healthy Super Food!

Each Mayesa Drink...which by the way comes in two fantastic varieties

Cacao Original.........and............Cacao Mint

Because Mayesa is made form Organic cacao (Premium Dark Chocolate) it is a source of Fiber, Protein, Potassium, Vitamin D and Calcium.

And don't worry...Mayesa contains NO Cholesterol and NO Trans Fats

And is Dairy Free, Soy Free and Gluten Free!!!

Drink Mayesa anytime to help:

Replenish

Energize

Suppress Hunger

Increase Clarity

 

How refreshing and enjoyable to know something that tastes so rich and satisfying is good for you!  Each Mayesa drink is so smooth and full of natural flavors.  But...Make sure you shake well as the goodness settles on the bottom.

I enjoyed the hint of spices - like cinnamon or nutmeg maybe in the background of the Cacao Original...This is any Dark Chocolate Lovers Dream.  And only 130 Calories per box!

Speaking of the box: 

Mayesa uses Tetra Pak containers which are made of cardboard from trees grown in a managed forest. The durable fibers make the carton light and the carbon footprint small. These containers have received the Presidential Award for Sustainable Development.

My boys even enjoyed them.

I found the Cacao Mint to be very refreshing but not overpowering.  Nice and smooth and cold...but if you like you can enjoy Cacao as a warm drink too.

"Mayesa (pronounced my-es-ah) is brought to you by Jane, Abby, and Karel, three good friends who are passionate about healthy living and, of course, chocolate. The three women formed JAK Native, Inc., in 2007 to share an exciting discovery with you – an exotic and indulgent chocolate beverage made from roasted and ground cacao with origins dating back to the ancient Mayans. Their discovery makes a fascinating story."

Who wants to win six-pack of Mayesa, containing 3 of each flavor?  Enter for your chance below and Good Luck...Here is to your health!

Don't forget to show some love on “like” Mayesa Facebook page for such a great giveaway  and share something you like about the idea of Mayesa healthy chocolate drink.

Disclaimer: Mayesa provided me with a free
samples of these products to review/giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or
sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

 

Rudi's Organic Bakery Let's Doodle Lunch Giveaway and Art Inspired Kit $40 - $50 Value + Review All Flatz

Are you sitting down?  If not, please do!  I have some amazing news to share and a great giveaway for one lucky person (enter below to win!)

The first excitement explosion is something that is happening right now as you read this on Facebook...and it is not too late to get your FREE Personalized Sandwich Box. (Ends June 30, 2012) 

So head on over to Rudi's Organic Bakery Facebook Page

Rudi’s Organic Bakery is helping make lunch a little bit more fun this summer through their Let’s Doodle Lunch Promotion. This amazing and creative Facebook campaign encourages parents who Like Rudi’s Organic to upload their little Picasso’s artwork and receive a FREE sandwich box with that art on top of the lid. 

By sponsoring the Let’s Doodle Lunch, Rudi’s Organic is hoping to share its healthy and positive outlook on life by giving away free personalized sandwich boxes to kids across the country.  I have already entered my oldest son's creation...

I am still trying to figure out what art work to chose of my other boys.  Such a difficult, but fun decision to make.  They are going to be so surprised when they arrive.  Thank you Rudi's for this fun and meaningful promotion.  A perfect way to encourage healthy food choices and eating.

After the promotion ends to have your personalized Sandwich Box created...the next stage of this artful contest begins.  From July 1 to July 31, 2012...Facebook fans will be invited to vote for their favorite design and receive a $0.75 coupon good for any Rudi’s Organic Bakery product. 

Each vote will also trigger a $1 donation to Chef Ann Cooper’s The Lunch Box, an online toolkit offering healthy tools for school food service, administrators, parents and students to help transition K-12 school lunch rooms nationwide from processed foods to healthy made-from-scratch meals.

The design that receives the most votes on Facebook by the end of the July will be named the Rudi’s Organic Official Sandwich Box. The grand prize winner will receive a year supply of Rudi’s Organic bread, a $100 Target gift card for school supplies, a $150 Whole Foods gift card, and a year subscription to KIWI magazine.

What Inspired Rudi's Organic to celebrate their love of sandwiches?

Their new line of Sandwich and Bagel Flatz inspired this love.

Flatz are baked on the light side and are a nutritious and delicious option for lunch.

All of the Flatz are made with recognizable organic ingredients and are free of ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, artificial chemicals and preservatives, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Plus, they’re packed with nutrition.

Only 110 calories or less per serving, as well as 3-5 grams of fiber and 23-25 grams of whole grains (in the Sandwich Flatz and Whole Wheat Bagel Flatz) per serving. 

Have you seen Flatz in your stores yet?

I haven't but they are available now nationally at natural foods stores and select mainstream supermarkets in four varieties.

          100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Flatz  – These tasty delights pair perfectly with everything from organic turkey and cheese, to tuna salad or hummus and veggies.

          Multigrain Sandwich Flatz  – Pack a lighter lunch by making your favorite sandwich on one of these tasty Flatz. Made with whole wheat, millet, spelt, corn, oats, flax seeds, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.

          100% Whole Wheat Bagel Flatz  - The perfect addition to a well-rounded breakfast any day of the week, these Flatz are made with whole grain wheat and wholesome ingredients you can recognize.

          Plain Bagel Flatz - Baked on the lighter side but with all the flavor of your Sunday morning favorite, these Bagel Flatz go just as perfectly with cream cheese and lox as they do with light touch of organic jam.

Rudi's Organic wants to help spark one persons creativity and provide the opportunity to sample some of their Flatz line. 
Is it going to be You?

How would you like to win an art-inspired kit that would include: 1 art kit complete with paints, crayons, markers, etc., 1 sketch pad for doodling, 1 black beret for creative inspiration, a reusable Rudi’s Organic bag and 2 free coupons good for any Rudi’s Organic product. $40 - $50 Value

Enter below and don't forget to Visit Rudi's Bakery and follow Rudi’s Organic Bakery on Facebook and Twitter (these are entries!!!).

Disclaimer: Rudi's Organic provided me with a free
sample of these products to review/giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or
sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.