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a Day in the kitchen with southern peach cobbler

April 24, 2013 | posted by Jaima @ Ring Around the Rosies | 3 Comments

Mothers Day has been one the roughest day of the year since the accident in 2009. It is a day that I try so hard to focus on myself being a mom, but always wake in tears of grief over not being able to celebrate with my own Mama. But I feel like this year will be different. I am for certain still missing Mama, like you wouldn’t believe, but I am choosing to focus on the many blessing I do have left. Like the many amazing women who have stepped in to be the mom I no longer have. In the book I’m releasing later this summer, I will share much more about “other” mothers and fathers. I am blessed to have several aunts, cousins, and friends with superb moms who have taken Elizabeth & I under their wing, and pretty much consider us their own.

One of those fabulous ladies is my cousin Cindy. She and Mama were first cousins by blood, but sisters by choice. Cindy & I are probably the most alike of all my aunts and cousins. She knows the way Mama thought, she loves her grandbabies the way Mama would love on Elizabeth. Since the moment I called her to tell her their had been an accident (and way before), Cindy was at my side. But I don’t really remember a time that she wasn’t. I remember spending weekends with her when I was little. She’s always been special to me, and even more so now that we have both lost our mamas. She knows the pain and drama associated with death and remarriage. And about once a month, since Mama died, she has made Elizabeth & I her priority for at least a day – even though she lives over an hour away. We have the best adventures. Something crazy happens just about every time we get together (last time ended in an emergency room visit for one of the babies after a busted head in Bath & Body Works)…

So when I heard about the World Market “Amazing Mom” Sweepstakes, I knew I wanted to honor Cindy. Our Southern family has always bonded in the kitchen. Most of my best memories of Mama (and even Cindy and her mama) took place in the kitchen. It’s where the coffee was poured and gossip was shared.

One of our favorite places to meet is honestly a shopping center in Nashville, where we can shop at World Market. In the midst of this crazy move, we met there early this week. They have tons of great Mother’s Day gifts. I frequent two of the Nashville stores quite often, but you can also shop right online. I love their unique foods, and that most of them are all natural!

After our fun adventure (no busted heads or lost car keys this time), we spent the rest of the day together at my house. It was the first time I was able to host something in our new home, and Cindy’s first time to see it! I already knew what I wanted to do when she got here: spend the day in the kitchen! We had talked months ago about going through Mama’s recipe box together.

So we did what any normal Southern gals would do… We made ourselves our family’s famous peach cobbler, poured some sweet tea, and devoured Mama’s recipe boxes.

It was a fabulous time. It took my mind off the rest of the house that is still not put together. For several hours we had no other worries. We told stories, we found recipes we remembered, and haven’t had in ages. We found old recipes her mom had written, and some from her grandma (my great grandma)…

We laughed and cried, and had a great day.

On one of our trips before we moved, Cindy helped me pick out a new dining room set. I fell in love with this table, chairs, and sideboard at World Market – thankfully, when I took Andrew back, he also really liked it! And since we have the entertaining house, we decided we needed plates and glasses).

table

chairs

sideboard

large and small stacking plates

stemmed tumblers

seat cushions

place mats

turquoise glass pillar

. Now we just need to decide on a wall color for the kitchen / dining room.

And now, I must share our super easy, delicious, Southern Peach Cobbler recipe from the day!

It is super simple and easy to remember… 1 cup milk, 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 stick butter (could do 1/2), 1 large can fruit.

Melt butter in oven while it preheats to 350. Our family usually does this in an iron skillet, but I’m quite the black sheep and used my

baker

While that melts/preheats, mix together your batter (sugar, sifted flour (especially sift if it’s gluten free), and milk)

Pour over and mix into melted butter

Spoon peaches (or any fruit) on top, drizzle most of the syrup on top. Do NOT mix. Bake at 350 for about an hour. Some folks top theirs with a little cinnamon or nutmeg, but this is an old Southern recipe, and a lot of spices weren’t always available.

It smells DIVINE while it’s baking. And tastes even better. I like to serve it warm. If you’re feeling froggy, top it with vanilla ice cream, or just heavy whipped cream.

How are you going to treat YOUR mom or mom-figure this Mother’s Day?! This was such a great day!

I recommend going to enter the My Amazing Mom Sweepstakes here. Nominate your mother for a chance to win a $5,000 World Market gift card. Or, if you no longer have a mom to nominate, you can still enter to win one of 10 $500 gift cards! Glad they think of these things, for folks like myself.

shop | facebook | instagram

Where did your best memories with your mom take place?!?

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and World Market, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #MyAmazingMom. http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO See all other disclosures here

Filed Under: Food, kitchen, My Mom, recipe, spon, sponsor

OshKosh B’gosh rocks

April 17, 2013 | posted by Jaima @ Ring Around the Rosies | 15 Comments

WINNER: Comment 4: EMILY!!! Emily, email me as soon as possible so we can get you your gift card!

You may or may not remember, but we love OshKosh around here! Elizabeth has these outfits I posted about right before Christmas, and I am kind of bummed that it is getting too warm to wear them, guess it’s time to buy some new summer wares. If you, too are in need of some new summer clothing for your tots, I have great news: Today, I am super honored to be able to host another giveaway (a saweeet $50 gift card plus more) for you, sponsored by OshKosh B’gosh. *additional disclosures at bottom*

You may already know, but OshKosh B’gosh is holding a video contest called, “Say OshKosh B’gosh”. Basically, you create a video of your adorable kid (because we all think our kid is the cutest) saying, “OshKosh B’gosh”… super easy! Here is my sweet girl tonight sporting her OshKosh tunic and leggings.

Isn’t she the cutest?!? Here is all the fun details on how you could create your own video and win a $5,000 OshKosh B’gosh gift card! That would buy a couple years worth of clothes!!

Submit a video entry of your B’gosh kid saying "OshKosh B’gosh" for a chance to win the grand prize – a $5,000 OshKosh B’gosh gift card.
· Entering is quick and easy. You can take a video (30 seconds or less) with your mobile phone and upload it directly here:
· There’s nothing OshKosh B’gosh loves more than the sight (and sound) of real kids saying “OshKosh B’gosh!” Say it six times fast, say it with a silly dance, say it slow or fast….have fun with it!
· Once you enter, you’re eligible for a chance to win!
o        One Grand Prize Winner: $5,000 OKBG gift card
o        Four Runner’s up: $500 OKBG gift cards (total $2,000)
o        Fifty Random Winners: $50 OKBG gift cards (total $2,500)

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The Say “Oshkosh B’Gosh!” Video Contest and Sweepstakes ends 5/7/13. You must be 18+ and a US/PR resident to enter. Go to www.facebook.com/oshkoshbgosh for Official Rules and complete details.

But, you can also enter to win a $50 gift card right here, right now!

To Enter Giveaway:
In the comment section below, tell me your favorite style on OshKoshBgosh.com

Disclosure Statement
OshKosh B’gosh partnered with bloggers such as me to help promote the Say “OshKosh B’gosh” Video Contest and Sweepstakes. As part of the program, I received product or gift cards. OshKosh B’gosh believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words, and therefore did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the products I used. OshKosh B’gosh policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. The winner of any prize in this program will be chosen in accordance with the program’s Official Rules and gift card fulfillment will be handled by a third party.

Filed Under: sponsor

gluten and grain free baking

March 8, 2013 | posted by Jaima @ Ring Around the Rosies | 1 Comment

If you’re new here you may not know this, but if you’ve looked at the recipes here, you will notice that they are all gluten free. That’s because in 2007, right after our miscarriage, I found out I had Celiac’s Disease – which is basically a fancy way of saying I am severely allergic to gluten (wheat, barley, rye, and some other grains). I never was before, at least not that I was aware of, but after the miscarriage I had what I thought was kidney infection after kidney infection and severe, chronic pain in most of my joints, and crazy fatigue. It went on for months. I had several CT Scans of my kidneys and other areas, and the doctors could never find anything. One doctor diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. Then, one of my best friends suggested trying a gluten free diet to help the fibro. Turns out, it was Celiac’s all along (fibro, ibs, and other unpleasant things are very often misdiagnosed and are actually celiacs). Within two weeks (although it takes 2+ months for all gluten to be flushed from your body), I felt so much better. That wa 6 years ago now. It was definitely a HUGE learning experience. I could no longer eat the things I normally bought. And back then, there wasn’t a whole lot of options and brands offering gluten free substitutes. Now, it is much easier to find, and now I know what brands I love and what has and doesn’t have gluten, so shopping is a breeze.

Baking on the other hand has been a challenge. There are so many different flours and they each have a different purpose, texture, taste, etc. I use to stick to a Betty Crocker or Trader Joe’s gluten free mix, if I had to have something sweet, but they were always gritty. Andrew wouldn’t even eat them. But now, after some experimenting and great resources, I can bake most everything I use to bake. And now, you can too!

Stephanie from Mama and Baby Love has done it again! Most of you will know her from her Freezer to Your Family; Slow Cooker Recipe Book. Well, this one is just as great. In Gluten-Free Gran Free Baking, Stephanie takes you through what and how to bake healthy treats without feeling guilty. She talks about how intimidating and frustrating it can be to try grain-free baking, and how she overcame that and is now making amazing treats for/with her sweet girl. I LOVE this book. Things I had to learn the hard way (and some things I didn’t know at all) are all laid out for you in this 30 page book full of photos and recipes! AND… she is offering my readers (that’s YOU) 30% off for THIS WEEKEND ONLY… Just enter code RING30 at checkout!

Yesterday, Elizabeth and I made her amazing chocolate chip cookies from the book. It is better than my original recipe and will replace mine for sure. They are the perfect texture. Not gritty. I like mine a little soft, and they are just right! Plus, they made my house smell like Heaven.

I hope (and I think it’s Steph’s hope) that it inspires you to do a little guilt free baking with your littles. The book is full of healthy, and yet yummy treats! Can you tell Elizabeth loves them? I love to make a big batch and pack them in Andrew’s lunches throughout the week, and when Elizabeth goes to school (soon) I will include them in hers. Trust me, your kids & hubby will thank you!

so snag your book here and don’t forget that this weekend only you get a special discount with RING30.

Filed Under: Food, health, recipe, sponsor

it works giveaway just in time for spring

February 27, 2013 | posted by Jaima @ Ring Around the Rosies | 59 Comments

This giveaway is now closed, AND THE WINNER IS….

(Katie, email me as soon as possible so I can get you hooked up). If you are NOT the winner, be sure to check out how you can get a great deal on your own wraps! Just follow Julie on facebook and message her for the latest specials. I know she’ll take GREAT care of you! OR, you could just go ahead and shop around right here.

Boy do I have something exciting for you today! A chance to win a FREE box of It Works! Ultimate Body Applicators (you know, those crazy wrap things) and a bottle of Defining Gel! Two of the most popular products from It Works!. That’s a $178 value!

I am personally using these once a week as I work on my turnaround! So far, I’m happy with them! I will be sharing my full 1 month update very soon as several of you have asked.

Here are some great before and after that Julie, the super sweet It Works! Distributor recently took at a wrap party…

This is just a typical girl…

Here is a woman who recently lost a lot of weight after gastric bypass (like my mom had).

And this is a lady who recently lost weight with lap band assistance.

This is just from using the wraps and defining gel in between… crazy, right?!?

Julie also just announced a 90 day "Get Ready for Summer" Challenge that you a chance to enter. The deadline is Monday, March 4th (so very soon). The rules are listed on her Facebook page, one person who participates (you must be one of her loyal customers already OR sign up as a loyal under her by Monday, March 4th) will win an Ultimate Pack valued at over $500 retail!

But, you can be a winner before then and have extra wraps and defining gel on hand! All you have to do is like Julie’s facebook page, and leave a comment below letting me know that you did so. For extra entries, leave a separate comment letting us know WHY you need these products. The winner will be chosen using random.org on Monday. (so if you for sure want a chance to win the ultimate pack – you better email Julie and see what you have do BEFORE then).

SHOP HERE

enter below in the comments – remember like It Works! Skinny Wraps – JuJu on facebook and leave a comment letting me know you do. For extra entries, let me know why you need these 2 products. For another EXTRA entry, share the first giveaway picture on your facebook or pinterest and tag this post – leave a comment letting me know you did.

Filed Under: sponsor, weight

new favorite flowers (bedroom refreshing)

February 5, 2013 | posted by Jaima @ Ring Around the Rosies | 2 Comments

I wanted to give you a quick sneak peak of our bedroom makeover. Makeover isn’t really the appropriate word, since we’re not really doing any thing except refreshing it… Finally, after almost 3 years of living here, it is getting the much needed attention it needs.

Pulling out ALL of the clutter and anything that doesn’t belong in a master bedroom, but that’s been stored here for lack of space. Adding some touches to make it much more relaxing and retreat like, so that we can actually come to the bedroom to relax and sleep, and not have to step over 4 piles of laundry.

I think the master bedroom should be the most romantic, zen room in the house. And ours has been the total opposite of that. It should be a place you can escape to, rest, dream, and well, you get the picture. But more on that in the full post.

One small thing I did in here (besides new bedding), was added simple, fresh cut flowers to the bedside table. They immediately calm me down, and it is so nice to see first thing in the morning instead of the mess. Such a small thing that looks so elegant, but with a HUGE impact.

And you want to know something? This is what the flowers look like today. Guess how long they’ve been there… TWO MONTHS!!! Crazy, right? Flower Muse sent them to me before Christmas to review. I forgot to take any pictures of them then, because the holidays were so nuts.

You can tell that they’re starting to turn just a tad around the edges, but I’ll be honest in saying I haven’t changed their water. I’ve never had fresh flowers last longer than a week, which is one reason I don’t buy them very often.

Oh, and something I like even more… they come STRAIGHT from the farm. There’s no dyes, or anything like that, they are real, organic, flowers. Flower Muse is an eco friendly, farm-to-table floral e-tailer. And I don’t think I will ever buy or send flowers from anywhere else again… I am not a huge rose fan, so I love that they have a lot of variety…

So tell your hubby’s all about it… do like I do, and just send them the link as a nice subtle hint!! Or heck, treat YOURSELF, Mama! I know you deserve it!

How do you make your bedroom a retreat!?! I would love any ideas as we finish ours up!

disclosure* Flower Muse sent me the flowers to review. I was not compensated for my time or opinions. To see all of my policies and full discloser statement, please click here.

Filed Under: balance, Home Making, our house, sponsor

Christmas bazaar {day 5}

December 7, 2012 | posted by Jaima @ Ring Around the Rosies | 1 Comment

It’s the last day of our first annual Christmas Bazaar. I sure hope you’ve taken advantage of the exclusive discounts and offers these moms have been offering! I love it when women can create their own dream job to contribute to their families, and still love what they do. They inspire me so much.

I have been buying my ribbon from Ribbon Revelry for about 2 years now. When I had my own Etsy shop, Chelsea and I did a lot of business together. You will not find the designs she has at any craft store. Her customer service and shipping is impeccable. Today, you can save 10% off your purchase with Christmas12. Trust me, you won’t be sorry!

SHOP HERE for Ribbon Revelry

If you haven’t seen Sherri Ohler’s shop yet, let me have the privilege of introducing her to you. She is the sweetest, kindest artist you’ll ever find. Her faith and light shine so bright, and are portrayed in ALL of her art pieces. I met her last February at Blissdom. I know you could find something in her shop for someone on your list. Sherri Ohler is offering 12% off with code RINGAROUNDTHEROSIES

SHOP HERE for Sherri Ohler

This is the first time I have heard of DolceMia, but my oh my, am I in love with it! I LOVE her Nativity dress. The true reason for Christmas. And since Elizabeth’s 3rd birthday will be a tea party, I know what she’ll be wearing! Such amazing bishop dresses, and less expensive than my local boutiques. Get free shipping today with FREECHRISTMAS.

SHOP HERE for DocleMia

Ahh, the incredible Lisa Leonard is also offering you a discount today! {Hey Babe, did you hear that?} I somehow was blessed with three different pieces of her jewelry this year, and it’s about the only jewelry I wear anymore. Each piece is unique and super special to me, and they were all total surprises! Her new charm bracelet is amazing! What a great idea – every month she sends you a new charm! And I’m digging her new gold collection, too! Today, you can take 20% off Lisa Leonard Designs with code bazaar 20 (doesn’t apply to sale items).

SHOP HERE for Lisa Leonard Designs

Filed Under: christmas bazaar, christmas gifts, s, sponsor

Chrsitmas bazaar {day 3}

December 5, 2012 | posted by Jaima @ Ring Around the Rosies | Leave a Comment

Wow! Day 3 already!!! I have more fabulous shops with you today! These may be my favorite yet!!! I have already purchased gifts from some of these shops!

You may have seen CM Handmade in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine! Or maybe you saw her through Whatever Craft Weekend, like I first did! This could be your first time seeing her – and you can thank me later, because I LOVE her buntings! It’s no surprise, given the design of my site, that I love buntings! They make me happy, and apparently her too, which is why she calls her products “happy buntings”! She is offering you 20% off with JOLLY20! I am definitely taking advantage of that offer, and I hope you do too!

SHOP HERE for CM Handmade

The Polka Dot Closet is very near to our heart! As you can see, Elizabeth’s first birthday outfit (and many others) came from here! The owner is already completely booked for Christmas orders (lucky for her, sad for us – because they are AHHMAZING). BUT, she has New Years and even Valentines that you can be thinking of, or even that perfect birthday outfit! They are all unique and VERY good quality! I have Elizabeth’s preserved, because I loved it so much. She is offering 10% off to y’all today with code save10!

SHOP HERE for The Polka Dot Closet

If you’ve never heard of I Sew Lucky before, I’ll just let the pictures speak for themselves… Can you say “adorable”? What little girl (or even boy) wouldn’t love one of April’s plush owls? Forget Dora and Sponge Bob, and buy them a treasure that will last forever! Elizabeth currently has an obsession with owls, and loves them! I think she is going to get a stuffed dolly Christmas morning, but I’m having the hardest time picking which one, because they’re all so stinkin’ cute! She is offering 15% off with code Rosies15 today!

SHOP HERE for I Sew Lucky

Did you know Avon has a lot more than just makeup and skincare? Me neither until recently! They even have yoga pants and jewelry! Avon is offering Ring Around the Rosies readers a free product AND free shipping with a $30 purchase! To get your free product, email our distributor and let them know you placed an order through RATR. Sounds like a great deal to me!