Monday, November 30, 2015

#BloomingBulb Holiday #GiftsforKids - My First Garden Collection



During your online holiday shopping, I recommend stopping by BloomingBulb for an educational Holiday Gardening Gift for children! There are so many to choose from and great for children to begin developing an interest in plants and gardening. My 4 year old niece is going to love this gift! 
If you're still deciding on a unique holiday gift, learn more about these seed kits below, from BloomingBulb.
My First Garden - Gift for Kids


My First Garden Collection - $19.95


The My First Garden Seed Kits Collection includes 1 of each of the Blooming Bulb seed kits for children. Learn more about each of the seed kits and purchase them in the entire collection or individually for $7.95 each.

Pizza Seed Kit
Kids will have the opportunity to grow their very own pizza ingredients. The Pizza Garden Seed Kit will include: Sweet Bell Pepper, Beefsteak Tomato and Sweet Italian Basil seed packets, planting instructions, egg carton, and soil wafer.


My First Garden - Pizza Seed Kit


Flower Seed Kit
Teach your children about gardening with the Blooming Bulb Flower Seed Kit, which includes: Mini Sunflower, Nasturtium and Bachelor Button seed packets, planting instructions, egg carton, and soil wafer.  


My First Garden - Flower Seed Kit


Fairy Wonderland Seed Kit
If one of your little ones, love fairies and all things magical? Bring a bit of wonder into your garden with the Blooming Bulb complete Fairy Wonderland Seed Kit. This kit includes: Lavender, White Clover & Pink Evening Primrose seed packets, complete planting instructions, egg carton, and soil wafer. 

My First Garden - Fairy Wonderland Seed Kit



Disclaimer: BloomingBulb seeds have always gave me great results, that's why I am an affiliate. This blog post expresses my personal recommendations, after actually purchasing a number of seeds from this company. Your results may vary depending on care and zoning.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy #Thanksgiving 2015 from Selena Thinking Out Loud!



Wow! We have now arrived on Thanksgiving Day. This is the perfect time to celebrate and give thanks for all of the amazing things you have received and been able to give to others. Celebrate with those who you love, trust, and genuinely value.



Enjoy this Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and have a blast giving thanks!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

2015 Holiday #MBMGiftGuide Blog Hop #Giveaway! Ends: 12.10.15, 11:59PM/CST (Open to US)



Selena Thinking Out Loud invites you to enter the 2015 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway, hosted by Mom Buzz Media and some amazing bloggers! During the holiday shopping season, sometimes it's difficult to find unique gifts for those you love and care about. 

During this event, you will not only enter to win some amazing prizes, but you will discover some new products. Maybe you will also see some products that you would like to purchase as holiday gifts. There are many sponsors, involved in the development of this fantastic giveaway event, so look around and visit their websites, linked below, as well for gifting ideas. 

As always, have fun, and I am wishing you lots of luck in this giveaway event! Happy Holidays!!

This event is hosted by Mom Buzz Media and their network of super spectacular bloggers!


Welcome to our very first Annual Holiday Gift Guide :100 Blog Hop Event! Our hard-working bloggers have searched high and they have searched low to find you the BEST and the most UNIQUE gift ideas for 2015.

!!ATTENTION GIFT GUIDE ADDICTS!!


CLICK HERE to be taken to the list of blogs. Start with any blog you choose and simply click the picture. It will take you to that blog where you can view their gift guide. When you are done, simply click the next one.

Thank you to our Co-Hosts: Simply Sherryl Rude Mommy and Michelle Unwrapped

We were lucky to snag a few absolutely amazing sponsors along the way! Please take a moment and read about each of them below!

Then scroll to the bottom of this post for the giveaway where you could be one of several lucky winners!

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FAMILOOP

The Familoop team helps parents to protect kids online effectively and focus on actual parenting rather than daily battles over phone time and limits. Parental Control Software by Familoop (Familoop Safeguard) is the best partner for parents to raise thoughtful, digital citizens. Younger and younger children are getting devices nowadays. The real world can be a scary place full of monsters and evil. If you know a parent with children that already have or are getting devices this year, set them up with a Familoop subscription for the holidays and give them the gift of peace of mind! Familoop will officially launch November 27, 2015, but you can opt-in early and get a 60% discount to use when Familoop Safeguard is launched! What an incredible deal on a product parents can use for their kids at any stage in their online lives.


Visit the FAMILOOP Safeguard website to learn more!

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GLAMULET

Glamulet jewelry provides every woman a new range of trendy and elegant, high quality charms and bracelets made with 100% sterling silver. Glamulet is compatible with Pandora Jewelry at affordable price. Each woman can mix and match the charms to create her own unique bracelet. Right now you can build a beautiful, personalized gift and save 15% off of your purchase from Glamulet by using our Mom Buzz Media exclusive coupon code. HGG15 

Visit the GLAMULET website and create the perfect gift for that special someone!

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CLICKBLOCK

The ClickBlock was created by Bong-Seok Yoon who has 29 years of experience in magnetic toy research, design and manufacturing. ClickBlock are fun and educational, premium magnetic toys. They believe toys should not only entertain, but also help children develop a love for scientific and mathematical thinking with safe quality product.


Visit the CLICKBLOCK website and learn how to Develop Creativity, Imagination, Mathematical, and Scientific Thinking in children with their toys!

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THE DARK KNOT

The Dark Knot provides the market with luxurious, hand made silk ties across 120 designs covering both woven and printed silk. Each of their ties come in an elegant black gift box along with recommendations for matching suits and shirts. Shortly they will be introducing lines of Pocket Squares and Lapel Flowers to further build out their men's accessories offering. Get some shopping done early and take advantage of this exclusive offer!


Save 25% off your order with code MOMBUZZ25 at THE DARK KNOT

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INSPIRED SILVER

Inspired Silver features a full catalog of jewelry and fashion accessories perfect for everyone in your life. They have themed jewelry for family members and statement jewelry for nights out. Get all of your holiday shopping done in one stop at InspiredSilver.com!


Plus, head to INSPIRED SILVER and if you buy now you can save 15% by using code HOLIDAY15 at checkout!

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ido3d

I DO 3D

Draw in 3d! I DO 3D is a fun and unique children's item that helps bring out your child's creative side. It requires patience and planning and comes with a 3D guide map to help with designs. Recommended for ages 8 and up.


See more amazing 3d creations and get your own set on the I DO 3D website.

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star kids

Star Kids Snack N Play

Snack N Play is a woman owned small business and they understand that traveling with children, even a day trip, can require a travel trailer full of items. They create products to make life easier so you can focus on having more fun when going on these adventures!


Head to Star Kids Website to learn more about the travel tray and grab one for a mommy on your list! She will thank you!

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The time has finally come....
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Mom Buzz Media and our magnificent bloggers are hosting this giveaway in celebration with our 100 Blog Hop Gift Guide Event


 There will be 7 lucky winners!
Open to US Residents only.
Must be at least 18 years old or older
Prizes Include:
  • $50 Inspired Silver gift card 
  • X-Bar School House Set 
  • Premium Magnetic Building Toy from Click Block $47.99 MSRV 
  • Six Essential Ties Starter Kit from The Dark Knot $390 RV 
  • Complete bracelet from Glamulet $150 RV 
  • Snack N Play | Travel Tray $30.99 RV Snack N Play | Play N Go $32.99 RV 
  • I DO 3D Art Kit 
  • (2) Familoop Premium 10 Annual Memberships $69 value each)
How to Enter
Enter using the Rafflecopter Entry form below. You do not have to complete all entries to win, but the more you do complete, the better your chances are of being chosen. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Selena Thinking Out Loud, Mom Buzz Media, nor any bloggers promoting this giveaway are responsible for prize fulfillment. The winners will be provided to the sponsors for prize fulfillment. Prizes will be shipped out by the sponsors themselves. This event is not associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, or any other social media.

Need help promoting your product/service OR someone to host your giveaway? Contact angela@mombuzzmedia.com

Thursday, November 19, 2015

#HemisFares Gluten-Free Authentic Italian #Gelato Review and @Kroger eCoupon Code



Selena Thinking Out Loud had the opportunity to try a complimentary container of HemisFares Gluten-Free, Authentic Italian, Gelato!


As a BzzAgent reviewer, this campaign gave me the chance to learn more about this Kroger family brand. As you probably already know, I have reviewed a number of authentic Italian products from HemisFares, but now they are delving into the dessert category. So, I am pumped to give it a try and share my personal review/video below and a coupon code too. 

HemisFares Gelato (Chocolate) Review
During my visit to Barcelona, Spain and parts of Italy, I tried some gelato. I found that it was much creamier, slow-churned, and had a lot of effort put into it's production. So, when I tried the HemisFares, authentic, Italian gelato, I was expecting nothing less. The product comes in a durable, thick, plastic container. The company makes it very clear that their product was produced using milk from grass-fed cows. They also present the ingredients on the back of the container very clearly. Since I am steering clear of too much gluten, I was happy to see that this was another gluten-free dessert option.

Once I removed the container's seal, I could already see that it was going to be smooth, the way it was formed in the container. Then I tried a spoonful and immediately noticed the rich, creamy, taste of the chocolate gelato. It was not too sweet, but sweet enough. Compared to other chocolate ice creams I have tried, there wasn't this powdery, coco powder, residue, taste. It also went really nicely with a freshly-baked, slice of banana bread, that I made.


The container provides enough for 4 servings, so you will need to get a couple of containers for a large number of guests. Overall, the price for the container was pretty consistent with its competitors at about $4.00+ or so. At my local Kroger family grocery store, Ralphs in Southern California, they had other flavors to include: Pistachio, Hazelnut, and Vanilla with Dark Chocolate flakes. I will most likely try the vanilla with the chocolate flakes next!

In conclusion, this was a great-tasting gelato. It's another great product by HemisFares and continues to represent the quality of HemisFares, authentic Italian, focus. Although, I mostly purchase alternative desserts (sorbet, soy ice cream, etc.) I would definitely purchase this product again for parties, get-togethers, and just to have at home for a sweet snack. I recommend that you give it a try.

Below, you will find a video with my review and walk-through instructions on how to get your 1.00 off eCoupon.



Get Your $1.00 Off Coupon (Exp: 12/31/15)
Get your $1.00 Off eCoupon for one (1) HemisFares, any size, product. 
Follow the simple steps below:
1.) CLICK HERE to be taken to the HemisFares official product page. 
2.) Choose your local area Kroger family grocery store.
3.) Click "Sign In to Load", which will take you to the log-in page for your local grocery store. 
4.) Log in, then you will automatically be taken back to the coupon page.
5.) Enter Coupon Code: GELATO, then click "Load to Card".
6.) The eCoupon will be automatically loaded onto your Club Savings Card to be redeemed at checkout. There's no need to clip or print out your coupon.

Happy Shopping!

Thursday, November 12, 2015

#BloomingBulb Review and How To Plant Amico and Alfresco Mini Amaryllis



Selena Thinking Out Loud purchased some Amico and Alfresco Mini Amaryllis bulbs from Blooming Bulb



I had the opportunity to plant them two weeks ago, to make sure that they would start blooming, beautiful flowers by Thanksgiving or Christmas. I have read that they make great holiday gifts, a perfect addition to a home's holiday decor, and easy to grow indoors. 

My Amico and Alfresco Mini Amaryllis bulbs from Blooming Bulb Review
Since this was my first time, I wanted to make sure that I followed the instructions on the outside of each brown package, when they arrived. I purchased each bulb back in June, and they were scheduled to ship out to my home, in the Fall, from Blooming Bulb. I purchased them ahead of time because I waited too late to plant flowers this year (2015) and they didn't get a chance to bloom, so I wanted to be prepared this Fall and for Spring 2016. Blooming Bulb sent me a shipping confirmation in October that my bulbs were on the way and they came ready to plant. I waited two weeks to plant them because it was extremely warm in Los Angeles and stored them in the vegetable tray in my refrigerator to keep them nice and cool.

In the following video, I show you how I planted the Amico and Alfresco Mini Amaryllis bulbs. I also show you the progression of their growth after 2 weeks and watering them once a week.



Since I have had such a fantastic experience thus far with Blooming Bulb, they are my go-to for seeds, bulbs, and gardening gifts. They ship on time, according to their pre-established schedule, and their seeds and bulbs actually grow! I am very pleased with my results. Gardening has become a very relaxing hobby for me that I hope to explore even more with other types of plants and flowers from Blooming Bulb. By the way, I'm working on planting some Anemones, which will be ready to bloom, beautiful, red, flowers in the early to mid Spring! I can't wait to share their progress with you!

If you're looking for a reliable company to purchase seeds, bulbs, and other gardening gifts from, for the holidays, and throughout the year, I highly recommend Blooming Bulb.

Update on Alfresco Bulb Growth
It took 3 1/2 weeks to see their first bloom. They are SO fragrant and simply beautiful! Once they finish blooming, I will be letting the bulb go dormant in my cool, dark cabinet, for about 2 months, so that I can begin the growing process again, in fresh soil, since they will continue to grow for you throughout the year, if you do this. 




Get 10% Off your order when you sign up for the BloomingBulb newsletter. 

Friday, November 6, 2015

How To Make Pumpkin Pie from Real Pumpkin for Thanksgiving



Selena Thinking Out Loud invites you to learn how to make a pumpkin pie from real pumpkin for Thanksgiving. This recipe will be great for Christmas and even an office holiday potluck too. There are SO many recipes out on the internet that you can follow and personalize, by substituting or adding your own ingredients. 

In the video below, you will see the recipe and ingredients I used to prepare my pumpkin pie.



Ingredients
1 1/2 cup Pumpkin
1/2 cup Zulka Pure Cane Sugar (white)
1/2 cup Zulka Pure Cane Brown Sugar 
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp of Cinnamon
1/4 tsp of Nutmeg
3 Eggs
1/2 cup Evaporated Milk
1/2 cup of Water (I used spring water)
1 Pie Crust (I used Phillsbury Pie Crust)

Instructions:
--->Preheat Oven to 400 degrees to cook pumpkin

1. Bake your pumpkin for 1 hour in a 400 degree oven. Remove all of the seeds and cut into quarters, placing them in a baking dish, covered with aluminum foil. After baking the pumpkin, separate the cooked, soft, meat of the pumpkin from its skin, and place into a bowl to refrigerate until cool. (Approximately, 1 hour) 

For Pie Crust. If you are using Philsbury pie crust, let it sit out for 15 minutes before unrolling and placing it into your pie plate. No oil or flour was used on my non-stick pie plate, but that will depend on the pie plate you use.

--->Preheat Oven to 375 degrees to bake pumpkin pie

2. In a large bowl, add the pumpkin, pure cane sugar (white) and pure cane brown sugar; add the pinch of salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix just until smooth and well blended. Add the eggs and mix into other ingredients. Do not over mix.

3. Lastly, add the evaporated milk and water. Mix one more time until smooth and well blended.

4. Pour half of pumpkin pie mixture in the pie shell, then add the rest in the pie shell once you have sit it on the rack and pushed it in the oven. They pumpkin mixture will set evenly.

5. Bake for 1 hour and test with a toothpick to ensure that it has cooked thoroughly.

Cool and Serve. 
Serves about 8, depending on how you cut your slices.