Boulder Organic, Delicious and Flavorful Fresh Soups Review and Giveaway @boulderorganic #review #giveaway

February 2, 2016 By

 

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One of my New Year resolutions is to start eating more Organic. I love soup, I could eat soup for dinner each day if I had the chance. I especially love a bowl of soup on a chilly Florida evening paired with grilled cheese. I was asked to try out Boulder Organic Soups, and I was looking forward to trying them.

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The soups come in 24 oz tubs and can be found at select Target locations and select Fresh Market locations. Click here to find the location closest to you. The soups come in reusable and recyclable tubs, and are fresh. They have a very good selection of flavors, and are all Organic and Gluten free.

Flavors:

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I had the chance to try Garden Minestrone Soup and the Roasted Tomato Basil soup, which I picked up at Fresh Market.  I love how they are all natural, organic and gluten free. The amount in the 24 oz tub was the perfect amount to feed my family of 4 paired with grilled cheese. We had the Roasted Tomato Basil soup and it was very good. I am used to smooth and creamy Tomato Basil soup,  so even though the taste of this was very good, I am not used to all the fresh veggies incorporated into this and the texture.  Both of my kids enjoyed it very much! My husband made himself and the kids the Garden Minestrone for lunch the next day. He said it was very good and very tasty.

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This is a great option if you want a organic and gluten free soup. The 24 oz tubs are great for family meals, and they come in a variety of flavors. Try some today!

 

 

Connect with Boulder Organic: Website Facebook Pinterest Instagram Twitter

 

****GIVEAWAY****

Would you like to try these soups? One lucky reader will win 3 coupons to try these soups for free! Giveaway ends 2/9! 

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Marijean

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

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You Stink and They Know It! – A practical guide to nailing your next job interview. Book Giveaway @comediandanny #giveaway

February 2, 2016 By

You Stink and They Know It! – A practical guide to nailing your next job interview.

 

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Why did I choose that as the title of my book? 

It stemmed from the frustration I saw in friends, family, and peers who couldn’t seem to land that new career opportunity.  They had self-doubt, don’t we all?  If you break down the interview process, essentially you are going into a room full of strangers to explain to them why, out of ALL of the candidates, you are a perfect fit for this position.  You have 30-60 minutes, GO!

Nerve-wracking!!!

“I’m not good enough, I don’t have an MBA, I don’t have enough experience, etc.”

STOP!!!  I can help.  What makes me qualified?

  • I’ve facilitated countless interviews from entry level to executive.
  • I’ve written interview questions, giving me keen insight into what employers are looking for in your response.
  • I’ve successfully mentored individuals through the interview, offer, and counter-offer process.
  • I’ve successfully applied the techniques I outline in my book throughout my career.

The 5 things you MUST do to nail that job interview

While my book goes into more detail, below are 5 musts if you want to secure that coveted career opportunity.

  1. Do your research!  You should be intricately familiar with the position you are applying.  What are the skills needed to excel in this role?  Knowing what skills are needed will help you prepare your interview question responses.  For example, if all of your current experience is in customer service and you are going for a position that requires little face-to-face time with customers (more clerical); your response to interview questions should highlight a skill-set you possess that directly relates to the companies need.

 

You should also be up to speed on the company itself. Look at industry trends, financials, technology, etc.  I interviewed with a large bank for a position in their mortgage department and because of my research, was able to engage in some small-talk about mortgage standards and government regulations that hit the headlines recently.  It was a great ice-breaker and I landed the position.  I had ZERO mortgage experience on my résumé!

     2. Dress to impress!  If you look good, you feel good.  If you feel good, you act with more confidence.  Confidence goes a long way when making a first impression.  Some studies have shown that interviewers have made a hiring decision within minutes of meeting you, make those minutes count!

  3. Prepare relentlessly! You should be prepared to talk about YOU!  They are not hiring your résumé, they are hiring you.  They are not hiring your    experience; they are hiring you and your skills. You should be intricately familiar with YOU. Review the below bullet points and BE THOROUGHLY PREPARED to discuss the details of the following.

My book contains worksheets to aid in the identification of your core strengths.

  • What are your strengths?  (Prepare 3-5 to discuss)
  • What are your strongest skill-sets? Why?
  • How have you applied those skills to a recent situation?
  • What was the outcome?
  • What are your areas of opportunity?  (Weaknesses, although you’ll refer to them as ‘an area of opportunity’)  Always avoid negative language.
  • MOST IMPORTANTLY, what are you doing to develop that area?

4. Answer the interview questions.  Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Frequently, interview questions start with, “Tell me about a time when you…. [Led a team through conflict, etc.].”  I’ve experienced success (and those I’ve mentored) using the STAR method.  Situation, Task, Action, Result.  This technique has been around for some time, but is certainly not leveraged enough.

  • Begin your response with describing the situation.
  • Outline for the interviewers the various tasks you identified that needed to happen to be successful.
  • Describe, in detail, the actions you took as you progressed towards achieving the end result.  Be sure to include the skills/tactics you used to drive results.
  • Finally, end your response with the results of your efforts.

 

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Below is an example, as seen on pages 39-41 of my book.

Interviewer:  “Tell me about a time when you had to motivate your team to achieve a goal they did not believe was attainable.”

Candidate:  “That’s a great question, and all too common.  I had a team of ten associates and a newly established sales goal of twenty-five units per month for each associate, five more per associate than they had ever achieved.  The team was vocal about not being able to achieve that goal.  In order to motivate the team to exceed the expectations, I called a team meeting and asked that they help in creating a team action plan for success.

We discussed the following:

  • Number of sales needed per day, per associate
  • A list of perceived roadblocks to achieving that goal
  • A list of best sales practices from each associate
  • Ideas of fun games to play during the day to celebrate each sale
  • A regular schedule to follow up on our progress

The meeting ended with a clear understanding of our daily goal, the sharing of best practices from each associate, now documented in a central location for all to access when needed, associate ownership of fun sales games to play during the day, and a set in stone follow up schedule to track our progress.

The result was the realization of an achievable daily goal, increased sales skills through best practice sharing, increased accountability, and the now anticipated follow up meeting to share progress.  Lastly, it created a sense of team and unity.  We ended up hitting 105% of our sales goal and ranked 2 out of 18 sales teams in our department!”

5. Follow-up! I recommend a hand-written note mailed to each interviewer.  The lost art of a hand-written letter will go a long way.  Keep it brief, thanking the interviewers for the opportunity to discuss the position.  Mail it immediately after your interview.  This typically works well with a smaller company.  I’ve found email to work better with larger companies.  If you don’t have the interviewers contact information, email the recruiter and ask them to forward your appreciation.

Good companies will contact you before you have a chance to follow-up with them.  I once had a company call me to schedule a second interview as I pulled out of the parking lot immediately after finishing my initial interview!

If you haven’t heard from them, place a follow up call 48-72 hours after your interview.  Be polite, direct, and clear.  Your communication should simply state who you are, who you met with, and that you are excited to hear about the opportunity.  You should also let them know that you are willing to meet again if they have any additional questions.

Finally, CELEBRATE!  You prepared for and NAILED your job interview!  That takes courage and dedication.

I pray you find this article helpful and am happy to answer any questions you may have.  I can do so through this post or by email, danny@dannyjohnson.com.

About the author:  Danny Johnson is a 15 year corporate veteran who has facilitated countless job interviews, written interview questionnaires, and helped several large U.S. companies build entire departments from scratch; helping them hire the right candidate(s) for the right role(s).  Danny is also an accomplished Comedian and Actor; having performed at Comedy Clubs, Corporate Events, and Churches, all over the United States.  Danny has starred in over a dozen of commercials, a variety of voice-over spots, won multiple comedy contests, and appeared on Comedy Central’s Laugh Riots.

Danny’s dual career track allows him to blend his corporate experience, study of human behavior through years of stand-up comedy, and his own personal application of the principles in this book to outline how you will nail your next job interview!

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Danny is available for speaking engagements, workshops, one-on-one coaching, stand-up comedy, acting or voice-over work.  

www.dannyjohnson.com

PURCHASE BOOK here:  Amazon

Connect with Danny: Twitter: @comediandanny Facebook

 

****GIVEAWAY****

Would you like to win a copy of the book? One lucky reader will win! Giveaway ends 2/16. U.S. Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Marijean

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

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New DVD Releases From PBS: Super Daniel, Caillou Learns To Share and Reading Rainbow: Miss Nelson Is Back Review @pbskids

January 30, 2016 By

 

My 4 year old son LOVES to watch PBS Kids. Some of his favorites are Caillou and Reading Rainbow. I remember watching Reading Rainbow as a kid, so I am excited that my son loves to watch it as well. I had a chance to review 3 new releases from PBS, and my son loves all of them. They are perfect to watch at home and also in our portable DVD player. Definitely check them out, your child/children will love them!

 

 

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“MISS NELSON IS BACK” will be available on DVD January 12, 2016. The DVD run time is approximately 120 minutes and its SRP is $6.99. Additional details about the episodes included on this DVD are below.

This fun-filled DVD is chock-full of great kid friendly adventures. Join LeVar as he gets made-up like a movie monster, visits with a food scientist who is working to develop new ice cream flavors, learns all about trains from a railroad engineer, and participates in a magic act! In addition to going on these field trips, kids will learn cooking tips from a chef, uncover that things aren’t always what they seem, and watch LeVar visit the United Nations and explore ways children can help others both locally and across the world.

“Miss Nelson Is Back” – Reader: Ruth Buzzi

Illusions appear in abundance in this episode. As part of his birthday celebration, LeVar gets made-up like a movie monster, and then gets involved in Harry Blackstone’s magic act. Ruth Buzzi reads “Miss Nelson Is Back,” all about a group of rowdy students who try to take advantage of their teacher’s absence when she’s out sick, and how she gets revenge on them by pretending to be “the meanest teacher in the world, Viola Swamp.”

“Our Big Home” – Reader: Naomi Judd

LeVar visits the United Nations building to learn more about how different countries of the world try to work together. Naomi Judd reads “Our Big Home,” a poem about how everything in the world is connected and how we all must work together to make it succeed.

“How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World” – Reader: Helen Mirren

LeVar and a friend point out that following recipes and cooking foods tend very much to be science experiments. They work on recipes which include lasagna made with rice, a marinara sauce, and apple raisin muffins. Helen Mirren reads “How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World,” a tale about a lady who goes to elaborate lengths to get all the ingredients to make a pie after she finds her local grocery store closed.

“Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express” – Reader: Brian Dennehy

LeVar takes a train ride in this episode. Along the way, we learn about trains and how the transcontinental railroad came to be. Brian Dennehy narrates the true story of how a young teen named Kate Shelley saved the engineers of a train that crashed into a river when the bridge near her home collapsed, and how she got word to the nearest station to alert them to stop the express train.

 

 

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CAILLOU LEARNS TO SHARE” will be available on DVD January 19, 2016. The DVD run time is approximately 60 minutes and its SRP is $12.99. The stories included on the DVD are listed below.

“That’s Mine!”

Caillou learns that accidents happen sometimes. When Rosie accidentally scratches Caillou’s bike, he’s determined to take back all of his toys and keep their things separate…until he accidentally breaks Daddy’s guitar string. After breaking the guitar string and talking with Daddy, Caillou forgives Rosie and decides to share his toys once again.

“Copycat Clementine”

Clementine is being a copycat – and Caillou doesn’t like it. When Clementine copies his artwork at preschool, Caillou thinks this is the last straw…until Clementine admits she’s copying him because she really likes his artwork! With help from Miss Martin, Caillou realizes this is a compliment and he feels much better about Clementine’s copycat ways.

“Caillou’s Poster”

Caillou is excited about the opportunity to draw a poster for his friend Ted, at the grocery store. When Caillou gets his friends to help him with the poster, but doesn’t share the credit, Leo is upset. Caillou realizes he needs to make things right – and he has the perfect solution: he includes his friends in a photo shoot with their collective “masterpiece.”

“Playhouse Play Date”

Caillou and Sarah work together to decorate Caillou’s new playhouse. They even plan a playhouse play date for all of their friends! When the big day arrives – and Sarah is sick – Caillou decides to go ahead with the party…but soon realizes it isn’t the same without Sarah, especially since she contributed so much.

“Caillou Conducts”

The preschool has a visitor – Liz, a musician. She shows the kids all sorts of instruments and Caillou is excited when he’s chosen to be the orchestra’s conductor. In fact, he’s so excited, he can’t stop conducting those around him – at preschool and even at home! When Caillou refuses to share his conductor’s baton he soon learns how easy it is to hurt other’s feelings – and how it feels better to give others a turn.

“Caillou’s Song”

Caillou wants to learn to play a song on his little keyboard…only Rosie won’t leave him alone. She keeps distracting him, trying to chime in with her drum, and pots and pans, and silly singing. When Caillou sees his sister playing on a pretend keyboard – just like Caillou – he decides to let Rosie join in his music fun.

“Where’s Caillou?”

Caillou wants someone to play with, but he doesn’t want to play dollies with Rosie…again! In an effort to get away from his pesky little sister, Caillou hides. As Rosie searches around the house for Caillou, her efforts soon turn into a fun game of hide-and-seek…giving both siblings something fun to do!

Lovable four-year-old Caillou has a boundless imagination that makes every experience an opportunity for fun and play. By sharing in his incredible adventures, children can “make believe” along with Caillou and find new ways to understand and enjoy the world around them. CAILLOU is designed for preschoolers and focuses on role-playing and “make-believe.” CAILLOU airs weekdays on PBS KIDS (check local listings) and is produced by DHX Media.

 

 

 

 

“Super Daniel!” will be available on DVD February 16, 2016.  The DVD run time is approximately 110 minutes and its SRP is $12.99. The stories included on the DVD are listed below.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Super Daniel! ZOOM! Super Daniel is always ready to save the day! There are lots of ways for a young tiger like Daniel to be brave and adventurous, such as using his “super powers” to help out friends and solving problems by coming up with his own solutions. Daniel soon discovers that trying new things and being proud of oneself can make anyone feel like a superhero! Stories include… Super Daniel! – Daniel and Grandpere are at home pretending to be superheroes when Daniel notices that Dad has forgotten to take his lunch to work with him. He and Grandpere take Dad’s lunchbox to the Clock Factory and Daniel uses his imagination to have several super adventures along the way. Goodnight Daniel BONUS Daniel Fixes Trolley – Daniel accidentally breaks one of his toy trolley’s wheels while playing. When Mom is too busy to help Daniel put the wheel back on, she urges him to try to figure it out on his own and explains that fixing it on his own will make him feel good about himself. Daniel Tries a New Food – Miss Elaina is having dinner with the Tiger family and she encourages Daniel to try some new food: Veggie Spaghetti and Banana Swirl. Daniel is convinced he won’t like Veggie Spaghettit, even though he s never tried it before. Miss Elaina encourages him to be adventurous and try the new food. She does the same herself, and even though she doesn’t like all of it, she’s proud of herself for trying. Daniel Doesn’t Want to Stop Playing – Daniel is playing “Trolley” with Mom and Dad in the living room. When Mom tells him that it’s time to work on his school project, Daniel doesn’t want to stop playing. Mom helps Daniel move on by allowing him to pick one more thing to do with his toy Trolley. Daniel makes one last stop and then he’s ready to work on his project.

Watch 9 GRR-IFIC TALES!!

  • Super Daniel!
  • Daniel Doesn’t Want To Stop Playing
  • Daniel Fixes Trolley
  • Daniel Tries a New Food
  • Daniel is Big Enough to Help Dad
  • Daniel’s New Friend
  • Daniel’s Friends Say No
  • Prince Wednesday Doesn’t Want to Play

Plus a bonus story: Goodnight Daniel

 

 

These are all great DVD’s for your little ones to watch. My son loves trying to read along with Reading Rainbow, loves seeing what Caillou does on his next adventure and loves playing make believe with Daniel Tiger and his friends!

 

To purchase these DVD’s please click here.

Connect with PBS Kids: Website Facebook Twitter

 

***I was given a product in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my experience with the product. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

 

 

Marijean

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

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Ozeri Green Earth Frying Pan Set Review #Ozeri

January 29, 2016 By

 

 

 

My husband and I love to cook, we are always cooking up something in our home. We gave up using non-stick pans in our home due to health concerns. We have all stainless right now, but honestly I am not impressed. I like pans that are easy to soak and wash in the dishwasher, which my stainless are not! Ozeri  is one of my favorite brands, so when I heard they offer a non stick pan that has no chemicals, I was excited to try them out!

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 About these pans: 
  • Unlike other ceramic cookware brands, each Ozeri pan utilizes GREBLON ceramic – an ultra-safe ceramic coating from Germany which is 100% PTFE, PFOA and APEO free (no heavy metals or chemicals).
  • Innovative honeycomb textured cooking surface delivers enhanced heat distribution and unprecedented non-stick performance without releasing harmful fumes or toxins at high temperatures.
  • Utilizes a new scratch-resistant dual ceramic coating that is super easy to clean with superior abrasion resistance.
  • Made out of durable heavy-gauge die-cast aluminum with no heavy metals or harmful chemicals.
  • Each pan boasts a comfortable heat-resistant silicon coated handle, and a magnetized induction stove safe base for rapid heat transfer.
  • Made of heavy-gauge die-cast aluminum that’s designed to distribute heat even.
  • Available in 3 sizes: 8″, 10″ and 12″
  • Oven-safe to 482°F

I reviewed the Green Pan set, which includes 3 pans (8″, 10″ and 12″). I washed each pan with a sponge and rubbed each with oil. I am so impressed with the non stick. My food didn’t stick to the pan at all and cleanup was a breeze with just a sponge and soap. I didn’t even need to put it in the dishwasher.  I used the small pan to make myself scrambled eggs, and they usually always stick to which ever pan I use, but not to the Green pan! I love how the pans are textured, I have never owned a pan like that before. The pan set also included pan protectors which are designed to protect the surface and coating against scratching during storage. Very impressed!

I am really loving these pans, I definitely recommend buying them if you love non stick but don’t love all the harmful chemicals most contain!

To purchase this pan set, please click here,

Connect with Ozeri:  Website

 

 

***I was given a product in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my experience with the product. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

Marijean

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

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Send The Gift Of Jacksonville, In A Box! #JacksonvilleInABox

January 29, 2016 By

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I moved to the Jacksonville area in 2014. I immediately fell in love. Jacksonville has so much to do, and so many shops and restaurants. My parents come visit often from New Jersey,  and love bringing home goodies from local owned businesses here in Jacksonville. When I was asked to review Jacksonville in a box, I thought this would be a perfect gift to send to my relatives up north who love to visit Jacksonville.

I reviewed the Jacksonville Experience Box which includes so many great things from Jacksonville.

What I received in my box.

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The Jacksonville Experience Box contains:

– Peter Brooke’s Chocolate Popcorn
– Sweet Pete’s Candy Taffy
– Papa John’s Cotton Candy
– Alligator Bob’s Jerky
– Bono’s BBQ Sauce
– Jacksonville Jaguars Pennant
– Jacksonville Suns Foam Finger

– Vintage Jacksonville Postcard
–  Jacksonville Flag Postcard
– 904 Paper Co Heart of Jax Poster
– Intuition Ale Koozie or Sticker
– Bold City Beer Koozie or Sticker
– FreshJax Grilling Seasoning

 

The experience box costs $54.99 and is definitely worth the price. Anyone who loves Jacksonville will love this box. I have sent out my postcards already to my family up north, and my kids are loving all the football goodies and of course, the snacks!

If you only want to send some of the best Jacksonville snacks, I recommend sending the Jax Snacks Box. This box costs $34,99 and contains all yummy goodies from your favorite Florida city!

Jax Snack Box

The Jacksonville Snack Box contains:

– Peter Brooke’s Chocolate Popcorn
– Sweet Pete’s Candy Fruit Taffy
– FreshJax Grill Master Seasoning

– Papa John’s Cotton Candy
– Alligator Bob’s Jerky
– Bono’s BBQ Sauce

 

My family was thrilled with our box and can’t wait to order for our families up north. They really do include everything you need for a taste of Jacksonville. My kids loved the cotton candy, my husband is loving the BBQ sauce and I am loving the Peter Brooke’s popcorn!! Yummy!

 

To learn more and to order your box, click here.

Connect with Jacksonville in a box: Website, Facebook

 

 

 

***I was given a product in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my experience with the product. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

Marijean

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

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