Soda not Pop

Recently I was asked if I wanted to receive a free sample of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda. Duh! I go through boxes of that stuff. In return they asked that I provide a product review. They didn't care if my review was positive or negative, just honest. So here is the knock down bare-bones truth about my "trial".

I love Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, really and truly love. When I first took on this assignment I thought it had to be a joke. Who doesn't know and use Arm and Hammer Baking Soda? Google it, there are pages dedicated to the many uses of baking soda. How could a trial change the way I look at it? But who really cares I'm going to get a free box. Woohoo!!

As you can see I was weirdly excited. If you can believe it opening the package was even better. You see inside my delivery was not only a free box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, but a cool plastic storage container!

*Update according to the Arm and Hammer Website demand has been so high for the container they are currently out of stock!

I could go on and on about the many uses of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, but these guys already did. So instead of telling you how you can use it to brush your teeth; relieve heartburn; treat insect bites; soak your feet; clean the floors, oven, microwave, furniture, shower curtains, laundry etc.; treat diaper rash: remove odors from carpet, fridges, freezers, gym bags, garbage cans, dishwashers, etc.; and extinguish fires to name a few I am going to focus on the empty container.

Yep, I'm like a kid on their birthday more entertained with the box than the toy. I didn't even know how much I wanted this thing though. I don't know how you can get one, but they are awesome. I always do a really crappy job of opening my box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, and since I don't usually use the entire box at one time, it is super annoying. Now I can pour it into this handy bottle and spoon/sprinkle out exactly how much I need and snap the lid closed.

Sure I could have re purposed a Parmesan cheese container, but I never thought to. Now I don't have too!

Who would have thought I could love this product even more?

**Read my advertising policies here.

Candied Puff Corn

My sister Kristie made this and I had to share it with you. I know the name isn't that original, but she didn't have a name for this recipe and I like descriptive rather than abstract names when it comes to food.

**Warning** do not make if you are eating healthy. You will not be able to stop eating it. 

Now that you have been fairly warned, here goes.

Candied Puff Corn

1 large pkg of puffed corn.

1 11oz pkg of caramels (cut into 1/4)

1 12oz pkg of M&M minis

1 24oz pkg of white almond bark

\1 tbsp vegetable shortening (no substitutions)

Combine first 3 ingredients in the largest bowl you can find.  In a separate microwave safe container break the almond bark into small squares and drop in the spoonful of vegetable shortening. Microwave on high until mostly melted. stir periodically, do not burn, do not add any other thinning agent. (White chocolate is not the same as regular chocolate. ) When it is about 2/3 melted removed from microwave and stir until fully melted. this will keep you from burning it, and it will have time to cool enough that the M&M's won't melt.

Pour white chocolate mixer over the puffed corn, M&M's, and Caramels. Gently stir to coat, then spread out on waxed paper to cool. Serve, keep any extras tightly covered.

(Who am I kidding? Keep it sealed while transporting to party and be discreet when you are at the party and try to lick the bowl clean.)

Chalk Paint

A while back I took a chalk paint class with a friend and I finally got around to finishing the project. It was a nice way to get out and spend some time with a friend. We used a product I had never heard of before.

I've read lots of other blogs about chalk paint and not very impressed. Chalk Paint Powder seemed different. Instead of over paying for a limited number of colored paints. This just mixes in to any latex paint you want.

We painted small wooden trays. I initially tried to paint 2 colors with traditional black on the tray bottom, but I didn't have detail brushes to use and the edges weren't as nice as I had hoped.

After letting the paint dry while we perused the store, we used wax to seal the paint. There is a difference to waxes. The texture and ease of use of Fiddes and Sons was really nice and I would highly recommend for any of your waxing needs.

I used a clear wax on mine for a more modern look. While my friend gave hers an aged look with the darker wax.

I immediately decided that this would be great for my girls to use, and wanted brighter colors than what the class provided. I used some materials that I already had on hand for a quick update.

The tray is an excellent way to corral hand made beads and other jewelry making supplies.