Beachside Treasures Treasure Hunt Winners!

I want to thank everyone who entered, sent their friends and family to us to enter, and also for following my blog (and for those who do, the extra entry helped a couple of you win!). I also want to thank all the wonderful sponsors who participated!  You guys are fantastic and I hope you got many fans out of this!

Now, before I list the winners, I just want to mention a couple things.  First, if you didn't win, PLEASE don't go back "unliking" the sponsors.  They worked hard to get fans, donated some amazing prizes, and from what I know about them, are quite into the whole giveaway thing.  So if you "unlike" them, you'll never know when they are doing another giveaway!  And obviously you wanted something from them in the first place, so why not later too?  :)  Second, please keep sending friends and family our way...you never know when those referrals will come in handy later on down the road (you can even click on the sponsors names below to go directly to their shops!).  Finally, and most important, if you won, make sure that you comment on this post within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Okay, so the moment we've all been waiting for...the winners are:
All You Need Designs: HMH Kaufman
Precious Elaine Boutique: Kortni Gaffney Machell Duke Betti Rod
Marianne McCarthy - Independent Partylite Consultant: Darlene Arnold
Beachside Treasures: Tracy Shaffer
My Lovebug Baby: Ciara Weaver
Sunflower Touch Supply: Zoe Hunter Lee
Northern Hearts Accessories: Laura Katzenbach  Janis Rogers Lauren Wigginton.
Buddi's Thirty-One Gifts: Brenda Bergin
The Bitsy Beau: Jean Young
Up On The Roof Farm: Barbara Claxton
Thirty-One Gifts Ami: Lauren Wigginton
Sumthing Purdy: Janet Wallack
Spirited Sweets: LaNette Beck
Heart Treasures Boutique: Ivonna Freeman
Beachside Treasures Surprise Referral Prize: Hannah Eckman

So again, if you won, please comment on this post within 24 hours that you are claiming your prize.  Once you claim it, I will send an email to the sponsor of your prize with your email address so they can contact you to get any details needed to make and/or send you your prize.

Again, congrats to all the winners, and to everyone else...Thanks and keep watching!  You never know when the next giveaway may be!

Cookie Flower Cake Pots

Spring is almost here, and what better way to celebrate than with some yummy mini flower pot cakes!  This is an easy recipe (although time consuming) that will be fun to make with your kids and also makes great little gifts for friends "just because".  The recipe makes 16 mini flower pot cakes.

Ingredients:
1 package (16 oz) poundcake mix (although any type of cake you like will really work)
1/4 cup green liquid food coloring
40 12" wooden skewers cut in half
2/3 cup flour
1 package (18 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 16 oz bag confectioners sugar
3 egg whites
various colors of liquid food coloring
1 can (16 oz) chocolate frosting
1 package (9 oz) chocolate wafer cookies, finely crushed
16 small (3" wide 2 1/2" tall) new terra cotta or glazed ceramic flowerpots

Fill a 8" square pan with 1/2" water and 1/4 cup green food coloring.
Add skewers, rolling occasionally with fork, until dyed completely.
With tongs, set skewers onto paper towels to dry (about 45 minutes)

Next you should prep your cookies.
In a bowl, knead flour into sugar cookie dough until throughly combined.
Roll into a ball, place on a lightly floured waxed paper, flatten slightly, cover with another sheet of waxed paper, and then roll out dough to about 1/4" thick.
Transfer waxed paper to a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350*
Line the pots each with 1 piece of foil large enough to overhang the sides sightly.  Butter and flour each pot.
Prepare cake mix according to package directions and fill each pot with 1/3 cup batter.

Place pots on a cookie sheet and bake 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  

Place pots on a wire rack to cool completely.

Remove cookie dough from freezer and remove top sheet of waxed paper. Using a 2" round circle cookie cutter, cut out 8 circles.  Then, using the same cutter, cut out semi circles from the sides as shown in the picture to the left to make your leafs.  Arrange leafs along the edges of an ungreased baking sheet.  From remaining dough, use butterfly and flower cookie cutters (use multiple size flowers ranging from 1" to 3") to cut out the rest of your shapes.  Arrange on ungreased baking sheets, spaced apart to save room for the skewers.

Carefully insert dyed skewers 3/8" into base of all cookies.  Bake 7-9 minutes or until golden.  Place baking sheets on wire racks and cool 5 minutes.  Remove from baking sheets and place directly on wire racks to cool completely.

While the cookies are cooling, you can prepare the icing.  On low speed, beat confectioners sugar with egg whites and 1 Tbl water until just combined.  Increase speed to high, and beat until thick glossy peaks form (about 2 minutes).  Divide into small bowls and tint with whatever food coloring colors you have chosen to use.  Transfer each color to individual pastry bags fitted with small writing tips (or, if you don't have, place it into small plastic baggies with a very small part of the corner cut off).  Outline cookies with icing and decorate as desired, filling in outlines and smoothing with a small spatula or back of a spoon.  Let dry completely (at least an hour)

Invert the cakes onto a clean surface and remove them from the pots.  Peel off the foil and then line each pot with new foil, making sure none will show once cake is back in.  Place cake back into pots, and spread about 2 Tbls frosting on each.  Sprinkle each with cookie crumbs to cover.  Insert cookie flowers and leaves into cakes, trimming skewers as needed.  Now you are ready to proudly display and give away your lovely flower cake pots.  Hope you enjoy!

Peppermint White Chocolate Heart Pops Recipe

Even though Valentines Day is over, that doesn't mean you can't make this sweet candy treat for your loved ones.  Now is actually a great time to make them as you can find boxes of mini candy canes on sale (I found a huge box for $1 at Michaels Arts & Crafts).  I made mine the other day with my 3 year old son.  So yes, they didn't turn out as pretty as they could have if I did them myself, however we had a blast doing it together which is the most important thing to me.  Plus, they still tasted just as yummy!  This recipe (which I found in my Disney Family Fun magazine) will make 12 heart pops.

What you need:
24 mini candy canes
12 paper lollipop sticks
12 oz bag of white chocolate melts (you can use chips, but the Wilton's Premium White Melts worked out wonderfully!)
1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil (only if you use chips, not if you use candy melts)
Red & pink nonpareils or sugar sprinkles

Heat the oven to 235*  On a parchment lined baking sheet, arrange the candy canes into hearts and bake for 10 minutes.

Slide the parchment paper (with the hearts on it) off the baking sheet and onto a work surface.

Quickly pinch each warm heart onto a lollipop stick to form a perfect closed heart shape (very important step, yet you can see from my photo this is what we forgot to do...oops)

In the microwave, melt the bag of candy melts according to the instructions on the bag. 
If you are using plain white chocolate chips, add the oil and heat on high in 10 second intervals, stirring between heatings until fully melted.

First coat the stick (center of the heart only) with a small amount of chocolate.  Allow it to set a few minutes, and then flip it over (this way your stick won't show thru the back)
Fill either a decorator bag or a baggie with a small corner cut off with the chocolate.  Carefully pipe the chocolate into the center of the heart (this is where us not heating and forming the heart made it tricky...that and letting a 3 year old help)

While still hot, sprinkle the nonpareils or sugar over the chocolate and allow them to cool until hardened.

Now you can either serve them on a platter or wrap them in lollipop bags (tied with a pretty ribbon of course) and give them as gifts.  Hope you have fun with this!

Beachside Treasures 500 Fan Treasure Hunt

Wow...I never thought my facebook page for my SAHM side business would get so many fans so quickly.  I had decided to do a 500 fan giveaway a couple weeks ago when I hit 200 fans, and started putting out feelers for sponsors last week when I hit 250.  Now, just a few days later I'm already over 500!  So, as promised, the 500 Fan Treasure Hunt has been opened.  I have posted all the information here as well as on Facebook.  Please read all the rules first, and then comment below that you agree.  Then click on everyone that you love and go treasure hunting!

RULES:

*You MUST "Like" the business page of the item you enter to win! (Link is posted below the picture)

*You MUST fill out the entry form below each item that you want a chance to win. (just clicking "like" on the photo does not enter you into the drawing)

*Sponsors are able to enter/win OTHER sponsors giveaways.

*The giveaway will be open until Wednesday February 23rd at 1pm EST

*Please check each listing for shipping details...if shipping is required and you are not willing to pay for it, don't enter to win...but please still "like" them!  :)

*If you win, you have 24hrs after we post the winners on www.workingmommyisredundant.blogspot.com to CLAIM your prize. If you FAIL to do so, another winner will be drawn!!

*You can enter as many as you want, but you can win only 1 time.

*Only ONE person may enter per household. If you try to use multiple accounts/names to win you will be banned from future giveaways!

*You can get an extra entry to each giveaway you enter if you are a "follower" of www.workingmommy.blogspot.com

*You can also get an extra entry to each giveaway you enter if you are a "follower" of www.beachsidetreasures.tumblr.com

-- This isn't a "rule" but please, thank the sponsors for these giveaway items! They have been very generous!! ♥

(( * IF YOU READ & AGREED TO THESE RULES, type "AGREE" below!! If you do NOT agree, your entries WILL NOT COUNT! * ))

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You must be 18 to participate. You may not reside in Belgium, Norway, Sweden, or India according to FB rules. International players may enter but may be responsible for the shipping to receive their prize.

Good luck! :)

 Precious Elaine Boutique

Louise skirt, up to size 8 youth. A one of a kind boutique skirt made with Amy Butler's Midwest Modern series. A three tiered twirly skirt underneath with a ruffled circle skirt layered over it. Elastic drop waist. Suggested retail price is $43.

Free shipping to anywhere in USA, international must pay $14 for shipping

First you must "like" them at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Precious-Elaine-Boutique/184499484898170?v=app_169505045786

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dGZpZUxybE5jdndpdjlsNWhSTGZuVHc6MQ#gid=0

 Sumthing Purdy

Wire crochet bracelet. Silver wire, with tibetan silver clasp.
As for the beads- this will be custom to colors that you choose from. This will be figured out through email correspondence. (Also it will be a custom fit bracelet)

Retail price of this would be $28.00

Free shipping worldwide

First you must "like" them at http://www.facebook.com/SumthingPurdy

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dDBrZXByVDZ0MG9xSjgzUTFPcUN2MEE6MQ#gid=0

 The Bitsy Beau

Vintage Chic Spring Headband

Made with two handmade roses in two shades of pink, a velvet flower with vintage button, and feather accents finish off this lovely spring headband. Flowers can be placed on a clip and the headband can be custom sized.
Retails for $13.95

Free shipping USA only

First you must "like" them at http://www.facebook.com/thebitsybeaufanpage

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHVtU2JSOGgzNE5xVjE4VEVscGJGN0E6MQ#gid=0

 Buddi's Thirty-One Gifts

$10 gift certificate to be used on their website

Winner must pay for shipping

First you must "like" them at http://www.facebook.com/Buddis31Gifts

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dDJRQm4zWVV2VmZjUjBWRVowdDZRUEE6MQ#gid=0

 Marianne McCarthy independent Partylite consultant

$15 gift certificate to be used on her website

Winner must pay for shipping and taxes as they are charged separately by Partylite

First you must "like" her page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marianne-McCarthy-independent-Partylite-consultant/139401736123723

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHpHV3Q3WUlBTkVtVnZjZkxFemNTTEE6MQ#gid=0

  Sunflower Touch Supply

Shades of silvery white coupled with puple and green frills...OOAK..Chic..Ideal

for that Special Date, events, weddings etc..

$20 USD/15 euro value

Free Global Shipping

First you must "like" their page http://www.facebook.com/pages/SunflowerTouchSupply/125500054134914

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dDJacUdMT3h1TGRnRXZ5V3k0elQxN2c6MQ#gid=0

 Beachside Treasures

Beautiful turquoise, magnesite, and howlite necklace with clusters of teadrops and curves is sure to add some "WOW" to any day!

Retails for $38

Free Global shipping

First you must "like" my page http://www.facebook.com/beachsidetreasures

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHBNd0E2OEFZWjhNZzYzZkJlQnRsZGc6MQ#gid=0

 Spirited Sweets

$10 off of $20 order from Spirited Sweets.

Items available include our famous jar cakes flavored with different liquors.  Black Russian, Chocolate Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri, Screwdriver, and Red Wine are some of the available flavors.  Fully sealed for freshness for up to six months.

Also available: Cake pops in a variety of themes and flavors.  Delicious!

Must pay for shipping

First you must "like" their page: http://www.facebook.com/spiritedsweets

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHJ0T3dPbnhTQmo4SWYxSjZ3dUtCbGc6MQ#gid=0

 Northern Hearts Accesories

Wide Ear Warmer in Chestnut Heather and Woods Print- CUSTOMIZE the COLOR

Wide and wonderful. This ear warmer is soft, warm, durable and best of all easy to wear.
I added a button in the back to easily take on and off. Also, it tapers in the back to stay snug around the back of the head.
The earwarmer is made out of a soft acrylic yarn made of a blend of rich blacks, greys and burgundys named Woods print. The trim and removable flower are made of a matching burgundy with brown and gold undertones named Chestnut heather.

The ear warmer measures approximately 22" around.
The flower is approximately 3" across.

The Suggested Retail Value is $17.00

Free Shipping

First you must "like" their page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Northern-Hearts-Accessories/183944131635425

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dEt3ajlsdHNwY0xHRnNBZWMxNmstc1E6MQ#gid=0

 All You Need Designs

Inspire Rainbow Beaded Bookmark - Bookmark made with a rainbow of beads with a charm at one end that reads "inspire". Measuring 13" from one end to the other with 10.25" of black linen cord between the beads. Will fit well in paperback and hardcover books.

Retail price: $7.99

Free shipping USA only

First you must "like" their page https://www.facebook.com/AllYouNeedDesigns

Giveaway entrance form:  https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dEFRMi1VZmt5TVhJS3R3N0RPQWtkelE6MQ#gid=0

 Thirty-One Gifts Ami

Key Fob

Free shipping USA only

First you must "like" their page: http://www.facebook.com/ThirtyOneGiftsAmi

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dENnN0Y2QXF4NWlRWWxEZU5HdlA3Ymc6MQ#gid=0

 Up On The Roof Farm

Two soy wax melting tarts in creamy coconut!

Free shipping USA only

First you must "like" their page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Up-On-The-Roof-Farm/183324725015872

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHpmMUF4Zk1jZ2FiaFRZb1VxWFFaWEE6MQ#gid=0

My Lovebug Baby

This bib and burp cloth set is made from 100% cotton flannel with a baby jungle animal print front and a light green solid color on the reverse. Each item is topstitched with a coordinating color for added durability. The bib is finished with a metal snap to make it difficult for baby to remove. An additional snap can be added to make the bib adjustable at no extra cost.

Measurements: Bib 9”x12” and Burp Cloth 10”x16”

Retail Value: $12.00

Free shipping USA only

First you must "like" their page: http://www.facebook.com/mylovebugbaby

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dC1za29PbnRsdkx0WTVwVHluNzNYTVE6MQ#gid=0

 Heart Treasures Boutique

Flower Bow Holder & 5 Hair Bows

Value: $12.50

Free shipping USA only

First you must "like" their page: http://www.facebook.com/HeartTreasuresBoutique

Giveaway entrance form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHNKaTFlV1NXTGY0YVYyQXRhRXMxbnc6MQ#gid=0

This one is a bit different, so make sure you read the rules completely!

This is a special "referral" prize.  I'm not telling what it is, just that is is very sparkly.  :)

So how do you win this "sparkly surprise"?  You need to get your friends to "follow" my blog, and then comment with your name.  The person with their name listed the most times will win the surprise. 

*note: This is for new referrals only & I will be making sure that everyone that commented with the winners name didn't just "follow" the blog, comment, and then "unfollow".  Because that's just unfair and contradictory to the purpose of a referral prize.

I will be doing something similar on my Facebook Page, so you could possibly win 2 surprise gifts if your refer the most people to both places!

SAHM Treasury52 Challenge

As many of you know, I am on Etsy, and a member of some awesome teams.  One of them is the Stay At Home Moms of Etsy and they are recently trying to get us involved in doing treasuries.  Now I do tons of treasuries, but they found a new fun way to get us all into it.  Each week we are given a challenge, to come up with a unique and creative way to show the specific theme.  This week it was a song...Lollipop by the Chordettes.  Great song, made famous (for me at least) in the movie Stand by Me.  Made annoying by Dell.  But the other thing that came to mind was the Lollipop Guild.  You know, Wizard of Oz, munchkins, flying monkeys.  So I had to go that route.  Is it a bit off the beaten path?  Of course, but hey they asked for unique!  So I hope you all check it out (by clicking here) and show some love by commenting, clicking on some links, sharing this on your blog/facebook/twitter, etc.

Molten Lava Cake Recipe

So, with Valentines Day almost here, and everyone (except my silly husband) loving chocolate, I figured I'd post a yummy dessert that is made in individual servings, so great for a family to celebrate together.  The recipe will serve 4 (unless you share) as they are prepared in 4 custard or souffle dishes.   You can also embellish the recipe by adding your favorite liquor or extract to give it a hint of flavor (I love it with raspberry chambord added...mmmm)

Ingredients:

4 squares of semi-sweet chocolate
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
6 Tbl flour
1 Tbl your favorite liquor or extract (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425*
Butter 4 3/4 cup custard or souffle dishes and place on a baking sheet
Melt the chocolate and butter in a microwave safe bowl on high for 1 minute or until the butter is melted
Whisk the mixture until the chocolate is completly melted and combined with the butter
Stir in sugar until well blended
Whisk in eggs and egg yolks
Whisk in liquor or extract if you decide to use it
Stir in the flour
Divide batter between the prepared dishes
Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the sides are firm but the centers are cooked but still soft
Let stand for 1 minute
Carefully run a knife or spatula around the cakes to loosen them and invert the cakes onto a small dessert plate
Top with whipcream and fruit and serve immediately

January Giveaway...Lucky Number 7

Wow, the way things have gone, this is going to end up being a Valentines Giveaway!  But I think this will be the last time.  One, because it's lucky number seven and two, because I'm pretty certain this winner is someone who has been keeping a close eye on things.  So, once again the rules: the winner must contact me by tomorrow February 12th at 1pm EST at meg@beachsidetreasures.com to claim their prize.

So the winner is:  Nichole Roberts! Hope to hear from you soon so I can focus all my attention to the huge 500 Fan Treasure Hunt I have in the works.

We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off...To have a Good Time (uh huh)

Today, while waiting for my new glasses to be ready, I decided to let my son burn off some steam at the mall playground.  So he's running around having a blast, going thru the tunnels, up and down the slide.  And let me preface this with I am not one of the moms who sit there reading or ignoring their kid.  I watch him like a hawk.  So I hear some of the parents laughing hysterically and one says "Uh oh, Someone's kid is naked".  I shut my eyes, prayed "Please don't let it be mine, please don't let it be mine, please don't let it be mine" opened them up, and guess whose kid it was.  Yup.  Mine.  In the time it took him to crawl thru a 2 foot tunnel, he had taken his pants and underwear off, and went streaking thru the playground area with me running behind trying to get him dressed.

Now, this has been an ongoing problem lately.  Thankfully it is the first time in public, yet it seems every time I have someone at my house to do work (we are currently trying to sell our house and have been replacing some things) and I leave him alone for 30 seconds to see what the repair person needs, he comes running behind me pantsless.  I then have to juggle talking to the (now embarrassed) repair person while trying to convince Connor to put his pants back on.  One time I even had to sit on him to put his underwear back on while the repair guy was explaining my new cable box to me. 

All these occurrences make me worry that my son will either end up like the guy from Jackass, ripping his pants off at any given moment, or like Will Ferrell's character Frank the Tank streaking the quad (which living in a college town is all too possible).  So I'd love to hear from other mothers...did you go thru this as well?  Will it pass?  Do you want to share your story so I don't feel so mortified?

January Giveaway take 6??!!!

Okay, this is getting silly.  Hopefully this is the last time I have to select a winner!  So, rules once again.  If you are the winner, you have 24 hours to reply (so tomorrow February 11th at 1pm EST) to me via email at meg@beachsidetreasures.com to claim your prize.  Otherwise, we'll be back here...same bat time same bat channel.

So the new winner is...Lacey Bundschuh  Please claim your prize quick so we can get on with our next giveaway!  :)

Spirited Sweets...oh how I love you!

Oh my goodness, I think I have died and gone to heaven. Recently I was so lucky as to win something in the Savvy Spending Mammas 1000 fan giveaway. Little did I know how lucky I was. Today, sitting so innocently on my front door step, was a package from Spirited Sweets. It was advertised as a cake in a jar, with flavors you would find in mixed drinks. The two flavors I won were Chocolate Martini and Strawberry Daiquiri. I opened my package to find two jars adorably topped with timely heart fabric, and the first thing I noticed was they have expiration dates on them. Great idea if I was actually going to give them away as gifts, or order a bunch and store them for when I needed them. Yet, as today was a rough one with my son, expiration dates were not needed. I couldn't open the Chocolate Martini one fast enough. I took my first bite, and needless to say, it was so good next thing I knew it was gone. Good thing my husband doesn't like chocolate, cause there was nothing left of it for him to sample. He does, however, love strawberry so I'll be nice and try to wait on him to "taste" (read: devour) the Strawberry Daiquiri one. So if you are looking for the perfect thing to get someone, especially someone who needs a little pick-me-up, these are the ones to get. I recommend ordering a bunch, keep them in your pantry, and that way when a friend (or you) has a really rough day, you can give this to them and make their day instantly brighter. I know it made my day better. :)

January Giveaway Take 5!!!!

Wow is this just getting silly!  I am on to the 5th choice...and the sad thing is I personally know a few who won and know they are always on Facebook, so I'm kind of shocked it has taken this long to get a winner.  But that just shows how fair I am as I have not contacted anyone personally to tell them they won.  Everyone gets treated the same here!  :)  Once again, if you won, you have 24 hours to claim your prize by emailing me at meg@beachsidetreasures.com.  Good Luck!

The newest winner is...Beth Mason!  Congrats and hope to hear from you asap!

Holy Guacamole! January Giveaway... TAKE 4!

So I really didn't think this would be going on this long.  Still no winner, so on to pick #4...again, you must contact me at meg@beachsidetreasures.com within 24 hours to claim your prize.  So by tomorrow, February 9th at 1pm if I don't hear from you, it'll be on to the next winner.

So the winner this time is...Leslie Torres!  Hurry up and claim your goodies!  :)

January Giveaway take 3!!!

So, we still have not had a winner come forward.  Due to this, I will only give the new winner chosen 24 hours to contact me.  So tomorrow, February 8th at noon EST, if the newest winner does not contact me via email at meg@beachsidetreasures.com, a forth winner will be chosen.  So good luck everyone!

The newest winner is...Melissa with MellowStuff! 

January Giveaway take two

Well, it seems that our winner never came forward, so it is time to announce the replacement winner.  Just like before you have 3 days to respond via email to me at meg@beachsidetreasures.com letting me know your bracelet color choice and mailing address.  So, if this winner doesn't respond by February 6th at midnight EST, I will have to pick a new one again. 

So, according to random.org (and using the same spreadsheet in the previous post), the winner is Amy Bennett Trice.  So hurry and claim your prize!

Super Bowl Dip Time part 2!!!

Okay, as promised, here is the recipe for my super yummy hot spinach and artichoke dip.  It's so good, I usually eat it all myself and end up having to rush to the store so I can make more!

Ingredients:

1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 jar marinated artichokes, chopped
8 oz cream cheese (I actually use the garlic and scallion one to add some extra zip)
8 oz sour cream
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 can diced water chestnuts
1/2 sweet vidalia onion, finely chopped
1 stick butter
pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350*
Saute onions in the butter. 
Once they begin to caramelize a little, add (one at a time, mixing and blending well after each addition) Spinach, then cream cheese, then sour cream, then Parmesan cheese, then artichoke, then pepper. 
Remove from heat, and place into a oven safe dish.
Mix in the Monterey Jack cheese and water chestnuts
Sprinkle the Mozzarella cheese over the top
Bake about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and begins to bubble and turn golden brown
Serve with pita chips, tortilla chips, or bread

January Giveaway

Welcome everyone to the Beachside Treasures January Giveaway.  The moment everyone has been waiting for is finally here!  Thanks to everyone who entered, and a special thanks to those of you who pushed all your friends and family to enter (such as Tyler Clark, Sara Deux, EtsyMoms, and Savvy Spending Mammas).  Hopefully everyone will continue to watch our page and continue to refer people to us since this is only the beginning of many giveaways we will do throughout the year.  Also, we will constantly post coupons, weekly specials, etc for our friends/family/fans only.  Also, I'd love for you to follow this blog.  Don't worry, there is rarely any sales stuff on here... pretty much only when I do a giveaway and have to post winners here due to silly Facebook rules.  This site is primarily dedicated to family oriented things, such as free recipes, family crafts, silly mommy quotes and stories, and weekly funny kid photos (that are selected from ones posted by my readers on my Flickr group Silly Kids). 

So, this is how it works.  I have created a document on google docs (which you can view here and verify what number everyone is, and that no one was entered after the drawing ended).  Next I went on Random.org and had a number generated, which is the one you are about to see in a screen shot so you know I really had no control over who won.  Whoever won has until February 3rd at midnight EST to email me at meg@beachsidetreasures.com with their name, shipping address (because if I don't know where to send it, how can you get your prize?), and color choice (the photos and choices are posted on the wall of the facebook page, but if you have any questions, of course just ask).  If the winner doesn't respond, I go back to random.org and generate a new number, and post again.  So you know the giveaway is over (so you don't have to keep coming here and checking) I will post something on Facebook letting everyone know that the winner has replied.  Simple, right?

***Okay, so here goes...who did random.org choose to be the winner of the Beachside Treasures January Giveaway?  Congrats goes to Alicia Fowler...now email me quick to confirm!  :)  Everyone else, thanks for entering, and keep watching for new giveaways (they may be sooner than you think *wink*).***