The Mustard Man – A Review

The Mustard Man

“You should do something with this!” Were the words that Tim, the owner and creator of The Mustard Man, would constantly hear. For years Tim would make his homemade mustard and bring it to social gatherings and family holidays. Everyone wanted to have some of his amazing creation. It all started with him making it for a tailgating event and once that ball started to roll there was no way to stop it, and we are so glad it didn’t!

The Mustard Man is an Ohio based company. They are currently available at upscale retailers such as: Heinen’s, West Point Market, Anderson’s, Buehler’s and many more. They are constantly gaining popularity and becoming available in more upscale retailers. You are also able to make purchases through their website (click here to order today). The Mustard Man ships anywhere across the US

The Mustard Man has 3 unique flavors which are so versatile that you can use them every day. Simply Horsey, Simply Peppered, and Simply Sweet are the current flavors The Mustard Man has available.

with tomato

Simply Horsey:

“A very smooth Horseradish taste that won’t make your eyes water but will tickle your palate. An Excellent addition to Roast Beef, Prime Rib, Corned Beef, Brats, Burgers, hard boiled eggs, and salads. Goes great with a Sharp Cheese and crackers.”

**I love this on tater tots

Simply Peppered:

“You must love ground black pepper. This mustard is a perfect match for your Grilled meats like Steaks, Chicken, Burgers, Brats. Simply Peppered goes great with roasted vegetables and is excellent in our “Potato Gratin” recipe.”

**I think this sauce would be perfect on a left over Easter ham sandwich.

Simply Sweet:

“A softer, creamier mustard that won’t offend the “Non-Mustard” friend or family member who attends the gathering.

This Mustard is definitely a great “Party Dip” for Chips, Cheese, Crackers, Burgers, Brats, Deli Sandwiches, Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad, Chicken Tenders, or Chicken Nuggets. You might think Deviled Eggs or Egg Salad.”

**I would pair this sweet potato fries.

tots mama
Tots go perfectly with “Simply Horsey”
 There are just so many options. Some tried and true recipes can be found here. Recipes like “Simply Horsey” Planked Salmon and “Simply Peppered” Gruyere Potato Gratin.
Using the “Simply Horsey” mustard I made my family favorite Mustard Chicken. This is one of my “having people over” dishes. You know, the one that is fun and sorta fancy but nothing too crazy that you might mess up. This is a scrumptious dish that everyone will talk about the next day. Click the link under the picture to see how to make it for yourself.
 "Simply Horsey" Mustard Chicken

“Simply Horsey” Mustard Chicken

 

Be sure to follow The Mustard Man for exciting recipes and new products!

Facebook           Twitter          Pinterest

Want to try The Mustard Man mustard before you buy it?

Click here to try to win a set for yourself!

{giveaway will run 3/17/15 through 3/31/15}

Knife System Sharpener – Giveaway {hop}

Knife System Sharpener & $5 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

{a giveaway hop}

Are you looking for an easy to use, home-cook/residential use knife sharpener? Here is your chance to win one! This System Sharpener brand knife sharpener is available through Amazon for purchase or you can enter below for a chance to win one PLUS a $5 Amazon gift card!

Knife System Sharpener & $5 Amazon GC Giveaway
 

Luck Of The Irish

 

Welcome to the Luck of the Irish Giveaway Hop, brought to you by The Hopping Bloggers & Up All Night Blogging!

 

Hosted by Mama Smith’s Review Blog & Women And Their Pretties

 

Co-Hosted by

 

DownshiftingPRO, Melanie Meditates, Feeling Fit, Bit by Bit, Enza’s Bargains, Golden State Mom , Deb Knows Best, Barbie’s Beauty Bits, & Ninas Bargain Beauty

Each blogger participating in this hop has a giveaway with a prize value of at least $15 – and some are much more than that! Be sure to scroll down the whole list and visit them all – there is no limit to how many prizes you can win! Good Luck and Have Fun!

DISCLOSURE: Mama Smith’s Review Blog and Women and Their Pretties are not responsible for any of the prize fulfillment. Each blogger is responsible for providing their sponsor with their winner’s contact information.

“Simply Horsey” Mustard Chicken

“Simply Horsey” Mustard Chicken

This is a family favorite in the Fox Den. If you need a fun and unique dish then this is the perfect dish for you. Be sure to follow the directions properly to ensure delicious results.

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 boneless and skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup “Simply Horsey” Mustard
  • 2-3 tablespoons whole grain mustard (or a thick mustard with grains)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (You need GOOD syrup. No fake Aunt stuff!)
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • 2 or 3 springs of fresh rosemary

ingre mam

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Line an 8×8 glass baking dish with tin foil. It is important you cook using a small dish or you will loose the magic of the liquids. Be sure to line it with foil, this helps with heating it properly (and clean up).

3. Combine “Simply Horsey” mustard, grain mustard, syrup, vinegar and a tablespoon of rosemary. Mix well.

in bowl words

4. Coat the chicken in the sauce. Place the chicken in the dish and pour mixture on top of chicken.

raw mama

5. Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes.

6. Remove chicken from dish and set aside. Take the liquid and pour into a small bowl. Add the 1 tablespoon of corn starch to the liquid and stir well. This will thicken the into a beautiful sauce.

sauce mama

7. Serve chicken with sauce and enjoy!

"Simply Horsey" Mustard Chicken
“Simply Horsey” Mustard Chicken

(Please comment below after you try it and tell me how much you love it!)

Crystal Wash – Giveaway {hop}

Crystal Wash 2.0

Crystal Wash – Giveaway

{Rainbow Giveaway Hop}

Are you ‘crunchy’? Do you look for ways to help reduce your carbon footprint? Use less chemicals? Keep your home free from dyes? Then Crystal Wash is right up your alley. Crystal Wash is the new way to wash your laundry, with out detergents! No mess, easy to use and free from all detergents, chemicals, dyes and perfumes. Sound too good to be true?

Read more about Crystal Wash spheres here.

Under the Rainbow Blog Hop

Welcome to the [3rd annual] Under the Rainbow Giveaway Hop Event, hosted by the Lindsey Blogs & Viva Veltoro.

Who doesn’t love finding gold under the rainbow? I’ve joined with a group of bloggers who will be offering great prizes for you, just waiting to be found under the rainbow! So, hop along to all in the giveaway hop linky below to find your gold! Don’t miss the Grand Prize too – if you have 1 or 2 children, you’ll find the gold under the rainbow in the form of an amazing Fold N Go Double Stroller from Combi USA! Enter the Grand Prize here.

Main Prize Pic

Crystal Wash 2.0


 

So Easy Being Green, Viva Veltoro, and the Under the Rainbow participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

The Natural Dentist Kids Toothpaste Giveaway {hop}

The Natural Dentist Kid’s Toothpaste Giveaway

The Natural Dentist Toothpaste
The Natural Dentist Toothpaste

Read the entire review here

For a complete list of ingredients click here.

Check out The Natural Dentist on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Welcome to the Spring into Green Giveaway Hop, hosted by Happy Mothering, Easy Green Mom and Brittleby’s Corner through the Green Moms Network! This March we want to help you Spring into Green by showcasing all the great green and eco-friendly products available! After entering my giveaway, be sure to hop around and enter all of the other giveaways listed on the linky at the bottom of this post for your chance to win great eco-friendly gear. Of course, check with a wagga dentist before switching toothpaste brands if you desire a professional testimonial of how wonderful this toothpaste is. I know a lot of people who are resistant to changing brands especially when its for their children which is why they crave assurances from their dentist! Having a good toothpaste could help with maintaining a good dental hygiene, as well a visit to your local dentist similar to somewhere like Dentist Fishers to keep up with your hygiene up to date. Keeping with your Dental hygiene is an important part of every day life so finding a good dentist to help for example, somewhere like Babiner Dental could be a good help.

grand prize

Be sure to enter the grand prize giveaway! One winner will receive a prize package from Nest Bedding, The Choosy Chick, Globe In and Greenair! Over $838 value! Enter here.

Now here is your chance to win your own The Natural Dentist’s Kids Toothpaste! You can win not 1, not 2 but 3 different kinds of toothpaste! Win (1) Cavity Zapper Fluoride Gel Toothpaste in Berry Blast, (1) Cavity Zapper Fluoride Toothpaste in Groovy Grape, (1) Plaque Zapper Fluoride-Free Toothpaste in Groovy Grape. ARV $25.

The Natural Dentist Kids Toothpaste

Disclosure: This contest will run through March 17, 2015 at 8:59 pm PST (11:59 pm EST). The winner will be chosen the following day and announced on www.mamathefox.com. No purchase necessary. US entries only. Must be 18 years or older to win. The sponsors provided me with free samples of these products to review, and I was under no obligation to review them if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to this blog and not to Facebook. Please note that Happy Mothering, Easy Green Mom, Brittleby’s Corner, the Green Moms Network and the Naturally Healthy event bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

Usborne Books with Haley – Giveaway {hop}

Usborne Books with Haley Giveaway

Welcome to the “Spring in to Spring” Giveaway Hop hosted by Heather from Mommy’s Favorite Things and Michelle from Mama’s Baby CupcakesThis hop has a Open Spring Theme, and each blog has a minimum prize package of $25 per winner. After visiting my giveaway, make sure you use the linky below to take a look at the other blogs to see what they have to offer for you! Be sure to check out the Grand Prize on Mommy’s Favorite Things blog for a chance to win from Umi Shoes and a Bubble Guppies DVD
spring into spring gradn prize
 

Usborne books with Haley is offering my readers a chance to win a $25 credit to purchase books from Usborne! With Easter approaching us and baskets to fill, we all need to grab those fun goodies now. Haley is also offering that if you email her at hrstrong811 @ gmail.com and mention mamathefox she will send you a FREE activity card! 🙂

Just in case you don’t win, here is a link to order anytime:  https://f4862.myubam.com

Usborne Books with Haley Giveaway

 

Mama’s Baby Cupcakes, Mommy’s Favorite Things and the “Spring in to Spring” participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

Usborne Books with Haley – a Review

Usborne Books with Haley – A review

What are you putting in your child’s Easter basket? Candy? Trinkets? Books?

basket

Haley Strong is a mom just like me. She loves her children, and cares about their growth and development. A large part of a child’s development comes from their exposure to books. Maybe I should look into book scanners more and use one to share fantastic books with those who don’t have access to them. But anyway, she recently became a rep with Usborne Books so she can supply her child and other children with amazing, beautiful books. We all have heard that reading to your children, starting at birth, is key to their development. Here are ten reasons why books are pivotal in your child’s life:

  1. A stronger relationship with you.
  2. Academic excellence
  3. Basic speech skills
  4. The basics of how to read a book
  5. Better Communication skills
  6. Mastery of language
  7. More logical thinking skills
  8. Acclimation to new experiences
  9. Enhanced concentration and discipline
  10. The knowledge that reading is fun!

(For more about these 10 reasons please visit here)

easterKnowing the wonderful benefits of exposing your children to books, you are going to want to increase your home library. Books are available everywhere. We see them in big box stores, grocery stores, toy stores…the list goes on and on. When it comes down to it, what matters is content and price. Haley is able to help us get books with both wonderful content and at a great price. Usborne Books and More is a company which holds “book parties” where you can attend a party in person, or the newly popular online party. If you are on Facebook then you have received an invite to some type of party. Nails, candles. beauty products…they are all fun (I mean I know I buy from them) but they don’t fill our children with the knowledge and love that a book can.

“Usborne Books & More is a division of Educational Development Corporation (EDC), a well-established company that has twice been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of The 200 Best Small Companies in America and three times by Fortune Magazine as one of America’s 100 Fastest Growing Small Companies, and has been in existence for over 20 years.”

truckHaley started selling Usborne just this January after attending a party herself. As a mom and a special education teacher she instantly saw that this business has so much to offer to parents, schools and home schooler’s. Usborne has a great book fair program giving which gives 50% in sales in books, and a grant matching program. As a consultant, you can earn up to 30% in commission, earn free books and other cool prizes, earn trips, and of course get a great discount on the books! If you are looking for a way to make extra income and earn free books for yourself then contact Haley at hrstrong811 @ gmail.com and visit her Facebook page. If you email Haley and mention MamatheFox she will send you a FREE activity card! 🙂

 

You are able to place an order at anytime here. No need to wait for a party to be open. Usborne wants you to get books into easter to doyour child’s hands as fast as possible. One of the best parts about Usborne is their shipping. They have a “5 day” typical turn around, but most people that Haley knows have gotten their books even fast then that. You are now wondering, what is the shipping? Like $30?! Nope, a solid $6 flat! No matter how big or small your order is.

usborne-books

I was given 2 books to sample from Usborne. Secrets Of The Seahorse (Shine-A-Light) and That’s Not My Fox Touchy-Feely Board Book.

Secrets Of The Seahorse (Shine-A-LightDorothy words)

This is such a cool book! I have never, in all my years, seen a book like this. This book has special pages which, when held up to a light, you can see through to the other side. Every page has this feature. The story shows children creatures of the sea, their habitats and the food they eat. My daughter (2 years old) was amazed at the special secrets on every single page. We have a tiny flashlight she uses for comfort at night in bed. We used that because it is small enough for her to hold and control while being powerful enough to reflect the hidden picture. If you don’t have a flashlight you can simply hold the book up to natural sun light or the light from a lamp. This keep my busy, I mean busy, 2 year old sitting still for 10 solid minutes. This is a must for the toddlers in your life.

max words

That’s Not My Fox Touchy-Feely Board Book.

This is the perfect touch and feel book for infants. We all have seen the touch/feel books before. Most, in my opinion, are lame and fall short of any real ‘touch’ engagement. I have been blown away with the quality of Usborne’s touchy-feely books. Each page has an engaging touch feature which captivates your readers and explorers senses. All are relative to the story, large enough for small eyes to spot and have a significant textile distinction to be considered a true feely experience. The story features the quest to find the readers fox. They keep finding other foxes with different qualities but not ‘their’ fox. Will this elusive fox be found!? Grab a copy for yourself to find out.

With Easter approaching us and baskets needing to be filled, what better thing to fill them with then books! Candy is fun and toys come and go, but a book can leave a positive and lasting mark on a child. With book levels from newborn to middle school you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for. They don’t limit their buyers to books alone, they also offer flash cards, sticker books, drawling resources, puzzles and more! For the inquisitive toddler and pre-tween they have a huge selection of non-fiction books to broaden minds and answer questions. These are books that homeschoolers are eating up.

Click here to see more books from Usborne Books and More.

Visit Haley on Facebook.

Try to win a $25 credit to Usborne with Haley (Open 3/2/15-3/16/15 to US and Canada)

Crystal Wash – Review

Crystal Wash Review

Crystal Wash Review

The smell of all the chemicals in laundry soap grosses me out! I switched to making my own laundry soap a few years ago when I had my first child. Learning about all the harmful chemicals and dyes honestly freaked me out. My husband was not on board with our switch but he eventually hopped on board. We have been on the look out for a new, even safer, laundry alternative. I recently found out about Crystal Wash. I am so excited about this product!

Crystal Wash is able to wash your clothes without the use of chemicals, detergent or dyes. Crystal Wash uses a fine balance of Bio Ceramics (various minerals with very effective antibacterial and anti-oxidant properties which come from the earth) to create 2 benefits in the laundry’s water: deep cleaning and disinfecting. By deep cleaning they mean, “They produce far infrared rays that effectively reduce negative ions in the water of your laundry machine, which raises pH level to 8.5 or greater. This process shrinks the water molecule clusters to a size that allows dirts and soils to be soaked free naturally.” and my disinfecting they mean, “Additionally, the Bio Ceramics create Hydrogen Peroxide which disinfects the clothes, kills bacteria and odor.” “The pH level of laundry water impacts the wash greatly. If the water is overly acidic or alkaline it can damage delicate clothes and fabrics, cause colors to fade and cause clothing to still seem dirty even after washing. Most detergents on the market are a pH level of 6.5 – 9, but they use chemicals to achieve these levels.”

HE Washer Safe!

No Dyes No Chemicals No Perfumes
No Dyes No Chemicals No Perfumes

Not only does Crystal Wash save your family from harsh chemicals but it also saves you money! One of the other reasons that I switched to making my own detergent was to save my family money. As a SAHM I try to do what I can so help the financial situation of my family. A store bought detergent will cost you about $300 for 1,000 loads of laundry. Crystal Wash is only $50 for 1,000 loads! What a sweet sweet saving. Plus, is doesn’t contaminate your water supply. Living in the country, and having a sub-pump, my water goes into my backyard. That is the yard where my children roll around and where I grow my garden, which supplies my family with their food. I don’t want to think of all the gross chemicals that could get into my garden. YUCK!

I do a TON of laundry. My kids seem to go through at least 2 to 4 outfits a day. They seem to find ways to get food, paint, dirt, chalk, play-doh….anything really, on their clothes. Having to wash their clothes way more frequently then intended can cause the colors to fade and loose their brightness. But not with Crystal Wash! It keeps my kids clothes looking sharp, and keeps their integrity.

box

cropped

in washer

 

befor and after with words
No soap or spot treatments were used in this example!

 

Directions:

Crystal Wash can be used with both top and front loading machines. At the beginning of your wash simply drop the 2 spheres into your washer along with your clothes. No need for detergent. Harsh stains and messes still require an advanced stain remover (darn you blueberries!! ::shakes fist::). If you would like a scent you can add a cap of fabric softener. To ensure effectiveness, every 2 to 3 weeks, you will want to recharge the bio-ceramics contained within the Crystal Wash spheres. To do this, simply place the spheres in the sun for an afternoon.

Once you make the switch you are going to never look back at laundry detergents again. The smell of those soaps literally makes me ill now. Be sure to tell your friends and family when you make the switch. Crystal Wash is also on KickStarter, so please pop over and help them out. Helping them helps our planet and our families.

Crystal Wash 2.0
Crystal Wash 2.0

You can buy this amazing product here for only $49.99!

Check them out at KickStarter

Leg of Lamb Ragu

Leg of Lamb Ragu

Leg of Lamb Ragu

Ingredients:

  • olive oil (approximately 1 to 2 ounces)
  • leg of lamb (3-5 lbs)
  • fresh mint
  • 6-10 fresh garlic cloves
  • 2 cans of diced tomatoes
  • 1 yellow onion, medium
  • elbow noodles (half of a box / around 300 g)

1.) Preheat oven to 200 degrees

2.) Dice your onion.

3.) Place cans of tomato, with juices, into a dutch oven (or another large oven safe pot) along with the chopped onion and the olive oil.

1

4.) Peel garlic and chop any large pieces of garlic in half. Remove mint leaves from the stems.

5.) Take the lamb and remove any netting it might have come in. Take a sharp knife and make deep holes throughout the lamb.  Stuff all the holes with the garlic and mint leaves. Can mix both in the hole or just put mint or garlic in the hole.

2

6.) Place lamb on top of the tomato/onion mixture.

3

7.) Cook (covered) for 3 – 3.5 hours. Every 30 minutes spoon some of the juices on top of the lamb. In the last 40 minutes add the noodles to the tomato/onion mixture. Mix the noodles so they are in with the juices.

8.) Enjoy!

4

Pancake Muffins

Pancake Muffins

How to make Pancake Muffins (in only 12 minutes!)

This is a super easy & quick breakfast to spice up your week.

  • Make your pancake batter as you normally would.
  • Pour the batter into greased muffin tins 1/2 to 3/4 full.
  • Bake at 325 degrees for 12 minutes.
  • Top with fruit, chocolate chips, or whatever pancake topper you typically love.
  • Drizzle with syrup