Wordless Wednesday: A Day By The Water

I Have A Confession: I Heart Justin Timberlake! #JT2020

Momma Told Me: A little obsession is healthy for a young girl.

I'll never forget the first CD Player, and CD, I ever owned. It was Christmas Eve of 1997, and my dear grandmother had selected the top of the line 'portable' boombox, cassette, CD player with a little help from the department store salesclerks. She had also consulted them for an age, and gender, appropriate title to include; my first CD. At the time I was helplessly hooked on my Edited copy of Alanis Morrisette's Jagged Little Pill, which I'd tote around in my cassette Walkman, completely detached from the world. There was some disagreement about the appropriateness of this musical selection, among my extended family members, yet, at 11, I remember being quite bewildered at the concept of a 'boy band.' The following year, everything would change for me, as Momma introduced me to Tiger Beat, and reminisced about her days as a swooning tween. Yes, it seems not much has changed, from Timberlake to Bieber, the world loves crooning heartthrob's named Justin, and I am no exception.

In order to properly confess my affection for Mr. Timberlake, we'd have to take a closer look at the events that followed that fateful Christmas Eve. Perhaps you are of the same generation, and fell between the two 'boyband' factions as well? Grandma had given me the Backstreet Boys first, US Released, self titled album. As most young male singers of the time, the Backstreet Boys has made it big in the Pop community overseas, in Europe. Apparently they were much more keen to trends than us Americans, who only caught on as the band was preparing it's second national album. Even for the 90's these young teenage boys looked a bit odd, each of the band's 'characters' (because, really, that's what these young men were), was wildly over-portrayed. There was your typical bad boy, the goofball, the 'heartthrob) , the quiet one, and the member that always seemed to fade into obscurity. I entertained the Backstreet Boys phase for about 10 months, and then *N Sync hit the US and it was all over for me. I was in love. I was full on hormones raging, pre-teen girl. I was certain I would be Justin Timberlake's wife.

Is it really hard to understand how a young girl, recently bumped up into high school at the age of 12, and entirely awkward and out of her element, might submerse herself in the glamor and romance of crooning pop stars? While Momma and I had, at one time, collected POGS and Beanie Babies, she was not fully supporting my spiral into a JT addiction. Of course, Justin Timberlake was not an act back then, *N Sync was; and that was exactly whom I went to see for my very first concert, back when P!nk was an unknown artist opening for them with Sisqo. Are we taking a walk down memory lane yet? But I had more than their albums, imports, and posters. I spend every penny of allowance and birthday money on my Justin and *N Sync obsession. My room was lined wall to wall with shelves backed with cutout magazine articles, carefully organized dedicated band member binders, and every piece of merchandise I could come across in store and online. Some of my more obscure collection pieces include a $100 Save The White Tiger *N Sync Plush Tiger, branded lip balm, gummi snacks, and Valentine's, promotional banners and advertising from a fast food chain promotion, and (of course) bedding. This might have made my teenage years a bit awkward, but I somehow managed to find and make a lifelong best friend, who was just as obsessed with the band, and JT, as I.

Near the end of my high school experience, 2002, mind you I was an early 16 years of age, it became clear that Mr. Timberlake was going to soon branch out from the band mates he had worked so closely with for 5 years.The Summer before my Senior year there were whispers of the band's hiatus and Justin's new solo project, Justified. My best friend, Emmaly, and I could hardly contain our excitement, to see the newly polished, more adult Justin Timberlake, in his solo debut. We'd, personally, thought he was the true star the entire time, and that was the year I dressed up as Mr. Timberlake for Halloween. Looking back, it wasn't the coolest social move, but something I still hold fond memories of today. I'd hand made a jersey replica of the one JT had worn to a Basketball Charity event (in baby blue of course), dyed a curly wig his trademark golden blonde hue, and sequined a copy of his trademark JT bling, complete with mock stage mic headset. If I could, for the life of me find the photos, I would share them; unfortunately the 14 boxes (no exaggeration) of JT and *N Sync memorabilia in my garage have proved quite overwhelming.

When Justin Timberlake burst onto the solo scene it was far from a letdown in my mind and circles. The dances of my Senior year were marked by repeat requests for Cry Me A River and Rock Your Body. Justin had emerged as a solo artist with a much more soulful, slightly hip-hop, persona and a whole new generation of swooning fans was born. That was also the year those golden locks went away, and that chiseled jaw became just a little more pronounced.While I'm sure some of my close friends today act a little mortified that I still hold the flame high with Timberlake love, I recently threw a party in honor of the forthcoming The 20/20 Experience release, and it became clear I was not the only JT lover. Whether Justin's music is a guilty pleasure you howl along to in the car, during traffic on your way to work, or an open obsession like mine, you will not want to miss the album dropping March 18, 2013. The first, and only reason you should need to go pre-order this CD NOW is it's exclusive 1-week only launch price of just $7 at WalMart locations nationwide.

That's 10 sparkling new, ultra sexy, smooth tracks from Justin Timberlake, for a mere $7. That's the cost of a sandwich and chips, and a complete steal in my opinion. Amazon already has the album listed at their 'pre-sale' price of $9.99; you won't find the exclusive $7 price anywhere but WalMart. Whether you're a lifetime Justin Timberlake fan, or a closet crooner, you'll definitely want to check out the 2 already released tracks, the lead single "Suit & Tie" and my personal favorite, love song, "Mirrors." While "Suit & Tie" features a vocal appearance by Jay-Z, and is marked with some classic JT grunge and grind lyrics, this more complex track is hard to get out of your head. I was happy to hear Justin mellow it down, when hosting Saturday Night Live, for the 5th time, this past weekend, with his forthcoming single, "Mirrors". As you might expect this, still up-tempo, ballad proclaims that all too familiar love experience of feeling as though your partner is indeed your other half, the reflection you see in the mirror. During our #JT2020 launch party we had a fun time guessing the story behind more obscurely named tracks such as "Spaceship Coupe" and "Strawberry Bubblegum."

You may be surprised to learn that we had an even mix of men and women turn out; many of the males expressing a genuine interest in learning more about Justin's recent work. The entire bash was themed to JT and the new album, with a handmade 'Pin the Tie on The Suit' board, Suit and Tie Cookies, Justin's favorite foods (cereal and pasta), "Strawberry Bubblegum" and "Blue Ocean Floor" Pebble treats, and plenty of Justin films and music, including my personal favorite In Time (2010). We even dared to break out my handmade, yes, handmade, *N Sync and JT trivia game, complete with hand cat character markers, including Justin's beloved Pug. We had such a wonderful time reminiscing about our own Justin Timberlake memories, sharing our favorite songs, and gushing over the release of The 20/20 Experience, on March, 18, 2013!

What Daughter Says: I don't think I'll ever grow out of my Justin Timberlake love!

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias®  and #JT2020  #cbias #SocialFabric

Purex Natural Elements: Tropical Splash Giveaway~ 4/1

Momma Told Me: It's not like you're allergic to everything!

I've told me readers time and again about my mysterious battle with hives, at age 4, and Momma's dismay when she learned she was indirectly the cause with her choice in laundry detergent. Still quite young, I was crushed to think that 'scent' was causing all of my itching and misery.  Would I never get to wear Momma's expensive perfumes, or enjoy the gentle snuggle of scent on laundry fresh from the dryer? There was a silly little phase, I recall, somewhere after stealing my teacher's makeup (convinced makeup had given Momma cancer), and the hives, where I was certain any and everything I cam into contact with could quite literally kill me. Perhaps the world's biggest, and most illogical, hypochondriac was little 'ol me circa age 5. I threw out all of my glitter lotions, piggy paints, and watercolor 'lipstick'. And, when Momma would light a candle, or clear the room's odors with an air freshening spray, I'd recoil in shrieks and squeals.

Living with sensitive skin has, thankfully, been much less drama than my child's mind made out. However, I do have to be exceptionally careful when I do laundry; after all, clothing and fabric covers a large portion of our skin, day-long. The slightest of irritant in the wash can result in loads of re-washing and extra rinsing. Who has time for that? For many years I used powdered Arm & Hammer, unscented, simply because that was what Momma swore by. I'd longingly smell softener additives and dryer sheets at the grocery store and imagine what it might be like to enjoy those smells on my own clothing and bedding. And, as much as I rave about Purex, as it's one of the gentlest brands for me, few products in their range mean more to me than the Natural Elements line. Entirely Hypoallergenic and dye-free, Natural Elements was formulated specially for people like me. And now there's an entirely new fragrance, paired with DirtLift Action; Tropical Splash.

That's right, keeping the island escape theme alive, is the new Tropical Splash, nature inspired, fragrance. Like many of the products in the Purex line, Tropical Splash is a very subtle, yet long lasting, aroma that reminds me of lillies and pineapple, without being overwhelmingly floral or feminine. Not only are Purex Natural Elements liquid detergents sold at a competitive low price, but at my local WalMart as well. Unfortunately, I have a hard time finding the entire range at my local grocery stores, so I am always sure to stock up when we make a WalMart run. Then there's the added bonus of the DirtLift Action, which helps pull stains and debris from deep within the fibers of your fabric, for a truly powerful clean you can see and smell.

You may recall that Purex has partnered with some pretty amazing island-minded products for 2013, including new Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends and Dial Coconut Water Body Wash. At the launch of these exciting products the Tropical Trio Sweepstakes was also launched. Teaming Honey Bunches with Purex and Outrigger Waikiki resorts, this amazing sweepstakes will put free product in the hands of 100 runner's up, and a Year's Supply of Purex and Honey Bunches in the hands of 5 lucky 1st Place Winners. But the prize everyone's clamoring over is the Grand Prize; 4 Night Stay at Outrigger Waikiki for 2! Entrants can enter once a day between now and April 15th, so hurry on over and start collecting entries, and keep your eyes out for Purex Natural Elements Tropical Splash near you!

What Daughter Says: Purex Natural Elements brings the fun of fragrance back to my laundry.

One Momma Told Me follower will win 2 Coupons for FREE Purex liquid detergent! Enter our Purex with Crystals Giveaway here.

Fight Stains w/ Fragrance: Purex w/ Crystals Giveaway 3/28

Momma Told Me: It's not just soap and suds!

Whenever I reflect back on the chore of laundry, and it's place in my childhood, I have visions of sudsy buckets and washboards. Things begin to get a little rounded and cartooney as an upbeat folksong plays in the background, my scrubbing with woodland critters lacking pants. Okay, I'm not that dated, but it does seem the more we advance as a society, the more work goes into cleaning our clothes. There's the pre-treating then the soaking, followed by the wash and rinse, and then the softener and dryer sheets. We've come a long way from the river water and Borax our ancestors used to rely on. There are hundreds of detergent brands on the market, with all sorts of prices, but I rely on those that offer me the combined power of multiple laundry aids. Whenever I can pre-treat with the same detergent, or get an added boost of fragrance without extra crystals, it only serves to reinformce my brand loyalty and extend my household's budget.

If you're a loyal Purex user then you've likely already noticed something different about the brand's liquid packaging this year. All of the Purex released in 2013 will feature a special stain fighting technology called 'DirtLift Action.' This works deep down within fibers to bust dirt and stains, while keeping your brights their brightest, and your whites their whitest! Their newest addition to the liquid detergent range harnesses the DirtLift power in addition to combining the technology of Purex Crystals fragrance releasing power. This means you can eliminate up to 2 additional steps in your daily laundry routine, and even save money overall; as Purex with Crystals Fragrance retails for an average 50% less than other leading brands. Most importantly to me, someone with skin often sensitive to laundry cleansers and scents, the Purex range is gentle enough for my delicate skin. I never find harsh irritating residues, and my laundry is always extra soft!

As a Purex Insider we received a bottle of the new Purex with Crystals fragrance liquid detergent for review here on Momma Told Me. As usual, I was happy to note there is minimal coloring in the liquid detergent, almost a milky clear, and the light floral, yet clean, aroma that wafted up upon first pour. Thanks to the DirtLift action I can pre-treat bothersome stains with a little daub of the detergent directly on the stain itself. Allowing this to sit and sink in for 20 minutes, prior to washing, helps double-treat harsh stains without the extra stain fighting products. While I had expected to see physical Crystals (much like the little rocks found in the Purex Crystals line) in the detergent, this mixture is smooth just like any other in the range. I'm really quite impressed with how well the Crystals fragrance technology does shine through in this formula, as our laundry still smelled fresh from the dryer near 5 days after being folded and put away! And, as someone who loves the smell of fresh laundry most, when doing laundry, that's a plus for me!

Much like most of the Purex brand launches, this product does not come to us without an amazing Sweepstakes; the Experience the Enchantment Sweepstakes. One lucky grand prize winner will receive $1000 AND a Years Supply of Purex! 500 Second Place winners will score a voucher good for a free bottle of new Purex with Crystals fragrance, so hurry on over and be sure to enter once a day between now and March 29, 2013.

What Daughter Says: Take some of the extra chores out of laundry, combine stain fighting and fragrance with the new Purex with Crystals liquid detergent!

One Momma Told Me follower will win 2 vouchers for FREE Purex liquid detergent!

Cooking Perfect Scallops with Certified Steak and Seafood

Momma Told Me: It's wasted on you.

As picky of an eater I was, in my childhood, there was no category I avoided more than that which fell under the classification of seafood. Unfortunately, this particular class of cuisine tends to have a very strong aroma prior to and during preparation, which serves as a tell tale to give it away. At a certain age Momma stopped trying to bribe, though Pop continued as he secretly loved our bargaining games, and decided that she would not spoil 'the good stuff' by placing it on my plate. While some may have first turned a soft side to shrimp, or salmon, it was interestingly enough these mollusks that I fell in love with. Whether she intended to or not, and it's my belief that she didn't (who'd want to share this coveted sea delicacy?), Momma activated a sort of reverse psychology. The very first night my parents sat down at the dinner table, a piping hot plate of freshly cooked seafood, scallops, on their plate; and I with a pathetic looking Kid Cuisine meal, I was hooked. I wanted to want scallops simply because I was being denied them!

As an adult Scallops remain atop my list of sea cuisine favorites; though I have always been quite terrified to cook or buy them. The simple fact that there are 3 common varieties, Bay, Rock, and Sea, is enough to intimidate me alone. Then you get into the very touchy preparation and texture. I certainly don't want to eat undercooked scallops, but trying to chew and overcooked one can be just as unpleasant. After having experienced the fresh from freezer, direct to door, quality of Certified Steak and Seafood's Atlantic Salmon and Angus Filet Mignon, I felt confident I could take some of the guesswork out of buying them. Wild caught and 3rd party certified for quality and food safety, these truly Jumbo Scallops are low moisture for minimum shrinkage and average 10 per pound. When I first opened that robin's grey resealable bag I was in awe at the size of some of these scallops. There were a few that expanded beyond the width of a golf ball! I will admit, however, that the sizing did seem to vary from the largest to the smallest, though all big, which makes preparation and presentation a little trickier.

If you're like me and have had minimal handling and cooking experience with scallops, don't be intimidated, the process really is quite simple. First you will want to remove the frozen scallops, in an appropriate portion, at least 24 hours prior and refrigerate. When you remove the scallops from the fridge there may be some remaining crystals along the outer edges, this is fine. Rinse the scallops in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel, lining them on a dry surface. It is essential the scallops are as even in size as possible, so as not to overcook any in the process. You may have to half some of the scallops to ensure this. Next, heat a skillet on Medium High and add 2TBS of Oil or Butter. The fatty addition should begin to snap and pop when the pan is sufficiently heated. Next, place the scallops, widest side down and no more than 10 at a time, in the skillet. Be sure to swirl each scallop as to come in contact with the butter/oil. Allow the scallops to cook without movement for 2 minutes.

While the first side of the scallops is cooking you may wish to add a sprinkle of fresh crushed Sea or Garlic Salt. Scallops have a very mellow seafood flavor and should not be overburdened by thick or sweet sauces/seasonings. Be sure to watch your pan to ensure there is enough moisture for searing, and that your scallops are not releasing excess water into the pan. If there is moisture building simply sop it up with a paper towel and reintroduce the fatty oils. The bottom of the pan should not be covered, yet the liquid/fat should be able to swirl freely when tilted. After 2 minutes, using tongs, turn the scallops to cook/sear the remaining side. This should take just about 1 minute, and no longer than 2 minutes. The scallops are ready to be removed from heat as soon as their texture is semi-translucent and springy to the touch. Do not allow the scallops to sit in the hot pan, remove them promptly from the heat source and serve alongside or atop a protein, or solo as a precursor to a meal.

I decided to present our Jumbo Scallops halved and atop a light bed of Linguine with a Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil sauce. You can often find similar sauces in the condiment/canned soup aisle of your local grocer, if you are looking to save on time. The key to serving these beauties is to not overwhelm the palette with too many tastes and textures, let the scallops be the star! I was quite happy with the minimal (about 20%) shrinking, and the amazingly mellow flavor of these Certified Steak and Seafood Jumbo Scallops. I'd never be able to feel confident enough to select scallops from my local grocer, and especially appreciate the confidence Certified Seafood has allowed me.

What Daughter Says: Scallops aren't wasted on me- Thanks to the Certified Steak and Seafood I can cook them for my family too!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sauce

Ingredients:

* 2 C Fresh Basil Leaves

* 2/3 C Parmesan Cheese

* 2/3 C Extra Virgin Olive Oil

* 9.9 OZ Sun Dried Tomatoes in Oil, Drained

* 4 Diced Garlic Cloves

Directions:

1.) Combine all ingredients in blender/food processor, and blend to a puree.

2.) Heat atop stove on Medium heat in small saucepan for 2 MINS until it beings to simmer.

3.) Serve immediately atop your pasts of choice.

As Required by the FTC: I received product to inspire my creativity in the kitchen. No other compensation was provided. All opinions above are genuine and unedited.

Spring Fashionista Event: Electric M|V|M|T Illuminated Giveaway

The Spring Fashionista Event is FINALLY HERE, and we've got 2 wonderful giveaways to share with you! If you've arrived here, for the web's only all fashion, and only fashion, blogger event, you're truly in for a treat with over $20k in prizes, across 115 blogs! Your hands will be aching for days to come, just trying to get all those entries in! This event would not be possible without our wonderful organizers; Still Blonde after all these YEARS and Modly Chic , with co-host Ksquared Glamour.

Momma Told Me: Express yourself through style

Style is all about letting the star within shine; it should always be an expression of you, never the other way around. Wear the clothes and demand the attention your presence deserves, whether the occasion is formal or relaxed. Living in Southern California, I'll admit the majority of my wardrobe is fairly relaxed. I have my staple LBD (little black dress), 3 pairs of black heels, one Emerald Green leather jacket, designer rain boots (though we only see rain about 9 days a year), and enough pairs of glasses to wear a different one each day of the week. Yes, for me, the easiest way to express myself through fashion is through the creative inclusion of unique and illuminating accessories. The perfect coat can truly tie an outfit together, while the right pair of shoes can improve posture and increase confidence. Much like the physical things in my home, my wardrobe and accessories reflect a certain eclectic nature that I find randomly comforting, yet wildly inspiring. I don't like to wear what everybody else is wearing, and I search hard to find emerging trends before they're 'hot'.

I cannot, for the life of me, tell you how I came across emerging clothing brand Electric M|V|M|T. Unfortunately, if you try to find them through basic search terms like 'lighted clothing' or 'light up jacket,' you will not get very far; that's just how fresh this exciting clothing line is!  I recall, last Summer, having just adopted our pup and wanting to find a piece of stylish nighttime apparel that would also promote safety and expression. I thought to myself, "There must be a clothing company that specializes in outerwear that lights up." What I did manage to find in conjunction to this query was a disappointing array of poorly made fiber optics clothes mainly built for live action shows and entertainment. By some show of grace I happened to stumble onto a very basic website for the brand Electric M|V|M|T, claiming to be the founders of the world's first Light Up Hoodie. The images on the home page were immediately intriguing, with models in my age demographic chilling on high rise rooftops and swirling amid blurs of light in clubs.

At the time their flagship product, the Delaware St Black Hoodie was only available with Blue accent lighting. I'm happy to announce there are now 3 color options including; Blue, Green, and Pink (which photographs as more of a Red). You may recall I was one of the first bloggers to break news of the animal hood trend with the original brand; Spirit Hoods. This trend is still raging hot years later, and has been since copied by countless knock off brands and concepts. I am putting my name out here to state that Electric M|V|M|T will quickly gain popularity as it's discovered by countless fans such as myself. Snap one of these, authentic, lighted hoodies up today to turn heads and ride the fashion pulse through 2013!

The concept of a 'lighted hoodie' is quite simple. Electric M|V|M|T has worked tirelessly to design a form fitting and style friendly black hoodie that easily zips and offers the basic convenience of front pockets. Inside, behind the left pocket, is a secret pouch that secures the 3 mode (2 AA battery operated) remote for the LED lighting that runs up the zipper seam and around the hood. With just a click of the button one can cycle through a stationary illumination, slow flash, or rapid flash, to really help liven the atmosphere. As of now, the initial model I received, does seem to emit a very low frequency hum, only audible in the complete silence of my home; and undetectable outside near the street. Because it only requires 2 AA batteries, the remove device is fairly lightweight, and offers hours of continual use.

I cannot rave enough about how unique, and how well this light up hoodie fits; it is well worth every penny of the asking price. Regardless of the illumination, I love to wear this ultra soft, flattering, hoodie for warmth and style. When I'm out with the dog at night it provides ample visibility for me and others, and transitions into a conversation piece at parties and clubs. Just the other weekend a girlfriend and I went out for a girl's night on the town, and to do some dancing. Countless times I was approached walking down main street, and on the dance floor, and asked where one could buy one of these unique hoodies. The answer, of course, is exclusively online through Electric M|V|M|T. But don't wait to order your favorite color, these sell out fast!

What Daughter Says: Electric M|V|M|T helps me stay fashionable 24/7!

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win 2 Electric M|V|M|T Delaware St. Hoodies of choice! Please enter via the Rafflecopter Form below then visit our second event giveaway for Barefoot Tess.  Every entry in a Spring Fasionista giveaway enters you to win a $1200 Grand Prize Package including White Gold and Citrine Stone Necklace from Emma Parker Diamonds, $100 Amazon GC, $250 GC from Midnight Velvet, and $250 in Shoes from Bobbi-Toads. For every giveaway in the Spring Fashionista Event that an entrant enters, the gain one entry toward the Grand Prize Package. Claim your entries here: Spring Fashionista Grand Prize.