Tips for Entering Blog Giveaways.

I have been meaning to write these tips for some time now. As we go into a New Year, I share with you this information to help you be successful in mine and other blog giveaways you enter. Happy Entering!

How to understand and enter Blog Giveaways:

You may have noticed the increase in the amount of Blog Giveaways to coincide with reviews. The purpose of the giveaway is to increase awareness of the sponsors product, to increase the traffic to their websites as well as introduce you to a blog. If you like the sponsors product, please support them. Make a purchase! The sponsors are very generous and with added support they will continue to provide the great items.

Every day there are even more blog contests. You can find small prizes like delicious food items or gift cards to larger prizes like computers, coffee makers, and more. Prizes all vary depending on the blog and what the sponsor is offering. The length of the blog giveaways varies too depending on the blog and the prize. Most of my giveaways run an average of 10 days. Sometimes shorter or longer, be sure to read the ending date.

Here are some guidelines to help you navigate what is being asked to enter the giveaway and how to gain the most entries.

First is the Mandatory entry. Usually all blog entries are left as comments. This first entry is required before any of the optional extra entries will be considered valid. It may require visiting a sponsor site or answering a question. READ the Mandatory First Entry rules carefully. If you do not follow what is asked your entry can be subject to deletion.

*** Tip for Internet Explorer users. If you are required to visit a sponsor site you can right click on the link and choose "open in a new window" on the drop down menu for ease of remaining on the original blog.

Be sure to find the correct Comment section as on different blogs the location sometimes has to be searched for. It usually says Comments. By clicking on comments, it opens the comment form. The comment form is simple to fill out and you can use different ID's as log ins. You may also see a word required to enter for you comment to be accepted. Many blogs have the comments moderated which means they will be reviewed before they are actually posted.

“IMPORTANT” If you have signed up for a Blogger Account, Make sure you edit your profile, and enter in your email address there AND MAKE IT PUBLIC. This way, you will not have to enter email address each time, and also this will HIDE Your email address from “Spam Bots”. I can not stress enough that your email be visible in your profile. I have had to re-choose many winners because there is no email address to contact them about their win. If you are taking the time to enter you must really want the prize, so why not make sure you can be contacted if you win! In your Blogger Profile there is a setting to make your email public. You can always create an email account just for your entering purposes.

By following the mandatory first entry entry rules - you are now entered for one entry in the giveaway. This is all that is Required. If you really want the prize, you may have more optional entries for more chances. It is up to you if you care to do extra entries. Some can be pretty simple and worth the extra chance if the prize is something you really want.

It can be confusing all the terms bloggers use: Tweet, twitter, blog, button, Facebook, Follow, Subscribe etc. There are many ways to get extra entries. You can do all of them or just one. Whichever method you choose, but each one is usually an extra entry. Extra Entries help the blog and the sponsor.

SUBSCRIBE to the blog feed by RSS or email. Sure I would like you to become a loyal member of my blog. I enjoy all my readers and hope you keep coming back. To make it easier to stay in touch I offer a subscription to my blog direct to your email. Just sign up with your email address and confirm the subscription. This is a common practice among many blogs. You get a once a day email with a listing of new posts. You will never miss a good giveaway again!

You can help both the blog and the sponsor by spreading the word about the giveaway on your social media outlets.

TWITTER: Twitter is my favorite. They are called Tweets. Bloggers ask you to follow them on Twitter, either way, you need a Twitter Account. Twitter is Free! It is easy to set up and pretty easy to get the hang of. Twitter is information in short 140 character blurbs. On Twitter you get updates from various blogs, websites, people, friends, etc. When you send out a message it is called a “TWEET”. So sometimes blogs will want you to follow them on twitter and tweet the giveaway.

To Tweet: The blogger will usually ask you to tweet the giveaway. Copy the address of the blog contest and spread the word about it in a tweet. That way others can come and enter too! Some blogs may even provide a message to tweet. All you do is copy and paste the message into your Twitter, and click update. A new and popular method is a Daily Tweet. You can tweet about the giveaway once daily and come back to the giveaway to add a comment about your daily tweet.

After you tweeted, look at your Tweets. See the time stamp under your tweet (example: half a minute ago from the web) found directly under your tweet. Click on the time stamp and it opens the tweet status which will give you the exact URL Address of your tweet, Copy it. (If anyone needs help with the copy and paste function, you may find out how to do it by searching google or your operating system help sections.) Return to the giveaway on the Blog, and mention in a comment you have tweeted, with the address by pasting the address in the contest blog.

FACEBOOK FAN OR GROUP: If you have a Facebook account some blogs may ask you to fan them on Facebook. Some sponsors may offer you to Fan on Facebook too. Facebook is free. It is easy to create an account. Most bloggers will tell you to click a link to Facebook. So once you have facebook, and are currently logged into facebook, simply click the link, and then you have an extra entry. Make sure you leave a comment that you have become a fan.

FOLLOW this blog. Become a follower of the blog by signing up on Google Friend Connect. With a simple addition of your google id you can become a follower. A google id or blog is required for this method.

BLOG about the giveaway – Write a quick post on your own blog and include a link back to the original blog hosting the giveaway. You may be asked to include a link back to the sponsor as well. READ the requirements carefully. Sometimes the blog offers multiple entries if you blog about the giveaway. Leave the correct amount of entries mentioned as comments for your full chances. If you do not have a blog consider starting one. Blogger is free and you can have one created in a few minutes. You can use it for giveaways or get really involved and become a review blogger too with a lot of work of course.

POST A BUTTON on your blog - Copy the code for the bloggers button and post it in your sidebar of your blog. Again a blog is needed for this entry method.

Use your browser to help you in the blog giveaway world. You can use many windows, one for the blog, one for the sponsor, one for twitter, etc. Use your system functions of copy and paste, open in a new window, etc. If you enter a lot of blog giveaways you understand the importance of efficiency and multi-tasking.

Is is all worth it? If you think about the amount of entries you can get by doing all the methods available.. your odds go way up. When you see the average amount of comments and you get maybe 8 to ten entries or more by doing all the entries... I say your odds are pretty good. Some blog giveaways offer more than one prize too. Even better odds. I have seen very awesome prizes out there to be won. Remember... these prizes are offered by the sponsor to increase their visibility in the market. If you like the product... buy it. More support to the sponsors means more giveaways in the future.

If you have a tip you feel would benefit others, please share it as a comment to this post.

Now get out there and enter. Happy Winning!

It is done.. well almost.

My new blog design is just about finished. I am still playing with the placement of elements and gadgets on the side bars. I love the new layout and the colors. I had the pleasure of working with Angela Vinez Designs. Angie worked behind the scenes to create the look I was after. Her price was very reasonable and her work was done at an incredible speed. If you are looking for a new design Angie is having a sale until January 31st giving you 25% off any order of $20 or more! Just enter code happynewyear at checkout, and your discount will automatically be deducted. Don't delay.

So what do you think? I really like it. It feels more open to me. A new look for a New Year of blogging.

Thank you Angie for all your creativity. I wish you a very Happy New Year.

Beverly Hills Kitchen - Review

During the holidays I was pressed for time on most days. I tried to think of convenient delicious meals for us. I was recently introduced to Beverly Hills Kitchen. Chef Alex Hitz is the mastermind behind Beverly Hills Kitchen. it has been well received since its debut on QVC.

Created by chef and legendary party host Alex Hitz, The Beverly Hills Kitchen is a new line of prepared gourmet food for at-home dining. First up on the menu: the Autumn Classic Comfort dish Beef Bourguignon. “It’s like having a personal chef right in your own freezer,” says Hitz.


I was thrilled to sample The Beverly Hills Kitchen Beef Bourguignon. The beef is slow simmered in an aromatic mix of all-natural beef stock, red burgundy wine, carrots, pearl onions, mushrooms, and a host of classical ingredients to create an unforgettable meal.
I liked the convenience of the boil in the bag pouch the box includes five 8-oz pouches of beef bourguignon. Simple preparation makes it fast while preparing a salad to make a complete meal. The aroma of the cooked beef bourguignon is very enticing. I simply had to get my hubby's opinion as he is the beef craver in our home. He loved the flavor of the sauce. I tasted the sauce and found it rich and full of mushrooms just like I like. I would have really enjoyed this if I had made it to serve over rice or noodles. I thought the vegetables were fantastic and the red wine taste was very pleasing. Our only comment was the amount of meat was a little lacking in ratio to the sauce. The meat was very tender and the sauce wonderful, it took two individual packets to fill hubby. Both he and I loved the dish and look forward to new meals coming soon from Beverly Hills Kitchen.

You can purchase the Beverly Hills Kitchen Beef Bourguignon from QVC at the current introductory price of $49.42 plus shipping. Tasty, and easy to prepare. Try Beverly Hills Kitchen today.

Many thanks to Ann-Marie and Beverly Hills Kitchen for providing the review samples.

Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

FiberGourmet - Review

Did you know that 63% of people think they get enough fiber in their diet? The fact is around only 23% actually get enough. FiberGourmet is striving to bring more fibers into our foods. Using FiberFlour Technology, FiberGourmet is creating delicious foods.

How they do it:
Our patent-pending technology (patents pending in over 20 countries worldwide), lets us create truly “light” foods, with 40% fewer calories than the standard version. We do this by adding unprecedented amounts of fiber to our products. Since fiber has no calories, as the fiber goes up, the calories go down.

Most "reduced calorie" foods are really just "reduced fat" foods, which replace the fat with sugar, flour, or other full-calorie ingredients, so that the actual caloric reduction is small, if any. But our technology replaces ingredients like flour with 0-calorie fiber, resulting in significant caloric reductions - a whopping 40%!


I like the assortment of products that FiberGourmet offers. They have different types of pasta, Mac and Cheese and Lite Crackers. Courtesy of FiberGourmet I received samples to try for this review. I really enjoyed the Lite Nacho Snacks crackers. They are very cheesy with a nice nacho spice to the flavor. I enjoyed the crunch of the crackers as they are very satisfying. Each snack package contains only 80 calories but has a whopping 12g of fiber. With crackers that taste this good you really don't think about the fiber, but your body will thank you for it. I also tried the Light Penne Pasta. One serving of the FiberGourmet Light Pasta provides 72% of your daily fiber requirements. 18g of fiber per serving. How does it taste? It looks and taste like regualr pasta. You would never know the difference. I found the pasta very enjoyable and I am a pasta craver. FiberGourmet even has recipes in the website to help you make delicious meals. For something really yummy is the Mac-mmm-Cheese. My hubby loves macaroni and cheese. He tasted the FiberGourmet Mac-mmm-cheese and gave a big smile. He went back for seconds. It is creamy and cheesy. It also contains 18g of Fiber per serving. Great taste and needed fiber with 35% less calories. Good stuff.


You can find FiberGourmet in limited stores nationwide or you can order directly in case packs from FiberGourmet. I like the Build your own box assortment. It comes in 3 sizes and you choose the products to go in your box with the prices according to the items chosen.

FiberGourmet - a tasty way to get your needed daily fiber. Definitely One 2 Try.

Many thanks to Ari of FiberGourmet for providing the review samples.

Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Merry Christmas to All!

To all my readers, whether you have been with me for a while or are just passing by,
To all of my fabulous sponsors who support my blog and provide all the wonderful products to review and share,
To all my blogging friends I have met along the journey,
To my family for understanding how personal my blog is to me and providing the support to my endeavor,
To the person I just can not please,
To the people happy to be here,
To everyone,

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

Just for Fun - The 12 days of Christmas Recipes

I thought this would be a fun search. The 12 days of Christmas in my version as recipes. Okay so some of it is a bit of a stretch. It was a lot of tantilizing work to compile my list. Enjoy.

1st day - A Partridge in a pear tree. Here are some pear recipes. From Technicolor Kitchen - Pear Fritters. From Food O' Del Mundo - Blushing Pears. From eating/sf Poached Pear and Brown Butter Tart.

2nd day - Two Turtle Doves. Here are Turtle recipes. From The Other side of 50 - Mini Turtle Brownie Bites and Mini Turtle Cheesecakes.

3rd day - Three French Hens. From Closet Cooking - Pumpkin Pie French Toast. From Of Chocolate and Mangos - Garlic Game Hens.

4th day -  Four Calling Birds. From Joy of Baking - Hummingbird Cake Recipe. From a Baked Creation - Hummingbird Cupcakes.

5th day - Five Golden Rings. From The Food Channel - Guinness Beer Battered Onion Rings. From Foodie with family - Golden Crunchy Pickled Onions.

6th day - Six Geese a laying - From PigPig's Corner - Gooseberries and Blueberries Turnovers. From Gourmet Traveller - Eggs En Cocotte.

7th day - Seven Swans a Swimming - From Whisk a food blog -Peppermint cream ring swans.

8th day - Eight Maids a Milking - From La Cuisine d Helene - Caramilk Fudge. From Rosa's Yummy Yums - Buttermilk Honey Bread.

9th day - Nine Ladies Dancing - (to me Ladies dancing means chocolate) From Babbo NYC Ladies Kisses.

10th day - Ten Lords a Leaping -  (my men leap to bacon) From the Nourish Network - Candied Bacon. From Not Quite Nigella - Bacon Jam.

11th day - Eleven Pipers Piping - From Smells Like Home - Piping hot Sausage and Lentil Soup. From The Quirky Kitchen - Piping Hot Banana Bread Oatmeal.

12th day - Twelve Drummers Drumming - From Big Oven - Honey Mustard Drumsticks. From Oprah - Adam Perry Lang's Sticky Drumsticks.

There you have it. That was a lot of fun to put together. It also made me pretty hungry.

Last Minute Gift Idea - Absolutely Chocolate Cookbook

I am doing my Happy Chocolate dance here. This time it is a little different. I am looking at a wonderful cookbook called Absolutely Chocolate Irresistible Excuses to Indulge from the editors of Fine Cooking.
Chocolate is a treat consumed by people around the world. Cooking or baking with chocolate has a lot to think about. Nowadays there are so many varieties of chocolates to consider as well as exotic or favorite ingredient pairing.

Absolutely Chocolate contains information on chocolate production, choosing the right chocolate for baking, and many more tips. To help you create there are 125 delicious recipes for wonderful chocolate goodness. You will find recipes for layer cakes, pies, muffins, cookies, brownies and of course candies.

First off this book is beautiful. The color photos are visually tantilizing. The colors for the fonts used is different and pleasing to the eye. It speaks of chocolate richness to me. I quickly became drawn in to the scrumptious recipe offerings. Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Dried Cherries and Pecans, yes please. Chocolate Orange biscotti, yes please. Kahlua Fudge Bites...are you kidding me? These are a must make for me. My very favorite cake recipe is the Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes. This recipe makes chocolate biscuits topped with a fresh sugared strawberries and fresh whipped cream. Sounds incredible to me. Do you like cheesecake? Here is One 2 Try - Triple Chocolate Cheesecake. So decadent, perfect for a holiday dinner. I could go on and on with the fabulous recipes included in Absolutely Chocolate. My only wish for this cookbook... you could have included a scratch and sniff page. LOL. The enticing photos and recipes have given me a super strong, get out of my way, chocolate craving.

If there is a chocolate fanatic in your circle of aquaintances, consider Absolutely Chocolate Irresistible Excuses to Indulge. You can purchase a copy at Taunton Press currently on sale for 25% off making the price $22.46. Take advantage of the free shipping on everything! The free shipping offer applies to standard U.S. shipping only. Offer valid until midnight EST on Thursday, December 24, 2009.

8 1/4 x 10 1/4 Hardcover in.
304 pages, with 130 photographs
Published 2009
ISBN 978-1-60085-133-9

You can never have too much chocolate.

Many thanks to Janel and Taunton Press for providing the review copy.

Disclosure: I received a gratis copy for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Winners - Maria's Papacorn and Kallari Chocolate

Here are the lucky winners for:

Maria's Papacorn
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
23 Timestamp: 2009-12-23 15:13:28 UTC

23 throuthehaze said... follower

Kallari Chocolate
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
199 Timestamp: 2009-12-23 15:21:00 UTC

199 Kelly (kibbles)said... Follow your blog on GFC.

Congrats to both winners. I have sent a notification email. Thank you all for entering.

Last Minute Gift Idea - Dam Good Sweet Cookbook

Oh my goodness. I have a cookbook to feature that is sure to get your mouth watering. Dam Good Sweet by David Guas and food writer Raquel Pelzel. This debut cookbook by New Orleans - bread pastry Chef David Guas has been chosen as one of the best dessert books of 2009 by Food & Wine.



New Orleans shares its wonderful pastries and sweets so beautifully presented by David.

Beignets to peanut brittle to bananas Foster! Now you can recreate the to-die-for sweets -- pralines, heavenly hash, and, of course, pecan pie -- that are synonymous with New Orleans. Just a taste of what awaits you...

•Sweet Potato Tart Tatin
•Calas Fried Rice Fritters
•Lemon Icebox Pie
•Cafe au Lait Cème Brûlée
•The GAP's Fried Apple Pie
•Mahatma Rice Pudding
•Cane Syrup Ice Cream
•Black & Blue Crumble
•Red Velvet Cake and more
The beautiful photos are stunning. The chapter descriptions drew me right in. Starting with Old School N'awlins, here you will find Beignets, Eclairs, and famous King Cake. In Crust and Crmub there is a divine recipe for Black and Blue Crumble made with blackberries an blueberries. The cake selection is incredible. You can make a Southern specialty Red Velvet cake or try the Sweet Corn Cake with Root Beer Syrup. I am going to make that one! I can not wait to make the TAG's PB Brownies. Peanut butter and deep chocolate, sounds so decadent and delightful. I stopped at the Banana Pudding and instantly had a craving for it. This banana pudding is made with banana liquer, banana flavoring and real bananas, topped with vanilla wafer crumble. No fair making something sound so delicious. Pudding made the old fashioned way, easy enough for me to attempt. A New Orleans specialty is Lagniappes (pronounced LAN-yap) is a little something extra you get at the end of a meal, as a gift from the host of chef. Here you will find decadent treats of Pralines, Spiced Pecans and salted Caramels.

I really enjoyed going through Dam Good Sweets cover to cover. I liked reading the little tidbits about the recipes and the wonderful stories intertwined in the book. I wanted this gem of a cookbook to last longer. I hope David and Raquel continue writing cookbooks. Dam Good Sweet is a real treasure.

You can purchase Dam Good Sweet direct from Taunton Press. It is currently on sale for 25% off making the price $18.75 PLUS for 48 hours only Taunton Press is offering Free Shipping! The free shipping offer applies to standard U.S. shipping only. Offer valid until midnight EST on Thursday, December 24, 2009. Shop the sale, with over 900 books available including many cookbooks there must be a title you want.

I am going back to my copy of Dam Good Sweet to drool more.

Hardcover
176 pages, with 45 photographs
Published 2009
ISBN 978-1-60085-118-6

Many thanks to Janel and Taunton Press for providing the review copy.

Disclosure: I received a gratis copy for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Mission Tortillas - Review

Here on the West Coast we use tortillas almost as much as bread. Maybe even more. I am a long time consumer of Mission Tortillas. My family likes to make soft tacos, burritos, breakfast burritos and chicken wraps. Mission makes a nice variety of tortillas in corn, flour, and whole grains. Mission also produces healthy tortilla options of Life Balance, low carb, and fat free. Each is equally delicious.

I recently had the opportunity to sample Mission Life Balance Plus Whole Wheat Totillas. The life balance tortillas contain 23 vitamins & minerals including DHA Omega-3 and antioxidants. It is great to have all the nutrition added in the tortilla but for my family it is all about the taste. We loved them. The whole wheat flavor adds an almost nutty flavor. The texture is the same as any other Mission tortilla and if I did not tell my family they were eating something good for them they would never suspect a thing. The Life Balance Whole Wheat tortillas are just plain delicious. I love the recipe posted on the back of the package too. Buffalo Chicken tacos. Mmmmmm this would make a great dinner. Add a small green salad and we are good to go.



Buffalo Chicken TacosServes: 6

PrepTime (min): 30
CookTime (min): 16
Type: Appetizer and Party Food
Prep Tool: Grill, Mixing Bowl, Knife, Microwave
Helpful Info: Easy, Entertaining

Recipe Ingredients:
•6 each Mission® Life Balance Whole Wheat Tortillas

•1 package Taco Seasoning Mix

•Non-Stick Cooking Spray to coat

•3/4 cup Water

•1 pound boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts

•1 each Avocado

•1/2 cup Fat Free Ranch Dressing

•2 ounces Blue Cheese crumbled

•3/4 cup Carrots shredded

•1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped

•Dashes Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce

Recipe Instructions:
1. Combine non-stick cooking spray, taco seasoning, and water to make marinade in small bowl.

2. Place chicken in plastic bag and add marinade. Marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

3. Mash avocado and mix with ranch dressing.

4. Remove chicken from marinade and grill over medium heat. Cook chicken about 8 minutes per side.

5. Warm Mission® Tortillas.

6. Slice chicken and serve wrapped in warm tortillas with hot sauce, blue cheese, carrots, cilantro and avocado ranch dressing.

Hints:

1. To add even more textural punch, add chopped red pepper, chopped tomato and leafy green lettuce to the tacos.

We are also big fans of the Mission Flour Tortillas. One of my favorites - I like to cut them in triangles and fry them, sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar and enjoy. It makes a nice sweet crispy treat.

There is usually not a single day the I do not have tortillas in my kitchen. They are so versatile. Try Mission Tortillas today. They taste great and are fun to eat.

Many thanks to Lauren and Mission for providing the review samples.

Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Last Minute Gift Idea - Cake Keeper Cakes Cookbook

Do you have someone in your family that loves to bake? Maybe you have a wannabe baker with a collection of cookbooks. Here is one to add - Cake Keeper Cakes by Lauren Chattman. This lovely cookbook contains 100 simple recipes for bundt cakes, pound cakes, snacking cakes and many more extraodinary baked treats.

Lauren Chattman the author is a former pastry Chef and has authored ten cookbooks. Her recipes have appeared in many publications.

After baking and eating cake every day for almost a year, I'm excited to share the results in Cake Keeper Cakes, a collection of 100 recipes for unadorned cakes, moist and luscious, but simple to make and keep on hand for everyday eating.
Courtesy of Taunton Press, I received a review copy of Cake Keeper Cakes. I love this book. Starting off in the Snacking Cakes, I first want to make the Chocolate Gingerbread. Mmmm that sounds festive. Cocoa and molasses plus ginger mixed together for a gingerbread treat. I can't wait to make this. Here is one for the summer when fresh strawberries are back in season - Fresh Strawberry cake with White Chocolate chips. Made in an 8 inch square pan this sounds like a perfect summer treat cake. Jumping to the round cakes recipe here is an interesting one - Apple and Cheddar cheese cake. The cheese adds a tangy flavor to the apple cake. I think this would be great for a brunch. Another fruit cake - Pear Cake with Sea Salt Caramel Sauce. Decadent. I wonder what it was like to taste all these fine cakes over the year to find just the right recipes to include?

I came to a screaching stop in my recipe browsing at Walnut-Whiskey Pound Cake with Whiskey Glaze. I am going to the store for ingredients right away for this one. Not for the kiddies. Sour cream, walnuts, vanilla and whiskey go in with other ingredients to make the cake then the glaze is made with more whiskey with confectioners sugar. Can you eat and drive after this cake? It sounds so good. Definitely a keeper for me.

With 100 recipes to select from, a spectacular cake is just a few ingredients away. I have many pages bookmarked to try. What a delightful task to undertake...making cakes.

Cake Keeper Cakes can be ordered directly from Taunton Press and is currently on sale until 12/30 at 25% off. The price comes to $13.46 with the discount. Check your local bookseller for stock at retail.

Mmmmmm cake.

Paperback
8 x 8 in.
176 pages, with 40 color photographs
Published 2009

ISBN 978-1-60085-120-9

Product #071269

Many thanks to Janel of Taunton Press for providing the review copy.

Disclosure: I received a gratis copy for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Suck UK - Design Review

Interesting name. Even more interesting products! Suck UK has the coolest fun gadgets and useful items. It is all about design. Suck UK is a London based store and they do ship internationally.

The Story so Far:
For a decade now SUCK UK have been producing unique, quirky and expertly designed furniture, lighting, interior products and accessories. Setting themselves apart from the crowd with simple yet original designs and a cheeky sense of humour, Suck UK's mission is to keep churning out fresh products, cherry picking young design talent and expanding a brand that’s already at the top of it’s game.

Design is mostly by Sam and Jude or selected by them from some of the best designers around the world.


I was introduced to Suck UK by a magazine article I had read. Curious I went to the website to browse. I have always wished I had one of those modern design homes made from an old factory (it's a dream of mine) and the products at Suck UK reflect my interest in modern design. I found so many cute trinkets and very useful items. From mugs to coasters, to mirrors, clocks, lights and furniture. All the products are quirky, fun and very imaginative. I had a ball browsing the different categories.
Take a look at the Slide Light. Use actual slides to create an eye catching colorful light.



My eye is on the MyCuppa Coffee mug but it was out of stock. I am anxiously awaiting its return for my order. I am thrilled to tell you about 2 other products Suck UK sent me for this review. Staying with the mug theme (my mug collection is an obsession), I chose the Pop Art Mug. What is really cool about the Pop Art mug is the design is the actual lyrics of famous songs in vivid bright colors. The best part is when you are choosing the pop art style you get to listen to the song. Go ahead try it! Click on one of the mugs at the bottom and it opens a new window to play the song. Each mug is a different song. I chose Marvin Gaye - What's Going On. A classic song. This mug is awesome. I find myself singing the song while using the mug for my morning coffee. I think that is a perfect way to start the day.

Now I needed a coaster to put my Pop Art mug on. Enter Splat Stan! Splat Stan is a coaster made of silicone rubber in the shape of a man being squished by your coffee mug. Oh my goodness it makes me chuckle everytime to put my mug on Stan. Morbid maybe, but I think it is so clever. The coaster is protecting my desk too. See... useful and fun.


Take your time browsing Suck UK. The more I did the more I wanted. You can order from Suck UK here in the United States. The prices are in their currency and you will need to use a currency converter to see your actual cost. The shipping is calculated when the address is filled out. The prices on my Splat Stan and Pop Art Mug £7.50 came to $10.74 US. Very reasonable for such great designs. It may be too late to order for Christmas for overseas delivery, but if you are looking for a unique gift idea or you have some Christmas money to spend, take a look at Suck UK. Interesting name, even more interesting products!

Many thanks to Nicki and Suck UK for providing the review samples.

Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Last Minute Gift Idea - Dyson DC31 Handheld Vacuum

Here is a fantastic gift idea. A handheld Dyson DC31 vacuum. The Dyson company has created a handheld that doesn't lose suction. It looks very futuristic and modern. Like something out of a science fiction movie. Once you see the power it has it will be your go to handheld vacuum for easy quick cleanups.


Check out these features:

Dual Power Mode - lets you choose 10 minutes of run time at high constant suction or 6 minutes at even higher 70% more suction.

Dyson Digital Motor - Smaller, lighter and more powerful than conventional motors. No carbon brushes, no carbon dust.

Hygienic and quick to empty - Just press the button and empty the dirt. Minimizes risk of contact with dirt.

Lightweight and ergonomic – Only 2.9 lbs with balanced weight distribution for easy handling.

Energy Star rating for the Battery Charging system.

I have never owned a Dyson and I am thrilled to be offered the opportunity to review little powerhouse courtesy of Dyson. I am amazed with the DC31. My first impression is wow! This looks very stylish. The feel of the DC31 is very well balanced and easy to hold. I charged it up. It charges pretty quickly, up to 3 times faster than other handhelds. Off I went to see what I could clean. It is so powerful. I tried both power settings and really could tell the difference. I love the combination accessory tool that lets you pick up large debris but also converts to a brush attachment. Very convenient. This may sound disgusting but I like the clear canister to see the dirt you are finding. It makes you re-think a clean home! Bonus to the canister - you can see when it needs emptying. I worked my way around the crevices of my home to get the hidden corner dirt. My Dyson DC31 did a fantastic job. I got all those little hidden dust bunnies. They are no match for me armed with my DC31. A bit of fun here - because of the futuristic style of the DC31 I found myself making space movie noises as I was zapping the dirt! LOL. (My hubby says I am a geek, in the nicest way of course.) I had plenty of power and if the battery goes low there is a LED indicator that flashes to let me know it is almost out. All done, I connected it to the charger for the next time. Fast and handy for any quick clean up job. I have been looking for dirt just so I can use it again.

The Dyson DC31 is available at most major retailers and Dyson.com at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $219.99. It comes with a 2 year warranty on parts and labor.

A vacuum for Christmas? You bet. The DC31 would make a great gift for the garage junkie too. Consider the Dyson DC31 as a much needed and probably well used holiday gift. Who wants a tie anyway?

Many thanks to Valerie and Dyson for providing the review sample.

Disclosure: I received a gratis sample for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Making Holiday Egg Nog? Try Safe Eggs

I was provided information about a new egg product on the market. It sounds interesting so I thought I would share it. Safe Eggs. Safe Eggs from Davidson's are pasteurized eggs.

How do they do it: Davidson's Safest Choice® is the leader in pasteurized shell eggs! Using a revolutionary patented technology, National Pasteurized Eggs, Inc. produces Davidson's Safest Choice® Pasteurized Shell Eggs and distributes them across the nation. This process kills Salmonella bacteria and viruses like Avian influenza. Yet our eggs look, cook and taste just like other shell eggs.

During the Holidays, we know families come together to celebrate with their favorite seasonal foods—eggnog, homemade ice cream, cookies, and cakes (sometimes sampling the batter!). Many of these recipes (as well as other favorites, such as caesar salad, hollandaise and béarnaise sauces, poached and over easy eggs) call for raw or undercooked eggs which can make you sick because they can contain Salmonella – yuck! But when it comes to cooking or baking with raw or undercooked eggs: Never fear, Safe Eggs are here!

Safest Choice Eggs are pasteurized (kind of like milk) so they’re safer to eat than regular eggs. Safe Eggs have the same nutritional value, look the same and of course, taste the same – but they don’t carry the same risk as regular eggs. This is especially important for the pregnant women and young children in your family!

Safe Eggs are definitely the best choice to keep your kitchen safe from cross contamination. The best part is that you can still please any guest with your dishes—Safe Eggs are all-natural, kosher and vegetarian. When it comes to making the best egg-based foods this holiday season… everyone should simply choose Safe Eggs!

I loved all the recipes available on the Safe Eggs Website. They are having a Safe Eggs Recipe contest with awesome prizes to be won. Enter quickly as the contest ends on December 31st.

I have not been able to try Safe Eggs yet as the stores are not local to my area. When I make a day trip I will get to one of the stores and purchase some to try. You may find them in locations by you. If you Fan Safe Eggs on Facebook there is a coupon available for $1.00 off Safe Eggs.

Safe Eggs are definitely One 2 Try.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary

Give a Gift of Trouble - Donate a toy to a child.

I recently featured the cutest Trouble the Dog on my blog. Trouble is the creation of then 11 year old Kendra who decided that kids (and adults too) could use some help during difficult times ... maybe they were ill, or had lost a loved one ... or were simply feeling a little bit afraid. They needed a great big hug ... and more! drew a very simple little pup, and named him "Trouble"! She then worked with her aunt, Sheila, to design a cuddly plush toy as well as a children's book which tells Trouble's story of rescue and hope...and how to "be tough" when times are hard.

This season "Trouble" will be on a trip visiting Hasbro Children's Hospital in Rhode Island on December 23rd ... to work with their Tomorrow Fund for children with cancer.

Here is how we can help. Please donate!  On the Trouble website in the middle of the page is the Donate button. By using Paypal, for a small $16.95 your donation will provide a Trouble the Dog to a child for Christmas and bring a smile to a childs face. Donate any amount you can to help bring "Trouble" to the children. I have personally donated enough for 2 children to receive "Trouble". Open your hearts, reach in your wallet and make a child smile. That is the true meaning of Christmas for me.



Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Last Minute Gift Idea - WindTunnel® Rewind™ Bagless Upright

Some of you may think that a vacuum is the last thing you would ask for as a Christmas gift. I would have thought the same thing until I received a surprise Hoover WindTunnel® Rewind™ Bagless Upright delivered the other day. The model is the Model Number: UH70120 and it is loaded with very convenient features.

Check out the features of the WindTunnel® T-Series™ WindTunnel® Rewind™ Bagless Upright:

*Only 16.5 pounds - light and easy to use with thorough cleaning power
*Cord Rewind with 27-Foot Cord - no more winding - gently tap the pedal to activate the 27-Foot Cord Rewind and retract the cord to store neatly inside
*Intuitive Power Controls - conveniently positioned where they should be - right at your fingertips
*27-Foot Power Cord - vacuum a large room without re-plugging
*Fabulous Filtration - rinsable filter and high-quality HEPA filter
*No Scuff Bumper - protects furniture when you can?t be as careful as you'd like
*5 Position Carpet Height Adjustment - adjust as needed to clean all flooring types easily and efficiently
*8-Foot Stretch Hose - above-floor cleaning with simple tools
*System Check Indicator - indicates when the filter needs to be cleaned or checked
*Easy Belt Change System & Brushroll Access - simply flip two levers to change the belt or access the brushroll
*Limited 2-year warranty

I love this vacuum. Even better my husband loves this vacuum! Yes since it showed up the other day, courtesy of Hoover, he has not let me touch it. He is doing all the vacuuming! Thank You Hoover! A vacuum that takes the housework away from me...what a thrill. Here is my husbands take on this great Hoover. He loves the power, it really cleans. He says the vacuum is so lightweight and easy to push. His favorite feature is the Rewind cord. A press of the button and the cord rewinds. No having to wrap the cord. I sat back with a cup of coffee and watched my man at work with this new Hoover. He tried all the attachments. He was thrilled with the Upholstery/Dusting Brush. He cleaned the entire house - furniture and all because he was so impressed with the power of the Hoover UH70120. When we looked at the dirt cup we both were amazed at how much dirt was picked up from our clean house. It was easy to empty the dirt cup too. I am so excited to have this WindTunnel® T-Series™ WindTunnel® Rewind™ Bagless Upright UH70120 vacuum.

For a great gift idea consider the WindTunnel® T-Series™ WindTunnel® Rewind™ Bagless Upright series. The prices are reasonable and the features are so useful. Right now if you order direct from Hoover they are offering Free Shipping.

I love Hoover vacuums and have been a Hoover owner as far back as I can remember. I am proud to continue using Hoover.

Many thanks to Hoover for providing the review sample.

Disclosure: I received a gratis sample for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Sucre New Orleans Chocolates - Review

If ever there was a beauty pageant for chocolates, Sucré of New Orleans would win. I am in awe of the loveliness of Sucré fine chocolates. The shapes and colors are very distinguished. The chocolates are a real treat for the eyes. Oh yes they are meant to be eaten and the flavor is just as exquisite as the appearance.

About the Sucré Shop in New Orleans:

From breakfast to a midnight snack, Sucré is available to satisfy your sweet tooth. Sucré (French for sugared) is an emporium of "artisan" sweets. Unlike a traditional bakery, Sucré serves plated desserts with custom garnishes in addition to boxed treats.

 I would love to visit the beautiful shop someday. For those of you living in the area I hope you visit often. I am at a distance but am still able to enjoy the wonderful confections of Sucré. Courtesy of Sucré, I was recently sent a Sucré sugar & spice holiday collection to sample along with a Sucré Sicilian Pistachio & Rose Petal Bar. I am in a chocolate cloud right now. The sugar & spice collection is very festive in flavors. Eggnog Dark Chocolate Truffle, Candy Cane White Chocolate Truffle and Gingerbread Milk Chocolate Truffle to be exact. Oh my goodness the flavors are so incredible. Eggnog Dark Chocolate Truffle is eggnog and white chocolate in a dark chocolate shell. I found them rich and creamy with the lovely taste of eggnog just as described. Very scrumptious. The Gingerbread Milk Chocolate Truffle is holiday spices in milk chocolate ganache in a milk chocolate shell. These are so good I was looking for the little raisin eyes. A gingerbread cookie taste in a bite size chocolate. Decadent. My favorite of the truffles is the Candy Cane White Chocolate Truffle. White Chocolate ganache with bits of peppermint candies in pure white chocolate shell. Snowy, minty, creamy and oh so good. These melt in your mouth and fill it with holiday jingle. Order yours today to get the sugar & spice holiday collection. I also tasted the Sicilian Pistachio & Rose Petal Bar - Milk chocolate studded with Sicilian pistachios and candied rose petals. I am not sure hwo to convey the wonderful tastes going on with this bar. It seems elegant to me. The pistachios add a crunch while the candied rose petals add the elegance. Sucré takes chocolate to an entirely new level. I am thrilled to have been able to taste such fantastic artisan chocolates. I am looking at the beautiful Sucré catalog sent with my
Sucré has an online shop to order these chocolates and more. This holiday season, in the spirit of giving, Sucre has teamed up with the LA/SPCA and a portion of every dollar spent online will go directly to benefit the animals of the LA/SPCA. So, you can indulge guilt-free. For pure artistry in chocolates and confections try Sucré. My next order will be the drinking chocolate, the marshmallows, the macaroons the.........

Many thanks to Andy and Sucré for providing the review samples.

Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Last Minute Gift Idea - Tassimo T45 Suprema Beverage System

I have had my eyes on a Tassimo Beverage System for some time now. The idea of a single cup beverage system is very appealing. The Tassimo brewer, developed by Kraft Foods and manufactured by Bosch, contains a microprocessor that reads the bar code printed on each T Disc label to automatically calculate the correct water amount, temperature and brewing time for every beverage. I am extremely excited to tell you about the Tassimo T45 Suprema and beverages I received complimentary for this review.

The Tassimo Suprema has all the great features of Tassimo with the added capability of advanced water filtration. Chrome accents and hot new colors add to the sleek redesigned body.

Check out these features:
*Chrome finished details (including operation button, on/off switch, beverage outlet), metallic finishes, Stainless steel drip tray.
*Adjustable cup stand accommodates most cup sizes.
*Easy to clean: most of the movable parts are dishwasher safe
*Capable of customizing the strength of each beverage to your taste by using the manual function.
*Extra large removable 61oz water tank including LCD filter monitor
*MAVEA MAXTRA Water filter
*Removable water tank with LCD

My first impression is the style is very sleek. It looks so futuristic to me. I like the large water container. It is nice to have enough water for a few cups available before having to refill. I was able to sample a few different flavors of T Discs. I found it very easy to use the Tassimo system. Just insert a T Disc press the button and it is ready in 60 seconds! You can get a feel for the system with this interactive demo on the Tassimo website. The hard part is selecting which flavor you want to make. Tassimo has an expanding selection of beverage brand options including Twinings, Maxwell House, Seattle's Best Coffee, Starbucks and more! I wanted to try the Milka Hot Chocolate first. The Milka is a 2 disc drink with the first disc being the Hot Chocolate syrup then the 2nd disc is the creamy milk. It was so simple to make and so quick. In minutes I had the most delicious fresh Hot Chocolate. I am so happy I tried this first. It let me understand how the Tassimo T45 works. Now I could try the fabulous flavors of coffee. I was sent Starbucks Verona and in the Tassimo system it came out very good. I also tried the Gevalia Signature Blend, and Chai Tea Latte. I love the T Disc idea. I can have a different beverage at a moments notice. Family members can have their own favorite at any time. Having a party or get together? You can provide your guests with a Tassimo T Disc assortment with enough flavors and beverages to please everyone. My only con is of my own creation. When I drink coffee I usually have a pretty large mug. The Tassimo makes a much smaller cup than I am used to. It is a generous cup but not MY size cup. Not to worry I just made a second cup in just 60 seconds and I was good to go.

The Tassimo T45 Suprema by Bosch can be purchased directly from Tassimo with a retail price of $169.99. The T Discs can also be ordered directly with prices ranging from $6.99 to $10.99 depending on the flavor you choose.

For a wonderful Holiday Gift Idea - consider the Tassimo T45 Suprema Beverage System. It is a gift of flavor!

Many thanks to Debra and Tassimo for providing the review sample.

Disclosure: I received a gratis sample for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

J. Winterbower Glass Art Review with Giveaway

Do you remember playing with marbles when you were small? I remember all the pretty designs inside the marbles. I have never seen such stunningly beautiful marbles as those created by J. Winterbower Glass Art. This Etsy shop is a treat to browse through.

Here is some background information on the artist Joseph Winterbower:

Raised in the Pacific Northwest, I find my inspiration through the fantastic colors and textures I see in nature and the universe and am encouraged and energized by the fact that man first began lampworking using only an oil-fueled lamp for a torch.
Using glass rods and dichroic glass sheets, I begin preparing for the actual creation of the marble. This may take an hour or more and involves a myriad of small tasks including pulling long thin rods of glass out of thick rods, cutting the dichroic glass into small shapes to later lay within the vortex of the marble, and customizing glass for surface decoration.
During the actual marble-making process, I begin from the inside out heating the glass with a torch and allowing it to melt and flow on its own using gravity and various copper and stainless steel tools.
The almost unfathomable eternal nature of paperweights and marbles pushes me toward the glass techniques of old and allows my mind to conceive of heights not yet explored.
I make my home in Lebanon, Oregon with Jan, my beautiful bride of 25 years, and our two Collies, Tehlah and Ronan.


The marbles are mesmerizing. These are not playing size marbles but beautiful decorative gallery size collectible marbles of art. The Vortex marbles are simply hypnotic. The swirls of color going to an seemingly endless spiral pull you right in. The color combinations are explosive. I am looking at my incredible Vortex marble supplied by J. Winterbower, sitting right near my computer, bringing me into a peaceful swirling ocean. The color scheme was made specially for me from the ocean colors I adore so much. There is a aqua blue sparkly swirl intermingled with a green yellow sparkly swirl with black and white contrasting swirls adding to the dimension of the design. Whew... that is a lot of description. But you know, words can not explain the actual beauty in the marble. It is not a small marble with the size measuring nearly 1 and 1/2 inches across. The colors grab the light and shine in glowing brilliance. I am thrilled to own a J. Winterbower marble piece of art. My marble is signed on the bottom by Joseph. This is a real treasure for me. Thank you very much Joseph and Jan.
Browse the J. Winterbower Etsy shop. You will find the fabulous Vortex marbles with the colorful swirls. You will find Galaxy marbles which look like little universes of color. You will see Flower marbles with delicate flowers of different colors and styles. Joseph also makes pendants and beads with the same colorful details.

The marbles are handmade pieces of collectible glass art. The prices reflect the quality of each style created. The marbles range in price from $45.00 and up to $195.00 for limited editions depending on size and materials used. Be drawn in to your own marble universe. Order a J. Winterbower Glass Art marble today.

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!

Here is your chance to win! J. Winterbower has generously offered this stunning Vortex Marble in blues to one lucky reader.

Mandatory Entry (First entry)
--Visit J. Winterbower Glass Art and tell me which marble is your favorite.
--Include your email address (if not public in a profile) so I can contact you if you win.

Additional optional entries: Eligible after completing mandatory entry above: You can do any or all of the following for one entry each. Please leave a separate comment for each that you have done.

--Follow my blog (see the left side bar to sign up) Already a follower, just leave a comment saying that you are a follower.

--Subscribe to my blog ( see the left side bar to sign up) Current subscribers are eligible too.

--Follow me on Twitter

--Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link to your tweet (Can tweet once daily).

--Follow J. Winterbower on Twitter.

--Fan J. Winterbower on Facebook.

--Post my button on your blog and leave a link to your blog.

--FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES - Blog about this giveaway, with a link to my blog. Come back and leave the link to your blog post. Post FIVE separate comments that you've blogged about this.

Giveaway ends on December 23rd at 11:59 PM Pacific time. Open to US addresses only. No PO Boxes. Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by email. Please respond in 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. To be fair to everyone, comments not meeting requirements will be deleted.

Many thanks to Jan and Joseph of J. Winterbower Glass Art for providing the review sample and giveaway product.

Disclosure: I received a gratis sample for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Ladies and Gentleman - ELFVIS!

Here is a little tidbit about me you may not know. I am a huge Elvis Fan. I love the music. I have a small Elvis collection that is growing with the help of family and friends. It has become a pleasurable obsession of mine. I have on my car a fairly large Elvis window decal. I always have Elvis playing in the car. If I could get some Rhinestone stickers on my white car like Elvis's jumpsuit that would be the coolest. Oohhh I like that idea. Here is a very fun clip of a fantastic Holiday Light Display featuring ELFVIS! Very clever. Turn your computer volume up and enjoy!

Deck the Lawn 2009 ELFVIS from Mark Dillon on Vimeo.

If anyone has any Elvis items they would like to donate to my collection (feed my obsession), please leave a comment and I will get back to you.

Happy Holidays. Hunka Hunka!

Bloggers - Beware! Bad Blog Button Behaving Badly!

I read about this horrible attack on unsuspecting bloggers on Eighty MPH Mom. Apparently there is a blog button code coming from a particular website that when you add the button to your blog it installs a virus so destructive it ruins, I said RUINS your computer. Read all about what to watch for on Eighty MPH Mom and Mrs. Cox's Slice of Heaven. Please pass the information on to all your blogger friends. I can imagine how devastating this can be.

Hey you. Get off of my cloud! Go away Cyber Bullies!

Lots of Winners to Announce!

Here is the list of recent winners:

Big Popper Popcorn
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94 matt0701 said... I subscribe to your feeds!

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13 Pat said... I like the Fingerprint-Proof Semi-Round Step Can

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49 etirv said... Google friend follower!

Fizz Cup
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21 freddie said... Mine would be an orange float, vanilla ice cream with an orange soda. dwelchert

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79 LV said... I subscribe via email.

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155 brianpiero said... Following SonyLegacyRecs on Twitter

Sony Music Day 5
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37 Pamela S said... Can I pick two?!?!?!?
I love "Mary Did You Know" and "The First Noel". Thanks so much!

Sound of Music CD
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69 Mysharona said... I like My favorite things

Congratulations to all the winners. Everyone has been sent a notification email. Thank you all for participating.

Something New Coming From Hershey's

I am a huge fan of anything Hershey's. I love chocolate and always, I repeat always have some kind of chocolate in the house at all times. Not a day goes by when I have not had a small piece of chocolate. My newest taste sensation from Hershey's is Hershey's Bliss White Chocolate with a Meltaway Center. I know what some of you may think, white chocolate is not chocolate. It may be different in taste but to me I love the creaminess of white chocolate and Hershey's Bliss White Chocolate is delicious.

Hershey’s Bliss White Chocolate with a Meltaway Center indulges Hershey’s Bliss Chocolate fans with a rich and creamy white chocolate that envelops taste buds with a velvety smooth, meltaway center. The domed-shape of the individual square fits the mouth perfectly, allowing the white chocolate to melt evenly, cascading delectable white chocolate notes across the tongue and allowing for a perfectly satisfying taste experience.

Courtesy of Hershey's, I was able to sample the new White Chocolate Bliss. Really? I get to taste chocolate? Thank you very much Hershey's! My mouth is in white chocolate Bliss. Creamy, smooth, pleasantly melting, wonderful white chocolate heaven. I have always enjoyed white chocolate. The Bliss White Chocolate is a new favorite of mine. I can't stop eating these lovely treats. I think these are a perfect compliment to the Hershey's Bliss family.

Hershey’s Bliss White Chocolate with a Meltaway Center is available in 8.6 oz bags at grocery, mass, and drug stroes nationwide starting this month. Try to find them in your favorite store today.

Another new product from Hershey is set to hit the stores in January 2010.

New Pieces® Candies Offer Favorite Classic Brands of Reese’s®, York®, Almond Joy®, and Hershey®’s Special Dark® in Delicious Candy-Coated Snack Sizes.

Pieces candies are just as delicious as the originals, but with a crunchy candy shell.

o Reese’s® Pieces® - Creamy Reese’s peanut butter in a crisp candy shell make Reese’s Pieces candies a delicious, classic favorite

o York® Pieces® – Dark chocolate and refreshing mint surrounded by a candy shell create an invigorating treat.

o Almond Joy® Pieces® - Smooth milk chocolate, creamy coconut and crunchy almonds surrounded by a crisp, candy shell make Almond Joy Pieces candies a one-of-a-kind snacking escape.

o Hershey®’s Special Dark® Pieces® - Decadent dark chocolate wrapped in a crunchy, candy shell create the perfect bite-sized treat for dark chocolate lovers.

I can't wait to try the flavors of pieces, especially Almond Joy. I am sure they will be scrumptious. I will be looking in my local stores for them.

Hershey's chocolate,  their two newest products are definitely One 2 Try.

Many thanks to Katie and Hershey's for providing the review samples.

Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Barilla Pasta Products - Share the Table

Pasta is a true comfort food for me. Growing up in an Italian family, it is the first meal I learned how to cook with my mom, making her homemade sauce. Having a good pasta makes the meal. Barilla has always been a great tasting pasta in my dinners. Barilla offers many types of pasta and sauces. All providing good authentic tastes. A new product from Barilla is the Pasta Plus. Pasta to help maintain healthy living menus.

Pasta Plus made with wholesome ingredients that are naturally rich in protein, fiber and ALA omega-3 fatty acids, delicious PLUS® meets the growing challenges of a family desiring a healthy lifestyle while still providing the great taste they expect from their favorite pasta meals.



I was able to sample the new Pasta Plus courtesy of Barilla. The texture and flavor are multi-grain. I found the pasta rich and almost nutty in flavor from the grains. The Plus in the Pasta Plus is 17g of protein, 3g fat, 360 mg of Omega-3 and 7g of fiber. All that goodness in a nice tasty pasta. It is easy to use the Pasta Plus in your family meals for added nutrition. A recipe from Barilla I woould love to make is Spaghetti with Fennel and Shrimp. Yum! I am a big fan of the Barilla Piccolini pastas. Fun smaller shape pasta for kids but adults love it too. Barilla fills my cupboards with many pasta products and sauces. Spaghetti at a moments notice...now that is comfort food! 

Barilla cares about families and dinners. Join the Barilla family Dinner Project - Share The Table. Here you will find recipes, tips, community activities and advice for great meals. There is a quiz about your dinner habits to help you find the most enjoyment with your family time.

Barilla products can be located at most major grocery stores. Whether you crave pasta or enjoy healthy pastas, a family pasta meal is just a Barilla box away.

Many thanks to Barilla for providing the review samples.

Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Aequare Fine Chocolates Review

It is no secret how much I love chocolate. I am always happy to taste a new brand I have never tried before. My latest sampling is from Aequare Fine Chocolates.

Aequare Fine Chocolates is the passion of Chef Jeffrey Stern. He relocated from Southern California to Ecuador and began producing artisan chocolates using Ecuadorian cacao, prized worldwide for its full body, floral aroma, and deep chocolate flavor.



I was able to sample a few delectable pieces of chocolate and dark chocolate cocoa beans courtesy of Aequare Fine Chocolates. My first impression is the chocolates are beautiful. Each flavor has a specific design for ease of enjoyment. The colors are bright and playful. The flavors are amazing. There are ten flavors in the Aequare Fine Chocolates line. I was able to sample 6 different flavors in a lovely presentation box. Blackberry Cobbler was my favorite of all the flavors. I loved the fruitiness mixed with the richness of the dark chocolate. It had a very pleasant lingering chocolate taste. I would love to have more of the Blackberry Cobbler flavor. I enjoyed the Salted Caramel equally with the Moccha. The caramel had flecks of salt that created a nice contrast to the sweetness of the ganache and caramel. The moccha had a nice bold coffee flavor. Coming from Ecuador the coffee is abundant and it works very nicely in the chocolate. I was not as fond of the Passion Fruit Honey or the Le Citron. They were tasty but left me wanting more passion fruit or less lemon respectively. I also sampled Dark Chocolate Cocoa Beans. These little gems are chocolate coated cocoa beans. The beans are lightly roasted then enrobed in Aequare dark chocolate. These were very different for me. I like the taste. The chocolate outside is superb while the bean inside has a nice nutty flavor with a lot of crunch. Chocolaty and wicked good. Different, unique and powerful chocolate.


Aequare Fine Chocolates can be ordered direct from the website. The flavors may vary in stock at any given time. Take advantage of the sale prices currently on many items.

If you are a chocoholic like me, you might consider Aequare Fine Chocolates as One 2 Try. Happy Happy Chocolate Dance!

Many thanks to Beth and Aequare Fine Chocolates for providing the review sample.

Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Emile Henry Pie Dish Review

A few of you may remember I mentioned the National Pie Contest sponsored by Emile Henry. The contest is for Emile Henry Pie Plate owners to show off their baking skills.

Emile Henry announces a National Pie Contest in honor of National Pie Day on January 23, 2010. The contest called “How Pretty Is Your Pie” begins on Thanksgiving Day and ends on January 15, 2010. Winners will be announced on the emilehenryusa.com and the piecouncil.org websites on National Pie Day. So bakers should heat up their ovens and bake a pretty pie.


To participate in the Emile Henry Pie Contest, bakers need to submit a pie recipe and a photo of their pie baked in an Emile Henry pie dish. Photos and recipes should be uploaded onto the emilehenryusa.com website. Entries can also be mailed to Emile Henry. It’s that simple. The instructions and judging criteria are listed on emilehenryusa.com. The top winner will receive a $500 Baking Essentials Set and a free trip to the 16th Annual APC/Crisco® National Pie Championships in Championsgate, FL on April 23 - 25. Four runners up will receive a $50 Baking Set.


With my pie dish in hand I have been testing ideas to make a pie for the contest. I have not yet found the perfect pie but it is a work in progress and I have until January 15th. Wow that is closer than I thought. I better get to baking. I will keep you posted about my pie adventures. If anyone would like to share pie recipe ideas I would love your input.

Many thanks to Susan and Emile Henry for providing the review sample.

Disclosure: I received a gratis sample for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.