Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Have you tried 34° Crisps light all-natural crackers yet? Yum is my answer!

Disclosure: I received 34° Crisps complimentary through I contest I won. As always, my opinions are my own. I only recommend products that I truly enjoy and I feel are good to share with my readers.
I actually tried these at a friend's house over the holidays and thought they were yummy. They were on my iphone To-buy list (I keep list upon list on my iphone that way whne I am in the store I can remember what the heck I need to do and buy!) but I just had not gotten around to buying them yet.  They stock them at Whole Foods (I get there about once a month for a big stock up since there is not one so close to my home) and some ShopRite stores but of course not the one close to me. See where you can buy them locally by entering your zip code here. You can also buy them on Amazon.  So how excited was I this morning when a box arrived with a forgotten prize from a lovely giveaway that I had won on Cheese and Champagne.  Colleen and Jill are two ladies who (just like me!) love all things cheese and began a blog to chat about it. They have a entertaining blog that will keep you up on all the latest artisinal and craft cheeses that are out there. You just have to take a peek.

Back to my 34° Crisps.  They are a light, crispy, all-natural crackers that I just love. They actually created 34° Crisps to be a  perfect companion to the world’s favorite cheeses. Of course, they were so yummy that people enjoy them with and without their fave cheeses.
All of the flavors are delicious and there is one or maybe a few of them that you just might have to keep for yourself....aaah, maybe you will share one or two.  They have Natural, Sesame, Cracked Pepper, Rosemary and Whole Grain.  These crackers are crispy and perfect by themselves or with cheese.  Check out some of the yummy little recipes that you can use for creative appetizers too. Add a glass of wine and you are all set.

Monday, January 20, 2014

St. Patty's Day Hilarious Graphic T-shirts Review {Giveaway}

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. I was not provided with financial compensation. My opinions are my own.
Snow is everywhere but I have St. Patty's day on my mind. I recently had an opportunity to review a tee shirt from St. Patricks Day Shirts and they have some hysterical tee shirts. If you are heading out to a St. Patty's Day celebration, you just have to consider a graphic tee shirt from this great website.

Now I have to warn you, some are silly, some are funny, some are crazy and some are a little bit risque so know this before you go to their site. I don't want anyone getting offended.  They are a piece of work though and perfect for a good time on this fun Irish holiday.

I am not Irish but I grew up in a very Irish neighborhood. My best friend across the street was Irish and they had a huge family. We all still keep in touch including our moms.  I was always part of their celebrations and St. Patty's Day was no exception. Just SO MUCH FUN every year....I really looked forward to the parties.

Some things never change and those Saint Patty's Day parties are eternal. So check out the great tees for all tastes on St. Patrick's Day Shirts and pick out one right now. Their tees are printed on the highest quality softest cotton and I have to say my tee shirt is super soft and comfortable. They have Womens sizes which are slightly form fitting which I really like, or you can choose the Men's Standard Fit. The shirt hems may vary depending on the style you choose.

Some of the features you will find in these quality shirts:

* Great choice of colors
* Soft, stylish, versatile
* Quick shipping through USPS
* High quality, lightweight, soft cotton t-shirts

Enter my Rafflecopter giveaway below to win your own tee shirt and be ready for St. Patrick's Day!a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Getting Crafty with Borax Giveaway and Valentine Crafts

Disclosure:  I received contest this information as a member of the Purex Insiders.  I was not financially compensated for this post.  The opinions are my own, based on my past personal experience with the product since I buy it regularly.  However, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am also eligible to win a $25 gift card for sharing this information. There may be affiliate links.
Who loves to make gorgeous and sparkly crafts?  Me, me, me!!!  I have a fun and easy craft idea that can translate to almost any holiday including Valentine's Day.  Hearts are one of my favorites. Another favorite of mine is a giveaway and speaking of that, Purex just launched their Getting Crafty with Borax Sweepstakes.  Perfect timing with Valentine's Day so I thought I would share a crafty craft with you all.  Don't forget to enter the sweepstakes because you can win up to $500! Now get crafting!

Think about all the possibilities you can make with a few simple ingredients. You can buy 20 Mule Team Borax in any grocery store for a reasonable price and it is an all natural product that is easy to work with for fun crafts.
What you need:
  • string
  • wide mouth jar (pint)
  • white pipe cleaners
  • borax (see tips)
  • pencil, popsicle stick or twigs
  • boiling water
  • various liquid or gel food colors
  • scissors
  1. The first step of making 20 Mule Team Borax crystal hearts or shapes is to make the heart or  shape you want. Cut a pipe cleaner or bend into the shape you want.
  2. Twist the sections together at their center and bottom. Make whatever shape you want...if you are doing a round shape or oval for example. Don't worry if an end isn't even, just trim to get the desired shape. The heart or shape should fit inside a wide-mouthed glass jar like a canning jar.
  3. Tie the string to the top of  the heart. Tie the other end of the string to the pencil or a wooden stick or even a twig. You want the length to be such that the pencil hangs the heart into the jar.
  4. Fill the widemouth pint jar with boiling water.
  5. Add 20 Mule Team Borax one tablespoon at a time to the boiling water, stirring to dissolve after each addition. The amount used is 3 tablespoons Borax per cup of water. It is okay if some undissolved 20 Mule Team Borax settles to the bottom of the jar.
  6. If desired, you may tint the mixture with food color.
  7. Hang the pipe cleaner heart or shape into the jar so that the pencil rests on top of the jar and the heart or shape is completely covered with liquid and hangs freely (not touching the bottom of the jar).
  8. Allow the jar to sit in an undisturbed location overnight.
  9. Look at the pretty crystals and enjoy them month long!  You can hang your heart as a decoration or in a window to catch the sunlight...perfect to celebrate Valentine's Day.
Because boiling water is used and because 20 Mule Team Borax isn't intended for eating, adult supervision is recommended for this project. 

The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher: Book Review Plus iPad, Nook and Kindle GiVeAwAy!

Disclaimer:  I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a book for review purposes. The opinions are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.  However, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I was excited to have the opportunity to review a new book by Suzanne Woods Fisher, The Calling.  She is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series.  She has also written numerous nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace.  

Suzanne Woods Fisher is known for romance and hallmark twists in her previous novels and The Calling does not disappoint if you are looking for those elements.  The book is set in a unusually quiet community called Stoney Ridge. Barely out of her teens, Bethany Schrock is experiencing challenges everywhere.  Her love life is a disaster and her faith has been shaken.  Five antiquated Amish sisters have her working to the bone all summer long sorting through piles of junk in their old home.  Gorgeous Jimmy Fisher is making her absolutely crazy but she can't seem to get him off her mind.

Bethany gets wangled into taking over the local soup kitchen and creating a community garden by the ancient but crafty Amish sisters and a local guest.  Before she knew it she was in too deep and then it was too late to stop.  Throughout all this, Bethany continues to weigh heavily regarding a mystery that dated back to her childhood.  She feels like something is missing no matter how much good she does in the community. Jimmy encourages her to find the answers and she finally reveals a shocking secret.  This secret will completely break her heart.  She eventually heals and finds her internal compass that points her to the love she has been seeking all this time.

This was a really entertaining and fun book to read. I loved all the Amish references in the book. It was kind of neat because you really felt like you were part of the town.  You get a real feel for each character and see that no matter what your religious background is, no one is perfect. The Calling was an easy read that was very enjoyable at the same time.  It was interesting to see how fitting the title of her book was and how many twists and turns it might take for someone to find their true calling. That includes friends you might make along the way and more.  The romance with Bethany and Jimmy added a nice touch to the book in an appropriate way...nothing too well, you know what.  I enjoyed the book and found it easy to read. 

Enter here to win the giveaway below. Six Chances to win an iPad, Kindle, or Nook from Suzanne Woods Fisher!

Enter Today | 1/20 - 2/8!
The Calling Suzanne Woods Fisher