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Saturday, February 23, 2013

Chichanella Bella Swimwear Giveaway TBA





A Vintage Inspired Swimwear Company for babies and children. This collection reflects influences of the 1920's through the 1970's. Ruffles, flowers, polka dots and stripes give this vintage inspired swimwear line for babies and children a nostalgic feel. Paired with matching bonnets adorned with ruffles, flowers and bows, the swimsuits carry such whimsical names as Rowboat Rosie, Cotton Candy, Lifeguard Lu Lu and Diving Daisy. Thoughtful touches such as snap bottoms, hand rolled rosettes and UPF 50+ rated fabrics are just some of the details that make this collection distinct. For more information click on the link below.
All Suits Made in the U.S.A.
http://www.facebook.com/chichanellabella
They are also offering FREE SHIPPING if you are interested, this is a limited time for the FREE SHIP so get ready for summer and click here FREE SHIPFGpic
 
Find them on Facebook and YouTube.


Friday, February 22, 2013

**krave Jerky**

     Let me start off by saying, I've eaten alot of Beef Jerky in my life, as snacks and especially while driving. I recently contacted the nice people at krave Jerky and told them I was interested in doing a review of their Jerky. Honestly, I had never tried it before it came in my mail...boy what a mistake I have made all these years sticking with the tried and true. I always thought jerky was all the same, ITS NOT!!
    This was the first bag I opened and tried the chili lime natural beef jerky and I have to admit I was totally surprised with the soft, almost butter like texture. The meat was so tender and flavorful, it had a hint of "chili" with a quick touch of lime..it gave the flavor and hot.. but not.. too taste.  The lime just takes the chili to a whole new level but far from being sweet or tangy. Excellent choice for first bag:)

This was the 2nd bag I tried the garlic chili pepper and let me tell you far different taste and you can see from the picture WOW chili flake heaven.The pieces of beef are equally as tender and seasoned with a totally different look from the first bag I tried. The garlic and the chilis really create a warm feeling in your mouth. I enjoyed the bag with a glass of water it was a little bit more HOT than I expected for breakfast(yep breakfast, I had an urge for beef jerky:)
sweet honey chipotle gourmet beef jerkyThe Sweet Chipotle so very yummy very moist yet tender, a slight kick to it with a sweet surprise of honey. This one is double marinated which I think adds to the unique flavor taste and texture. This is most definitely a great taste while relaxing with a good movie :)
pineapple orange gourmet beef jerkyThis is Pineapple Orange this was not included in my box but luckily I had the opportunity to try it for myself, after all I was extremely impressed with the other flavors. This was definitely a sweeter version of a jerky, it was not as tender but had a bit of a chew to it and honestly I think that is why I enjoyed this one. I had a car trip and chose this to be my go to companion as a snack, it was moist and sweet and really took on the flavors of the fruits. GREAT!
smoky grilled teriyaki gourmet pork jerkyThis is the Smoked Grilled PORK Jerky Teriyaki, and I am honestly not a pork eater because of the high salt content...BUT...this really didn't take on a super salty flavor instead it took on  a sweet, chewy kind of Asian infused taste. It had a different shape and a unique texture, kind of chewy but not hard to chew.
**This product was absolutely a must try and it is based on my opinion, of which my opinion is MINE, not all individuals are going to agree**My opinion was not based on the fact I was provided the product, I really enjoyed it!!** Thank you to the company for being so generous.
If you are interested in purchasing the product for yourself they do have a site for those hard to find products as well as a FB page. Feel free to contact them!! Directory links provided, no affiliate links :(

Sunday, February 17, 2013

"The Taste: Tuesday at 8|7c on ABC"

Connect with fans, view cast tweets and see what's trending.



One blind spoonful could change everything on ABC’s “The Taste.” This new cooking competition show is literally all about taste. 

Sixteen competitors, from pro chefs to home cooks, whip up dishes attempting to impress four of the world’s most notable chefs.  The catch is all the dishes will be judged in a blind taste test. In this pressure-packed contest, the taste of a single spoonful can catapult a contender to the top or send him packing.

“The Taste” features no-holds barred chef Anthony Bourdain, British food star Nigella Lawson, expert chef and author Ludo Lefebvre and restaurateur Brian Malarkey. Each of the four culinary superstars and “Taste” mentors – Bourdain, Lawson, Lefebvre and Malarkey – will coach a team of four competing pro and amateur cooks chosen from a nationwide casting call as they vie to create the best tasting dish. 

In each episode, the groups will face team and individual challenges with a variety of culinary themes through several elimination rounds. At the end of each episode, the mentors will have to judge the competitors’ dishes blind, with no knowledge of whose creation they’re sampling, what they’re eating, how it was prepared or whom they could be eliminating...abc.com

**I enjoy watching these competitive cooking shows this one being based on taste not just technique is sure to be a hit!! After watching a couple episodes of past and present this looks to be a very challenging competition between all involved. You want a sneak peak of whats coming up..here. Be watching on Tues 8/7c on ABC!!!**  
  • @Influenster and @TheTasteABC
  • #TheTaste 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

**Barbie Mega Bloks and MommyParties**

   

 Thank you to MommyParties and the Mega Bloks company for providing me with this most awesome party just in time for a very special princesses party. Mommy Parties provided me with a stunning array of Barbie featured Mega Blok sets to awe all party go-ers including the special Girl. Don't get me wrong my party go-ers were boys and girls and honestly they had equally as much fun, regardless of Barbie or not.Included in my pack was the most interesting party menu ideas and party activities the Dance Party was sooo FUN!!!

     I, myself, grew up with Barbie, but not in this way, this takes creativity to a whole new level. I have to admit I love Mega Bloks not only are they so fun to play with but more times than not one set can lead to so many possibilities. I remember having blocks when I was little and really enjoyed creating castles for my Barbie's as well as beds, couches, walls and whatever peaked my interest. I like the fact that Mega bloks has evolved to sets that are geared towards boys and girls, it just shows that blocks are not just a boys toy(though to me they never were).
     The cool thing about these new Barbie sets is that they are geared for ages 4+ but understand these sets are so much fun to build and create even for us adults. My kids really enjoyed all the choices they had, from formation of sets to accessories to create their own personal style. It really resembled playing with barbies with a little touch of added imagination.
This is the very cute Build 'n Style Fashion Stand it resembles a shopping excursion with everything needed to create a cute Barbie fashion getaway with bags and accessories it is only over 7o pieces so it was fairly easy to put together for my ages 5+ by themselves but my 3 yr old was able to do it with some assistance. The pieces are small but easy to handle and build with.

This is the finished product totally cute and so much fun.
As well we received this set "Build 'n Style ice cream cart" this is a totally realistic looking ice cream cart, complete with ice cream cups n scoops, as well as extra outfit to create a summertime look to make it easy to understand the set. It reminds me of what you would find on a beach boardwalk. The colors are super colorful and bold, it also contains a little over 70+ pieces and it like the other set is pretty easy to put together by the ages 5+ unassisted but my 3-4 yr olds did require a little help.
This is so cool especially when all the pieces of the sets are able to be combined to create a full summer setting.
    
This was the final thing we received it is the Build 'n Style Luxury Mansion and let me tell you, this was very time consuming and it did take all my party comers to complete this in a reasonable amount of time:) So cute, so many possibilities, 8 rooms, tons of extras by no means a set way to arrange. It comes with 2 dolls the ability to create any room design you want as well as an elevator :o!! This was a BLAST to play with and build, so much fun the boys play and build it as well, regardless of the canopy for bed. Ideal for ages 4+ and parent help:)

 By publishing this post, I received free products as part of a promotional program with MomSelect. All opinions are my own.)

Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology

HURRY ENTER TODAY!!

WHY GREEN SCHOOLS?


When a school goes green, children benefit—as well as the environment! Green schools lead to:
Improved student performance. When children learn in classrooms with natural daylight, improved sound quality and non-toxic building materials such as non-VOC carpets and paints, test scores can improve as much as 20%. Attendance also improves!
More funds for student resources. When green upgrades are made to a school, water and energy costs can be reduced by as much as 40%. These savings can be channeled back into resources that directly benefit students, such as textbooks, computers and other essentials.
Reduced carbon footprint. Greening a school significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming.

GREENER SCHOOLS = A BRIGHTER FUTURE


Every child deserves a learning environment that’s safe, comfortable and free of harmful toxins. Unfortunately, many schools across the country lack the funds to carry out much-needed repairs and renovations—subjecting children to outdated facilities with improper ventilation, poor lighting and inefficient energy usage. Global Green USA is working to address this situation and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn in a healthy, green school.

**Enter your school NOW..here

Friday, February 8, 2013

**Mrs Fields GIVEAWAY**

This Review/Giveaway is done by Kathy's Freebies & Savings. Mrs-Fields-logo-2-mrs-fields-25580992-200-200 Valentine's Day is coming up soon? Do you know what you're going to get your significant other? Maybe you plan to buy your mother or any special lady or man in our life something. I know it can be hard to find the perfect gift for someone. You want everything to be special and have the right gift. How about some cookies from Mrs. Fields? If you haven't heard of Mrs. Fields yet, you're in luck. They have the best cookies. I did a review on some of their cookies before. If you haven't checked that out make sure to take a look at it. It was for a Winter Flurry Snowman package. **After all who does not LOVE cookies!!** 102_3287 This time I was provided with a Valentine's box from Mrs. Fields. It's called the Little Bit of Love Box. It came with 18 nibblers bite sized cookies and 2 hand frosted heart cookies. All the cookies are soft and moist. I would have to say these are my favorite brand of cookies. They also sent me a 20% off card which I'll be able to use on an order. 102_3290 I really enjoyed the chocolate chip and triple chocolate cookies. My husband and daughter ate the heart cookies before I was able to take a close up photo of them. I got a little piece from my daughter and it was so delicious. I love how soft the cookies are. You can see a photo above of the heart cookies. They are sugar cookies with frosting on top. I normally don't care for frosting, but this frosting was different. It was extremely good. lo If you're looking for some Valentine cookies for someone or maybe even yourself, check out Mrs Fields cookies. They have a lot of different options for Valentine gifts. Many other items to choose from as well. Disclosure: I received these products in exchange for a review. The opinions are all my own and may differ from yours. The Life and times of a Stay at Home MOM:) is not responsible for prize shipment. Giveaway Tools code in case you need it:

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Sweet Synergy LLC**Cake Truffles

    **Valentines is COMING!!**


    Being a product reviewer I enjoy trying everything sent my way and food is NO different, whether its sent for me or my kids, we as a family enjoy every bit. I did contact this company and Sweet Synergy LLC was gracious enough to send me some flavors to try out and sample, samples of course being full truffles as seen on site. I have to admit they are truly addicting and something you have to force yourself to limit:) So many flavors and taste combinations your palette just begs for more.
     Chenelle McInnis is the true heart behind this exceptional baked good and she gives all her truffles what she knows people are looking for in a sweet treat..a "smooth out of this world taste". Her passion comes out in every truffle she creates and she creates them herself. She has an excellent customer service and if any issues arise she is there to clear up any and all. These truffles are so sweet and delectable you taste the "Luv" in every bite.
PictureClassic Champion Strawberry, this is the total strawberry lovers dream containing pureed strawberries as well as the oil and curd dipped in a white chocolate. The center is soft and cake like and the white chocolate just adds a bit of sweetness. **received its name for all the cancer victims and survivors to remind them they are all Champions.
PictureDelightful 7up poundcake with a hint of lemon emulsions and lime juice and topped with a mix of 7up and vanilla icing and dipped in White chocolate. Has a very nice refreshing taste as well very cakey but moist.
PictureThe Divine, this is the ultimate in chocolate lovers(according to my kids) its very rich but very light..its made with ghirardelli cocoa powder topped with more chocolate and dipped in white, milk or dark chocolate. This can also be made in sugar free and these are so well made and thought out im sure they are just as delectable.
PictureFighting Temptation, is another dark ultimate chocolate truffle that is very rich and oooh so chocolate-y. It is very moist and sweet created using Hersheys chocolate and Devils food Pudding and dipped in rich Dark Chocolate. This as well can be made sugar free to your liking.
PictureThe Harmony is butter pecan cake mix with toasted pecans and buttercream icing dipped in white chocolate rolled in more toasted pecans. This has an amazing taste so moist with a little crunch, I loved the pecan and flavor of this truffle.
PictureHome Sweet Home is an exact rendition of a very moist, soft carrot cake with nothing left out and all the charm of a southern treat, contains cinnamon, carrots, pecans, juicy pineapple blended with cream cheese dipped in the ever so decadent white chocolate and rolled in glazed pecans.
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Southern charm, this is a deep red Red velvet cake topped with cream cheese dipped in White Chocolate, also available in Sugar free.
    I as well received Everythings nice which is seasonal and take a liking to pumpkin pie with a very sweet moist center topped in white chocolate. Most likely be found at christmas time.
     If you are wondering what to get that significant other look right here, yes they deliver anywhere in the US  and what a surprise this would be, bite sized truffles :) You have till the 9th of feb to place your order to be sure to receive it in time.
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Saturday, February 2, 2013

Brothers All Natural*The Healthy Snacks* Giveaway!!**

Brothers All Natural
     I first became aware of this very tasty child friendly product while shopping at my local store and I as a mom and coach am always looking for a good for you- go to snack. With kids the biggest problem is finding the right thing to suit their taste and sweet fruit is always a plus in my home. My kids have never been afraid of fruit and the dried fruit just adds a new spin on the regular ol'thing.
    The Brothers brand -All-Natural snack is 100% fruit no added sugars or preservatives and in this little pouch its easy to provide you or your little ones with their recommended daily serving of fruits. The fruit crisps are Allergen free: peanut/tree nut free, gluten free, soy free, vegan and OU kosher certified. Now I must ask, does it get better?? Have you tried them yet??I HAVE and they are wonderful each and everyone is distinct in taste just as the fruit should be.
    
   There are so many flavors its hard to choose just one, though I did only review the fruit snacks, they do also make...fruit&oat cups in many flavor combinations, and potato crisps a healthier alternative to a chip snack.
    My kids did get to try the Disney Apple and Cinnamon Apple and AsianPear Variety, they are perfectly flavored by nature as nothing is added but the cinnamon flavor to the one. There are 2 servings of fruit per bag and one bag is perfect size for little fingers and great snack for lunch or on the go. I am a mom of a K class and this was a great addition to their day, as the schools here in California only allow healthy snacks to be brought to school to share. The K class loved them and each child ate the entire bag as an afternoon snack.
   We did get to try the Strawberry slices and Strawberry as a whole packs and these were my youngest ones favorite, as she is my ultimate strawberry eater. They are no sugar added so they do take on the full taste of a strawberry, they do have a sweet but tangy taste and almost immediately dissolve in your mouth. Each bag contains between 6 and 10 strawberries. Great taste!!

     The Fuji Apple and Apple Cinnamon were very good and a big HIT in my home between the older kids as they are soft but a little crisp, once again no sugar added so you get the full taste of Fuji apple with the added pop of cinnamon. These were provided to my HS classroom of special needs kids as a surprise and to provide me some feedback. As always when I do reviews I do use my kids as tasters as well as the many organizations im affiliated with including classrooms. I figure many times these kids have not ever seen nor tried this product...soooo I give it a go. My teenagers had no problem polishing off all bags that were provided as each child tried 1/2 and 1/2. I heard no complaints so this was definately a good choice for them.

     The Asian Pear by far was the lightest of allt he choices it was very pear flavorful. It was my favorite therefore I did not share this one(ok maybe I did, but didn't want to).

     You can follow the Brothers-All-Natural on their Facebook Page or twitter for all their upcoming news special events and promotions. Do you Pinterest so do they :)
 ***Disclaimer: I did receive the products complimentary associated with above stated company to try and review on my blog, In no way did it sway my opinion or create a false review. I review products and will only give MY OPINION, it may differ from someone else but I am happy with stated product and feel it has been fully stated to be true IMO***
    So join me and try the healthy alternative to a chip. Interested in ordering a box for yourself or to share?? Follow one of my attached linkys and use my coupon code to take 10%off any purchase through their website..enter code "banreview10". This code can only be used once per customer with no expiration date.
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sweet Andy's Cookies Review&Giveaway

 

Sweet Andy's Cookies GIVEAWAY!

 
You can see the review of these amazing cookies on Loving Life and Living on Less. Check out Sweet Andy's Cookies for more details and you can use code lovinglife10 for 10% off any order!
Enter below to win a 6 bags of cookies (that's 30 cookies in all)!
 
 Enter Below! (US Only)