One 2 Try

I had the opportunity to attend the Natural Products Expo West a few weeks back. One of my favorites at the show was Rudi’s Organic Bakery. They make good stuff!

Rudi’s believes in good healthy ingredients in all their products. The organic products are free of any artificial chemicals, preservatives and you will find no dangerous pesticides. Let me tell you – they taste amazingly delicious.

The Rudi’s Organic Bakery Bagel Flatz are perfect for morning. The light texture goes with your favorite topping. Each serving gives you important whole grains! I have been feasting on the Plain Bagel Flatz flavor. I top it off with just about anything I can think of. My fave is peanut butter with blueberry jam. I can have the Rudi’s Bagel Flatz without guilt as it only has 100 calories per bagel, low fat and 3 grams of fiber! I really enjoy the thinner bagel size too. It is just the right satisfying meal. Good Stuff!

For sandwiches – try the Rudi’s Organic Multigrain Sandwich Flatz. The whole grain loaded sandwich flatz contains just 110 calories with a whopping 5g of fiber. The taste is delicious and will compliment your best sandwich fixings! Even my picky hubby loved the flavor!

Look for Flatz coming soon and more of your favorite Rudi’s Organic Bakery products at your local health food store. In my area I can find them in Whole Foods. Rudi’s also produces a line of Gluten Free products. Visit the Rudi’s Organic Bakery website to get a coupon for 75 cents off any Rudi’s Organic Bread.

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Many thanks to Rudi’s Organic Bakery for providing the review product.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. Gratis product was received in order to write my honest review. The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way. Others experience may vary. Terms of Use. Review not affiliated with Facebook.

There is something new and exciting coming from the folks at Alexia Foods. New Waffle Cut Parmesan Lemon Potatoes. They were voted for during the “Reinvent a Classic” campaign.  I always reach for the goodness of Alexia All Natural foods. The products are delectable with enough variety for any meal.

The New Waffle Cut Parmesan Lemon are scrumptious! The fun waffle cut lets them bake up evenly with flavor in each bite. They bake up in less than 20 minutes. Perfect for tossing in the oven for a quick side dish to any meal. I served mine with a chicken dish but they would be just as tasty with a simple hamburger meal. I loved the light lemon flavor with the richness of the parmesan cheese. The flavors combine into a very delectable taste sensation! I sprinkled a bit more parmesan cheese on them, I can never get enough cheese. The bag made a generous amount of fries for my family.

This years Reinvent a Classic campaign is going strong with four amazing flavors to vote on. Last year more than 20,000 votes were cast for the next French Fry Flavor. The winner of course was the Parmesan Lemon Waffle Fries. More than 20 food bloggers were invited to create a flavor – reinventing the classic fry. It is down to the final four flavors. The voting ends soon so get your votes in!

Thai Spiced Sweet Potato Julienne Fries

Bruschetta Waffle Fries

Herbes de Provence and Garlic Sweet Potato Julienne Fries

Classic Dill Julienne Fries

I had the chance to taste each of these fries at the Alexia booth during Natural Products Expo West. My absolute favorite is the Classic Dill Julienne Fries. I have been voting everyday for this delicious flavor to hit my stores. Which one would you vote for? VOTE FOR DILL!

Look for Alexia Parmesan Lemon Potatoes coming soon in your local grocers freezer. Sign up for the Club 350 newsletter for a coupon you can use right away on your favorite Alexia product.

For more meal inspiration, Chef Tyler Florence shares amazing recipes with Alexia products. Make your meals wonderfully tasty with Alexia foods!

Connect with Alexia on Facebook.

Many thanks to Alexia for providing the review product.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. Gratis product was received in order to write my honest review. The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way. Others experience may vary. Terms of Use.

I like to think of myself as a coffee connoisseur. Well somewhat anyway. If there was a business I would love to be part of, it is all things coffee. I love everything about it from the beginning growing to roasting to enjoying. I like to explore different coffees and methods of brewing for the best taste around. Courtesy of ValBeMar Specialty Coffee, at the Natural Products Expo West this past weekend, I had the coffee experience of a lifetime.

I had the chance to taste the most expensive coffee in the world – Kopi Luwak known as Civet Coffee. Those of you familiar with “The Bucket List” movie may remember a scene with Civet Coffee. The ValBeMar brand coffee is rare coming from the islands of Java, from the Ijen Mountains in East Java. Java is the original island where civet coffee was first discovered by the native farmers during the Dutch colonial times. The arabica bean coffee gets its unique properties from the local mammals that live in the trees. The Civets actually eat the ripe coffee cherries with ferment inside their stomach. The inner beans are not digested but excreted whole. The locals collect the whole beans which are then cleaned, roasted and ground the same as other coffee.

I know what you are thinking, how could anyone drink something that came through an animal? Let me tell you the coffee is exquisite! It is the coffee of dreams. The lovely Valerie of ValBeMar  Specialty Coffee (she is the Val), took the time to brew this amazing coffee. The process itself was like watching a science experiment. I had never seen a Vacuum Brewer before. Watching the water bubble from the bottom to the top then the coffee brewing back to the bottom when completed, had me completely mesmerized. I need one of these vacuum brewing systems.  Waiting patiently as the rich dark brew was being prepared was an aromatic treat. I could smell the boldness wafting in the air.

Finally a sip. My goodness the coffee is smooth and bold with a nutty chocolate flavor. It is so scrumptious it needs no sugars, creamers or any additives. The flavor was creamy with a wonderful lingering coffee aftertaste just as it is. It truly was the coffee taste I am always on the hunt for! I can honestly say I can cross tasting Civet Coffee off my bucket list. It is a coffee moment I will always treasure!

The ValBeMar Kopi Luwak coffee sells for $200.00 dollars for a 150gr box. Each box makes approx. fifteen 6oz. cups. I figured the little tasting sip I had was about $16.00. In some coffee houses in Europe, the Civet Coffee can go for as high as 80 Euro and up per cup! An 8 oz cup in the US goes for around $35 to $50 per cup! I recommend trying it at least once in your lifetime!

ValBeMar is bringing three exquisite and rare coffees from Indonesia to the United States. Each bean is hand roasted under the highest quality in small batches. You can order directly the coffees and accessories.

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Many thanks to ValBeMar for providing the review tasting.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. A sampling was received in order to write my honest review. The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way. Others experience may vary. Terms of Use.

Today 3/14 is Pie it Forward day at Abrams Books. A fabulous new cookbook featuring pies, tarts, tortes and more titled Pie it Forward redefines pie!

Gesine Bullock-Prado – the author of Sugar Baby releases this sweet treat of a cookbook. Inside the recipes include a new frontier of pies sweet and savory! Attempting to make a pie can be intimidating. Gesine provides her many tips to make pie life easier. Even more tips can be found on pieitforwardcookbook.com. Any pie eater and baker will tell you the crust is the key. In the basics are many different recipes for the perfect crust with amazing full color instructional photos.

What is your favorite type of pie? Are you a fruit pie or a cream pie devotee? My personal favorite pie is blueberry. For Pie it Forward day, Gesine is sharing her  Wild Blueberry Pie recipe. You can download a copy of the recipe as well as watch her make pie magic in her video demonstration.

The recipes are delectable! Try your pie making skills with German Apple Custard Tart or Sticky Toffee Pudding Tart. Savory pies such as Pork Pies, Cornish Pastries and Chicken Pot Pies sure to make hungry family members love pie for dinner! Once you master the scrumptious pie recipes, it is time to Pie it Forward. Take the skills you used in the early chapters then create masterpeices of stacked pastries and signature creations! It is a treat for the eyes as well as a pure edible delight!

I am loving the Wild Blueberry Pie recipe with at least a dozen others I would love to make. Sugar Cream Pie is requested by my hubby!

Look for Pie it Forward by Gesine Bullock-Prado coming soon in April.

Pie It Forward

Pies, Tarts, Tortes, Galettes, and Other…

By Gesine Bullock-Prado; illustrated by Tina Rupp

EAN: 9781584799634

Price: 29.95

Many thanks to Abrams Books for providing the review copy.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. Gratis product was received in order to write my honest review. The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way. Others experience may vary. Terms of Use.

There is a new gem in the world for shopaholics. The opening of Nordstrom Rack at the Outlets at Orange is today, March 1st!

I had the pleasure of browsing this gorgeous location with many other bloggers at a special pre-opening event. I can not believe how delicious the bargains are here. My goodness the shoe section has everything to fill your high heel dreams. Designer names like Steve Madden for amazing low prices. I picked up a pair of crystal studded heels that made me swoon. It truly is Shoe Heaven.

Making my way to the handbags, one of my obsessions, I spotted Kate Spade among other fabulous makers. One of my all time favorite bags is LeSportSac and I purchased one at a great price.

The clothes is where you could spend hours browsing. Lucky brand jeans and many more name brand styles at a fraction of the original cost. The racks were beautifully organized with plenty of items to select from. The store was so clean and well stocked. I liked they basket totes they offer to help with shopping. I kept wanting more and more! I found a new love while shopping here – Betsey Johnson. OMG – I found a laptop case from Betsey Johnsonville with a skull and a pink bow design. Love it! Then in the jewelry section there were more Betsey Johnson pieces. I kept going back to that section and new I had to get at least one – I picked out about four. Guess I will have to keep going back to see what new pieces come in.

Everyone of the friendly staff had smiles and were eager to help! A very interesting feature to help with your purchases, they have mobile checkout! Checkouts can e completed with handheld devices at several locations throughout the store. It really speeds up the checkout process and helps prevents long lines at the front checkout. The Nordstrom Rack store is located in the newly named Outlets at Orange in Orange, CA.

I plan on visiting often as new stock comes in all the time! Grab those credit cards and get shopping!

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Many thanks to Nordstrom Rack for providing the fun event.

Disclosure: A gratis shopping gift card was received in order to write my honest review. The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way. Others experience may vary. Terms of Use.

One of the ways to get an updated look to something is to spray paint it! Find a decorative item that you wish could be another color and grab a can of Valspar Spray paint to change the looks. One of the easiest (and frugal too) ways to create unique looks is to find something kitschy at a garage sale or thrift shop, spray it all one color! Valspar comes in a wide variety of colors to match any décor.

For a fun project, I found a few items at my local thrift shop. a couple cube shelves and a fence post box. Working with my bright pink Valspar Spray paint, I quickly transformed these already cute items into fun, vivid pieces! I liked the way the safety cap of the Valspar Spray can. It has a lock mechanism that needs to be twisted for operation. The finger trigger takes a lot less pressure to than other cans making it a breeze to continue your project. The cap accurately represents the spray color inside the can.  With more than 40 colors available, you can be as whimsy as you like! The paint dries pretty fast too!

Repurposing an item can make it a fun, practical ad useful conversation piece.

Here is how my project turned out:

I am using the fence basket as a magazine holder and the shelves are hanging in my bedroom for a pop of color! They turned out fantastic! I can’t wait to see what I can find to paint next.

Valspar has lots of creative ideas in their Ideas Library plus many how to videos and tips. If you happen to be on Pinterest, look for Crafts to find more ideas. Here is one I found for painting on a canvas with vinyl letters.

Make something old, refreshed with a new look. Don’t throw it away…paint it a new color with Valspar! Look for Valspar paint at Lowe’s nationwide.

Many thanks to Valspar for providing the review product.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. Gratis product was received in order to write my honest review. The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way. Others experience may vary. Terms of Use.

As many of us are making our health the one resolution this year…and every year, consider the vitamin supplements you are taking. Centrum introduced a new line of supplements – ProNutrients. I am excited about these to help balance my picky eating ways.

ProNutrients is a select line of supplements that works with your multivitamin. The combination is designed to enhance your nutrition.

ProNutrients Fruit & Veggie MiniTabs are 100% naturally sourced! Made from the goodness of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, plums, carrots, and tomatoes. These powerhouse fruits and veggies provide antioxidant properties.

ProNutrients Omega 3 MiniGels are smaller and easier to swallow than some other huge capsules. taking omega3 has been shown to support heart health, brain health and the eyes.

ProNutrients Probiotic  powder helps maintain digestive balance. With all the rushing around of the holidays, your system might need a boost from probiotics. They help maintain the good bacteria for healthy digestion. Too many cookies and treats… get your system back in balance with ProNutrients Probiotics.

Look for ProNutrients at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide. Check out ProNutrients on Facebook for a $5 off coupon!

Don’t forget to update your multivitamin too! Centrum Specialist offers a variety of vitamin formulas the help with specific needs.

Choose from:

Centrum Specialist Prenatal

Centrum Specialist Heart

Centrum Specialist Energy

Centrum Specialist Vision

Need help deciding your nutrition plan? Get started with an Assessment quiz to get pointed in the right direction for your supplements. Make your health a priority all year. Make 2012 your last time to make it a resolution – make it a lifetime choice! Let Centrum help you on your healthy journey.

Here is your chance to win!

ONE lucky reader will win one bottle ProNutrients of choice!

Thanks very much Centrum!

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I was a big fan of those sandwich makers that were so popular years ago. Since then I have graduated to a Panini Grill.

For a last minute gift idea check out the Oster 4 in 1 Panini Grill exclusive at Target. The Online price is just $69.99! It is available in stores too!

I had the chance to test out one of these versatile cooking appliances. I love the action of the Oster Grill. It can fully open 180 degrees to lay flat for a nice size griddle. The grill and griddle plates are removable for easy switching between grill or griddle. The removable plates make it very easy to clean too! The plates are dishwasher safe!

This versatile grill can be used as a contact grill with the included drip cups. I made chicken breasts using the grill plates and the high temperature setting. The chicken was done in just a short time. It sure was easier than starting up the BBQ outside. I made Italian Panini Sandwiches with a good Italian bread, tomato sauce and pepperoni with mozzarella. They came out delicious! The grill made the sandwiches just like the restaurants. This Panini grill will come in handy in the RV!

Changing the grill plates is simple with just a press of a button. The temperature controls on the front are easy to use for the perfect meal preparation. The non stick plates make food cooking a breeze. When making things like burgers – be sure to use the supplied drip cups to catch the grease. A cleaning tool is included to help remove any food from the plates.

The size is pretty generous! You can cook four large burgers at the same time in the closed contact position. Using it as an open grill, you can make pancakes on one side and eggs or sausage on the other side. Make your breakfast in no time!

Look for the Oster 4 in  Panini Grill at your local Target or order online! Save $10 this week!

Many thanks to Oster for providing the review product.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. Gratis product was received in order to write my honest review. The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way. Others experience may vary. Terms of Use.

My small zoo consists of two dogs and one cat. I am usually pretty good about maintaining the Cat Litter for freshness. The odor problem is under control except for the times I might be away for a couple days. Hubby won’t go near the box and the odor…well let’s say it lingers.

I have been using an organic biodegradable product to help with those offensive odors. NOse Offense is a spray that eliminates all pet odors from the air and fabrics. It is not a fragrance that just covers up the smells, it actually removes the smell! I keep it handy around the litter box for getting rid of odors on the spot. I spray it directly on the box itself and it really works!

The dogs have a favorite blanket which can get pretty ripe between washings. With a spray of NOse Offense, the blanket is once again fresh enough to be around! NOse Offense works equally as well on cat or dog odors!

I like the idea that NOse Offense is an eco friendly product. The fragrance free odor eliminator works on a scientific principle of odor conjugation. Whatever that is, NOse Offense has figured out how to effectively make the smells go away.  It is safe to use around people and pets! Many Clinical tests have been done to prove the products safety claims! It is so safe you can spray a little on a cloth to directly wipe down your pet. Great idea!

To purchase NOse Offense – order directly online. I like the handy 8 oz spray bottle. The prices are reasonable. As a multiple pet owner, NOse Offense has really made a big difference. No more worrying about offensive odors when company comes over.

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Many thanks to NOse Offense for providing the review product.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. Gratis product was received in order to write my honest review. The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way. Others experience may vary. Terms of Use.

I can never get enough Post-it Notes. I have lots of sizes and colors! I use them all over the house. Did you ever notice how sometimes the notes won’t stick to something? Post-it knows how frustrating that can be. They created a full adhesive Super Sticky Post-it just for those occasions.

The Super Sticky Full Adhesive Notes hold stronger and longer but will still pull off cleanly. These are great! With more adhesive on the back it really sticks and stays where you want it! The bottom of the note has no adhesive so you can grab hold of it to take it off. It is only a small strip which won’t make the note fall off prematurely.

Stick a pad to a notebook for access anytime. I placed some on my refrigerator for quick notes on the go. I have several around my desk for ideas I need to keep handy. The Super Sticky Full Adhesive Notes are perfect for stocking stuffers. For the office worker in your acquaintances, imagine their glee when they open a stocking filled with Post-it Notes and office essentials.

Grab a pad or two of Post-it Notes! You know how useful they are and the colors always bring smiles! Look for Post-it Notes products in the office section of your favorite retailer.

For something a little more personal – Consider the Post-it Personalized Notes with over 3000 different styles to choose from! Each of the styles can be customized. What a great idea to start the New Year! 123Print will custom make Post-It Notes in full color designs. These are real 3M Post-it Notes made just the way you want them! All a personal touch to your notes to brighten your office workspace. They come in two popular sizes – 4×3 and 4×6. 123Print offers Free Shipping too! The price of the customized Post-it start at just $6.95. I like the Scattered Shape Pattern! With 1000’s of designs to choose from – there is something for everyone!  Place your orders online for the Custom Post-It personalized Note Collection.

Many thanks to 3M for providing the review product and information.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. Gratis product was received in order to write my honest review. The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way. Others experience may vary. Terms of Use.