Bring the Farm to Our Tables - Tropicana Pure Premium 100% Florida Orange Juice

I was born and raised in a farming community in Iowa.  I long to see the fields of beautiful green sweet corn growing and the lush field of soy beans and alfalfa of yester years.  And I also miss our family’s very large and fertile garden.  We grew so many different varieties of veggies.  Nothing will compare to garden and farm fresh veggies.  I will never forget all the friendly and kind farmers that took pride in everything they did to raise the most healthy and pure crops to share with the world.   When we return to visit family still living in Iowa, it is refreshing to see things have not changed.

I know that there are so many more amazing farmers outside of Iowa and their beautiful fields, who take pride daily in all the fresh fruits and veggies they raise.  That is why I love to search our local grocery stores and farmers markets (along with caring for our small garden) for food items that exhibit these prideful and quality produce.   

We must not forget to think outside the box when it comes to supporting our American farmers.  We must continue to find ways to bring the farm to our tables.  And one way of doing that is finding different ways to enjoy farm fresh produce; like Tropicana Pure Premium 100% Florida Orange Juice.

Yes, Florida has hard working farmers that are continuously growing harvesting Oranges all the seasons long.  Did you know Tropicana uses 22 different Florida counties, mainly in southern and central Florida to raise their oranges in groves?  By using these different counties it allows Tropicana to harvest ripe fruit throughout the entire growing season because the different microclimates and soil types allows the oranges to be read at different times.

I was amazed to find out Tropicana purchases nearly 11.6 BILLION oranges from Florida each and every year!  I can’t begin to visualize how many sweet oranges that is! These 11.6 Billion oranges include two different varieties.  These varieties are Hamlin and Valencia.  It you are like me I have heard of Valencia before.  They are very flavorful with an intense color.  I had never heard of Hamlins.  I found out thanks to Tropicana, Hamlins can be a sweeter orange.  So by Tropicana combining these two varieties of orange it in turn creates their signature and unique Tropicana Pure Premium 100% Orange Juice.

It is refreshing that Tropicana has worked with Florida farmers for an extended time, some current farmer/growers for Tropicana began their relationship back in the 1960’s.  I was shocked to learn oranges have been grown in Florida since the 1560’s.  That means Florida has been growing oranges 147 years long that any other US state.

I wish I could visit Florida.  I would love to sample some juice straight from the orange itself.  Because many Florida farmer/growers sample fresh oranges by cutting them into a cup shape and drinking it warm juice from the orange.

Who knows maybe I will the luck winner of the Tropicana Sweepstakes (and win a free trip to Florida to an orange grove)?  Or maybe it will be you?  All you need to do is enter for a chance to win one-year-supply of Tropicana and a trip to Florida to visit an orange grove!! Just head on over to Tropicana on Facebook and like them today….then get busy entering!

Don’t worry if you don’t win the Grand Prize….99 winners will get a one-year supply of orange juice. For official rules and regulations, visit the “sweeps” tab on Tropicana’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/Tropicana

Good Luck and enter today!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Tropicana blogging program, to earn My SocialMoms Rewards Points. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.

Madelaine Chocolate Company Online. Make Easter Extra Sweet and Special with Chocolate.

Spring and sprung and Easter is only a few more "hops" away. 

Are you ready to celebrate this sweet and fun holiday?

It is not too late to order some amazingly smooth and creamy Easter Chocolate Treats from....

Madelaine Chocolate Company

I squealed with delight when I found out what a colorful and special line Madelaine Chocolate Company has available for purchase this year.  They so graciously sent out a wonderful assortment from their Easter line for review (and surprise my three boys with Easter morning...Thank you Madelaine Chocolate Company!) 

I think the best part is.....Madelaine Chocolate is affordable, yet very high in quality.  Which means you are in for an amazing smooth, rich and creamy treat. 

Oh!  I guess this is for Easter so I should have said your children or spouse or loved ones are going to be amazed and delighted (and you for the few that are enjoyed while preparing the perfect, eggtra special Easter Basket).  I had the opportunity last Summer to review and giveaway some of Madelaine Chocolate Confections..They were delicious and special.

Where do I begin this Easter journey?  Such a difficult and sweet task.

Did you know Madelaine Chocolate has a fun and unique Easter Game for sale that I have never seen before?

The Bunny Hop Hunt.  A fun game that involves solving rhyming riddles to figure out where the next treat is.  This game can be played with one or more children (or adults).

This Hoppin' Fun Chocolaty game comes with Milk Chocolate Truffle Filled Eggs, Caramel Filled Eggs, Crispy Eggs and Milk Chocolate Mini Rabbits...I knew after sharing the tasty de"tails" that you will want to sit in for a round of The Bunny Hop Hunt.

Yes, this game is the perfect basket stuffer, but what about all those colorful plastic eggs that need to be filled?  How about a HUGE 2 pound Bag of Assorted Easter Milk Chocolate Minis?

I was surprised at the wide variety of foil wrapped chocolate that came in this huge bag....eggs, chicks, bunnies...

Okay....you may not have children, so how about this gourmet option of FIVE Assorted Gift Bags?

Assortment includes: 6.5 ounces of solid milk chocolate eggs in bright springy floral foil. 6.5 ounces of rich dark chocolate eggs in jewel toned foil. 6 ounces milk chocolate and confectionery coated malt eggs. 5.5 ounces solid milk chocolate mini bunnies in cute tuxedo foils. 5 ounces Easter Dueggs™ Assorted flavors; peanut butter & raspberry in milk chocolate shell, strawberry & white chocolate truffle in milk chocolate shell, caramel & marshmallow in a milk chocolate shell.

I love how all these bags are perfect together or separate as gifts or Easter basket treats.

I must confess...I did sneak a few of these indulgent sweets, while photographing.  I was not disappointed.  Each and every bite was what I "egg"spected.  The dark chocolate eggs were so smooth and not bitter.  I loved them..they may not make it into the Easter baskets (sshhh....Don't Tell!).

I was concerned about the peanut butter and raspberry combination with the Easter Dueggs, but I should have know better than to worry.  Madelaine Chocolate Company definitely did their research...it was a spiritual combination!!!  The strawberry and white chocolate was so creamy and sweet.  It reminded me of a strawberry shortcake dessert in a small package.

I can't believe I am going to say this......BUT!!!!.......If you are not a "Chocolate Lover" ((((shutter))))....

Madelaine Chocolate Company offers a fantastic "White Chocolate" option this Easter called the White Chocolate Gift Set - (15oz Solid Rabbit and Egg Gift Bag).

I know...my photo shows more than just the smooth White Chocolate Easter treats....they looked to lonely and needs some "real" chocolate friends.

So who wants some Madelaine Chocolate Company Easter Treats????

Hop on over to their Website....Madelaine Chocolate Company and order right now!!

Receive 10% off your order by used Discount Code "spring10".

You can also connect with Madelaine Chocolate on Twitter and Facebook.

***Just a Friendly Reminder.....Mother's Day will be here before you know it!!  Don't forget Madelaine's Chocolate line to show your Mom how much you love her!***

Disclaimer: Madelaine Chocolate Company provided me with free
sample of their products to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free products.

A Toast To Champagne Thanks to Wine.com

I am so lucky to live in the middle of nowhere.  But, residing in such a unpopulated area can have its challenges that many times I over come with the internet and online shopping.

So let us give...... 

Brought To By Wine.com, Purveyors of Fine Wine and Champagne


If you enjoy champagne or wine don't let your lack of great stores in your area stop you from enjoying what you deserve!  That is why I love wine.com.  They have an amazing selection of wines in many different price ranges and even a wine club. 

I love how wine.com site is designed.  It is very easy to browse and find the perfect bottle to enjoy, delivered right to your door.  I currently love Riesling it is so light and crisp.  Wine.com has a vast selection of Riesling varieties.  What is your favorite wine? 

   

Grampa's Garden Therapeutic Products - Weighted Washable Body Blanket Review

Our family life can be a challenging up hill battle at times.  I know, that is what I should expect being a full time working mom of 3 little boys and a full-time employed night shift husband. 

But our challenges go way beyond a typical family's struggles.  Our middle son first of all suffers from asthma, eczema and allergies.  Not only does he have to deal with these daily medical issues, he also battles high levels of anxiety and worries. 

We have been doing everything in our power to help with his medical and emotional needs.  Our son's counselor suggested a weighted blanket to help him self soothe when he anxiety levels get to high and to the point of overload.  She said the weight of the blanket will help him fell safe and secure and help to calm his worries. 

First thing I thought was, what an excellent idea....but....where do you get such a thing.  Thank God for the gift of Google....it led me to an amazing company right here in the United States.

Grampa's Garden

Grampa's Garden was founded in 1993 to provide all-natural therapy and comfort products to help you and your loved ones live a healthy life. Their self-care products help relax, balance, and rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul.

Did you know most of Grampa's Garden self-care items are hand crafted right here in Maine by people who care about your health and protecting the environment.  Amazing!!!

I was excited to see the large line of products that I felt would be perfect for my son.  Products like Grampa's Garden new weighted snuggle snake, weighted washable bear, and the thera-bear.  

But, I decided to try Grampa's Garden Weighted Washable Body Blanket.  And thank heavens I did.  It is perfect!  It weights 5 pounds and there are small sewn squares all over of the blanket that help keep the Non-toxic Poly Pellets inside the blanket evenly distributed. 

Because Non-toxic poly pellets are used it allows for the blanket to be hand washed and hung to dry.  Just make sure you have enough time for the blanket to dry.  I know from personal experience it took a long time.  The blanket is the perfect size to snuggle up on the couch as it measures 30"x40".  The flannel outer shell has held up very well and it nice and soft, plus warm.

This weighted blanket has made a huge different in our son's life.  He actually goes and gets his blanket when he starts to feel overwhelmed. 

I am a believer!  Thank you Grampa's Garden for offering such a diverse line that meets the needs of children, adults and pets alike.

You can connect with Grampa's Garden on Facebook and/or sign up to receive their FREE Catalog.  And if you are anything like me and love bargains and sales...you can click here to find out what sales are going on over at Grampa's Garden. 

Disclaimer: Grampa's Garden provided me with free
sample of their product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product

Libby Lane Press Hippety Hop Easter Collection Giveaway / Review

Are you wanting to make the Easter Holiday Extra Special this year?

Extra Special, yet Affordable.......

Have you ever heard of Libby Lane Press?  They offer such an amazing selection of invitations, party banners and signs, and printable stationary to name just a few.

Libby Lane Press can help make your Easter "eggtra" special this year with their PRINTABLE Hippety Hop Easter Collection which includes the following items:

-"Bunny Hop" banner
-Party Circles (4 designs)
-Fold-over Favor Tags
-Patterned Paper
-Water Bottle Labels
-Lawn Signs
-Cupcake Wrappers
-Straw Flags
-Easter Basket Hang Tags
-Tent Cards (4 designs)

The printable sheets look like the image above.  Just make sure you have plenty of ink in your printer to help out on these Fun Easter Decorations. I love how personal these Easter decorations look and are  easy to assemble.

Did you know Libby Lane Press in on Facebook?  Stop over and like them today...which will also getting you in the running to win personalized invitations of the winner's choice from Libby Lane Press. 

Enter below for your chance to win.  Good Luck!!

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.

See's Chocolate and Candy Gifts

I little over a year ago, my husband and I had the amazing opportunity to spend a few wonderful days in California.  We had the chance to see and experience so many new and special things.  But, I must say being a self proclaimed foodie one of the best was all the food we ate and ate and ate.

The food was fabulous and so fresh!  I couldn't believe all the choices.  Of course I had to find some local chocolate to enjoy.  Oh!  See's Chocolate and Candy.  It is hard for me to select just one of See's numerous products to talk about, but I think it would have to be See's Toffee-ettes.  They were beautiful to look at and even better to eat.  The wonderful and buttery toffee was drenched in milk chocolate and rolled in Toasted Almonds.  Heaven!

Thank God even thought I am back home, I can still enjoy my See's sweets online at See's chocolate & candy gifts website.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of See's for Blogsvertise. All opinions are 100% mine.

OH NOOOO!!!

OH NOOOO!!!

Posted by Virgil Burks

It was last Sunday, on the last announcement of the Oscars—for best picture—and they announced, “the Artist!” on Cable tv. I let out a loud “NOOOO!!!!”. I hadn’t realized that I was getting into the Oscars as much that I was. I have never been one to really care for awards shows, but I had to watch because my favorite movie , “the Help”, was nominated in so many categories. Three actresses were nominated in two categories and the movie was up for best picture. I read the book when it came out and could hardly wait for the movie. When the movie came out, it did not disappoint. It made me laugh and it made me cry. Next to “Forrest Gump”, it may be one of my all time favorite movies. I haven’t seen the “Artist”, but I think that I may be too bitter to see it. I know that everyone raves about how the “Artist” was a genius movie, but personally, I don’t know how a silent film could even start to be as good as the “Help”. I just don’t think that it is possible!

Miracle-Gro Expand n Gro Giveaway

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
My Green Thumb is itching now that Spring and Sprung.  I can’t wait to get busy in my garden very soon.  I need to be patient, as our Nebraska weather is unseasonably warm right now, but I am sure we will at least get one more big snow fall.
I know this year I am going to try Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro™ Concentrated Planting Mix.  I am a huge fan of the Miracle-Gro line of products.  Every season it seems like Miracle-Gro come out with a new product that I can’t live without.  I am excited to see what Miracle-Gro with Expand ‘n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix will do for my plants and veggies.  We plant our tomatoes in large pots that this year will be filled with Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro.  I can’t wait to see if they grow up to 3 times the typical amount of tomatoes!
Did you know Miracle-Gro’s concentrated planting mix will expand up to 3 times its size when water is added!  Plus it significantly improves soil for multiple years.  Not only does it improve soil, it feeds for up to six months!
Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro is made with all natural fibers from the coconut that hold up to 50% more water than traditional potting soil.  This feature is necessary in my area, as our humidity is very low and we almost always lack the necessary moisture.
 **Expand ‘n Gro is available at lawn and garden retailers in the Midwest, Northeast and Texas. Please visit expandngro.com for in-store availability information. Also available at Amazon.com.

Who wants to win a sample size of Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix?

All you need to do is leave a comment sharing where you would use the sample if you won (ideas…garden, flower bed…flower pot…herb garden).  That’s all!  Good Luck and Happy Planting!

Giveaway ends 4/4/12 at 10:00pm MST.  Good Luck!
 

Rubbermaid 2 in 1 Recycler Bin Giveaway / Review $39.99 Value US and Canada Can Enter!

Welcome Spring!

I can't wait to start the task of Spring Cleaning around our house.  It makes me feel so refreshed and ready to turn over a new leaf.  One of our projects that have continued around our house no matter if the weather is nice and warm or cold and snowy is our quest to better the plant and reduce our carbon print.

My eight year old so is so passionate and diligent about making sure our recyclables are sorted and ready to be stored outside in large bins until our trip to the recycling center.  The challenge I have faced is finding room to conveniently store these items until they can make their way into the outside larger bins. 

Rubbermaid has solved this problem and has even made my 3 year old want to participate in the daily recycling routine!  Thank you Rubbermaid for sending us out one of your new Recycling products for Review and a Giveaway!! .......

Rubbermaid 2-in-1 Recycler makes recycling easy and exciting!

This two-unit bin allows you to either contain trash and recyclables all in one location or sort recyclables.   We are using ours to sort our cans from papers.

The top unit is perfect for collecting recyclables and has a fold away handle that makes it easy to take out and empty into your recycling bin. This top unit fits nicly on top of the lower bin and stays in place.  I love that the lid easily comes off for simple transport by the green handle to our larger outdoor bin.

The lower bin tilts out for easy access by gently stepping on the lower gray lip that rests on the floor.  My three year old gets such a charge out of this feature.  The bin holds an 8 gallon trash bag in place with the Liner Lock system.  The idea of the liner is perfect as sometimes our rinsed cans tend to still be wet. The lower bin quickly sides out from the unit for easy placement of the trash bag.

So who would like to win a Rubbermaid 2 in 1 Recycler Bin?  Raise your hand....

Enter for your chance to win below and Happy Recycling.

Disclaimer: Rubbermaid provided me with a free
sample of their product to review/giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review it if

I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or

sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Grocery store savings and coupons with Frugal Dad

I can't imagine how my life and the life of my family would be without using coupons and grocery store savings.  It sends shivers down my spine!! 
We would go without so much if I stopped searching for the best bargains.  Have you ever really thought about how much you do or could save if you started couponing today?  I know from personal experience, I can easily save $20 or more a week...yes in just one week.  So $20 a week x 52 weeks in a year = $1040!  Wow, to look at the saving on paper is huge and I do not consider myself an extreme couponer.

I truly enjoy sitting down weekly and checking out the ads to see if I can coordinate any of my coupons to get a product for little to no money.  I am able to purchase items, that without coupons I would not have the ability.  My children are even frugal.  I believe in teaching them young.  They will ask when we are shopping if something is on sale.  If we have a coupon and how much money did we save.  I am so proud of my boys.  I know these important life lessons in being thankful for what you have and getting creative to keep a family functioning on a limited budget will make them a well rounded adult.

I keep my children interested and active in our money saving quest, by letting them assist in clipping coupons from the Sunday paper or ones printed online.  After they are done clipping they know how to sort all of them into piles for what type of product the coupon is for.  Boy, this helps keep me more organized and saves a huge amount of time.  Time which can be spent getting other household chores done.

One of the biggest questions I receive from others who are interested in starting to find grocery store savings and coupons, is how do I find them?  Because if you can't find them, how do you save all the money?

One of my answers to this simple question is FrugalDad.com. This easy to navigate website features insights on coupons, career and money.  I love the wide variety of money saving tips, coupons, codes and even scholarships which are featured.  Have you ever visited this site?  I would love to know what you thought of it?

FrugalDad.com is just starting to branch into the grocery store savings and coupons arena.  I can't wait to see how this feature is going to blossom.  I know I will continue to check in and follow the progress.        

    

Mom's Dream...Wexy BPA Free Biodegradable Lunch and Munch Bags Review

As a mother of three young boys I am always on the look out for ways to make cold lunch days at school special, yet affordable and healthy.  I also challenge myself to find new ways to make snacking on the go more affordable, healthy and appealing.

I know, what lofty goals I have set for myself.  Have you ever really considered the expense of purchasing snacks on the go?  Typically it involves prepacked snack items, that at times can been very unhealthy and the cost per ounce is ridiculous compared to buying a full size item and portioning servings out yourself. 

The difficult issue with portioning out our own snacks is at times my boys refuse to eat these snacks as they are "not the same" as the prepackaged one....What can I say buy errrrr!  Total frustration!!!

Did you know there is an amazing, safe and affordable way to correct this issue that is MADE IN THE USA?

WEXY ....  Lunch and Munch Bags

Wexy bags are BPA Free and Biodegradable.  Each bag has a resealable top, so you can keep snacks safely inside the Wexy bag until it is time and zip Wexy bag back closed if there are some snacks leftover....Not to mention totally fun and unique drawings. 

Each box is full of Wexy bags with 4 different Funky Monsters.

Sammy the Surfer is gluten and dairy free!

Scout the Soccer Player love to cook healthy recipes for kids!

Bailey the Bubble Marker loves organic foods!

Dusty the Diver loves raw foods!

I love the strength of these environmentally friendly bags.  They hold up to little and big hands.  I enjoy the white color of the bags.  It helps hide what snacks I have prepared, so it keeps everyone guessing until it is time to enjoy.

Did you know you can purchase your own Wexy Bags direct from the Wexy Bags Website and even on Amazon.com.

Don't forget to show your support for this very useful, creative USA product on Facebook and Twitter!

Disclaimer: Wexy provided me with free
sample of their product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product

Hello Spring $800 Cash Giveaway!

Thanks for stopping by and Enjoy the chance to win some Fabulous Cash!!

Welcome to Hello Spring! Cash Giveaway hosted by Diva Fabulosa and The
Freebie Junkie !

Spring is here and it's time for new beginnings! We have teamed up with some fabulous bloggers to bring you a grand prize of $800 to help you start something you always wanted to do or get something you always wanted to have.

Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below in order to join this giveaway. Open to residents WORLDWIDE; 18+. Winner must have a PayPal account in order to claim the cash prize.

The first 3 entries are mandatory with the rest being optional, but of course the more entries
you complete, the greater your chances of winning this prize! This giveaway will end on April 21, 2012 @ 11:59PM (EST).

Please note that you only need to enter this giveaway ONCE since we are all participating bloggers are using the SAME Rafflecopter widget code.

If you have any questions or issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Mail Order Cheesecake from Cheesecake.com

Any big Easter plans? 

I find many times the adults are forgotten during this candy laden holiday.  But I just found a site that can transform you Easter Holiday into something very special and sweet for the grown ups too.

Mail Order Cheesecake from Cheesecake.com.  How perfect...gourmet cheesecake shipped directly to your door or a friend if you so choose.  Oh, the word choose, makes me think of the word choices...which are very challenging shopping at Cheesecake.com.  So many different varieties!  What should I pick?  Maybe the Turtle Cheesecake?  Or how about the New York Style?  No, I have decided!  I would love to get the Cheesecake Sampler. 

What cheesecake would you pick?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of  Cheesecake.com for Blogsvertise. All opinions are 100% mine.

Lady Soma ANTIOXIDANT Berry Masque Review

I love to spend an extra few minutes every day to try to do something just for myself.  It can be a challenge at times, with three boys running around the house.

But thanks to the help of Lady Soma, I now have a great new "me" moment that actually is making my skin feel refreshed and alive.

Lady Soma's Antioxidant Berry Masque feels and smells amazing!!!  It is full of antioxidant berries and Vitamins A, C, and E.

This easy to apply masque allows for a detox facial treatment using the antioxidant power of blueberries and cranberries, which enhance cellular renewal and collagen production.  It only takes 8 quick minutes (which is all the time I have a lot of days to spend on myself). 

The glycolic and alpha lipoic acids create a microdermabrasion-like effect that eliminates dead skin cells to reveal a fresh new layer....beauty in a jar!!

Thank you Lady Soma.  I also love that you carry many other beauty aids like Renewal Serum and Lady Mint Tingle Chapstick.

Lady Soma.....For Women.....By Women

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.

Golden Millstone's Organic Sesame Butter Giveaway / Review 2 Winners Total Value $29.90

Finding healthy and All Natural products continues to become easier and easier thanks to my computer.  I love social media and using the Internet to connect with and locate new products (what I mean by new is....new to me).

The other day I stumbled across a very unique and healthy alternative to peanut butter and subsitute in cooking and baking.

Golden Millstone Premium Organic Sesame Butter

I had no idea such and healthy and earthy product existed.  Did you know....

Golden Millstone's Organic Sesame Butter is the only sesame butter that is made purely from high quality sesame seeds grown in Ethiopia, ground in a traditional method with a 90-year old millstone (to preserve natural benefits), and packed in a glass jar (to avoid harmful plastics) with no additives whatsoever! 

Each serving of Sesame Butter is loaded with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals!  It may be loaded with all the good stuff, but don' forget Golden Millstone also leaves behind the bad stuff like added salt and sugar.

Golden Millstone sent me out a jar of their Premium Organic Sesame Butter to sample and review...plus they are going to send 2 lucky winners a glass jar of Sesame Butter to enjoy themselves!  So why don't you show them some love on Facebook?  Or order some Sesame Butter for yourself!

I was surprised at how beautiful and silky tan the color of the sesame butter appeared.  The aroma was very nutty and rich.  The jar I received was very liquidy but when I placed a spoon in the jar to sample a taste; the sesame butter easily clung on to my spoon.  The Sesame Butter was very smooth and velvety on my tongue.  It had a very complex flavor notes, including nutty, sharp and tangy.

I enjoyed adding honey to naturally sweeten the Sesame Butter in order to savor it on a piece of toast.  The honey mellowed out the complexity and made for a perfectly smooth and creamy spread.

Since the Sesame Butter was so liquidly, I had to try it in a Sesame Dressing that I created.  It incorporated perfectly and added a very rich and flavorful Sesame profile. 

1 (1/2-inch-thick) slice peeled fresh ginger

1/4 cup Golden Organic Sesame Butter

3 Tablespoons of olive oil

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons honey 

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon chili paste for a kick

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon salt

There are many recipes on the Sesame Butter website to create and enjoy, plus more nutritional information.

 Who wants to win a jar of Golden Millstone Premium Organic Sesame Butter?  Enter below for your chance to win 1 of 2 jars.

Good Luck!

Disclaimer: Sesame Butter provided me with a free

sample of their product to review/giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review it if

I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or

sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

SmartBones! Smart Alternative to Rawhide Giveaway for 2 Winners / Review $51.96 Appox. Total Value!!

As I dog lover and owner...I have had actually two very frightening experiences with Rawhide dog treats.  The first was when a large portion of a rawhide bone broke off and became lodge in our Corgi, Radar's throat.  Scary!  Scary! 

The second time and might I add LAST time happened when our Lab, Lucky couldn't pass the extremely long piece of rawhide he some home ingested....yes, lead to a very expensive vet bill.

The worst part is our dogs do enjoy rawhide.  But there is no way I will make that possible life threatening choice again.

That is how SmartBones have become a Dog Favorite at our home.

SmartBones are the Smart Alternative to Rawhide.

They are 99% Digestible....Vitamin and Mineral Enriched......and Veterinarian Approved!

I was excited to find a safe substitute for rawhide that my dogs enjoy and they DO NOT make a mess!!!  We have tried plenty of another treats.  Many of these have cornmeal as the main ingredient which make a HUGE sticky mess where ever they are enjoyed.  Not fun to clean up!

I was surprised how appealing the two packages of SmartBones we were provided to sample smelled.  One package was the large Peanut Butter SmartBones and the other was the Small Chicken Smartbones.  Both of these bones felt very smooth and NOT greasy...perfect no stains left behind!!

I love the variety offered by Smartbones including flavors and sizes to fit whatever size dog or dogs you have been blessed with as part of your family.

SmartBones have all the benefits of a rawhide chew...without the rawhide.  They are made with REAL CHICKEN and Vegetables.  Smartbones are longer lasting to encourage chewing with promotes healthy dental care.

I was pleased that our very aggressive chewer Lucky...actually had to work to chew his SmartBone.

Our little Radar, surprised us and made it through is little Chicken SmartBone before Lucky.

I would highly recommend this SmartBone Treat for your dogs.  I know personally we are going to order more direct from SmartBones website.  Did you know they offer an amazing shipping deal.  FREE SHIPPING on overs over $25!!

Don't miss out on all the Great Deals and Information on SmartBones Facebook page.

Win Mr. Wheat Case of Crispy Wheat Snacks Giveaway / Review $30 Value

Healthy and Addictive Grain Popping Snack!

Dear Mr. Wheat,

I wanted to write this letter (blog) to thank you for creating such a healthy and addictive All - Natural, Low Calorie, No Preservative or Additives snack which is made from Whole Wheat and High in Fiber!

How did you know I was in search for such a guilt free snack and so were my children?  Yes, my children.  The first day our Case of Mr. Wheat All Natural Crispy Wheat snacks arrived one entire bag of the Onion Garlic flavored Crispy Wheat disappeared into thin air (actually into the mouths of three little hungry boys!).

I totally understand how that happened.  The Onion Garlic variety of Crispy Wheat are wonderfully and strongly seasoned on one entire side.  What is there not to like?  Plus, they are perfectly light, airy and crispy.  Oh, did I mention the fact that each large Crispy Wheat round is ONLY 16 Calories! 

The two other savory Crispy Wheat flavors,Sea Salt and Original allow the natural Wheat flavor to shine through.  The Sea Salt helps to enhance the beautifully rustic wheat. I know Mr. Wheat!  I am sure you are already aware of what an amazing product you have produced, but I have to express my feelings to you today.

I was ecstatic to find out with our fantastic samples...along with the savory, comes the sweet.  Who knew Crispy Wheat snacks could be such a versatile canvas?  The Honey variety, had just a kiss of earthy sweetness from the honey.  Excellent choice Mr. Wheat!  The Caramel Crispy Wheat smelled much stronger than the taste.  But again was successful.  I was able to pick up the vanilla notes of the caramel dust....yes, it looked like sweet magical dust on each Crispy Wheat Caramel. 

Mr. Wheat the Apple Cinnamon Crispy Wheats were like a gourmet apple pie without the calories.  I can't wait to eat these as a pick me up mid morning.   

Thank you!  Thank you for creating such a Smart Snack Food that is Enjoyable to Eat and Share. 

Yours Truly and One of your BIGGEST Fans,

Colleen "Fishful Thinking"

Yes,  as you can see by my letter....I mentioned the word SHARE.  Mr. Wheat so generously has offered to giveaway and ENTIRE CASE of CRISPY WHEATS to ONE LUCKY PERSON.  The is a $30 Value!  Not sure what to do if you win the Crispy Wheats....check out all these amazing recipes!

Get a Jump of this Giveaway and Follow Mr. Wheat via Facebook and/or Twitter, which will help in your quest to be the winner.

"Mr. Wheat is dedicated to providing consumers with the most nutritious snacks, made from wholesome ingredients. We are committed to providing children and adults alike with snack foods that are satisfying, nutritionally beneficial, and all natural, not only without compromising taste, but with great taste!"

Disclaimer: Mr. Wheat's provided me with a free
samples of some of these products to review and giveaway I was under no obligation to review it if

I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free products.

Sensible Foods ...Crunch Dried Snacks Review...Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Calories

I have never been so excited about corn before in my entire life!  REALLY!!!

Trust me you haven't had corn like this before, unless you know about an amazing USA company...

Sensible Foods

Okay, before I give you the low down on my new addiction to Sensible Foods Sweet Corn.  Let me share some great facts about this USA company.

Sensible Foods is dedicated to bringing all of us the natural goodness and flavor of fresh fruit and vegetables year-round. They use their unique Crunch Dried ® process which removes the water while maintaining the fruits and vegetables cell structure, nutritional value and intensifying its natural flavor.

Enjoy 100% natural dried snacks while getting a daily serving of fruits or vegetables.

Sensible Foods are the perfect snack on the go....each package has a "tear here" notch which makes opening a bag or two very simple.  No refrigeration needed and there is an easy to read "Best by" date on each package.  I can't image any Sensible Foods product ever not being eaten by the "Best by" date.

Look at the HUGE line of Healthy, Easy to Enjoy, Store, Travel and Guilt Free Snacks!

Sensible Foods sent my boys and I a flavorful selection of their Crunch Dried Veggies and Fruit.  What a great idea for my boys lunch boxes or even a snack on the go at the park.

Yes...Veggies...Yes the CORN! THE CORN! THE CORN!

The Sweet Corn is so crunchy and sweet with a touch of added sea salt! Thank Goodness, they come in individual bags...it helps me with self control...even with this guilt free snacks (unless I feel guilty for hiding them from my boys!).

The Edamane (Soy Beans) were nice and light and full of crunch.  I enjoyed the saltiness and the natural earthiness that shined through with each crunch.  I appreciate that this snack is a good source of protein and fiber.

Not in the mood for these out of this world Veggies??  Well, Sensible Foods can help you out with a HUGE selection of Crunch Dried Fruits and Fruit Mixes.

The Apple Harvest was so simple and naturally sweet yet tart.  Each and every bite was nice, crisp and tasted like fresh apples.

Cherry Berry...the blueberries and cherries were my favorite out of this fruitful mix.  They just exploded in my mouth.  Delicious!  Also included in this fun blend was strawberries and apples.

Ready to experience a mouthful of Summer?

Enjoy Sensible Foods Tropical Blend.  Each bag is packed full of Apples, Bananas, Pineapple and Mango. 

Or how about the Banana Strawberry Blend?  This makes me think of a child friendly fruit salad without the mess. 

And last but most definitely not least.. Sensible Foods Orchard Blend.

Peaches, Apricots and Apples without peels and skins.  I love seeing the natural cuts of the fruits used. 

Each bag of Sensible Foods Fruits and Vegetables are:

• 100% Crunchy Fruit or Vegetable and Nothing Else®
• No Added Sugar
• Under 85 Calories Per Bag
• Low Fat Gluten Free
• Kosher Certified

Purchase your own Sensible Foods today, direct from Sensible Foods website.  Don't forget to sign up for their newsletter.  How about Facebook....Like Sensible Foods and watch for your chance to win some FREE Sensible Foods!  And keep up to date with Twitter!

Disclaimer: Sensible Foods provided me with s free
samples of their products to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free products.

Help get ECOstore on the shelf...Vote Today!

Just a few weeks ago I reviewed some amazing eco friendly products from ECOstore.

I found out ECOstore is in the running to be featured at Wal-mart with their "Get on the shelf" contest.

Please help get these eco friendly products that are made in the USA on the shelf by voting today...and everyday!

Click here and vote!

Dale and Thomas Easter Popcorn Sampler Giveaway $24.95 Value

Easter is just a few short hops away....

Are you ready?

Why not make Easter unique and special this year with the help of Dale and Thomas Popcorn.

Did you know they have a wide line of products they carry and even many speciality ones just for your Easter Holiday.....samplers, towers, and tins!!


Dale and Thomas's Easter four pack sampler includes four of their most popular flavors beautifully wrapped up with a bow and a "Happy Easter" message.

A delicious way to send your Easter greetings! This delightful 4 pack sampler includes the following footlong bags of gourmet popcorn: Chocolate Chunk N'Caramel, Hall of Fame Kettle Corn, Peanut Butter and White Chocolate DrizzleCorn, and White Cheddar and Black Peppercorn. All of our popcorn is gluten free and kosher OU-D.

I can say from personal experience you will not be disappointed with Dale and Thomas. Each and every bite is fresh and crunchy. The popped kernels are huge and I LOVE the fact there are not many popcorn hulls. All the perfectly popped kernels are coated to perfection with whatever flavor they are blessed with.

Which one of the four flavors  would you try first?......

Don't forget as that is one entry to get you closer to having this amazing Dale and Thomas Popcorn delivered to your home in the 48 Continental US States...No PO Boxes!

Yes, that is right!  Dale and Thomas is going to bless one of my lucky bloggy friends with their own Easter Four Pack Sampler, A $24.95 Value!!! 

Go ahead Like Dale and Thomas on Facebook....which counts as an entry!!!  And look below for the Rafflecopter Form to enter today.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!

Learn more about Dale and Thomas Popcorn on their website and order some today.

Disclaimer: Dale and Thomas provided me with a free
samples of these products to review/giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or
sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Zeke's Butterscotch Candy Giveaway / Review $25 Value ... Zeke's Sweet Bites Club....Lucky Clover Event

Let the Luck of the Irish be with you this St. Patrick's Day.....

I see into the future that one of my lucky bloggy friends is going to win a GOLDEN BOX OF ZEKE'S BUTTERSCOTCH CANDY....A $25 VALUE!!

A beautifully packaged box of Zeke's butterscotch candy.

Zeke's Candy Company, formerly Cotton's Candy Kitchen Co., is owned and operated by Sheila and Jeff Cotton in Cedarville, Ca. and has been in operation since 1988. The two candy connoisseurs have been making vintage candy, specifically real butterscotch, from a family adaptation of a recipe dating back to the 1800s. Through hard work and love of sweetening peoples days, Zeke's Candy shop continues to grow and experiment with all things butterscotch.


Zeke's flagship product is real, homemade butterscotch. The company brings the authenticity of the old-fashioned candy from the hills of California right to your doorstep. This isn't butterscotch you buy at the grocery store. Its unique flavor comes from fresh ingredients, not artificial flavoring made in a laboratory.

Zeke's sent me out an amazingly sweet treat of their Homemade Butterscotch to sample and review.  I love there motto....."Suck, Don't Chew".  Heed this warning as Zeke's Butterscotch is full of rich flavor, but can get stuck in your teeth, or "choppers" as Zeke's says. 

I enjoy letting a piece of Zeke's golden goodness melt in my mouth.  The flavor continues to deepen the warmer the piece of Butterscotch becomes.  I wish everyone could enjoy a piece or two or more of Zeke's Butterscotch candy...you can truly taste the homemade difference.  Wait you can....purchase your own today and if you are feeling lucky...enter to win some below and enter to win more great giveaways with all the links to the Lucky Clover Event thanks to the assistance of Andersons Angels and Joy of Momma Joyner.

ALSO… Visit either one of the two host blogs linked above and find a CASH GIVEAWAY valued at $80! EASY to enter on a Rafflecopter form!

Did you know...Zeke's Candy Company has been busy cooking up new recipes in its kitchen. Eager to share with fellow candy enthusiasts, Zeke's is introducing the Sweet Bites Club, allowing members to be the first to taste and review the company's new sweet creations.

Sign up on Zeke's website to become a participant in this exclusive program or give a membership as a gift for that sweet-toothed friend of yours. For only $19, members are mailed three delicious packages of freshly made candy over a 90-day period. Ground shipping is always free for our Sweet Bites Club mailings.

Zeke's want Sweet Bites Club members to be involved in the expansion and evaluation of our new candies, says Shelia Cotton, owner of Zeke's Candy. Each month we carefully select a delectable new sweet to satisfy your candy fix and encourage members to fill out the accompanying feedback card and share on Facebook which new treat is your favorite.

Each month Zeke's will reveal a new treat on Facebook and allow new testers to join the club and review new treats.

Zeke's Candy Company is on Facebook and Twitter.  

Disclaimer: Zeke's Candy Company  provided me with s free
sample of their product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose or host a giveaway. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.