Sunday, November 30, 2014

Love with Food November Box


Who wouldn't love to get a box full of healthy goodies every month? Love with Food offers just that. I get a box every month full of goodies that are either organic, gluten free, nonGMO, or with no preservatives.


My son already recognizes the box when it comes. He can't wait to dig in and see what's inside!

fruit bliss , jer's chocolates , Whole Spice seasoning, Biscotti by marlo's , truffles by guylian, LAIKI rice chips, Chipz Happen

Every month there are new goodies to try. This month had 8 different goodies from different companies and a code for new members to get a box for cheap! Love with food also donates a meal on your behalf to help a hungry child in the U.S.

Each month the goodies are theme based. This month's box was named, "Baby it's cold outside."

Dried Mini Figs by Fruit Bliss
These are vegan, nonGMO, and organic! My son loved these little figs, which is surprising because I bought figs and he wouldn't eat them!

figs by Fruit Bliss vegan nonGMO organic

State and Capitals Educational Snacks by Dick & Jane Baking Company
These are educational cookies with state and capitals imprinted. These were my least favorite. My hubby described that it tasted like chalk.

LAIKI Red Rice Chips by Grains of Health
These little Cheeze-It sized rice chips are nonGMO, gluten free, and vegan! They're company is trying to make snacks, where you don't have to read labels. Everything is right on the front! My son ate these up while watching Super Why.

nonGMO gluten free, vegan

Cinnful Sweet Heat Tortilla Chips by Chipz Happen
These surprisingly mix of spicy and sweet  chips are gluten free, nonGMO, and vegan! I loved these chips, but my son sneaked them out of the box while I wasn't looking.


Midnight Soft Baked Biscotti by Marlo's
Biscotti are usually hard, which deters me because of my fragile teeth. But this one was softer than most, so that was delightful. These pair great with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. This was hubby's favorite snack this month.

Milk Chocolate Peanut Cluster by Jer's Chocolates
These reminded me a little of the candy bar Take 5. They are so delicious and full of flavor! One of my favorites this month.

Truffles by Guylian
These truffles were the best truffles I have had in a long time! These seahorse shaped truffles remind me of artisan style chocolate that just melts in your mouth.

All Purpose Seasoning Salt by Whole Spice
This was my favorite item in this month's box. This mix had chili, garlic, tumeric, and black pepper.  This pouch has gone a long way. I made rice in the crock pot and seasoned it with it. We also seasoned our Thanksgiving turkey with it! Last night I made roasted potatoes with this mix as well. This seasoning was full of flavor!




November's box also came with some coupons and a magazine called Every Day full of recipes.

Today (11/30/2014), get $10 of your Love with Food box. Just pay $2 for shipping! Use code : HOLIDAY14

Friday, November 28, 2014

Gurin High Accuracy Bathroom Scale



When you are trying to lose weight, you need dependable products to help you along the way. One of the products I use is a scale. I have gone through many different scales, but my favorite kind are digital. I was glad I received The Gurin Bathroom Scale. It is sleek and looks fancy as far as scales go.



The Gurin Bathroom Scale is a large sized scale that measures up to 400 pounds. It is made out of thick tempered glass for sturdiness. The LCD screen has large numbers with a bright light blue background for easy reading.  My favorite feature is that I don't have to tap it to turn it on; I can simply step on top of the scale and it quickly measures my weight.

Con: I did not like how bright the LCD Screen was. It's a magnet for my toddler. It screams "play with me!" 

The scales awesomely comes with the batteries needed, so I don't have to do any extra shopping. The box also came with a long measuring tape device. This is also great for people trying to lose weight.

I love that the scale comes with a 100% money back guarantee.  I've received many scales in the past that have come faulty, so a money back guarantee is just lovely.


Right now you can buy this scale for under $25 on Amazon!  Click here.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Easy Fluffy Homemade Bread + Gurin Kitchen Scale Review




I received a Gurin Professional Kitchen Scale to review!  This is the perfect kitchen scale for someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen.

The scale comes in handy for people who are looking to weigh out their snacks and food for lose or maintain weight. You can easily see how many grams you are eating. You place your bowl on top, and zero out the weight before adding your snacks, so you don't have to do any math.



It displays the weight in grams, fluid ounces, pounds & ounces.  It measures from .05 ounces to 12 pounds 10.8 ounces! The scale has reflective black tempered glass, so it is strong. I did notice the button is very sensitive. it will even turn on if anything is accidentally placed on top of it.

You can purchase the scale on Amazon. Click here to check it out.

I decided to test out the scale by using my "go-to" bread recipe. This recipe is by far my favorite sandwich bread recipe that i have used. This recipe is adapted from Roxana's Home Baking. Homemade bread is a staple in our household. My family loves it and it readily disappears by the morning. I like knowing the ingredients that go into what my family eats, and store bought bread just doesn't cut it. Plus the smell fresh bread leaves your house with is amazing!



This recipe makes one loaf, which is perfect for our small family. 1.6 pounds! You can separate the dough  into two loaves, but we like large slices for sandwiches.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup warm water
1Tbsp dry yeast
4 Tbsp sugar, separated
1 egg
1 tsp salt
4 Tbsp butter, room temperature (I slice it into 1/2 Tbsp)
1/3 cup Lactaid Milk (Regular whole milk is fine, but my son is lactose intolerant)
3 1/2 cups bread flour + extra (I like King Arthur Flour)



First thing is to combine the warm water, yeast, and 2 tbsp of sugar. Leave this in a warm place to proof (5 minutes).

Next, measure out 2 cups of flour. Add the yeast mixture, and cover with 1 cup flour. Add the egg, salt, and sliced butter. With a wooden spoon, mix everything well. It will start looking mushy. but that is perfect. 



Add 1/2 a cup of flour and start kneading the dough in the bowl with your hands. 



Add some flour to your counter top and drop the dough on top. Start forming the dough into a ball. Place it back into the bowl, cover with a paper towel or saran wrap, and let it rise for one hour.



After the dough has risen, punch down the dough into a rectangle shape. Fold the dough like a letter. Place the dough into a buttered bread pan and tuck in the sides. This will result into a smooth top when the bread is done. 



Preheat the oven to 375 F and allow the bread to rise for another half hour. 



Bake the bread for 30 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into it.  Ok, my family rarely allows it cool down because we LOVE warm fresh bread. But if you want to make perfect slices for sandwiches, your best bet is to allow the bread to cool down. 




So there you have it folks! This is honestly my most used recipe for sandwich bread. I have tried so many recipes, but this has been by far my family's favorite. The texture is perfect for peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, and for meatier sandwiches as well. What is your favorite thing to cook from scratch?




I received one or more of the products mentioned above in return for a review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Quick and Easy Mini Quiches


We were hungry one night, and we needed to do something with the 2 boxes of eggs I had in the fridge. So I had an idea to make mini quiches for my family. This was quick and easy, and I didn't have to make any sort of dough.


Mini Quiches

Ingredients:
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1 thick carrot. shredded
1/3 cup cheddar cheese
1/3 cup mozzarella
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup spinach
Salt
1 container Pillsbury biscuits (10 biscuits)


Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prep muffin pan with baking spread. Open the can of biscuits.

2. Carefully spread each of the biscuits flatly. Once each biscuit is flat, fit each biscuit into each muffin slot.  This will acts as the crust. Place in the oven for 5 minutes.




3. On the stove cook the mushrooms and carrots. Add a pinch of salt. Add cut up spinach. (You can add any other vegetables you would like). Remove from heat.



4. Once the biscuits are done, take them out and with a spoon, flatten out the dough, forming a cup shape.


5. In a bowl, beat the eggs and milk. Add the cooked vegetables and the cheeses. Mix well.


6. Add the mix into each muffin slot, make sure not to overfill above the dough.


7. Cook for 20-25 minutes.




My family loved these. My son who won't eat eggs was devouring it! You can add ham or cooked bacon to it. This makes 10 muffin sized quiches.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Upcoming Reviews

Over the next few weeks I have a number of reviews to come. This is a sneak peak of what you will see!


Angie's Boom Chicka Pop

Love with Food November Box

Gurin Professional Kitchen Scale

Gurin Bathroom Scale

Liztec Shower Speakers

Konjac Facial Sponge

Total Hair Repair Oil

The Lovely Candy Company (GIVEAWAY)

Element Bars

Ozeri Savore Pepper Mill

Star Kids Snack & Travel Tray


Star Kids Products is an innovative children's product manufacturer that specializes in making fun and safe products for busy, traveling families. 


They specialize in safe and easy-to-clean products to make life easier when traveling with children whether via car on road trips, railroad or by plane.



It is made out of Nylon to make it completely safe and easy to clean.

This tray would be perfect for my toddler who loves playing with his cars on car trips. This would be great for when he gets hungry and i don't want him to drop his snacks by accident.



The Snack & Play Travel Tray is ideal for short and long trips. Use the Travel Tray anywhere you go with your car seat, even airplanes! Travel tray makes a great gift. Snack & Play Travel Tray can be purchased through their retail network.



The Snack & Play Travel Tray is made of a soft, durable, 100% Nylon. It includes buckles either around the child or the stroller, has large mesh storage pockets on the side and a 2 inch wall to stop food and toys form falling to the floor. 

Connect with Star Kids: http://www.starkidsproducts.com/

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Amari Vitamin C Serum with Organic and Natural Ingridients


I have dry skin, specially on my forehead. I usually do not use facial moisturizers as they usually irritate my skin. I decided to try Amari's Vitamin C serum because it uses organic and natural ingridients. 



As soon as I opened up the bottle, you can smell the oranges. The texture looks thick, but using the spray, it comes of misty. It is not oily on your skin, but it gives a great amount of moisturizing effect.
I like using this when I go in sunlight. It gets very humid in Florida, so using a spray like this comes in handy. I like to keep it in my diaper bag. It keeps me refreshed, while rejuvenating my skin. My skin has been less dry after about a week of using the product.




You will want to hold the spray bottle about a foot away from you, as it comes off as a strong surprise if you hold it closer.

"Combination of the most powerful herbal and organic ingredients along with 20% Vitamin C provide up to eight-fold antioxidant protection, 96% percent reduction of sunburn cells, and prevents new formation of free radicals in skin exposed to sun. Vitamin C Suspended in a concentrated base of pure vegan hyaluronic acid to plump skin cells and protect and restore. This serum is a concentrated delivery system for the highest form of active, bio-available Vitamin C for beautiful skin."
- Hydrated and Moisturized skin
- Lighter and brighter complexion
- Reduced photo damage and scarring
- Boost healing properties of skin
- Improved collagen synthesis
- Reduced Inflammation


You can buy it here : Amazon

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.

Sky Zone Fort Lauderdale



Have you been to Sky Zone yet?




Sky Zone is this cool indoor trampoline playhouse. They even have "Toddler Time" for children under 40 inches to jump around, which is fabulous for us since my son has what seems to be  unlimited amount of energy. Think of it as a trampoline room where your kid's can jump and do tricks to their hearts desire! Who knows, I might even jump around!



Sky Zone Fort Lauderdale is the ideal combination of Fun and Fitness, appropriate for almost any age or ability level. Soar high on our main court the sky is the limit, try your best trick into our foam pit and Sky Slam basketball, or challenge your friends in a thrilling trampoline-based game of Ultimate Dodgeball!


You can even host a birthday party, and not have to worry about a thing. I know as a mom of a toddler, the last thing I need is to remember to buy paper napkins or plates on top of all the other things I have to buy. They will take care of all of that! 


Located in Pompano Beach close to I-95 and Atlantic Blvd. $50 OFF BIRTHDAY PARTY OR EVENT - Book in advance. Terms and conditions apply. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer only valid at Sky Zone Fort Lauderdale
Check them out here: Sky Zone

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Hidden Valley Ranch It Up Party



I got an exclusive offer from Crowdtap to host a Hidden Valley Ranch Party. They sent me a box full of goodies to get the party going!



In the box came :
A X"Team Ranch" shirt,
A full sized bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
13 packets of Hidden Valley Ranch  Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix,
1 Party insert with activities and coupons
And these nifty little plate dip holders.



These individual dip cups are so adorable. They are so clever! You simply slide it on the plate, and pour whatever dip you want. Now no one has to deal with germs, and everyone can double dip! This is awesome for any type of party.



I started my party by cooking chicken wings in my crock pot. Then as my party goers each brought some ingredients as to what they thought would go great with ranch! We had baby carrots, asparagus,  mashed potatoes, salad, breaded chicken, and steak!


Crock pot Spicy Ranch Wings

Ingredients:
About 25 chicken wings
23 oz bottle Franks Hot Sauce (Half a bottle needed)
One packet of Hidden Valley Ranch
Fresh cut basil
  1. Place your clean chicken in the crock pot, and cook on high for 2 1/2 hours.
  2. Remove pot from the crock pot, and drain juices from the pot. 
  3. Pour half the bottle of hot sauce, basil, and the packet of Hidden Valley Ranch. Carefully mix thoroughly, as the chicken may be tender. Return to the crock pot and cook for another half hour.
  4. Set your oven to Broil on HIGH.
  5. Carefully move each piece of chicken from the crock pot onto a nonstick pan. The chicken will definitely be tender and will be falling of the bone. Place in oven for 8-10 minutes
  6. Chicken is done! You can drizzle the rest of the hot sauce if you like them extra spicy.




Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Big Slice Kettled Cooked Apples + Giveaway



I'm always looking for healthy snacks for when I don't want to go to the kitchen to eat. It is difficult to find healthy snacks with unnecessary ingredients. All snacks I have seemed to find are small, tasteless, or leaves me unsatisfied.



Then, these wonderful snacks found their way into my life. Big Slice are little convenient pouches filled with delicious apples. All their products are made from real, gluten free ingredients. Most flavors are under 100 calories, so it is a guilt free snack that actually fills you up. My favorite part is that they are non GMO and have no high fructose corn syrup.


Big Slice has 16 different flavors in three different collections; pure, fit, and luxe. They come in 4.5 oz convenient pouches that you can take to work, park, or put in your kid's lunch box. It comes in handy when we go out and I need a snack to fit our baby bag.



There are so many ways to eat them. Add a pouch to your ice creak or frozen Greek yogurt, pancakes, oatmeal. My favorite way to eat these delicious apples is to grab a spoon and eat them right out of the pouch. They also carry a 19 oz sharing size!







I received eight different flavors, and my family and I loved them.

Big Slice pure natural : These is the original recipe. You can taste the non GMO apples. It is full of flavor and taste just like homemade apple pie filling.



Big Slice pure blueberry pomegranate : My son loved this one. The blueberries were so soft and fit in great with the pomegranate.

Big Slice luxe boysenberry chocolate : I have to say, these were my least favorite.
I'm not a huge fan of chocolate, so I'm sure that played a part into it.



Big Slice fit raspberry hibiscus & green coffee extract : I'm a suckered with anything with raspberries. You can smell the raspberry as soon as you open the pouch. It smelled like heaven. It tasted like it too.

Big Slice pure cherry vanilla : My son loved this pouch as well. This one would go great on top of ice cream.



Big Slice fit pineapple passion fruit & fiber : I cannot say enough about this pouch. It was my favorite. It smelled great. The tiny bits of pineapples were so soft and delicate. This decadent combination is a winner.



Big Slice fit banana mango & hemp seed : My son and I ate this one together. It tasted great, but the hemp seeds felt weird in my mouth. I suggest to skip this one unless you have eaten hemp seeds before.

Big Slice luxe cinnamon french toast : My whole family loved this one. It is AMAZING. This is a family favorite, so we bought a few of these on our last trip to Target.

The bag says to grab a fork, but I suggest grabbing a spoon instead. You will need it to scoop up the delicious juice that is left after all the apple pieces are eaten.

Now comes the fun stuff! This is my very first giveaway! You can get your chance to win all of these yummy snacks I mentioned above. Scroll down to enter. If you don't win, then you can find these delicious snacks at Target.

Comment below with which one you think would be your favorite!

Connect with Big Slice :
Facebook
Website and store locator



Big Slice Kettle Cooked Apples


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