Holiday GG 2011 Reuseit

Recently I discovered a new site that offers reusable products that are great for every day.

After looking through the wide variety of products they offer I was excited to be given the opportunity to review 2 products from the Food & Beverage Preparation section of their site.

The Orka by Mastrad Popsicle Molds, Set of 4

These are great for Shane and I to make homemade popsicles.

Features
Set of 4 molds - designed to make homemade ice pops
Small serving size is perfect for sensible portions and for kids
Stand allows for easy transport to/from freezer & prevents tipping
Cup-shaped base catches drips as you eat
Silicone tab on ice pop mold for easy removal
Recipe booklet included
Freezer and dishwasher safe
BPA-free
5-year manufacturer warranty

The Takeya 2.0L Airtight Fruit Infusion Jug

I have been drinking a lot of water lately and what a neat way to switch it up by using this jug to infuse fruit flavor in my water.

Features

BPA-free, also free of phthalates
Flavor beverages naturally with fruit
Soft grip handle adds a splash of color
Airtight lid with built-in screen
Stain & odor-resistant
Safe for hot & cold beverages
Locks in freshness, won’t spill or leak
Slim design fits in most refrigerator doors
Dishwasher safe

Check out Reuseit HERE to see all the great products they offer. I am sure you'll find many great items for the people on your Holiday list this year.

Cheerios Helping Military Families +GIVEAWAY

When our troops are called to serve, their families must rise to meet the challenges of service as well. To thank them, Cheerios® and the USO have partnered in a postcard campaign that spreads Cheer directly to these honorable military families and supports USO programs.

Here’s how it works:

Now through November, 2011 at your local grocer, specially-marked boxes of Cheerios cereal will feature Cheer postcards on the front of the box. Consumers can simply cut out the postcard from the Cheerios logo, write a message of thanks on the back, add a stamp and mail the pre-addressed card to the USO. The USO will deliver the Cheer card to military families across the country.

For each postcard received through November 2012, Cheerios will make a $1 donation to the USO to help fund programs that support military families.

To kick off the campaign, Cheerios has already donated $150,000 to the USO and will donate up to an additional $100,000 based upon the number of postcards received from specially marked boxes now through November 30th, 2012.

Sending a “Cheer” postcard is a simple way to say thanks and lift the spirits of our country’s military families. So, take a moment out of your day to spread some Cheer and send a message of thanks!

Cheerios has offered one of my readers a prize pack that includes
1 Cheerios cereal bowl
1 Cheerios cereal spoon
1 cereal dispenser
1 “Cheer” box of Cheerios

Holiday GG 2011 Jiffy Steamer

Want a unique gift option for the person that has everything or the photographer in your life.

Jiffy Steamer

Jiffy Sent me the J-2000 steamer to review. It's a Personal Steamer that is very useful. It helps around the house with all kinds of things including removing wrinkles in clothing, bedding and even can help remove wallpaper.


I can attest to the fact it does all of the things above plus for a photographer like me it also is a life saver in getting wrinkles out of my backgrounds so my pictures look neat and clean.


The Jiffy J-2000 steamer is made for home or light commercial use. It has a unique high-impact plastic housing for durability and wheels that swivel for mobility. The J-2000 heats up in just 2 minutes and will offer a 1.5 hours of steaming per filling with a convenient gallon water caddy that fits securely into the base of the steamer.

This steamer retails for $219.00 and is worth every penny.

Jiffy Steamer also offers many other steamer options including a travel, professional and hat steamers. All steamers are Made in the USA.

Check out all the Steamers they offer HERE

Holiday GG 2011 Lego review and Giveaway

Legos are favorite of all kids. Shane loves his Legos and is especially interested in Lego city.

I like Legos because the promote creativity, imaginative play and other skills.

Lego's has come a long way since I was a kid. They now make different sets for different age groups.
They have The

-Duplo sets for 18 months and up. These sets come with bigger legos and animals and cars. All bigger pieces to prevent choking and encourage play.

-Bricks and More sets for 4+ years. These are regular sized legos featuring classic lego bricks and elements.

-Creator sets for ages 6+ these sets encourage model creation with step by step building instructions. Most of these sets are 3 in 1.

-Technic sets for ages 8+ years. These sets are for advanced builders with challenging and engaging functional models that mimic the real world counterparts. Some models even have power.

Lego also offers many Themed sets such as Atlantis, Space Police, and Star Wars just to name a few.

The favorite sets in this house are the Lego City. Lego city for ages 5+ are Evergreen themes around everyday, downtown heros and iconic models packed with building and role playing value.

We were very excited to review the Lego CITY Speed Boat and Fishing Boat. These are both great additions to any Lego city set and make great stocking stuffers.

The Lego City Speed Boat has 34 pieces and includes a sailor minifigure with lifejacket.

The Lego City Fishing Boat is 64 pieces and includes a sailor and fisherman minifigures, fishing rod, fish, coffee cup, 2 life vests, binoculars and a
shark figure.

Geared towards all ages No matter what kid you are buying for this year there is a Lego set that will be just perfect.


Lego has been kind enough to offer one of my readers a Lego CITY Speed Boat and Fishing Boat.

Dress up your Salad and more with Marzetti Simply Dressed Salad Dressing

One of my favorite things to have with dinner is Salad. In fact at least once a week I make salad my entire dinner. It is such a staple in our house. Its simple, healthy and can be made a variety of ways so you don't feel like you are having the same thing over and over.

Sometimes when I have time, I like to make my own homemade salad dressing. With time not on my side most days, I can't do that and so I look to a pre-made dressings to complete my salad.



I don't like just any bottled dressings. I like dressings that are made with natural ingredients that would be closest to homemade. This way I am providing my family with a dressing that is not artificial and unhealthy. I was so excited when I was recently given the opportunity to try Marzetti Simply Dressed Salad Dressings and I fell in love with right away.

Marzetti Simply Salad dressings come in 10 flavors/varieties and are made with a minimal number of all-natural, simple ingredients, such as extra virgin olive oil, canola oil and sea salt.

Simply Dressed® Balsamic
Simply Dressed® Blue Cheese
Simply Dressed® Caesar
Simply Dressed® Champagne
Simply Dressed® Coleslaw
Simply Dressed® Ginger Sesame
Simply Dressed® Greek Feta
Simply Dressed® Pomegranate
Simply Dressed® Ranch
Simply Dressed® Strawberry Poppyseed

every one of these dressings EXCEPT the Ginger Sesame is gluten free.

I am seriously in love. Marzetti Simply Dressed Ranch Salad Dressing is the best Ranch dressing I have tried to date. It smells amazing and is very creamy. Not to thick but not to thin either. It tastes so good on my salad with the perfect blend of seasonings. We love it so much in our house, we also use it as a dip for carrots, cheese sticks, chicken strips and other food items that can be dipped.

My other flavors I have tried so far are the Simply Dressed® Balsamic and the Simply Dressed® Champagne.

The Simply Dressed® Balsamic is great for cooking. I used it this week to marinade some chicken and it turned out excellent. Even my son who is a picky eater ate his whole piece of chicken. The whole piece!

I love the Simply Dressed® Champagne on my salad and I think it would make a great dressing option for a salad for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner this year. In fact I am bringing a bottle to my Mother In law and father In law to try when we go on our annual trip to visit them this Thanksgiving.

For more information on Marzetti Simply Dressed Salad Dressing check out their website. http://www.marzetti.com/products/marzetti/salad-dressings/marzetti-simply-dressed.htm

You can also look on the website to see stores in your area where you can purchase the dressings. I found mine at Kroger.

I was one of the bloggers selected by T. Marzetti Company and Clever Girls Collective to host a Marzetti Simply Dressed review. They provided me with product to test myself and compensation for my time. However, my opinions are entirely my own.

Holiday Cash Giveaway

Welcome to the Holiday cash Giveaway

General Mills and Kroger Giveaway

Kroger Big Event


From November 13th through November 26th, with the purchase of any four participating General Mills products, you will either receive free milk (up to $3; limit of 2) or to receive $3 off your shopping order.

Promotion varies in different locations. Please be sure to check your local Kroger Co. Family of Stores for specific deals and offers which include Kroger, Ralphs, King Scoopers, City Market, Dillons, Smith’s, Fry’s, QFC, Baker’s, Owen’s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Fred Meyer, Pay Less Supermarkets and Scott’s Food & Pharmacy.

I love when Kroger does these kinds of events. I am planning on stocking up on Cheerios and Nature Valley Bars. We go through a gallon of Milk in 3 days here so the bonus milk will be so nice :) Plus we are huge fans of General Mills.

To learn more about this event you can visit Kroger's Facebook and Twitter.

Win a $25 Kroger Gift Card to help you stock up during this event