Pro Parents know what’s up, and Pro Moms and Pro Dads use Luvs. Luvs diapers not only provide overnight protection for your little one, but they also have easy to use large sized tabs, which stretch to allow your baby to stay leak free when moving! You can expect comfort and dependability from Luvs, with a money back guarantee to ensure not only a happy baby, but also a dry one! (That makes for a happy parent too!) Visit www.luvsdiapers.com for full details and to see all the products Luvs has to offer. Luvs offers sizes from newborns through 6 and they come in fun designs, but they remain soft and comfortable on your baby’s skin. Stop chasing after leaks and now only worry about chasing after savings!
Start Summer with a blast by saving $2.00 from home. No need to hunt for newspaper coupons, or apps because you can simply print from the comfort of your couch:
Simply visitthis linkspr.ly/coupluvs32 and print out your $2.00 coupon.
Your coupon is good for 30 days from the date you printed your savings, so no need to hurry out in the heat because Luvs was kind enough to give you time to shop and start racking in the savings.
You can use this coupon at any mass, discount or grocery stores where Luvs Diapers are being sold. All Luvs Diapers are included in this particular offer, except any trial/travel sized diaper packs. That is one awesome coupon!
Being a parent and budgeting when kids are off of school can get costly, but that does not mean you have to cut back on quality products. Saving, is what we are all after because it allows us a break in our budget to spend towards Summertime goodies and Summertime fun for and with our kids.
I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours. This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs. I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.
As a parent, you don’t want to follow the easy way, that is not always the best when it comes to what your child needs. You need products that work because your child is in constant transitioning and learning. Like adults, you do your best when you are not limited by the products you selected. Pampers offers both protection with ease of use, for parents and their toddlers . Call it a 2-in-1!
Pampers Easy Ups make the period of change from diapers to underwear simple, so you need a product you and your child can depend on. Having a product that already offers the comfort of underwear but also the protection for those “oops moments”. Training pants need to be able to put up with a child on the move! No discomfort while your toddler is walking, running and exploring to even those unplanned adventures, a parent needs to be able to know their kids can have a positive potty training experience. It’s what makes potty training not seem like a mountain you need to trek with an impossible peak you can’t even see.
Easy Ups by Pampers has thought of it all to make it a welcoming experience for the parent and their child:
Parents can depend on the 360 degree of stretchy waistband that easily can be pulled up or down by your toddler.
The inside is soft and just like normal underwear but with Pampers patent “Extra Absorbing Channels”, which provide protection against leaks when your kid is on the move. The Dual Leak Guard Barriers keeps the legs dry and leak free.
Parents also can easily remove Easy Ups when needed because Pampers thought of everything, so Easy Ups tear at the sides for easy removal.
You have 24/7 protection while they sleep comfortably because potty training should not be a battle, it should be just another adventure. You want your toddler to be able to get a goodnight’s rest and not be kept up by discomfort even when their dry and accident free.
Pampers Easy Ups come in several sizes from 2T-3T, 3T-4T, and 4T-5T.
Your toddler can also choose from popular character from Thomas the Engine to Dora the Explorer. You also have the brand-new Hello Kitty prints!
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What’s best is you can save by printing the coupon below from Coupons.com, to easily save $2.00 off one pack of Pampers Easy Ups in any print. Simply visit:
If you don’t have an account already, it is simple to open one up and start printing and saving.
Pampers also offers a Pampers Reward Program where you can get the latest information on current and upcoming products, savings and more. Let Pampers Easy Ups make the most of everyday for you and your child. Make sure to connect with Pampers below via all the social links provided. *Hint this will also get you ready and set for the giveaway!
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Pampers Easy Ups work and I can depend on knowing they are soft and comfortable for your toddler but at the same time when accidents happen, I can quickly remedy the situation and get back to potty training. It’s from the elastic to the absorbing pads that make you and your toddler not be discouraged by an oops and a child can easily take control of their potty training by being able to easily pull down and up the training pants. There is the reason why certain brands like Pampers becomes the go-to brand for many parents.
Training Tips by Dr. Tanya Altman, a 14 year Pediatrics doctor with a busy practice in Calabasas, California:
Remember to make it fun to remain it being a positive experience. Encouragement can come in many ways from placing the Pampers Easy Ups in their own drawer, as you would do with normal underwear. This gets your toddler excited on the changes taking place. Patience is key and that means for both the parent and the child. Rushing potty training when the experience is still new and unfamiliar, is not best. Not all kids are ready at the same age but usually you start training between the age of 2 and 3. Some kids may even show signs they are ready to begin, which is always a plus! This can come in wanting to go potty like the bigger kids to how parents do. This is where having a training pants like Easy Ups from Pampers helps. A toddler can easily pull off and on Easy Ups, just like real underwear. This helps in also alerting an adult a child needs to use the restroom. Being able to communicate is key and that means each child will have a way to inform a parent they need to go, so see what signs your kid gives. Teaching them how to use the potty themselves is again another milestone they can achieve as they train. Reward systems help, from a sticker, a song to a dance. This lets your child know they are doing well and remember accidents happen. You begin again and it is not something you discipline over because again potty training should be kept positive!
*****Giveaway Details*****:
Giveaway for a #PampersEasyUps prize package, which will include:
$50 AMEX Card
Pampers Easy Ups
Ilana Wile’s book, “The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting”
All you have to do to enter is-
Please comment on this Blog post and share this blog post via Twitter (retweet)
I even make it easy and you can use the Twitter button below that automatically completes the tweet, just add @Pampers.
Or copy and paste this- @Pampers : New Easy Ups Review, Coupon and Gift Card #Giveaway #PampersEasyUps #Sponsored http://wp.me/p2B5Rd-2k7
Giveaway ends on October 4th and winner will be notified that same day. I will need the winner’s contact information by October 6th to provide to the sponsors. Winner’s full name, address (no PO Boxes), Pampers Easy Ups size/gender, and a phone number for shipping purposes will be needed. Only one unique giveaway winner per giveaway allowed. Thank you and good luck!!
This post and giveaway were made possible byiConnectand Pampers Easy Ups. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine. #Sponsored
There are few times where I tend to appreciate coupons more than others, and that is when it comes to saving on essentials. You know, the stuff you just have to have because it’s a need. Saving on these things is what makes being able to afford our “wants” a little easier. Saving on a product you can rely on like Pampers, well that just sweetens the deal! This Sunday, May 29th, Pampers will be making things easier for parents. You will be able to save on diapers, training pants, and more. If you don’t get the newspaper delivered….no worries, Pampers will allow you to save from the comfort of your own home with the Print at Home feature!
It’s so simple to save with Pampers:
On Sunday, May 29th you can look for the P&G insert in your local newspaper. Simply cut out the coupons, which may be used at any store that carries Pampers products. This includes Mass Merchandisers like Walmart and Target to grocery stores like Vons, Kroger to Stater Bros and more. This is a manufactured coupon that makes savings a breeze!
The coupons allow you to save on Pampers diapers, Pampers Pants and even Pamper Swaddlers, Cruisers, Easy Ups, to Splashers and much more. Everything but trial or travel sizes are excluded. Told you it was a great bundle of savings.
You will also have coupons that fit your needs. The offers will range from saving $3.00 off two bags or one box of any Pampers Diapers/Training Pants. Also, another coupon for $3.00 off two bags of Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants or UnderJams Absorbent Night wear.
Want to stay home?
Not a problem. Pampers will be offering parents the option to save from home with their “Print at Home” coupon link.
You will need to open a coupons.com account if you do not have one already and the best part, Pampers will be offering such savings in the future, so keep a look out for more coupons. You can also double……I mean triple your savings by accessing all three coupons (the two in the paper and the one you can print from home). Manufacture coupons can be used 1 per item but combine that with sales and store coupons, well the savings just keep on coming.
This post was made possible byiConnect and Pampers. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
Even if we are a household without dietary restrictions, I still like to mix things up a bit. Eating the same way is just utterly boring no matter how good the food can be. To not get in a meal rut means I need to introduce new foods and start weeding out the things we want to take a break from.
Daiya Foods Pizzas, is a leap of many kinds for us. For one, we rarely eat frozen prepared meals and/or side dishes. I do freeze meats in raw form and that is as frozen as we get, along with frozen veggies and fruits. You just can’t grab something from the freezer and nuke it……yeah, that comes back and bites me, so I made some tamales and the such for those days I want to actually use the microwave beyond just softening butter in it. Secondly, I have tried gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, to meatless but never really ventured into non-dairy, unless it’s a fruit based gelato or some kind of sweet treat. This means Daiya foods is eating a way for us that is entirely new because it’s taking everything we have tried before, but all in one dish and at the same time. I’m game!
I was offered to try out the pizzas and no one had ever tried anything from Daiya Foods, except for a faux cream cheese style spread. Some of my group admitted to seeing the cheezes in the dairy alternative aisle at Sprout’s, but never actually tried it. Okay, this is now an entire new experience for us all.
Daiya Foods makes 6 Pizzas to choose from and they all sound delicious and tempting:
Supreme Pizza, which includes a meatless sausage topping from Beyond Meat
Pizza Bianca Pizza, featuring a white bean sauce that has mushrooms and spinach toppings
Cheeze Lover’s Pizza, a simpler non-topping pizza, which features Daiya’s version of cheezes, like Mozzarella and Cheddar
Margherita Pizza, a traditional twist on a classic and comes with tomato chunks and basil
Fire-Roasted Vegetables Pizza, Daiya did not skimp and you have three bell pepper varieties, onions, garlic, tomatoes and even a dash of basil
Mushroom and Roasted Garlic Pizza, even when it comes to mushrooms, Daiya makes sure you get something beyond the button kind. You have shiitake and crimini in a blanket of roasted garlic and all nestled on their tomato sauce
Fire-Roasted Veggies Pizza
Supreme Pizza
I purchased two of the selections available, the Supreme and the Fire-Roasted Vegetable to try out. This was what was available at Sprout’s and they were redoing that section when I was shopping and I grabbed the ones that looked more tempting. I grabbed to of the veggies kind and one of the supreme. First, one up to cook and see how well it is received is the Fire-Roasted Vegetable:
The pizza was easy to cook and even though the instructions stated to cook directly on the rack, I just got a new range and it’s less than a week old. A few of the cheeze shreds were dangling off the crust, which I like when eating but not when cooking, so I opted to cook the pizza on my pizza stone just like I would any pizza.
Easy to cook, you just pre-heat the oven to the listed temperature and then put the pizza in.
Such beautiful vegetables that even this pizza looks beautiful in it’s frozen state.
The pizza was cooked and ready in 13.5 minutes! You have the option to use the standard bake and convection instructions were listed, so I went with that cooking option.
Verdict:
By the seven minute mark, you could smell the vegetables and they smell as good as they look. Daiya did not skimp on toppings and that is always a plus in our book. The crust is crisp and upon slicing, you hear it cut just like a normal pizza crust would. The dough has a darker tint that can be described as almost wheat-like in color. It also tastes like a wheat crust but a good one! Daiya nailed it when it came to how the crust tasted, broke apart when eaten and this made the eating of the pizza enjoyable. The vegetables are out of this world. We all agreed the freshness and texture makes you wish Daiya sold the veggies by the bagful. They are roasted but not soft and a mushy mess from being frozen. There is still texture and they are so good, plus the tang you get from the tomato sauce provides a nice balance of flavors. The sauce is light and not super sweet, you just taste fresh tomatoes and a touch of basil. Now, the only small negative is the cheeze. The browned portions we all agreed tasted better than the whiter ones, so toasted on top is the way to cook the pizza if you desire this flavor profile. The cheese does not melt and or string apart like normal dairy versions, it’s almost a little too soft in texture and one guest felt it was like sour cream in taste. I did not feel the sour notes were present but I can see where the comparison in texture can be made. This was the only downer but because the crust and everything else was top-notch, it would not prevent me from buying it. It’s a pizza that I would say has that “rustic” taste but think of it more as a flat-bread pizza with superb toppings and cooks in 15 minutes or less!
The other positive is that 2 pizzas and I had boneless chicken wings to pair with it, filled us! I still had dessert to serve and when it came to putting the third pizza in the oven (The Supreme), we were full. I thought that is a good thing because 8 people were fed very well and we were satisfied with what we ate, so we opted to give the third pizza to the guest that is always late. She also brought a third extra guest, so she could enjoy the pizza for dinner (versus lunch) when she got home. Okay, I’m thinking if I give free meals away, people will start showing up late now 🙂 I’m also eye-ing those cheezecakes they sell and they have a Key Lime one……oh’ yummers!
Connect with Daiya Foods and enjoy their products at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Daiya Foods. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
I rarely meet a person that says they sleep well for the most part. As life gets busier and even people that tend to be problem free, it’s no guarantee you will be snoozing right when your head meets the pillow. To remain healthy, you need to get proper rest and if you are already are suffering health issues, they may exacerbate any condition, so you need to be in tune with how well you sleep and what you can improve and/or change. The problem with the latter is you can’t monitor yourself when your brain is resting, and having someone watch you……well, that can up the creep factor 🙂
Beddit fixes that by providing a monitoring system that sort of tells on you when you can’t tell on yourself! Nothing that makes you uncomfortable, so no wires or stickers that in it self would encumber anyone. All you have to do for installation, is literally put it under your sheets, so the product blends into environment. No alterations needed.
What Beddit can Share with you:
The Beddit monitor is a system all in it’s own. It monitors your heart rate, respiration, sleep cycles, to sleep times. You will know if you snore , how much you move while sleeping and it can even tell if you awoke for a “potty break”. The system also comes with a “smart alarm” and can be used by other family members. Its not like you have to buy one monitor for everyone, but it may make it easier if you want to keep monitoring and improving your sleep.
Retail Price Point: $125 via Beddit directly and in both colors. It’s $149.99 but on sale $138.99 at Best Buy (right now) and you can pick between a black or white colored monitor. You can also find the system at Bed, Bath and Beyond for $149.99 and it’s only available in white, but keep in mind the coupons the store has that may help enhance your savings. Amazon has the product for $139.87. Saving money helps me sleep better, so see what store works for you best.
Warranty: One year manufacture warranty and check-out the pamphlet for more information.
How Beddit Communicates with you:
It’s as easy to understand as it is to use. Beddit uses Bluetooth to communicate and provides you with daily tips. Our sleep patterns change where one week you may be moving and flipping, and other times you may not be getting that deep sleep where you reach full rest. Allergies can cause congestion, so you will also know your breathing pattern and if you snored. It’s Apple Health supported on iOS8 and Android friendly too. All the information is gathered and easy accessible. You can even combine family data or just focus on the members in your family not getting proper rest. You just download the app and go!
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Verdict:
It seemed too simple that I was unsure of the product. Hey, easy things scare me! This is not a medical device and will not diagnose you, like if you suffer from sleep apnea, but look at it as a tool. You don’ just feel someone’s forehead and guess the degrees of their temperature. You use a thermometer and this is how I viewed the Beddit system after getting it out of the package and familiarizing myself with the product. It’s a sleep meter and it’s going to tell me information that I can share even share with my doctor. I already knew I did not sleep well but most times I was puzzled as to why I woke up so tired after doing the math of how long I slept. Well, I move a lot in bed. More than I ever imagined. I definitely burn calories by flipping from one side to another and each time I am woken up, I again have to start all over with my sleep stages. I suffer from asthma and it seems when I cough while sleeping, it tends to again disturb my sleep. My Husband said there are times I have snores or just a rattle going when I am sleeping but it’s not an everyday thing. Well, I was able to get confirmation that I do snore and especially after a stressful day when my breathing is not at optimum. Great information and easy to share. The Beddit system can even pick-up my snore and know the difference between that of my Husband’s (yes, he is guilty too) because it has a built-in microphone. I was surprised how much information I could gather and I knew my breathing gives me issues but a huge one is when I roll flat on my back and that is what is causing the coughing. My chest movements were cataloged and I have adjusted even the pillows I use. Having a smaller pillow now to keep me from going flat on my back made a big difference. I don’t suffer from that deep fatigue I would wake up with and sometimes I woke up more tired than when I went to bed. I would have not known this without the Beddit system and it’s that DIY insight I needed. Beddit is not a doctor but it’s the “other me” I needed for the times we can’t watch ourselves. I do recommend it and even for those in your family that sleep well. You can improve your rest and this means the next day you may just wake up being a better you!
Check-out the Science behind the Beddit System and see what it can do for you:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Beddit and Dearfoams (Tryazon). I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
Not a subject that is usually approached, however finding a personal hygiene product that is effective and comfortable, is not always easy.
Carefree’s thin pantiliners are comfortable but also absorbing. The liner uses “Acti-Fresh” technology to stay fresh for up to 8 hours of wear. Designed to fit most panties and also shaped to conform with your body’s shape. I have always loved how thin the product is and I can easily carry one when needed. Carefree also provides different products that can fit anyone’s needs, so you can feel confident when using their products.
Retail Price Point:$2.99 for a pack of 54 of the Regular (to-go) at Target.
Coupon: You can also save $0.50 by using this link and printing out a coupon.
Connect with Carefree and find the product that suits your needs at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster and Carefree. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
Tazo is a company I am very familiar with and already love! Not a product have I tried that I did not like, so when Smiley offered the Tazo Chai campaign…..well I was overjoyed!
Tazo makes several Chai products that come in filter-bags for seeping/brewing or in liquid (carton) concentrate form, which is perfect for cold drinks. I was able to test out their three latest flavors that are perfect for the colder weather:
Classic Chai-
Made with a blend of black tea,cardamom, a touch of black pepper, cinnamon and ginger
Chocolate Latte Chai
Made with black tea, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and cocoa powder
Vanilla Caramel Chai
Made with black tea, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, and caramel (natural flavor)
There are 12 Varieties to choose from if the ones above do not tempt you. You even have Organic options with the Chai Organic Latte concentrate to Pumpkin Spice to satisfy the seasonal palette. There are also decaffeinated varieties to choose from.
My first and favorite of the trio was the Vanilla Caramel Chai. You get the nice real Vanilla flavor, which then leads off to almost butter toffee notes, brought on by the caramel. The cup is great with or without milk. The milk tends to intensify the vanilla by giving it warmer notes that smooth out. I used honey to give it a touch of sweetness and depending on what honey I used, I was able to change the flavor just a bit.
Next on my list, is the Chocolate Latte Chai. This one makes you love those peppery chocolate flavors. They play so well together and the pepper really enriches the cocoa experience. With milk and I used almond, I was able to bring in a nutty taste and make a light caloric cup of tea that made me not miss one bit a cup of hot cocoa. If you are seeking an alternative, this is the flavor for you!
Last but not least, the Classic Chai. This is the flavor that puts you at the beginning of the Chai experience and I like that because I can make it my own. I added a Orange Blossom honey with a squeeze from a fresh Valencia orange slice, and this cup became my warm citrus-y journey. The second time I had a cup, I went the old fashion way with a touch of milk and a little bit of vanilla sugar and it did not taste like the previous one. Make your own flavor is what I call this selection. Very versatile and always delivers that premium experience Tazo products are known for.
Retail Price:$3.49 usually but $3.00 when found on sale at Target. I was able to pick up a box of the Vanilla Caramel Chai (20 count) for the same price as the concentrate. Want to save? Check-out my twitter feed or
Get a Coupon here: Try the perfect blend of #sweetmeetsspicy in Tazo Chai. Save up to $2.00 Off #Tea #FreeSample http://h5.sml360.com/-/boya
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Tazo and Smiley360. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
With the weather being in that temperamental mood of swinging between Summer like temperatures to then wanna-be Fall, my skin and lips are also throwing a tantrum! The only thing that has been staying true is that it gets chilly in the evening and my lips seem to not get enough moisture. I even started drinking more water and the problem is not dehydration. We worry so much about our skin’s health and I know with me, my mouth moves all day with all the chattering I do. Even though my lips are on my face, I dedicate more time to renewing the skin on my face and concentrate on my eye area, but totally forget the lips!
Chapstick has gone beyond just having formulas where you just pick the flavor you like. They have transformed their formulas and provide balms that fit everyone’s lip needs. I was able to try out one of their latest formulas from a line that has two dual ended applicators:
Chapstick Hydration Lock Moisture & Renew
Chapstick Lock Day & Night
The Chapstick Hydration Lock Moisture and Renew, is geared towards individuals that want anti-aging ingredients to improve their lips appearance and overall health. Packed with CoQ10 and Hyaluronic Spheres on the “Renew” end, this provides supple lips that appear smoother and feel heavenly, plus deliver an antioxidant punch (but in a good way)! The “Moisture” end provides Shea and Mango butters that aid in conditioning the skin and help it hold-in moisture, so they remain protected. The nice part is that Chapstick’s new balms are clinically proven to give you healthier look lips.
Chapstick’s Lock Day & Night is the stick that provides you with SPF12 for “Day” time protection and moisturizing butters. The “PM/Night” formula is the one that provides antioxidants, natural butters and Tamanu oil to replenish lips. Talk about 24 hours protection in just one tube. Easy to carry and fits perfectly in a purse, gym bag, to even your pocket. So no excuses in not having kissable lips!
Results: I was able to try the Hydration Lock Moisture and Renew variety from Chapstick for a few weeks to see what it could do for me. I love that as the day’s weather turns into night’s different climate, I am covered and protected by just one item that I can carry anywhere. I noticed on the first day when I tried the “Renew” formula, I woke up with smoother lips. My lipstick/gloss glided on but I made sure to apply one light coat of the “Moisture” formula to continue with the protection. Think of it as a base coat/primer. I did not have to exfoliate twice a week like I usually do with a sugar scrub. That regimen was cut back to once a week and done more out of habit than need. I was happy with smoother lips and feel more confident and ready for when Winter swings around.
Price Point: The hydration stick alone (not the dual end costs $2.99. The formula I tested that has dual ends and supplies you both with the Hydration Lock and Renew,can be found as low as $2.99 (Birchbox and Drugstore), CVS had the highest at $3.69, but I found a deal today for 2 for $5.00 at Walgreens. Walgreens had the lowest price-point if you buy two.
Coupon Savings: This sweetens the deal because you can add it to the above sales to save 0.50 cents on each stick. Print the coupon here and start saving!
Connect with Chapstick and see what they can do for your lips at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Chapstick and Smiley. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
Mezzetta has been a brand we have used in our home for decades. From the roasted peppers that go great on a pizza, blended to add to a sauce to the Peperoncini that I slice up for sandwiches or eat whole with a salad. I have started baking our own breads because finding a bread with “friendly ingredients” is possible but at a hefty price point. I don’t believe you should pay more when you want less chemicals! When HouseParty announced they had openings for a Mezzetta Party, you bet I signed up.
Mezzetta Party Kit contained:
(1) Apron with a cute Mezzetta logo that has an Olive and finally an apron with 2 large pockets. Those that give you one pocket don’t realize that I have 2 hands and usually I act like I have three by grabbing more utensils that I can hold.
(1) Visa Card for the Host to purchase products/ingredients for the event.
(1) One of the cutest Slotted Spoon that is perfect for draining the brine/liquid but still getting the olive and/or pepper you seek. No need to attempt to “harpoon” a pepper with a fork or pretend I can balance an olive out of a jar like Houdini.
(16) Coupon Booklets that included Mezzetta inspired recipes.
(16) Reusable Mezzetta branded Tote Bags that were very welcomed by my guests, due to the new state law, which will make California the first state to pass a state wide law of banning shopping bags.
I have been doing really good with puff pastry and just like that, you can make the dishes savory or sweet. Easy to use and a great way to showcase what is in season. I found the most beautiful baby heirloom tomatoes, so they were a must mixed with a ricotta and Mezzetta’s Sun Dried Tomatoes “bedding” for them to rest on. I allowed guests to make their own dish by pre-chopping veggies they could add to their tart. Easy and almost mess free (well, bunching up the used parchment paper can be labor intensive 🙂 ).
Combined with an Italian braised pork that I used Mezzetta’s Sweet Cherry Peppers and also paired with fresh Italian (Cubanelle) Green peppers, and doused in Pinot Grigio wine. You simply brown the seasoned pork first, brown the veggies and then add the peppers with a nice healthy wine bath. I add a bouquet of Lavender and Herbs, and just stick in the oven (covered in a braiser) at 350 degrees for a couple hours. Easy and tastes like you took all day to make when it was the oven that did all the work. I also love the all in one pot cooking method!
The Olive bread was a cinch too. I use my “lazy girl” method, which can be used with any combination of Mezzetta’s Olives and most of their peppers.
Mezzetta’s Olive Blend Bread:
1 3/4 cups of All-Purpose Flour
1/2 teaspoon of Salt
1/2 teaspoon of Active Dry Yeast
1/2 to 3/4 of warm water (105 degrees)
Olive Oil to baste bowl and bread
I put the above in my mixer (with dough hook) and make a well with the flour. I add the yeast and the warm water and allow it to “bloom” (bubble a bit) for about 5 to 8 minutes. I add my salt and then mix. If it needs more water to allow for a dough that is supple, I add by the teaspoon. I knead (well, the mixer does it) for about 7 to 10 minutes. I then get a bowl and add some Olive Oil to allow the bread to proof in the oven (105 degrees) for an hour (cover lightly with plastic wrap). Once the dough is proofed, I then put it in the fridge (do not punch the dough down).
I used about 1/2 a cup of mixed Mezzetta Olives, you can use peppers of your liking as long as the seeds are removed and they are chopped. Same goes for the olives, no stones or anything. Once I chopped what I want, I then take the dough out and start kneading my ingredients in. I sometimes add cheeses and a mix of dry and fresh herbs. Try to not over knead when incorporating your olives/pepper mixes. This can produce a rough dough. I will then shape the loaf into a desired shape and I then put the dough on a baking stone (a pan is fine with parchment or at least oiled to reduce sticking). Cover with a light towel and allow the dough to proof again for about 40 minutes to an hour. I sometimes baste mine with more Olive Oil or you use Warm Water to create a nice crust. I have sprinkled Parmesan to even Maldon (flake) Salt on mine before putting it in the oven. Add a couple slashes to allow the bread to breathe (steam escape) and bake at 450 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes (depending on size/shape) or until done. Allow to completely cool before slicing! You can also make the dough ahead and leave it in the fridge for up to a week after the first proof (the dough gets a richer flavor if you at least leave it overnight in the fridge)…….told you it was a friendly
recipe 🙂
Mezzetta allows us to make dishes that look beautiful, taste great, but took only a few minutes to make. I like that! The less time I spend in the kitchen, the more time I can spend with Family & Friends!
I received the above product(s) free of charge from HouseParty and Mezetta. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
I had received a sample of HelioCare in the past but not sufficient enough to provide a detailed review. Not only did this perk provide enough capsules for me to fairly test out but also enough to share. Having a spa and pool is great minus the upkeep and of course the sun tends to tax our skin. I have a large amount of sunscreen scattered around the house to bottles in the garage (in varies SPF amounts), so no excuse to not wear it and be protected. Even the mutt has her own bottle because she seems to be a California dog and even has what I call “fur freckles”. She was snow white until she started sun bathing and you bet I yell at her too!
In comes HelioCare’s capsules that are simple to take. Many supplements want you to take several pills through out the day but this one is easy. You simply take one capsule, once a day! This means a 60 capsule bottle fulfills a 60-Day supply. Each capsule has 240 milligrams, plus secondary ingredients like Corn Starch, Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium Dioxide for color and also FD&C Yellow.
Indications:
1 capsule 30 minutes before sun exposure. If remaining in the sun longer than 2 to 3 hours, take a second capsule after the initial “protected period” period passes (2 to 3 hours of sun exposure).
What is “FernBlock PLE ” Technology:
The capsules from HelioCare are filled with Polypodium Leucotomos, also known as Calaguala leaf extract. The leaf has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit the skin. The pill does not replace topical sunscreen but look at it as an extra layer of protection. The PL extract also aids with free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and could help with UV photo-aging process.
Benefits:
Increases tolerance to exposure to the sun
Reduces skin changes after chronic exposure to the sun
Helps maintain the skin’s elasticity (skin’s health)
Provides cell protection in the epidermis
Protects skin cell DNA
Results:
I took HelioCare as indicated and also noticed the product’s packaging recommended a second dose, if I am going to be out in the sun for longer than 2 to 3 hours. On the third hour, I did take a second pill but this was a rarity for me because I do limit my sun exposure to about 2 hours in the pool. Having a light skin’s complexion means I just have to watch it! I used sunscreen with a 50 SPF at all times too. I did notice on week two that I did NOT get the “lobster effect” when I was in the pool. The pool’s water just reflects like a mirror and the sun’s intensity tends to magnify. To give you an example when it comes to my skin, my legs will tan even when I am in the water. Yup, that means just swimming, floating or exercising and not sunbathing. If I happen to hop on to a floaty, I can only lounge on it for 10 minutes top and then I hear usually from someone that I need to flip like a pancake because I’m overcooking on my topside. With Heliocare I still followed my “sun rules” but I did not get the red effect. It was kind of nice not to look like a crustacean and just get a little nice glow from the sun. This alone made me want to continue use. It may seem vain not to want to look red but I don’t want people to think “ouch” when they see me outside near water!
Price Point: MSRP is $50, however I found the bottle on several sites that ranged from $29.99 to $32.00, but Amazon beat all by listing a $21.99 price point. Shop wisely!
My only Con: The dyes/color additives serve no purpose other than making the product look yellow and eye appealing. I prefer a natural appearance (as-is) versus taking anything with this additives, but the benefits outweigh the negative when it comes to HelioCare.
To get more information on HelioCare, please visit:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from HelioCare and Klout. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
WOM-derful 