Super Quick Corn Chowder with Tasteful Selections

While in the produce section, you may have noticed some neatly packaged potatoes, but not sure if you will like them or know what to do with them. The brand is Tasteful Selections and they have several varieties.

Tonight I tried the “Sunrise Medley” pack in a curried corn chowder. (by the way, the difference between a soup and a chowder is simply that a chowder has potatoes!) This pack has three different varieties of potatoes for a great blend of sweet and nutty flavors. I loved how colorful it made my soup!

If you have never had a purple potato, which is one of the varieties in the Sunrise Medley, you will be a little amazed when you see it. They are purple on the inside as well as the outside and they are rich in antioxidants that white flesh potatoes do not have.

What I really love about Tasteful Selections potatoes is how fast they cook and how they have saved me time in the kitchen by having them pre-washed and no need to peel because the skins are tender. I was able to make my soup (homemade!) from pot to table in less than a half hour! Home-made soup in that time? That’s amazing to me!

Without further adieu, I would like to share my recipe from my table to yours.

Curried Corn & Potato Chowder

You will need:

  • one 40 oz bag of Tasteful Selections Sunrise Medley Potatoes
  • one can of corn
  • one can of creamed corn
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • small cans of chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp concentrated cooking stock
  • onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, dried chives
  • Curry powder
  • 1 stick of butter, unsalted
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 4 c water

To make:

 

1. Cube the Tasteful Selections potatoes (These potatoes cook fast so not too small!)

2. Start heating up the stock, broth and water. Add a bit of salt.

3. When you have the potatoes cubed, add them to the boiling stock. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Add corn.

4. Make a Roux (pronounced “Rue”) out of the butter. Add a stick to a saute pan and melt, but do not allow to burn. Slowly add the flour, whisking together, until the consistency is that of wet sand.

5. Slowly add the roux to the chowder. whisk it and you will see it thicken the liquid.Add seasonings to taste. Finish off with the milk or cream by slowly adding it with a whisk.

 

As you can see, this is super easy to do and super fast. Why even buy canned soup anymore? I will be showing another Tasteful Selections recipe next week! Stay tuned!

Cutey {Holiday Gift Guide}

Charm bracelets are in these days. You see them on celebrities and they are great for all ages. My 9 year old daughter is really into them right now.

I was given the opportunity to review for a company that makes such bracelets called Cutey. Cutey makes bracelets that are heavy and they are high quality. I love the cute charms and beads on them.

The bracelets are not as much as you would think either. For around $20 USD you can get one of these high quality pieces.

One thing I did notice about the Cutey bracelets is they run kind of small. Now, I do have kind of large wrists, but there was no way it was gong on. My daughter had a perfect fit though! I think this would be a great piece for a daughter’s first “real” jewelry.

I love the friendliness of the Cutey website and the fact that they have a full refund policy. They also ship worldwide. Cutey is located in the UK, but I got my bracelets in a very short period of time.

Cutey has all colors and designs available to match any outfit or mood. They also make Shamballa Bracelets, which are stunning bracelets with clay beads adorned with jewels.

Since Cutey is a bitty company now, they need all the support we can give them, so won’t you go “like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter?

Consider this a perfect gift for your favorite gal in your life!

Jesus RX {Holiday Gift Guide}

I love when my fellow Christians come up with unique ways to share the love God has for us with others. Recently, while looking around on Etsy (one of my favorite places to shop!), I came across Jesus Rx. At first I was not sure what it was, but after looking more into it, I found that it is a very unique product that was created by a Christian pharmacist.

What is Jesus Rx? Think of it as spiritual medicine for you Christian walk prescribed by the great physician-Jesus Christ. There are 12 “medicines” in all, each for a different spiritual theme or area you may struggle in. The “medicine” is delivered on pill-shaped cards, 30 in all with each medicine, that will help you find the Biblical answers and guidance you are seeking. The idea is that you read one each day and reflect on it in prayer.

I was blessed with the opportunity to review two of the “prescriptions”. I chose Marriage and Doubt. Both were excellent and made me thirst for more, so I would look up the scriptures I read each day and research them as well as be in prayer.

I love that the cards inside the beautiful glass jars are in the shape of a pill. I think that is so wonderfully symbolic of the spiritual medicine we can get from the Bible if we are seeking answers and healing. Some of the other “prescriptions” include:

  • Speech
  • Joy
  • Fear
  • Wisdom
  • Love
  • Anger
  • Finances
  • Children
  • Forgiveness
  • Peace

These are so versatile and could be gifted to so many different people who are seeking encouragement, guidance and uplifting on the great physician, Jesus Christ, can provide. There are some very fun details on the jars such as the Rx#, info about unlimited “refills” and “side effects”. The cards that come inside are high quality and glossy. There is also information on how you can receive God’s free Gift of Salvation if you haven’t already. What a great unique Christian Gift!

You can find Jesus Rx on Facebook as well as visit the website to purchase one for yourself or a friend or family member. I really think this is something to be used for years and years!

 

 

 

I am a Woman of God T-shirt {Holiday Gift Guide Review}

 

I am loving the products for sale at IAAWOG.com

What is that? I am a woman of God (IAAWOG.COM) is a website that has T-shirts, Hoodies, wristbands, decals and even keychains. I just had to share the opportunity I had to review their products and I wanted to give my readers another great idea for their gift list.

I first saw I am a Woman of God Women’s Christian T-shirts on Facebook like a year ago and fell in love with their products. At that time, it was mostly just t-shirts. Now, their inventory has expanded.

These shirts are of great quality and the printing on them did not fade after washing. The sizes are true to size and many of the shirts (other than sale shirts due to limited supply) are in sizes XS-3XL and even some larger.

There is even a couple of men’s t-shirts on the site, currently.

I like that the site has low prices. When I took a look around, most regularly priced tees were $10 or less. There is also always a sale going on it seems. With prices like this, it is a great gift that just about anyone can afford. I love that I can tell the world who I am in HIM.

I am a Woman of God also offers tees in Spanish!

These tees would make a great gift for any Christian woman (or man!) in your life. Who doesn’t like tees? Make sure you check out I am a Woman of God on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest designs, sales and promotions!

 

Roland Foods {Review}

The holidays are just around the corner and that means parties!

Almost every party I have been to included some food-finger food, a meal or just dessert, but one thing we all want is the best party and the happiest guests.

Roland Foods has a lot of products that would come in handy for your next party and they were generous enough to offer me a lot of ingredients to make some wonderful holiday party snacks that will keep your guests coming back for more!

I was sent an assortment fo some of the different products they feature. Included in my package was Chef Susanna’s Natural Gourmet Savory Crisp Flatbreads, Roland Capers, Roland Dijon Mustard, Roland Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Roland Artichoke Heats.

I couldn’t have asked for a better selection of items for coming up with some great Holiday party hour es d’vores! You get an extra bonus with this post because I am going to offer up two recipes with foods I made from my Roland assortment! I got creative and made a canape with the sun-dried tomatoes, some cream cheese, a bagel chip and some capers.I also think this would taste good with smoked salmon added as well.

Simply Sun Dried Canape

  • A package or brick of regular cream cheese
  • ROLAND Brand Capers
  • Bagel Chips
  • ROLAND Brand Sun Dried Tomatoes

Simply top each bagel chip with cream cheese and add the Roland capers and Roland sun dried tomatoes.

(I have to insert here, that up until attending Culinary Arts training, I had no idea what a caper was. I remember my Chef Professor telling me I “better go look it up”. I remember that the brand on the bottle was Roland. I will never forget that! In case you are wondering, a caper is the bud of a bush in the Mediterranean that is pickled)

 

I love the Roland website. You can buy directly from Roland and have it delivered right to your home if the stores in your area do not carry it. I would suggest requesting the Roland products to your local shops. The quality cannot be beat. Roland has been providing fine foods like this for 75 years! I love how Roland cares about social responsibility as well. I have to stand behind a food company that supports Share Our Strength. Share Our Strength is a national organization that works to make sure no child in America goes to bed hungry. Make sure you check out Roland Food’s social responsibility page for more information about the organizations and charities Roland works with.

Another quick and easy party food you can make with Roland Foods is a favorite among lots of people; Spinach Artichoke dip.

Sassy Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

  • 1 can of ROLAND Brand Artichokes
  • 1/2 brick of cream cheese
  • 1/2 can of spinach
  • 1/2 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
  • Chef Susanna’s Natural Gourmet Flatbreads
  • Clove of garlic
  • garlic powder, salt and white pepper to taste

Start with a mini-crockpot (I have a ‘little dipper’ one) heated up. Rub the garlic clove (peeled) on the inside of your crock. Open the cans of Roland Brand Artichokes and spinach and drain well. Add them to the crockpot. Using a potato masher, crush them together so they are well blended. Add the sharp white cheddar cheese,shaved Parmesan cheese and seasonings to taste.Cook in the crock for approximately 3-4 hours, stirring regularly. Serve with Susanna’s Natural Gourmet Flatbread.

Roland foods has more products than what I have featured here and the great thing about the online shop is you do not have to buy cases, and can simply buy a single product.The prices are very reasonable for gourmet, quality items served in restaurants all over.

I would like to encourage you to check out Roland Food’s Facebook to stay on top of new products coming out!

 

Sleep2o Water Pillow {Review}

As a woman who suffers with neck pain, I was very excited to review for Sleep20. Sleep20 is a pillow that has a built in chamber for you to fill with water and the idea is that it supports you better than a regular pillow, aligning your neck. I am also normally a stomach sleeper, but since I just had this surgery, I am forced to sleep on my back or side. This pillow really came in handy since I have had a hard time trying to get comfortable on my back.

Before I get too far into this review, I want to point out that this was a replacement pillow. The first pillow had a manufacturing issue and it caused the water to leak out. I have been assured this is not a regular problem and it has been resolved now. I was not at all angry, as I thought it was my user error as there is a specific way one needs to fill and cap off the water in the pillow. ;) I must also mention that customer service with this company is FIVE STARS. When I told them about the leak, they immediately arranged for me to have the delivery driver come to my house and pick up the leaky pillow, no questions asked, and investigate the issue. It was found to be an extra piece of material inside the valve that was a mechanical error. I was promptly sent a replacement with no issues. This company really has exceptional customer service-something that is so rare these days I think!

The instructions that come with the pillow are very detailed and easy to understand. The pillow is very comfortable and soft. I made the mistake of not letting all the air out the first night I slept on it and it had some sloshing sounds kind of like a waterbed. After I re-read the instructions again and was very careful to make sure all the air was out, the second night was less noisy!

I did notice a difference in how my neck felt. I often suffer from morning headaches that I think are from me just not sleeping right on my pillows. I have noticed in the past couple weeks that they are less and less frequent. I belive this may be due to the Sleep20 pillow. The one complaint I have about it is when it is full of water, it is obviously very heavy.

You can purchase the Sleep20 water pillow on Amazon.

 

 

 

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Spot it! Halloween game {Review}

If you are looking for a fun game to jazz up that Halloween Party you have been planning that can be played by everyone, why not check out Spot It! Halloween edition?

I was given the opportunity to review this fun and engaging game and I love it!

The game is so versatile and can be played by people ages 7- adult, but I think even the young ones would enjoy this as a one-on-one matching session with mom or dad!

The object of the game is to be the fastest to point out the two matching objects on two different cards. You can play the game several ways with several variations. You could do this one-on-one or play at a party with up to eight players.

I love that this is one of those games you could store in a drawer and not have it take up much space. It wouldn’t take up much more room than a plain deck of cards would. I also love that the round cards are in a durable metal case. Inside you will find 55 full color playing cards as well as instructions to play each of the types of mini-games. I love that this game really wouldn’t take much time so it is perfect for children’s parties and classroom parties. I played the game with my 9 year old and it only took us about 15 minutes and we had a blast.

The company that makes Spot it! Halloween is called Blue Orange and they have other versions of the game as well.

Make sure you check out Blue Orange’s website for more info and to purchase Spot it! games in time for your next party!

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Uglee Pens {Review & Giveaway}

 

My husband has this weird obsession with pens. He can have a great length discussion about the way a pen writes, the drag of the ink, the way it feels, and how heavy and big it is. Every time we go to the store, he has to look at the “pen section”. He likes to make trips to office supply stores. Yes, this is the man of my dreams.

I was very happy to get a pack of Uglee Pens to review and let him give me his thoughts and come up with some of my own.

What is an Uglee pen, you ask?

The Uglee pen is an ergonomically designed pen that helps combat fatigue when writing. Not only that, but it is comfortable for people with arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as well as special needs kids who may have a hard time holding regular writing instruments.

I found them to be very comfortable and so did my husband. They have a unique gel covering the area you hold the pen that really does help with writing fatigue. I like the way the ink glided on the paper as well. My husband prefers a finer point, but I like the width of the ink.

As seen in this video below with the inventor, Dr Lee, the pen is designed to fit your fingers and all of thier curves and ridges. This is what relieves fatigue.

 

Uglee pens are reliable and durable. I would recommend them to anyone that does a lot of writing such as students and professionals.

Uglee Pens has generously allowed me to offer my readers a chance to win these pens. Just fill out the rafflecopter form below! For info about how to fill out a Rafflecopter form if you have never done so, go Here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

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Real Kid’s Shades {Review}

I was given the opportunity to review for Real Kids Shades. I fell in love with these kid’s sunglasses as soon as I saw them. What I love most about them, other than they are majorly cute, is that they are real. Real Kid’s Shades does not make toy sunglasses or glasses for your kids just for fashion. These are not your normal children’s sunglasses!

Real Kid’s shades are not small versions of adult sunglasses either. What makes them so different?

For starters, Real Kids Shades are protection for your child’s eye. They are U-A/UV-B shades that are made to keep your little one’s eyesight in top shape. The shades are made to fit kids and their activity as well as their smaller faces. This is important because they will stay on the child’s face and your child will feel totally comfortable wearing them and even want to wear them.

Doctors recommend that children of all ages, including infants, wear sun protection in all seasons, not just summer. This is because sun damage can happen year round. I know in the winter around here, if you look at the snow on the ground, it can be almost blinding, literally!

These shades are durable and made to last. They flex and move with your child.

Why should you be concerned about sun damage to your child? Sunlight can permanently damage a person’s eyes, yes-even a child’s eyes because they are at risk for it until they are 10 yrs old. It is necessary to wear eye protection to stay safe. Think about it- how many times have you gone out on a cloudy day, spent the day in the sun and assumed you were safe because it was cloudy only to find out you got a little too much sun and ended up with a burn? Imagine what that is doing to eyes!

Sun damage is permanent as well as cumulative. You can end up with disorders such as cataracts, macular degeneration and even sunburn of your cornea!

Real Kids Shades is on a mission to make sure your little one’s eyes stay safe-All year! The shades contain no lead, Bisphenol A and are transparent enough that you can still see your child’s eyes. They are shatter proof and they come with a warranty that includes replacement guarantees.

As you can see from the photo above, my little diva, who is 9, is wearing some very cute shades. These are called “Fabulous” and I think she looks just that in them!

Real Kids Shades makes products for infants all the way up to 12 years old. Make sure you check them out on Facebook and twitter as well!

I received the above products through Sublime Media Connection in exchange for an honest review. In no way was I asked to give a positive review.

Packaways Dorm Boxes {review}


 

I was recently given the chance to review a great product from Packaways. They are boxes that are re-usable and very durable. I got two boxes for review and I used them for packing away summer stuff and doing some fall cleanup.

What is great about the Packaways boxes is that they come with these awesome wipe-away labels on them. When not in use, they do not take up any space because they fold completely flat again.

Even though it might sound silly, my husband loved the colors we got. I reviewed a neon green and a neon pink box. He said the colors were bright and almost decorative. We have very little storage space here, so I found them very useful, but wasn’t too sure about the colors. I do however, think they would be great for a teen who may be going off to college or for storing kid’s stuff in these bright neon colors. It’s still crazy to me, and maybe this is a sign of my growing old, but neons are back! ;)

I loved the way they were completely easy to use. Just pop them open and they automatically and very easily take shape. When it is time to close them, just slip the corners into the spaces provided. No struggling to make the panels work together like on a regular old cardboard box.

These boxes can hold a lot more weight than a flimsy cardboard box as well. They are made of durable plastic. There is no need for tape to keep these babies closed! You could easily use these boxes hundreds of times!

Packaways sells these Classic boxes, which start at $8.75, but they also sell totes and under-the-bed storage boxes as well. I think these boxes would be ideal for seasonal items and will be able to use for years to come. You can find Packaways on their website and check out all the awesome, durable and re-useable options for your storage needs!

 

 
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.