Alecia Bakery Review

If you know me by now, you realize that I have a big sweet tooth. I would implement dessert into the food group pyramid if they would allow me! There's nothing like having a warm cookie that's freshly baked out of the oven on a cold, winter's day. Cookies and brownies and other yummies are comfort foods that are best shared with friends and family over warm and fun conversation.



Alecia Bakery is the collaboration of a passionate baker and businessman with an eye for quality. They are a NYC bakery that prides themselves on producing truly artisanal, all natural baked goods. Their treats are made in small batches and adhere to traditional methods and in-house created recipes. Using high-quality and unprocessed ingredients, hand-chopping chocolate, and toasting nuts to golden perfection, they produce incomparable sweets.

They honor the slow and local food movements and produce in a sustainable manner. Emphasizing local and seasonal produce in their house made purees, they look to Red Jacket Orchards, Jersey Fresh Farms and other NYC Greenmarket gems for the very best of every season. They use Ronnybook Farms butter and cream and Red Bee Honey to produce their rich, delicious toffees and caramels. When available, they choose organic over conventional ingredients.

If you're looking for classic favorites with a modern twist, I suggest Alecia Bakery.

What really caught my eye about the bakery is that they feel strongly about animals and truly believe in rescuing. A portion of their proceeds are donated to Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals organizations. This is wonderful because I am a big animal lover and I pride them on doing this.

I received a large package filled to the top with goodies! In that box were gorgeous dark chocolate with sea salt cookies, german chocolate brownies, an olive oil loafs, a chocolate loafs, a banana nut bread loaf, mint chocolate chip brownies, caramel and sea salt brownies, and more! Everything was packaged so nicely and I loved the pretty ribbons adorning each box of brownies or cookies. I was in awe of all of the fabulous treats and I of course couldn't wait to dig in!



The treats are very large, so I suggest sharing with a friend, or eating half and having the rest later. I first indulged in the dark chocolate with sea salt cookie, which I split with my boyfriend.


Look at this work of art. :)

I had heard for some time that sea salt in desserts really brings out the flavor and gives more personality. This is true! The cookie was absolutely beautiful and very large! It had big chunks of dark chocolate dotted throughout the cookie. Alecia Bakery did not skimp on the chocolate chunks! The round piece of heaven was not as soft as a normal cookie, and was a bit harder. It had a great flavor and each bite had an equal amount of chocolate in it. The sea salt was an interesting added bonus and definitely brought out the fantastic chocolate flavor! Even though the sea salt and chocolate were paired together, each had an equal balance. My boyfriend and I really enjoyed the cookie and couldn't wait to try more Alecia treats.

The next day, I tried the mint chocolate brownie. I love when mint is added to chocolate and I knew that I had to try this. The fact that the brownie was sitting uneaten in my kitchen had to change! The round brownies are baked in 3" individual portions and they are very cute! I'm sorry that I forgot to take a picture of the brownie before I ate it. I am not sure if the camera could have handled its deliciousness though! The brownie was fantastic! It was soft with a wonderful, rich chocolate flavor throughout. The treat was fudgey and rich, just like how a brownie should be. The mint flavor was noticeably there, and each bite had an equal amount of chocolate richness and mint. Each bite was better than the first. I was sad when it was gone!

I froze the rest of the treats so I could indulge at later points. I know that they will be just as delicious as the treats that I've already tried. Alecia Bakery ships nationwide, why not indulge in some yummies today? http://www.aleciabakerynyc.com/shop/

*DISCLOSURE* I received these goodies in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly mine and not based on anything else.

Alecia Bakery Review

Kiddie Academy Case Study Post

This is my second post for Kiddie Academy. I had never thought about opening a franchise, but this is something that is working well for others like the Malangas. They have been running it for almost 16 years now!

Jill and George Malanga opened their first franchised Kiddie Academy in July 1996 at 233 Sparta Avenue in Sparta, New Jersey, at ages 50 and 59.

Fueled by their overwhelming success, they opened their second location at 179 Cahill Cross Road in West Milford, New Jersey, in September 2004. Unlike owners of other child care concepts in the area, the Malangas treat each parent and child as they would a member of their own family, regularly going above and beyond to provide the best service possible.



Background: Jill was a franchisee for NutriSystem, but shortly after the birth of her first child she wanted to shift her attention to her son. When it came time to select a child care facility for him, the options in the area were not up to her standards. As a result, she decided to open a Kiddie Academy franchise, not only for her son but for other parents in the community looking for a better option. George, a former high school teacher and 30-year veteran of the music industry, saw the success of his wife’s venture and decided to follow in her footsteps with a second location shortly after his retirement in 2003. Each time they see a satisfied parent or hear a student’s laugh, the Malangas know that their decision to become Kiddie Academy franchisees was the right one.

Goals: For George and Jill, giving parents peace of mind is their top priority. They regularly consult with parents to provide the best possible service to their children, including waiving the tuition for any student with a parent deployed overseas. With enrollment at both academies nearing capacity, the Malangas are also considering opening a third location in the area.

Challenges: Maintaining the company’s cozy, nurturing atmosphere is always one of Jill’s top concerns, since she operates one of the largest Kiddie Academy facilities in the United States. Kiddie Academy’s innovative curriculum and hands-on approach to educationally-based child care keeps the academies inviting and personal. Jill and George want each parent and child to maintain the special feeling of being part of their Kiddie Academy community.

Results: Jill’s constant drive to make her academy the best it can be has paid off over the years. Events such as date nights and shopping days, as well as pancake breakfasts and end-of-the-year recitals, continuously receive rave reviews from parents and children alike. Not only has she received several awards from both her franchisor and the local community, she has also made quite a difference in the lives of the children who attend her academy – an achievement that cannot be measured by a certificate or plaque, but instead by the smile on a child’s face.

More information about Kiddie Academy franchising opportunities can be found at their websiteand you can follow them on Twitter too!

*DISCLOSURE*I have a 3 month relationship with Kiddie Academy for which I am being compensated for. All thoughts and opinions are strictly mine, and not based on anything else.

Kiddie Academy Case Study Post

Sweet Leaf Tea Review

I love a fantastic, icy cold, refreshing drink. In the summer I always indulge in a lightly sweetened lemonade to quench my thirst. Even though it's winter-time right now, that doesn't mean I can't partake in a chilled drink to satisfy my taste buds with. I enjoy iced tea with a lot of lemon and a hint of sweetness to balance it out. I think I'll have one right now!



Sweet Leaf Tea creates fantastic naturally iced teas that anybody would truly love. The teas are quality made, have a wonderful flavor and taste, and are best served ice cold. The drinks come in a range of choices ranging from, diet peach, diet original, diet citrus green tea, original, raspbery, and many more. There's a beverage for anyone's taste preference.

I've been aware of Sweet Leaf Tea for a few months now. I purchased the diet original tea from my local grocery store and fell in love with it. I couldn't believe how great it tasted for having no calories and sugar! I try not to drink too many sugary drinks, or I buy low-sugar drinks.



Sweet Leaf was kind enough to send me some samples of their other drinks to try. I didn't realize that they had other flavors at first that weren't diet. When the package arrived at my door, I declared it was time for a taste-test!

I received raspberry, original, and mint and honey green tea. The bottles are very recognizable and I love the design of the packaging.

The raspberry had a great berry flavor, although it was a little too sweet to me. I'm sure that someone else would love it though. The entire bottle has 18g of sugar which isn't exactly terrible, but not low-sugar for sure. The drink was very refreshing and quenched my thirst easily. It was perfectly cold and very smooth. I bet this drink would be perfect on a hot summer's day too.

The original was my favorite. How can you go wrong with good ol' Southern sweet tea? It had the perfect balance of sweetness and tea flavor. I really enjoyed it. It went down easily and was very smooth. I recommend this tea for anyone looking for a basic iced tea to quench their thirst.

The mint and honey green tea was also quite refreshing. The mint and honey combined together were great. I love those two properties together, it's such a classic pairing. I'm a big fan of green tea so I love that this was also an element of the drink. I feel that each ingredient was noticeable, but had equal balance among the other flavors in the drink. This would also be a very satisfying beverage on a warm summer's day. Why not indulge any season though?

Try Sweet Leaf Tea today, your taste buds will thank you!

*DISCLOSURE* I received some Sweet Leaf Tea samples in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly mine and not based on anything else.

Sweet Leaf Tea Review

Sammi Richardson-2012 Duane Reade VIP Influencer Blogger Contest #DReade

This is my official entry for the 2012 Duane Reade blogger contest.



I am very proud and passionate about my blog. I created it while still a college student studying communications. It has grown to almost 2300 followers. This is a product review blog and chance for followers to win products through contest giveaways. I have a large demographic that includes young and old, male and female, various socioeconomic backgrounds, and all from around the world. The products I review range from health and beauty, home and garden, food and nutrition, jewelry, pets, and more.

Blogging has provided me an awesome opportunity to receive products I get to keep and often, so does one of my lucky followers. I have worked with such major brands as Dirt Devil, Barilla, Skinny Cow, Bertolli, Ocean Spray, Keurig, among many others. The products that I am able to receive and keep are amazing. I am truly blessed. In addition, through this fantastic experience I have been invited to trips and conferences that were life changing.



I live across the street from a Duane Reade and I visit it a few times a week. It is my go-to store for a quick gallon of milk, a bag of chips, or any necessities. I have been shopping at Duane Reade for years and it's one of my favorite stores. Living in Manhattan, I walk in the streets with thousands of people and large crowds everyday. Duane Reade in contrast is a place I can go and feel like I am not just another face in the crowd. The employees know me, I know where everything is, and feel right at home.

If given the chance to blog for Duane Reade, I would share my enthusiasm for the store with my followers and the existing Duane Reade followers. Firsthand, I will be proud to spread the word about products, new information, and rave about Duane Reade via social media. I am quite versed on Facebook and Twitter and am employed full-time as a social media assistant. This would be an opportunity of a lifetime for me and one in which I would take great pride. The experience of working with such a fantastic company, would be exciting and thrilling at the same time. I know it would be one I would not forget and remember for the rest of my life.

*DISCLOSURE* I am not compensated for this post. This is my official entry into the contest. All thoughts and opinions are strictly mine and not based on anything else.

Sammi Richardson-2012 Duane Reade VIP Influencer Blogger Contest #DReade

Neutrogena Review and Giveaway

I've been using Neutrogena products for as far back as I can remember. I trusted their anti-acne creams and scrubs when I was a teenager. I depend on them now for general cleansing, and as I get older, anti-aging. I feel that they produce quality products that provide great results and they truly care about the well-being of your skin.



Neutrogena has been a skincare pioneer for more than 50 years now. They produce trusted skincare products for all skin types. Their products are instantly recognizable on store shelves. Whether you need a facial cleanser, anti-acne products, moisturizers, anti-aging products, or even cosmetics and more, they have you covered. The products provide fantastic results and are quality made.

Lately I've been having terribly dry skin on my face from the cold winter air. No matter what I did, nothing could keep my skin moisturized enough. I would put moisturizer on my face a few times a day and at night. In the morning my face would be so dry and it was really painful! I've never had anything like that before. Little did I know that with one click of an email in my inbox, my skin issues would be solved!

Neutrogena has recently come out with an Ultra Gentle Soothing Lotion line. This is the ultimate solution to combat redness, dryness and sensitivity in just one week. This revolutionary daily moisturizer will transform skin, instantly calming with its unique chamomile and feverfew blend – actually decreasing skin’s sensitivity over time. You no longer need to hibernate this winter!




Available in two soothing formulas’ including:

An oil-free lotion with broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 – perfect for everyday use and outdoor winter activities – to protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays

A rich cream to keep skin smooth and supple – great for night use!


I knew this would be the answer to my dry skin problem! The products showed up at my door yesterday and I couldn't want to start trying them.

With literally just one application of the lotion, I noticed a difference in my skin immediately. My dry skin was still rough, but much less rough!
The lotion was easy to dispense from the pump and glided onto my skin like silk. It rubbed in easily and was non-greasy. I like that it has SPF 15 in it to protect my skin from the sun too. That's always a nice added plus when a product offers that. The lotion has a pleasant smell. I had been slathering on tons of lotion with no avail to my dry skin, so I was very impressed that this worked well so quickly.

The night cream is great because it's ultra gentle and soothing. It is dermatologist recommended, and clinically proven to instantly soothe even the most sensitive skin. This had my name written all over it! I used the cream before I went to bed last night. I rubbed it in all over my face and hoped in the morning my skin wouldn't be too dry and painful. The cream had a whipped, airy look to it. I liked that it came in a cute little jar too. The cream had a mild scent that did not bother me. I was pleasantly surprised when I woke up this morning that my skin was more visibly moisturized and the dry patches on my forehead and cheeks were dramatically reduced. These products are truly like magic. I think with continued use for a few more days my skin will be completely cleared up.

If you have dry skin, I urge you to try these Neutrogena products. Having dry skin is unpleasant, and in my case it was especially painful. Why suffer through that? Introduce Neutrogena to your bathroom medicine cabinet. I know I have!

GIVEAWAY RULES:

1. I will be picking THREE (3) winners for this contest. Three winners will win the night cream and the lotion from Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Soothing Cream line.

YOU MUST DO THIS FIRST or all other entries will be DELETED!

2. Please tell me why you'd love to win these products. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES

3. Subscribe by Email and Confirm that Subscription (1 entry)

4. Subscribe to Sammi's Blog of Life in a Reader (1 entry)

5. Follow me on Blogger. (1 entry)

6. Follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/pinkice88) (1 entry)

7. Leave a Tweet and the direct link to that tweet (1 entry) (You can do this daily)

8. FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES - Blog about this giveaway with a link to my blog and come back and leave the link to your blog post. Post FIVE separate comments that you've blogged about this.

9. Add my main button to your sidebar (if it's already there, let me know that! Leave link to your blog.) (1 entry)

10. Add Sammi's Blog of Life to your blogroll (using my URL), with a link back to me! (1 entry)

11. Become a fan of my Facebook fan page for 1 entry (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sammis-Blog-of-Life/307593407356)

12. Like Neutrogena on Facebook for 1 entry (https://www.facebook.com/Neutrogena)

13. Like Neutrogena on Twitter for 1 entry (http://twitter.com/#!/NeutrogenaTweet)

Winner will be chosen on February 8, 2012 at 10 pm and then will be emailed.
One entry per day.
Alternate winner will be chosen if winner does not respond after 48 hours. Thank you and good luck!
Disclaimer-
I was provided a product in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly mine and not based on anything else.
You can read more about my blog policies in my disclaimer.
Sammi's Blog Of Life Follows All New FTC & Facebook Laws for Reviews & Giveaways.
IF YOU DO NOT CORRECTLY ANSWER MY CONTEST QUESTION, YOUR COMMENT WILL BE IMMEDIATELY REJECTED.

Neutrogena Review and Giveaway

Stella and Dot Giveaway

Jewelry is something that is loved by most every woman. Sure, each person has their individual style, but they always know what type of jewelry they love best. I love large dangly earrings, chunky bracelets, and big cocktail rings. Stella and Dot caters to every women's jewelry preference, leaving a smile on their face and a fuller jewelry box.



Stella and Dot is a San Francisco based social selling company that creates flexible entrepreneurial opportunities for women. Their boutique-style jewelry and accessories line is available exclusively through in-home Trunk Shows by Independent Stylists and online. Their one of a kind collections are designed by celebrated New York designers and featured in Gossip Girl, In Style and Lucky Magazine as well as on the wrists and necklines of today's hottest celebrities.

The company offers gorgeous necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. Each piece is unique and gorgeous in its own way. Stella and Dot jewelry would make a fantastic gift for that special woman in your life for virtually any occasion.

Here are some examples of beautiful Stella and Dot pieces:


One lucky winner will win the gorgeous Chloe necklace. Can't you just imagine wearing this to your next office party or social event? I absolutely love it.


Hand knotted, faceted beads with ivory and brown acrylic pearls on a feminine ribbon.


•Approx. 17 1/2" length (beads).

•18" ribbon on each side.

•Self-tie closure.

•Lead & nickel safe.

GIVEAWAY RULES:
1. I will be picking ONE (1) winner for this contest. One winner will win a Chloe necklace from Stella and Dot.

YOU MUST DO THIS FIRST or all other entries will be DELETED!

2. Please tell me what you like most about this necklace. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES

3. Subscribe by Email and Confirm that Subscription (1 entry)

4. Subscribe to Sammi's Blog of Life in a Reader (1 entry)

5. Follow me on Blogger. (1 entry)

6. Follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/pinkice88) (1 entry)

7. Leave a Tweet and the direct link to that tweet (1 entry) (You can do this daily)

8. FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES - Blog about this giveaway with a link to my blog and come back and leave the link to your blog post. Post FIVE separate comments that you've blogged about this.

9. Add my main button to your sidebar (if it's already there, let me know that! Leave link to your blog.) (1 entry)

10. Add Sammi's Blog of Life to your blogroll (using my URL), with a link back to me! (1 entry)

11. Become a fan of my Facebook fan page for 1 entry (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sammis-Blog-of-Life/307593407356)

12. Like Stella and Dot on Facebook for 1 entry (https://www.facebook.com/stelladot)

13. Like Stella and Dot on Twitter for 1 entry (https://twitter.com/#!/stelladot)

Winner will be chosen on February 7, 2012 at 10 pm and then will be emailed.
One entry per day.
Alternate winner will be chosen if winner does not respond after 48 hours. Thank you and good luck!
Disclaimer-
I was provided a product in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly mine and not based on anything else.
You can read more about my blog policies in my disclaimer.
Sammi's Blog Of Life Follows All New FTC & Facebook Laws for Reviews & Giveaways.
IF YOU DO NOT CORRECTLY ANSWER MY CONTEST QUESTION, YOUR COMMENT WILL BE IMMEDIATELY REJECTED.

Stella and Dot Giveaway

Mint Floor Cleaner Review

I'm always looking for new and better ways to clean my house. If it makes cleaning easier for me, I'm all for it too! Cleaning is truly a chore and I would like to spend my time enjoying life, not worrying about cleaning my floors. With the Mint, that thought is now a reality!



The Mint Floor Cleaner is a robotic appliance that could save you hours by replacing cleaning time with leisure time. Smart enough to navigate and clean the hard surface floors of a room systematically and without human assistance, the Mint Cleaner offers consumers a simple, easy and affordable way to keep up with life’s demands while maintaining a clean and healthy home. It's programmed by NorthStar Navigation. The Mint cleans intelligently and meticulously so it doesn’t miss a single spot.


The Mint will make your life so much easier. Forget the days of mopping your floors by hand. This will revolutionize your mopping! The Mint will happily clean your home for you with no complaints with just a push of a button. The device uses cleaning cloths to both sweep and mop and it is ideal for pet hair pick up, dust control and maintaining clean floors everyday. The Mint performs quietly which your family will appreciate.



When I had the chance to review this electronic device, I was very excited. Years ago I had a Roomba and it worked really well. I loved being able to sit down while the happy little round device did all the hard work for me.

Not only is the mint aesthetically pleasing to look at, it was very easy to operate for the first time too. I pushed a button and in no time I had it up and running and cleaning my kitchen! The instructions were extremely user-friendly and everything was easy to follow. It takes a little bit to charge, but after that it can start cleaning your floors in less than 30 seconds. I was so happy that it wasn't me cleaning my floors this week! Here's a video to show of it cleaning that I took, so you can see how it works:


(You can see the guiding device on my counter top in the beginning)

The device cleans my floors excellently! It goes along the baseboard and catches all of the debris that collects there. I do vacuum regularly but sometimes your vacuum can't do a job as well as a wet or dry cloth can. I like how it never misses a spot on your floors, thanks to its NorthStar Navigation!

What I think is fantastic about the Mint is that it has a mopping/scrubbing feature. It mops back and forth to remove any dirt that's trapped in tile or your flooring. The mint works tirelessly to please you. It has a rubber bumper so anything that it bumps against, it leaves no damage. You can barely hear the Mint when it's powered on too. I was amazed at how much dirt was on the cloth pad when it was finished! It just goes to show you that your daily vacuuming might not always be as good as you think. Since it's not a large device, it can easily be stored inside a cabinet or closet when not in use. I can't wait to use it in my bathroom and bedroom next!

Thanks to the Mint I will never have to view washing my floors as a chore again! This would be a perfect gift for a busy new mom or a senior citizen who can't clean as well as they used to. It really is the perfect gift for anyone who needs a little break from cleaning.

*DISCLOSURE* I received the Mint in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly mine and not based on anything else.

Mint Floor Cleaner Review

The Butt Bench Review and Giveaway

Showers are extremely relaxing. There's times that I just want to stay in there for hours. What's better than letting warm water beat down on you while you think about what you have to do for the day? Sometimes you don't want to stand though, it's much nicer to lay down and take a bath. If you don't want to take a bath, there's no other alternative for sitting down. The Butt Bench will change your shower experience from now on!



The Butt Bench is a safe bathtub seat/storage bench that requires no installation. It simply attaches by suction cups to your shower walls. The bench is sturdy and made of natural wood. The tub seat supports your weight with no problem.

I think the Butt Bench would be a great new addition to any shower! I chose white and it blends in well with the rest of my shower and looks great!



The shower seat easily and securely attached to my shower walls with no issue. It fit in my shower perfectly and the length was just right. I used it for the first time today. It was nice to sit down while taking a shower and enjoy it. I deep conditioned my hair and sat down and waited the 5 minutes before rinsing it out. This was much easier, unlike before where I had to stand up and wait away from the water. It supported my weight with no problem and was still easily adhered to the shower walls when I sat on it.

Why not turn your shower into a sauna and sit down and enjoy the steam and water? When you're not sitting on it, the shower seat also makes a great extra storage ledge to store shampoo, body wash, or other bath products on it. It's perfect for sitting down and shaving too. Ladies, you won't cut your legs anymore like you usually do when standing up! I think the shower bench is a great new addition to my shower and I can definitely see myself using it each time I shower!

*The Butt Bench does not work in mobile homes or showers with glass sliding doors.

GIVEAWAY RULES:
1. I will be picking ONE (1) winner for this contest. One winner will win a Butt bench in their chosen size and color.

YOU MUST DO THIS FIRST or all other entries will be DELETED!

2. Please tell me why you'd like to add Butt Bench to your shower. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES

3. Subscribe by Email and Confirm that Subscription (1 entry)

4. Subscribe to Sammi's Blog of Life in a Reader (1 entry)

5. Follow me on Blogger. (1 entry)

6. Follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/pinkice88) (1 entry)

7. Leave a Tweet and the direct link to that tweet (1 entry) (You can do this daily)

8. FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES - Blog about this giveaway with a link to my blog and come back and leave the link to your blog post. Post FIVE separate comments that you've blogged about this.

9. Add my main button to your sidebar (if it's already there, let me know that! Leave link to your blog.) (1 entry)

10. Add Sammi's Blog of Life to your blogroll (using my URL), with a link back to me! (1 entry)

11. Become a fan of my Facebook fan page for 1 entry (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sammis-Blog-of-Life/307593407356)

12. Like Butt Bench on Facebook for 1 entry (http://www.facebook.com/buttbench1)

13. Like Butt Bench on Twitter for 1 entry (http://twitter.com/buttbench)

Winner will be chosen on February 4, 2012 at 10 pm and then will be emailed.
One entry per day.
Alternate winner will be chosen if winner does not respond after 48 hours. Thank you and good luck!
Disclaimer-
I was provided a product in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly mine and not based on anything else.
You can read more about my blog policies in my disclaimer.
Sammi's Blog Of Life Follows All New FTC & Facebook Laws for Reviews & Giveaways.
IF YOU DO NOT CORRECTLY ANSWER MY CONTEST QUESTION, YOUR COMMENT WILL BE IMMEDIATELY REJECTED.

The Butt Bench Review and Giveaway

Day-Lee Foods Review and Giveaway

When I have date nights with my boyfriend, we usually pick a local Thai or Chinese food spot. Asian cuisine is definitely a favorite food of mine. I think my absolute favorite dish is flat rice noodles with shrimp. I'm also a big fan of potstickers, orange chicken, sesame chicken and so much more. The flavor in Asian cooking is bold, delicious, and full of many spices and seasonings all at once. I truly love it!



Day-Lee Foods is a leader in authentic Asian cuisine. They produce restaurant-quality frozen Asian dishes that marry authenticity with value and convenience. Their Crazy Cuizine lineup features everything from Potstickers to Mandarin Orange Chicken to Teriyaki and General Tso’s Chicken. You can feel good about enjoying these meals because they are made with authentic flavors from the Far East. The entrees are fully cooked (ready to heat and serve), high in protein, and free of preservatives, trans-fat and MSG. If you're a fan of Asian food, you'll go absolutely crazy for these entrees!

I was sent four samples to try in honor of Chinese New Year, which is January 23rd. I received:








Don't they all look wonderful? I think so too!

I served the orange chicken and pot stickers tonight for dinner (I look forward to trying the other entrees soon!) Since the foods are already cooked, they go right from the microwave or stove top to your dinner table. I love easy to prepare meals on nights that I'm tired from working.


The pot stickers were really great and large in size too! They had a nice chewy steamed outside and delicious pork filling inside. The pork was flavorful and hearty. They didn't taste like I just pulled them out of the freezer either! They tasted like they were ordered fresh at an Asian restaurant! The dipping sauce for them was flavorful and delicious too. My boyfriend and I both really enjoyed them. They would make a great party or dinner party appetizer.


Look how juicy this white meat was!


The orange chicken was equally as delicious. It had that same fresh, restaurant quality, look and taste. The chicken had a glossy orange coating on it too. The boneless chicken was very juicy and full of flavor. It practically melted in your mouth. Some orange chicken that I've had was spicy, this wasn't, which I was glad for. The orange flavor was tangy and just fantastic. This honestly was the best orange chicken I've had in quite some time!

I highly recommend Day-Lee Foods for your next family dinner. The foods are quality and delicious and I'm sure your family will gobble them right up!

Crazy Cuizine free-product coupons can be used at BJ's Wholesale Club locations nationwide and select club stores across the country as well as at Albertsons, Ralphs, Food for Less, Raley's and Lucky Supermarkets throughout California and the Pacific Northwest.


GIVEAWAY RULES:
1. I will be picking ONE (1) winner for this contest. One winner will win two free product coupons to purchase entrees from the Crazy Cuizine line from Day-Lee Foods.

YOU MUST DO THIS FIRST or all other entries will be DELETED!

2. Please tell me what your favorite Asian food is. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES

3. Subscribe by Email and Confirm that Subscription (1 entry)

4. Subscribe to Sammi's Blog of Life in a Reader (1 entry)

5. Follow me on Blogger. (1 entry)

6. Follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/pinkice88) (1 entry)

7. Leave a Tweet and the direct link to that tweet (1 entry) (You can do this daily)

8. FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES - Blog about this giveaway with a link to my blog and come back and leave the link to your blog post. Post FIVE separate comments that you've blogged about this.

9. Add my main button to your sidebar (if it's already there, let me know that! Leave link to your blog.) (1 entry)

10. Add Sammi's Blog of Life to your blogroll (using my URL), with a link back to me! (1 entry)

11. Become a fan of my Facebook fan page for 1 entry (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sammis-Blog-of-Life/307593407356)

12. Like Day-Lee Foods on Facebook for 1 entry (http://www.facebook.com/dayleefoods)

13. Like Day-Lee Foods on Twitter for 1 entry (https://twitter.com/DayLeeFoods)

Winner will be chosen on February 2, 2012 at 10 pm and then will be emailed.
One entry per day.
Alternate winner will be chosen if winner does not respond after 48 hours. Thank you and good luck!
Disclaimer-
I was provided a product in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly mine and not based on anything else.
You can read more about my blog policies in my disclaimer.
Sammi's Blog Of Life Follows All New FTC & Facebook Laws for Reviews & Giveaways.
IF YOU DO NOT CORRECTLY ANSWER MY CONTEST QUESTION, YOUR COMMENT WILL BE IMMEDIATELY REJECTED.

Day-Lee Foods Review and Giveaway

Valentine Gift Ideas for that Special Guy

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about lavishing women with flowers and chocolate. You want to celebrate that special guy in your life as well. Many creative gift ideas can show your man how much you love him.

Coupon Book

Even if you don’t have the extra cash for an expensive gift, you can still give your guy something special. Make a coupon book full of creative coupons that he can redeem. The coupons can include a back massage, guys’ night out, homemade dinner, and date night. You won’t have to spend any money on this book, and the coupons will encourage romance and quality time together in the year to come.

Sports Tickets

If your guy is a sports nut, give him a pair of tickets to his favorite team’s game. Even if his sport isn’t in season right now, you can line up tickets to a big game next season. If you really want to splurge, you can buy a pair of season tickets, and the two of you can spend your weekends cheering on his team. Call the team’s ticket office; you can grab single-game tickets for under $100, while season tickets will likely run you a few hundred dollars.

Experience Gift

If your guy has everything he needs, treat him to an experience he won’t forget. Take him on a tour of a local brewery or winery. Get tickets to see his favorite band when they come to town. Check out a museum exhibit that intrigues him. An experience gift can create a lasting memory.

Electronic Gadgets

Electronic Gadgets satisfy every guy. Get your man a new smartphone through his mobile provider; these can cost you anywhere from $100 to $500. A more extravagant Valentine’s Day gift is the popular tablet, such as an iPad or Kindle Fire, which range from a couple hundred dollars to $600 or more. If your man is an avid reader, than an e-reader will certainly be appreciated. These items are a cheaper electronic option, with some costing under $100. All of these items are available through a number of online retailers.

Vacation

Add some romance and enjoy some quality time with your man by surprising him with a vacation. You can stay local and select a nearby spot for a weekend getaway at a bed and breakfast, or you can splurge on a trip to a ski resort or tropical destination. Talk to a local travel agent, or check out travel websites to plan your getaway. Prices can vary from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your destination.


Erica Simone currently writes for Viamedic, an online facilitator for Viagra, Cialis and Levitra online. Erica uses her research scientist skills to cover and uncover big pharma news she shares on the Viamedic Health Articles Section.

*DISCLOSURE* This is a sponsored post that I was compensated to write.

Valentine Gift Ideas for that Special Guy

Jennie-O Giveaway

Quality food is important to me, especially quality meat. I make dinners containing ground turkey at least twice a week. I always use the freshest and best testing ground turkey. It's important to me to have a brand that I can depend on for quality-made food. For that, I turn to Jennie-O.



Jennie-O believes that eating well shouldn’t come at the cost of taste. They've had that philosophy since 1940. This company produces many products including sausage links, ground turkey, turkey burgers, deli meat, and more. The meats always taste great and work great with any recipe. I've been enjoying Jennie-O products for years.

One thing that I really love about this company is that they know that certain people have food restrictions. They've developed a gluten free, extra lean, and sodium smart line. I like that they care about their consumers and take their ideas into consideration to keep them satisfied.



My favorite way to use Jennie-O's ground turkey is to make turkey "meatballs" for spaghetti. They taste great, have wonderful flavor, and are much better for you than beef meatballs! You won't miss regular beef meatballs once you have turkey meaballs. What's your favorite way to use Jennie-O meat products?

Another favorite of mine is making the turkey sausage patties for breakfast. They have 65% less fat than pork sausage which is huge! They have great flavor and pair perfectly with an egg-white omelette. I try to use turkey in place of pork or beef whenever I can.



Pretty soon you'll have to figure out what you'll be making since three lucky winners will win a $10 Jennie-O gift certificate! Get those recipe books out to create something delicious for dinner tonight when you win!

GIVEAWAY RULES:
1. I will be picking THREE (3) winners for this contest. Three winners will win $10 gift certificate good towards Jennie-O foods.

YOU MUST DO THIS FIRST or all other entries will be DELETED!

2. Please tell me which Jennie-O product you like best. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES

3. Subscribe by Email and Confirm that Subscription (1 entry)

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6. Follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/pinkice88) (1 entry)

7. Leave a Tweet and the direct link to that tweet (1 entry) (You can do this daily)

8. FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES - Blog about this giveaway with a link to my blog and come back and leave the link to your blog post. Post FIVE separate comments that you've blogged about this.

9. Add my main button to your sidebar (if it's already there, let me know that! Leave link to your blog.) (1 entry)

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11. Become a fan of my Facebook fan page for 1 entry (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sammis-Blog-of-Life/307593407356)

12. Like Jennie-O on Facebook for 1 entry (https://www.facebook.com/jennieoturkey)

Winner will be chosen on February 1, 2012 at 10 pm and then will be emailed.
One entry per day.
Alternate winner will be chosen if winner does not respond after 48 hours. Thank you and good luck!
Disclaimer-
I was provided a product in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly mine and not based on anything else.
You can read more about my blog policies in my disclaimer.
Sammi's Blog Of Life Follows All New FTC & Facebook Laws for Reviews & Giveaways.
IF YOU DO NOT CORRECTLY ANSWER MY CONTEST QUESTION, YOUR COMMENT WILL BE IMMEDIATELY REJECTED.

Jennie-O Giveaway

Crumbs Interview

What comes to mind when you think of cupcakes? I'm assuming moderately sized yellow cupcakes with a nice layer of vanilla or chocolate icing on top. Am I right? That's what I used to think a cupcake was too, until I was introduced to Crumbs.



Crumbs is not your average bake shop, oh no. They take cupcakes to the next level! Their sweet treats are LARGE and in charge and covered with amazing chocolate chips, candies, peanut butter, chocolate drizzle, coconut, and much more. The cupcakes are truly a work of art just as much as they satisfy a sweet tooth. Not to mention Crumbs also sells cookies, whoopie pies, brownies, and more! Crumbs currently has locations in VA, IL, CT, NY, DC, NJ. Locations in PA are opening soon. Stop by your local Crumbs today!

Here's some examples of some of my favorite Crumbs cupcakes for your viewing pleasure:

Brownie Cupcake



Baba Booey


Pumpkin Cheesecake


Vanilla Puff


Feel free to wipe the drool from your keyboard, it's perfectly normal and okay! :)

Crumbs recently opened close to where I work. It's delicious but dangerous, all at the same time. I'm a fan of Crumbs on Facebook so I can keep up with their sugary updates, and I am always temped to grab something yummy on my lunch break, especially when they post the cupcake of the week. It's sometimes hard to fight the Crumbs urge!

Since I've been a long time lover of Crumbs, I wanted to know more and truly dig deeper into the confectionery treat. I had the chance to interview Mia Bauer, co-founder of Crumbs. She really gave great answers to my questions and gave me wonderful insight into what Crumbs as a company is all about.

How was the concept for Crumbs developed?
I did a lot of baking and I saw how happy it made people so when Jason and I started to talk about opening a business together, opening a bakery seemed like the perfect way to combine both skills and our passions. There was a whole feel and experience we wanted to achieve so it very much informed the kind of desserts I made and the look of our stores. We really wanted a neighborhood bakery reminiscent of our childhoods. We opened our first CRUMBS Bake Shop on the Upper West Side in 2003.

What do you feel is something that people love most about Crumbs?
When we opened our stores, cupcakes were vanilla, chocolate, lemon, or strawberry, maybe with sprinkles. We were really the first bakery to create cupcakes with cool fillings, frostings, and decorations that had never been done before. Vanilla Coconut was one of my first creations consisting of vanilla cake frosted with rich vanilla cream cheese frosting and topped with just the right amount of sweet shredded coconut. While we made a variety of baked goods, it was our cupcakes that sold out every day, so we decided to expand and continued to grow our cupcake selection. Our gourmet cupcakes have now become the industry standard.

How are the flavor ideas created? Do you take flavor suggestions from fans?
I am constantly testing out new flavors and drawing inspiration from my kids, employees and our loyal fans to develop new varieties. I spend a lot of my time baking on my own to try out new flavors, which are constantly being created. Luckily, I could snack on sweets all day, since part of my job is to taste every new flavor, and not just a bite!

Do you think you'll expand and ever have international stores?
Yes, we look forward to having 200 stores in operation by the end of 2014 and continuing to deliver a great customer experience and differentiate our baked goods selection. Maybe someday our neighborhood bakeries will even make their way overseas.

How many cupcakes do you sell a month?
About 1,000,000 a month.

What's one way that you're constantly changing and evolving?
We are constantly developing new flavors and baked desserts for Crumbs fans to enjoy. While we’re known for our cupcakes, people are discovering our delicious whoopee pies, brownies, and options for those with dietary restrictions such as nut and dairy free.

Do you have any plans of opening any more stores in the NYC area?
Yes, but no specific locations are confirmed to date. New York City was our first market and we hope to continue to support the local community there while reaching our goal of 200 stores.

What is your best-selling cupcake?
Red velvet.

Are there surprises for Crumbs planned in 2012?
We have a lot of new ideas and new concepts outside the cupcake world we are working on for 2012.



*DISCLOSURE* A big thank you to Crumbs and Mia for this interview. All thoughts and opinions are strictly mine, and all interview answers are courtesy of Mia.

Crumbs Interview

Bialetti Review

I'm truly obsessed with anything related to the kitchen or cooking. It's kind of sick, actually. Just this weekend I spent 40 minutes looking at different cookware and small appliances at Sur La Table. I had the same reaction as to someone buying new clothes. Don't get me wrong I love clothes shopping too! My boyfriend had very little patience towards the end, lol. My kitchen is a Sur La Table in training and I love to use different types of cookware when I make my favorite meals. There's nothing like a new cookie sheet when making your triple chocolate cookies. :)

Bialetti is a well-known culinary brand. They produce cookware, espresso makers, milk frothers, coffee prep tools, replacement items for products and more. Bialetti is known for its wonderful customer service and products which are built to last.I have a set of red pots and pans that are about two years old. Since I used them practically every single day, they were starting to use their age and wear. I knew it was time to replace them with a new set. I wanted something that would withstand everyday use, and of course be non-stick. When I had the chance to review the new Bialetti 8-Piece Nano-Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set, I was very excited. I also loved that it was red, just like my old set! What perfect timing. :)

Add some eco-friendly culinary devices to your cooking artillery. PTFE- and PFOA-free, this nonstick nano-ceramic set is also ideal for healthy recipes. All you need are a couple drops of oil for an easy meal with easy cleanup.

-Includes 1-qt covered sauce pot, 3-qt covered sauce pot, 5-qt covered dutch oven, 8" open skillet, and 11" open skillet-PTFE- and PFOA-free nonstick nano-ceramic interior
-Riveted silicone handles
-Oven-safe to 375F
-5-year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty
-Made in China

The pot and pan set looks wonderful in my kitchen! I love the vibrant red color. It adds such personality and an element of fun to my kitchen. I used one of the skillets tonight to cook up some ground chicken. I used very little oil on purpose to heat the chicken. I wanted to see how well the non-stick worked. My chicken didn't stick at all to the pan while cooking, and I of course loved that. The chicken cooked quickly and evenly and the Bialetti name held up through and through. The chicken cooked evenly and throughly, and very quickly I might out. A feature that I really like about this set is that it's oven safe. I sometimes use a skillet to finish cooking a thick steak in the oven. It's good to know that the skillet can withstand high temps. The skilet was easy to clean afterwards and there was no charring or defect on the bottom after using it.I am excited to have this new set in my kitchen and I can see many delicious meals being made with them. :)

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Bialetti for providing me with the complimentary cooking set in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly mine and not based on anything else. This set is made by Fabio Vivani for QVC

Bialetti Review

Looking for more Facebook fan page fans

Hi guys!

I'm looking to gain more fans on my Facebook fan page. Just go to the contact me section in the middle of my blog and click on the Facebook link. That will bring you to my Facebook fan page for my blog. You can stay in the loop of everything that's going on there. Spread the word!

Thanks,
Sammi

Looking for more Facebook fan page fans