Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Community Coffee Review and Giveaway - Holiday Gift Guide


By Patricia

Now that the holidays are here, one of the things I really enjoy is a delicious cup of coffee brewed right at home. While I do love going out to my favorite neighborhood coffeehouse, the crowds and noise of being out during this busy season can be a little overwhelming. So whether in the morning or the evening, I enjoy drinking coffee, and it is always a lot of fun to try different brands and holiday flavors.

I was so happy to be sent the Season's Greetings Variety Pack for our Holiday Gift Guide from Community Coffee. This pack includes four different kinds of coffee including Holiday Jazz, Dark Roast Signature Blend, Bread Pudding, and Cafe Special Medium-Dark Roast blend.

Community Coffee is an excellent coffee, it's taste and aroma is rich, flavorful, and delicious.



On Thanksgiving night after my family and I had eaten ourselves silly, I brewed a pot of the Bread Pudding flavored coffee. It was a huge hit with everyone, and we all agreed it was perfect for the holiday season. And brewing a pot of this flavor will make your whole kitchen smell like you are baking bread pudding in the oven.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I enjoyed sharing the other three kinds of coffee with family and friends who dropped by. We all agreed that Community Coffee was delicious.
Community Coffee offers ground, whole bean, flavored, decaffeinated, seasonal coffee and more. They also offer beautiful Holiday Gift Packs, and gift ideas for the coffee lover on your Christmas List.

This family owned and operated company has been in business since 1919. Based in Louisiana, the Saurage family has made it their mission to produce and sell this high quality coffee for four generations.
Visit their website at communitycoffee.com to see all of the products they sell, and for more information.

 Community Coffee would be a welcome gift for anyone on your Christmas list who enjoys drinking delicious coffee.

Popcorn and Pearls is happy to be hosting a giveaway of the the Season's Greetings Variety Pack.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Nov. 27, 2012 and ends on Dec.12, 2012 at 12:01 am EST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent an item to review for my post.




Monday, November 26, 2012

I Know It's Cyber Monday, But...


By Patricia

If you are like most people, you will be taking advantage of all the online sales today. After Black Friday comes Cyber Monday, another chance to spend, spend, spend.
I like sales and great buys, and I certainly do shop at the big retail stores and enjoy it. But I also like to shop at small businesses that are unique and offer it's customers a chance to enjoy personal service. I have come to love the toy store called Magic Mouse Toys in Seattle.
I have shopped here for fourteen years now, ever since my youngest child was six years old. Magic Mouse Toys is a wonderland of toys, games, and the most marvelous things that children could ever dream of wanting. If you are ever in the Seattle area, stop in and enjoy this wonderful store for yourself. You will love it like I do.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Getting Ready To Cook Up A Feast


By Patricia

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and cooks all over America are getting ready to make a meal that is the total focus of the day. Of course, Thanksgiving is about being thankful for all the wonderful things in your life, too.

But who are we kidding, we want that turkey!!! So I have been looking through cookbooks at home and at the bookstore for new recipe ideas. That is half the fun for me, thinking about the food.

And I can't wait to eat that turkey.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

What Is Your Favorite Sandwich Made With Leftover Turkey?

By Patricia


If your family is anything like mine, you will have leftover turkey on the day after Thanksgiving. We always buy a bird that is twenty pounds or more, and we look forward to those day after delicious turkey sandwiches. There are as many different ways to put together those sandwiches as there are the families making them. Do you include stuffing or cranberry sauce?




Sometimes I like to make my sandwich filled with almost everything that was on the Thanksgiving table. But I also sometimes like just a heaping amount of turkey with mayonnaise and the best bread I can find. And lets not forget the hot, open faced classic sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy.



Lettuce and tomato, mustard, mayo, and more are all a possible ingredient in the making of your favorite turkey sandwich.
 So between Black Friday shopping, football games and visiting family members, I hope you have the time to fix your own fabulously delicious turkey sandwich.

What do you put in your sandwich to make it out of this world delicious?


Monday, November 19, 2012

Serve Healthy Meals With New Kidfresh Frozen Meals #KFHealthyKids #Cbias


By Patricia

I remember when my five children were growing up, it was a frequent battle to get them to eat healthy and nutritious foods. None of them really liked vegetables, and I was always worried they weren't getting all the nutrition that they needed to grow up to be strong and healthy adults. (Thankfully they all did.)
Now that I have grandchildren, I am concerned about them eating a healthy and nutritious diet also. Their Mom ans Dad, my daughter and son-in-law, always try to make sure their meals are healthy and good tasting, but they still have a hard time getting the boys to eat all their vegetables and other healthy foods.

One day last week my daughter and son-in-law needed to do some birthday present shopping without the kids, so I volunteered to watch them. I had recently heard about the new Kidfresh Frozen Meals, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give them to my grandsons for lunch. I read that the Kidfresh Meals contain hidden vegetables, so that not only is your child eating something they love the taste of, it's very healthy for them too. Great idea!



I went to Safeway to pick up some Kidfresh Frozen Kid's Meals. Before I left home I had printed out a $1.00 off coupon from their Facebook page, which I really appreciated being able to use.

The meals come in four varieties, including Spaghetti Loops Bolognese, Wagon Wheel Mac and Cheese, Rainbow Rice and Chicken, and Cheesy Quesadillas.

I love the idea of giving my grandchildren healthy and convenient food when I take care of them. I knew they would love the bright, fun packaging on the meals. I know that one way to get kids to try something new is if they like what the package looks like that it comes in. These are definitely kid friendly looking.




For lunch today I was giving my grandsons the Spaghetti Loops Bolognese, and the Wagon Wheels Mac and Cheese. Both kinds contain hidden veggies. The Spaghetti Loops Bolognese contains carrots, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. There is half a cup of these hidden veggies in every serving of this variety.

The Mac and Cheese also contains hidden veggies and is an excellent source of calcium and Vitamin A.
I tried a little spoonful of each meal and I thought they tasted great!




I asked my six year old grandson if he liked his Kidfresh Meal and he said it was "really good!". I also asked him if he would like to have them again and he said he would. It definitely met with his approval.

I know that no matter how healthy a food is for kids, if they don't like the taste of it, they won't eat it. I'm so glad this little guy like the meals with 'hidden' vegetables in them. And Kidfresh Frozen Meals contain no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.




At two years old, my youngest grandson thinks nothing of breaking into a spontaneous "Yay!!", which he is doing here. As a spaghetti lover, he gobbled up his kid's meal without even realizing  he was also eating healthy vegetables.

I had bought two other meals for another time, and I will definitely be buying them again. Kidfresh Meals are such an easy and convenient way to give a child healthy food, whether you are a parent, grandparent, or care  giver.



I looked at the back of the package to read more information about Kidfresh. The company was founded by a Dad who wanted healthier food options for his own kids.

You can go to the Kidfresh Meals website to learn more about them, and you can also visit them on their Facebook page to get your own $1.00 off coupons.

If you would like to see my shopping trip at Safeway where I bought Kidfresh Meals, here is my Google+ photo album. You can learn more about Kidfresh Meals by following them Facebook.



*I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Kidfresh #CBias #SocialFabric #KFHealthyKids

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Saturday Thoughts


By Patricia

It is no secret that I adore fresh flowers. I try to pick them up when my budget allows, and whenever I am in Seattle at the Pike Place Market, I always buy a big, glorious bunch.

But sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to buy flowers for someone else. Just as a random, small act of kindness, given purely out of your own kind heart. Is there an elderly neighbor you know who would love a knock on their door and a surprise bundle of pretty flowers? Or someone who does a thankless job for little pay but always has a smile on their face and helps everyone? Or a relative who is going through emotionally rough times?
I'm not talking about spending a lot of money, you can get flowers from the grocery store for about five dollars. It's simply about spreading joy.
My own life is certainly filled with challenges, but it is true that when you take the focus off yourself and place it on to others with the idea of making the world a better place, your own life becomes better.

Will giving someone a bouquet of flowers make a difference in your life? Maybe. But it will certainly make a difference in the life of the person you gave them to.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Stylish Fall Fashion Looks


By Patricia

I love Fall more than any other season for updating my wardrobe. The change in weather really makes you start paying attention to what you are wearing. Up here in Seattle, it is definitely time to pull out our coats and  scarves. I love buying a new sweater, or bracelet to add to what I already have. Just little changes can make a big impact.





Photos by Sacramento Street 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Fairytale Brownies Review and Giveaway - Holiday Gift Guide


Christmas Bar & Brownie Combo


By Patricia

Now that the Holiday Season is upon us, it's that time of the year when we start eating lots of delicious treats. Whether it's an old favorite, or something deliciously new we have just discovered, desserts, candy, and baked goods play a big part of our holiday celebrations.

I was absolutely delighted to find a company that makes the most delicious brownies you will ever eat, called Fairytale Brownies.
Now celebrating their 20th year in business, Fairytale Brownies uses the finest ingredients available, including  Callebaut Belgian Chocolate. Each gourmet treat is baked in small batches, hand packed in beautiful wrapping, and shipped to you with care.

My family and I shared the Christmas Bar and Brownie Combo Pack. Filled with brownie flavors such as Caramel, Walnut, Peanut Butter, and Cream Cheese, these brownies were rich, moist and delicious.

The company has just started making sweet and buttery Fairytale Bars that were equally as yummy. The bars come in four flavors, Raspberry White Chocolate, Pecan Blondie, Cheesecake Swirl, and Chocolate Chip Blondie. The bars are crafted with the same high quality ingredients and baked withe utmost of care.




Fairytale Brownies are the perfect gift for the holiday season, and come in a variety of combinations and sizes. There is something to fit every taste and budget, and everything comes beautifully wrapped with several different kinds of packaging to choose from.

If you are looking to treat yourself, your family, or friends, Fairytale Brownies is a gourmet delight that will have everyone asking for more!

To see the complete line of products and for more information, go to the Fairytale Brownie website. You can also check them out on Facebook.

We are happy to be hosting a giveaway for a Christmas Bar and Brownie Combo Pack, a $35.95 value.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Nov. 14, 2012 and ends on Dec. 5, 2012 at 12:01 am EST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent products to review for my post.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Love And Friendship On Paper, Will It Last?


By Patricia

In this age of computers, Kindles, and ipads, where has all the paper gone? I do love technology and all the inventive and wonderful things it has brought to my life. But it seems that more and more, the evidence of our lives and loves are only on a computer screen.

I remember my parents had a huge mirror over the fireplace in my childhood home. Whenever an invitation, birthday card or special photo came, it was tucked into the frame of the mirror for all to see. The same with Christmas cards, they were all displayed and added to the festivity of the holidays. They were tangible proof of someone sending you love, or friendship, or best wishes.

Do people still send birthday and Christmas cards? I know I do, and I always will. The card that you receive today might not have a whole lot of meaning, but what about twenty years from now?
Oh, how I wish I had kept so many beautiful cards that were given to me by my parents, my children, and friends.

How about you, do you still use paper to send your friends and loved ones birthday, Christmas, or other special occasion wishes? 





Monday, November 12, 2012

What, Monday Already???


                                                      

By Patricia

OH, NO!! MONDAY ALREADY?????

This picture of my granddaughter, 10 month old Ashley, says just how I am feeling this morning. Do you ever feel like the weekend simply swept by and all the things you said you were going to get done, didn't get done at all? We have four birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years all just around the corner for my family.

I better get it together soon!!! Happy Monday to everyone out there, and I hope it's a good one!!                        

Friday, November 9, 2012

Fabulous Friday - Yummy And Warm Oatmeal Cookies


By Patricia

I am such a cookie lover. I love all kinds of cookies, from the classic chocolate chip, to snicker doodles, to coconut haystacks. But sometimes, all I want is a plain but delicious, still warm from the oven oatmeal cookie. Yeah, the kind my Mom made for me when I was a little girl.
It is funny how food can bring up so many memories and emotions from our past. These cookies do remind me of the fact that I was lucky to have had such a great Mom. When I make these oatmeal cookies, I use the same recipe she did, the one on the Quaker Oats Cereal box.  I know these are a ton of great cookie recipes out there, but this one is still my favorite.

Here are a few things of interest from around the web this week. I hope you all have a Fabulous Friday, and share the weekend with people you care about.


1. I would love to receive an Etsy Gift Card for Christmas, and if you buy one before November 14th, you'll be entered to win a $250 gift card for yourself!

2. Here's a super delicious recipe for Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Brown Butter. This would be so yummy on a fall weekend morning.

3. If you love West Elm like I do, you'll love the new West Elm Market Shop filled with all kinds of great stuff to make life easier.

4. Need help cooking your turkey this Thanksgiving? The Butterball website is filled with all the information you need to make your turkey the hit it should be.

5. I love this website for all kinds of great decorating and design ideas. It will inspire you to start making your own fabulous creations!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Making A Delicious 'Mocktail' With New Lipton Tea & Honey Pitcher Packets #FamilyTeaTime



By Patricia


Now that the fall and winter months are upon us, my thoughts always turn to the food and drinks I'll be serving my family during the holidays. While drinks made with alcohol certainly have a place when entertaining, I love to be able to serve 'mocktails' to my guests, or just enjoy one myself anytime of the day.

Mocktails are also perfect for family entertaining, and I do try to use recipes and ingredients that will appeal to all ages. Easy recipes are always my favorite way to entertain, and I especially love making things that are old family favorites. I can remember that for many years my parents made a hot mocktail of Lipton tea, lemonade, and honey. It was always easy, simple, and so delicious.

Whenever I make these now, I think about my parents and call them "Mom and Dad's Tea and Lemonade Specials". Of course, my Dad would sometimes add a little extra something to make his drink a little more "special" but I think these actually taste better without any alcohol. They are especially delicious to drink on a cold night when you need to warm up.




I went to Walmart to buy a new Lipton tea product that I had heard about. Lipton Tea and Honey Pitcher Packets are a great and easy way to make iced tea. They also come in Blackberry-Pomegranate, and Mango-Pineapple flavors. I knew I would love using this new Lipton product, and it would make putting together my mocktail even easier.




I assembled my simple ingredients of a Lipton tea pitcher packet, lemonade, honey, cherries, and a lemon to make my drinks.

I frequently make it a point to have a Family Tea Time, and with the chilly weather we have been having, it's been everyone's favorite time to enjoy it. Tea is so good for your health, and I always have at least one cup of it a day. Tea is also great at mealtime, or really anytime of the day or night. The Blackberry-Pomegranate and Mango-Pineapple flavors of the Lipton pitcher packets are made with green tea, which is especially good for you.



The new Lipton Tea and Honey pitcher packets were so easy to use. I looked on the Lipton Tea website and was happy to find lots of great recipes for tea drinks. With three flavors of the pitcher packets available, there are lots of options to create new ways to use them. I am going to use the Blackberry-Pomegrate flavor to make a smoothie for breakfast soon.

I heated up the tea and lemonade , sliced my lemons and cherries, and then stirred together my mocktails. I used one part lemonade, with two parts tea. The sweet/sour combination is delicious.
And so easy!


I love how festive these mocktails look! Since there was already honey in the pitcher packets, I ended up not even putting any extra honey in the drinks.


My family and I enjoyed our drinks, and we all agreed that we would be making these mocktails more often. They are perfect for anytime you want a special yet easy way to enjoy Lipton tea.

My family and I have been drinking Lipton tea for many, many years, and I love discovering any new products that they introduce.

If you would like to discover more about Lipton tea and all Lipton products, go to the Lipton Tea website.
You can also check out their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter.

If you would like to see my shopping experience at Walmart, be sure to go see my Google+ album.



*I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Lipton #CBias #SocialFabric All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

How Do You Decorate Your Thanksgiving Table?






By Patricia

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about not just the turkey, but how to make the table pretty and inviting as well. I was at Pottery Barn in Seattle recently and this table setting was so gorgeous that I just had to take a few pictures of it.
I think the key here is layering and an abundance of pretty things that make the table feel so welcoming. Even though the food on Thanksgiving is always the main focus, a lovely table will set a welcoming tone and make your family and guests want to linger there long after the pie is eaten.










Of course this is all a little over the top decorating, but it does give us some great ideas for our own Thanksgiving tables. I love decorating my table, and through the years my family has established a few traditions we all love. One of them is that my youngest daughter Megan makes the place cards with all of our names on them. She started doing this when she was six years old, and she did it last year at the age of twenty.
So with a little planning, it is fun and easy to make your table say welcome, and to make all your guests feel special. And that is really what sharing your table is all about.


Sunday, November 4, 2012

Do You Love Etsy, Too?

Girl Dress - Thanksgiving Collection - Fall Floral Dress - Abbey - Back Bow Dress - Matches our ties
Adorable Thanksgiving Dress   



I know I am not the only one out there who adores shopping on Etsy. I could spend a fortune there, buying beautiful and unique things things from all the talented artists who make them.

I was just browsing the baby clothes, and now that I have a sweet 10 month old granddaughter, it makes it tons of fun to look. I thought this little dress from this Etsy shop was so sweet, perfect for Thanksgiving day.
Do you shop on Esty? What do you like to buy there? I would love to know!

By Patricia

Friday, November 2, 2012

Calling all Knitters!!!

                      

                        Knitted bus: Knitters turn to graffiti artists with 'yarnbombing'                         
~ By Patricia ~

Looking for something to do this weekend in the Seattle Area? Love to Knit and meet other Knitters like yourself? Then you should check out the Kit Fit in Ballard! 

Here is some detailed information on the event:

  
DateSaturday, November 3, 2012 
LocationBallard Community Center
6020 28th Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107

Ballard
Event details  

Seattle's own fiber festival, Knit Fit!, debuts this year with a full weekend of classes by local and regional designers and a free-entry indie yarn (and more!) market with a special focus on local producers.

Opening night lecture by Sylvia Olsen on the history and women behind the legendary Cowichan sweater. Saturday night "Game Knitting" with Lee Meredith is a knit-along movie night to _Say Anything_. Plus prizes, book signings, and more!
Market hours 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.


More info

www.knitfit.info










Thursday, November 1, 2012

Decorating With Brown For A Warm and Cozy Look


By Patricia


Now that November is here, it is time to cozy up our houses with warm Fall colors. I just adore the color brown, for clothing and decorating. Here are a few pictures for ideas on how you can give your house that warm and welcoming feeling.


 










Images via Little Blue Deer