Category Archives: Product Reviews

Product review of family, living, cooking, fashion,kids,toys, healthy including Photography and honest reviews.

Cooking, Product Reviews

Easy Cheddar and Corn Chowder with Knorr Sponsored by Eagle Giant

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cheddar corn chowdwrCheddar and Corn Chowder: Dinner is a a stressful time of day for any family.  Getting a good healthy meal quickly and easy can be difficult. Knorr and Eagle Giant asked me to try out one of their recipes. Knorr Cheddar and Corn Chowder is a the recipe I chosen because we are a soup loving family. The soup was a big hit with my family my daughter and her best friend loved the soup asking for more.

This the recipe is so simple and tastes great.  In 10 minutes I had a lovely dinner  for the family.   Knorr is available at Giant Eagle.

cheddar corn chowder

Cheddar and Corn Chowder with Knorr

  •     2 cups water
  •     2 cups milk
  •     2 cups diced ham
  •     1 package Knorr® Rice Sides™ – Cheddar Broccoli
  •     1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  •     1 can (8.75 oz.) cream-style corn, undrained
  •     1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies, undrained (optional)
  •     1/4 tsp. salt
  •     2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
  •     Crumbled queso fresco cheese

Directions

  1.     Bring all ingredients except cilantro and queso fresco to a boil in a large saucepot, stirring occasionally.cheddar corn chowercheddar corn chowder
  2.     Reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
  3.     Serve garnished with cilantro and queso fresco.chedder corn chowder

Check out more Knorr recipes at downloadable free recipe booklet that is available on the Giant Eagle website.Free Recipe Book

Buy $10 in Knorr® Sides at 10/$10, Save $3 off Frozen Cooked or Uncooked Shrimp from the Seafood Department on your Next Shopping Order!” offer only good from 2/25-3/5 at Giant Eagle

Visit Sponsor's Site

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Giant Eagle. All opinions are 100% mine.

Parenting, Product Reviews

12 Ways How to stay calm while doing homework with a PreTeen #MeltsBestFeelings sponsored

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kid doing homeworkCB-sponsored-post-white-script-600(1)

How to stay calm while doing homework: I was recently selected to write a post about Glade® Wax Melts and how I use scents to relax, by #CollectiveBias and #MeltsBestFeelings.  My biggest issue with trying to relax lately has been keeping my family calm during homework time. If you have a child in middle school, then you know that it can be a particularly stressful time of day. With the move to middle school, a child’s daily education goes from having one or a small group of teachers in elementary, to having multiple teachers in middle school. Many of the teachers are assigning homework unaware of what is due in other subjects, causing a child to learn time management and multitasking. So it is a “Welcome to the real world kid” for your middle school child.  My family has been struggling with this transitional time in my son’s educational development. My friend told me to hold strong through middle school, which will make high school easier when the grades really count.  I wanted to share tips with you for keeping your cool and staying “zen” during your child’s development into an independent high school student.

How to Stay Calm while doing Homework with a PreTeen:

  1. Remove all distractions:  TV, toys, magazines, and other siblings
  2. Make sure the work area is well lit
  3. Make sure your child uses the restroom.
  4. Do make sure your child has had a snack or provide a snack/drink to be eaten as they accomplish the tasks
  5. Us the child’s daily planer from school and check it.  Also ask if there is a Rubric (which is a the assignments criteria requirements)
  6. Working in a Common Area: Don’t allow you child to retreat to bedroom to do assignments. Homework in the bedroom is a privilege which must be earned.
  7. Don’t make work area too comfortable: Avoid couches and beds .. Preteens are growing so they require a lot of sleep,  so the area is to comfortable they will fall asleep.
  8. Avoid homework escalation,  stay calm and reminding them doing once correctly is quicker than doing the task twice
  9. I recommend staying in the room to keep the child on task.   Don’t move and clean.. it can be distracting. Try a station ay task  like Knitting, computer time, and make this some slow down time for you while being present for your child.
  10. Get a snack for yourself or  try tea.
  11. If possible sit read a book. Which shows reading is good.
  12. Use a calming smell such as a Glade® melts to relax  and  ease the tension that can come from a child unavoidable  homework.

Glade Wax MeltsSmells can make you relax.  When I am using Glade® wax melts they set the tone of a room.  Just by adding a smell of scent from a Glade® Wax Melt it can change the mood of a stressful environment in to a comforting easier space.    I started using Glades products to make my own workspace more enjoyable.  I find I feel more creative and inspired when all my senses are involved in my creative process.  So why would I not add Glade that to my sons space.

While visiting Shoprite to purchase my Glade® Wax Melts.  I really enjoyed smelling all the new fragrance option. My favorites were the new fragrances from the Glade® limited Edition spring Collection including  Live Loud and Lift Off.   I choose the Lift Off and Hawaiian Breeze – both smells transform me to a tropical warm climate.

shoprite store isle

While shopping Shoprite, I found the Glade® Wax Melts really easily.   They were in the center of the store,  at the beginning of the isle.  The Glade® Wax Melts refills were located on  the shelf together and the melt burner was the shelf below them.  I appreciate  the fact that Glade® Wax Melts has no open flame and a light to tell you when it is on.

The good thing is the Glade® Wax Melts are on sale at Shoprite over the next few weeks:

2/9-2/15: Limited Edition Spring Collection at the Everyday Low Price of $2.99

2/16-2/22:  Buy 5 Glade products, get $3 off your next shopping order, wax melts on Price Plus feature at $2.99glade wax melts

I hope these tips help you to easy up the stress in you life so take a few moments read  a book and plus in a Glade® Wax Melt Warmer with the Fragrance for your choice to relax all your senses.   Just think someday your kids will have children and  they too will have to conquer middle school homework. Have fun being Zen. women reading a book

 

Product Reviews

15 Free Hat Easy Patterns for adults : Knitting with one skein

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women wearing an easy knit hat

15 Free Hat Easy Patterns for adults : Knitting  I recently was discussing knitting needles on Facebook,  with a friend Rachee.  The discussion was why would you need knitting needles that cost $22.  I am pro for more expensive needles,  they are like butter and well worth the money. The discussion was about the Addi Turbos found you can find them here using my Amazon Affiliate link for Addi Turbo Knitting Needles,

Our discussion inspired me to knit.  I was planning to spend the next few days watching my kids at the pool.  It was the championships and if you ever been to a winter swim meet space is limited but you sit for hours for you kids to swim less than 5 minutes.   I sat a total of 12 hours on the bleachers in 3 days.   So I had time, to kill.  I had one skein of yarn i picked up in Lancaster and the Bird In hand Knitting shop.

I made the hat show above using Size 9 Addi Turbos circular needles, 9 dbl points with Cascade superwash. I followed the size Med directions.   I added extra rows, 2 in body and 3 at the decrease to give the more slouch look.  I also crochet a flower.  Which I am still deciding if I like the flower.  It took me about 3-4 hours total.

15 Free Hat Easy Patterns for adults : Knitting  with One Skein

 

 From Nerdy Girls Knits this is hat I knit mine show above are different  because of yarn and needles, as described aboveknit hat

Free One Skein  Hat Knit Pattern : Shitaki from FaerWare Designs  Check out her etsy store FaerWear for more patternswomen in hatThis Pattern from Magnolia One Skein Hat  Maria Soche on Ravley  knitted hat

PaperBag Cap from Fairmount FibershatThe Arrow One Skein Hat Knit  Design from FaerWear Design women in a hatThe Kami Hat one Skein from Flat Fox girl in a hatThis Magenta Cable Hat  from Meg White


Captain Hat One Skein  from Rosie Garmendia
captain hat

Simple Wreath hat from  Andrea Black
girl in a hat

Meret from Wolly Wormhead

Girl in a hat

The Urchin From Knitty

urchin

Shambala Crystal Place Yarns easy one skein hat

knit hat

Autumn Simplicity Hat Knitting Pattern

knitted hatHannah Pattern One Skein Hat with Pony Tail cut out

girl wearing a hat

Thorpe Ear Flap One Skein Hat  By Kristen Kapur at Through the loops

hat

 I cant wait to try more of these designs I love the idea of buy a yarn and being able to make a hat with one skein.

Product Reviews

My Boy Sewing: Me Letting Go

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boy sewingSo as you might or might not know I started sewing at the age of 7.  That is the day,  my Mother never sewed again.   I have always said because I can sew I can always support myself,  which has turned out to be true.  When I was a little girl told my mother if there ever was an great depression our family always have clothes to wear because I can make them.  As it turns out in the “great layoff of the 2000’s” my ablity to sew has provided to come in handy.

For years both my kids have been asking to sew.  I sew everyday for my day job running BabyPop, I am not quick to a let them use my machines.  Plus my sewing machines sew 1800 per minute.. so they are fast,  making me paranoid about little fingers.

Last night my son comes to me 8pm and ask to use my machine for his home economics class.  Yea.. I know ..Based on everything I said on ablity to provide skill.. so on and so forth that I listed above. I am not teaching my children a useful skill.  His little fingers, well I am not so worried about  .. are a inch longer then mine.  (see I am letting go of the reins)

I let him,  then realizing fabric they were using in class was close to cardboard (Insert my disgust: here .. for better quality fabric).  I thought it was going to break my machine.

I grabbed my iphone quickly this is a mom moment .. so the pictures .. well not my best, but I have proof.

I was very proud.. he went straight despite of  his hovering mother.  Also he took his time and finished. (and No I did not help at all.)boy holding a pillow

I have always thought the pedal of a sewing machine is similar to driving a car. So if you have a  lead foot, accidents happen, swerving stitches and broken threads .  Good to report I might let my kid behind of the wheel of a car at 16.. because he is a very caution sewer.

Have a great week

 

Product Reviews

Harry Potter Bracelet Review

Harry Potter Bracelet

The Harry Potter year continues in our house. I received to review  Joseph Nogucci  the Patronus Charmballa Bracelet the bracelet has  Harry Potter  like stones.  Wow this bracelet is stunning it has bead and charms that are reminiscent of the Harry Potter books.  It makes the perfect gift for any Harry Potter fan.  This is a great Valentines gift.

braceletThe Bracelet has the symbols of the 3 brothers.   The Symbols bring the protection and strength for those who wear it.   The stunning red crystals bring sparkle and remind me of the Sorcerers Stone.

Also on the black cord is owl beads,  with stunning green eyes. Also represented are two green-eyed silver owl charms to characterize our wizard’s loyal feathered companion, and little Pigwidgeon.  The main stone is the Snitch glittery and sparkle,  to makes you wrist looked beautifully adorned.  harry potter braceletI love the accent of Harrys mark. harry Potter bracelet

This bracelet is the exceptional gift for the Harry Potter fan in your family. The Joseph Nogucci  The Patronus Charmballa  Is on sale till Jan 25, for $29.00bracelet

Disclosure: I received this sample for review. The opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.

 

 

 

Fashion, Product Reviews

Prom: It is about the Dress & Age Appropriate #Sponsored

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kids dressed up for promAge appropriate prom dresses:   It has been 25 years since my prom.  I look back to those times, with a smile.  I went with my boyfriend at the time Todd, who has turned out to be a dear friend over the years.  I remember a couple things about that night mainly my dressfirst, my hair, and dancing.   I loved my prom dress when that dress kicked open it was florescent green inside, don’t judge it was a sign of the times.

I also remember the one thing my teacher /chaperone about the night he said, “The whole night was filled with girls pulling up their dresses.” me included.   For many girls this is will be 1st time they wear a strapless dress,  but they are not really built for a strapless.  So while dancing.. One raise your hands in the air and  the dress don’t care .. AKA the dress slides down.

My advice after looking back.. wear some type of straps.

When I was asked to do a sponsored post for DressFirst, I could not wait to see what was the options for today’s teens.  Dress First offer so many great options in prom gowns because of the color and style options available.  You really can find something for every girls tastes so she will have a night  she will always remember. Here are some great reasonably prices picks  for your daughter to wear that are fun and age appropriate prom dresses but make they feel like a princess from dressfirst

I love the Asymmetrical Mermaid One Shoulder Prom Gown  look and the flower which give a long look.  How Dramatic!

prom dress pink

Love this dressfirst Knee Length dress it is fun and easy  love the color! It is available in 33 colors

This dressfirst One Shoulder dress is Fun because it is short and long so some leg can be reveled.  The sequins shine and so will she. Available in 15 colors.

silver dress with slit

This light Blue dressfirst would make any girl feel like a princess. I love the fact the stones are multi colored.  This DressFirst Dress comes in 30+ colors so she can pick her favorite color.

blue ball gown prom dress

I love the summer look of this  dressfirst Aline/Princess Dress,  with the added bling from DressFirst.com and you can also get it in many colors.

dress first yellow prom gown

This dressfirst Scoop Neck Mermaid Prom Dress is for the girl who wants something different from the norm. This is the perfect dress for a girl who is in to reading the Beautiful Creatures series.  It says look at me without showing skin WOW.

lace high neck prom gown

I was really impress with the options and prices at dressfirst.    They also offer dresses in plus sizes.  Also they offer Free Shipping.

Have fun shopping for a Prom Dress.

Product Reviews

Smile while you Shake it: Honey Bunches of Oats: #BunchofBeats Sponsored

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blogger shaking it Honey Bunches of Oats : Last Week I hosed several social media personalities and Bloggers to “Smile While the Shake it”  with Honey Bunches of Oats sponsored party for a chance to win a weekly $500 gift card by posting a video.  You can also shake it and try to win.   The Party was a sponsored party and I worked with MomItForward Network for the compensated opportunity.   Honey Bunches of Oats set up a micro site for you to spend 15 seconds to Smile while you Shake it.  It is super simple and fun.  I had the bloggers join in  and show you all how to do shake.  So let me tell you about our fun evening..

bunchofbeats_013_001-1

My Blogger Buddies had a great time trying the Honey Bunches of Oats .. the Greek and Almonds were a huge hit and maded the girls want to shake their stuff.women pouring cereral

There was some snacking going on.  We all know you eat it out of the box because Honey Bunches of Oats is that good.  True Confession:  My kids eat the entire box infront of the TV if I don’t watch we just caught her in the act. women eating cereralThen we had some fun.. We did our Smile while you shake it videos..  Honey Bunches of Oats recently launched there new theme song .. Letting consumers know it is time to have fun in the morning and start your day off right with a great breakfasts and great beats.. So Smile while you shake it. wone holding cereralCheck out my Video on the Honey Bunches of Oats   I went superhero while smiling.. check it out you know I had too,  It is a must see really .. I will try and do anything once and with the Mirco Honey Bunches of Oats site it was easy.. Just turn up your volume on your computer to hear the music..

I love my friend  Kellie’s she did a Mummers Theme Smile while you shake it video.. How Philly of her

Honey Bunches of Oats Microsite – http://bit.ly/1hCKc1o

Honey Bunches of Oats on Facebook – http://bit.ly/1gP5asG

Hones Bunches of Oats on Twitter – http://bit.ly/HQQsCv

Honey Bunches Of Oats  was also great to give me some prizes to giveaway.    Lucky Lindsey won the JamBox  from Honey Bunches of Oatswomen holding a jam boxAnd of course we all were tweeting the night away.. because what do bloggers do when they get together?  They share on social media. women tweeting

So you have to take a moment and Smile While you Shake it!  ..  Honey Bunches of Oats is giving away $500 a weekly gift card  from now till June 16th, 2014

Official end date 6/16/14 at 11:59PM EST

Entrant must be 18 or older and resident of US and DC

Photography, Product Reviews, Travel

Photography Tips and Samsung Galaxy Studio #TheNextBigThing

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photo TipsPhotography Tips:   Yesterday I attended the Samsung TheNextBigThing event at Samsung Galaxy Studio Soho NYC Pop up shop.  It was a great event we were able to check out the new products that Samsung has available this holiday season.   Check out the video at the end of my post for Samsung PopUp Shop experience. During the event we got to listen to National Geographic Photographer Ira Block.  Ira has been using and taking some amazing photography with the Samsung S4 Zoom, which he used during his presentation.  He was also gracious enough to share his tips for getting those amazing pictures.   Ira said it is all about the “moments” you capture that make the shot beautiful.   I really want to focus on this more in my own photography so I am taking many of his tips to heart.

Ira block

Ira Block’s  Photography  Tips for getting that Great Photography:

 

 General Photo Tips :

  • Have a camera.. a Phone /Camera like the S4 is a great option
  • Don’t look at pictures while taking photos .. just shoot.. if you look you might miss the moment  missing moments.
  • Many angles
  • Don’t point and shoot .. think about the  shot and decide where to shoot
  • Choosing Moment capture
  • Composition
  • Really Interesting light
  • Take Many photos do not look while you are shooting.. dont be afraid to take 20-30 shots  (my tip if camera is set up correctly.. make sure exposure is not messed up prior to shooting )

Travel Photography Tips:

 

  • Fore ground to give dimension.. so remember to focus on one point.. if you have no fore ground the picture will no have the details you want.
  • Put people in your architecture shots,  it add an interest and a moment in time reference.
  • Do buy a flexible small tripod that you can throw in a bag to stead a shot when needed

Portraits Photography Tips:

 

  • Don’t take a direct sun
  • Do backlight-  turn on a light behind the subject
  • Look at background.. make sure it does not distract from photo
  • Think background first and then the person
  • Shadows are good they make people look 3 dimensional and less flat,  so avoid direct light shots and take from angles
  • Consider an Portable LED Light.. to add extra light to a portrait. Get one that is in the $100 range
  • Props are great for kids because it keeps them focused .. not every shot requires direct eye contact.
  • When taking large groups.. take many shots.. hen you can choose the best

Holiday Light Photography:

 

  • Turn on the lights do not take pictures in complete darkness

Get the kids involved in Photography:

 

  • Give ten kids a project.. like go take pictures of  mailboxes.. for fall leaves
  • Do give your old kids a camera and start to teach them about composition and what make a good picture.

Thanks to Ira for teaching us his basics.  Check Out Ira Block’s instagram account and Ira Block’s website.

While at the Pop Shop we also heard Chef  Justin Warner,  that is he and I below.   You might recognize him from The Next Food Networks Star..  he won his season and  he has great hair.  Justin talked about the Galaxy Note and how it makes life easier as a chef.   I loved learning about the new products at Samsung.Sherry Aikens and Justin Warner  They seem like a great option for a photo and camera combo. I was able to take a few moments to experience the Samsung S4 Zoom .   I cant speak to a full review on the quality but I found it easy to find the functions and it has some cool features.  Like a voice activated picture function.

S4zoom Features

  • 16 megapixel
  • Real 10x zoom
  • Manual mode
  • Creative smart modes like:  kid modegalaxy note

Galaxy note

  • 13 pixel
  • touch focus

Samsung Galaxy StudioThe Samsung Galaxy Studio is really fun place to  visit and experience the Samsung  Galaxy Products.  When you enter, the shop pick up a card from the Conceriage desk.  Then have it scanned at each station for points .. then when you leave redeem the points for a gift from Samsung.  Stations Include:

  • Coffee and Sprinkles cupcake station you order on tablets and they make it for you.
  • Cafe : They also have different custom food experiences every day.  Justin Warner was Making Gourmet French fries the day I visited, yummy truffle fries.
  • Design Station: Also you can create in the Design Studio area.. I made an ornament,  but I could have made a tee shirt.
  • Entertainment Area.. was a chill out lounge,  where visitors learned about controlling your TV from a Samsung Phone,  which I thought was cool because my daughter always looses the remote.
  • Accessory station/lounge where they would show you how to style jewelry and accessory so they look great with the Samsung – Galaxy Gear Smart Watch for Galaxy Note . The accessory were from Piperlime.com

Watch my video for a view on inside the Samsung Galaxy Studio.

The Shop is only open til Dec 31, 2013 and is located on 130 Prince Street Soho NYCsamsung galaxy studio

 Disclosure:  I received a very nice lunch during the event and I made an ornament.  The opinions in this post are my own.

Product Reviews

Learning about great Products at Cyber Chic

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Last week I was able to go tot he Cyber Chic event. It was a great event Hosted By Mellisa Angert, Debbie Bookstaber and Sara Peppel.  We were able to experience and see the best of the holidays.

Lands End was one of the sponsors and  They have some great items for everyone on your gift list.  Like the great blanket I have wrapped around me who would not want to cuddle with a special some one under that special throw.  I was really impressed with the jewelry that Lands End has this season.  Check out this pearl bauble  collection. jewlery

I have to say I was really partial to this Amazing Lands End Leopard and leather Purse made of Cowhide and leather that is so soft.  I have to say I was thrilled when I won the clutch.  I already used it for a holiday Party.  Expect to see the purse many times on BigGirlsGuide. lands end

It was a fun Day we also got to have a hands on Joseph Nogucci jewelry.   Check out my stack Jewelry Joseph Noggucci  uses quality stones and Swarorvski crystals to make lovely braclets sure to make any women swoon this Christmas. I love the wraps and dream catcher sets.  Some start at $15.. so perect stock stuffer

Dreamcatcher Crystal Bracelet made w/ Swarovski Elements – See more at: http://www.josephnogucci.com/products/swarovski-dreamcatcher-earrings-gift-set#sthash.BZ0sPpbE.dpuf

The prices are reasonable and great quality you can go wrong with Jewelry. BraceletsThe event also featured some great items for the kids like this Tummy stuffer.. My daughter needs this to put all her stuff .. she squirrels away under the bed.

alypso
alypso

Tummy StuffersAlso for him they had wash drops.. talk about a great stocking stuffer for your guy who likes to wash his car.. or lady.   Wash drop require no rinsing when you wash you car.

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Disclosure:  I attended the event and received a gift bag of information, Bic Razors and a Bracelet  from Joseph Nogucci.  Then I won the Lands End bag in a random drawing.

Product Reviews

Recycled Card Ornament : Great Kids Holiday Craft

Recycled Card OrnamentRecycled Card Ornament I love this idea of turning old holiday cards in to an ornament.  Such a fun and easy craft to do with the kids.  I learned about this craft at out churches advent fair.  My friend Susan learned how to make them in her daughters preschool,  and I had to share it with you.  This is a great family craft or if you are entertaining large groups of children like at a breakfast with Santa.  For only a few cents.

Recycled Card Ornament

Materials:

  • Old Christmas cards
  • Brads or Fastener clips (find at craft store or office supply)
  • Hole punch
  • Scissors
  • Ruler (optional)
  • Pencil
  • Yarn or Ribbon for hanger

How to make your Recycled Card Ornament

  1. Take the front of your card, cut in vertical  strips-  about 1/2″ wide (you can use a pencil and ruler to draw lines for the little ones to cut)   Tip: Horizontal cards make a smaller complete scene, Vertical cards make a more open ornamentRecycled Card Ornament
  2. Put your card back in order after cuttingRecycled Card Ornament
  3. With hole punch punch a hole 1/2 down on each end of the stripRecycled Card Ornament
  4. Place 1st strip on brad/fastener with the picture up towards top of fastenerRecycled Card Ornament
  5. then place next, repeat till all strips are on brad/fastener and secure fastenerRecycled Card Ornament
  6. Repeat on other end of strips in same order-  this will keep the picture in place and create top and bottom of ornamentRecycled Card Ornament
  7. Slightly bending strips fan out the strips into a ball. Recycled Card Ornament
  8. Wrap yarn around top of ornament and tie in a bow.Recycled Card Ornament
  9. Hang on tree.

Here is a video of how to make this craft

Have fun with this craft.  Share with others.

Check out my other blog post on 3 Quick Kid Christmas Crafts 

Recycled Card Ornament