This post is sponsored by Kuhn Rikon Switzerland
Kuhn Rikon Colori+ Knives stand out for their sharpness, secure-grip handles and colorful, lightweight design. Ultra-sharp Japanese steel blades feature a silicone-based non-stick coating for easier, neater cutting. Each comes with a safety sheath for safe and easy storage or transport for camping or picnics. Over 20 color/style combinations.
This post is sponsored by SantaSentMeALetter.com
If you have a child under 10 years old, or who still believes in Santa, this would make an adorable gift! The SantaSentMeALetter.com letters can be personalized to add your child’s name, his teacher’s name, sisters and brothers, things they want for Christmas, and more. And it is so simple to edit. I did three letters in less than twenty minutes! I know that the grandchildren are going to love receiving these in the mail from Santa Claus.
There are several price options, that include just a letter; a letter and a membership card to the “Nice List” and more.
These letters are very nice, and will be a keepsake for years. Add them to your child’s baby book or scrapbook. To send a letter from Santa to your child or grandchild, go to SantaSentMeALetter.com.
This post is sponsored by CDN
Here’s another gift idea for the tech savy cook on your list: The CDN Dual Probe Thermometer.
CDN’s new Bluetooth Dual Probe Thermometer & Timer (BT482) links to mobile iOS and Android devices via an exclusive CDN app, for remote control and monitoring of cooking times, temperatures and more. It can store cooking history, images and personal notes that can be shared through social media or email. It features two stainless steel waterproof probes, and a new anticipation feature that predicts when food will be done. Here is a full list of features:
The CDN Dual Probe Bluetooth Thermometer/Timer is available for purchase at KitchenCapers.com and retails for $69.99. It is also available at Amazon.com.
This post is sponsored by Zoku.
Zoku started with a seemingly simple idea: What if we could freeze popcicles faster? After months of research, testing, and prototypes, their Quick Pop Maker was born. They knew they were on to something and soon, Williams-Sonoma agreed, picking them up for their holiday season.
Now, Moms everywhere are loving the quickness and ease of using Zoku products to make quick frozen treats for themselves and their kids. Know what goes into the frozen pops you serve your kids!
To use the Zoku Triple Pop Maker: Make sure the molds are COMPLETELY DRY and place the Quick Pop Maker in the freezer for 24 hours. Make sure the freezer temperature is set to 0°F. (-18°C) or less. Place the Quick Pop Maker LEVEL AND UPRIGHT IN YOUR FREEZER. After the Pop Maker has been in the freezer for 24 hours, it is ready to use. You can find recipes on the Zoku website, or make up your own. Either way, you’ll be enjoying delicious frozen treats in just a few minutes!
The Zoku is available to purchase at Zokuhome.com and retails for $49.99. It is also available at Amazon.
This post is sponsored by Tenba.
The Switch 10 Camera Bag
Are you a photographer, or want to be one? Do you have a nice camera but nothing to carry it in? Or, do you want a better, newer bag that will also have room for your tablet and other gear? Then this is the bag for you, or for that person on your gift list.
The Tenba Switch Camera Bag comes in several sizes to accommodate whatever camera you have. The Switch 7, Switch 8, and Switch 10. I received a Switch 10 Bag. I love that it has so much room, AND that I can also carry my iPad in a pocket on the outside. I only have to carry one bag with me and still take all the things I need. This camera bag even has removable straps on the bottom for attaching your folded tripod!
Another incredible feature of this bag is that you can get different outside flaps that change the look of the bag. If you want a red bag one day, and a purple one the next, you can do that with JUST ONE BAG! Here are the colors available to purchase:
The inside of the bag is spacious, so you can put a full size DSLR camera and a couple of lenses in it. It is padded, and has nice padded separations to keep your camera equipment in good shape.
There are removable straps on the bottom that slide through loops, that let you carry your folded tripod with you.
Here is a picture of Fabgrandpa modeling the bag. It really is a great size for your camera gear and other things you may need on a photo shoot.
Specifications of the Tenba Switch 10:
Catalog # 633-303
Weight 1.6 lbs(0.7 kg)
Exterior Dimensions 12W X 9.5H X 5.5D in. (30 X 24 X 14 cm)
Interior Dimensions 11.5W X 8.75H X 4D in. (29 X 22 X 10 cm)
Laptop Compartment 11.25W X 7.75H X 0.5D in. (29W X 20H X 1D cm)
Fits iPad® or similar tablet up to 10 inches
Features of the Tenba Switch 10:
Tenba’s unique Switch removable covers let you change the color and look of the bag to match your personal style.
Silent, magnetic closure means no loud velcro noises when opening the flap. Secondary snap closure provides extra security and is still super quiet.
Quick Access™ zipper lets you securely swap out cameras and lenses without opening the front flap and exposing an entire camera system to prying eyes in unfamiliar or dangerous locations.
Front flap extends over the bag to provide excellent weatherproof coverage at the corners, and small weather flaps fold down for additional protection.
Included WeatherWrap rain cover is removable and reversible, with silver on one side to reflect the heat, and black on the other side for a bit more stealth and subtlety.
Neoprene interior pocket for lens caps or filters.
Stretchy mesh pockets provide quick access storage on the outside of the bag.
MOLLE-compatible side loops to attach accessory pouches.
Zippered front accessory pocket has stretchy neoprene pockets inside, plus a metal key clip and D-ring to securely attach card wallets and other tools.
Full-length zippered front pocket.
Shoulder strap made with seatbelt-grade webbing and includes integrated, non-slip shoulder pad.
Protective, EVA foam dividers can be repositioned in any configuration.
Padded interior protects a mirrorless camera with 3-4 lenses, plus flash and accessories.
Tenba’s exclusive heavy-duty body armor base panel is water and abrasion resistant. This protects the bag if you have to put it down on a wet and/or dirty surface, and is easy to wipe clean.
Exterior: Lightweight 420 denier jacquard nylon with a durable water repellant coating.
Interior: Soft, brushed tricot and ripstop nylon.
Hardware: YKK zippers and snaps, contoured zipper pulls.
BUY IT: Find one of 240 dealers around the United States; and online at many locations including Amazon.com.
WIN IT: One lucky reader will win the Tenba Switch Bag of their choice of size, whether you choose the Switch 7, Switch 8, or Switch 10, with a Red Switch Flap. To enter, use the Giveaway Tools form below.
This post is sponsored by Merrithew.
Are you ready for Black Friday? Merrithew’s Black Friday Deals are going to be great, and you can sign up to get them early by email! They carry exercise brands STOTT PILATES®, ZEN•GA™, CORE™, and TOTAL BARRE™, and will have over 300 products up to 50% off plus free shipping on orders over $99! What better time to get ready for the new year, and the new exercise routine that you have planned for yourself? (read all the way to the bottom for a giveaway!)
Here is a look at a few of the products they carry:
Compact and portable weights to keep you toned without adding bulk these mini-hand weights from MERRITHEW come in 4 weights and color options. Super cushy and durable these small hand weights are great for toning the arms and increasing the intensity of your workout and challenge stabilization and mobility of the arms, shoulders while imporving stamina and endurance. Retail $26.99
-Available in 4 weights/colors
-DVD workouts available **
MERRITHEW’s soft dumbbells can increase intensity and tone in a workout. These dumbbells are softer on your hands while still providing the same workout benefits of traditional dumbbells. They are perfectly portable and can be incorporated into a variety of exercises to sculpt strong, healthy muscles without building bulk. Retail $23.99
-Available in 3 weights/colors
-DVD workouts available
Enjoy daily stress relief and self-myofascial release with the 18″ Total Body Massage Stick – a compact massager designed to alleviate tension, minimize stiffness and perform targeted massage for large muscle groups. Complement your stretching routine with self-massage to relieve trigger points and loosen muscle knots from fascia buildup. Includes BONUS Exercise Guide. Retail $19.99
Perform targeted massaging of large muscle groups
Release built-up tension and minimize stiffness
Increase circulation
Perfect for stretching warm-up or cool-down
Optimal for self-myofascial release (SMR) and physical therapy
DVD-DYNAMIC ARMCHAIR PILATES (With FlexBand)
This energizing workout allows you to boost core muscle strength – while exercising from the comfort of your armchair. Ideal for adults of any age, these exercises will help you improve mobility and endurance, and strengthen the torso muscles, arms and legs. Features 26 exercises in a 30 minute workout that you can customize to your liking. Retail $16.95
DVD ARMCHAIR PILATES with HAND WEIGHTS:
This workout uses soft, light weights to help mobilize the body. First while seated in a chair, then while supported in a standing position. The exercises focus on core strength and stability, mobilizing the joints and improving postural alignment, keeping you active and fit. Includes 54 exercises in a 40 minute workout that you can customize to your liking. Retail $16.95
Flex-Bands™ are simple but extremely effective at working the entire body. Add to conditioning exercises – think chest presses, rows, triceps extensions, bicep curls, and squats – to create a full-body workout that challenges every major muscle group, while boosting stamina, flexibility, and range of motion. Flex-Bands also offers a more dynamic challenge than traditional weights. Unlike weights, where gravity can diminish resistance, these bands provide constant resistance throughout movements, so you have to work harder. Lightweight and portable, simulate Pilates Reformer exercises with Flex-Bands wherever a workout is required! Can be incorporated into exercises for all users regardless of fitness level or ability. Retail $9.99
-Available in 3 tensions, 5 colours and Latex versions
BUY IT: You can purchase these exercise aids at Merrithew.com.
WIN IT: One lucky reader will win a Merrithew prize pack! The prize pack includes:
MERRITHEW™ Softdumbells
MERRITHEW™ Flex-Band™ Regular Strength
DVD – Armchair Pilates with Handweights
DVD – Dynamic Armchair Pilates with Flex-Band™
Approx. $50 value
Use the Giveaway Tools form to enter the giveaway!
**Content © Merrithew Corporation, used with permission.
This post is sponsored by la Madeleine French Café
My friend, Elaine, and I recently visited la Madeleine French Café in Marietta to taste their Family Holiday Feast. We were both pleasantly surprised at how good the food was. We were served oven roasted turkey breast, cranberry apple stuffing, cranberry orange chutney, roasted asparagus, and creamy wild mushroom sauce. (note: this is NOT gluten free),
The turkey breast was so moist and delicious! I don’t think I have ever had turkey that good. (Sorry, Mama). The dressing was really good too. It had a nice texture and was seasoned just right, and had cranberries and diced apples in it. I am thinking of adding them to my dressing next time I make it. For dessert, the waiter brought out Crème Brûlée Cheesecake and Grand Chocolate Tart.
This meal for two was so delicious, and very reasonably priced. If we had been paying customers, it would have been less than $25 for entree, sides, drink, bread, and dessert.
Imagine being able to serve a meal this good to your family and friends for the holidays, with no work on your part other than driving to La Madeleine to pick it up! La Madeleine is taking the worry out of holiday event hosting with the Holiday Feast, suited for every celebration this season. Holiday Feasts for the family are prepared in la Madeleine’s cafés and available for pick-up. Both Turkey and Ham Feasts serve up to eight people and are served with three house-made sides, accouterments and desserts. Reminding hosts and their guests why this time of year is truly “la Madeleine season,” Feast recipes blend time-honored traditions of the holidays with la Madeleine’s own unique French twist.
After pick-up, a simple reheat is all that is needed to serve the Feast at home for $14.99 per person.
The feast includes:
About la Madeleine Country French Café
Dallas-based la Madeleine Country French Café was established in 1983 by self-described “French country boy” Patrick Esquerré to fulfill his dream of bringing classic French country fare to America. Inspired by his mother’s cooking, Patrick insisted on maintaining the integrity of French cuisine by using fresh ingredients and recipes that have been passed from one generation to the next.
From its signature fireplace to its crave-worthy food, la Madeleine offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests are invited to come and stay in a casual, French home atmosphere. La Madeleine’s French-inspired fare served throughout the day during breakfast, lunch and dinner features handcrafted entrées, sandwiches, salades and soupes, as well as freshly-baked breads, artisan pâtisseries and several additional distinctive specialties. La Madeleine’s authenticity, innovation and fresh menu items differentiate the brand, creating widespread appeal.
A treasured part of many communities for more than 30 years, there are currently more than 75 cafés across Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and Florida. For more information on menu items, café locations and hours of operation, visit www.laMadeleine.com.
WIN IT! One reader will win a $50 Gift Card from La Madeleine. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below:
Sponsored by Numi Organic Tea
Numi Organic Tea, known for delicious organic, non-GMO and Fair Trade Certified teas and teasans, is proud to introduce their new 2015 gift items: Tea by Mood and Organic Tea Flight. These unique gifts celebrate people, planet and pure tea with an array of flavors that will delight connoisseurs and novice-tea drinkers alike, inviting the recipient to embrace their mood and sip in the moment or sample the best selection of organic teas.
Tea by Mood invites you to take a deep breath and allow your mood to inspire which type of tea you should enjoy. Each box contains five tea bags of the following eight organic and Fair Trade Certified teas and teasans (40 tea bags total): Breakfast Blend, Aged Earl Grey, Emperor’s Pu-erh, Jasmine Green, Mate Lemon, Rooibos Chai, Moroccan Mint, and Chamomile Lemon.
Tea by Mood retails for $21.99 for 40 tea bags at Numi Organic Tea. Also available at Amazon.com
