- Good food, good company, good advice from Grandma

Grandma’s Gift Guide: WondaWedge and BookWedge

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Years ago I used to have a heavy lounge pillow that allowed me to sit up in bed to read. That thing was heavy and did not travel well at all. The WondaWedge is a versatile inflatable reading pillow, ideal for indoor activities. It provides back support and lets you sit up in bed, on the floor, as a sleep aid, during pregnancy, or recuperating from illness or surgery. I wish I had had one of these when we were spending so much time in motels this summer after my surgery!

It is just as versatile outdoors on the beach, at an outdoor concert, at camp–just anywhere where you would like to relax and sit to read or work with your laptop or whatever. Because it is inflatable and lightweight, you can take it anywhere with you when you travel.

The WondaWedge retails for $24.99. You can purchase it on the WondaWedge website, or find a retailer here.

The BookWedge is an inflatable wedge that is designed to hold books, iPads, tablets and e-readers. There is no other book pillow on the market that is inflatable, so the BookWedge is lighter weight and great for travel. It is a handy device to use as a daily living aid for people with chronic illness and disabilities.

The BookWedge is a great gift for anyone, especially for older people who still love to read or surf the internet on a tablet or iPad but may have issues like arthritis or Parkinson’s and are not able to hold a book in their hands. It retails $19.99 on the BookWedge website. Click here to find a retailer in your area.

One reader will win a WondaWedge and a BookWedge! To enter the giveaway, use the Rafflecopter form below:

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Lifestyle changes: Start thinking about your New Year resolutions

Karen · Leave a Comment

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With the end of 2012 rapidly approaching, it might be wise to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. Although lifestyle changes can be made at any point, January 1^st is a great time to wipe the slate clean and make some improvements – so what could you do?

Organise your finances

While it has been a tough financial year for many, the UK has finally emerged from a double-dip recession. Not only is this good news for the economy, but it could be the catalyst you need to get your finances in order. One of the first things you could do is to consolidate credit card debt by making a balance transfer and set up a direct debit to help you clear your debts quicker. If you’re in the red, it’s also worth speaking to a financial adviser to see how you can make investments and reduce the amount you spend.

Improve your health

If you promise yourself that you’ll get into shape every year, but never manage to do it – why not join a weight loss club to help you shed those extra pounds? Meetings often take place on a weekly basis and you’ll be given the help and support your need to achieve an ideal body mass index. If you don’t need to lose weight, you can still improve your health by going to the gym or exercising at home on a regular basis. According to the NHS Choices website, regular workouts can improve your fitness and help people with chronic illnesses, so it’s definitely worth digging out those trainers.

Spend more time with friends and family

Do you spend enough time with your friends and family? If the answer’s no, put a few more hours aside each week to see the ones you love. Of course, your diary might already be full to the brim, but try to free up an evening to have tea with your Mom or play golf with your Dad – they are sure to appreciate it. If you can’t pop by for any reason, pick up the phone and let them know you care. A good chinwag doesn’t take much effort and can help keep you in the loop.

Make some home improvements

If you have wanted to make some home improvements for a while now, 2013 is a great year to start. Set yourself some manageable goals and apply for a low interest credit card to help you fund your projects. By doing this, you will be able to pay the money you borrow back over a longer period of time and have the financial flexibility to revamp your living environment. Wouldn’t it be great to look back at the end of next year and see what you have accomplished?

New Year’s resolutions are easy to make and just as easy to break, but with a little dedication they can give real structure to your life.

Grandma’s Gift Guide: Anderson Seafoods

Karen · 102 Comments

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Anderson Seafoods has been in business since 1979, providing top quality seafood and specialty items to restaurants and the food service industry.

If you’ve ever experienced great seafood at your favorite restaurant which was “a cut above”, it most likely came from Anderson Seafoods. Our on-line store features an unparalleled assortment of Fresh, Frozen, Smoked Seafood and Entrees as well as Specialty Items, guaranteed to please even the most discerning palate.

Anderson Seafoods has so many different seafood items from which to choose, from crab legs and claws:

To salmon:

If your Grandma, or anyone else on your gift list is a seafood lover, any of these fine seafood products would make a fabulous gift. You can purchase these and other seafood online at Anderson Seafoods.

One reader is going to win a $125 Gift Card to Anderson Seafoods. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below:
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Grandma’s Gift Guide: Celiac Disease Foundation

Karen · Leave a Comment

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I know we all have causes that are close to our hearts, and the ones I am writing about during my gift guide event are the ones I care about. I have not ever been tested for Celiac Disease, but several of my family members have been diagnosed with it. I have all the symptoms of it, and eating a gluten free diet makes me feel better, so I can only assume that I do have it.

The Celiac Disease Foundation‘s mission statement says:

Celiac Disease Foundation is a non-profit, public benefit corporation dedicated to providing services and support regarding celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis, through programs of awareness, education, advocacy and research.

The foundation supports and educates the celiac community, as well as the general public, about Celiac Disease, and gluten free eating. The Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) understands the need for variety and for clear labeling of your gluten-free food products. One important element of their mission is to effect change within the food industry to provide clear labeling so that you can be sure any product you pick up and says that it is is gluten free really is gluten free.

There are many ways to support The Celiac Foundation. Volunteering in your community, donating an old car, or giving a monetary donation are just a few of the ways. This holiday season, if you just can’t thing of the perfect gift for someone, give a donation in their name to a charitable organization that is close to their heart. They will know that you put thought into the gift.

Grandma’s Gift Guide: Orgami Owl

Karen · 13 Comments

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Origami Owl is a custom jewelry company that was founded in 2010 by a 14 year old girl. The jewelry she sells tells a story about the person it is put together for. To create or design your piece, you choose up to five charms from the many she has to offer. Then, you chose a locket to put them in. Next, pick a chain, then a plate and a dangle. You can choose as many or as few options as you wish to make your necklace unique to you.

For my own, I chose the May birthstone gem, the sewing machine charm, the crystal crown charm, and the cherries charm. I chose them because I love tiaras, cherries, and sewing, and my birthday is in May.

Next, I chose the Medium Silver Locket with Crystals:

And a silver chain. The end result is a pretty locket made to tell a story about me. I love it.

When it was delivered, it arrived in a tiny Chinese take out box, and was packaged in a very nice brocade “fortune cookie” box. The jewelry piece I received, which consisted of 4 charms, 1 crystal silver locket, and a chain, retails for $45.

Origami Owl has opportunities for you to start your own business:

Origami Owl is committed to providing you with the tools + leadership you need to help you succeed personally, professionally + financially while enriching people’s lives.

Your Business Kit will provide everything necessary to launch your new Origami Owl business; jewelry, catalogs, order forms, invitations, a darling carrying case + more.

You have access to an online training suite with resources at your fingertips 24/7.

You’re paired with a mentor who will support your growth according to your level of commitment; as a hobby, part time, or full time.

To learn more about becoming an Origami Owl Designer, read more here.

One reader will win a $20 gift certificate. To enter to win, use the Rafflecopter form below:

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Rooster Potatoes From Albert Bartlett

Karen · Leave a Comment

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Never heard of Albert Bartlett? They have been a household name in the United Kingdom for over 60 years. This year, they partnered with farmers across the United States, and have recently harvested their first crop of their Rooster potatoes.And, they are only going to be sold in Wal-Mart stores in Colorado and Georgia this year. Once they are sold out, there won’t be any more until next year.

The company is committed to natural farming. There is nothing more natural and wholesome than the good ole potato! Potatoes are fat free, cholesterol free, gluten free, and a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Manganese. I’m sure everyone has a favorite potato dish. Mine is potato salad. I used to only make it for holidays, but a couple of years ago, I decided that I could have it any time I want. So, now, I make it often. I never get tired of it.

Here are a couple of delicious potato recipes from Albert Bartlett:

You can find more about Albert Bartlett and the Rooster Potatoes on their Facebook page or by following them on Twitter.

I was provided with product to review these potatoes, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Udi’s Gluten Free New Products & A Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipe

Karen · 5 Comments

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I may have told you all before how much I love Udi’s Gluten Free Breads. They are the best gluten free bread on the market, in my opinion. So, I was so happy to see that they have come out with some new products, that I know will be just as tasty as their plain old bread is.

First, they have these French Baguettes. They are going to be perfect with soups, stews, and pasta dishes. I can hardly wait until my store gets some in. I asked the lady at Ingles last time I was there if she would order some.

Second, Udi’s has made not one but two different styles of dinner rolls. For those of you who don’t eat gluten free, you just have to imagine, if you can, how it would feel to be at dinner with a group of friends, and they are all eating these delicious smelling dinner rolls, and you have to just sit there munching on lettuce. Sad. But now, when we have friends over, or for just any old meal I want, I can have a yummy dinner roll too! I am so excited about that. Yes, I do get excited over good bread.

These Classic French Dinner Rolls could also be used to make hoagie type sandwiches. Or just eat them plain.

And look at these Seeded Whole Grain Dinner Rolls! Is your mouth watering yet?

And just so you know, I was sent coupons for free product to review these items, but all opinions stated here are my own. I can tell you, that Udi’s Gluten Free Breads are good enough that I am using them in all my Thanksgiving recipes that call for using bread. My Cornbread Dressing and my Squash Casserole both use white bread in the recipe. Here is my Squash Casserole Recipe, just in case you’d like to try it.

Gluten Free Squash Casserole

5-6 medium yellow squash, scraped and diced

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

3 or 4 slices Udi’s white bread, crumbled

3 eggs

Salt & pepper to taste

1 cup gluten free salted pretzels, your favorite brand

1 stick of butter

Put the squash and onion in a sauce pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook for about 25 minutes, until the squash is soft. Add salt and pepper to taste and 1/2 of the stick of butter. Pour into greased or sprayed baking dish. Cover with crushed pretsels & dot with the remaining 1/2 stick of butter. Bake at 425° for 20-25 minutes or until set and browned on top.

I usually put the pretzels in a zip lock bag and use my rolling pin to crush them. Everyone I know, even people who are not gluten free, ask for this recipe whenever they eat this casserole.

Grandma’s Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers from Joanne Hudson Basics

Karen · 9 Comments

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Joanne Hudson Basics has several unique and handy items that anyone, including Grandma, would like to find in their stocking on Christmas morning. This little nut crusher will crack open any kind of nut without having to use a lot of “grasping” strength, something to consider for arthritic hands. You just put the nut in the bowl, and twist the screw in until the nut cracks. Easy! This Wooden Nut Crusher retails for $12.99.

My favorite item that they sent me is this handy device: Bamboo Toast tongs. I can not tell you how many times I have burned the tips of my fingers over the years trying to get my toast out of the toaster, especially the smaller slices of bread you get when you buy gluten free bread. I LOVE these toast tongs. The Bamboo Toast Tongs retail for $5.49, and in my opinion would be the best $5.49 you have ever spent.