Trudeau – Making Food Prep Easy

Coffee is life’s bood for many.  Most are very specific in their personal tastes, and either only enjoy a certain brew from a certain source or only enjoy their beverage a certain way.  While I’m not that picky, and no one in this house is, I will tell you that my husband’s favorite way to make coffee is infusion by French Press.  This method has you first put your coffee into a beaker then add almost boiling water.  This makes the coffee blend with the water.  The longer you keep the infusion working, the stronger and more robust the favor becomes.  If you want something on the tame side, use less coffee and steep for a shorter amount of time.  Once you are ready to drink, press the filter through your beverage from top to bottom and pour.  The grounds stay at the bottom. Enjoy your fresh made French Press coffee.  This coffee can be as personal and unique as you are so, experiment and find your favorite.  But be warned- this may be your new favorite coffee.  The coffee press by Trudeau is perfect for this and has superb quality as well as making 34oz.

coffee press

Next up are some school lunch or work lunch necessities from Trudeau, FUEL. FUEL features a variety of innovations and “I need that” designs that set the line apart from traditional lunch box offerings such as; individual condiment containers, a salad bowl with built in dressing storage and ice pack, a multi compartmentalized Bento Box with removable insides, a vacuum sealed soup and food container with separate pieces to house crackers and chips, snap together cutlery, double walled hydration and beverage bottles, and so much more.

kids lunch

We had the pleasure of trying many of their items.  First up is the classic bag which has the feel and look of a classic lunch bag, but is reusable and insulated to keep cold stuff cold and hot stuff hot.  There is a velcro strip to keep your food in place as well.  The bag is tear resistant and stain resistant as well, so those spaghetti fall outs stay in place and are a breeze to clean up when you get home.  Snack pockets fit a variety of foods and are perfect for trail mix.  They are lined and tear resistant with a velcro at the top to keep food in its place.  The common theme of the FUEL products are that they are easy to use, reusable, and easy to clean.  The Snap cutlery set includes a fork and spoon which snap together for easy storage and the ability to keep them both in the same place without digging around for a fork when all you have is a spoon.  The stainless steel food jar can keep food cold or hot for up to 6 hours, is BPA free, and has a big wide mouth making it easy to eat from and fill up.  It is also easy to open when you want to and easy to keep closed while stowing it- less spills and messes in your lunchbox that way.  The Condiment Set includes three different colored containers great to hold salad dressings, condiments, sauces, dips, nuts, etc. Each with a 1.5 oz. capacity.  This is perfect for small snacks or little dips and such.  Perfect for camping and picnics or veges and dip for a work time snack.

George and Martha’s Morristown, NJ

morristown nj

If you are looking for a modern home cooked meal with a sophisticated yet delicious flavor profile, George and Martha’s is for you.

When we walked in, the first thing I noticed was the smell. Not food- it was a holiday smell, like Christmas trees and spice. It carried through the entire restaurant- not in an overpowering way, but subtle, a nice note.  The menu was cool (and the prices were reasonable, nothing crazy) with fun options, as well as interesting twists on traditional favorites.  Choices were varied, but everything we tried was better then average, with a few that were real standouts.

maple bacon

The first thing (and possibly the best) that we tried was the cornbread. Not just any cornbread, though this one has “Bourbon Maple Glaze, Served with Sweet Butter and Roasted Corn Jam”.  Right? It was as good as it sounds, and served warm. At 7$, worth every penny. My son wanted appetizers as his meal, and that was fine with me. He had calamari rings and a side of macaroni and cheese. He orders both of these often, and enjoyed both. Dad very much liked the calamari- because, of course, he had to try them out, and the mac and cheese was home made, smelled wonderful, and was ultra gooey.

george and marthas

My husband tried the burger of the day, which was blue cheese, caramelized onions, and bacon.  Since it was Sunday,  brunch was an option, and I had the chicken and waffles with a bacon syrup topping.  Everything was fantastic, and nothing would break the bank, either.

chicken waffles

Everything we ate was cooked perfectly, a harmony of flavors.  Crunchy fried chicken with smokey flavor of the bacon and the sweet of the syrup, mixed with the home made waffles.  The burger was to the desired wellness, with a good amount of blue cheese and bacon and the wonderful flavor of caramelized onions.  The  corn bread was a must, really- this dish might not sound like much, but will be a favorite,  and is a perfect way to start a meal at George and Martha’s.  A surprisingly delicious special item which will delight everyone who tries it.  This was pretty much the theme of the meal, each dish was unique and delicious, different and flavorful, exactly what we wanted and completely unexpected.  I would suggest George and Martha’s to just about anyone looking for a great spot to grab a bite to eat.

American Girl Doll of The Year 2016 – Lea Clark

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own and honest.

American Girl Dolls are a staple in many houses. Girls of many ages absolutely love each of the American Girl Dolls that have become a part of their families.

About American Girl:

At American Girl, they celebrate girls and all that they can be. That’s why they develop products and experiences that help girls grow up in a wholesome way, while encouraging them to enjoy girlhood through fun and enchanting play.

They have a wide variety of products that they offer which include:

  • American Girl Characters
  • My American Girl dolls
  • Bitty Baby
  • American Girl magazine
  • American Girl Retail Stores
  • Books
  • e-books

They hope that their stories, characters, and more speak to girls everywhere, helping them become all that they can be.

About Lea Clark:

Lea is the 2016 Girl of the Year! She dives in to new adventures and explores what’s in her heart. The 18″ Lea doll has warm hazel eyes that open and close, and long, light-brown wavy hair with sun-kissed highlights. She has a huggable cloth body, and her moveable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl.

Lea Clark is ten years old and ready to explore the whole world, just like her grandmother! She begins with a trip to Brazil. She really hopes to overcome her fear of swimming and dive in! She meets great friends along the way and experiences many adventures.

My Thoughts:

I have been completely impressed with this sweet doll. My girls love everything about all of their American Girl dolls, and let me tell you they have been wishing and hoping to add Lea Clark to their collection before the year is up. They love all of the amazing adventures that Lea Clark goes on. They have had a great time reading each of her books and pretending up even more adventures for them to go on. I can’t wait to see all the adventures that my girls will take with Lea Clark.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing something in the Lea Clark line, head on over to American Girl and pick out exactly what you need.

Robotic Pets and No Tech Huggables #HolidayGiftGuide

Is your child begging for a new pet this year, but you don’t want something else to clean up after? Look no further- we’ve found an array of low-maintenance pets for your holiday gift giving.

robot chimp

Zoomer Chimp is one of the latest in the line of Zoomer robotic pet toys. He has a lot of ?moves” to him, and can move on all fours as well as standing up on two legs. He can be taught to follow you, to “Chimp Talk” (repeat what you say), can be taught new words as you play with and train him, knows 10 commands (watch what happens when you tell him to “go bananas!) and will let you know how he is feeling by the color of his eyes and facial features.  Zoomer Chimp makes a lot of sounds as well, and has “progressive play” built in so he doesn’t always move the same way. His wiggles and dances are adorable and funny, which will make him a hit with kids (and dad, too). He needs 3 AAA batteries and 1 LiPo battery, and requires wall adapter to charge (not included). Prices vary – I’ve seen everything from $69-$110, so look around before you make a purchase.

zoomer hedgehog

Zoomer also put out the adorable and fluffy Hedgiez this year. They come in several colors, including blue (so boys won’t feel left out- my son adores his).  He (or she) does tricks, rolls around, and likes to play with you, as well as cuddles up and giggles. It’s a quieter toy then some robot pets, since hedgehogs are not known for wild parties, I assume. Mom and dad will love that. The fur is soft, not plastic, and can be brushed or styled with the included comb.  It will curl up when tickled (very cute) and blow you kisses. It comes with stickers as well, which is always a bonus. Hedgiez requires four AAA batteries (not included).  Prices seem to vary pretty wildly here as well- from $18-$40, depending on retailer and what sale is going on- do your homework when you buy (’tis the season!).

robot dogs

Chubby Puppies and Friends are very cute and affordable. They have been around for a little while, but they just keep getting better. They have added all sorts of animals to the original dogs (and there are a lot of dogs to pick from as well), such as bunnies, horses, pandas, all kinds of cats, and more. Some even have their own babies in the same pack (Mommy or Daddy and baby animal of choice sets) which delights my son and all children who like cute things or to play “baby” or house or….play. So, you know. All kids. Some sets come with “fashion sets” like a carrying bag for the pup and accessories like sunglasses, bows, etc, and there are playsets available as well (dog park, fashion runway, etc). The pets walk, hop, waddle by battery operated power. Each pet needs it’s (included) 1 AAA battery. Prices start at around $7.99 per pet, more for fashion sets and play sets.

home toy making kits

Want to build your own pet? Now you can create your own stuffed toys at home with the Build A Bear Stuffing Station.  Just like in the stores, these new furry friends will have their own adoption/birth certificates for you to name them and make them your own. Each kit contains 1 Build-A-Bear Stuffing Station (where you make your bears) 2 Build-A-Bear Furry Friends (1 bear, 1 bunny) 2 shirts, 2 hearts, 2 bags of stuffing for your friends, an instruction guide, accessories, and 2 birth certificates. Yes, you can get refills/more animals to stuff (additional purchases). Even better? Batteries not required! Runs on kid power. The price is $29.99 on https://shop.spinmaster.com

walking toy dog

Peppy Pups has the sweetest face, is no tech, and will get your kids outside and moving. What’s not to love about this toy? This doggie will follow you everywhere. Take him for a walk (indoor or out) and he will walk alongside, run, and even give bouncy “jumps”  since he literally has a spring in his step. It’s plush fur is soft, and s/he has springs in her feet to give it that “puppy prance” when you take her for a walk. No baggies required! You can get yours at Toys “R” Us nationwide and Amazon for $19.99 (standard retail price).

real baby dolls

When a pet won’t do, and they are begging for a little brother or sister, take a look at the new Cabbage Patch Kids Baby So Real. For the first time, CPK is giving children an interactive doll experience.  While they still have those classic Cabbage Patch looks, these life-like baby dolls have traditional play patterns kids love and are full of the latest technology. Baby coos, burps, sleeps, even runs a fever- and your child gets to play mommy or daddy in a fairly authentic way (for a doll). There is a “magic” spoon with medicine, your child feeds it and changes the baby doll, and more. Eyes open, close, and look around the room. It has random reactions, just like a “real” baby would. Of course, as with all Cabbage Patch Kids, Baby So Real is soft and snuggely, and comes with removable clothes (other outfits available for purchase). In case you were wondering, yes Virginia- there’s an app for that.The online mode allows you to see the virtual nursery where you can play with your baby, feed, diaper burp and administer TLC. You can also play games, watch video clips and earn baby points for additional virtual accessories and new features. Baby So Real is available in Blonde, Brunette, and African American babies, comes with a fully removable outfit and diaper, a special interactive bottle and medicine spoon, birth certificate, adoption papers and a free baby monitor style app for additional virtual play.  Retail price is $99.99

 

Must have Playmat from Finn & Emma

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are our own. For more information, see “I Disclose”.

Finding the perfect items for when you have a baby is very important. I am very picky about letting my child play on the ground of other people’s houses. I always try to take a blanket or something with me so that my child won’t get all the yucky floor germs on them when we are at other places. The Playmat from Finn & Emma is an absolute must have.

About Finn & Emma:

At Finn & Emma, they live in the balance of stylish and sustainable, classic and contemporary, whimsical and sophisticated. Boring designs and toxic chemicals are a thing of the past while modern colors, fresh prints, and heirloom quality construction are abundant.

Sustainability is bountiful too. Only the finest 100% organic cotton, eco friendly dyes, and all natural wood will do for your little munchkin, and they’ve got plenty. On top of that, their garments and accessories are produced in fair trade settings that focus on social and economic independence for local people, women especially, working to provide for their families in a safe and fair environment.

They love style as much as they love sustainability, and in the land of Finn & Emma, there’s no reason to choose between the two.

About the PlayMat:

This wonderful playmat is not only the perfect match to the Play Gym, but also a great entertainment by itself when attaching toys to the loops of the mat. The play mat is made from super soft organic cotton and non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes. The light padding makes it also a perfect changing mat or stroller liner as well.

  • 100% G.O.T.S. certified
  • Eco-friendly and non-toxic dyes
  • Loops to attach play gym toys
  • Machine Washable
  • Size: 23″x34″

My Thoughts:

Love!  I absolutely love this amazing product. My daughter loves it as well 🙂  I have used it a great deal at home, but now that she is a little older we seem to be more on the go than we used to be. I now keep this wonderful playmat in the car so that I have it at my hands no matter where we are at. I love that it is padded so that no matter what surface we are on, I know that it is still soft for her. I also happen to be the mother of a spitter 🙂  and I love that I can toss it in the washing machine when I get home and have it ready to go the next time that I need it.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing this awesome Playmat, head on over to Finn & Emma and get one for that sweet baby in your life.

 

Tucson Tamales – Unwrap Happiness @tucsontamale

Tamales are one of those comfort foods that, when done right, are exactly what you are craving. Good, simple, yet so flavorful.  If you do not know what a tamale is, it is a corn husk filled with masa, or a corn meal dough (often with another filling in the middle as well) which is then steamed or boiled in the husk and unwrapped and eaten when they are done.  These little pockets of Mexican tradition have the taste of home made, and the warm feeling you get from home made dishes as well.  Tucson Tamale offers these corn based envelopes of awesome to you wherever you are, no matter your prowess in the kitchen.

order tamales

They have options for everyone- meat lovers, vegetarian, omnivore- even dessert.  One of our favorites was the Blue Corn, made from organic blue corn masa and filled with summer squash, tomato, onion, peppers and cheese. We also loved the Black Bean and Cheese made of black beans, roasted corn, red peppers and cheddar cheese. There are also meat filled varieties, like Green Chile Pork with Cheese, Green Chile Chicken and Red Chile Beef.  There is sure to be a favorite for everyone in your house.

We were able to try the Box of Happiness and let me tell you that is exactly what it brought to our faces when we tried them.  The favors were vibrant and the tamales were perfectly textured and incredibly delightful.  The box of happiness is a great way to get to know many of the varieties available while also having enough for everyone to try.  But I am warning you the box will be finished quite quickly and your tamale addiction will begin after your first bite.

deliver tamale

The ingredients for the tamales are of high quality.  The corn in the masa is organic and non-gmo.  Instead of lard like traditional tamales, Tucson uses non-gmo expeller pressed canola or sunflower oil, to keep vegan and vegetarian tamale lovers at the table.

Tuscon Tamales are available now online and can be delivered to your door in a variety of flavors and amounts. Order yours now- and another set for the holidays. No cooking for you!

home made tamale

Win a Copy of @secretlifeofpets #TheSecretLifeOfPets #PetsPack

Disclosure- This post is in partnership with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

pets movie

Have you see the movie “The Secret Life of Pets” yet? I took my son while it was still in theaters, and we both enjoyed it. I thought it was going to be another movie that you, as a parent, sat through because you love your kid- but it was super cute, and I even laughed out loud a few times. I’m all for shows and movies everyone can watch (and that go beyond simple “endurance” as a parent). If you’ve not seen this one yet- do. It’s fun. And it has a great message too, without being at all preachy.

It’s available in stores everywhere as of December 6, so you can go get your copy any time you want.  (It’s a great holiday gift, as well.) Here is a trailer of the movie, in case you haven’t seen any yet.

My son was eleted when the movie came- and he was even more excited when he saw it came with a Secret Life of Pets poster as well. He even got a hat and stickers- perfect for this holiday season. He (of course) immediately popped the movie in. We also watched it together over the weekend when daddy was around.

pic4

Neither he nor I had a favorite character, they were all fun. Max, of course, was great- but there would be no movie without Duke or Gidget, and Pops is too much. It’s hard to talk about why we love the characters without giving away the movie- best just to watch it. Another reason to get a copy of the movie is that The Secret Life of Pets DVD or Blue Ray comes with 3 Mini Movies as well as features nearly an hour of bonus content, including three hilarious mini-movies: the all-new Norman Television and Weenie PLUS Mower Minions which debuted in theaters.

pet stickers

The main premise of the movie is “Ever wonder what your pets do when you’re not home?” Find out what these pets are up to when their owners head out. The same people who created Despicable Me made this one, so you know it will be funny.

pic8

One of the reasons the movie was so funny? The all-star voice cast had to have a hand in it, I think.  This includes Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper, Lake Bell, Dana Carvey, Hannibal Buress, Bobby Moynihan, Steve Coogan, and Albert Brooks.

We received the Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Target Exclusive featuring 4 pages of decals. The combo pack comes with the Blu-ray,  DVD, and a Digital copy. Plus, you can decorate your room, car, office, laptop, or wall with 4 pages of decals featuring main characters and their funny personalities.

One of you can win a copy of your own- feel free to enter using the RC form below. Good luck! Ends Dec. 30, 2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Starry Station for Internet Control

The internet is a huge big open place with lots of distractions, and some not so nice things for kids’ eyes and ears.  The best way to keep them from seeing these things is with a fine tooth comb where you can sift through their activity and deliver only what you deem fit.  School and information related web sites, appropriate entertainment, and also limiting their time online.  In an ideal world, this would be as easy as a few button swipes or pushes, but we live in a  less then ideal world where we use flashing blinking lights on a router to show the health of our internet connection, and then complicated connection settings dialed in via specific addresses to maybe get the control you are looking for.  There is another way.

ui

The Starry Station is a wireless router which has a built in touch screen to let you not only see the health of your network, but also what devices are connected to it. You can give these devices certain access, including time limits, content limitations, and cutting content completely. This could be for things like going outside time or bed time, meal time (am I right? Get your phone off the table!) whatever works for you.  No more hiding a phone under the sheets and playing games until the wee hours of the morning.  What is most interesting about the Starry Station is how well it fits into the decor of any room, be it a living room, computer room or a dining room.  It looks like a mini work of art with lots of color and activity, but not so much that it is a distraction.

product-ambient-screentime

There is also an App to interface with the Starry Station to give even more control over your router and the devices connecting to your network.  With custom names, icons, and rules for each device it is a breeze getting started and even easier to add new devices when a friend comes by or a new device is added to the household.  Starry Station is available online at Amazon and retails for $299.95.

There is a Cyber Monday promotion for the Starry Station. From Thanksgiving (11/24) through the following Tuesday (11/29), the Starry Station will be available for $224.99 (25% the MSRP) on Starry.com, Amazon.com, B&H.com and Best Buy.com as well as in store.