I love me some dark chocolate...

like, I have a nibble/chunk {depending on the day} every night!

Lindt's Dark Chocolate with a touch of sea salt is one of the more interesting dark chocolates I have sampled in a while. I was a bit skeptical at first...but, I am sold on it now!

Now...to review the taste...it is a mild chocolate...not super dark---I do wish it was a bit darker...but, it is still a nice piece of chocolate. Like I said, I like really dark{er} chocolate!

This is more creamy with a touch of dark...the salt hits at the end, nice surprise!

And...it is so smooth with a good glass of red wine!

If you have passed by this in the store and wondered about the taste...

give it a try! Your taste buds will be pleasantly surprised---mine sure were!

Happy Tasting...And...Happy Weekend to you!

Week of Freebies!

I love most Kashi products! They are full of taste and healthy!
Right now you can score a freebie of one of these products below!
Click here and pick out your sample!! Enjoy!

I am waiting on my Blueberry Crumble!

Can't wait to sample it here soon!!

Happy Sampling!

Awesome Freebie with Purchase

So...the picture chopped off a bit...but...you get the "picture!"

Go here...

enter the code above and get you some free BareMinerals foundation!

You do have to purchase something...

grab you a cheap lip gloss {or anything fun!} and enjoy that foundation!

Happy Shopping!

Free, Free, Free!

Are you potty training?

Soon to be potty training?

Or...know a mama who is potty training....

Grab this freebie to help out!

Free Pampers Potty Training Kit!

Click here...only one per household!

Happy Training, ha!

Barney...not the Purple Guy!

So....Have you had Barney Butter???

What is Barney Butter....?

Well...it is the most yummy, creamy goodness I've had in a while!

Barney Butter is a roasted almond {peanut butter texture} butter!

You can get it in creamy or crunchy...{it is totally peanut free}

I've only had the creamy---and I LOVE.IT!

{I really want to try the crunchy!!}

Visit the website for all their great recipes using "BB!"
You can get it at most Publix---in the Greenwise section!
A 16 oz. jar is $7.99---but it is worth every penny!
If you are looking for a "new peanut butter"---give Barney Butter a try!
It is delicious! Happy Tasting!

Feet Swell No More!

So...I am sure some of you are laughing...Where is this post going...!?
When I was preggers, I had some MAJOR feet/ankle swelling---like I had cankles kind of swelling. Not only was it ugly---it was uncomfortable. I love sleeping in socks, eww, I know! But...my feet and ankles were so swollen---I had "ring around the sock!" It was awful.

So...I went searching for a pair of socks that would not press into my skin.

While walking through CVS one day, Dr. Scholl's caught my eye!

Funny, I know...But the title of the socks is what did it...circulatory socks.

I thought....mmmm...wonder if they will help my cankles.
I purchased a pair of Dr. Scholls diabetic and Circulatory socks.
*I told you I would try just about any product!*

Well...I was shocked---within days my swelling started going down.
Yeah right you are saying... :) True story though.

My husband can validate my statement!

I started wearing and sleeping in these socks---the swelling really almost went away!

The day I went into labor my ankles looked completely normal!

After a long day of labor- I ended up having a c-section.

I had to wear the "boots" for 12 hours to prevent clotting in my legs.

Well--due to fluids and "boots' --my feet swelled again--but much worse!

When I got home, I started wearing my socks again-within a couple of days the swelling started to go---and after a week--they were almost back to normal!

Not quite sure why they work---but they do.

Probably something to do with the pressure of the sock???

Dunno...but if your feet swell--or you know someone who has this issue--

give these socks a go! Or...pass on the info. to a needed swelling victim! :)

I found mine at CVS!

Great Winter Wine!

Cline 2007 Zinfandel is a yummy winter wine! It is an old faithful at our house! We know it will be good with just about any dinner and dessert! The 2007 is around $9-10 at most stores. It is a wonderful sipping wine! Here is an excellent description:

A solid everyday Zin, dry and spicy, with flavors of blackberries, cherries, chocolate and loads of anise and black pepper. Good price for a nice, easy wine.

Happy Weekend! Happy Sipping.

Won't Clean without 'um!

A 3M Scotch-Brite Multi Purpose No Scratch Scrub Sponge will always be under my sink!

I love these things! They are excellent for sinks, cooktops, pots and pans, tubs, counters, and the list goes on and on! I really don't clean without them anymore! I especially love cleaning my sink with this "sponge!" They are great because they wipe and clean{you can really scrub too!} without scratching!!

I may be in the dark...I know these have been around for years...But, they are new to me...and I LOVE 'um!!! They clean great with my Mrs. Meyer's Stainless Steel Cleaner {which is another post in itself!!} Happy Cleaning!

Save your $!

Purex 3-in-1 sheets seemed like the best thing ever...But, I was not sold on these o' so easy sheets. As far as cleaning and static reduction, they did there job! But, I did not care for the smell of these sheets-at all. I was not overly impressed with this product---but, that is just me! I am sure there are folks out there who love, love, love them! I just didn't care for the smell---and I am a pretty big smell person. I did notice a commercial geared towards me :) ----they have a new and improved smell according to the commercial I overheard the other day. So, there you have it---my first "this is not the best" product review! Although, give them a shot if you like...You make love them, who knows, right?!? By the way...I just noticed there are several scents--I bought the "pure and clean"---so, maybe, just maybe, the other scents would change my mind. If I had to guess, I'll eventually give another scent a try, but not any time soon!

Another "Freebie!!"

Go here! This looks like a fun freebie! I have no idea if I will like it, but it is free!

Once mine comes...I'll let you know my thoughts! Go get you some!

Another Mrs. Meyer's Deal!

Another great deal! I have the baby scent dryer sheets. LOVE.them.

Go here...order some products online! Happy Shopping!

Cheap, Fun Bubbly!

Looking for some fun, cheap bubbly for the weekend?

Yellowtail's {white} Sparkling Wine is yummy!

Not only is it delicious for the price, it is cheap{er}!

It is around $9-$10 depending on where you buy it...
I can get it at Publix for $9!



As far as taste goes...it is mildly sweet with light fruity notes.
I think it pairs well with fish, chicken, and desserts!
I love it to sip on as well!

I made some dark chocolate brownies and served this alongside...
great cheap{er}, charming dessert!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Happy Sipping!

Aveda for FREE!!

Aveda Coupon - Free Shampoo!!

Print out a copy of the whole page and receive a free 3 piece combo pack

( shampoo, conditioner, and strengthening treatment )

Go here! Yeah for a FREE product! Enjoy!!

Baby or Baby Gift?

There is nothing sweeter than a swaddled baby! Aden and Anais swaddle blankets are simply the best swaddle blankets we used!

I could not get enough of these! What I love about these blankets are there weight. They are made out of muslin. Muslin is so great because it is light weight and allows the baby to stay warm, yet not over heat!
And...the more you wash these blankets---the softer they get!

Straight from Aden and Anais:
"The lightweight muslin also permits air to circulate around the baby's body, while still providing comfort and warmth without the worry that the baby may overheat in moderate weather. Cotton muslin is also a workhorse fabric, in that wraps woven from this natural fiber stands up to repeated washings only becoming softer -- and better -- with age."
The website is full of wonderful muslin products!
Some of these are: swaddle blankets, sleep sacks, towels, wash clothes, burpy bibs-these are great{a burp cloth that turns into a bib!}! and dream blankets! Check it out!


Target carries a line of these blankets, sleep sacks and burpy bibs!
The blankets come in packs of 4 for $29.99. They make a super gift for mamas!

Like I said...I love, love, love these blankets!

Tired Hair?

Aveda's Phomollient Styling Foam is hands down

some of the best mousse I have ever used.

I have tried others---but, time and time again---I return back to this!

My hair is super fine, and this stuff does the trick! It is light and smells so clean and "earthy!' It adds great volume and even detangles. Like I said, it is one of my favs!

Now, my sister does not love it as much as me though-she has tried it several times too---and does not care for it...So...I guess it all depends on your hair texture. I have fine, curly hair and she has fine, straight hair.

If you are looking for a new hair product to try---give it a whirl! And...if you don't like it...mail it to me! I'll use it, ha! 6.7 ounces cost $14.00, but keep in mind, it last a while! You really only need 1-2 pumps. And...you can buy the refill the next time for $13.00!

Happy Styling!

Check out Mrs. Meyer's !

Quick! Mrs. Meyer's is running one sweet deal!

Hop on over and try some dish or hand soap, cleaner, or any ole' yummy smelling product!

Happy Shopping{cleaning!}

Love, Hate!

I have a love.hate relationship with my glass cook top, really, I do. When we moved into our house-the stove was already there--so I really didn't have a choice as to what kind of stove I wanted. As far as the cook top goes--I love how easy it is to wipe a flat surface---but, I hate how "gunky" it can get. My mother also has a love.hate with it too...although I think it ended more on hate! HA! She could not stand not being able to get the thing clean---and she worked pretty hard! So...Off to the store she went-in search for something, ANYTHING to clean the cook top with---well, she came with...Weiman Glass Cook Top Cleaner.

And folks, I am here to say...it is awesome!


Couple of things I love about this product:
1. It CLEANS....I mean really cleans!

2. You don't have to use much of it

So...if you have a glass cook top, and you can't seem to get it clean...Give this a try! I was way impressed with how it cleaned...Advice: you need to scrub your cook top {w/the cleaner} with one of those green Scotch-Brite-no scratch pads---they help a ton! Happy Scrubbing!

Friday Fun!

On Friday's I will feature something fun...something you might use over a weekend! And...what better than a good glass of red wine! I tend to drink reds all year---but, I especially love them during the cold winter!

For the money, $9.99 at my Publix, Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon Vintners Blend is an excellent Friday night sipping wine--or any night for that matter!

This is a bold, yummy wine! It goes great with beef--and heavy meals in general. It pairs so nice with a good piece of dark chocolate too! Yum!

So...if you are looking for a cheap(er) bottle of wine to curl up by the fire with this weekend, grab a bottle of Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon Vintners Blend!
Happy Sipping!

Winemakers Note:
The 2006 Vintners Blend Cabernet Sauvignon is a lovely balance of Cabernet, cassis-like fruit mingled with an oak spiciness, and earthy complexity. It is fresh, bright and pleasing to the nose. In the mouth, it is balanced, flavorful and has a long finish that is never heavy or cloying. This is the perfect wine for food and will make a pleasing accompaniment to your everyday meal. Please enjoy this wine on a regular basis. Make it your "house Cabernet" for it will surely please both you and your guests. This is a delicious wine at a great price.

Wine Details: COMPOSITION: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah, 6% Cabernet Franc

Green With Envy?

We recently put uba tuba granite counter tops in our kitchen. I really like the look of granite-and uba tuba is pretty dark. I had many people tell me to just clean it with warm, soapy water. Well, I did this---and it left horrible smudges! My mother about had a come apart while staying with me after I had my baby---the smudges were really getting to her!

After some research on the "best" granite cleaner, I came across Simple Green Stone Cleaner. I read several positive reviews about this product---and decided to give it a try.

So far I have been overly pleased with this cleaner. It cleans our counters so well. I am not sure if it is me and the way I clean---but, I do have to "buff" with a soft towel after I spray our counters with Simple Green Stone Cleaner.

Simple Green leaves our counter tops bright and shiny! If you are having this same problem, give "SG" a shot! It worked for us!
Oh...I bought my bottle at Home Depot---I am sure you can get it at most hardware stores and maybe even Target or Walmart! We paid around $7.00 for our bottle---it has lasted us since October---and it is January and I still have over 3/4 of the bottle left! I don't use it everyday---I use it every other to every third day!

Light and Smooth

For years I have used Cetaphil Facial Cleanser. For me, it is a mild, effective cleaner for my combination skin. I have tried "nice, fancy" washes, but Cetaphil works-tried and true.

Due to recent budget cuts in our family, ha!{a new baby}, I won't be buying my "fancy" moisturizer anymore. This grieves me because I love, love what I was using-that is another post! So...while at the store the other day, I was faced with what am I going to buy that won't tear up my face???

I thought maybe I would try ole Cetaphil moisturizer? Hey, why not?? I love their cleanser and all...Turns out I really like it! Its formula is soft and smooth---and it not too heavy when you apply it to your face. My skin is still a little dry-but it is the dead of winter and we have gas heat. Oh, and it has SPF 15! Always a plus --since my face sees the sun everyday!

I think I will stick with it. Maybe my affections will grow for this as they were for "my old stuff!" Only time will tell! But, for now, I really like this product and would recommend it to others!

Got Duck?

Do you need something for those stinky diapers or dirty clothes? Do you need a baby shower gift? Or...do you just want to send a mama friend a "little happy!?" Well, my best friend gave this to me, and it is another baby favorite. Munchkin's Diaper Duck is a diaper bag must!

How many times have you been out shopping, eating, playing at the park, or just anywhere and your child does an infamous BLOW OUT? The kind that requires a new outfit...!? All of us, right!?! Well...these bags are so great because you can throw the stinky, dirty outfit in the lightly scented bag and there you go...you don't have to put a gross, dirty outfit back in the diaper bag!

Another great use of these bags are when you are at someone's house and can't find a trash can because you changed your child in a bedroom-or wherever...but, no trash is in view...use one of these! Oh, and....a wet swimsuit---the list goes on! The bags have a nice, fresh scent---helping when you put a super stinky item in the bag.

Not only do they have the ducks, Munchkin makes a "key chain" like dispenser as well. Great for a dad's diaper bag! (ha!) I have seen these at Target for around $7.00--you have to purchase the replacement bags ($4 for 3 rolls)--but they last a while! You can also find them on Amazon. Your first duck comes with 2 replacement bags rolls. You can them purchase them in sets of three.
Hope this helps! **Now, you could just go the cheap{er} route and buy the fresh, scented replacement bags sans the dispenser....just a thought!**

Best "Eva!"

Now, I know there will be some dispute as to whether this is even a product!? But, in my mind, a product is anything you use! So...I think these Hanky Panky undies are one of the best personal products you can get!

First, let me say...I don't spend a lot of money on most of my undies...like I buy the 3 packs at Walmart---really! So---these are a fun splurge! How many times have you heard someone say, "you really can't tell you are wearing a thong?" And...then you buy those pair---and YOU CAN TELL you are wearing one, in fact, you want to burn them because they are so uncomfortable!!

Well---that was me. Until I found these...Hanky Panky Orginial Fit. I love, love, love, love them! And...I really can't tell I am wearing them. I even wore them 9 months preggers and they fit great. See---they are one size fits all. I accidentally bought a low rise pair---honestly--I don't love them as much as the original fit...there is a difference.

Now, let me tell you-they are pricey. Like, $18.50 a pair pricey, GAH, I know! But...they really are worth it ladies! I have 3 pair---and that is plenty! Of course, I would love more...but, you can rinse them with a delicate wash and you are good to go.

They dry fast!

So....if you are still looking for the perfect thong, give these a try! On another note, these would be an excellent lingerie shower gift! Any new bride would love to have some, right!!?

Hanky Panky can be bought at most high end department stores, clothing boutiques, of course, you can go to their website: Hanky Panky! And...check out this deal on Amazon!

Daily Conditioning Treatment

Don't leave home without Blistex's "DCT!" Their Daily Conditioning Treatment is an all time favorite of mine! It provides the perfect amount of moisture to help soothe dry, chapped, cracked lips! The combination of cocoa butter, aloe, and vitamins A & E create a perfect, silky formula to relieve sad, tired lips!

Winter or not, I love this stuff. It wears well underneath lipsticks to help provide a layer of moisture so your lips don't chap from "weather and wear!" As you can see from the picture, it has a SPF of 20--always an added plus! I keep this by my bed and in my purse! If you are dealing with chapped lips from this cold, cold winter, grab you some DCT and "be chap no more!" But-let me warn you---once you start---you will be hooked! (ha!ha!) You can purchase DCT at all drugstores/grocery type stores for $2.99. Trust me, it will be the best $3.00 you ever spent on those lips!

In the dark?

I saw this night light on another blog I visit time to time, Urban Grace.
After seeing this- I knew it would be a great solution to getting up with my brand new baby in the middle of the night! The OXO Candela Night Light is a fabulous way to navigate around your house in the middle of the night.

The light is much like a lantern. As you see in the picture above, it is a rechargeable night light.

Here is an excellent description from OXO's website: "Light the night with OXO Candela Guardian. Guardian is two lights in one – the charger has a luminescent panel that’s always lit, and the portable lamp illuminates instantly when removed from the charger, or if the power goes out. The portable LED rechargeable lamp stays lit for eight hours, is cool to the touch and is designed for easy carrying. The long-lasting rechargeable LED lights are brighter, safer, cleaner, more durable and easier to use than candles. Portable and cordless, they are suitable for many uses and occasions. From fuse box searches to late-night feedings, the Guardian is always there when you need it. Includes 1 LED lamp with rechargeable battery and night light charging base."

This light provides the perfect amount of light to change a diaper, feed a baby, move around the house, and so on! Not to mention the light has a nice, soft glow. The piece that stays plugged into the wall also puts off a nice, soft light-leaving just a little light in my baby's room. It would be a great night light for a toddler age child too! It took me a while to figure it out---didn't read the directions--but there is a button on the bottom to turn the lantern off and on. I use this every night to go and feed my baby! {that is not me feeding my baby!}

While looking for images-I came across this image below. It looks like they have some quirky, fun styles! I think these are too cute! After browsing through OXO's website, it appears there are several choices of candela night lights.

These lights are $29.99. But, I bought my night light from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. They didn't have it in stock in the store--but I went to the store and they were able to order it for me---and I was able to apply my famous 20% off coupon! The package came right to my door--no shipping! This would be a unique, fun baby shower gift {mama's would love it for sure!} or personal purchase for you and your family!

Fresh & So Clean, Clean!

Do you ever feel like your towels don't get "clean enough!?!" I used to...but I have found a wonderful solution for our household! Clorox Ultimate Care Bleach!

I really like this product for several reasons. First, it does not have a strong bleach smell, at all. I really can't stand the smell of bleach-so this is a great alternative! Second, this thick, creamy formula leaves your towels (and other delicates, another plus!) fresh, white, and soft! This detergent has a light, fresh smell too---leaving your towels "fresh & so clean, clean!"

A 90 oz. bottle cost about $7.00--it usually last me a good while because I only wash my bath/kitchen towels in this. So...if you are having a hard time getting those towels clean, give this a try! You will have fresh and clean towels in an instant!

From Clorox:
Clorox® UltimateCare® Bleach is the first bleach that is gentle enough to pour directly on your bleachable whites. So now you can bleach every white load, even delicates! Thick formula leaves your clothes soft, white and smelling fresh.
All your whites will look their best!