Bye Bye Straining While Draining–Chef’s Planet Clip & Drain {Giveaway}

July 30, 2012 by Karissa 25 Comments

Now why didn’t I think of that? Check out this awesome kitchen tool… This tool solves the problem of: drain strain. With the super-neat Chef’s Planet Clip & Drain you no longer have to strain to drain!

About The Company:

Chef’s Planet is a clever site that has all those little kitchen gadgets you’ve never seen before, but could come in quite handy! I am kind of in love with the site’s products actually. Like the measuring scoop and the measuring colander. Well, now there is this, the Clip & Drain!

My Thoughts on Clip & Drain:

This handy little tool just clips to the side of most pots and pans. It has a stainless steel reinforced clip with a silicone gripper to easily attach to the pot. It is strong and sturdy to stay in place… it’s a genius little gadget really!

I tested this on a number of my pots and pans. Although it left a gap in between some, like the pots with a big lip, the product was flush with the pots and pans that had no lip or a slight lip. The Clip and Drain worked on my smallest to my largest pot! It drained the water effectively and it was much easier on my wrist and arm!

I feel like I’ve been struggling with draining food for forever. I make hard boiled eggs a lot and this is just perfect for that! Of course it is easy to use for other foods like veggies and pasta – you could even strain mixed drinks if you wanted!

This is one of the items you see in stores and you bonk your forehead with your hand because you think, "Why didn’t I think of that?". Well, someone else did, and boy is it great!

Conclusion:

No longer will your arm feel like it is falling off and you are about to drop an entire pot of hot water on the ground because you can’t handle the weight. Now you’ll have both hands on the pot and with a sturdy grip, you are free to drain without pain!

Join In:

Chef’s Planet on Facebook
Chef’s Planet on Twitter
Purchase products like this one on the Chef’s Planet website.

:: Giveaway ::

a Rafflecopter giveaway

** Please leave your entries using the above Rafflecopter form. It might take a bit to load. **

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Filed Under: Cookware, In the Kitchen Tagged With: kitchen gadgets, kitchen tools, strainers

Evanger’s Dog Foods and Pet Calendar Contest

July 30, 2012 by Karissa Leave a Comment

We are a bit crazy about our dog. She is absolutely a part of our family, and we treat her like so. She is lucky enough to be an indoor/outdoor dog, she gets unlimited amounts of high-quality food, and we reward her for good behavior daily with delicious treats.

We are very consciences of the food and treats we give her, we don’t just give her garbage. We don’t eat the fast food, fatty and sugary stuff… so we aren’t giving it to our pet either! One brand I recommend for farm-fresh ingredients and high quality grain-free food and treats is Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company.

ABOUT EVANGER’S

Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company is a family-owned and operated pet food cannery in the United States. The company is dedicated to improving the health, length, and quality of life of pets through wholesome, hand-packed nutrition. They offer human-grade ingredients sourced in the United States (90% local to the plant itself). They can and package a variety of wet and dry formulas that are grain-free and low-grain, specialty formulas for puppies and seniors, as well as exotic meats such as pheasant and rabbit.

MY OPINION EVANGER’S

I couldn’t be happier than when I see "Made in the USA" on my dog’s treats and food. It is nearly impossible to find in today’s market. Especially with all the big brand companies out there. Supporting smaller companies like Evanger’s is crucial in my opinion. And more than just "Made in the USA" – my dog loves the stuff!

Daisy couldn’t quit licking her doggie lips after taste testing the buffalo and chicken canned wet food. And the jerky treats had her doing tricks for hours! She loved the flavors and could smell them from across the room – literally, she’d come running, bolting for a single treat!

KEY POINTS

-Great for dogs with allergies, diabetes, or sensitive stomachs
-Great for cats with chronic hairballs or urinary tract infections
-No preservatives, harmful additives, wheat, corn, soy, BHA, BHT, or Ethoxyquin
-Low grain and no grain (gluten-free) formulas offered
-Made in the USA

PET CALENDER CONTEST

I also wanted to let you know that Evanger’s is looking for new furry faces for its 2013 pets calendar! It is running a photo contest through August 31, 2012. In addition to having your pet’s photo featured in the annual Evanger’s Calendar, Cover Pet and Pet of the Month – winners get to choose from prize packages of Evanger’s pet food and treat products! For entry, rules, and prize details, visit http://www.evangersdogfood.com/calendar.php

JOIN IN

PURCHASE:

www.evangersdogfood.com

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Filed Under: Pets, Product Reviews Tagged With: Dog food, dog treats

{Giveaway} Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer (July 29-Aug. 12)

July 28, 2012 by Karissa 1 Comment

Mom Blog Society Presents the KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer Giveaway Event!

Prize Sponsored by: American Family

Open to US Residents 18 years of age and over

Mom Blog Society: A Bloggers Network- bringing Brands and Bloggers together from around the world

Event Co-hosted by:

Powered by Mom | Mom to Bed by 8| Mom Does Reviews | Mommy Moments from Abby| By the Way Girlfriend

What a fun event and a great prize! Here is a little more about the sponsor and the prize that they are offering to one lucky winner! (I wish it was me!)

About American Family

A family with their priorities straight (and that’s a direct quote from them). Their #1 priority is rewarding American families for the things you do everyday because they think you deserve it! You can play games, print recipes, take quizzes, share stuff with friends and earn points while you’re doing it! With your points you can enter for prizes like gift cards, electronics and so much more! Even when you enter the sweepstakes you earn more points, yes seriously you earn points for entering for prizes, wow! It’s free to join American Family and if you sign up to join them through this event you will also receive a free e-book filled with yummy Summer Dessert recipes!

The Prize:

This KitchenAid Classic Plus 4.5Q stand mixer in white.

Locking tilt-head design offers easy access to the bowl and beaters.
10-speed slide control provides a range of mixing options.
Metal construction promises long-lasting use.
Details:
Includes: 4 1/2-qt. stainless steel bowl, metal wire whip, nylon-coated flat beater & nylon-coated dough hook
10 speeds
275-watt motor
Accepts additional attachments

Enter now for your chance to win a fabulous Kitchen Aid stand mixer. join American Family, have fun, earn points and prize! No entries are mandatory, however the more you do the better your chances of winning.

:: Giveaway ::

a Rafflecopter giveaway

** Please leave your entries using the above Rafflecopter form. It might take a bit to load. **

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. With Our Best is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment

Filed Under: Giveaways

{Giveaway} Carmex Beach Tote, 6 Lip Balms {Ends 8/10}

July 28, 2012 by Karissa 37 Comments

Swimming, hiking, camping and more! In the summertime we all spend a little more time in the sun than normal. Of course you never forget to wear your skin screen though, do you? I didn’t think so. But while sunscreen is just second nature in the summer, often times we forget about our lips! Have you ever burnt you lips in the sun? It is rough!

Carmex has a whole fun line of everyday lip balms to protect your lips from the sun! Each of the fun flavors (Original, Cherry, Strawberry, Vanilla, Lime Twist and Pomegranate) is equipped with SPF 15 to protect your lips from the effects of the blazin’ summer sun.

I love the Carmex lip balms! They are small, smooth and moisturizing! The newest flavor in the Carmex® family is the pomegranate stick – and boy is it lovely! Pomegranate is one of my favorite fruits, smells and now lip balms! It is a nice summery flavor and it goes smoothly on my lips for all my summer activities! (Including swimming – it is water resistant!)

Don’t you want to try it now?

Well you can! We are giving away a great beach tote containing six Carmex Sticks with SPF 15. The six different flavors of the Carmex Stick are: Original, Cherry, Strawberry, Vanilla, Lime Twist and Pomegranate. That way you can try the new pomegranate… and the other flavors too!

**On a side note. Back in June I told you about the Carmex 75th Anniversary Promotion… Well, that is still going on! They are STILL offering fun giveaways (already gave away 250+ Carmex products and $2,500). The deal is, with each new Facebook "Like" milestone that they hit, Carmex gives away more prizes and money! You can STILL enter on their Facebook page – 75 Years with 750,000 Fans!

:: Giveaway ::

a Rafflecopter giveaway

** Please leave your entries using the above Rafflecopter form. It might take a bit to load. **

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: Carmex, lip balm

Grilled Lime Chicken Zucchini Quesadillas Recipe (On George Foreman)

July 28, 2012 by Karissa 2 Comments

Today have I got a mouth watering recipe for you! I’ve been testing out homemade recipes for awhile now, in search of the best one to submit to the The George Foreman Grill: Show Us Your Grill Skill Recipe Contest. Finally I found it! It’s perfect for summer and it tastes AMAZING – I really think you’re going to love it!

Grilled Lime Chicken Zucchini Quesadillas

Prep time: 5 minutes
Marinade Time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time (including marinade): 50 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1/2 medium zucchini

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cumin

2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro

2 small chicken breasts

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 lime – juiced and zested

2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese

8 8-inch whole grain wheat or corn tortillas

Instructions

Mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 lime zest/juice, and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro.

Cut zucchini into 1/4" slices and place in a medium sized bowl. Cut chicken breasts in half and place in medium sized bowl. Pour 1/2 the mixture over zucchini and 1/2 over chicken, mix well and cover each, let soak for at least 25 minutes.

Mix together remaining olive oil and salt in a small bowl. Brush on one side of each tortilla (this will be the outside side that touches the plates).

Heat George Foreman grill. Once marinated, place zucchini slices on grill and let cook until browned, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat. Next, place chicken on the George Foreman for 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked.

Cut zucchini and chicken in to small strips. (**Note: I brushed the juices that drained from the George Foreman – on to the cut pieces to more flavor and less waste!)

Layer zucchini and chicken on the dry tortilla side and sprinkle mozzarella on top.

Place the oiled side face down on to grill and top with another tortilla (oil side up). Cook until tortilla soft (or crispy if you like) and cheese is melted (about 5 minutes). (**Note: You can fit two 8" quesadillas on the George Foreman at the same time.)

Cut in half and serve with a sprinkle of lime juice and cilantro.

This recipe is great for lunch or dinner! It is a touch of tang and spice, and overall tasty! It was easy to prepare using just a few ingredients and my new George Foreman Removable-Plate Grill! The George Foreman grill cooked up the chicken, zucchini and tortilla to perfection!

Here is a little more details about the grill I used:

The George Foreman Next Grilleration™ allows for cooking of 5-servings at a time and under 20 minutes! Great for the whole family!

Large sloped plates lets you cook up to five servings at once

2 dishwasher-safe removable grill plates that are easy to clean

George Tough™ Triple non-stick coating is durable & eliminates need for oil or butter

Exclusive fat removing design removes up to 42% of the fat from 1/4 lb. 80/20 Ground Chuck

Floating hinge gives you the ability to adjust height to accommodate a wide range of foods

3-Year limited warranty

$59.99

Disclosure: I did receive a sample product from the sponsor on behalf of Family Review Network for the purpose of this honest review. I am entering this recipe in the "The George Foreman Grill: Show Us Your Grill Skill Recipe Contest". All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: cooking, easy recipes, food, quick grilled chicken recipe, Recipes

Suitcase Debate: 2-Wheel vs. Spinner Luggage

July 27, 2012 by Karissa 1 Comment

As a flight attendant, I literally live out of my suitcase. Choosing the right travel luggage is important to me. I have tried many different brands of upright luggage, yet, I have never tried the recently popular 4-wheeled spinner bags. Passengers often ask me about my opinion on luggage, like what brand/style/size I prefer and the very popular question – "Which is better – spinner or roller?"

I was never able to tell them which was better – spinner or roller. But now I can – since I received the Atlantic Luggage Compass 2 Spinner for a review. I will now debate: To spin or not to spin!

Atlantic Luggage Compass 2 Spinner

"I’ve always wanted a spinner bag. I wanted to be able to tell the passengers my thoughts, and give them an informed decision. So now that I have one, what do I think about it?"

The Compass 2 is an all-around gorgeous bag. The craftsmanship of this bag is of the highest quality. There are lots of little features that a frequently flyer would appreciate. Like the attachment clip and the expandable main compartment. It is big enough for everything that you would need in a carry on. And that is just it! It is actually a carry on that fits in the standard airline overhead bin compartments!

When placing this bag in the overhead bins, I found it easier using the convenient handles on the top and the side of the bag. I also loved the size. The pockets were roomy and the main compartment with the expandable zipper is very accommodating.

"Overall, the Compass 2 Spinner is a quality choice of luggage for a spinning type bag. You get a lot of bang for your buck. I recommend it for someone with back issues, older folks and people who like the 360° freedom of motion."

WINNER:

Rollerboard 2-Wheeled Luggage

There are some definite advantages to each type of bag. And after reviewing the well-made, very practical Compass 2 Spinner, it was hard to choose. But based on the "to spin or not to spin" factor, I choose the roller bag with 2 wheels.

First, I like that the roller luggage has speed going for it. You can whip through the airport a lot quicker in the 2-wheels than the 4-wheels. But speed isn’t for everyone. The 4-wheeled bag absolutely has agility going for it. It can zig-zag through crowds while it makes connecting flights, like a pro.

Secondly, it was easier to put in the overhead bin. I could just slide the roller bag in with the wheels down, no problem. The spinner bag on the other hand, the wheels were sometimes sideways and needed to be straightened out.

One thing I do like more about the spinner style is that it is great for people with back, neck and shoulder issues. This wide range of movement means you’re not pulling and putting pressure on your shoulders and back. It is true, the roller bag often causes me shoulder pain. Some of this is due to rolling it around airports, and some of it from lifting it into the overhead bin.

"I chose the roller bag, but admit the spinner bag has a lot of benefits too. More important than wheels though, look for something that is high quality. Like that of which I found from Atlantic Luggage."

Spinner or Roller… Just Make Sure It’s Durable

Whether your personal preference is the spinner bags or the roller bags, just try to look for luggage that is well-made and built to last. I definitely recommend Atlantic Luggage and Travel Pro. With either of these brands, you’ll find high performing pieces that are durable and long lasting.

From these brands, you’ll find strong zippers, strong frames, sturdy encasements, protective, padded corner guards and more. After all, a travel bag is an important investment that you want to last for many, many years of adventures!

Enter in the Atlantic Luggage Fun Sweepstakes!

What: Atlantic Luggage Sweepstakes (2-Day LEGOLAND® Florida Vacation)

When: From July 1 – August 1

Grand Prize:
•       (4) Four, 2-Day Admissions to LEGOLAND® Florida
•       (2) Two nights at a LEGOLAND® Florida Bed and Brick property
•       Car voucher
•       Exclusive behind the scenes tour with a LEGOLAND® Florida Master Model Builder
•       A 2-piece set of Atlantic luggage

How: For sweepstakes details and to enter, http://atlanticluggage.com/legoland_2012/contest.php.

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Filed Under: Product Reviews, Travel Tagged With: luggage, spinner vs. roller, spinning wheeled bags

Let My Journey Begin with the Kia Soul!

July 27, 2012 by Karissa 1 Comment

YAY! I am so excited! Guess what happened to me today?

Oh you know, it started out as a typical day off work. Wake up, feed the dog, and two hours later get out of my pajamas. Oh, but wait! Good thing I changed out of my pajamas because there were two people coming to my house to deliver a car to me!

A car, you say?

That’s right. Lucky me, I get to test drive a car for a week… I know, I know… you thought I would say for keeps. But a week of driving around in a car that isn’t yours, and you don’t pay a monthly car bill on, is still pretty darn fun! At least I think so!

The deal is – over the next week I will be testing out the Kia Soul from Kia Motors – and then telling you about it! Funny enough because I have NEVER even driven a Kia before! Therefore never owned a Kia. Therefore again, I don’t know a thing about Kia – or the Kia Soul!

BUT that is why I am taking the fun challenge and getting to know this completely foreign car (although it is not foreign at all – it is made in the United States!). I am going to test the features that it has on the inside and tell you about the looks on the outside!

So, I’m strapping in to the Kia Soul… I’ll be back in a week or so with the results!

I opened the door, and my dog jumped right in. Apparently she’s driving.

Connect With Kia Soul:

Disclosure: I was provided the Kia Soul for a one week loan in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Everything else Tagged With: car reviews, kia, kia soul, test drive

I’m You!!! … Friday Funny

July 27, 2012 by Karissa Leave a Comment

I literally laughed out loud when I read this. Can you imagine the look on the kid’s face? "Uh, Mom?!" It is completely classic though, since it is in so many movies, I think you’d really freak someone out! Anyway, I am not brave enough to pull this off, but if YOU are a prankster, let me know how it goes! Happy Friday Funny!

Filed Under: Everything else Tagged With: Friday Funny

Colorado Deal: $99 Winter Park Condo

July 22, 2012 by Karissa Leave a Comment

Here is a Cool Summer Lodging Deal - ONLY $99 for a one bedroom condo or $129 for a two bedroom condo per night at Beaver Village Condos in Winter Park! Must be a 2 night stay to get this deal. Visit here for the Beaver Village Deal!

Filed Under: Freebie/Deals

Buy Produce to Support Children’s Hospitals

July 22, 2012 by Karissa Leave a Comment

How can you raise money for children’s hospitals and get healthy?

By taking part in the annual Get Healthy, Give Hope campaign from Produce for Kids^®-that’s how! This campaign promotes healthy eating and has raised over $3.7 Million for children’s non-profit organizations since 2002!

This year they have joined up with 16 major supermarket chains across the country, (including King Soopers, Kroger, Fred Meyer and Price Chopper) to help raise money for local children’s hospitals.

Basically, now through (the dates below) at you local store – the more produce you buy the more hope you can give to local children. For me, my local store is King Soopers, so I can support the organization through July 31st.

· Kroger Southwest: Now through July 24^th

· Fred Meyer: Now through July 26^th

· Price Chooper: Now through July 28^th

· King Soopers: Now through July 31^st

This year Produce for Kids is excited join up in a new partnership with Sprout^® and LazyTown^TM. During the campaign, Produce for Kids will offer shoppers collectible Ideal Meals^TM– which are quick and easy healthy meal options. They are totally free to pick up from the displays featuring LazyTown characters from the children’s series airing on 24-hour preschool television channel, Sprout.

Ideal Meals offer shoppers chef-created/nutritionist-approved easy solutions for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Featuring fresh fruits and vegetables as the main ingredients, Ideal Meals are great for families who crave fast and healthy meal options.

Here is one of the delicious summer-inspired Ideal Meals: Smoothie Pops.

Smoothie Pops

Serves 16

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 large peach or mango, peeled and chopped

1 large nectarine, peeled and chopped

2 medium bananas, sliced

1 pt. strawberries or raspberries

¼ cup orange or fruit juice

2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt

Directions:

Place all smoothie ingredients in a blender and blend until just smooth.

Place 16 paper cups on a baking tray. Pour smoothie into paper cups. Place tray in freezer and freeze until slushy, about 20 minutes. Remove tray from freezer and insert one popsicle stick into the center of each cup. Return to freezer and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

To serve, tear away paper cup and place on plate. Enjoy!

For more information visit Produce of Kids at: http://www.produceforkids.com/

Disclosure: I did receive a promotional item from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Filed Under: Recipes

Bye Bye Straining While Draining–Chef’s Planet Clip & Drain {Giveaway}

:: Giveaway ::

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Evanger’s Dog Foods and Pet Calendar Contest

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

{Giveaway} Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer (July 29-Aug. 12)

Mom Blog Society Presents the KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer Giveaway Event!

Prize Sponsored by: American Family

Mom Blog Society: A Bloggers Network- bringing Brands and Bloggers together from around the world

Event Co-hosted by:

Powered by Mom | Mom to Bed by 8| Mom Does Reviews | Mommy Moments from Abby| By the Way Girlfriend

What a fun event and a great prize! Here is a little more about the sponsor and the prize that they are offering to one lucky winner! (I wish it was me!)

About American Family

The Prize:

Enter now for your chance to win a fabulous Kitchen Aid stand mixer. join American Family, have fun, earn points and prize! No entries are mandatory, however the more you do the better your chances of winning.

:: Giveaway ::

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. With Our Best is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment

{Giveaway} Carmex Beach Tote, 6 Lip Balms {Ends 8/10}

:: Giveaway ::

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Grilled Lime Chicken Zucchini Quesadillas Recipe (On George Foreman)

Disclosure: I did receive a sample product from the sponsor on behalf of Family Review Network for the purpose of this honest review. I am entering this recipe in the "The George Foreman Grill: Show Us Your Grill Skill Recipe Contest". All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Suitcase Debate: 2-Wheel vs. Spinner Luggage

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Let My Journey Begin with the Kia Soul!

I’m You!!! … Friday Funny

Colorado Deal: $99 Winter Park Condo

Buy Produce to Support Children’s Hospitals

Serves 16

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Directions:

Disclosure: I did receive a promotional item from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

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