Calling All Coffee Lovers!

 Those of you who have been to my blog over the years know that I love me some coffee. But when I first started drinking coffee it was all about the sugar and cream and caramel and chocolate sauce and whatever else I could get them to put in it. Well once I figured out that wasn’t the best thing for me (darn it) I resorted to only putting half and half in my coffee. You know what I found? Not all coffees are created equal. Shocker, I know! In fact, some coffees taste down right gnarly. Like, totally grody! Like for sure.

So over the years I’ve tried many many different coffees. I’ve tried those in coffee shops, in the bags, in the cans, you name it. But who I am going to tell you about today beats them all, hands down.

Let me introduce you to Penguin Yell Coffee. We’ll get to the name in a minute. First let me tell you a few reasons why I love it. And allow me to use bullets as to seem smarter and more organized. Cause life is all about perception right? *smile*

• It’s organic. It’s just better for you. And by better for you I mean if you’re going to drink it this makes it less bad for you. And by bad I mean it’s not bad unless you’re drinking a pot or two a day or if you’re doctor told you not to and you still do. So, yeah. moving on.
• It’s fresh roasted weekly. That’s right people you get as fresh a coffee as you can get without having to roast it yourself. And yes it does make all the difference in the world.
• It’s smooth tasting. I haven’t gotten that bitter taste that I get from some coffees.
• And the best reason of all, they are friends of ours and we love supporting families trying to live a more self sufficient life.

Intrigued? You should be. So what about that name? Penguin Yell. Here’s an excerpt from their website explaining how the name came about.

“The name wasn't solidified until 2013. My children suggested the name Penguin Yell and won me over with the meaning. My son, on an expedition to Patagonia, encountered a colony of Magellanic penguins. As he approached, all scattered except one. This brave penguin let out a cry and stood in defense of his lifelong mate as she lay nesting. My daughter added, "Daddy, penguins don't fly. They stand their ground." This little flightless bird displayed his qualities: faithfulness, courage, and grit. This story convinced me of the Penguin Yell. We hope you're inspired by these high ideals as you enjoy a cup of Penguin Yell Coffee. It is our privilege to offer you premium coffees, roasted on our Ozark Mountain farm.”

So what do you think? You ready to give it a try? You can visit their website at Penguin Yell and stay in touch and up to date with their goings ons on their FB page.

And no I’m not getting anything in return for my opinion I just love em’ and their coffee and so it would just be wrong not to share. :-)

OXOX,

Kim

Good-For-You Everyday Meals Cookbook Giveaway

I am very excited to be able to offer you another Gooseberry Patch cookbook.

Let’s face it, when you think of Gooseberry Patch you think of down-home cooking and comfort foods right? Well this book isn’t going to be much different. This cookbook still offers homestyle flavors but uses more fresh ingredients. Who doesn’t like to use fresh ingredients? I know I do.

I love how adaptable these recipes are. If you don’t like things overly sweet, then cut back on sugar. Want to cut more calories? Replace half the oil with applesauce.

I use Gooseberry Patch cookbooks all the time. I love em' and have found a lot of new favorite go to recipes. I think most people can make any recipe work for them because these recipes are from real people like you and me.

Let’s take a peek at the Table of Contents.

There are so many things I am going to try in this cookbook. Like the Apple-Pomegranate Salad and the No-Bake Yummy Balls. (Don’t worry I’ll post the recipes when I do.)

Oh and they have a lot of recipes to make your own sauces, like, Sweet and Sour Sauce, Best Ever Ranch Dressing, Oo-la-la French Dressing and many more.

Here are a couple of recipes I’ve tried thus far.

Very Veggie Mac & Cheese

And the Baked Blueberry Oatmeal.

Now, how would you like to win a copy of this new cookbook?

Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you have a kindle or a reader of some sort, for a limited time you can purchase the ebook version of this cookbook for only $3.71. Click the picture below. It will take you to Amazon. It is an affiliate link.

Good Luck!

OXOX,

Kim

Notes from a Blue Bike

Recently I had the privilege of reading Tsh’s newest book, Notes from a Blue Bike and I am joining in the book’s blog tour. Go HERE to check out what others had to say about the book and feel free to join us.

In this book Tsh takes you on a journey with her and her family and shows you through life experience how slowing down and living intentionally can look. She looks back at her life in foreign countries and their uncomplicated ways and then works on bringing that simplicity here to the United States where things tend to be more rushed and hurried.

Each chapter brought its head nodding moments. I highlighted so much.

“A more intentional life purposely slows down enough to enjoy the very process of living more intentionally.” Tsh- Notes from a Blue Bike 

You truly feel as if you are riding the bike along with Tsh as she makes her journey back and forth from place to place throughout the book. She so openly lets us into her life and shares what living well looks like. She touches on food, homeschooling, travel and much more. Is her life perfect? No. Who’s is? She understands that everyone’s life looks different but that we can make choices to live more intentionally and simply.

“It is all well and good to want to live more intentionally, but  nothing will happen unless there’s a plan. This is the first of these truths, no matter who you are or where you live: living with intention requires a blueprint.” Tsh-Notes from a Blue Bike

In short I believe people will come away with different things from this book. After all we are all different people with different likes and dislikes so it’s only natural to think differently too. I believe that if you do decide to read it, you will benefit from it in some way no matter who you are or where you are in life.

Take a look at the trailer.

After reading Tsh’s book I really felt the need to make a plan to live more intentionally. So here’s what we are doing to make that happen.

• We (hubby and I) are sitting down with our calendars and planning our days better. You are more apt to do something if you plan ahead.
• Having a plan B. Sometimes plan A doesn’t work out. Weather, sickness and other things can throw a wrench in any plan so it’s good to have a back up if need be.
• Involve the kids. Kids have ideas too. See what they want and try and fit it into the plans.

Admit it, you get stuck in a rut sometimes and each day looks the same, day in and day out. Making a plan can help get you out of that rut. So grab your family and your calendars and start being intentional about your days.

I hope you enjoyed this review and consider checking out the book.

 Notes From a Blue Bike is written by Tsh Oxenreider, founder and main voice of The Art of Simple. It doesn’t always feel like it, but we DO have the freedom to creatively change the everyday little things in our lives so that our path better aligns with our values and passions. Grab your copy here.

Have a lovely day my friends.

OXOX,

Kim

Gooseberry Patch Giveaway!!! Featuring GARFIELD!

*This giveaway is now closed.*

 Are you ready to have some fun? Cause I am!

I am SO very excited to be having this giveaway. Why? Because this giveaway contains 3 of my favorite things. Gooseberry Patch, Cooking and GARFIELD!!!

Hi my name is Kim and I’ve loved Garfield since high school. (Which is a very long time!) Phew, confession is good.

When I heard that Gooseberry Patch was pairing up with Garfield to create a new cookbook I was virtually first in line, waving my hand frantically from my computer, asking to review the new cookbook. As you can see they obliged the slightly obsessed woman that sits here today. But enough about me, let’s talk about the cookbook.

I’ve got little green tabs sticking out all over this cookbook for recipes that I want to try. I’ve already tried 3 of them and they were a hit with the whole family.

Here’s the first one.

Crust-less Breakfast Pie

I believe Garfield was trying to get a taste before it went in the oven.

YUM! (Click on either picture for recipe)

Before I reveal the next recipe let me show you a few pages from the inside of the cookbook.

 

Isn’t it fun? Garfield makes his appearance on almost every page.

I LOVE THAT!

 

Turning each page made me smile….and hungry!

Bachelor-Style Skillet Lasagna

This recipe was quick, easy and delicious. Quite the perfect combination don’t you think? Not to mention it is one of Garfield’s favorite foods.

(Click picture for recipe.)

I also made this one.

 

Banana-Berry Smoothie, but you’ll have to get the Gooseberry Patch Garfield Recipes with Cattitude cookbook to see that recipe. *wink* It’s on page 99. And yes, those are my vintage Garfield mugs.

If you’re not convinced enough to want this cookbook, then how about a looksie at the table of contents?

BREAKFAST IS SERVED…TIME TO GET UP

FIRST LUNCH, THEN A CATNAP

SNACK ATTACK!

LOTSA LASAGNA PASTA & PIZZA

IT’S DINNER TIME……NOW!!!

DINNER IS OVER….WHAT’S FOR DESSERT?

So is your mouth watering yet? Are ya hankerin’ to get your hands on it? Well if you are then this is what you have to do. I’m using the rafflecopter because I think it makes things easier on you to do it all in one area. I’m all about saving you time. *smile*

If you don’t happen to win or you can’t wait that long, you can always buy it below.

P.S.If you “liked” my FB page I’ll be sharing other giveaways for this cookbook as they become available.

GOOD LUCK!

Kim

*this post does contain affiliate links*

Udi’s Gluten Free Goodies!

A couple of years ago my hubby and oldest son were diagnosed with a gluten allergy. I felt like I had to relearn how to cook all my goodies like bread, muffins, pizza dough etc. And although I’ve done a pretty good job figuring it out it’s nice to know that there are companies out there willing to lend a hand and make it easy to grab and go some gluten free goodies.

I had the privilege of receiving some gluten free yumminess earlier this month. All Udi’s wanted me to do was incorporate their goodies into entertaining. And although Christmas is over, you still have New Years Eve and Valentines Day waiting in the wings.

So let’s look at the goodies that came.

We have some Vanilla Granola, Snickerdoodles, Chocolate Muffins, Pizza Crust and a loaf of White Bread. All from Udi’s and all gluten free.

The hardest part of this challenge was to keep my family from eating it all right then and there. But once I got past that obstacle I managed to use almost all of it at our annual Christmas party.

Doesn’t it look wonderful on a cute plate? Oh wait, wrong picture.

I mean, doesn’t it look wonderful on a cute plate?

I cut the chocolate muffins into wedges and arranged them on a plate with the snickerdoodles. Doesn’t it look yummy? Oh and as for the taste, it was 5 thumbs up from the family.

With the Udi’s bread I lightly toasted it and used it to make bread crumbs for my meatballs.

The key is to wait for them to cool completely and then throw them in the blender and pulse until all good and crumbly.

For the granola, I thought it would be fun to use that in some yummy banana muffins. I omitted the nuts and replaced it with a cup of the Udi’s Vanilla granola.

And then just for fun I sprinkled some on top. They were DELICIOUS!!

As you can see, I had no problem putting these yummy Udi’s products to work.  If you have a gluten allergy and are looking for some yummy products to take the guesswork out of it, then I’d give Udi’s a try.

Like I said before I was given these products for free in exchange for an honest review. But you also know me well enough to know that I only promote products that I use myself and enjoy. Which reminds me. Be looking for some Gooseberry Patch love coming up soon!!!

Have a lovely day my friends.

OXOX
Kim

P.S. The pizza crusts may or may not have been a midnight snack for my hubby and I. Since there is no physical evidence that that ever took place I can’t show you a picture, but they might have been really good, just sayin’!

The Post Where I Get a Little Personal

I apologize in advance to any males that might have had the desire to read my blog today. Today is not the day. Trust me on this one. Yes Honey, that means you. Today I gotta talk to the women folk. 

So I’m all about sharing the love. You know, when you find something that gets you all excited and you feel everyone needs to know about it because you want them to share your excitement no matter what that thing might be? It’s just that this something has to do with bras.

If you’re like me, you have a love hate relationship with them. And I must admit, it’s more hate than love. I spend many a day in a sports bra because I can’t stand underwire bras and after having 3 children the ol’ girls need a little support system. You know what I’m sayin’?  Yeah, you’re welcome.

The problem with sports bras is they leave you flat. I’m 6 foot tall, I don’t need to be looking like I’m built like a man. Noooooo! Anyhoo, that brings me to my latest discovery.

The Genie Bra. I found this at BJ’s and being a desperate woman in search of a comfortable bra, I took a chance and bought it. It comes as a 3 pack but I’m wearing one so you only see two here.

I’ve tried them out for about 2 weeks now and here’s what I’ve found.

They are way more comfortable then wearing an underwire bra.

They do give support (with the inserts) and don’t leave you flat chested.

They only problem that I’ve had (and it’s one I have with all bras) is that I do need to adjust it every now and again underneath. But it’s not a big deal.

So all in all I love em’. I’m glad I bought them and I wear them all the time now. My sports bras are now being used strictly for working out.

And no, Genie Bra didn’t ask me to write this or anything. I just knew you’d want to know. You’re glad you know now, right? Right? Cause it matters, right?

Maybe tomorrow we’ll talk underwear. I’m kidding!

Have a fabulous day!

Kim

The Good Wife’s Guide- Book Review

 

When Darlene was offering a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review of it, I knew I wanted in. The book had me by it’s title.  The Good Wife’s Guide. Who doesn’t want to be “the good wife”?

 

What I like about this book is that no matter what stage of life you are in, you’ll be able to glean something from it.

 

It will encourage you in places that you need a boost. It will strengthen you in areas that you are weak. It will give you assurance in the areas that you know you’re doing well, and it will convict you in areas that need changing.

 

I don’t think I’ve ever read such a well rounded book like this, on this subject.  If you’ve ever been to her website, The Time-Warp-Wife,  for any amount of time you know it’s her heart to encourage women in their roles as wives and mothers.

 

Here is a quote from her book that just shot out at me. “The characteristics of love grow when they are exercised on a regular basis.” I love that!

I also love the fact that in the last part of her book she takes the time to lay out her housekeeping schedule and gives you practical applications on gaining control of your home. Like I said, it’s a very well rounded book.

 

Take a gander at the Table of Contents:

 

Foreword by Candace Cameron Bure

The Good Wife’s Guide
Learning to Manage Ourselves
Being Selfish is Not Okay
Group Your Life Inventory
Time Well Spent
My Desire for Curb Appeal
Domestically Challenged
What Will They Take Away?
Repetition, Pattern, Order
Laughing Over Spilt Milk
Biblical Submission Defined
No Need of Spoil
Living in Unity
The Treasure of Your Heart
Enhance Your Inner Beauty
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Love and Let Go
Toss Out 25 Things
Organizing Your Home
Housekeeping Schedule
Deep Clean Your Kitchen in 5 Days

Deep Clean Your Bedroom

Deep Clean Your Bathroom

About the Author

 

To learn more about the book, just click on the picture at the top of this post. If you don’t purchase the book I do encourage you to just hang out at her blog for a little while if you’re in need of some encouragement.

 

Have a LOVELY day my friends!

Rush Hour Recipes! GIVEAWAY!!! (Winner Announced)

The winner is Elizabeth from Simple Pleasures. Congratulations Elizabeth!

Are you ready to win another fabulous Gooseberry Patch Cookbook?

Well here’s your chance. The latest book they gave me to review is called

RUSH HOUR RECIPES!

This book is chock full of quick and easy dinners. We all have those days when we are running around busy but still want to make a good meal for our family, right? Well this book will help you get a meal on the table in no time flat.

Take a look at the Contents:

5-Ingredient Favorites

One-Dish Dinners

Slow Cookers to the Rescue

Soup’s On!

Make-A-Meal Sides

Speedy Potluck & Party Foods

Sounds GREAT doesn’t it?

I’ve made a few dishes in it already and here is one of the family favorites.

Tomato & Chicken Penne

(click the name to go to the recipe)

There is definitely something in here for everyone.

So I’m sure you’d like to know how to win this, wouldn’t you?

Well I’m going to try to make it easy but pay attention because I want everyone to have a fair chance.

1. Leave a comment and tell me your favorite comfort food?

2. Follow Gooseberry Patch on Facebook or their blog.

3. Tweet or Share on FB.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Contest ends December 21, 2011 @ 12:00 pm EST.

Technical stuff: Gooseberry Patch provided me with a free copy of Rush Hour Recipes and one to share with you. This giveaway is limited to the U.S. and Canada.

Please note that I will not be shipping this before Christmas. The post office is CRAZY and I love you, but obviously not enough. LOL!

HAVE A FABULOUS DAY!

The GARLIC Peeler!

Oh I bet you couldn’t wait to see what this post was about could you? Go on, admit it! I had you at the title. You know it takes quite a while to think up a title that good.  Now since you’re here and I’ve got your attention I want to show you a recent discovery I made.

First let me make a note of saying that I am not a Pampered Chef representative. The Pampered Chef company has no idea who I am. They did not give me anything for free.  I’m just an overly excited woman who found something she thinks is completely monumental and feels the need to share with those of you who may benefit from this discovery. The end. Now let’s move on.

Not to long ago I went to a Pampered Chef Party. I really didn’t go to buy anything, but fate had other plans. There was this one gadget that the representative demonstrated and if I could have swiped it out of her hand for my very own at that second, I would have. Really I would have. But to not embarrass myself I played it cool and waited. Waited till she handed me that order form and booklet with all the Pampered Chef stuff in it. I whizzed by all the neat stoneware and choppers until my eye spotted it’s prey.

THIS!

 

Let me demonstrate this for you.

First you take one to two cloves of garlic and place it inside the peeler.

Then apply an adequate amount of pressure and roll it back and forth until you hear the sweet crunching of loose garlic peel.

And then “Voila!” You got yourself some peeled garlic and non-sticky fingers. I don’t know about you but every time I used to peel garlic the paper would get all stuck to my fingers and everything. This completely solves that problem.

But wait, there’s more! I also learned something I did not know, at this party.

I learned that my handy dandy Pampered Chef Garlic Press could do something they say no other garlic press can do.

They said that you don’t have to peel the garlic in order to put it in the press. (Sorry, no demonstration of this. You’ll have to trust me on this one.)

Skeptical, I went home and immediately tried it. And you know what? IT WORKED!!

Can you see how I couldn’t not let you know this kind of important stuff?

The biggest thing? I left a Pampered Chef Party without spending over $7.00. How many people can say that, huh?

Do you have these two items already and if so did you know that about the garlic press?

HAVE A LOVELY DAY MY DEAR FRIENDS!

Gooseberry Patch Book Review and Giveaway!

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*


When Gooseberry Patch asked if I would review some books for them I totally jumped at the chance. I have a slight obsession with their books for those of you who didn’t know.

So I officially became an

and this is my first official

I was so excited about the book they sent me.

HELLO? Cookies? Heck yeah!

But I knew I had to be good when choosing a couple of recipes to try, as we had just come off of Valentine’s Day and if I’m not careful I’ll gain 100lbs. LOL! So I went directly the chapter entitled Light and Healthy Cookies! Aren’t I a good girl?

I loved all the healthier choices in this chapter but 2 recipes stood out to me.

The No Cook Date Balls

And the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies! 

(You won’t believe the missing ingredient in this one.)

With permission I have posted the recipes over at my cooking blog. Just click on the pictures or the links above.

One thing I love about this book is that it caters to everybody. I don’t think there is a person out there who couldn’t find a bunch of yummy recipes in this book.

Just look at the Table of Contents:

Cookie Jar Cookies

Holiday Cookies

All-American Cookies

Old-Fashioned Cookies

Best-Ever Brownies and Bars

Fast and Fun Cookies

Light and Healthy Cookies

Big-Batch Cookies

Seriously, they have your cookie needs covered in this book. I was pleasantly surprised with the selection of gluten free recipes to. They are scattered through out but they are in there. Plus one thing I’ve learned is that if it’s truly a good recipe it can be altered to your taste.

I still have a list of ones I still want to try.

There’s Pumpkin Pillows, Lemony Almond Macaroons, Coconut Kisses, Coconut Mounds and so many more!

You want to know what else I love? The little helpful tips that they put on the pages with the recipes. Take this one for instance.
“If you need a round cookie cutter and there isn’t one handy, just use the open end of a clean, empty soup can to cut the dough into circles.”

Love that!

So are you in love with this book yet? If so I have some exciting news. Gooseberry Patch sent me an extra copy to share with YOU. So that means one of you lucky people can win a copy of BEST EVER COOKIES before it’s even released in the stores. BUT if you don’t want to take any chances and insure yourself a copy you can click here to pre-order your own.

Giveaway Rules!

1. Leave a comment telling me whether or not you have a Gooseberry Patch book or books of your own and which is your favorite.

2. Facebook about the giveaway and come back and leave another comment.

3. Blog about the giveaway and leave another comment.

That’s it! You have 3 chances to win.

You have until Sunday, February 20th at 3 pm EST. A winner will be chosen using the random number generator and announced Monday morning!

Open to U.S. residents only please.

I have another book review in the works and yet another giveaway. Be looking for that next week.

HAVE A GOOSEBERRY PATCH KIND OF DAY!

*Gooseberry Patch sent me a book to review and one to giveaway in exchange for an honest review .*

Blokus!

It all started one rainy Sunday afternoon. Church was over but a handful of us found ourselves "stuck" inside because of the downpour that was going on outside. Our Pastor used this opportunity to break out one of his favorite games, Blokus.
I had never heard of Blokus. But quickly fell in love with it.
It isn't hard to learn at all. And it's oh so fun!

I set out to buy it and it has become our favorite family game. We actually just leave it out all the time so we can grab it often, to play.
Even our youngest (5) has caught on and plays quite well.

I found a great review on it if you would like to learn more about it.
It's really really fun and doesn't take a long time to play.

What's your favorite family game?

Coffee and Chocolate Review!

You all know that I have a passion for chocolate and coffee. I really am quite picky though.

Recently I was once again sent some chocolate to sample. It's Mavrakos chocolate sent from the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate company. I'll cut right to the chase. It didn't do much for me OR Kathy. She was kind enough to help me sample each piece (as you can see from the picture to the right). There were a bit to many ingredients that I don't care to consume. The over all taste didn't do much for us either.(We actually filmed ourselves sampling each piece and it was quite hysterical but for some reason it wouldn't load. So you got spared.)
I'm kind of a chocolate snob so you can't necessarily take my word for it.
They also sent me some coffee to sample. I was really excited about this because every year around this time I try to find a "special" coffee to have for the month of December.
The name had me from the get go.
It was called Gooey Caramel Fudge Brownie!
Sounds good right? Wrong. It tasted like plan ol' coffee. What I wanted was a coffee that tasted like the name. It smelled good though.

So feeling a bit disappointed and let down I immediately went to my nearest Wal-Mart and bought some good ol' Hershey's Kisses and downed a few to make me feel better. It worked.
Then on my next trip to Publix I stopped and perused the coffee section and found an intriguing coffee. It's called Angel's Kiss (Chocolaty Coconut with a Halo of Nuts!) from Joffrey's.Was it good? YES! I can stop my search for this months "special" blend. It taste delicious and smells great brewing. I highly recommend this coffee!
Do you have a favorite "special" coffee that I must try?

HUGS!