Review and GIVEAWAY: Namaste Foods

Ive been trying to eat Gluten Free for a while but just haven't committed myself yet. I know i have Celiac disease but just wont face the facts. Its runs in my family. Every aunt on my dads side has it and it was passed on to me unfortunately. I think it the only reason i don't want to deal with it properly is that i love brownies and pasta too much! Like REALLY REALLY love them!

But then i found out about Namaste Foods and decided to give them a shot.

Here is a lil tid bit about Namaste Foods:

Namaste Foods is a small (but growing!) manufacturer of fine foods that contain no wheat, gluten, corn, soy, potato, dairy, casein, peanuts or tree nuts. In business since 2000, they continue to strive to be the best at what they do so that you can enjoy all the foods you’ve known and loved all your life.

The have 18 allergy free products all which include baking mixes, pastas, pizza, flour blend, biscuit, pie crust & more blend, waffle/pancake mix and 2 frostings. Namaste Food products are free of gluten, wheat, corn, soy, dairy, potato, nuts and tree nuts and casein. Many of there mixes are made with eggs or egg replacer. Please visit there FAQ's at there website namastefoods.com for more info.  

What they offer: (Taken from website)

Worry-free products – Our facility contains no wheat, gluten, corn, soy, potato, dairy, peanuts or tree nuts. It is our attempt to try to eliminate any chance of cross-contamination so you can enjoy Namaste Foods products worry-free. We use NO genetically modified ingredients in any of our products and yes, all Namaste Food products are Kosher Certified. And last but not least (and we don’t mean to brag BUT) AIB International, a leader in performing audits for companies in the baking industry, has given our facility a ‘Superior’ rating – the highest rating possible.

A better value – We know that gluten-free products are expensive. In an effort to make them more affordable for you, we continue to strive to give you more for your hard earned dollar. You will find that most Namaste Foods mixes have a significantly higher yield than our competitors’. For instance, all our cake mixes make TWO rounds as opposed to one. (Who ever heard of a one-layer birthday cake anyway?!)

You deserve the best – in customer service. So, we invite and welcome your questions and comments about anything that is important to you. If you contact us, we promise to get back to you promptly and offer you outstanding customer service. In addition, your suggestions for new products are always welcome so we know what to be working on next!

Truly delicious food! - That goes without saying yet bears repeating. We work diligently to try to offer you products that make your mouth water and your face smile! We truly believe Namaste Foods products to be heads and shoulders above our competitors in taste and texture – because you’ve told us so!

Now let me tell you, Ive have tried many different brands of gluten free pasta and brownies mixes but all taste disgusting!

Then i made the Pasta Pisavera from Namaste Foods.

Seriously. Life. Changing.

Holy molly cow this was the best Gluten Free pasta ive have ever tired in my life!

It taste the EXACT same as regular non gluten free pasta! It was so delicious and my husband loved it too!

This pasta is great because its very versatile. You can add basically anything to it.

I added some garlic, zucchini, marinated artichoke hearts, chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, fresh lemon juice, fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, some leftover creamy pesto sauce and some chicken.

My husband said it was one of the best pasta dishes i have ever made! Now that means a lot!

 After our amazing pasta dinner we had Namaste Foods Brownies for dessert.

Now every knows that i take my dessert VERY seriously! No one messes with my brownies. Brownies are my favorite. But not just any brownies, they have to be rich, chewy, fudgy and absolutely amazing.

Namaste Food Brownies are just that. Rich, chewy, fudgy and absolutely amazing!

Other brands produce brownies that are extremely grainy and don't really taste like chocolate. Not these babies!

First they make a huge batch! Two 8x8 pans or one big 9x13 size.

Second: You cant even tell they are gluten free! They taste just like the ones mom makes from scratch!

Third: They contain no processed gross chemicals or whatever they use in those cheap boxed kind you get a the store.

All natural, and very yummy these are right at the top of my grocery list!

Forth: All there mixes are not expensive! Gotta love that! This girl keeps a tight budget!

Namaste Food can be bought pretty much at any grocery store. Just look in there health food aisle and you should find it. If not i believe Whole Foods should sell it or you can go to namastefoods.com and purchase it there. Also visit there website for a variety wonderful recipes!

Now for you lovely readers here is a chance to win your own Namaste Food Products!

Namaste Foods have been sweet enough to offer a giveaway!

Winner of the giveaway will win a Namaste Tote with filled with a pasta mix and a baking mix, coupons, literature and assorted goodies!

The giveaway is open to all US entries

Here are the rules!

**Numbers 1 and 2 are mandatory to enter the giveaway**

numbers 3 to 6

One winner will be chosen randomly using random.org. I will notify the winner via email, you will have 2 days to respond with your info. After the 2 days is up and no response, a new winner will be chosen.

The giveaway ends Wednesday November 10th, 2010 at 8pm.

Please put a separate comment for each entry!!!

1. Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect (one entry)

2. Visit the website Namaste Foods and tell me which product you would love to try! (one entry)

3. "Like" me on Facebook here (two entries)

4. Follow me on Twitter here (two entries)

5. Follow me on Networked Blogs (two entries)

6. Blog about my giveaway and leave the link (four entries)



And the Winner is....

The winner of the Candles at the Soy Box Air Freshener giveaway is: LambAround!
I would put the number generator up and show you but for some reason its not working for me right now. So please just trust me that i had no influence on who the winner was and used the tried and true number generator from Random.org.


So congratulations LambAround! I will contact you with the info!
If winner does not respond with in two days a new winner will be chosen.

How to Awaken a Teenager

I don't have kids yet but i thought this article was hilarious and had to post it!

I believe my mom used to wake me up in this exact manner. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it didn't!
I wish you the best of luck!
Article from Shine at Yahoo

When you first become a parent, nobody tells you that the tiny, cute, little baby in your arms will someday grow up to be a teenager. Oh sure, we all expect it to happen, but seriously, are any of us fully prepared for the teen years?


No, we aren’t. Or at least, I’m not. And that’s why I’m reaching out, helping others to survive the turbulent years we call the teens. Okay fine. I’m complaining and venting, but really…is there a difference?

One of the first things you notice as your child morphs into a teenager is sleep. They do it all the time. I swear some days my teen sits at the breakfast table, eyes fully open, shoveling food in his mouth and all the while he’s totally asleep. Turns out teens need lots and lots of sleep. Which isn’t the problem.

But waking them up? That’s the problem. Seriously. I’d rather wake up a bear two days before hibernation ends than wake up a teenager in the morning.

Waking a teen is dangerous. It requires you to go into the teen’s native habitat (his room) and tell him to stop sleeping. Really. Once you’ve tried this, I swear to you, the bear thing looks better and better. Anyway, through extensive personal research and at great risk to life and limb, I have come up with a way to awaken a typical teenager without having my head ripped off.


First, understand that the teenager’s bedroom must be approached with extreme caution. The teenage species has laid many traps to deter waking. These traps include piles of clothing, shoes and textbooks on the floor.

Once you have approached the teenager and gotten through the hidden traps, you should stop and assess the situation before proceeding further. If there are animals in the room (other than the teen), use treats and/or your best happy voice to lure the animals from the bed.


Congratulations! Now the teenager is defenseless, except for his smart mouth.


At this point, you will need to locate the teen. Like many of his species, the teen will be wrapped in a cocoon of blankets with pillows stacked on his head. Due to the mess associated with their habitat, finding the teen in all the piles can be difficult. However, if you simply locate the cords to his ear buds and carefully follow them, you will discover the teen’s head.
Note: If you locate his iPod, you are on the wrong end. Just follow the cords the opposite direction.

Now that you have located the elusive teen, you can wake his butt up. My favorite way to do so is the “let the sunshine in” method. By simply opening all the shutters and turning on the lights, the room is flooded with intense light that even the most buried teen cannot bear. If they yell or scream, “it’s too bright” you can be certain the method worked and that they are awake.

Once the teen is awake, his primitive response system will send him into “fight or flight mode” which means he will curl up into a tiny ball, pull all the blankets over his head, stack some pillows on top and ignore you (some teens will also whimper and cry; don’t fall for this, it’s just a ploy to let them sleep for 5 more minutes). At this point in the teen wake up process it is critical that you do not leave the room. To do so will enable the teen to sleep even longer, ensuring the teen misses his 0 period class.


Your only choice now is to scream “get your butt out of bed now” and then steal his iPod. Really. That whole bear thing is looking better, isn’t it?


Now there are other methods, such as allowing the teen to set his alarm clock. In my personal experience, this method doesn’t work well. Once the teen hits the snooze button, he will immediately fall back into a deep sleep. I also know of parents who have tried increasingly desperate methods such as allowing siblings to jump on the bed, playing a bugle or pouring water on the teen, but I don’t support those methods. Frankly, the siblings could lose an eye, I don’t play the bugle and the water just gets the mattress all wet and makes the teen even more smart-mouthed than usual.


Of course, once you wake up the bear, you could send him into the teen’s room. That could work.

Last day to enter for the Candles at the Soy Box Air Freshener GIVEAWAY!!!

Today is the last day to enter into the Candles at the Soy Box Air Freshener GIVEAWAY!!!!
We have LOW entries! So please enter!!!!! This is an awesome chance to win 5 beautiful handmade air freshener's! The giveaway ends at Midnight tonight!
You can find the link to enter here:
 http://mrsgoldilocks.blogspot.com/2010/10/giveaway-candles-at-soy-box-air.html

Review: CSN Stores Kinetic Color Cast 2.6 Quart Casserole Pan in Red

CSN Stores was gracious enough to let me do a review for them and i choose to do one on a amazing Kinetic Color Cast 2.6 Quart Casserole Pan!

I have never owned a cast iron pan/pot before and I've always wanted to have one! So i decided to try out this little one! And I LOVE it!

This set comes with a roomy 2.6 quart pot with high sides and a unique lid that is textured with bumps so the liquid that catches on the lid of the pan drips right back into your meat! It keeps meat moist and flavorful without having you hover over the oven every 5 minutes armed with a handheld baster. Now how awesome is that?

This casserole pan is made of porcelain-enameled cast iron. It keeps you food from sticking to the bottom of the pan as it also equally distributes and retains heat, so your food cooks steadily and evenly.

One of my favorite factors is that it can be used on the stove top or be put straight in the oven! The enamel coating makes this kitchen gem clean very easily, and I love how much the cheery red color brightens up my kitchen!

 Here are some of the amazing features:  

•Heats up fast and allows even heat distribution

•It works with all heat sources: gas, electric, induction and ceramic top ranges

•Heavy gauge handles and knobs allow for easy carrying and handling

Specifications:

•2.6 quart capacity

•Cast iron construction

•Porcelain enamel exterior

•Oven proof and dishwasher safe

•25 Year Limited Warranty

•Safe to use on top of the stove or in the oven up to 400 degrees

•Cannot be used in a broiler

I would recommend this Kinetic Color Cast 2.6 Quart Casserole Pan in Red from CSN Stores to all home chefs and to just about anyone who loves to cook! This is a fantastic piece to have in your kitchen! I'm so glad i chose it!  

Review: Miracle Body Jeans

I love jeans! But lets face it, when it comes to shopping and finding the RIGHT pair of jeans, it takes hours! I'm a lil curvy and its so hard to find jeans that are comfortable, cute and make you look good in all the right places. Literally i have to try on a least 30 pairs of jeans in one shopping trip just to find one pair that fits and looks okay.

But then i found out about Miracle Body Jeans.

And i HAD to have them!

When i received mine in the mail i couldn't not wait to try them on!

Let me explain about there magical power:

Miracle Body jeans are made to make you look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds! Now how cool is that? Who doesn't want jeans that are comfortable and can magically make you look thinner? 

Miracle Body Jeans are handcrafted to shape and firm the body!  Without using bulky linings or girdles. 

The jeans are made of a super soft fabric that has twice the spandex than the average jean. Say good buy to stiff crunchy jeans you can barley walk in! That will never happen with these jeans!

They are well worth the price since you will reach for this pair every time. Not only do they look contemporary, slimming and flattering they are also the most comfortable pair of jeans I have every owned. The mid-rise is perfect so that it covers the tummy just enough for fantastic control without leaving a muffin top as most of the low rise jeans create and you don't have to pull your shirt way down every time you bend over. 

Miracle Body Jeans are a must have for every woman! Very versatile, so they can be worn casual or dressy!

They are about medium rise and come in a variety of styles and colors. Styles include:

Believe me you will not regret your purchase!

Review and GIVEAWAY!!! Charm Factory Charm Bracelet!

I recently received my charm bracelet from the Charm Factory and i have to say that is is absolutely stunning!
I love jewelry! Especially bracelets! I must say I'm very picky too. I like jewelry with class and this gorgeous bracelet definitely fits the bill!
The Charm Factory offers almost 5000 high quality, unique sterling silver charms, bracelets, beads and more.
Everything is made here in the United States and completely lead free!
It was so hard to choose since they offer such an amazing selection but i finally settled on the Alexandrite Crystal Heart Charm Bracelet. Its simple, beautiful, the color of the stones are vibrant and i think its just lovely!

The Charm Factory has been gracious enough to also offer a giveaway!

Winner of the giveaway will win her choice of one of Charm Factory's finished charm bracelets!

This is a $25.00 value!!!!!

The giveaway is open to all US entries

Here are the rules!

**Numbers 1 and 2 are mandatory to enter the giveaway** numbers 3 to 7 are for extra entries.

One winner will be chosen randomly using random.org. I will notify the winner via email, you will have 2 days to respond with your info. After the 2 days is up and no response, a new winner will be chosen.

The giveaway ends Thursday November 4th, 2010 at 8pm.

Please put a separate comment for each entry!!!

1. Follow my blog (one entry)

2. Visit the website Charm Factory and leave a comment telling me your favorite item. (one entry)

3. "Like" the Charm Factory on Facebook here (one entry)

4. Follow the Charm Factory on Twitter here (one entry)

5. "Like" me on Facebook here (two entries)

6. Follow me on Twitter here (two entries)

7. Blog about my giveaway and leave the link (four entries)

Tuesday Blog Hop!!!!!

Follow Me Back Tuesday is a another great blog hop hosted by amazing bloggers! Please follow and leave a comment! Thank you!

Follow Me Back Tuesday is hosted by Survey Junkie, Little Yaya's, Review Retreat and Boobies, Babies And A Blog..


This week, the special co-host is Staci from Simply Stacie.


How Follow Me Back Tueday Works:


Add your blog to the list. (NOT your giveaways please!)
Grab our button & the link code to post on your blog


Follow all 4 hostesses above, as well as the special weekly co-host, then as many other blogs as you would like.


After you follow a new blog, make sure you leave them a comment letting them know that you are now a follower so that they can follow you back.


Have fun and have a great Tuesday! :)

Review: Mangroomer

Mangroomer Professional Do-It-Yourself Electric Back Hair Shaver

The Professional Do-It-Yourself Electric Back hair shaver is perfect for all men who want to get rid of unwanted back hair in a few shorts minutes, by yourself (no more having to have your man's back hair ladies!) without the pain, and without throwing away hundreds of dollars for waxing! (Believe me waxing gets expensive!)

Its sleek design is compact and can be easily stored anywhere. The blade is designed to gave you extremely close and smooth results without the potential of ingrown hairs straight edge and foil blades commonly cause.

No more rashes or irritation from razors!

Product Features:


Helps you quickly and easily eliminate back hair.

Handle extends and locks at any length you choose by engaging professional lock button.

Quick-charging; operates at optimum power between charges.

Measures 1.5 inches in width for maximum coverage and fewer strokes.

Non-slip rubberized grip, handle and body for maximum control and comfort.
100% rubberized - features non-slip rubberized grip, handle and body for maximum control
and comfort.

Extendable and adjustable handle - professional handle extends and locks at any length you choose by engaging professional lock button on handle.

Extreme reach - professional handle measures over 2 feet in length when fully extended to reach even the most difficult middle and lower portions of the back

Professional premium blade design - superior smooth shave results and measures 1.5 inches in width for maximum coverage and fewer strokes.

Rechargeable battery power - new quick-charging and operates at optimum power between charges ( Plugs right into the wall! Its just like your cell phone charger-no more having to replace batteries every 5 minutes!)


Mangroomer Body Shaver

Quick charging and works strong to the end of battery life. You can use both wet or dry which makes it easy and simple to clean.
This product is great for men who trim their body hair regularly.
It trims very close to the skin while not making your skin irritated, creating razor bumps, or nicking you.
It also has multiple settings and adjustments.


Product Features:
Cutting edge combined trimmer / foil blade design cuts both your long and short body hair effortlessly to complete smoothness all in one motion.

Compact, lightweight design with rubberized non-slip grip enables maximum control and maneuverability to ensure easy shaving in all areas of the body.

5-Setting adjustable length comb to keep, trim and maintain your desired remaining body hair to one of the five predetermined length settings.

Can be used wet or dry and cleans easily by removing top blade unit and rinsing with water.

Rechargeable with quick-charging and operates at optimum power between recharges.


Mangroomer Essential Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer:

My husband loved this! He said it was sleek, easy to you, got the job done quickly without hurting his nose or ears! Its also rechargeable and can be used wet or dry so makes cleaning it a breeze!

Product Features:
MANGROOMER's cutting-edge blade design enables extremely close results without the potential of ingrown hairs.
Can be used wet or dry and cleans easily by rinsing with water.
Features non-slip rubberized grip for maximum control and comfort.
Protective cap with low-profile design offers privacy and discreet storage.

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Doesn't this look absolutely amazing???!!!!

I'm a HUGE fan of Tiramisu. If you have never had traditional Tiramisu then i don't know if we can still be friends....Yeah i take my desserts that seriously! (you guys all know I'm just kidding! Well...except for the part how serious i am when it comes to my desserts.) Nothing gets between me and my Tiramisu. I want to now take this time to thank the Italians for creating the heavenly (i want to lick the pan) gem you call Tiramisu. 

But traditional Tiramisu is a different story. I will post that recipe later.

Right now I'm here to tell you about Pumpkin Tiramisu!

Now that its Fall and pumpkin season is at its fullest,  i decided to post this unique recipe that puts a pumpkin twist on a classic Italian masterpiece.

Ingredients:

•  1/4 cup pure maple syrup or maple-flavor syrup
• 1 tablespoon bourbon
• 1/2 of a 15-ounce can (3/4 cup) pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 of an 8-ounce container mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 3-ounce package ladyfingers, split
• Ground nutmeg or freshly grated nutmeg

Directions:

Line a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap; set aside. For syrup, in a small bowl, combine maple syrup and bourbon. Set aside.

For filling, in a small bowl, combine pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup whipping cream and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gently fold whipped cream into pumpkin mixture.

For topping, in another small mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar. Beat on low speed until combined. Gradually beat in 1/2 cup whipping cream just until thickened (do not overbeat).

To assemble, arrange half of the ladyfingers in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared pan. Drizzle evenly with half of the syrup. Top with half of the filling, spreading evenly.

Arrange remaining ladyfingers in a single layer over filling. Drizzle with remaining syrup and top with remaining filling. Dollop topping over filling. Using the back of a spoon, carefully spread topping evenly over filling. Cover and chill for 8 to 24 hours.

 Use the plastic wrap to lift tiramisu out of pan. Place tiramisu on a serving platter. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Carefully cut the dessert crosswise into slices. Makes 6 servings.

Bon Appetite! 
*Recipe courteous of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

GIVEAWAY! Candles at the Soy Box Air Freshener's

Candles at the Soy Box: Air Fresheners Giveaway:

This giveaway is for 5 beautiful and amazing scented air fresheners!
A $15.00 value!

These are hand made air fresheners ornaments, and would make a great little gift!

You can hang them pretty much anywhere! The car, the bathroom, your closet, your stinky gym bag.  If you live in an extremely hot area do not leave directly in the sun when in car for ornament may melt off string.

They come in 5 yummy scents!

Honeydew Melon: 

A fresh melon scent 

 Powder Fresh:

 A baby powder smell (great for the bathroom!)

  Monkey Farts: 

This actually smells really good! (despite the name)It has a very fruity smell.

 Pumpkin Cheesecake: 

Smells very yummy (in fact its tempting me to go bake a pumpkin pie!)  

 Fresh Cut Roses:

  Fresh rose scent. (Not like Rose perfume) 

I'm sure you will enjoy all these great air fresheners!

*Shapes may vary and may not be as shown*

The giveaway is open to all US entries

 Here are the rules!

**Numbers 1 and 2 are mandatory to enter the giveaway** numbers 3 to 8 are for extra entries.

One winner will be chosen randomly using random.org. I will notify the winner via email, you will have 2 days to respond with your shipping address after the 2 days is up and no response a new winner will be chosen. This is a $15 value

Good Luck!

The giveaway ends Tuesday October 26th, 2010 at Midnight.

Please put a separate comment for each entry!!!!

1. Follow my blog (one entry)

2. Visit the website Candles at the Soy Box and leave a comment telling me your favorite item. (one entry)

3. Sign up for the Soy Box Newsletter here (three entries)

4. Like me on Face Book here (one entry)

5. Follow me on Twitter here (one entry)

6. Tweet about this giveaway once daily (one entry each day)

7. Make a purchase from  Candles at the Soy Box website and leave a comment about it (four entries)

8. Blog about my giveaway and leave the link (three entries) 

Blog Awards!!!!!!

Thanks to Staci from 7 On A ShoeString

 http://familyof6on26kyear.blogspot.com/

I have received the "One Lovely Blog" award, the "Versatile Blogger" award and the "Stylish Blogger" Award!

I'm so excited and happy! Thank you Staci!

      

Rules for accepting these are:

Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award
Share 7 things about yourself
Pass this on to 15 other great bloggers you recently discovered
Contact the selected bloggers and tell them about their awards.
 
7 Things About Myself:
 
 1. I LOVE to cook!
 
2. I'm a EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
 
3. My favorite author is Gene Stratton Porter
 
4. Brownies are my weakness (well.....and cheesecake and ice cream and cookies and chocolate and pie and all yummy things sugary and bad for you!)
 
5. My favorite season is Fall
 
6. When i was born i weighed only 1lb and 14oz. (I was 4 months early and now lucky enough to be very healthy)
 
7. I love to go jogging really early in the morning.


15 Wonderful bloggers that deserve these awards: (In no particular order)
Losing Brownies
My Little Life
My So Called Homeschool Life
One Ordinary Day
Prudence Pennywise
Pumpkin Tart
Surviving a Teacher's Salary
Bouffee E Bambini
Sweep Tight
The Cutting Back Kitchen
We Dont Have It All Together
A Mom's Balancing Act
Barefoot in Portland
Be Different...Act Normal
Bless My Nest