Holiday Gift Guide: Tasting Room Wine!

A while back I shared with you one of my favorite wine companies:  Tasting Room.  I am somewhat of a novice where wine is concerned, and I love the concept of Tasting Room.  You can purchase either tasting boxes which include a portion of a glass of each wine to taste, wine by the glass, or a whole bottle of wine.  This way, I can try before I purchase the whole bottle, and I know I truly love the wine.

With the Holiday's right around the corner, it's hard for Tasting Room not to come to mind because what better gift to get for those you love, acquaintances, or well, just about anyone.   You can either offer a great tasting box of wines for your wine novice like myself, or you can offer a full bottle of your favorite wine to the wine connoisseur.

The Perfect Holiday Wines tasting box is a prime example of a great gift, and it contains a great selection of both whites and reds.  It brings out the warmth and happiness of the Holiday Season, and since it includes whites and reds, it pairs well with most foods.  I would encourage you to check out the Tasting room when making your list for Santa, because you will likely find more than one thing to add to your wish list!

Tasting Room has many varieties and brands of wine to select from so you are sure to find something for every adult on your Holiday list!  Don't forget to check out the  You Tube channel as well as Facebook or Twitter to find out about the newest promotions!

Disclaimer: Many thanks to Tasting Room for the product I received to facilitate my review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  Please do your own due diligence when deciding to purchase! 

Holiday Gift Guide: Bundle Monster Ceramic Knife Set Giveaway! 11/04

Who would like to win a new ceramic knife set to either keep or gift to someone else this Holiday Season?  Well, here's your chance!   Bundle Monster has generously offered a Nine Piece Ceramic Knife Set to one of my lucky readers.   

This set comes complete with a 6" Chef's Kife with Sheath, a Santoku Knife with Sheath, a 4" Utility Knife with Sheath, a 3" Paring Knife with Sheath, and a Ceramic Peeler.  These items are ergomic so it's comfortable to grip.

This is a US only contest (sorry to my International and Canada friends), and entry is simple via the Rafflecopter form below.

New Award Winning Children's Safety Products Announced by Dorel!

I wanted to take a moment to share with you something I found interesting this week.  Dorel Juvenile Group  has received two JPMA Awards and is announcing some new products available in the US.   Included are the Safety 1st Advanced Solutions Collection, Bebe Confort line, Baby Art line, and the introduction of the Quinny Yezz.

 It is such a huge honor to be recognized by the JPMA for not only one award but TWO!  The Yezz by Quinny is super light weight, only takes seconds to go from folded to strolling and back again, is extremely durable, and makes maneuverability a cinch!  It has a classic European flare to the design and comes in mulitple colors including yellow, two different blues, grey, purple, and red.  It stands when it is folded, and it has several seat options so the stroller can have a personalized design.  It retails for $279.  

The Baby Art line offers contemporary solutions to capture milestones. This includes sculptures, magnets, photo frames, and more, and is very affordable with prices in the range of $20-$40.  

These products are at the ABC Expo in Kentucky which is in full swing right now, and you are hearing about it as it happens here!

Holiday Gift Guide: Add a Little Healthy Under the Tree with Antidote Chocolate Giveaway 11/4!

I think that chocolate and Christmas are synonymous and really go hand in glove.  Whether it's some yummy treats in your stocking, in a decadent dessert you take to a Holiday party, or a gorgeous wrapped box of assorted truffles, chocolate is definitely forefront in everyone's mind.  Sure, when I'm promising myself that I'll do an extra 15 minutes of Zumba as a scarf down a handful of Grandma's homemade walnut chocolate chip cookies, health is the last thing on my mind.  However, even during the Christmas Season, it's important to add as many organic, super food chocolate options, in my personal opinion.

Antidote Chocolate is my first choice when I am eating an ounce a day strictly for my health of course, and it is also my first choice when it comes to candy bars for Christmas gifts or as stocking stuffers.  Additionally, it is organic, half raw, half roasted, and paired with different spices, salts, fruits and nuts to create the perfect "antidote" for all that "ails" you!  

Today I want to share with you four different bars from Antidote Chocolate, and these are definitely gourmet chocolates perfect for the sophisticated taste buds.  As you may or may not know, chocolate isn't sweet in it's original form which makes it the perfect addition to both savory and sweet foods.  These bars have a higher cacao content, no added sugar, and what sweetness they have is offered by the fruit/nuts/spices added to it.  

The children and husband weren't super excited about a natural chocolate, so I don't feel the least bit guilty savoring every square all for myself.  I love a super dark chocolate so the coffee + cardamom bar was my personal favorite.  However, it's almost a tie with the almond + fennel  bar both of which boast a 77% cacao content.   The most unique flavor is the mango + juniper which is an 84% cacao, and while it wasn't my favorite, it was much more pleasing than I expected a mango/chocolate combination to be.  

The Set of Hearts Duo  is 100% cacao, one with dates, and one with nibs.  This pair is for a true chocolate connoisseur, and it isn't sweet at all.  This really isn't a baking chocolate, so it isn't like a gourmet unsweetened chocolate to cook with, and it probably isn't for everyone.  However, I still enjoy it because I know it is a great super food!

   There are many more selections to choose from at Antidote Chocolate, and Facebook and Twitter offer all the latest promotions!  You can also win THREE bars of your very own!  That's right, you can win the coffee+cardamom, banana + cayenne, and almond+fennel to either enjoy yourself, or share with someone else!

Holiday Gift Guide: Gorgeous Serveware with Polmedia Polish Pottery and Stoneware!

I was blessed recently to review a piece of stoneware by Polmedia Polish  Pottery, and I would like to share both the product and the company with you.  As we are gearing up for the fast-approaching Holidays, everyone is making their lists of what to purchase, and if you are like me there is always at least one person on the list that has you standing there scratching your head because you have no idea what to buy them.

Search no more!  Polish Media Pottery fits the bill for a variety of needs:  everyday serveware, pieces that add just the right finishing touches to your holiday meal/party, and they are perfect for gifting.  They offer everything from vases, pitchers, serving pieces, plates, and even accent pieces such as salt and butter dishes or gravy boats.  Polmedia is a family owned company that has been in the US since 2003.  

I had a wonderful time browsing their large selection of beautiful pieces and finally settled on a gravy boat because it is something that I have never owned.  I can say that it was a hard selection because every single piece is unique and just simply gorgeous.

The piece speaks for itself.  There is a stamp on the bottom ensuring this is a quality piece.  It is has vibrant colors in blues, oranges and even some teals in it so it ties in well with my dinnerware and salt and pepper shakers.  It is dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer safe, but since it is pottery it has to be treated properly so it lasts for years to come!  

My mother absolutely loves the pottery, and mentioned that she knows a lot of her friends would love this piece.  Whether you are looking for something perfect to entertain with, a quality piece to use every day, or a present for that someone in your life, polish pottery very well may be the answer!  They definitely have a large selection of beautiful pieces to select from. 

Disclaimer:  I received one or more of the product(s) listed above to facilitate my review.  All opinions are honest, my own, and are unbiased.  Please do your own due diligence when deciding to purchase.  

Week 10 with Nutrisystem, #NSNation, #Spon

It finally happened this week!  I received the best compliment which is confirmation that I am losing although as is always typical, I have trouble seeing it myself when I look in the mirror.  I do a lot of real life advertising for Nutrisystem.  Anytime someone mentions something I am eating, my water bottle, or even makes a joke about needing to be on a diet, I jump right in to share my real life results and how pleased I have been.  

For example, just the other night at Costco, my husband was buying his monthly four lbs of bacon (yes, he really eats 4 lbs of bacon in a month, and no matter how hard I try, I can't curb this in the least!) when an older overweight lady mentioned he should cut out some of his bacon consumption.  Turns out she is on a different diet that includes weekly meetings, fees, and weighing/measuring everything you eat.  Well, I took this opportunity to tell her all about how much easier Nutrisystem is:  No weighing, measuring, and no weekly meetings to try and squeeze into my already too busy schedule!

Anyways, the point is while I advertise all the time just because I am so pleased, I haven't told those acquaintances I see on a regular basis.  Why?  Because I was waiting to see if they noticed!  It finally happened.  Last night, I ran to the Country Store to grab some local milk from the dairy, and the guy who always waits on my asked if I had lost weight!  It caught me off guard because he is the first to mention it.  However, once I confirmed, he said he had really been noticing how much thinner my upper body and face is, but was hesitant to ask (a little unsure why since losing weight is usually a good thing at my size).  Yes!  Go Team Nutrisystem!  I not only have lost weight, but people really are noticing!  And, she scores!

I didn't lose any pounds this week, but I seem to have hit a place in the last few weeks that I am losing at a slower, steadier pace.  However, I am more excited than ever.  I am definitely continuing with Nutrisystem because it works, and I no longer hope I lose weight.  I KNOW I am losing weight, and the rest is as good as gone too!

I will try to have a new picture up for you next week.  My husband works nights, so it is hard to actually see him long enough to get a picture, but I will try to make it happen this week!

Starting Measurements: Upper Arms: 15.0 Chest: 49.8 Waist: 54.0 Hips: 59.0 Thighs: 23.6 Current Measurements:

Upper Arms: 13.0

Chest: 45.5

Waist: 48.5

Hips: 54.0

Thighs: 18.8

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem

*Nutrisystem is providing me with  free food and support service as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger program. In exchange, I will be posting each week with my progress. All thoughts expressed are my own, and my experience using the system may vary from that of other participants.*  

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Have Your Product Featured & Reviewed!

With Halloween looming right around the corner, it is evident everywhere you go that Christmas is coming!  Over the next two months, I am going to be doing various posts on products and companies that will make great additions to your Holiday Shopping list, and help make your selections easier!

  

    If you are a company that has an awesome product that you would like to be featured, then have your product reviewed and added to this year’s Gift Guide for thousands of readers and social media followers to view before it's too late!

Services Available

• Product Review & Giveaway- Both services offered below combined into one easy service. Full product review as listed below and a sponsored giveaway included  in Gift Guide. Full size product required – Price: Free
• Review Only- Reviews always include pictures, links to company social media, product page, website, a product description, and my personal opinion. Full size product required – Price: FREE
• Giveaway Only- If you would like your product(s) to be used in a giveaway without a review post, then  please email me with product information, detail and specific prize with retail value, and to discuss the details further.  Price: $20
• Sponsored Post- If you aren't interested in a product review, but would like to be included in the Holiday Gift Guide, this is the perfect solution for you!   Included is a full product information post with information provided by company including provided pictures, links and pricing. Price: $25

Contact Allyson at allyson.bossie@gmail.com

  

     The guide is currently up and running and will continue running until Christmas day. Submissions received after December 22^nd will be featured in the New Years Gift Guide running through the end of January to cover all those after Christmas gifts, Christmas Returns, and much more!.

Holiday Gift Guide: Save Money this Holiday Season with Bundle Monster!

  I learned a long time ago that if you don't spend literally hundreds of dollars for a knife set, you are just purchasing a display piece for your kitchen.  I only ever purchased one cheaper knife set, which of course wouldn't cut hot butter if you paid it too, but I received about five additional ones as wedding gifts years ago.  I ended up throwing every set away (Shhh don't tell) because not one single knife cut well.  I went and bought myself two high end sets to the tune of about $600 (companies you would readily recognize, but I won't mention because this post isn't about them), and I am still using these two sets to this day.  So the moral of the story is that you have to spend a lot for knives right?  Wrong!

Bundle Monster is an online site that began with a laptop and some concepts back in 2009 and has developed into a company that offers unbeatable deals and a quick delivery turnaround!  I was blessed to receive a 9 Piece Ceramic Cutlery Set for review purposes, and I will be the first to admit I was extremely skeptical.  Why?  These knives retail for $59.99 and are currently on sale for $39.99, so I expected them to work like all the other inexpensive knives I have experienced.

That crunching noise you are hearing is me eating crow because I was dead wrong!  I couldn't have been more wrong if I had tried.  These ceramic knives are the sharpest knives I have ever owned, and based off of this product, I feel good recommending Bundle Monster to others.  I decided to try these knives out on raw potatoes because they are so hard to cut if you don't have a great knife.

The pictures speak for themselves!  These knives sliced right through the first and the last potato I cut.  Since then, I have cut potatoes a few more times, and two nights ago, I used the same knife which is just as sharp as the first time I used it to cut rib eye steaks into thin slices for beef and broccoli.

You really should check Bundle Monster out!  You will be amazed at their prices, and I have been really impressed with these knives!  Don't forget to follow them on Facebook and Twitter so you don't miss any of their promotions during the Holiday Season!

Tasty Tuesday: Hot Dog Mummies and Witches Fingers!

We have really been enjoying the Halloween season to the max here at the My Wild Crazy Life household.  My youngest is 3.5 years old and he is so in love with everything Halloween so we are cherishing these times.  The girls don't mind either, because they are having such a great time helping me do fun things.

Today for Tasty Tuesday, I want to share with you how to make Halloween Hot Dog Mummies and Severed Witches Fingers which are sure to wow any crowd, old and young!  These would even be perfect party food for a grown up Halloween party.  My pictures show that I had a lot of help from my kids making these.  While the pictures look like a child made them, you know we had a blast, and you get the idea of how it works!

Halloween Hot Dog Mummies
1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed (note, there are two sheets of puff pastry in each package, I used one sheet for 8 hot dogs)
1 package of  Hot Dogs
Mustard

With a pair of cooking sheers, cut the pastry sheet into 1/4 inch strips, horizontally (the side that is the longest)

Take the strips and wrap the hot dogs mummy style, leaving a small area at the top of the hot dog for the eyes.

Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

Using a bottle of mustard, place two dots to resemble the eyes and serve!

Severed Witches Fingers
1 package of jumbo sized crescent rolls
1 jar of marinara sauce
1 red bell pepper

Take the crescents and separate into 8 individual triangles, and cut in half making 16 pieces.  Shape each piece into a "finger" shape, and make an indention at the tip with your thumb.

Cut the red bell pepper into 16 finger nail shapes (There will be left over bell pepper) and press into the indention you made with your thumb.

Bake as directed on the package of crescent rolls.

Serve in a bowl of warmed marinara sauce to look like severed witches fingers!

Mia Mariu Makeup Giveaway

I am thrilled to announce that one of my readers is going to win a 4 piece makeup set from Mia Mariu!  The makeup up for grabs is the same makeup that I recently reviewed for you, and it will look great on many different skin types!

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is complete one or more of the Rafflecopter options!  Happy Entering!

Mia Mariu Cosmetics Review

Today I want to share with you a cosmetics company that offers a nice palette of colors and variety of makeup:  Mia Mariu.  Mia Mariu makeup is made with the most natural ingredients available and contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and botanicals!

As you know when it comes to almost any product, I pride myself in purchasing and using natural products.  I like knowing what is going on my skin, and I love knowing it is safe not only for me, but to be around my children.  I have worn light makeup most of my adult life, and I don't feel as confident or put together unless I have mascara on.  I was thrilled when given the opportunity to review Mia Mariu makeup, and I spent quite a while deciding what I was going to select for the review.

I ultimately settled on Loose Mineral Shadow Eyeliner Azabache, Mineral Eye Shadow Duo Luna De Miel, Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara, and Luminous Lip Gloss Romance.  The entire makeup combination is a wonderful evening look, with tones of maroon, and a nice flesh colored gloss to tie the lips into the whole look.  I think my absolute favorite product is the Mineral Shadow Eyeliner.  It has a touch of glitter in it which really makes the eyes pop.  The glitter is subtle and not overdone!  I also love that if I want to do a nice daytime look I can just put on the mascara, slick on some gloss and go!

I love these products because they are all natural, and I would recommend them to anyone.  They are similarly priced to drug store makeup, but this is all natural.  You can find these colors and many more at Mia Mariu and you can find inspiration on their Pinterest Boards!  Don't forget to stay up to date with all the latest promotions via Facebook and Twitter!

You can also win the same makeup that I reviewed!  Just click below to go to the giveaway!

Click Here to Enter the Giveaway!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sunburndt After Sun Gel Giveaway 10/31

Recently I shared with you about  great new sunburn remedies,  and I am thrilled to offer a great giveaway to you today for SunBurndt After Sun Gel.  One of my lucky readers is going to win a tube of their very own to try!  Just complete one or more options on the Raffleocopter to enter to win!