Sugar Bowl Bakery - Review

I received products for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

I was introduced to Sugar Bowl Bakery almost a year ago.  Sugar Bowl Bakery’s mission is to produce and market the highest quality baked goods and continue to develop a brand name that inspires trust and quality. Their products can be found at retailers nationwide. Unfortunately, they do not offer online ordering at this time. 

Made with 100% butter, Sugar Bowl Bakery’s Madeleines are petite and sweet (but not too sweet) French cake cookies. With a slightly sweet and buttery flavor profile housed in a delicately crunchy cookie, Sugar Bowl Bakery's Madeleines are a texture and flavor masterpiece sure to please. These treats are also free of trans-fat and preservatives, so the whole family can feel good about indulging a bit.

Todd taking some Madeleines for the road

The Madeleines are amazingly delicious, and they are the kind of cookie profile I like best. They have a soft inside with a semi-sweet buttery taste. The tops are grooved, and each cookie is uniform in shape and size. The cookies come in a clear tub with a re-sealable lid. I brought them along during a camping weekend, and they went over well.  Seems that everyone liked them, especially in the mornings with their coffee.

Sugar Bowl Bakery’s Organic Brownie Bites are indulgent, yet guilt-free, at only 90 calories per serving. These snacks are free of preservatives, trans-fat, cholesterol, and have no artificial flavors or colors. The brownies are packaged in a re-sealable container. These brownie bites are rich in chocolate flavor and one is enough to satisfy my sweet craving.  They are just the right size and taste fresh.  Whether you're entertaining guests or just craving something delicious to eat, Sugar Bowl Bakery has high-quality confections to satisfy.

It's National Chewing Gum Day

Buy a pack of your favorite chewing gum and get to blowing those bubbles.  It's National Chewing Gum Day!

Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.  It can also help relieve stress.

To be honest, it's rare that I chew gum.  I might pop in a piece once or twice a year.  When I do, I prefer fruity flavors.

How often do you chew gum?  What is your favorite brand or flavor of gum?

Somebody Stop Me! - It's Another Hollar Haul

This post contains a referral link.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products.  Your opinions and results may differ.

This is stating the obvious, but I have a serious shopping addiction to Hollar. If it tells you anything, I've purchased from the company eight times since March, and just placed another order earlier tonight.  With the exception of just a few items, I've been pleased with most everything I've bought.

Hollar is your destination for the coolest gifts and goods starting at just $2. They have everything from dishware and giftware to toys and hair care accessories. Everything is 50-90% off the original price.

Hollar offers free shipping on all first-time orders and on orders over $25 after that for U.S. customers. As an added bonus, you will receive a $2 credit on your first order when you sign up at Hollar.  You'll also receive emails with discount codes and promotions.

Their inventory changes often so it's best to buy if you see something you like. Right now they have a nice selection of toys, home decor, Halloween essentials, and more.

Belli Birthday Bash - #HappyBirthdayBelliskincare

I received products in exchange for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Belli skincare products combine efficacy, luxury, and most importantly, ingredient safety for expectant mothers and new moms. Belli supports expectant and new mothers through changing times by providing soothing, balances skin car products that pamper and protect. Their collections - Belli Pregnancy, Belli Motherhood and Belli Baby – consider the specific needs of each stage.

Belli Skincare’s amazing fall event, the annual Belli Birthday Bash, is going on from 10/2 -10/15. Use code “BLI30” to receive 30% off everything sitewide and surprise daily discounts up to 50%. In addition, with purchase, Belli consumers are registered to win $1,200 worth of prizes!

Animal Legs - Children's Book Review and Giveaway

I received book for review from Arbordale Publishing.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Can you smell with your feet? Do you dig your claws into a river’s muddy bank to climb up and bask in the sun? Animals’ legs are different from humans’ in so many ways! Find out why strong talons suit a raptor, or webbing is perfect for water dwellers as author Mary Holland continues her photographic Animal Anatomy and Adaptations series by exploring the ways insects, amphibians, reptiles and mammals make their way in the world.

My Review:

An explanatory book about animal legs and how they're used, Animal Legs informs readers about different creatures of the world.  With realistic photos, children will see toads, birds, insects and other creations.  As the book title explains, this narration details the various workings of animal legs.  For instance, kids will learn that the spines on praying mantises legs interlock when they grab an insect, making it almost impossible for escape.

The 'For Creative Minds' section in the back of the book further cultivates lessons with information on special feet, fun leg facts, and what feet can do.  It also has a matching game to match the foot to the animal.

Animal Legs is a Fall 2016 release from Arbordale Publishing.

Win It!

One person will win an Animal Legs children's book.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's Also National VFW Day!

Sending a huge thank you to all of our Veterans of Foreign Wars on this National VFW day!  I truly respect and appreciate all who have served our great country.  The following are ways in which you can express your appreciation to our VFWs:

1.  Say thank you to a VFW
2.  Visit your local VFW and say thank you
3.  Drive to another city's VFW, park legally, go in and say thank you.

To recap:  Say thank you to our VFW's by saying thank you.

It's National Coffee Day

Whether you drink it black or add in sugar and creamer, it seems most people like coffee.  Today is the day to celebrate with a cup of joe.  

Here is a recipe for Mocha Espresso, courtesy of IMUSA:

Ingredients

Espresso ground coffee
1 packet Sugar free Chocolate powder
Cinnamon
1 cup Hazelnut coffee creamer

Fill your espresso-brewing cup ⅔ with espresso coffee and ⅓ with sugar free chocolate powder and gently mix. Prepare your espresso as directed. In the meantime heat up a cup of Hazelnut coffee creamer. (You can also try French vanilla) Once brewed, divide the coffee evenly between 2 cups and add creamer. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on each and serve. No sugar needed!

If you, instead, prefer to purchase your coffee at a shop rather than brew at home, here's a list of places that are offering coffee promotions today for National Coffee Day:

Dunkin' Donuts: The chain is celebrating National Coffee Day and its 66th anniversary. Visit a store near you and get a medium coffee for 66 cents.

Krispy Kreme: Visit a store near you for a free small coffee and Original Glazed Doughnut.

Starbucks: The chain will donate a coffee tree for every brewed cup of México Chiapas sold on National Coffee Day.

Peet's Coffee: Buy any food item at a store near you and get a free medium cup of drip coffee.

Cumberland Farms: Text "FREECOFFEE" to 64827 and you’ll get a mobile coupon good for a free hot or iced coffee which you can redeem at a store near you.

Wawa: Free cup of coffee in the size of your choice.

LaMar's Donuts: Free cup of coffee with the purchase of LaMar's 16-ounce collector's travel mug.

McDonalds': McDonald's will donate all McCafé coffee proceeds to Covenant House on National Coffee Day.

Stewart's Shops: Free cup of hot or iced coffee from 12 p.m. to closing.

Caribou Coffee: Free cup of medium brewed coffee with 1-pound bag of coffee purchase through Oct. 2.

Birch Coffee: Free cup of drip coffee from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

How do you like your coffee?  Black or added with sugar and creamer?