CharCrust Review & Giveaway Ends 4/20/12 at 7 PM EST

 
I received four different flavors of Char Crust to sample and they have offered four boxes for me to giveaway as well.  The four that I tried are:

• Roasted Garlic Peppercorn features the robust flavor of roasted garlic and onions with the zing of peppercorns and a hint of Worcestershire and lavender. Its versatility has made it a best seller. It complements steaks, lamb, seafood, pork, poultry, and potatoes.

• Ginger Teriyaki is a balance of sweet teriyaki, fragrant ginger, plus a tingly touch of wasabi that lends a new dimension and creates a modern teriyaki interpretation. It complements chicken, fish, and steak.

• Amazin’ Cajun is a spicy-sweet blend of piquant cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, oregano and a mélange of other Mardi Gras flavors. It brings the sublime heat of New Orleans to catfish, chicken, shrimp, and even “dirty” rice.

• All American Barbecue takes the best flavors of American barbecue and blends them into a tangy-sweet, slightly spicy rub. It has rich molasses from Memphis, tangy tomato from Kansas City, mustard, pepper and vinegar from the Carolinas, plus a wisp of smoke from Texas.

We used each of these and loved them all.  Our favorite is the All American Barbecue.  My husband loves to grill and this is perfect for us.

This is the recipe we tried using catfish:
Char Crust® recipe idea:
Pan-Seared Tilapia
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 20 minutes
Ingredients:
Tilapia fillets -- about 6 oz per person
Char Crust® Amazin' Cajun -- about 1/2 Tbsp per fillet
A little oil, canola is good
A little butter (optional), at room temperature
Heat a cast iron pan on the stove until very hot. Season one side of the fish with Char Crust® Amazin' Cajun Dry Rub Seasoning, generously covering the surface. Drizzle a little oil all over the seasonings, using your fingers to rub in and distribute evenly. Seasonings will look moist and darken a bit. Place the fish, seasoned side down, into the pan. It should sizzle immediately, and you may get some smoke. Cook a few minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to plate with seasoned side up and place pat of butter on top.


 Classic Use - Grilling or Broiling

1. Dredge (completely cover all sides) any meat of fish with Char Crust® dry rub seasoning. Be generous and pat or rub to coat evenly all over.
2. For best results with low-fat meats or fish, we suggest that you drizzle or spritz a little oil or non-stick oil spray on the surface of the already-seasoned protein. This provides a protective buffer on the surface of the spices and creates a sizzling Char Crust®. If using a well-marbled cut of beef, or cooking on a George Foreman® style grill, you can skip this step.
3. Using a preheated broiler (top rack) or very hot grill, sear both sides of the protein. Then cook to desired preference. For juiciest results, do not pierce meat or press down hard on it.

Classic Use - Roasting

1. Preheat oven to highest temperature (500 degrees or higher is best).
2. Follow Steps 1 and 2 from "Grilling and Broiling" above.
3. Place roast in roasting pan that allows some space all around the roast. Place into oven and allow to cook for 15 minutes. Then turn temperature down to your desired roasting temperature (350 degrees is a common choice). Continue cooking until desired temperature is reached.
Note: Char Crust® dry rub seasoning does not change your normal cooking times, so if you are using a favorite recipe and adding Char Crust® dry rub to it, simply follow your recipe.

Sprinkle Use - Broil, bake, grill or sauté

Works especially well for vegetables!

1. Drizzle clean vegetables with oil, then toss well to coat.
2. Sprinkle to taste with Char Crust®  dry rub seasoning, then toss again
3. Broil, bake, grill, or sauté as usual.
4. Serve to rave reviews!
Note: You can also sprinkle Char Crust® on fresh steamed veggies. After cooking, toss veggies with a little butter or oil, then sprinkle with Char Crust® dry rub to taste, and toss again.

If you would like to enter to win enter the giveaway below.

Giveaway: (you must follow my blog on google friend connect to enter the giveaway, put your email address in the comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile, you can enter up to five times, leave a separate comment for each entry you complete, no po boxes, contiguous US only)

Mandatory Entry:

Like CharCrust on Facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know you are their fan.


Extra Entries:

Follow me on twitter, leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you are following me.

Like Let's Eat 2 Day on facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know you are a fan.


Tell me what you plan to cook when you win!

Subscribe to my blog via email, leave a comment letting me know you are a subscriber via email.

Giveaway ends 4/20/12 at 7 PM EST.  I will use random.org to select a winner and I will email the winner.  Winner will have 72 hours to respond to my email with their mailing address.  If I do not get a response in time I will have to select another winner.

Winner selected and emailed:

michedt said... 51

I plan on cooking some brisket:)
michedt at yahoo . com

April 20, 2012 12:23 PM

Madelaine Chocolate Company Easter Candy Review & Giveaway

Easter is coming up and Madelaine Chocolate Company sent me some beautiful chocolates to review.  They have offered the same items for me to giveaway on this blog as well.  I have worked with them in the past so I knew that this was top notch chocolate.  It arrived wrapped in nice purple tissue paper and each item was beautiful, just like I knew it would be.  The first thing we did was open up the box and decide what we wanted to try first.  I am not able to sample the chocolates but I know that they are the best.  My family ate them and let me know that they were impressed and enjoyed it to the last bite.  You will not be disappointed with Madelaine Chocolate Company.  They are wonderful!

Double filled egg shaped truffles. Strawberries & Cream, Peanut Butter & Raspberry, Caramel & Marshmallow Flavored Truffle. 2 fillings inside 1 truffle! Twist wrapped in brightly colored foils with floral designs. Come assorted in a colorful graphic 5 oz stand up bag. Yummy!

Solid premium milk chocolate eggs that have been sold in the best candy stores for over 50 years. Double-sided Italian foils feature a variety of solid colors. Packaged in an attractive color coordinated gift bag.

A fun new way to celebrate Easter, Bunny Hop Hunt is a delightful game that features assorted chocolate treats. The chocolates are hiding behind each opening. Players are invited to solve the riddles behind each window or door to discover where the next premium chocolate treat is hiding.

Keepsake tin basket holds 4.5 oz of bite sized peanut butter and caramel filled premium chocolate eggs, dark chocolate truffle and milk chocolate truffles wrapped in exquisite Italian foil reminiscent of traditional Easter eggs.

If you would like to win this amazing collection enter the giveaway below.  Since Easter is coming up soon, I will end it within a week.  So hopefully the winner will have the chocolate by Easter.

Giveaway:
Rules:  You must follow my blog publicly on google friend connect in order to enter.  Put your email address in your comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile.  Leave a separate comment for each entry you complete.  No PO Boxes and contiguous US addresses only.  Giveaway ends 3/30/12 at 7 PM EST.  I will use random.org to select the winner and I will notify the winner via email.  Winner will have 72 hours to respond with their shipping address.  If I do not get a response in time I will have to choose another winner.

Mandatory Entry:

Go to Madelaine Chocolate Company and choose another item that you would love to try, leave a comment with the name of that product. 


Extra Entries:

Follow Madelaine Chocolate Company on twitter, leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you follow them.

Like Madelaine Chocolate Company on facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know you like them on facebook.

Like Let's Eat 2 Day on facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know that you like me on facebook.

Follow me on twitter, leave a comment letting me know you are my follower on twitter with your twitter username.

You can enter up to five times, only the mandatory entry is required.

Winner selected and emailed:

Nicole C. said... 184

I would love to try the Mint Chocolate Meltaway Twist Wrap Truffles. choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

March 30, 2012 8:52 AM

Bob Harper Beginner's Weight Loss Transformation DVD Review & Giveaway Ends 3/30/12 at 7 PM EST

I recieved Bob Harper Beginner's Weight Loss Transformation DVD from Collage Video to review.  I did this workout once last week and again this morning.  WOW what a workout.  I am still considered a beginner even though I have been working out daily since around the first of the year.  This workout had me sweating from head to toe.  I haven't sweated this much in a long time.  The first time I did the DVD I was too tired to do the 10 minute ab workout after the 45 minute main workout.  I barely got through the whole DVD this morning.  I am worn out.  I can't wait to continue to use this on a weekly basis until I get up to speed.

Certified instructor description: The first workout is a no-nonsense aero/tone interval program for "anyone who hasn't worked out in a long time." It has a huge variety of fat-burning and body-sculpting moves led by a tough-but-supportive instructor ("all I'm asking is: do the best you can"). Throughout, Bob emphasizes clear cuing and novice-level teaching (e.g. the name of each exercise is displayed on screen). But he also knows that "easy" doesn't get real results. So this program includes some challenging routines, often introduced at a slower pace or with easier options (e.g. normal jumping jacks and "low impact jacks"). The second program is an exceptionally varied series of abdominal floorwork exercises. Requires 2 to 5 lb. dumbbells.

Rise to the challenge and reveal you greatest physique. Whether this is your first time working out or it’s just been a while, now is the time to drop pounds and renovate your body to its best form! Push yourself harder and punch-up your heart rate to annihilate calories, attack fat and reconstruct your body completely. Beginner’s Weight Loss Transformation uses weights and body resistance to perfect your form for optimal weight loss and muscle-toning performance. My Trainer Bob leads you through each dynamic movement to activate all muscle groups keeping you in constant motion for a maximum cardio-heightening, fat-blasting workout. Learn how to engage your core from start to finish and compress each muscle movement for results you can see and feel. Achieve this supreme beginner workout, and accomplish your fitness goals.

WORKOUT 1: BEGINNER’S WEIGHT LOSS TRANSFORMATION – 46 minutes of non-stop muscle-building drills will pump your heart rate and burn fat for a complete beginner’s body workout. Leave excess pounds and calories in the dust as you race through Bob’s dynamic combinations, focusing on key muscle groups and cardiovascular conditioning. Feel the energy surge through your muscles as they obliterate fat and uncover a leaner, stronger, you.

WORKOUT 2: 10-MINUTE BEGINNER ABS – Get in, and get out, with this hard-driving abdominal workout. Challenge your endurance and range of motion with an expedited variety of ab-shredding maneuvers to sharpen your core and benefit your entire body.

If you would like to enter to win your very own copy of this DVD just enter the giveaway below.

Giveaway:
Ends 3/30/12 at 7 PM EST (you must follow my blog publicly on google friend connect to enter, leave a separate comment for each entry you complete, put your email address in your comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile, contiguous USA only, no po boxes)

Mandatory Entry:

Go to Collage Video and select another DVD that you would like to try, leave a comment letting me know which one you chose.

Bonus Entries:

Like Collage Video on facebook https://www.facebook.com/CollageVideo?sk=app_4949752878 leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know you are their fan.


Sign up for their newsletter http://www.collagevideo.com/newslettersignup.aspx leave your email that you signed up with.


Follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/#!/fdp4life leave a comment letting me know your twitter name.


Like Let's Eat 2 Day on facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lets-Eat-2-Day/127260644023896 leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know you are my fan.

You can enter up to five times.  I will use random.org to select a winner after the giveaway ends 3/30/12 at 7 PM EST.  I will email the winner and they will have 72 hours to respond with their mailing information or I will have to select another winner.  Thank you for reading my blog and participating.

Winner selected and emailed:

/\Heather/\ said... 54

I think the Kathy Smith's Kettlebell Solution DVD would work! heatherpooh (hotmail)

March 30, 2012 1:43 PM

Dale and Thomas Popcorn Easter Four Pack Sampler Review & Giveaway Ends 3/21/12 at 7 PM EST

Dale and Thomas Popcorn is amazing.  It's the best popcorn I have ever had.  Everyone I know that tries it is hooked just like me.  Easter is coming up and I have a wonderful gift idea for you.  Dale and Thomas has a Easter 4 Pack Sampler that is delicious and such a unique gift idea for you to try this year.  This sampler comes with the Hall of Fame Kettle Corn, White Cheddar & Black Peppercorn, Chocolate Chunk N' Caramel, and Peanut Butter & White Chocolate DrizzleCorn (my personal favorite).  

 

Easter 4 Pack Sampler

Our Easter four pack sampler includes four of our most popular flavors beautifully wrapped up with a bow and a "Happy Easter" message. A delicious way to send your Easter greetings! This delightful 4 pack sampler includes the following footlong bags of gourmet popcorn: Chocolate Chunk N'Caramel, Hall of Fame Kettle Corn, Peanut Butter & White Chocolate DrizzleCorn, and White Cheddar & Black Peppercorn. All of our popcorn is gluten free and kosher OU-D.

If you would like to enter to win this amazing prize just enter the giveaway below.

Giveaway: (you must publicly follow my blog to enter, leave your email address in your comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile, contiguous US only, no PO Boxes, leave a separate comment for each entry you complete, giveaway ends 3/21/12 at 7 PM EST)

Mandatory Entry:  Like Dale and Thomas on facebook, leave a comment with your username and let me know that you are their fan.

Extra Entries:
Go to the Dale and Thomas Popcorn website and select another item that you would like to try, leave a comment with the name of that product and a link to the product.


Like Let's Eat 2 Day on facebook, leave a comment with your username letting me know you are my fan on facebook.

Follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/#!/fdp4life leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you follow me.

Sign up for their newsletter http://dandt.p0.com/signup.jsp leave a comment with your email address letting me know you are a subscriber.

You can enter up to five times.  Giveaway ends 3/21/12 at 7 PM EST. I will use random.org to select the winner.  Winner will be notified via email and have 72 hours to respond to the notification with mailing address.  If I do not get a response in time I will have to use random.org to select another winner.  Thanks for reading, following and participating.

Disclosure:  I received a sample in exchange for my review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Winner selected and emailed:

Kelly N. said... 9

Mandatory Entry: Like Dale and Thomas on facebook, leave a comment with your username and let me know that you are their fan. kelly nicholson

March 15, 2012 4:47 PM

The Ultimate Workout DVD Review & Giveaway Ends 3/28/12 at 7 PM EST

I recently received Michelle Dozois' DVD The Ultimate Workout to review and also another one to giveaway.  I am fairly new to working out.  I started just before new years and I have been doing at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week since I began.  This workout is perfect for me.  There are three complete workouts on the DVD.  Two of the workouts are 30 minutes long and the third one is 15 minutes.  The shorter workout is perfect to combine with one of the 30 minute workouts when I have extra time. 

I have really enjoyed this DVD and will continue to use it along with my other favorites.  I really like to switch my workouts up and this DVD will be on my weekly schedule.  The workout is challenging and I really enjoy it. 

The Ultimate Workout will help you:

• Burn tons of calories
• Lose Weight
• Tone up your mid section
• Increase your energy
• Strengthen and define your upper & lower body
• Increase your flexibility

The Ultimate Workout includes three complete workouts on one DVD for days when you are short on time or for the ULTIMATE WORKOUT do all three routines back to back.

Workout 1: Ultimate Cardio Blast is 30 minutes of easy to follow cardio moves with built in intensity blasts to help burn extra calories, lose weight, spark your metabolism and improve your cardiovascular endurance.

Workout 2: Ultimate Super Sculpting is 30 minutes of total body shaping exercises to help you increase muscular strength and definition. Many of the exercises will work your upper and lower body together to help you get the most out of your 30 minutes. You will also improve your balance and core strength while boosting your metabolism.

Workout 3: Ultimate Flexibility will help you improve your overall flexibility in less than 15 minutes. These simple and relaxing stretches feel great and will help you loosen up, unwind and relax all while reducing your risk of injury. Try this routine as an add on to one of the 30 minute workouts or on its own for days have when you just want to reduce tension and distress your body.

Equipment recommended for sculpting workout: 1-2 sets of hand weights, a high step and gliding disks OR start off with 1 set of weights, a chair, step stool and paper plates. (Equipment FAQ)

If you would like to enter to win this DVD just enter the giveaway below.

Giveaway (you must follow my blog publicly on google friend connect to enter, leave a separate comment for each entry you complete, put your email address in your comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile, contiguous USA only, no po boxes)

Mandatory Entry:

1.  Go to their website Michelle Dozois and choose another item you would like to buy, leave a comment letting me know which item you chose.

Extra Entries: 

2.  Follow me on twitter, leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you are my follower.

3.  Like Let's Eat 2 Day on facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know you are a fan.

Giveaway ends 3/28/12 at 7 PM EST.  You can enter up to three times.  I will use random.org to select the winner and I will notify the winner via email.  Winner will have 72 hours to respond to my email or I will have to select another winner.

 

Winner selected and emailed:

 

Amber said... 14

I want the exerspy

March 27, 2012 8:23 AM

 

The Hollywood Trainer Review and Giveaway Ends 3/27/12 at 7 PM EST

I received three DVDs from The Hollywood Trainer Jeanette Jenkins to review.  I have been working on them for the past month.  I love each of these DVDs.


The first one I tried is the Power Yoga DVD.

Say Goodbye to Stress, Unwanted Fat, Bulky Muscles and Tight Joints. In this Mind, Body, Spirit Yoga Workout, Hollywood Trainer to the stars, Jeanette Jenkins will flow you through Yoga Sequences that will give you a Long, Lean, Flexible & Toned Body. In each sequence you will connect the Breath allowing you to Relax & De-stress creating a hormonal harmony necessary to Burn fat & feel at Peace. Experience the workout that has transformed many of her A-List celebrity clients!

Equipment: Yoga Mat, Towel or Yoga Strap a Bottle of Water, Yoga Block

Level: All Beg-Advanced

This workout is wonderful.  I feel stronger and more fit after doing it.  I really do think that it burns fat and I feel more at peace after doing this power yoga dvd.  

Next I tried the Bikini Boot Camp DVD.  I am far from bikini ready but this DVD will get me there over time. 

Get Beach Body Ready with Hollywood Trainer to the Stars, Jeanette Jenkins, and her super-calorie blasting Bikini Bootcamp. Jeanette will blast the fat off of your body with her results-proven, adrenaline pumping bootcamp circuits that are fun, heart-pounding and guaranteed to burn 600-1000 calories. Say hello bikini and goodbye to belly fat, saggy arms and cellulite thighs with this 75-minute bootcamp which can be done all at once or broken down into four shorter bootcamps: Cardio Camp, Chisel Camp, Ab Camp and Stretch Camp for anyone that is short on time but needs a quick calorie blast!

Bikini Bootcamp 75 minute total running time
Warm-up 5 minutes
Cardio Camp 28 minutes
Chisel Camp 25 minutes
Ab Camp 9 minutes
Stretch Camp 8 minutes 

This dvd is a challenge.  I have only done it all the way through one time so far.  What an amazing workout!  You will get stronger, smaller and more fit each time you do this workout.

The last DVD I reviewed is the Blast the Belly Fat DVD. 

This is the workout that will flatten your stomach, shrink your waistline and blast the belly fat! Hollywood Trainer, Jeanette Jenkins has creatively combined the three most effective styles of training to Blast the Belly Fat!
The guaranteed belly fat blasting combination of:

1. Belly fat burning cardio
2. Total body core sculpting
3. Ab defining core exercises

All in one super calorie burning, adrenaline pumping workout! Using an exercise ball and dumbbells, Jeanette will keep you excited with her creative and fun Blast the Belly Fat Circuits, which can be done individually on days that you are short on time or all together for a challenging workout. Jeanette will finish the workout with ab defining mat work. This is the workout that will Blast the Belly Fat and reveal those sexy sculpted abs!
For this workout you will need an exercise ball, a mat and a set of 3-8lb dumbbells.
TRT - 70 minutes
Warm-up 8 min
Blast the Belly Fat Circuit #1 13 min
Blast the Belly Fat Circuit #2 17 min
Blast the Belly Fat Circuit #3 16 min
Blast the Belly Fat Mat Work 9 min
Stretch 7 min

If you are like me you have some belly fat to blast.  This dvd will definitely help you do just that.  It's not going to be easy but we can accomplish our goals one workout at a time.

If you would like to enter to win these DVDs just enter the giveaway below.

Giveaway:  (you must follow my blog publicly on google friend connect to enter, leave a separate comment for each entry you complete, put your email address in your comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile, contiguous USA only, no po boxes)

Mandatory Entry:

1.  Go to their website The Hollywood Trainer and choose another item you would like to buy, leave a comment letting me know which item you chose.

Extra Entries: 

2.  Follow me on twitter, leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you are my follower.

3.  Like Let's Eat 2 Day on facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know you are a fan.

Giveaway ends 3/27/12 at 7 PM EST.  You can enter up to three times.  I will use random.org to select the winner and I will notify the winner via email.  Winner will have 72 hours to respond to my email or I will have to select another winner.

 

Winner selected and emailed:

 

Amber said... 4

I follow you @fdp4life on Twitter, I'm @AmberGoo Thank you for the giveaway :) hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

March 7, 2012 12:53 PM

 

Tips For Cooking At Home

     I have recently started eating healthier and exercising.  I want to set an example for my children that I can be proud of.  Cooking at home is part of my family's normal everyday routine.  Home cooking gives me and my family complete control over what goes into our recipes and the way we cook it.  Eating healthy at home is so much easier and cheaper than eating out. 

Here are some facts about cooking at home for you to consider.

• Buying food and cooking it at home saves you money.
• You can plan your menus to include all the food groups and the correct servings of each of the food groups.
• You can season your meals as you like it and control the amount of processed foods your family eats.
• You can accommodate each member of your family's eating preferences when you cook for them at home.
• You can keep your children away from foods that contain chemicals and additives that are found in some foods from restaurants.
• When you cook at home it's so much easier to control portion sizes.  
• Eating out is considered to be a major cause of obesity in America, according to a recent report by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Preparing meals at home gives your family quality time together, it's fun and a learning experience for all involved.

Here's a recipe you may want to try.

Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry with
Whole Grain Brown Rice

Yield: 4
Total cook time: 30min

Ingredients:

• 1 cup UNCLE BEN'S® Fast & Natural Whole Grain Brown Rice, dry
• 1 3/4 cup water
• Non-stick cooking spray
• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves minced (approximately 2 tablespoons minced garlic)
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 4 whole green onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets (approximately 1 head), blanched or partially steamed

Instructions Kid Friendly Step

1. Gather all equipment and ingredients.
2. Prepare and measure all ingredients. Tip: cut all vegetables before cutting meat to maintain proper sanitation, or wash cutting board in between tasks.
3. Prepare rice according to package directions.
4. While rice is cooking, heat a large (10") sauté pan with just enough non-stick cooking spray to coat. Add beef, and sauté until browned.
5. Carefully add garlic, green onion, blanched broccoli, and soy sauce to sauté pan.
6. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. Once rice is cooked, serve beef & broccoli over rice.

Tips

• For crispy beef, coat beef strips in about 1 tablespoon of corn starch before sautéing. Prepare remainder of recipe as listed.
• For saucier recipe, consider finishing dish with a commercially prepared teriyaki glaze or stir fry sauce.
• For a spicier recipe, sprinkle 1/2 - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes as garnish.
• For a sweeter recipe, add 1 tablespoon orange juice with soy sauce, and garnish with 1 tablespoon orange zest.

To empower and encourage parents to connect with their kids, one meal at a time, Uncle Ben’s has launched an exciting national contest called Ben’s Beginners! By entering the contest, you could win $20,000, along with a $50,000 grant towards a cafeteria makeover for your child’s school. In addition, you will have a chance to appear on The Rachael Ray show! Uncle Ben’s is calling for parents with children ages 5-12 to submit a 2-3 minute video of you cooking a rice-based dish with your children. For more info on the contest, please check out Ben’s Beginners on Facebook!


About Uncle Ben’s
Uncle Ben’s®, the number one rice brand in America, is proud to offer a wide range of rice dishes with flavors and textures that will help bring more to your meals, both for convenient side dishes and savory main courses. Uncle Ben’s® offers a wide variety of white, whole grain brown, and flavored rices in cook times ranging from 30 minutes to 90 seconds, as well as rice for food service operations such as restaurants, schools and hospitals. The first mass-produced parboiled rice, Uncle Ben’s® is the top-selling branded rice in the United States and products can be found in more than 100 countries worldwide. Uncle Ben’s® Brand products are manufactured by Mars Food NA, part of Mars, Incorporated. For more information, visit www.UncleBens.com.

More info on Uncle Ben’s: http://www.unclebens.com/

Uncle Ben’s on Facebook

Check out recipe ideas from Uncle Ben’s.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Uncle Ben’s blogging program, for 6,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

The Booty Barre Review & Giveaway Ends 2/10/12 at 7 PM EST

The Booty Barre sent me a couple of dvds to review.  I received the following:

The Booty Barre Beginners and Beyond DVD

Booty Barre^® is a fluid blend of Pilates, Dance and Yoga the perfect balance of strength, flexibility and cardio. The Beginners and Beyond Series consists of a technique tutorial to learn the correct form of The Booty Barre™ and an express 35 minute version that targets the total body from head to toe. The program starts with a quick warm-up followed by the signature lower body Booty Barre ™ moves finishing off with a short weighted arm program. For an extra challenge they’ve included a bonus section of abdominal, booty and flexibility.

You will need a sturdy chair and 3-5 lbs dumbbells




Tracey’s Pilates Super Sculpt DVD

Pilates Super Sculpt is a deep toning total body workout focusing on correct alignment, flexibility, core strength and a beautiful posture. You will learn exercises that you would normally perform on studio Pilates equipment such as the spine corrector and reformer. Pilates Super Sculpt is performed with a small sponge or playground ball creating more challenge and assisting you to execute the workout correctly.

I really enjoyed both of these workouts.  I am just a beginner and these were both very challenging.  I know that I will be able to enjoy these for many more workouts.  They are very intense workouts.  I love how wonderful I feel after I complete one of these dvds.  If you are looking for a fun workout that really gets your body in shape, you really should try these.  

If you would like to win both of these dvds just enter the giveaway below.

Giveaway:  (you must follow my blog publicly on google friend connect to enter, leave a separate comment for each entry you complete, put your email address in your comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile, contiguous USA only, no po boxes)

Mandatory Entry:

1.  Go to their website The Booty Barre and choose another item you would like to buy, leave a comment letting me know which item you chose.

Extra Entries:

2.  Follow The Booty Barre on twitter, leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you are their follower.

3.  Follow me on twitter, leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you are my follower.

4.  Like Let's Eat 2 Day on facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know you are a fan.

5.  Like The Booty Barre on facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know you are their fan.

Giveaway ends 2/10/12 at 7 PM EST.  You can enter up to five times.  I will use random.org to select the winner and I will notify the winner via email.  Winner will have 72 hours to respond to my email or I will have to select another winner.

 

Winner selected and emailed:

 

Becca Ann said... 42

I follow booty barre on twitter as beccaPeters1 xxbeccaannxx@gmail.com

February 9, 2012 10:51 AM

 

Mayesa, A Decadent Yet Healthy Chocolate Drink Review & Givewaway Ends 2/5/12 at 7 PM EST

I received the Mayesa Cacao Original and the Mint to review.  I have to say that I was skeptical but I really did love these drinks.  They are so good.  I love chocolate and I really didn't think that something like this would be so good, but it is amazing.  They are dairy free, soy free, gluten free and full of flavor.

Cacao Story

Thousands of years ago deep in Central America’s rainforest, the Mayans first discovered the sensuous flavor of cacao (pronounced kah-cow), better known today as chocolate. They roasted and ground beans from the Theobroma cacao tree-a botanical name literally meaning “food of the gods”-and combined them with aromatic flowers, vanilla and wild honey to create a bitter, spicy concoction they called chocolatl. This luxury drink was enjoyed both hot and cold, but primarily by Mayan and Aztec nobility.
The cacao tree only grows within twenty degrees of the equator, so its fruit was a rare and prized commodity among the indigenous people. Because of its great value, the Mayans and Aztecs not only drank cacao but also used the beans as currency. They found other uses for it as well, including medicinal, religious and culinary ones.

But for centuries, cacao remained a Central American secret.

Then in 1519, the Spanish explorer Cortés and his army reached Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City) and were graciously received by the Aztec emperor Moctezuma who served them with chocolatl in cups made from pure gold. Cortés eventually returned to Spain and brought with him great stores of cacao beans. The news of the chocolate drink quickly spread through Europe. Spanish Conquistadors brewed it to build up resistance and fight fatigue. Europeans prescribed it for depression and used ground cacao in love potions. When sugar was added as a sweetener in the 1600s, the drink’s popularity grew, but was enjoyed almost exclusively by European nobility.

It wasn’t until the 1700s that mass production of cacao drinks made it more affordable to all. In 1765 the first chocolate factory was built in the American Colonies, although cacao was still served only in liquid form. In the mid 1800s, dark chocolate became available in bars in England. Around that time the Swiss created milk chocolate and the French and Belgians introduced their exquisite chocolate truffles and other desserts.
Today, chocolate is one of the most popular sweet treats in the world. It is given as gifts for amorous and joyful celebrations. It lifts our spirits. And we know from scientific study that it is loaded with antioxidants and minerals that make it not only an indulgence for our senses, but also beneficial to our health.

Now discover Mayesa, the rich and indulgent cacao drink in the Mayan tradition that is as good to drink as it is good for you. Life is better with chocolate. Enjoy Mayesa!

If you would like to enter to win a 6 pack just enter the giveaway below.

Giveaway: (you must follow my blog publicly to enter the giveaway, leave a separate comment for each entry your complete, put your email address in your comment if it's not visible on your blogger profile, contiguous US only, no PO boxes)

To enter you must like http://www.facebook.com/DRINKMAYESA on facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know you are a fan.

Winner will be selected using random.org once the giveaway is over 2/5/12 at 7 PM EST.  I will notify the winner via email.  Winner will have 72 hours to respond to my email with their mailing address.  Sponsor will mail prize directly to the winner.


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.

Winner selected and emailed:

Bakersdozen said... 21

I liked them on Facebook. Michelle Henriquez vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

February 5, 2012 12:27 PM

Total Fitness - Spark People 28 Day Bootcamp DVD Review & Givewaway Ends 2/4/12 at 7 PM EST

Total Fitness DVD's sent me the Spark People 28 Day Bootcamp DVD to review and they have also offered one to giveaway.  This workout is fairly intense.  It's fun and a great workout.  I felt amazing after completing the workout.  I can't wait to pop it in and do it again.  I am basically still a beginner but the more I do the workout the more intense I will be able to make it.  I love the fact that there are different levels all in the same DVD.  I just do what I am able and then work my way up to the more advanced moves.

Here's some information about the DVD from the Total Fitness DVD website:

Get better results in less time with this fat-bursting cardio and toning workout

Every month, millions of people visit SparkPeople.com for help reaching their fitness goals. Now you can reach your gorals with four fat-torching, calorie-blasting workouts created by SparkPeople’s popular fitness trainers, Coach Nicole. High-energy cardio intervals combined with full-body strengthening exercises keep your muscles guessing and help you burn more fat in less time. And Coach Nicole’s positive, encouraging style will keep you motivated and having fun!
Follow the 28-day workout plan or pick from 12-, 20-, and 30-minute segments to customize your own workout every day. Three intensity levels in each segment allow you to get started regardless of your fitness level and to increase the challenge as your fitness improves. Get ready to trim extra inches, build lean muscle, and best of all, gain strength and confidence!

BONUS FEATURES: Three tricks to burn more fat, Seated abs exercises to do at your desk, Select recipes from The SparkPeople Cookbook!

Nicole Nichols is a certified personal trainer and exercise instructor with a degree in health education. She helps people of all skill levels make workout out a fun part of their daily lives. More than 200,000 people have participated in her online boot camps to date, and she is one of the most watched exercise instructors on YouTube. She is an editor and fitness expert at SparkPeople.com, America’s #1 ranked weight loss and fitness website.

If you want to get in shape and feel great, enter the giveaway to win your very own copy! 


Giveaway: (you must follow my blog publicly via google friend connect to enter the giveaway, leave a separate comment for each entry you complete, put your email address in your comment if it is not visible on your blogger profile, no PO boxes, contiguous US only)

Mandatory Entry:
Go to the Total Fitness DVDs website and let me know another dvd that you would like to try.

Extra Entries: 
Like Total Fitness DVDs on facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know that you are their fan.

Like Let's Eat 2 Day on facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name letting me know that you are my fan. 

Follow me on twitter, leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you are a follower. 


You can enter up to four times.  I will use random.org to select the winner and notify the winner via email.  Winner will have 72 hours to respond to the winning notification with their mailing address or I will have to select another winner.  Thank you for reading and participating.


Full Disclosure:  I received the DVD for free to review, the opinions are my own.

Winner selected and emailed:

 

Marianna said... 20

like your page on FB - Marianna B mannasweeps (At) gmail DOT com

January 31, 2012 1:48 PM

Tracie Long Fitness DVD Review & Giveaway Ends 2/3/12 at 7 PM EST

I have been given two DVDs to review from Tracie Long Fitness.  They are the reBoot1 real evolution and Figure30 hips.  I have done each of the DVDs one time each and really got a great workout with both of them.

reBoot 1

Take your fitness to new heights with Tracie Long’s evolutionary approach to high intensity training. A catalyst for change, this 50 minute sweat fest will re-boot your metabolism and re-shape your body.

Long pairs explosive bodyweight movements with functional strength training to maximize caloric burn and break through plateaus.

Designed as a 50 minute total body workout, participants have the option of using one or more of the high intensity segments for a quick fix. Put a little zing back in your routine with this results driven workout.

It’s never too late to get back in your groove.

Includes:
50 minute workout with customizable chapters

Equipment:
2 sets of dumbbells, medium & heavy, mat 

I only have one set of 2 lb dumbbells so that is what I used.  This is an excellent workout.  I was definitely challenged throughout the entire workout.  I will enjoy this dvd for many more workouts.  It is fun and feels amazing once you have completed the entire workout you will be so proud of yourself.

Figure30 Hips

Fitness expert, Tracie Long, tackles the hips, one of the most common mobility deficient joints in the body, with this bold 30 minute shape-cinching workout.

“Moving the hips the way nature intended is a lost art,” says Long. “We take for granted that the hips will be able to transition from sitting for long periods of time to assisting in our daily multi-tasking, be it to carry groceries, tote a toddler or close a door.”

Long leads participants through a series of athletic and ballet inspired dynamic exercises to improve strength, balance, and flexibility from the hip joint. The winning combination of standing single leg work and floor work encourages the hips to move safely and readily through a full range of motion while creating a slenderized, slip-in- your-jeans, shape.

It’s never too late to get back in your groove.


Includes:
30 minute workout with customizable chapters

Equipment:
2 slides, dowel stick, mat 

This workout is amazing.  I really enjoyed it and felt great after doing the workout.

Giveaway:

(You must be a follower of my blog to enter, just leave a separate comment for each entry you complete, put your email in your comment if it's not in your blogger profile, no po boxes, contiguous USA only)

1.  Go to the website and let me know which DVD you would like to try other than the two that I have reviewed.

2.  Like Tracie Long Fitness on facebook and leave a comment letting me know you like them on facebook with your username.

3.  Follow Tracie Long on twitter and leave a comment letting me know your twitter name and letting me know you follow them on twitter.

4.  Like Let's Eat 2 Day on facebook, leave a comment with your username letting me know you are a fan.

5.  Follow me on twitter and leave a comment with your username letting me know you follow me.

You can enter up to five times.  Giveaway ends 2/3/12 at 7 PM EST.  I will use random.org to select the winner.  I will notify the winner via email.  Winner will have 72 hours to respond to my email before I choose another winner.  Thank you for reading and entering.

Winner selected and emailed:

 

DrPepperDiva said... 21

Followed you on Twitter via @DrPepperDiva

January 28, 2012 8:36 AM