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

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

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

 

Dale and Thomas Popcorn Review

I have been given the opportunity to review Dale and Thomas Popcorn again.  I am so thrilled.  They have the best popcorn ever.  It was one of Oprah's favorite things a few years back.  I received the Sparkling Snowflake Six-Bag Sampler to taste and review.  It came in a nice box that would be a perfect gift already wrapped and ready to give for a Christmas present.  I know that anyone who gets this sampler will be very happy with it. 

Doesn't that box look nice?  The popcorn inside is delicious which is the best part.  The flavors I tried were Hall of Fame Kettle Corn, Southwest Cheddar Chipotle, Chocolate Chunk N'Caramel, Peanut Butter & White Chocolate DrizzleCorn, Twice-As-Nice Chocolate DrizzleCorn and Dale's Caramel.  Each bag is more than one serving but it's so hard to put down.  My absolute favorite is the White Chocolate DrizzleCorn.  I could have it each and every day of my life and never get tired of it.  This is really amazing popcorn.  I shared with my friends and family and we all agree that Dale and Thomas is the best popcorn we have ever had.  You can purchase the Sparkling Snowflake Six-Bag Sampler for $29.95 via Dale and Thomas' website.  Also, make sure to check out Dale and Thomas on Facebook for updates, deals and promotions!


I received the sample to review.  I was not compensated for this post in any other way.  The opinions expressed above are my own.

Gnu Foods Review

Gnu Foods sent me a case of their bars to sample and review.  I had never tried these before and was really pleasantly surprised.  I enjoyed the flavor & fiber combination.  Gnu Foods was introduced in 2004.  They are dedicated to making food that works.  Gnu bars help with weight management, support health and promote regularity.  They have 7 delicious flavors.  I tried the Cinnamon Raisin first.  I had it for breakfast with a cup of coffee.  It was very filling and I was truly full after eating it.  I did not get hungry again for at least three hours.  I couldn't wait to try the Chocolate Brownie bar next.  I have to be honest and tell you that this was my least favorite.  I enjoyed it but not as much as I enjoyed the other flavors.

If you want to know where you can buy Gnu Foods near you just go to their store finder here.  They sell them at a store near me and I'm sure they are sold near you all as well.  I really recommend that you try these.  They are good tasting and healthy.  It's a nice way to start your day or a great snack. 

My family and I enjoyed each of the flavors.  Even though the chocolate brownie wasn't my favorite, it was my husband's favorite.  These bars are entirely natural and great for your heart health as well.  They are a wonderful addition to a well balanced diet. 

Gourmet Gift Baskets Christmas Gift Basket Classic Review

Gourmet Gift Baskets.com mailed a Christmas Gift Basket Classic for my to review on my blog.  I was contacted by them and they asked if I would like to do a review and I said yes of course.  I have worked with them in the past and the experience was delightful so I couldn't wait to work with them again.  I love companies that are trustworthy and have top notch customer service.  I love the quality of their products and the quality of their service.  This is a company that I love!

Doesn't that basket look amazing?!  We were so excited the day it arrived.  My family loves a treat and so do I.  We immediately tore into it and tried the Chocolate Cherries.  This was something new for us we have never had them before, they are really good.  I am not a huge fan of cherries, but I enjoyed the Chocolate Cherries that came in this gift basket.  The gift basket arrived in perfect condition.  It was beautifully wrapped with a superb bow tied around it.  This is a gift basket company that you can trust to deliver a wonderful gift basket on time and in perfect condition to a friend, family member or anyone else you need to send a gift to. 

Here's what they say about this gift basket on their website:

One of our most popular Christmas designs, the Christmas Gift Basket Classic is an excellent choice for the home or office. Why? Each Christmas Basket contains a variety of award-winning gourmet snacks that appeal to a wide variety of tastes. With gourmet snacks including a chocolate covered cherries, dark chocolate bar, chocolate chip cookies, almond clustered popcorn, raspberry honey mustard pretzel dip along with pretzels and so much more! So, if you want to send a gift that everyone will love, send one of these delicious Christmas Gift Baskets!

It includes the following:
· Almond Pecan-dy Crunch by Morley Candy Makers - 9.25 oz. - This ultra-luxurious candy crunch is made by covering gourmet popcorn and pecans in a rich, smooth caramel glaze.
· Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies by J&M Foods - 6 oz. - Made with only the finest of natural ingredients, these cookies will satisfy even the most discerning chocoholic.
· Dipping Pretzels by East Shore Specialty Foods - 6 oz. - These extraordinary pretzels are the perfect unsalted snack!
· Robert Rothschild Farm Raspberry Honey Mustard Pretzel Dip - 7.8 oz. - This gourmet raspberry honey mustard dip adds a flavorful zing to pretzels, and goes especially well with the East Shore Specialty Foods Dipping Pretzels that we have included in our Gift Baskets for Christmas.
· Salted Peanuts in Box by Feridie's - 7 oz. – Only the finest peanuts, flavored with salt, these gourmet snacks are just as Mother Nature intended.
· Signature Dark Chocolate Bar by Lake Champlain - 3 oz. - This decadent and complex dark chocolate bar will satisfy the cravings of even the most discerning chocolate lover.
· Buttered Peanut Crunch by Old Dominion Peanut Company - 10 oz. - This flavorful peanut crunch is made with only top of the line gourmet peanuts, brown sugar, and “AA” grade butter. Taste them and you will understand that the best ingredients create the best peanut crunch!
· Metropolitan Trail Mix by GourmetGiftBaskets.com - 4 oz. - Our proprietary blend of nuts and dried fruit is a delicious and surprisingly healthy snack.
· Parmesan Artichoke & Garlic Cheese Biscuits by Salem Baking Company - 1.5 oz. - These crumbly biscuits will melt in your mouth leaving a trail of flavor to be savored.
· Chocolate Covered Cherries by Marich - 2.3 oz. - These indulgent gourmet chocolate covered cherries are one of the favorite snacks in our line of Holiday Gift Baskets.

My whole family has enjoyed each of the items in the gift basket.  They are all quality products that taste delicious.  The Metropolitan Trail Mix was another family favorite as well as the Buttered Peanut Crunch.  We finished the basket off within a few days.  The pretzels were the last to go, but we always have pretzels on hand so they weren't as much of a novelty as the rest of the items in the gift basket.  The pretzels were really good though, we loved them, especially using the dip with them.  They were amazing! 

I am very please with this gift basket and will most likely send one or more this holiday season.  You can connect with this amazing company on facebook, twitter or even on their blog.

Dale and Thomas Popcorn Review

Have you ever tried Dale and Thomas Popcorn?  If you haven't you really should!  Here's a little information about them from their about us page:

"What kind of people devote their lives to popcorn?

Everybody loves popcorn. Especially us. But we take it further than anyone else. You could say we’re crazy — seriously crazy — about the stuff!

How serious? And just how crazy? Serious enough that we created a company completely devoted to popping the freshest, plumpest, most tender kernels of Indiana’s finest corn. And crazy enough to work around the clock to create incredible, irresistible flavors like Chocolate Chunk N'Caramel DrizzleCorn and Peanut Butter & White Chocolate DrizzleCorn!

We create more crunchy and decadent gourmet flavors of popcorn than just about anyone else. Our gourmet snacks go beyond chocolate popcorn and cheese popcorn (although we do have amazing versions of those gourmet popcorn flavors). Some of our customer favorites include peanut butter popcorn, caramel popcorn and our Hall of Fame Kettle Corn popcorn.

At Dale and Thomas Popcorn, quality begins from the moment we mix the first premium ingredient with our fluffy, crunchy popcorn and doesn’t end until our delicious popcorn is delivered — fresh, fast and on time. When you choose a gift from Dale and Thomas, we guarantee that you’re choosing a gift of great taste! Whether you choose a popcorn tin, a popcorn gift basket, a popcorn sampler, or our special gift boxes, our gourmet popcorn gifts are sure to impress family, friends, business associates, college students, teachers and every popcorn lover in between. When you choose a gift from Dale and Thomas, we guarantee you’re choosing an exquisite gourmet gift of great taste — and we do everything possible to ensure every item we ship arrives in perfect condition."



Review:
This is the best popcorn I have ever tasted.  I received a very nice Spooktacular Halloween Gift Box to sample and review.

Spooktacular Halloween Gift Box 

Our Spooktacular Halloween Gift Box is sure to bewtich all of your Halloween goblins! Filled with two footlong bags of gourmet popcorn (Twice-As-Nice Chocolate Drizzlecorn and Hall of Fame Kettle Corn), Parmesan & Garlic Cheese Sticks and Milk Chocolate Popsters (freshly popped caramel corn dipped in rich milk chocolate), this decorated gift box is an affordable way to send big Halloween greetings. Each bag of our popcorn is one foot long and serves 2-3 people. All of our popcorn is gluten free and kosher OU-D.

The first thing we opened was the Milk Chocolate Popsters.  These are amazing.  They are like candy.  The chocolate is top notch and the popcorn inside is crunchy and still a wonderful texture.  

I was so impressed that I had to try the Twice As Night Chocolate Drizzlecorn next.  Yes the bag is big enough for two to three people but it was hard for me to put it down.  I almost ate it all in one sitting.  This popcorn is so good.  It's hard to describe it with words.

The Parmesan & Garlic Cheese Sticks were just as delicious as the first two products that I tried.  I took these to work and snacked on them with lunch for a few days.  They are amazing.  I really had no idea what to expect when trying them but I knew they would be amazing because Dale and Thomas Popcorn makes amazing products.

The Hall of Fame Kettle Corn I gave to my Mom to try.  I am not a fan of kettle corn so I passed it along and asked for her opinion.  She was blown away.  She has tried several kinds of kettle corn and this is by far her favorite.  She asked where she could get more from right away.  My Dad and brother enjoyed it with her as well.  They all gave rave reviews.

Dale and Thomas Popcorn is a wonderful company and I hope to order from them soon.  You can browse their amazing selection here.  You can also connect with them on facebook.

Teton Sports The Professional Review

Teton Sports sent me The Professional in Silver & Black to review.

Specs:

• Dimensions: 21" x 15" x 9.5" (Full Capacity)
• Pack Weight: 3 lbs
• Shell: 600D PU
• Capacity: 2000 cubic inches / 38 Liters
• Color: Silver & Black

Features:

• Internal Organizer
• Padded laptop compartment, fits most 17" laptops
• Shoulder suspension straps for added comfort
• Cell phone pocket on shoulder strap
• iPod / MP3 media Port
• Cell phone pocket on shoulder strap

I love The Professional.  It has everything I look for in a backpack.  It's so nice looking and sturdy.  I am really impressed with Teton Sports.  I am thankful to have received The Professional to review.  You can connect with them on facebook and twitter.  They have giveaways monthly there.

You can purchase Teton Sports products at Amazon.com.

After-School Snacking Tips for Busy Families From Farm Rich

MOMS OFFER EASY TIPS FOR INCLUDING WHOLESOME SNACKS IN BUSY SCHEDULES

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (Aug. 4, 2011) – School is back in session and that means more scheduling and nutritional challenges for kids – and moms – on the go. Between soccer, ballet, homework, Scouts and the myriad of other responsibilities facing today’s kids, moms can use all the help available in making sure these busy children get to their activities on time and with enough energy to succeed.

“School-age children – especially those in middle and high school – have so much on their plates in terms of activities and homework that it’s a real juggling act to balance it all,” says Jennifer Meetz, director of marketing for Farm Rich, the frozen appetizer and snack brand.  “It’s a well-known fact that there are significant benefits for kids who are well rested, active and eating a balanced diet, but the challenge is finding the time and wholesome options to make sure they are fueling their bodies and minds properly.”

First lady Michelle Obama frequently acknowledges the pressures facing families today as part of her platform to bring awareness to children’s health, nutrition and fitness.  "We are living in a time where we just don't have enough time. People are rushed. They're overworked, overscheduled...But the thing that I want people to understand in this campaign is that families can make small, manageable changes in their lives that can have pretty significant impacts," said Mrs. Obama during the “Let's Move” live web chat. 

So what’s a busy parent to do?  Farm Rich talked to moms across the country recently to discover their real-life tips for working wholesome snacks into the chaotic schedules of school-age kids and their families.

·            Start the Week Off Right. For Bethanne Latkso of Worchester, Mass., organization is the key.  “I have two kids, a busy husband, and I’m designing my own jewelry line, so I don’t have time for frequent trips to the grocery store. Instead, every Saturday, I map out the week’s activities and plan our meals and snacks around that.”  Latkso says in addition to saving time during the week, planning also helps eliminate poor food choices.  “Because I’m eliminating impulse buying, I make better food choices – everything from buying more fresh fruits and vegetables, to buying better snacks for my kids.”

·           Mini-Meal Replacement.  For Leah Welch of Brandon, Fla., a mother of two boys ages 10 and 12, snacks that serve as a mini-meal are a lifesaver. “We are constantly going between baseball, soccer and chess,” explains Welch. “Just before I drive them to an activity, I’ll pop something like Farm Rich Mini Quesadillas into the microwave. They eat them on the way to the game and they’re good to go until we can get home for dinner. It’s a much better choice than fast food.”

·           Sneak in Wholesome Snacks When They Least Expect It.  “When my teens are having a study group or a sleepover, instead of letting them load up on sugary soda and potato chips, I try to sneak in a snack that’s more nutritionally sound and the brain food they need,” says Nicole Mills, an Atlanta mom of three.  If teens balk at serving friends fresh veggies and dip, parents can try Farm Rich Cheese Sticks or Mozzarella Bites made with real mozzarella cheese.  Real mozzarella cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but they don’t have to know that!

·           Make Healthy Snacking Convenient.  Kim Griffin, a business owner with two teenagers, says because her children are at the age where they can prepare snacks for themselves, “I stock the freezer with things that are easy to heat and eat. They like being able to reach into the freezer to grab a snack they can heat in the microwave and be ready to eat in just minutes.”  With frozen appetizers like Farm Rich Mini Bacon Cheeseburgers or Mini Philly Cheese Steaks, they can have a filling and better-for-you snack in just minutes.  Or, suggests Griffin, put some Farm Rich Meatballs in the Crock-Pot, let simmer all day and bowl the kids over with the aroma when they walk in the door from school.

In light of last year’s snacking study out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, tips like these are important for helping give kids snack choices that are better for them, despite the chaos of an active lifestyle. According to the UNC study, kids are snacking more than ever before – in fact, nearly 98 percent of children 2-18 snack between meals. 

"Kids still eat three meals a day, but they're also loading up on high-calorie junk food that contains little or no nutritional value," said study leader Barry Popkin, Ph.D.  He also noted that salty, fatty snacks, such as chips and crackers, accounted for the largest increase in the types of snacks children were eating during the three-decade period reviewed in the study.

About Farm Rich

A leading brand of Rich Products Corporation, Farm Rich (www.farmrich.com) is based in St. Simons Island, Ga., and features a successful portfolio of frozen snack and appetizer products sold at grocery and club stores nationwide. Featuring the tagline, “Keep ‘em Happy,” Farm Rich makes wholesome, great-tasting snacks that are sure to please family and friends. Visit www.farmrich.com or the brand’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/FarmRichSnacks. Follow on Twitter at @farmrichsnacks.  Video is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/farmrichsnacks.