Free Father's Day gift from York Photo

It is time to start planning for Father's Day gifts.

Give dad a personalized photo mug from York Photo.

He doesn't need to know that it's FREE. It will be our secret.

Make his morning coffee special with a personalized gift from York Photo.

Mail the moments you love with Baby Stamps

For me, the little things matter. Getting a card or letter in the mail is special.

When I send these items, I want everything to look perfect.

Babystamps offers a personalized stamp for your mailings.

Share that memorable moment with Babystamps.

Save $10 on your purchase at Shoe Carnival

With the kids about to be out of school, they need some new shoes to go out and play.

Head over to Shoe Carnival with this $10 off coupon.

Hurry, the coupon expires on Memorial Day.

A classic crooner hits a new high in Michael Buble's To Be Loved - review

There are a handful of songs that are timeless. Don't get me wrong. I love a good summer hit or a funky dance beat, but those songs are a snapshot in time. For me, there are classic songs that can invoke a feeling, journey or remembrance. I appreciate current artists who want to share the iconic pieces of the songbook with the younger generation. Michael Buble's To Be Loved is his interpretation of songs that have touched many of our hearts.

This 14 song album journeys through various times and genres of music. From covers of songs everyone knows to original pieces, this album welcomes the listener to a celebration of life. Whether you need a moment to unwind with a glass of wine or want to serenade the love of your life, each song conveys a tender, heartfelt message.

I like to have music playing around the house. Usually, the kids want uptempo, top 40 hits. Last weekend, I chose to play the album, To Be Loved. At first there were the general protests, but as we continued to listen, the kids got into the songs. A few of the songs, like You've Got a Friend in Me (originally from Toy Story) and Have I Told You Lately that I Love You were recognizable. The arrangement has been changed but we all were able to sing along.

Our favorite song from the album is It's a Beautiful Day. It is an upbeat, happy song. The lyrics - It's a beautiful day and I'm smiling - is a great mantra. Who couldn't have a smile with such a happy song.

Michael Buble's To Be Loved can be purchased at iTunes or Amazon.

Get ready for the weekend and turn up To Be Loved by Michael Buble.



Disclosure: I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the album to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Be the summer grill master with these barbeque tools - review

Once the temperatures get warm and school comes to an end, everyone is ready to light up the grill for some yummy food. With a holiday weekend quickly approaching, our grilling skills may be a little rusty. It is time to clean off the grill grates and get the master chef skills working. Of course, a few new tools can help any chef look like a professional. 

Check out a few of my favorites that will impress your guests with your master grilling techniques. 

CDN ProAccurate Meat/Poultry Ovenproof Thermometer

What's a chef's biggest concern at the party, serving meat at the right temperature. No one wants undercooked food. Having the right thermometer that is easy to read and use is important. The CDN ProAccurate Thermometer has a 2-inch dial and a 5-inch stem. It offers glow in the dark numbers and temperature guide. No more excuses for incorrectly cooked meat. The thermometer retails for approximately $11.99. 

Kuhn Rikon Corn Twister
Many kids love corn on the cob, but it can be difficult for some guests to eat. Stop struggling to get the corn kernels off the cob. The Kuhn Rikon Corn Twister is the easiest way to remove corn from the cob. Place the green silicone husk on one end of the ear, and the corn-shaped piece on the other. With a smooth and simple twist and push, it strips kernels cleanly off the cob. The three pieces nest inside each other for safe, compact storage. The Kuhn Rikon Corn Twister retails for approximately $14.99. 
 

Kyocera Ceramic Knife
The right knife for kitchen prep or carving is essential to a well served meal.  From the perfectly crafted handle to the sharp blade, the right knife is a cook's dream. The Kyocera Ceramic Knife features a handcrafted Pakka wood handle, which provides a natural, ergonomic feeling and contours to the palm. The ceramic blade offers a razor sharp blade that retains its sharpness 10 times longer than steel knives. This series of knives was named  “Best in Category—Cutlery” in the 2013 Housewares Design Awards. These knives retail between $109.95 to $139.95.


Tovolo Clean Flip BBQ Tray
Raw meat can't be served on the same plate as cooked meat. The Tovolo Clean Flip BBQ Tray offers a set of two nesting trays is a convenient solution to grilling cross-contamination. Consumers can transport raw meats on one side of the textured melamine platter, and then flip it over within the drip-containing outer tray to reveal a clean, dry surface for serving cooked foods. The trays are scratch and shatter proof, dishwasher-safe and BPA-free. This item retails for approximately $25.

Casabella Chop 'n Prep Bamboo Cutting Surface
Filling your kitchen with tons of items can be overwhelming, but sometimes we need many prep items. Keeping raw meat away from vegetables is imperative. The Casabella Chop n' Prep Bamboo Cutting Surface board offers 4 different mats stored in one space. Use the meat board for cutting steaks and ribs. When you're finished remove that cutting board and start chopping vegetables on the vegetable mat. The cutting board retails for approximately. $34.

What's your favorite grilling tool, barbeque gadget or cooking must have? Share your thoughts in the comments section. 




Disclosure: I received some of these items to review. All opinions are my own.   

Time to re-think your drink with the coolgearcan from Cool Gear - review

When the sun is high in the sky and I'm sitting at the pool, I long to grab an ice cold can from the cooler. Of course that aluminum can is super cold, but it drips water all over my book (or me). Plus, I feel bad when I throw away can after can in the recycling bin. Still, I enjoy the feel of a can in my hand. If only there was a way to have a reusable can for all by beverage needs. Now there is, the coolgearcan.

The coolgearcan is a double wall insulated beverage container with a spill-proof sliding closure. It is created with the on-the-go lifestyle in mind. Everyone is familiar with the classic aluminum can shape. This reusable version helps consumers rethink their drink.

This new addition to the Cool Gear line of products comes in 50 trendy designs. The 16 oz can will keep a beverage cold for up to six hours. With a wide mouth and twist off top, the coolgearcan is very versatile. From smoothies to soda and everything in between, the user can enjoy an ice cold beverage on the go. Plus, these cans don't sweat. No need to worry about can perspiration on the outside of your container (or messing up a table, car, etc).

The coolgearcan is more than just a portable option for your beverage. Each design comes with a Cantrition recipe to inspire consumers to create a delicious drink. For example, my Zany Zebra can came with the Zany Zebra recipe (which is a combination of grape juice and sparkling water).

Cool Gear's latest offering, the coolgearcan, can be purchased at CVS and will soon be available at Walmart and Bed, Bath and Beyond. It retails for between $5 and $7.

Cool Gear International offers a wide variety of on-the-go drink containers. The Eco2Go Chillers put the company on the map with its mission to inspire a healthier and happier lifestyle brand.

For more information on Cool Gear or the coolgearcan, please visit the website, Facebook page and Twitter profile (@coolgearinc).



Disclosure: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.

More than just soup - Dei Fratelli tomato soup - review/giveaway

There is a classic kid favorite meal, a grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup. Kids (and some adults) love to dip the sandwich into the cup of soup. It is a meal where we are allowed to play with our food.

When it comes to tomato soups, not all soups are the same. A condensed soup is great for a variety of uses. From an easy sauce starter to a simple soup, a great tomato soup is a staple in our pantry. Since I use this item in various dishes, I want the brand to be a good product. In my opinion, Dei Fratelli is a brand that I enjoy.

Dei Fratelli is a family owned company based in family traditions. This company's products are made from the finest ingredients possible. The tomato products are grown from seedlings that the company cultivates. Each product is made with care and attention to quality.

While my kids love just plain tomato soup, that simple staple can be much more. Did you know that a can of tomato soup can be an easy glaze for steaks, fish or meatloaf?  Also, tomato soup can be used to cook rice (use the soup instead of water). From meatballs to casseroles, tomato soup is a versatile ingredient.

Make sure that your pantry has a can or two of tomato soup. Make sure that it's Dei Fratelli's gluten free condensed tomato soup.

To stay up to date on the latest recipes, promotions and offers from Dei Fratelli, check out its Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages.

Want to try it for yourself?  I have a Dei Fratelli prize package to giveaway. Please use the Rafflecopter to enter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure:   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.