Fall Festival BONUS WEEK - L.L. Bean Slippers Review and Giveaway

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Today's Fall Festival Bonus Week feature on Snafood is:

Carolyn's Kitchen Review and Giveaway

L.L. Bean slippers Review and Giveaway

 Today's featured company:

Every fall when catalogs start arriving for the holiday season (I love getting catalogs!), I am always the happiest when I see the L.L. Bean catalog.  I get comfy on the couch and start leafing through the pages, dreaming of all the items I would love to have.  L.L. Bean always has a wonderful collection of clothing, bedding, home decor and more - and I start getting excited at the thought of decorating my house, or snuggling up in their warm clothing and pajamas.

L.L.Bean, Inc. has been a trusted source for quality apparel, reliable outdoor equipment and expert advice for more than 95 years.

Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company has grown from a one-man operation to a global organization with annual sales of $1.5 billion. Our company headquarters are in Freeport, Maine, just down the road from our original store.

I was so happy to learn that I would be reviewing the L.L. Bean Primrose Slippers!  I couldn't wait for these to arrive, as I have been wanting a new pair of slippers for a long time.  I chose the Primrose Slipper in Blue Aster.  As I slipped these on my feet, I knew immediately that I would not want to take them off.  Not only are they very attractive, but they are so soft and comfortable. They also have a non-skid surface on the bottom.  I know that I will have a hard time taking them off and putting on regular shoes! I want to wear them forever.  The Primrose Slippers are available in several colors: Foliage, Bright Navy, Cream and Sea Rose.  It was really hard to choose a color - all of them are lovely.

A little more about L.L. Bean's Primrose Slippers, from their website:

• Wrap your feet in soft, lightweight fleece
• Elastic collar for a secure fit
• Lightly cushioned footbed and fabric-wrapped sole

Stow these feminine slippers by the door or toss into your overnight bag for any time you need "inside shoes". Made of soft, stretchy polyester microfleece with an elastic collar. Lightly padded footbed. Fabric-wrapped outsole.


As I mentioned above, L.L. Bean has so much more  than clothing.  While I was browsing around on their website, I found some gorgeous flannel sheets that I would love for my room.  Oh - and this is pretty neat - you can mix and match the bedding.  You can choose from stripes, plaids, solids, etc., and pick them in the colors you want.  I love this idea!

Definitely keep L.L. Bean in mind for birthday and holiday gifts, they really do have something for everyone on your list!

Experience L.L. Bean for yourself - the nice people there have so kindly offered one of my readers their very own pair of Primrose Slippers!  Winner gets to choose color (subject to availability)  and size (if you are a half size, order down).

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!:

Win a pair of Primrose Slippers from L.L. Bean!

For first (and required) entry, head over to L.L. Bean and take a look around. Come back and tell me in a comment, another item you would love to have (other than item reviewed above!)

Please leave email address (or set Blogger profile to public)

Extra entry options  

(these can be done only if initial entry is done above):

Become a fan of L.L. Bean on Facebook - 1 entry

Sign up for  L.L. Bean email updates - 2 entries

Follow me on Blogger/Google Friend Connect - 1 entry

Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway using this phrase:

"WIN Soft and Comfy Primrose Slippers from L.L. Bean @speedygourmet! http://www.thespeedygourmet.net"

(can be done once daily)

Enter any current Fall Festival giveaway going on at Snafood, telling me in comments which ones you entered - 1 entry per giveaway entered

FINALLY - if you posted the Fall Festival button and commented on The Speedy Gourmet before September 26th, you get 5 extra entries - leave 5 comments

**THERE'S MORE!  For even more extra entries, see The Speedy Gourmet "Giveaway Rules" page.

Giveaway ends on October 28th at 9:00 (PST)

Blog author never gets paid to post. The only compensation for any review on this site is a sample of product for review. I received compensation for this review/post. The opinions herein are those of blog author only. Compensation received has no bearing on any review outcome. Please refer to my Acknowlegement Policy for further information.

Fall Festival BONUS WEEK!: Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms Cookbook Review and Giveaway

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Well - we have good news! We had so many wonderful companies joining us in the Fall Festival, that we have added a third "Bonus week"! Yep we will introduce you to a few more wonderful items and you have more chances to win!

Today's Fall Festival BONUS WEEK Features on Snafood:

Pier 1 Metal Leaf Pumpkin Giveaway!

Waterlicious Giveaway!

Today on The Speedy Gourmet:

I love getting new cookbooks - there is something about a brand new book that makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over.  In the fall, I am always inspired to try new things, but I run out of ideas easily it seems.

I received the "Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms" cookbook by Jane Doiron for review and I absolutely love it.  There are so many meals that are not only very appealing, but simple.  I love the fact that I can make them ahead of time too - super convenient for me!

I have made two recipes from this book already, and I plan on trying another one this week.  I made the Chicken Marsala with a Twist (yum!), and the Panko Pork Medallions (also yummy!).

Jane Doiron is a busy mom of two boys who discovered the beauty of preparing meals in advance.  Make-Ahead Meals for  Busy Moms represents years of experience in recipe experimentation and acquired tips.  I like her way of thinking!

From the Make Ahead Meals website:

Your busy mom lifestyle dictates quick get-on-the table meals, but how do you prepare and cook a delicious meal at the end of your busy day when you are simply out of time and energy?

It’s simple! Here's how: Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms Cookbook. This is Jane Doiron’s cookbook of savory, family-favorite recipes that were individually home-tested and selected. Make Ahead Meals are:

• Simple to prepare.

• Simple to assemble ahead of schedule.

• Simple to freeze ahead.

• Simple for the whole family to enjoy.

Jane's goal was to seek out main dish, family-favorite recipes that could be make ahead meals without sacrificing the food’s taste and texture by freezing.  After years of home-testing recipes, Jane has compiled this must-have cookbook with specific make-ahead directions.  In addition, Jane includes her best recipes for clever side dishes, flavorful appetizers and luscious desserts. Imagine opening your freezer to pick out a family-favorite appetizer, main dish, or dessert, and all you have to do is thaw and heat it!

Make-ahead meals are a healthy and economical alternative to take-out and preservative filled, pre-packaged foods.  With make ahead meal planning, you are making fewer trips to the grocery store, and saving money otherwise spent on unhealthy, take-out and fast foods.  It’s simple. Give yourself a break during the hectic weeknights with Jane’s make-ahead meal recipes. Spend the time that you save outside of the kitchen doing something that you enjoy.

With sections including appetizers, breakfast and brunch, dessert, main dishes, side dishes and soups, you are sure to find so many dishes that will appeal to the whole family - and by making these meals ahead you can spend more time enjoying your family (while also enjoying your own cooking!).  There is also a helpful tips section and a measurement equivalents section.  This is the cookbook of cookbooks... a must-have for any mom - busy or not!
Make sure you stop by Jane Doirdon's blog too - you will love it!






THE GIVEAWAY is now closed!:
Jane has so kindly offered one of my readers a copy of "Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms" cookbook!

For first (and required) entry, take a look at Jane Doiron's cookbook information and tell me in a comment which recipe you would most like to try (other than those I've mentioned in review).

Please leave email address (or set Blogger profile to public)

Extra entry options:

Follow Jane Doiron on Twitter - 1 entry
Become a fan of Jane Doiron on Facebook - 1 entry  
Sign up for the Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms Newsletter - 2 entries
Add the Fall Festival button to your blog - 1 entry 
Follow The Speedy Gourmet on Blogger/Google Friend Connect - 1 entry

Tweet this giveaway using this phrase:

"Win the cookbook 'Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms' by Jane Doirin @speedygourmet! http://www.thespeedygourmet.net"
(can be done once daily)

Enter any current Fall Festival giveaway going on at Snafood, telling me in comments which ones you entered - 1 entry per giveaway entered
 
FINALLY - if you posted the Fall Festival button and commented on The Speedy Gourmet before September 26th, you get 5 extra entries - leave 5 comments
 
**For even more extra entries, see The Speedy Gourmet "Giveaway Rules" page.

Giveaway ends on October 27th at 9:00 (PST)

Blog author never gets paid to post. The only compensation for any review on this site is a sample of product for review. I received compensation for this review/post. The opinions herein are those of blog author only. Compensation received has no bearing on any review outcome. Please refer to my Acknowlegement Policy for further information.

Fall Festival - Starfrit Apple Pro Peeler Review and Giveaway!

Today's Fall Festival feature on Snafood:

Divvies Review and Giveaway

Today on The Speedy Gourmet:

Starfrit Apple Pro Peeler Review and Giveaway!

As a child I spent countless hours with my mom in the kitchen.  I remember watching her peel, slice and dice apples for her heavenly Apple Crisp.  It took forever. Oh how I know she would have loved this "device" I tried today.  I was sent the Starfrit Apple Pro Peeler for review, and I couldn't help but think of mom as I set it up.

A little information about Starfrit's Apple Pro Peeler, from their website:

Thanks to its simple mechanism, stainless blade, integrated spike holder and four suction-grip feet for utmost stability you can peel apples effortless and without a mess with the Starfrit® Apple Pro-Peeler. The Pro Apple peeler takes only the skin off - not the fruit. It comes with 2 spare blades and plastic protectors for the blades and spike holder as well as an instruction/recipe booklet. Also includes a combination apple slicer/corer to prepare apples for pies quickly and easily cutting. Push apples in to 6 sections and eject the core. Clean the Starfrit® Pro Apple Peeler with a wet soapy cloth. Both slicer and corer are dishwasher safe.

I was so happy how easy this was to set up.  I had it up in running in about one minute, after taking it out of the box.  It has handy little suction cups that easily adhere to the countertop.  I put my apple on the spikes, turned the handle a few times, and just like that my apple peeled.  There was a long strip of peel when I was done, and it was just that - peel.  It didn't chunk up the apple or remove any of the "good stuff".  It was effortless.  I kept my mom in mind while I was using this, as she had arthritis in her fingers. This is definitely something that would have helped her immensely

I have seen similar products before, but they are all big and clunky, and I would have a hard time storing them.  That is probably why I have never owned an apple peeler before, other than the little hand peelers.  This is just the right size to store easily, and pull back out when I need to use it again.

I highly, highly recommend the Starfrit Pro Apple Peeler!  If you do a lot of baking (and remember Fall is here - lots of baking to be done!) it is a must have.  This is a great gift idea for that chef in your life too.

Starfrit has so many wonderful items...I am swept away with their selection of products.  Erin at Snafood did a Starfrit 10" Crepiere pan review and she is also giving one away!

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!
For first (and required) entry, head to Starfrit and take a look around. Come back and tell me in a comment, another item you would like to try (other than those mentioned in post above!)

Please leave email address (or set Blogger profile to public)

Extra entry options:

Become a fan of Starfrit on Facebook - 1 entry

Add the Fall Festival button on your blog - 1 entry

Follow me on Twitter  -1 entry

Follow me on Blogger/Google Friend Connect - 2 entries

Tweet this giveaway using this phrase:

"Please RT! Win a Apple Pro Peeler from Starfrit @speedygourmet! :: http://www.thespeedygourmet.net"

(can be done once daily)

Enter any current Fall Festival giveaway going on at Snafood, telling me in comments which ones you entered - 1 entry per giveaway entered

FINALLY - if you posted the Fall Festival button and commented on The Speedy Gourmet before September 26th,
you get 5 extra entries - leave 5 comments

**For even more extra entries, see The Speedy Gourmet "Giveaway Rules" page.

Giveaway ends  October 26th at 9:00 (PST)

Blog author never gets paid to post.  The only compensation for any review on this site is a sample of product for review. I received compensation for this review/post (apple peeler shown above).  The opinions herein are those of blog author only. Compensation received has no bearing on any review outcome. Please refer to my Acknowlegement Policy for further information.

Fall Festival - Pepperidge Farms Crackers Review and Giveaway

Today's Fall Feature at Snafood:

Pepperidge Farm Review and Giveaway!

Today's featured company on The Speedy Gourmet:

I have enjoyed Pepperidge Farm products since I was a little kid.  Who doesn't enjoy goldfish...seriously?  They have come a long way since then, and they recently added some wonderful products to their line.

Lucky me - I got to sample these items for this review!  I sampled the Baked Naturals Cheese Crisps in both flavors: Four Cheese and Four Cheese Italian Herb.  I have found my new snack crackers!  The flavors are rich, yet not overwhelming.  They are baked!  I love that fact.  I found myself dipping these in everything, and putting all sorts of toppings on them (though they are so delicious on their own!).  I also sampled the Garden Flavor "flavor blasted" goldfish - oh yum!  (My daughter and I were kind of playing a tug-o-war game with them...neither of us wanted to let go!).

From the Pepperidge Farms website:

For us, baking is more than a job—it's a real passion. Each day, our bakers take the time to make every cookie, pastry, cracker and loaf of bread the best way they know how... by using simple, good ingredients like real fruit filling baked into Verona® cookies, 100% whole grains baked into our Whole Grain breads, and real cheddar cheese baked into our Goldfish® crackers. It's the little things that make simple food taste special. We believe in doing things right, and we just happen to love it. Baking requires knowledge of the craft, a spirit of exploration and inspired ideas. At Pepperidge Farm, we have been honing and perfecting our chosen craft for generations, and our bakers care deeply about what it means.There's something about freshly baked bread or cookies that simply makes people smile. That's important to us.

Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals are preservative-free, natural snacks, made with an artisan blend of real cheeses golden baked to bubbly perfection on top of a thin, crispy, crunchy cracker. Four Cheese is made with Aged Cheddar, Parmesan, Romano and Asiago, while Italian Herb is seasoned with flavorful herbs and spices.


Of course there are so, so many other goodies that Pepperidge Farm makes - from cookies to desserts to fresh breads and rolls (and everything in between).  I can honestly say I have never met a Pepperidge Farm product that I did not like. Milano Cookies are another one of my favorites (but I'll stop here - this is a post about Baked Naturals!)

The Giveaway IS NOW CLOSED

Blog author never gets paid to post. The only compensation for any review on this site is a sample of product for review. I received compensation for this review/post (in the form of 3 boxes of crackers). The opinions herein are those of blog author only. Compensation received has no bearing on any review outcome. Please refer to my Acknowlegement Policy for further information. 

Fall Festival: Izze Sparkling Juice Review

Let me introduce you to Izze Sparkling Juice!

I am always in search of a drink that is carbonated but not necessarily a soda.  I prefer  refreshing beverages (not sodas), especially on those hot summer days.  I have discovered something I am enjoying so much - Izze Sparking Juice!  I have heard of Izze before, but have never had the pleasure of trying it until recently, when they were sent to me for review.

A little about Izze's history from their website:

In February of 2002, Todd Woloson and Greg Stroh, two friends who love good food and drink, were having lunch in Boulder, Colorado. They spoke of life and work, and how great it would be to start a company together that not only made an excellent product, but also contributed to a higher purpose.

They thought about the European sodas they’d recently tried, and saw an opportunity to create an all-natural version of those sophisticated beverages; beverages made with the highest quality ingredients, simple, pure beverage they‘d be proud to produce, feel good about serving to their friends and family, and that they themselves would love to drink.
If in doing this, they could also raise awareness for The Global Education Fund - a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for underrepresented individuals throughout the world - it would be a slam-dunk. They decided to give it a go.
The next few months were spent mixing bottled sparkling water with various fruit juices, trying out different concoctions on anyone and everyone who was willing. After lots of trial and equal amounts of error, they finally found the perfect blend of nourishing fruit and refreshing fizz, and in June that same year, the IZZE Beverage Company was born.
Today, eight distinctive flavors of IZZE, five flavors of IZZE Fortified and three flavors of low-calorie IZZE esque are sold in natural and conventional grocery stores, corner delis, fine restaurants, airports, coffee shops and cafes all across the U.S.

My daughter and I loved all of the flavors that were sent to us (we received four flavors).  Some of the flavors Izze is available in are: Pomegranate, grapefruit, lime, blackberry and apple.They are carbonated, full of flavor and do the trick if you are thirsty and craving something refreshing.  When my daughter first saw the Izze products that had arrived, she told me how they sell them at her school, instead of sodas, and unhealthy drinks.  I love this idea!  It is nice that the kids have something good and fun to drink in place of sodas.

According to the Izze website, Izze Sparkling Juices are made from 70% real fruit juice, a splash of sparkling water and they contain NO caffeine, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors - I love that!  If you are looking for a natural sparkling juice for your family - I definitely would recommend Izze!

I have six coupons (free 4 pack of Izze) to share with my readers. Please comment below if you would like one, then send your mailing address to me via email.  If you see that all six coupons have been claimed, please do not post any more comments - thanks!

You can find Izze products on this list. 

Blog author never gets paid to post. The only compensation for any review on this site is a sample of product for review. I received compensation for this review/post (four bottles of product). The opinions herein are those of blog author only. Compensation received has no bearing on any review outcome. Please refer to my Acknowlegement Policy for further information.

Please Re-Follow me on Twitter

HELP PLEASE??

Okay - I feel just a little bit stupid here, but I had the The Speedy Gourmet twitter button linking to my other blog, Eighty MPH Mom.  I was trying to get everything in order for the Fall Festival on this blog, and I think it's just habit to put in Eighty MPH Mom.

So if you have previously clicked on my follow me on Twitter button here, it took you to my Eighty MPH Mom Twitter page.

So I am asking you a favor...can you please follow The Speedy Gourmet on Twitter?  I would appreciate it (don't worry, this has no effect on the giveaway tweets - nothing changes there).

Thanks so much!

Fall Festival - Cooperstown Cookie Company Review and Giveaway

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Today's Fall Festival feature at Snafood - Apple Twists Recipe and The Slanket Giveaway!

Today's featured company:

Cooperstown Cookie Company!

What a clever idea this company had - take America's favorite pastime and make cookies to go with it!  For the guys in your life, this is a gift that they will surely love, and certainly you will enjoy the goodies inside these handsome tins too!

I received a tin of Cooperstown Cookie Company cookies in a tin with the A's emblem on it.  My hubby loves the A's (and cookies) and I knew he would get a kick  out of having two of his favorite things all in one.  I also received a small box with chocolate chip shortbread cookies, also with the A's emblem on the outside of the box.

A little about the company from their website:

The Cooperstown Cookie Company™ celebrates the love of baseball and the love of cookies with delightful and delicious baseball-themed gifts.

From the start, the Cooperstown Cookie Company™ has dedicated itself to doing well and doing good.  Our products are made in cooperation with Pathfinder Village, a residential community dedicated to adults and children with Down syndrome.  The Cooperstown Cookie Company™ is committed to building awareness of and support for Pathfinder Village. 

Cooperstown Cookies were featured on The Food Network's "Unwrapped"!



My mom used to make Shortening Bread cookies all the time while I was growing up, so I have to admit I have quite a soft spot for them.  Cooperstown Cookie Company's cookies were all that I hoped for and more.  The cookies came two to a package, and several packages in the tin.  The flavor of these cookies is so yummy and rich.  I did end up sharing with hubby - and he loved them too - and he REALLY loved the tin. I think he will be saving it and using it for pieces and parts in the garage (I don't know - whatever it is that guys do with "cool storage containers").

Cooperstown Cookies are available online, and also at these fine stores.

I have good news for you!  You have a chance to win these heavenly cookies too!

The Giveaway IS NOW CLOSED!:

One winner will receive a SHORT STOP Tower in their choice of teams! "Great things come in small packages.This tower is big on taste, featuring two Ballpark Bunt Boxes and 2 Tiny Tubes O'Shortbread. Yum!"

For first (and required) entry, head to Cooperstown Cookie Company and take a look around. Come back and tell me in a comment, another item you would like to try (other than those mentioned in post above!)

Please leave email address (or set Blogger profile to public)

Extra entry options:

Follow Cooperstown Cookie Co on Twitter - 1 entry
Become a fan of Cooperstown Cookie Company on Facebook - 1 entry

Sign up for the Cooperstown Cookie Company Newsletter - 2 entries
Post the Fall Festival button on your blog - 1 entry
Follow The Speedy Gourmet on Blogger/Google Friend Connect - 1 entry

Tweet this giveaway using this phrase:

"Win a Cooperstown Cookie Company Short Stop Tower full of cookies @speedygourmet! http://www.thespeedygourmet.net"

(can be done once daily)

Enter any current Fall Festival giveaway going on at Snafood, telling me in comments which ones you entered - 1 entry per giveaway entered

FINALLY - if you posted the Fall Festival button and commented on The Speedy Gourmet before September 26th, you get 5 extra entries - leave 5 comments

**For even more extra entries, see The Speedy Gourmet "Giveaway Rules" page.

Giveaway ends on October 24th at 9:00 (PST).  Open to U.S. residents only.

Blog author never gets paid to post. The only compensation for any review on this site is a sample of product for review. I received compensation for this review/post. The opinions herein are those of blog author only. Compensation received has no bearing on any review outcome. Please refer to my Acknowlegement Policy for further information.