Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Are You Confused About Which is Better When Injured Heat or Ice?

If you are not sure which to use first after an injury, the ice or heat, then just remember this little tip.  Ice relieves the swelling.  Heat, on the other hand, relaxes the muscles.

For instance, if you twisted your ankle, the first thing you should do is apply some cold like a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth or an ice pack.  Keep this cold on the sore spot for about twenty minutes every few hours to help bring down the swelling.

However, if you overdo the housework or gardening and find yourself sore the next day, then heat will work better to relax those muscles.  A moist electric heating pad that draws water from the air is amazing for this type of problem.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Vasanti Cosmetics Review

Vasanti Cosmetics logo.jpeg


The name Vasanti Cosmetics is new to me.  However, I was sent a few of their products to review and must say that I was, indeed, impressed.  In fact, I was wondering how they stayed out of my radar for this long.

I received a tube of the Moisturizing Tinted Lip Balm in Grenada.  On their website, the shade looks a bit brighter of a reddish-brown.  In reality, the color is a deeper, warm sheer brown that is natural with just a tad of red to provide a lovely compliment to lips.

Once applied, their tinted lip balm drenched my dry lips with soothing moisture while delivering just enough beautiful color.  This is a wonderful dual purpose product instead of buying two separate items like a lip balm and lip color.

The second item I tried was their Wonders of the World Under Eye and Blemish Concealer in Fair to Medium.   Although I'm not the fairest shade on the spectrum, I'm usually about the second shade of pale beige in any line and found both of the colors that came together in this compact were wearable.   This concealer spread easy enough and covered dark circles wonderfully without settling into any tiny eye creases.    

For a creamy concealer, I was surprised at how well it also handled hiding a tiny mark left from a blemish.  Usually, you would need to use a thicker stick concealer to do the job.  But I must admit, Wonders of the World Under Eye and Blemish Concealer, was now my new good friend that earned a rightful place in my cosmetics bag.

Looking for some awesome new concealer or an amazing tinted lip balm, then you should do yourself a favor and check Vasanti Cosmetics out.  I know I want more of their products and will be visiting them in the near future for myself and for my holiday shopping list.  How about you? 


Vasanti Concealer and Lipstick.jpeg
Moisturizing Tinted Lip Balm and Wonders of the World Under Eye and Blemish Concealer

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Sunday, November 27, 2011

My Easiest Custard Pie Ever That Makes its Own Crust!

This recipe is for, perhaps, the easiest pie in the universe!  Regardless if you're a master baker, an inexperienced one, or just someone that loves desserts but finds no time to whip one up, then I think you'll want to try this recipe.  This is so delicious that you need to sample this one yourself.  This is the perfect pie to make when you're desperate for something sweet but feel lazy to bake, but still want it. 

You don't fool around with pie crust for this one.  Yes, you heard me.  This particular pie will do its magic and blend together to make a pie crust of its own.

All you do is get our mixing bowl, throw all the ingredients, beat with a whisk or your electric mixer, and then pour into a greased and floured 9-inch glass pie plate and bake. 

If we all didn't live so far apart, then I would have invited everyone over for a slice because this is the kind of pie that great to share with friends.  I would have just been busy baking for a little while, but I know you would have enjoyed it as much as I would have meeting each of you!

Easiest Custard Pie That Makes its Own Crust

1 can of evaporated milk (12 oz. size)
3 eggs
3/4 cup to 1 cup of sugar 
3 tablespoons of flour
3 tablespoons of canola oil or melted margarine
shake of nutmeg

Beat everything up and shake on the nutmeg before turning out into your greased and floured 9-inch glass pie pan.  Bake at 350-degrees for about 40-45 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Hard Candy Cosmetics 2011 Holiday Collections Review and Giveaway!--Ends December 13, 2011

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Hard Candy Cosmetics 4 Piece  Liquid Eyeliner Set and 4 Piece Mouthing Off Lipgloss set.jpeg
4 Piece  Liquid Eyeliner Set and 4 Piece Mouthing Off Lipgloss Set
Do you need some great stocking stuffers?  Hard Candy Cosmetics sent me a few of their 2011 Holiday Gift Sets for lips, eyes, and nails that would please any young woman for this review and giveaway.

Their 4 Piece Mouthing Off Lipgloss Set is a limited edition of sheer shine and luscious color to provide instant holiday glamour in four mini tubes.

Another fun set was the 4 Piece Liquid Eyeliner Set with a classic black color to brighter sparkling shades for show stopping attention.  This is a collection of four of their Walk the Line liquid eyeliners in limited minis that dry quickly and stay put for hours!

I also was sent four mini bottles of Hard Candy's Limited Edition Nail Polishes with Heart Rings.  These bold, glittery shades are perfect for getting into the holiday mood.  Glam it up with these long-lasting polishes that are void of DBP, toluene and formaldehyde for chip-resistant nails for parties or whatever the occasion.

Hard Candy Cosmetics Limited Edition Nail Polishes with Heart Rings.jpeg
Limited Edition Nail Polishes with Heart Rings

If you ask me, these holiday collections are a great way to sample some of Hard Candy Cosmetics fantastic products at a fraction.  You can find these special sets only at Walmart.  So stock up and experiment or give as gifts because these sets only stick around for a limited time!

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Thanks to Hard Candy Cosmetics, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States or Canada wins the following below:

4 Piece Mouthing Off Lipgloss Set
4 Piece Liquid Eyeliner Set
4 Limited Edition Nail Polishes with Heart Ring


Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by in a comment and email (if not in your profile)--in a comment.

2. Go to Hard Candy Cosmetics and tell me another product or something else you learned from their website in another comment.

Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--for 2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Tweet #Win #3CosmeticSets @HeresHardCandy #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/uOhJY5
Ends 12/13--(can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

"Like" Hard Candy Cosmetics on Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Hard Candy Cosmetics on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me the proof) 

Follow Hard Candy Cosmetics on Twitter--2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--2 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in two separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--2 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in two separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries to leave in two separate comments)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Please include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends December 13, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Friday, November 25, 2011

Gourmet Gift Baskets Classic Christmas Basket Review 

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Gourmet Gift Baskets Classic Christmas Basket.jpeg
Gourmet Gift Baskets Classic Christmas Basket
Are there some people that you have no clue as to what to buy them for a holiday gift?  If so, then I have an easy and delicious solution to help solve that often difficult problem.  You could send them a Classic Christmas Gift Basket like the one I was sent to review from Gourmet Gift Baskets.

The scrumptious assortment of award-winning snack products I received consisted of a big dark chocolate bar, cheese biscuits, raspberry honey mustard pretzel dip, dipping pretzels, peanuts, chocolate-covered cherries, gourmet chocolate-chip pecan cookies, buttered pecan crunch, trail mix, and almond pecan crunch.  This selection was simply hard to pull yourself away from each yummy product.  

This would make a fantastic gift for any person you need to buy for whether for the home or office.  Trust me, no one would be able to resist any basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets from what my family and I sampled. 

So if you're in a fix and need something special to send as a gift or just for yourself, then I highly recommend sending this $59.99  particular Classic Christmas Basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets.  

You can order Gourmet Gift Baskets online, find them on Twitter @gmtgiftbaskets and "Like" them on Facebook.  But I encourage you to find them and spread some holiday cheer giving a basket.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received was a free product to facilitate this review.*


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Garden Botanika Holiday Prime Time Collection Review and Giveaway!--Ends December 10, 2011

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Garden Botanika Holiday Prime Time Collection.jpeg
Garden Botanika Holiday Prime Time Collection


When Garden Botanika asked if I wanted to review and giveaway their new Holiday Prime Time Collection, I welcomed the opportunity to test out their four- piece set of primers to keep your makeup intact.  I was curious about what sort of improvement I would notice.


The kit includes their best selling "She's Prepped" Mineral Foundation Primer, a Lash Primer, Shadow Primer, and a Lip Scrub.  These four arrive in a perky green cosmetic case with a protective plastic lining in case of spills.

I was shocked at how using "She's Prepped" Mineral Foundation Primer seemed to work so much better than any moisturizer under my makeup.  This product seemed to mask my pores more to create a smoother surface because when I applied foundation my complexion was void of even the tiniest of flaws. 

The Shadow Primer was so wonderful for keeping mineral eye shadow beautiful without creasing for longer periods of time. 

The Lip Scrub was next for me to test.  After I put some on, I applied some lipstick that usually faded into my skin after about an hour.  I only kept this tube because it was such a pretty color that I liked to wear with one particular outfit.   Nonetheless, it was a pain to constantly need to repair my lips when I wore it.  However, I am happy to report that once I tried their Lip Scrub, I didn't have that same problem.  My lip color was still on my lips all morning until lunch without any signs of bleeding.

I thought the Lash Primer worked nicely thickening and lengthening my lashes considerably.   What else was great was how it kept my non-waterproof mascara in place.  I wore it all day and didn't have any flaking or smudging, even when I forgot I was wearing mascara, and rubbed my eyes. 

I really think these products are worth the extra little bit of time it takes to add them to your beauty routine.  Honestly, you will see an amazing difference in your skin's surface and smoothness that makeup will adhere better.  This set would make an amazing holiday gift for any woman! 

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Thanks to Garden Botanika, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States or Canada wins the same fabulous set below:

Holiday Prime Time Collection ($40 value):
"She's Prepped" Mineral Foundation Primer--1.41 oz.
Lash Primer--0.26 oz.
Shadow Primer--0.12 oz.
Lip Scrub--0.12 oz.

Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by in a comment with email (if not in your profile)--in a comment. 

2. Go to Garden Botanika and tell me another product or something else you learned from their website in another comment.

Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--for 2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Tweet Keep Makeup Fresh Looking! #Win #GardenBotanika PrimerCollection #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/supzmx Ends 12/10 (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

"Like" Garden Botanika on Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Garden Botanika on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me the proof) 

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--2 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in two separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--2 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in two separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries to leave in two separate comments)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Please include your email address (if not in your profile) along with the name you follow me by in Google Friend Connect inside your comment so I can FIND and contact you if you win.  

This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends December 10, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Lindsay Phillips Shoes Review and Giveaway!--Ends December 5, 2011

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.** 

Isabel Kitten Heel shoes.jpeg
Isabel Kitten Heels

All women know how important shoes are for creating a great look.  What's even nicer is if you can have one pair that you can change with a snap accessory so that it looks like a completely different pair like the one I was sent from Lindsay Phillips for this review and giveaway.

I received the cutest pair of black patent leather Isabel Kitten Heel Shoes.  The company was also kind enough to include a Kiara snap on accessory so I can switch the look of those shoes if I was so inclined.  The bow is actually black, but photographed gray.   

Kiara snap.jpeg
Kira snap

Their shoes run small so I ordered a pair one half size larger than I normally take, which is recommended.  I was keeping my fingers crossed to see how they would fit.  Honestly, I was so pleased because they fit perfectly and were comfortable.  Sometimes, you know how hard it is shopping for shoes in person and finding a pair your feet feel good in without trying them on first in is even more amazing. 

The company has so many exciting styles and design possibilities with their snap on accessories that you will want them all once you check out their snap shoes, switch flops,  jelly sandals, switch flops and ballet flats for kids, beautiful bags, gorgeous lightweight scarves, and chunky knit scarves.

Trust me, if you are looking for some comfy, but stylish shoes for the holidays or to give as gifts, then do head over to Lindsay Phillips.  You'll simply flip over what they have to offer and want to own them all.  But since this is the Christmas season, be generous and order an extra pair or several as gifts!  However, do remember to order one half size larger than you normally wear.

Thanks to Lindsay Phillips, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States or Canada wins a pair of their Liz Bronze Ballet Flats with an extra set of Snaps (a $64 value)!


Liz Bronze Ballet Flats.jpeg
Liz Bronze Ballet Flats


Both Are Mandatory To Enter: 

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by in a comment and email (if not in your profile)--in a comment.

2. Go to
Lindsay Phillips and tell me what other style shoe, bag, or scarf you also would love to try or something else you learned from their website and tell me which one in another comment.
 
Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--for 2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Tweet #Win Lindsay Phillips #Shoes #Giveaway @SwitchFlops via @Nuts4Stuff  http://nuts4stuff.blogspot.com/2011/11/lindsay-phillips-shoes-review-and.html  Ends 12/05 (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

"Like" Lindsay Phillips on
Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Lindsay Phillips on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me the proof)

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newsletter--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

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Check out the Lindsay Phillip video on
YouTube and tell me something you learned--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

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Twitter--2 extra entries  to leave in two separate comments

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on
Facebook--2 extra entries (leave two separate comments) 

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--2 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in two separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--2 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in two separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries to leave in two separate comments)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification.  

This giveaway ends December 5, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.
 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Neutrogena Cosmetics Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Dark blue is big for eyes this season with brown caramel tones for lips.  In the past, I steered away from blue shadows with my dark brown eyes.  If you were like me and thought blue shadow was not your thing, then you need to discover Neutrogena's Nourishing Eye Quad in Blue Smoke.

Nourishing Eye Quad and Healthy Lengths mascara.jpeg
Nourishing Eye Quad and Healthy Lengths Mascara

These four coordinated colors are hardly what you would think of for blue.  The base color is more a silver, the crease shade is almost a darker gunmetal gray with a tinge of blue, the accent shade for the outer corner of your eye is a deep blackish-blue, and the last, a white highlighting shade.  When applied and blended, these shades surround your eyes with smoky blue color that you darken or lighten, depending on your own preference.

I really was surprised at how dramatic this look was and the staying power.  At the same time, I loved using more of the crease and accent color instead of mostly the base for the lid.  I never thought any form of blue could be carried off with brown eyes, but this compact with only a hint of blue and more gray, silver, and black really worked that color in a stunning way.

When I tried Neutrogena's new Healthy Lengths Waterproof Mascara in Carbon Black, my eyes really popped with the rice protein that helped extend lashes without making them hard.  This formula thickened my lashes better than a lot of mascaras that I have used and is advertised to help strengthen them to allow growth.  The molded brush was terrific for clump-free application.

A perfect choice to get that brown caramel tone for your lips is with a tube of Neutrogena's Moisture Shine Gloss in Pure Cider.  This is a warm brown, pink, and peach combined in a tube like a luscious fall conditioning treat for your lips.  Your lips will never feel sticky which is an added bonus! 

Healthy Skin Glow Bronzer and Moisture Shine Gloss.jpeg
Healthy Skin Custom Bronzer and Moisture Shine Gloss

In keeping with this look, I opted for just a dusting of Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Custom Glow Bronzer in Sunrise Glow for just the right amount of color.  I honestly loved how this bronzer delivers that sheer pearlescent glow of radiance from varied tones of peach, brown, and a touch of pink in one compact without making your face too orange or brown like some others I have tried.   This bronzer gave a beautiful effect and was a lovely balance to the lip gloss and smoky blue eyes.

Check out my pictures and then visit your store or Neutrogena online!  Trust me, and you'll love recreating this look with those products or any of their fine cosmetics.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Monday, November 14, 2011

The Protein Bakery Review and Giveaway!--Ends December 3, 2011

Until I did a review and giveaway with The Protein Bakery some months ago, I was unaware of them.  However, this company is far from turning out just fabulous tasting sweets.  Instead, they bake exceptional baked treats that are more health conscious with no wheat flour or trans fats, low gluten, and lots of whey protein and fiber. 

But if you want to give a thoughtful gift this holiday season, then think about sending something  from this New York bakery for those on your shopping list.  I received nine luscious products for this review and giveaway.                                                                                            

I got two giant cookies, the Chocolate Chocolate Cherry Cookie, a decadent chocolate lover's delight with hints of cherry and the Trail Mix Cookie, loaded with fruits and nuts. 

The Black & White Blondie was my favorite, bursting with white and chocolate chips. The Pumpkin Walnut Blondie had giant pieces of walnut in a pumpkin blondie.  The Expresso Brownie was yummy, very rich and intense chocolate.

I was pleased also trying some cookie duos.  The Pumpkin Walnut Chocolate Chip cookies were delicious and loaded with so many walnuts and chips through this pumpkin pie tasting cookie.

The Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies was a hit here also and so was the Oatmeal Chocolate Chips for the chocoholics in my house.  But even more incredible was the Chocolate Chocolate White Chip Cookies with enough of both kinds of chocolates to satisfy the most demanding of my chocoholics.

Sending a gift of a box, tin, or whatever assortment would brighten anyone's holiday.  I sincerely love  what comes out of The Protein Bakery and highly suggest trying them yourself if you haven't had the pleasure already. 

Connect with them on the Web,  Facebook, on Twitter, or Linked In, or on You Tube

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Thanks to The Protein Bakery, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the continental United States
wins a taste of Protein Bakery (an assortment of two brownies/blondies, two colossal cookies and four cookie two-packs) for a $45 value with shipping!




Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by in a comment and email (if not in your profile)--in a comment.

2. Go to The Protein Bakery and tell me what you would love to try first or something you learned from the site in another comment.

Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--for 2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Tweet #Win @proteinbakery #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/vDPSkN Ends 12/03 (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

"Like" The Protein Bakery on Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share The Protein Bakery on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me the proof) 

Check out The Protein Bakery's video on YouTube and tell me something you learned--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Follow The Protein Bakery on Twitter--2 extra entries  to leave in two separate comments

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--2 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in two separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--2 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in two separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries to leave in two separate comments)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the continental United States.  No PO Boxes or APO addresses are eligible. Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends December 3, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Dei Fratelli Tomato Product Assortment Review and My Vegetarian Spicy Rice-Bean Dinner + GIVEAWAY!--Ends December 2, 2011

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Dei Fratelli Tomato Product Assortment.jpeg
Dei Fratelli Tomato Products


There are dozens of ways to use tomato products in your recipes.  When Dei Fratelli sent me another assortment of their quality tomato products for this review and giveaway, I was delighted because I cook with them more days than not!  

I was sent a 28 oz. can of Petite Diced Tomatoes, Seasoned Diced Tomatoes, All Purpose Italian Sauce and Whole Tomatoes, 26 oz. jar of Homestyle Pasta Sauce, 16 oz. jar of Casera Salsa, and 15 oz. can of Sloppy Joe Sauce and Pizza Sauce.

If you want to save money and time, drop some pounds before the holidays, eat something healthy and satisfying, then I really wish you would try this recipe.   This vegetarian dish has rice, pinto beans, onion, peppers, and cabbage to lend sweetness to the spices, salsa, and pasta sauce that once combined turn this into something incredibly delicious.


I honestly love it and make this dinner quite often.  Trust me, dear readers, the pounds will melt off without trying if only you eat this as a main dish a few times a week.  

a plate of My Vegetarian Spicy Rice-Bean Dinner.jpeg
 My Vegetarian Spicy Rice-Bean Dinner
My Vegetarian Spicy Rice-Bean Dinner

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1-1/2 cups  finely  sliced  cabbage
1 hot Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper
1/4 cup California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Bold & Peppery Olive Oil
3/4 cup cooked dry pinto beans
2 cups uncooked rice
2 tablespoons of Dei Fratelli Homestyle Pasta Sauce
2 tablespoons of Dei Fratelli Casera Salsa
2 teaspoons of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
4 cups of water
1/2 cup of uncooked macaroni


Add your finely chopped onion, chopped pepper, and fresh cabbage that you slice into thin diagonal strips into the pot with your olive oil and cook until onions become golden and the cabbage cooks some and softens a bit.

Next add your raw rice and macaroni, stir in sugar, salt, and spices and cook for a few minutes until thoroughly combined. 

Now add your water, cooked pinto beans, the sauces, and cook this on high until it comes to a boil.  Then cover with a lid and lower the heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is fluffy.

*This is own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  I did receive free products to facilitate this review.*

Thanks to Dei Fratelli and the Hirzel Canning Company, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins the same assortment of tomato products that I received:  a 28 oz. can of Petite Diced Tomatoes, Seasoned Diced Tomatoes, All Purpose Italian Sauce and Whole Tomatoes, 26 oz. jar of Homestyle Pasta Sauce, 16 oz. jar of Casera Salsa, and 15 oz. can of Sloppy Joe Sauce and Pizza Sauce.

Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you go by in a comment.

2. Go to Dei Fratelli's website and tell me which product you would love to try first or something you learned from their site in another comment.

Extra Entries:

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Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends December 2, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  


Saturday, November 12, 2011

How to Simplify Meal Preparation and Save Time!

Sometimes, the hardest part of cooking is all the assembly work.  I hate digging through boxes and bags, measuring, and then sticking them away every single time, which can be tedious. 

However, I have found a fantastic time saving way to measure the rice, elbow macaroni or the like for those recipes.  This is much more convenient and what I do now.

The next time you empty a 15-16 oz. peanut butter jar, wash it and save this for rice or macaroni.  Each jar of that size will contain about two cups of dry.  So when you need to whip up a casserole, all you have to do is grabbing your filled jar and use it.  This is a far easier way when preparing a recipe. 

If you usually need one cup of rice in your recipe, you just use half of the jar.  The same principle goes if you normally need four cups of rice or macaroni.  All you do is pull out two jars.

In fact, I buy my rice in a 25-pound bag.  I fill up as many of those peanut butter jars with rice as I have available.  The rice I keep in large canisters or even those five-quart plastic ice-cream buckets are great for this purpose.

I do hope you'll try this helpful recyling tip because I'm nuts about it! 

Friday, November 11, 2011

Harvey Prince Natural Perfumes NEW Yogini Perfume Review and Giveaway!--Ends December 1, 2011

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Can you imagine a perfume so soothing it can almost transport you to another spiritual plane?  This is how I felt when I took my first whiff of Harvey Prince Natural Perfumes newest creation, Yogini, that I was sent fresh from the bottler for this review and giveaway!

Harvey Prince Yogini Eau de Toilette.jpeg
Yogini Eau de Toilette
How else would you describe that mysterious blend of purifying sandalwood, golden amber touched with the beautiful combination of rose petals, blackcurrant buds, lily of the valley, star jasmine, and ylang-ylang?  Somehow, those carefully selected ingredients can make a heart sing.  And yet, this unbelievable feeling is intensified by the addition of joyous pink grapefruit, cardamom, and Madagascar vanilla as you loose yourself to the uplifting power this scent creates until it warms from sensual Egyptian myrrh that will ground you again.

For the serenely calming escape it delivers without any phthalates, parabens, sulfates, or GMO's, I think if there is any perfume that could help with stress it is Yogini.  To me, this newest Harvey Prince Natural Perfume would make a thoughtful gift because its scent takes you to a tranquil paradise in a world of chaos and stress.  What special woman on your holiday shopping list wouldn't benefit from such a beautiful trip as that?

Seriously, I am a huge fan of this company and love their perfumes, each differently of course!  No less, Yogini  Eau de Parfum is another Harvey Prince creation that I also adore and so will you once you take your own first whiff.

To make sure your holiday shopping gets off to the perfect start, Harvey Prince offers you a special discount for Cyber Monday when you enter *Fabmonday2* for a 50% discount in their store at checkout. This deal begins on Sunday, November 27th until noon on Tuesday, November 29th.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received was a free product to facilitate this review*

Thanks to Harvey Prince Natural Perfumes, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States or Canada wins a 1.7 fl. oz. bottle of Yogini Eau de Parfum Spray ($55 value)!


Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by in a comment and email (if not in your profile)--in a comment.

2. Go to Harvey Prince and tell me which product you would love to try first or something you learned from the site in another comment.


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Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends December 1, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Dermagist Eye Revolution Gel Review and Giveaway!--Ends November 29, 2011

*Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Dermagist Eye Revolution Gel.jpeg


Ever since my first review and giveaway of this company's Complete Rejuvenation System, I have become smitten with Dermagist for delivering amazing results.  As you can imagine, I welcomed the opportunity to test their Eye Revolution Gel for this review and giveaway.

Let me tell you, I suffer from allergies and often wake up with swollen eyes and circles dark enough to compete with any raccoon for ugly rings.  And yet, I love what I'm seeing after using this eye gel for only ten days.  

First of all, I noticed how that typical puffiness lessened considerably probably because of the ingredient called Eyeliss that helps drain Lymphatic fluids from capillaries in the eye area. 

Another amazing feat that Dermagist's Eye Revolution Gel performed was lighting up the dark under eye area as well.  I can only guess this was possible due to the ingredient, Haloxyl, which flushes out trapped blood in that area with Chrysin, the actual molecule that breaks down the darkness from the pooled blood so the area can heal.

I can't say how this eye gel would work on an involved wrinkle problem in the eye area since I only have a few fine creases.  However, I can report the skin beneath my eyes does, indeed, look smoother as well.  My guess is their ingredient, Matrixyl, the copper peptide that helps stimulate your own skin to produce healing Collagen could have something to do with it.

Honestly, I was thrilled with how this eye gel performed in reducing swollenness, lighting up the darkness in the eye area, and smoothing the skin.  I think this product is worth your time to investigate because it could do wonderful things for your eyes just as it did mine.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received was a free product to facilitate this review.*

Thanks to Dermagist, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins a 1/2 fl. oz.  bottle of Eye Revolution Gel ($99.99 value)!

 

Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by in a comment and email (if not in your profile)--in a comment.

2. Go to Dermagist and tell me which product you would also love to try or something you learned from the site in another comment.

Extra Entries:

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Tweet #Win #EyeGel #Giveaway @dermajuv via @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/v1Lg7S Ends 11/29 (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

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Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends November 29, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Want Some Great Other Uses for Leftovers?

Leftovers should be thought of carefully before being so hasty to throw them out.  

Try to set aside one day of the week to use all your leftovers.  I like Friday "as clean the refrigerator" day.  After inspection of what needs to be dealt with, I can reinvent some meals with my leftovers and get rid of them before my next trip to the grocery store.  Designating a day for just cleanups is also better than letting those foods get pushed to the back of the refrigerator where they will be forgotten, only to spoil.

Anyone can save so much extra money by taking those leftovers and reincorporating them in fresh new ways.  You might try taking out your food processor and puree those leftover vegetables, meats, or gravies and adding them to your soups.  You will thicken up your soup slightly and give your family added nutritional value with each bowl.

Besides pot pie and that easy recipe I shared with you here with the easy oil pie crust here, leftover chicken is also great in casseroles, crepes, stir fries, pureed in the food processor for chicken spreads for sandwiches, or to make chicken salads.

Another excellent idea for those leftovers is to chop everything up and add to an omelet.

The old standby of meatloaf is fantastic for using up leftovers.  You can puree what's on hand or chop fine and make it a part of your regular ingredients. 

After all, money is tight these days.  And I'm nuts when it comes to saving whenever possible.  How about you?

      

Monday, November 7, 2011

Glasses USA Review


I was contacted by GlassesUSA.com to review their company.  Being one of the millions of people that use eyeglasses, I was curious about what they have to offer.

Browsing their website, I was immediately impressed by their vast selection of glasses frames for the entire family, affordable prices, free shipping within the United States, and great guarantees.  The company offers a 110% lowest price guarantee as well as 100% customer satisfaction on your purchase.  If you need extra incentives, GlassesUSA.com even goes a step further with a generous refer-a-friend program.

Shopping for eyeglasses online is so easy and convenient.  Don't worry about having a valid prescription before ordering.  All you need to do is contact your optometrist for a copy before submitting your order.  Buying eyeglasses locally can often take time before your new pair is ready for you to take home.  However, this company gets those eyeglasses to customers without any long waits!

Your eyes are important.  So why wait putting off that purchase of new glasses when you'll find everything you could possibly want: quality, lots of styles to choose from, excellent service, guarantees--and all at bargain prices? 

Do check GlassesUSA.com's  website or find them on Facebook

Currently, the company has a great deal to save you even more. 
*Fall Sale* 
LIMITED TIME: Take 50% off any pair of prescription eyeglass frames (standard lenses included) with the code: Fall50 (additional charges may apply if optical lens upgrades are used).* 
*Take 10% off any order. Code: Blog10*

*Disclaimer:  This review was sponsored by Glasses USA.  Despite compensation for time and research, the opinion expressed was my own honest one.*