Barilla Pronto, One Pan, No Boil, No Drain ~ #Review

My family and I eat more pasta than rice.  You might think it might be the other way around in a Asian household.  When my mom stayed with me for a few weeks she made rice every day.  I told her that was the most rice I have eaten in three months.

Barilla Pasta ~ #Review #Giveaway

My family and I eat pasta all the time.  You would expect I would eat more rice but Pasta is my choice of carbs.  When they go on sale, I would stock up and purchase to fill my pantry.  When I received a few boxes of Barilla I knew it was pasta night.  The last few days I have been making spaghetti so today I made my yummy Chicken Penna in cheese and Classico alfredo sauce.

Must Try GayLea NEW Nordica Smooth Cottage Cheese ~ #Review #Giveaway

Usually, I only like my cottage cheese in my lasagna, never as a snack.  I know it is healthy and I tried it with fruit flavours but it was never my forte.  However, when I learned Gay Lea's has invented Smooth Cottage Cheese, I was very eager to try it.  It comes in two flavour - Salted Caramel and Vanilla Bean.  When the cottage cheese has the same texture as Greek yogurt it makes it all the difference.

Try the NEW Vector Granola Honey Almond Flavour ~ #Review & #Giveaway

Our Summer is always busy,  There are alot of events and things to do out in the sun.  My daughter has been in the water more times this year than any other years.  Summer is not done yet so there are plans to attend festivals, the beach, and maybe even visit good old Niagara Falls.  When we are out so much I have to make sure my daughters have a good morning meal and pack up some snacks to keep us going.  Kellogg's Vector has a great line of products that keeps us going all day long.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: 2015 Easter Edition ~ #Review & #Giveaway

Spring is finally here and Easter is less than two weeks away.  It is time to purchase some chocolates for Easter.  I have to be careful when I say the word chocolate in my house. They would come running and always seeking out if there are any. My daughters and I are big on chocolates. Watch out! My youngest daughter would even cry if I am in between her and her chocolate. My family was super excited to see when I brought home some Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory treats..

Fresh Attitude: Asian-Style Stir Fry Bowls ~ #Review

For the past few weeks I have been extremely busy.  Most of the week I had to skip my lunch break trying to catch up with all the work that is still on my desk. Whenever I finished one thing two more projects landed on my desk.  I was so busy I didn't have time to run out of the office to pick up some lunch.  Fortunately, I received a few boxes of Attitude stir fry kits.  Without them, I wouldn't have any lunches and I am already missing my breakfast.

I love food and I love to try products that just hit the shelves.  The best type of food is that it is all most ready to eat.  All I have to do is pop it into the microwave to heat it up.

Alokozay Tea: Spice & All That Nice Pack ~ #2014ChristmasGiftGuide & #Giveaway

When the season has changed to colder days, I drink a ton of tea.  The best feeling is when it is freezing outside and I drink my first sip of my hot tea.  I also drink alot of lemon tea to try to boost up my immune system.  Drinking tea is alot healthier than drinking pop.  A few times I have given Alokozay Tea as gifts to the child care provider because I know it is not easy working with younger kids all day and the tea is to help relax them.

Gay Lea’s New Coconut Whipped Cream ~ #Review & #Giveaway

If anyone knows me, I love sweets. I crave sweet things especially when I was pregnant. Maybe that is why both my girls have sweet tooths. When I am baking they are always cakes or cookies. Usually the best part of the cakes and cookies are the icing. My youngest daughter goes to the extreme and licks only the icing and leaves the rest of the dessert. It is really hard to make her to eat the actually cookie or the cake. Whenever we go out during the weekend my daughter always asks for her favourite drink – Strawberries and Creme Frap with Whip. She used to take a spoon and eat the whipped cream first. She might as well get a can of whipped cream and spray it into her mouth. If you love whipped cream like we do, you might noticed a new kid on the block – Gay Lea’s new coconut whipped cream.

Testing YogActive Fibre, Psyllium, and 3 fruits ~ #Review & #Giveaway

It is not a shocker how much cereal my family goes through each month. Some cereal barely last a week to show you how much we consume each month. Sometimes when things are hectic in the evenings or for whatever reason, we would have cereal for dinner. Don’t be surprised if we even have them for snacks too! This year I have mentioned Nuterra Granola and Swissli Musesli but let me also mention another great cereal brand they also carry is the infamous YogActive cereal. This was the first cereal I had tried that I had fallen in love with it, created by A & V 2000 Inc.

Jazz It Up with SummerFresh ~ #Review

It might be early for you but not to me but I like to plan my New Years get together early since some of my friends are hard to get hold of.  In some years I will host a potluck dinner.  It is the easiest way to not hurt the wallet and the cheapest to dine with friends at the comfort at your own home.  I am thinking to use Summer Fresh products this year as my contribution to the dinner.

Baking with President's Choice ~ #Review #2013ChristmasGiftGuide

I love to bake during this time of year.  I have no idea who thought up the idea that baking and Christmas goes hand and hand.  There are times when I am baking three different products to get it out of my system.  I think I make one of the best homemade chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.  They are even from scratch!  I love eating them with my morning tea...which reminds me I should be making a batch soon.  Sometimes I need the extra help during Christmas so I turn towards my trusty President's Choice in my usual grocery store's baking isle.

The Healthy Shopper Fall 2013 Healthy Picks ~ #Review

As a mother of two I am always looking for healthier food and eco friendly, natural products as much as I can.  The Healthy Shopper are back again this Fall to show their top picks of "another assortments of natural, organic and green choices" that are available in your local grocery store.  There is no need to shop at an additional store for these products. You can checkout their Spring selection here.

Christmas at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Giveaway #Review

Warning.  This post might have you lick your computer screen.  Christmas is not Christmas without chocolate overflowing on our treat table.  In my case it is almost empty again.  Everyone in my family loves chocolate especially the three vultures.  Normally I would not give it to my youngest daughter but she has to have what her big sister is having.  There is not way around it.  The one chocolate store they all love to go and visit is the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Store.  The place that always makes my mouth drool.  Check out their Christmas collection because there is something there for everyone.

Need ideas for Stocking Stuffers?  Check out the traditional Christmas Balls ($7oz of milk chocolate) that tastes so good that you could never have only one.  My girls have been begging me for another one then again for another.  I had to limit them to three each.  They are hovering over me to see if I wave and give them more.  This package is great for sharing among co-workers, class mates, or all to yourself if you don't want to share.

If you want to jazz it up a bit, the Christmas Tree (3.4 oz, milk, white, or dark) is also a great idea.  This tasty solid chocolate shaped into a tree is perfect to include as a decorative piece to attach on the present.  The recipient won't be incline to share like the Christmas Balls.  However this is much better than a bow.

A great mini gift idea or another stocking stuffer would be the Chocolate Pretzel Pack.  It contains 6 Pretzel dipped in chocolate and rolled in candy cane bits.  This is a great Christmas gift idea who  likes sweet, salty, and peppermint taste.  Perfect to give to someone like a school bus driver, school secretary, and even to the lunchroom teacher.

If you are looking for something cute and is the "bomb", try treating someone to the Candy Cane Santa Bomb as another stocking stuffer idea.  It is very hard to describe it but I will try my best.  It is shaped into a ball, almost like a truffle and inside contains with candy cane bits inside.  It taste so good and I wish I had more.  Make sure you purchase a few since they are hard to resist.  You can't have just one.

You can't forget those who celebrate Chanukah because Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory made this 4oz hollow milk chocolate Driedle just for the occasion.  This treat should be included in their driedle game.  It would be a great prize I bet everyone wants to get their hands on this chocolate.

Sometimes giving someone the same box of chocolate might be redundant.  Image if a teacher with 30 kids give her chocolates and it might be all the same/similar.  So here is some great ideas I think the receiver will enjoy.

The 11oz Clusters Christmas Tree (white chocolate drizzled over milk) would be a nice little gift to give or to keep at home.  I think it could be a great center piece at a Christmas party if it lasted long enough for the evening. Guests will be breaking a piece of it off throughout the night and it will be gone before you know it.  It is that good.  The top is shredded coconut mixed with chocolate.  The rest of the body is solid milk chocolate with a hint of dried cranberries.  This did not barely last a day so purchase plenty because they will be eaten before you know it.  If someone received this all wrapped up, they would not have guessed it was chocolate.

Candy Cane Bark has become a tradition for me.  I seem to purchase this for many years.  My daughter loves eating chocolate and candy canes and loves to eat these together.  Who could say no to a large bar of milk chocolate with a layer of crumbled candy canes? Another chocolate treat my daughter kept on eating.  I think I have 6"1 male mouse who also has been nibbling it away and he thinks I would not notice.

If you have someone who is nut crazy like me, I bet the 18oz Nut & Brittle Tray would be the perfect gift you might be looking for.  My whole family including my mom and brother loves nuts and chocolate.  This tray consist of 6.5" small tray of 6oz deluxe brittle, 6oz bag of mixed nuts, 5.5 oz chocolate covered almond clusters and 3 pieces of chocolate foiled bells.  It was all good.  After a few days there is barely anything left.  I know a few people in my life would love to have this.  This would also be great to serve at a Christmas party.  Purchase enough for the evening and all you have to do is unwrap it.  Your are all set, don't even need to find a plate because it comes with a tray to use to display the goodies.

Rocky has gift packs that starts at C$29.99 that has a combination of items the receiver will enjoy.

The final verdict is that my family and I absolutely adored every chocolate that came to my house.  It was the hardest to pick and choose when selecting which one to sample.  Since my family and I devoured them in record time I have no choice but to restock with more Rocky Mountain chocolates.  Hop over to Rocky Mountain chocolate factory store and there is so much selection that you will sure not be disappointed and there is a possibility that you might pick up something for yourself.

There is a Christmas promotion that ends December 25th that inside in selected 14oz boxed chocolate might contain a Rocky Card value between $10 to $100.  Good Luck!

GIVEAWAY!

The infamous Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory would like to offer two of my lucky readers a $25 gift card each to their store.  That is chocolate heaven.

This contest will run from November 27th to December 25th, 2013 (midnight EST).  Winners, You have 72 hours to reply.  You must be 18+ Canadians Only.  Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Alokozay Tea ~ #Review & #Giveaway

I could almost say I am a tea-alcoholic.  There is hardly a day when I don't have a cup of tea by my side.  I have my favourites but I am always looking for new ones.  I love to try a wide range of teas to discover new flavours and scents.

Oh! Naturals Flavoured Banana Chips ~ #Review & #Giveaway

I blink my eyes and my daughter is back at school.  I can't believe how fast this summer has been.  I am lucky at the moment that I had to worry about packing lunch for one.  My youngest is at a day care and they provide food for her there.  It makes all the difference.  Ever since my oldest has started school, I have been looking for items to pack into her bag.  I have learned that when I give her the same items over and over again, she will eventually lose interest and would not eat it.  I am always on a look out for new products to try and taste.

August SnackBox Unboxing ~ #Review & #Giveaway

This is one unboxing I absolutely love because other than makeup I am uncovering a collection of food. FOOD!  Did you hear me?  If you have been following me from the get-go I had reviewed many beauty boxes subscriptions over the years.  You could say it was one of the reasons why I started my blog and it evolved into what it is now.

Dream Tea Boutique ~ #Review & #Giveaway

If you may recall, I am a huge tea drinker.  Most people travel with water in their water bottle but I always have tea in my travel mug.  I even purchased a thermal bag just for my travel mug.  Yes, I am a tea lover with a capital "T".   I have always been drinking tea, growing up since my parents always orders tea when we go out for dim sum or ate dinner at a Chinese Restaurant.  There was no way I could avoid drinking tea.  Then over time I'm always searching for great tea to try and to enjoy.  If you are asking where to buy great tasting tea, look no further because I know another great place to look.

I have discovered a fine tea boutique online store that sells an amazing variety of flavoured teas.  You know me, I can't keep this information to myself.  This online store is located out in Coquitlam, BC called Dream Tea Boutique which they import, distribute, and wholesaler carrying high-quality teas from Europe.  Dream Tea Boutique carries a world famous tea - Forsman Tea (Finland) at a very reasonable prices with over 50 selection of tea which also include Organic and Fair Trade loose leaf teas.

Dream Tea Boutique

Crazy over Katy Perry's New Kettle Corn Chips by Popchips ~ #Review & #Giveaway

Once of my favourite snacks are popchips.  My top two flavours are the original and BBQ and I believe most of you might agree.  I like to purchase the bulk size at Costco because that is the best size to share with the family.  They are so good they don't last very long so bulk is usually the best way to go.  If you have not tried them before you better check them out because you will not know what hit you.  They are one of the best tasty snacks out there.

Then the amazing thing happened when Katy Perry (yes, the one and only) and Popchip teamed up and launched Katy's Kettle Corn Chips.  Yup, I did say Kettle - my favourite word I like to see when I am grocery shopping.

The Return of BBQ Pulled Pork at Subway ~ #PR

Back by popular demand!  SUBWAY announced the return of its bold and smoky slow-cooked BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich.  Available August 1st, 2013.

 “We brought BBQ Pulled Pork back for one simple reason – our customers asked for it. And at SUBWAY® restaurants, we believe you should be able to have your favourite sandwich made your way,” said Kathleen Bell, Director of National Marketing, SUBWAY® Restaurants in Canada. 

The BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich will be available in SUBWAY® restaurants across Canada until September 15.

*Disclosure - This is not influenced by monetary compensation.

Let's eat Cake! with McCain: Deep'n Delicious ~ #Review

I was invited to a lunchon to meet with Tori Spelling about her new book, celebraTORI: Unleashing Your Inner Party Planner to Enterain Friends and Family, and the relaunch of McCain's Deep'n Delicious cakes with better ingredients.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the event but they did send me some coupons to pick some cakes at the stores to try them out.

McCain was one of my childhood treats while growing up.  I remember they were $2 each and didn't have many flavours/choices.  I think they were also bigger or I have gotten bigger and noticed things are just getting smaller.

The relaunch of their classic McCain Deep'n Delicious Cake (Chocolate, Marble, and Vanilla flavours) "that are now with better ingredients as part of the company's McCain It's All Good commitment to make foods with real ingredients like you'd find in your own kitchen."   Hmmm, I wonder