Mohawk Home Memory Foam Bath Rug Review & Giveaway Ends 10/4/11

For some reason, after we moved, I never thought to buy a new bathroom rug. I just had too much on my mind and a bathroom rug seemed like the least of my worries.

During the winter months, I came to rather regret that I'd over-looked it! Stepping out onto a cold tile floor is not a pleasant experience in the winter. So, I just grabbed an older towel and made do.

As Spring and Summer approached, I just kept using the towel and didn't give it further thought. That is, until I happened to discover the marvelously luxurious Memory Foam Bath Rugs from Mohawk Home.

Bath Rugs

Bath rugs can provide a dramatic aesthetic appeal to an otherwise dull bathroom. For the consumer who wants a soft, absorbent, and natural bath rug, cotton is the fiber of choice. Cotton bath rugs come in many colors and patterns and can add an element of design that can compliment the other design elements in the room. Other consumers prefer the durability and ease of care of nylon bath rugs that come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Nylon bath rugs come with a skid resistant backing that adds a measure of safety on hard (and potentially wet) surfaces. In addition, Mohawk's exclusive Everset™ treatment brings a level of bleach and stain resistance never seen before in bath rugs.

Is a bath rug really that important? Yes, actually, I believe that it is important. The Bathroom / shower is just as much a part of the home as any other room. I want my bathroom to be clean, comfortable, and safe.

Stepping out onto a towel (a wet towel at that) is not safe. Towels slip as do some rugs that aren't meant for bathroom use but wind up there anyway.

The Mohawk Home Memory Foam Bath Rug resists sliding and I feel MUCH safer stepping out of the bath or shower now.

Mohawk Home, the rug division of Mohawk Industries, is the largest manufacturer of area rugs, indoor and outdoor mats, and washable rugs in the United States.

Because we participate in a fashion industry, Mohawk Home employs a team of design professionals specifically recruited for their expertise in textiles and floor covering innovation. With a commitment to relevance in style we are continuously creating trend setting designs and constructions as well as updating timeless classics.

While we view ourselves as an innovative, fashion-design company, we never lose focus on our mission to produce the highest quality and value-oriented products possible, while minimizing our impact on the world around us. As part of the largest flooring manufacturer in the world, we are able to control quality from raw materials to the finished product. Through sustainable manufacturing and the dedication of our associates we can ensure that the Mohawk product always delivers the best value at the best price with world-class service.

You can find our products at all the great retailers.

When given the opportunity to review this rug for my readers, I jumped at the chance!

I chose my Memory Foam Bath Rug from Anna's Linens.

I decided to get the Medium sized (20" X 34") Memory Foam Bathroom Rug in AQUA. It's a lovely colour -- soft and soothing. It's just so brilliantly soft. It cushions and conforms to your feet when you step on it. And it's SO warm! No more cold feet out of the shower! YES!

Memory Foam Bathroom Rug
The Memory Foam Bathroom Rug is ultra absorbent and super soft. Miro-dry is a revolutionary new fabric that absorbs water twice as fast as other materials. Dries 30-50% quicker than other bath rugs. Choose from this large selection of colors and some sizes for your bathroom.

•100% Polyurethane Foam
•20% Polymide, 80% Polyester
•Slip Resistant Base
•Place on a dry surface before use
•Available in 6 colors – Pearl, Onyx, Fern, Aqua, Pebble and Chocolate

Product Measurements:
•Small rug - 17"Wx24"L
•Medium rug - 20"Wx34"L

Care Instructions:
•Machine Washable
•Stretch and reshaping upon removal from dryer.
Price: $12.99 to $19.99

To see more, just watch this short video:



Isn't that fantastic? I wouldn't trade my Memory Foam Bath Rug for anything. I love it. Mike loves it. As Summer comes to an end and our days (and nights) become cooler, I'm ever grateful to have this rug in my bathroom.

It absorbs away moisture and keeps my floor dry. Of course, my feet are warm and not slip-sliding on the cold, tile floor!

The feet and legs you see are Mike's. He had to get in on this review as he quite likes this new bath rug! :)

The wonderful folks at Mohawk Home would love to connect with you! Visit their website, and Social Media pages: Facebook, YouTube, and mohawk_home on Twitter.

Mohawk Home has also generously offered one of my readers the opportunity to win a beautiful Memory Foam Bath Rug for their very own! And you get to choose the colour you want, too! How cool is that?

Just follow the directions below for your chance to enter to win!

Contest open to USA only. One entry per household, please. All entries will be confirmed. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 4, 2011. Prizes will be mailed to the winner by the sponsoring company (Mohawk Home).

*DISCLOSURE: I received a Mohawk Home Memory Foam Bath Rug for the purpose of review. I received no monetary compensation. I was under no obligation to write this review. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

Sacred Rose Tea Review & Giveaway: Ends 9/23/11

As you probably know, I'm a coffee addict drinker. Recently, however,
I've noticed that a hot cup of tea really helps me to relax and calm down from my rather hectic days.

Mike's been drinking hot tea for years. His Mom is a dedicated tea-drinker and neither she nor Mike like coffee at all.

They were both thrilled when I told them that I'd been given the opportunity to review the amazing blends of Sacred Rose Tea.

Soul of the Rose® - a sensual blend of cloves, alfalfa, rose hips and pink rose buds which transmutes trauma into peace and joy. This blend addresses Sacral Chakra issues and is especially beneficial to survivors of sexual abuse. Soul of the Rose® balances the yin-yang of the bodymind as it assists the sensual body in opening to more intimate levels of healing.

I admit, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd had store-bought tea bags before, of course, but I knew this was going to be different. And it was!

The tea arrived in a beautiful brown and pink striped box. Each box comes with a soft-pink ribbon and a gift card which describes the tea inside.

Once you open the tea, the fragrance surrounds you. Clean, crisp, and inviting. I couldn't wait to make it!

Mary, Mike, and I settled in for a cup of Soul of the Rose and all of us were happily delighted. As good as the tea smells, it tastes even better.

There's no comparing it to the boxed teas of the grocery aisle. This is REAL tea. Loose leaf tea blended to perfection.

I know I was very surprised by the ease of brewing the loose leaf and how little (just one teaspoon) it takes to make a cup. I learned that infusing the tea with boiling water for just 3-5 minutes allows the tea to blossom with flavour.

It's not like any hot tea I'd ever had before.

What can I say about the taste? The tea plays on your tongue -- as soon as you taste the warmth of the cloves, the sweet lightness of rosehips dances across your palette.

Soul of the Rose is an incredible healing tea. It soothes the spirit and the body.

In the times of the Goddess, cryptic symbols were utilized to direct lost souls on the path of consciousness. The Rose is one of those symbols.

The Rose is symbolic of sacred female sexuality. In ancient Goddess culture, the five-petal Rose represents the five phases of female life: birth, menstruation, motherhood, menopause, and death.

The Rose is also an anagram for Eros, the Greek God of sexual love. Rose and Eros unified are Hieros Gamos, sacred marriage.

The blossoming Rose personifies the blessed womb.

Soul of the Rose® is a delicate and joyful Sacred Rose® Organic Herbal Blend of cloves, alfalfa, rose hips, and pink rose buds. It facilitates trauma into peace and joy and is especially beneficial for survivors of sexual abuse.

The first time I experienced this tea (for each cup is an experience) I was with Mike and his Mom. The second time, I wanted to be alone. The room was quiet and fairly dark -- and I allowed myself to drift away. Just a short 20-minute break from the day's worries. But I was refreshed -- nourished -- when I finished the tea.

What a lovely feeling -- to be refreshed and renewed by something as simple and comforting as a cup of tea.

About Sacred Rose Tea:
Sacred Rose® Organic Herbal Tea raises the vibrational frequency of humanity one cup of tea at a time. Our herbal tisanes may be enjoyed both as beverages and as vibrational remedies.
Herbs are the Earth’s living medicine. They are effective healing agents due to their natural resonance with both the energetic and physical human body. Sacred Rose® Organic Herbal Teas stimulate the energy body's innate ability to heal. Each Sacred Rose® blend facilitates an inner alchemical process within the matrix of the body-mind, opening the gateway for a change in consciousness.

Sacred Rose® Organic Herbal Tea is committed to providing products that both enhance our creative life force and sustain our planet. Sacred Rose® proprietress, Maria Pologeorgis, has inspired thousands of people internationally through her conscious business practices and companies. Presently, Maria travels throughout the United States and abroad teaching wellness practices and facilitating consciousness awareness. She is the founder of Sacred Rose LTD Conscious Human Development and CEO of Sacred Rose® Organic Herbal Tea.

As a conscious company, Sacred Rose® Organic Herbal Tea takes pride in offering sustainable, eco-friendly products. Indulge in our products: Treat yourself or share our many teas, teapots and infusers as gifts for the tea lovers in your life.

Sacred Rose Tea is available in several soul-inspiring blends: Clearing Tea, Morning Blossom, Mother Earth Zest, Inner peace, Dreamtime, Beloved, and Matri.

Each Sacred Rose Tea is blended to soothe, cleanse, and comfort the body, mind, and spirit.

Preparation for
Sacred Rose® Organic Herbal Teas:

To retain the aroma & flavor of Sacred Rose® Organic Herbal Teas, infuse one teaspoon of your favorite Sacred Rose® Blend into one cup of boiling water for 3-5 minutes.

For an 8 to 10 cup pot, steep one to two tablespoons of your favorite Sacred Rose® Organic Herbal Tea in boiling water for 5-8 minutes.

We invite you to allow your herbal tea to infuse and breathe your home.


The lovely people of Sacred Rose Tea have generously offered one of my readers the chance to experience their amazing teas.

Sacred Rose Tea is giving one reader a 3 oz. box of the soothing Inner Peace® - a relaxing medley of chamomile, sage and passion flower that assists the emotional and physical bodies to calm.

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter.

Contest open to USA, only. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT September 23, 2011. One entry per household, please.

DISCLOSURE: I received a 3 oz. box of Soul of The Rose Tea for the purpose of review. I received no monetary compensation. I was under no obligation to write this review. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

Ragu: A little spice... and something nice! Ends 9/16/11

I must tell you how inspired I am by Ragu's amazing new program called Mom's the Word on Dinner!

A couple of weeks ago, I told you about The One-Bite Rule and how Mike and I used it (and still use it) to get our daughter and ourselves to try new foods.

Watching the video's of other Moms describing their meal plans, offering tips and suggestions, offering support, sharing recipes... it's an incredible source of invaluable information and knowledge. After all, who knows what a Mom needs more than another Mom?

There are many issues facing Mom (or Dad) when it's time to plan dinner: What to cook, how to make it appealing, how much to cook, and what to do with left-overs.

You and I know that pasta on it's own is fairly bland. It must be paired with other ingredients to really shine.

Spicy foods are always popular as long as the heat is manageable. Too hot and it's too much. Especially for the younger kids.

Recently, Mom's The Word on Dinner asked this question:
How do YOU spice up dinner?



Tonight, I'd like to tell you how we not only spice up our pasta dishes but how we get two great meals out of one quick and easy prep session!

Recipe #1: Shrimp fra Diavolo

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds of shrimp: heads off, peeled, deveined
1 large jar Ragu Traditional Sauce
1 small jar of hot (or medium for a milder heat) salsa
1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo
1 box linguine
Fresh grated parmesan cheese
Butter (real butter is best)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup finely diced red onion

DIRECTIONS:

Place Ragu and salsa in a pot and stir together. Allow to simmer on low while preparing the shrimp.

Rinse the peeled, deveined shrimp to ensure all the shell is off.

In a skillet,  saute the butter and onion and simmer on medium-low for 5 minutes until onions begin to soften, add the shrimp and garlic and toss occassionally until all of the shrimp is bright pink. Make sure each shrimp is nicely coated with sauce.

Add the shrimp mixture to the Ragu / salsa pot and stir together. Continue to simmer on low as you prepare the linguine. Resist the urge to simmer on a higher temp as you don't want to over cook the shrimp!

Prepare the linguine as directed. Drain and plate. Pour 1/2 of the Sauce over the pasta. (Don't add the pasta to the sauce pan!)

***Be sure to reserve 1/2 of the sauce / shrimp mixture for tomorrow's meal!***

Sprinkle the top of the plate with pico de gallo and parmesan cheese and enjoy!

A gourmet pasta dish in under than 30 minutes!

Recipe #2: Shrimp Po-Boys

This is my take on the New Orleans version of the Po-Boy. Simple, quick, and oh-so-delicious!

Ingredients:

Provolone Cheese -- sliced
Mozzarella Cheese -- sliced
Hoagie Rolls
Left-over Ragu / Shrimp mixture

DIRECTIONS:

Re-heat the Ragu / Shrimp mixture on low. (About 15 minutes).
Slice open Hoagie rolls and place a slice of mozzarella on one side and provolone on the other. Toast until the cheese is bubbly. Pour some of the shrimp mixture over the Hoagie roll and serve with a side of veggies or a salad.

It's a spicy, delicious meal that you and your kids will love!

Your prep time for this dish? About 15 minutes!

Two meals -- easy prep. More time spent with the kids!

Left-overs don't have to be boring and bland. They can always be spiced up and eagerly anticipated -- you just have to think outside the... recipe box! ;0

The fabulous folks at Ragu want to know what you think about dinner, too! You can connect with them at Mom's the Word on Dinner, @ragusauce on Twitter, and on their YouTube Channel.

They have also very generously offered *FIVE* of my readers a chance to win a Jar of Ragu Sauce PLUS a $10 GC to help you prepare a fabulous meal for your family!

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation for this post. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).

UGLee Pen -- The Ergonomic Pen Review and Giveaway! Ends 9/19/11

As much as I'm on the Computer Keyboard, I am also taking pen to paper in my journal and my daily planner.

I love pens. I always have done. I've been writing stories, articles, poetry, diaries, school papers since I was six years old.

I also have had cramps in my fingers and hands since I was about 20 years old. 30 years of that is more than enough. Now that I have arthritis -- I've had to cut back on my daily writing.  It just hurts too much after a few minutes.

When I was offered the chance to try the new UGLee Pen I was positively ecstatic! I'd read the reviews and knew I wanted to try it. When I opened the package containing my three new pens, I could tell I was on to something special!

Contrary to what I'd read, these pens are NOT ulgy at all! In fact, I love their look and especially how they feel in your hand.  (Mine are pink!)

The UGLee Pen is the first truely Ergonomic Pen that I've ever used. It's a pleasure to hold it and write with it.

I am always writing in my Day Planner -- from giveaways to contacts, birthdays to lunch meetings, grocery lists to every-day reminders. I have to have a pen that not only writes well but doesn't cause my fingers and hands to spasm and cramp.

This is truly a comfort pen -- it makes writing a pleasure again. While I still have arthritis, of course, the UGLee Pen has taken away most of the discomfort in my fingers and hands when I'm writing. That sells me on this pen!

Mike (Review Daddy) is also a convert! When he's at work, writing his Field Notes is often a juggling act. Using a pen that not only writes at every angle but provides a cushion for his fingers is a must. He was so impressed that he took *2* of my pens! He has one in his Field book and one in his computer bag.

Mine is tucked safely away in my planner! :)

Could you benefit from using the amazing UGLee Pen?

Everyone and anyone can benefit from using Dr. Lee's Ultimate Grip Pen. The UGLee Pen was designed for every hand, from big to small. It doesn't matter if you write all day or if you only write for five minutes a day. After using the Ultimate Grip Pen by Dr. Lee, you will never want to use another pen again. If you do not love the pen, send it back and Dr. Lee will give you 100% of your money back, guaranteed!



The world's most comfortable ergonomic pen, The Ultimate Grip Pen by Dr. James Lee is a revolutionary ergonomic pen that is designed, created and used by a real physician. This Doctor- inspired grip pen is redefining the way people view ergonomic pens. Try the UGLee Pen, you will love it.

Dr. Lee has generously offered one of my
readers the chance to try the UGLee Pen for themselves! Isn't that fabulous? Trust me, you are going to L*O*V*E it!

Open to USA only. All entries WILL be confirmed! Giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m EDT on Monday, September 19th, 2011.

DISCLOSURE: I received a package of three UGLee Pens for the purpose of review. I received no monetary compensation. I was under no obligation to write a review of this item.
The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).

Mediterranean Snack Foods -- Review & Giveaway -- Ends 9/16/11

As you know, I've been trying to eat healthier and lost some weight. Its not always easy. In fact, for me, it's often very hard as I'm a snacker, a hold-over from my college days, I suppose.

I've been actively searching for healthier snack foods and I do believe I've struck gold!

I discovered Mediterranean Snack Foods! These snack chips and crackers are truly unique and absolutely delicious. Not to mention a very healthy alternative to the fried snacks I often buy.

Mediterranean Snack Foods make their Baked Chips and Crackers from Lentils.

Lentils are an ancient grain and are among the world’s healthiest foods. They are high in protein, vitamin B1, and essential minerals for a healthy diet.

I love the taste of the baked Lentil chips and crackers: it's light, crunchy, and definitely very flavourful. (Mike and I finished off a bag of Cracked Pepper Chips in one night. (We were watching a Braves game -- you understand!)

When I can get Mike to eat a chip or cracker that isn't fried... you KNOW it must be good! When I catch him making off with another bag... That my friends is a testimonial!

Mediterranean Snack Foods makes all of their oven-baked Lentil Chips and Crackers with all-natural ingredients. They are gluten-free, low-fat, a good source of protein, and Kosher!

I love dipping the chips into hummus -- it's so yummy! Plus, it's the added advantage that I'm eating a healthier snack. A snack that also tastes so good.

Needless to say, the chips are going fast! We are savouring the crackers. We're spreading the light, flavourful crackers with soft cheese (brie especially) or adding slices of baby Swiss and munching away!

The Mediterranean Snack Food Company is an entrepreneurial, privately-held company founded in 2005. Our mission is innovation to produce great tasting, nutritionally superior snacks.
Using the superfood benefits of lentils in combination with whole grains and legumes, we create unique healthy and delicious snacks.
We use only the highest quality, non-GMO, and gluten-free ingredients, creating snacks to satisfy even the most health-conscious food enthusiast.
But our commitment to nutritional excellence never causes us to lose sight of the most important feature of good snacking – Great Taste!

Our Values
*We are committed to providing the best natural snack products for our customers who we consider part of our family.
*Our products are grown naturally, free from any additives, chemicals and genetic modification.
*We are long term partners with our customers and retailers, and value our relationship with them.
*We are committed to supporting the local communities we serve and the longevity of all our partners, employees and suppliers that work with us.

You can connect with The Mediterranean Snack Food Company on their
Blog, Facebook, and Twitter pages and also on their YouTube Channel.

The wonderful folks at Mediterranean Snack Foods have generously offered one of our readers an amazing sampler package similar to the one I received!

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

Open to USA only. One entry per household, please. All entries will be confirmed. Contest will close 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, September 16, 2011. Prize will be mailed directly to the winner by the Sponsor.

Disclosure: I received a sampling of Lentil Chips and Crackers from Mediterranean Snack Food Company for the purpose of review. I received no monetary Compensation. I was under no obligation to write this review. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).

Socks4Life -- Review & Giveaway -- Ends 9/12/11

We go through a lot of socks in this house! Especially Mike -- he's a Land Surveyor -- and socks don't last long for him.

For me, it's a bit different. I only wear socks in the wintertime. (Yeah, I know, but I grew up in a beach.)

It's a bit frustrating, too, as end up going to half a dozen places trying to find the "right" socks for Mike: work, athletic, casual. It's tiresome.

For me, it's been a pain in the neck because I prefer crew socks and I have a really hard time finding the one's I like and want.

Not anymore, thank goodness! I've discovered Socks4Life!

Socks4Life is an on-line one stop shop for socks. EVERY TYPE OF SOCK!
There are Men's Socks: Tube, Crew, Thermal, Athletic, Diabetic, Wool, Cotton. Everything the man in your life needs to keep his feet comfortable, warm, and happy!



I ordered the All Sport Men's Tube Socks for Mike. A 6-pair package is on sale right now for only $8.95!

Always a classic, these tube socks are step above others. With a full cushioned support on the bottom and strong cotton blend, these are not your normal tube socks. Great for walking, sports, or every day wear. Each package contains 6 pairs of white tube socks. Made in the USA.

These are perfect for Mike. He wears boots at work -- it's best for the conditions, terrain, and weather he's in daily.

However, Socks4Life also carries Women's Socks, too! You'll find slippers, slouches, dress, casual, knee-socks, liners, novelties... and everything else under the sun!

I ordered the American Made Women's Purple Heel and Toe Crew Socks for myself. Love that touch of purple! :) The 3-pair pack is on sale for just $7.95 now!



Our American Made Women's Purple Heel and Toe Crew Socks come with a full cushioned bottom, reciprocated heel and toe for a better fit, and a welted top. Made in the USA.

These crews are perfect for me. The don't slip down inside my shoes and they don't "rub" the tops of my toes. They also keep my toes nice and warm -- a great plus for the damp Georgia Winters.

Oh! I don't want to forget the kids! Socks4Life carries an amazing selection of Kid's Socks as well -- in every style, colour, and size!

You won't have wander around from store to store (on-line or in town) ever again. It's all here for you and your whole family at Socks4Life.

The generous folks at Socks4Life have offered one of my oh-so-lucky readers the chance to experience their on-line store by giving them a $25 Gift Card! How cool is that?

Just follow the directions below for your chance to enter to win!

Contest open to USA only, please. One entry per household. All entries WILL be confirmed. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. on September 12, 2011

DISCLOSURE:
I received a $25 GC to facilitate this review (used to purchased the socks mentioned above). I was under no obligation to write a review. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

Madison At Main -- Review and Giveaway -- CLOSED

CLOSED!

I love accent rugs! I always have. There is something cheery and comforting about a small rug under my feet.

I have one in my kitchen, in my bath, and now, thanks to Madison at Main, one under my chair at my computer desk!

Madison at Main is a company out of Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in amazingly lovely, functional rugs.

We pride ourselves in carrying high quality, accent rugs with beautiful designs and bright colors suitable for every room in your home. Our accent rug collection is machine washable, fade resistant, and durable enough to withstand use in your most highly trafficked areas. Add style and functionality to your home by using our accent rugs as kitchen rugs or bathroom rugs. We also have a wide selection of area rugs and decorative rugs available in a variety of styles and sizes. Let us help you spruce up your home décor with our fantastic selection of contemporary rugs!

I was delighted to receive the most wonderful, whimsical accent rug from the Homefires collection.

Kittens with Butterflies is simply delightful. It brings a smile to my face everytime I see it. :)

This Homefires Accents Rug is an indoor, machine-washable rug. At 22" inches X 34" inches and 1/2" thick -- it's perfect for bedside, bath, kitchen, or anywhere your heart desires! And the price? At a mere ARV of just $39.95 -- it's a steal!

If you are looking to add a little more elegance to your home, then let Homefires™ Accent rugs help! Featuring a wide variety of designs and colors, these wool look-a-like, machine washable rugs were made with luxury in mind. Feel free to put them in any room in need of some color and style. Homefires™ Accents can pull a whole room together when matched to a color or theme!

Most of the designs from the Homefires Collection may also be found in the Jellybean Rug Collection. The Jellybean Rugs are a bit thinner (at 1/4 inch thick) and better suited to outdoor use.

Washable rugs are no longer difficult to find! Jellybean™ brand accent rugs come in many colorful and fun designs, and they are all machine washable! If you can fit it in the washing machine, you can wash it. Jellybean™ rugs are also indoor AND outdoor! Go ahead and put them out on the front porch, patio, by the back door, the garage, anywhere! Not only that, every Jellybean™ rug is made of 35% recycled post-consumer PET plastic! There are so many designs to choose from that everyone will find something they like. Jellybean™ rugs also make great gifts, even for kids!

You can connect with Madison at Main on their Website, Facebook Fan Page,  on Twitter @MadisonatMain , and the Madison at Main Blog.

Madison at Main has issued a promo code: ROSES10. It's good for 10% off a purchase when entered at checkout and will last for the duration of the giveaway!

The lovely folks at Madison at Main have generously offered one of my readers the chance to win either a Homefires Accents Rug or a Jellybean Rug of their very own!

Just follow the directions below for your chance to enter to win!

The contest is open to US residents only.

DISCLOSURE: I received the Kittens with Butterflies Homefires Accent Rug for the purpose of review. I received no monetary compensation. I was under no obligation to review this item. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with this item.

Microplane Review & Giveaway -- CLOSED!

CLOSED!!!

We cook a lot of meals with fresh vegetables at my house -- Mike is very much a meat and potatoes kinda guy (It's the Scot in him, I'm sure)!

However, I h*a*t*e to peel potatoes and carrots. And I can't eat carrots that haven't been peeled... I just... can't. Potatoes... some are great with the skin on and some not so much.

I've tried various peelers in my time and haven't ever been satisfied with any of them.

Lizz called me to tell me about a great Peeler she'd received and said, Mama, you have GOT to try this! So I did.

The Microplane Easy Prep Straight Peeler is fantastic kitchen tool. It's sturdy... a bit heavier than most peelers (thankfully! I like a tool with some heft to it)... and fits nicely into the palm of your hand.

The Microplane Easy Prep Peeler features a soft grip ergonomic handle with a sharp stainless steel blade. It's designed to make food prep easy and effortless.

It's certainly made life easier for me. I have arthritis. A small-handled peeler and my hands are in agony after 5 minutes. The larger, softer grip handle of the Easy Prep Peeler is such a welcome relief -- a blessing for arthritic hands!

Easily peel potatoes, carrot, cucumbers and other vegetables. The contemporary design of the new Microplane® straight blade peeler features soft grip ergonomic handles and sharp stainless steel blades designed to make food prep easy and effortless.

Product Details:
*Use end piece to remove produce blemishes.
*Perfect for both right and left handed use.
*Cover included.
*Outer Dimensions: 6 1/4" x 2 1/8" x 1 1/2"
*Weight: 4 oz.
*Materials: 18/8 stainless steel blade. Premium soft-touch plastic handle.
*Made in China.

Product Features:
*Stainless steel straight edge peeling blade
*Reusable blade cover
*Ergonomic soft grip handle
*Dishwasher safe
*Contemporary design

Care and Cleaning
*Easy to clean.
*Dishwasher Safe.

The Microplane Easy Prep Straight Peeler retails for $9.95.

Microplane also makes Graters, Salt Shavers, Box Graters, and Zesters! Each one is a classic and each one is designed to make life easier for the Cook!

Microplane offers same day shipping before 11:00 a.m. CST and FREE SHIPPING on orders of $25 or more!

Connect with Microplane on their Social Network Pages: Facebook and @microplane on Twitter.

The great folks at Microplane have generously offered one of my readers the chance to win a fantastic Easy Prep Straight Peeler for their very own!

Just follow the directions for your chance to enter to win!

Contest open to USA Only. Contest will close at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 7th, 2011. ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD ONLY, PLEASE!

DISCLOSURE:I received a Microplane Easy Prep Peeler for the purpose of review. I was under no obligation to review this item. I received no monetary compensation and the opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

A look inside the MYSTERY Basket...

Let's see... samples from Mighty Leaf Tea... Pericone, MD... South of France... Community Coffee...

I see some full-sized items from... Barnes & Noble... Cosmetique... Cottonelle... and...

We're gonna need a bigger basket! :D

Precise Portions -- Review & Giveaway -- Ends 9/5/11

I was a fairly thin kid and young adult. In fact, at age 29, I weighed 135 pounds. (I'm 5'3).

That's definitely NOT the case now. A combination of things led to a tremendous weight gain: stress, grief, eating for comfort. By the time I realized it... I was over 200 pounds and climbing.

Over the past two years, I've lost about 70 pounds, put most back on, then started losing again. I stillhave more to lose.

My biggest problem? Portion control. I eat too much -- even though I try not to do so.

*1750 Followers Giveway!*

It's quite a milestone for me -- Gathering My Roses now has 1000 followers on Google Friend Connect!

That's so amazing to me and I am bursting with giddy pleasure and pride! That number means I will be able to offer up even more reviews and giveaways than before!

Of course, the more the merrier, right?

The next "big" number is *1750*! I think we can make it by New Year's Eve, don't you?

To add a bit of incentive -- I'm going to be giving away a Mystery Basket loaded with goodies: Beauty, Food, Books, Office Supplies, Beverage... a little bit of this and that! Some samples will be full-sized, some will be small, sample sized. ALL will unopened, and unused!

Here's how this giveaway will work:

You MUST be a PUBLICLY FOLLOWING member of Gathering My Roses to be eligible for this giveaway.

On the entry form, give me the name / email address you use to follow me on Google Friend Connect (located on the sidebar).

Tweet about this giveaway,  share it on Facebook, add it to Linkys, blog about it!  (You may tweet daily).

The contest will end when we have *1750* followers or on Dec. 31, 2011. Whichever comes first!

I will confirm your blog membership on Google Friend Connect.   NO EXCEPTIONS.

This giveaway is open to all current members as well as all new members who join during the course of the contest.

I will occassionally post updates about the content / value of the prize package -- and a few hints here and there! :)

Let's get this P*A*R*T*Y started!

DaVinci Gourmet Syrups -- Review & Giveaway -- Ends 9/2/11

If you're like me, you're always adding something extra to your drinks, mixers, or baking. All good cooks do it -- you must find that special ingredient to make it uniquely your own.

I've known about DaVinci Gourmet Syrups for quite a while. Savannah has so many gourmet and specialty shops -- DaVinci is a staple! However, you can also find them on your grocers shelves!

I received three bottles of DaVinci Gourmet Syrups a couple of weeks ago:

*Sugar-free Raspberry Syrup

*Classic Vanilla Syrup
This pure flavor is extracted from vanilla beans.

***KAHLUA® Flavored Classic Syrup

***Our products are non-alcoholic except for trace amounts contained in our flavorings.

Of course, the first thing I tried was the amazing KAHLUA® Flavored Classic Syrup! First, I tried it cold in my morning glass of Click Protein -- oh, wow! What a sweet addition -- loved the extra creaminess!

Next, I added it to my hot coffee. The KAHLUA® Flavour really kicked it up a notch!

Mike added the Classic Vanilla to his world-famous (according to him, anyway) cinnamon pancake batter. Very tasty!

We've added both of the syrups to brownie and cake batter, too.

Neither Mike nor I are crazy about the flavour of Raspberry, but Lizz' fiance is diabetic (and loves raspberry) so we passed it on to him.

I really appreciate food companies that make sugar-free, diabetic-friendly products. It's nice to know that Brent doesn't have to miss out on such wonderful syrups!

I am extremely pleased and impressed with the versatility of these marvelous syrups. Marinades, sauces, dressings, shakes, mixed drinks... the possibilities are endless.

With a very long (one to two years) shelf life -- there is little waste. Big Plus for me!

DaVinci Gourmet offers over 120 flavors in our All Natural, Classic, and Sugar Free lines. We also create custom flavors based on customer specifications, and have produced over 80 exclusive products for partners around the world.

The generous folks at DaVinci have offered one of my readers the chance to win *Three Bottles* of their fantastic syrups!

Just follow the entry directions below for your chance to enter to win!

Open to USA only, please. One entry per household.

Disclosure: I received three bottles of DaVinci Gourmet Syrups for the purpose of review. I received no monetary compensatio.
I was under no obligation to write this review. The opinions expresed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

Go Cocktails -- Review & Giveaway -- CLOSED!

CLOSED!

I don't go to bars or nightclubs -- never has been my style. But I do like an occasional cocktail.

It's just not a lot of fun to buy mixers -- because it's almost always WAY too much for my one or two drinks a week routine.

I was so happy to discover Go Cocktails! These are marvelous individual packets of cocktail mix! The perfect size for me!

Go Cocktails come in four amazingly tasty flavours: Sugar-free Lemon Drop (my all-time favourite!), Sugar-free Appletini, Sugar-free Cosmopolitan, and the always popular Sugar-free Margarita! Yummeh!

Even better than the convenience of single-serve packets is that Go Cocktails are 100% Sugar-free!

Our Go Cocktails! sugar-free mixers are fun, sexy, crazy yummy without any of the guilt and only 5 Calories! Less than one gram of carbs and
100% Sugar-free!  Go Cocktails! Sugar Free Mix was originally created to give diet conscious consumers a great tasting alternative to traditional sugar laden cocktails by creating the highest quality cocktail flavors.

I also discovered that Go Cocktails are great without alcohol, too! A few ounces of mineral water or seltzer with the mix and you've got a great non-alcoholic treat!

I spent a half-hour browsing the Go Cocktail Recipes -- I think I may well make up a few recipes of my own to submit!

Go Cocktails loves to interact with their friends, fans, and customers. Please like them on Facebook and follow them @gococktails on Twitter.

Go Cocktails has offered one of my readers a chance to try their fabulous sugar free cocktail mixers! How cool is that?

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

Contest Ends 8/28/11.  Open to USA only.

DISCLOSURE:  I received four boxes of Go Cocktails sugar-free Cocktail Mixes for the purpose of review.  I was under no obligation to write a review.  I received no other compensation.  The opinions expressed herein are my own and are based on my own use of and experience with the item.