Something Blue!

Every bride needs a special bag or clutch for all of her wedding day necessities! I searched everywhere, looking for simple elegance. Classy, without a lot of bling or an overwhelming design. I didn't want an overabundance of sequins and pearls. I was looking for something that would not compete with a wedding gown but really compliment it. I found Mermaids Dream and I fell head over heels for her designs! Not only does Mermaids Dream have gorgeous bags for brides, she also sells sets for bridesmaids and beautiful bags for everyday! I was sent an elegant Silk Dupioni clutch lined with beautiful Tiffany Blue silk dupioni. It featured a side swept bow and a personalized label (featuring the bride-to-be's future name!) inside. The silver nickel frame was easy to open and close. The clutch was well made and large enough to hold powder, lipstick, perfume, and more! Everything at Mermaids Dream can be customized, right down to the lining and the label. Visit Mermaids Dream and let her help make your dream wedding a little more special!
Disclosure: I was sent a clutch to pass along to a future bride. No monetary compensation received!

A Blooming Bouquet Of Pens!

Brides can be picky when it comes to picking out accessories for their wedding. They search for just the right touches that will make their wedding really stand out. One of the first things a bride may purchase is a guest book. That special book will be written in by every guest that attends and it may even have a special table or attendant. Why not splurge on a special bouquet for that table? A bouquet of blooming pens! The pens are refillable and they can be used long after the wedding guests leave. They make a beautiful desk accessory for your office at home or away from home! Potted Pens creates some of the most beautiful pens around. Lush blooms stand tall in a decorative clay pot. Your guests will be charmed, and the bride and groom will have a sweet reminder of that special day! Visit Potted Pens and order a bouquet. She also offers beautiful cards and some of the cutest stationary I've seen!
Disclosure: I was sent a Potted Pen for review. This set was passed on to a lucky bride-to-be! No monetary compensation received.

Help A Wonderful Cause and Enter For A Chance To Win!

Here's a deal you can't pass up! Order sweets from Denise's Delectables and not only will you receive mouth watering desserts, you will also help raise money for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer!!!! All proceeds from now until September 10 will go towards Denise's goal. Her walk is on the 11th & 12th of September so hurry! She can't walk unless she makes the $1,800 minimum! If you don't have a sweet tooth, you can also purchase:


ART • PHOTOS • MOSAICS • JEWELRY • CRAFTS • FLORAL DESIGN • EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY • ONLINE BAKERY • JEWELRY DESIGN

Order from any of these sites:

DenisesCreations.etsy.com

DenisesDelectables.etsy.com

DenisesCreations.com - photos from around the World
All 20X30 LIMITED EDITION PRINTS ARE 1/2 OFF TOO!

I am giving away a $25 Visa gift card to help her! This giveaway is open to US residents 18 and older only. To enter, heart (add to your Etsy favorites!) one of her stores and leave a comment on this post.
Bonus entries!
For each dollar donated, leave one comment. $1 donated =  1 bonus entry, and so on! If you purchase an item or items from her stores, leave a comment for each dollar spent! This giveaway ends midnight September 10, 2010. Good Luck!
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post.

Not Just Another Cookie!

I love sugar cookies, especially the decorated ones! Since I began my blog, I've had the pleasure of trying many variations. Recently, I was able to try a different sugar cookie! Sugar Cookie Couture sent Butterfly  Sugar Cookies for a very special event. When the cookies arrived, I eagerly opened them. Each decorated cookie was wrapped in a clear plastic sleeve, which was wrapped in bubble wrap. There was no way these cookies would break in transit! Every one of the cookies was in perfect condition, surviving the cross country adventure! The cookies were beautifully decorated. As far as the taste, well let me tell you all about it! The cookie was a little different from other sugar cookies I've tasted. This cookie was more cake-like and very moist. I could taste the butter and hint vanilla. The icing wasn't stiff, but soft and flavorful. The black icing outlines blurred a little into the lighter areas. Not bad, but the cookies were not quite as sharp as pictured. Of course I know our extreme heat wave was the culprit! Still, they made a beautiful presentation!

The cookies were very fresh when they arrived. They had a wonderful fresh baked scent when I opened the package that brought back wonderful memories from childhood and made me smile. They were buttery and rich, and the icing was sweet without being overly sweet. I could tell a lot of time was put into their creation and everyone loved them! They were beautiful to look at and a hit at the party! The Butterfly Sugar Cookies can be customized for your party theme! They make awesome shower and wedding favors and they are great to have on hand when you have a sweet tooth!
Disclosure: I was sent cookies in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.

Handcrafted Luxury For Your Wedding Day!

When I began searching for wedding accessories online, I found a lot of garters for sale. A lot of plain garters. Most of them were nothing fancy but surprisingly had fancy price tags! When you can't find what you're looking for head over to Etsy. Etsy is a gold mine, featuring some of the greatest talent and creative designers. That's where I found Peterene Design. Peterene should be known as the Harry Winston of garter designers because each piece is special and unique. She only uses the best and it's obvious in her work. This designer knows the secret to creating memorable pieces worthy of becoming heirlooms. It's all in the fine details! You might expect to pay a small fortune for work like hers, however her garters are affordable, sometimes costing less than plain garters offered on other sites! Peterene designed a gorgeous garter for a lucky bride-to-be and all I had to do was give her the colors. She took a few pictures for my approval before the design was complete and it exceeded my expectations at that point!

When the garter arrived, it was stunning. The only thing that surprised me was that the garter didn't arrive in an extravagant gift box. It just didn't seem right to not have this gorgeous piece of "jewelry" sitting in silk or velvet! The wedding garter was very well made. Each detail was perfect! Peterene Design can custom make your wedding (or prom) garters with gorgeous detail. Just be sure to order early. Perfection takes time, and she books ahead!
Disclosure: I was sent a garter in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.

It "Hits The Spot"...The Number One Spot!

If I knew I was dying and I could have one last dessert, this would be it. Seriously. I love chocolate and I like peanut butter. Hits The Spot hits the nail on the head with this decadent combination. I tried the Chocolate Peanutbutter Cup Cupcake Jarcakes. The first one, I ate as is. The cake is thick and rich and very brownie like. It's moist and packed with chocolate flavor. The bottom of the jar holds a tasty little surprise. A peanut butter cup! The cake is topped with chocolate and bits of peanut butter cup. It's unbelievably satisfying! The name of the Etsy store is very fitting. These treats really do hit the spot! The next time I had this treat, I put it in the microwave, sans lid, and heated it up for 30 seconds. It's to die for! The layers slightly melted into each other and the peanut butter softened mixing with the surrounding chocolate. Ooooohhhhhh! I thought it was great before. Heated, it's one of the best desserts I've ever had! I am eager to try other desserts from Hits The Spot. She nailed this dessert. I bet she nailed the others too! I think I hear her truffles calling my name! These jarcakes would be a hit at any shower or dinner party. They also make great anytime treats. Just be sure to order extras. You can thank me later!
Disclosure: I was sent these amazing jarcakes in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and very honest opinions given.

Steaming In Style!

Do you steam a lot of food? If so, put your ordinary steamers away and try steaming with this cool product! Fusionbrands foodpod. It's very unique. Empty, it's a toy or stress reliever. Squeeze it, twist it, and throw it. But when it's time to get serious, take it into the kitchen and stuff it! Filling the pod is easy. Lift the lid and insert eggs, large shaped pastas, veggies, seafood, and more! Just be careful. Smaller veggies, like peas, will slip through the holes. When you are finished adding to the pod, secure the lid and hang it on the side of a pot of boiling water. The flexible silicone holds your food and and your food is cooked evenly. The pod doubles as a built in strainer too! Sometimes removing hot food from the pod isn't as easy as it looks. You may need to grab a pair of tongs and firmly grasp larger veggies like broccoli to pull it out. The foodpod cleans up easily and it stores just about anywhere! I love the foodpod. I hate that a foodpod with smaller holes isn't available. It would be wonderful to have one to cook rice (which I always burn if I don't use my rice cooker) and spaghetti. Want to know more? The foodpod:
•Saves time and water when preparing a meal.
•Foods are immersed and removed at the same time to ensure even cooking
•Keeps foods together for quick and easy removal
•Acts as a strainer and drains water back into the pot – lets you reserve the cooking water too!
•Easily holds up to a dozen large eggs or several heads of broccoli (1-3/4 quart or 1-2/3 liter capacity)
•Built-in grip clip allows for convenient removal from water and aids in boil over control
•Non-stick silicone protects delicate foods and pot surfaces
•Flexible to fit in any size pot for cooking and storing
•Made of FDA/EU food-safe silicone and BPA-free nylon
•Top rack dishwasher safe
The foodpod is fun and easy to use! Check out fusionbrands! They have a lot of great products designed to make your life easier! With products ideal for wedding gifts or just gifts to self, you can't go wrong with these fabulous picks! Follow them on facebook and visit their site for more information!
Disclosure: I was sent a foodpod in exchange for this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.

It's Simply Better Beef!

Years ago I thought beef was beef and it all tasted about the same. Different cuts of beef meant tender or tough and that dictated the way it should be cooked. Bright red stickers told me if a particular package was great for grilling or better slow cooked. It wasn't until my first bite of Kobe Beef that I realized there was a difference and not all beef was the same. That previously tipsy (okay, maybe it only had one or two drinks) cow had lived a life of leisure. Massaged daily and serenaded with beautiful music, that cow's diet and lack of stress definitely altered the taste and changed the way I looked at beef. Obviously, I couldn't afford to stock my freezer with Kobe Beef so I continued shopping at my local supermarket, disappointed with the options.

Later, I was introduced to mail order foods and I began searching online for a better beef. I found La Cense Beef and contacted them about a possible review. I learned a lot from their site. Instead of grain fed beef, they offered a natural option that was better for me and better for the environment. True grass fed beef. Not grass fed and then finished with grain like other "grass fed beef". La Cense Beef is grass fed from start to finish. No pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones. Their Montana raised cattle eat...grass. Isn't that what cows are supposed to eat? Yes. But most cows are fed grain, which isn't natural at all.

Grain is difficult to digest, which can necessitate the use of antibiotics. That leads to stress, and stress can lead to more antibiotics and more medication. Humane treatment means low stress levels and better health. Speaking of health, grass fed beef is lower in both fat and calories! This heart-healthy, lower calorie option is also higher in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for enhancing heart health and reducing the risk of arthritis, obesity, insulin resistance, allergies and autoimmune diseases. It's also higher in beta-carotene, which is helpful in reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

But for true beef connoisseurs, that doesn't mean a whole lot. Fear not beef lovers, La Cense Beef has a unique flavor and depth that I didn't expect. It's lightly marbled and you cook it at lower temperatures for less time. Because there was less fat, I expected a dryer steak with less flavor. I couldn't have been more wrong. It's tender and juicy, and the taste is as genuine as it gets. Taste the difference for yourself. Eat beef the way it was meant to be eaten!
Disclosure: I was sent a package in order to complete a review. The review will be provided in an upcoming post. I was not obligated to provide this introduction. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given. Images courtesy of La Cense Beef.

Spray Your Way To Healthier Eating!

I've had a Misto for years. I keep it on my counter all the time. I use it almost daily. After years of faithful service, I see no retirement in sight. It's going strong and it still looks brand new! I cook with olive oil and while sometimes it's easy to pour a little into a pan, I like the even coverage that Misto gives me. Simply fill your Misto as directed, put the lid on and give it a few pumps. The pumps build pressure so the oil comes out like an aerosol. A light mist equals savings in my pocket. We all know how expensive olive oil can be, especially the premium oils. The Misto Stainless Steel Oil Bottle Sprayer is perfect for low fat/high flavor cooking, grilling, sautéing, roasting and basting. Use Misto to spray olive oil on salads, pasta, veggies, breads, pizza, chicken, beef and fish.You can even use it as a plant mister when you fill it with water. Get one for your favorite oils, vinegars, lemon or lime juice and more. If you use olive oil for cooking, I highly recommend it. This would be an ideal gift for a bridal shower too!
Disclosure: Misto was sent for me to pass on to a very deserving bride! No monetary compensation received and honest opinions are given. I love my Misto and I think you will too!

BOUDIN San Francisco Sourdough

I've received a lot of gift baskets, and I've bought a lot too. I honestly think that the gift baskets from Boudin San Francisco Sourdough are some of the very best. They are packed with amazing value and gourmet treats that will make it almost impossible to decide what to eat first! Where else can you get a loaded gift tote packed with the greatest picnic items for under $90? We're talking artisan loaves, Italian Salame, Brie, and bottle of premium Napa Valley wine. But that's not all!

I received a gorgeous wine country tailgate tote for this review. This gift beautifully features some of Northern California's most flavorful treats, which pair perfectly with California wines and Boudin's delicious sourdough bread! The Picnic Time insulated tote includes two 1 lb. sourdough long loaves, an 8 oz. wheel of Rouge et Noir Brie (delivered almost fully ripened), a 5 oz. bag of Nunes Farms Almonds, a 14 oz. Columbus Italian Dry Salame, a 2.1 oz Winter Cabernet Chocolate Truffle Bar from Anette's Chocolates and a 750 ml. bottle of Napa Valley Buena Vista Carneros Pinot Noir wine.

It was packaged very well! The Brie was packed in an insulated sleeve. Don't forget to look through your package very well. You wouldn't want to miss that decadent Winter Cabernet Chocolate Truffle Bar! Everything was well protected and it was fun digging in and pulling out the delicious treasures! The insulated tote was packed in the bottom of the box. When you take everything out and put it together, you get the tote pictured below. This makes a very nice gift for weddings and anniversaries, birthdays and just because. Check out Boudin San Francisco Sourdough and browse their store. Their bakery features fresh baked bread gifts and you can also purchase great assortments for yourself too!
Disclosure: I was sent a gift tote in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given!

Making A House A Home With ESaleRugs!

There's nothing like a beautiful rug to make a room feel more like a home. A rug can bring warmth and make a room more inviting. A rug ties everything together and it can ground a room. I would have never imagined buying a rug online. Not in a million years. Rugs can be pricey and I like to see and touch my investment. However a recent review has changed my opinion on that and a great company has given me security and faith. When I purchase a rug online, I will definitely buy from ESaleRugs.

We requested the 5' 2 x 8' 0 Gabbeh Rug in delicate shades of ivory and beige. The rug arrived quickly and in perfect condition. The rug was heavy and it took me a while to unwrap it. It was carefully folded. As I began unfolding it and setting it in place for the review, I noticed the softness more than anything else. This rug is 80% silk and 20% wool. I love natural fibers!

This rug makes you want to take off your shoes, lay down on it and roll around. I kid you not. That's exactly what Sam did. He may be two, but as an expert in testing for blanket softness, he know a soft rug when he sees one! The rug had a gorgeous luster that was apparent even in my dimly lit living room. Wow. I said it and so did everyone else that saw it. It has a very subtle sheen. A richness that you can feel.

Now I expected some shedding, but nothing like this. I vacuumed three times on day one. My whole living area looked like it was caught in a snowstorm! This rug sheds that much. After a few days, I was vacuuming only once a day and after two weeks, very little shedding could be noticed. The rug maintained it's softness and luster and it looked as beautiful as ever!

ESaleRugs has a large inventory and they usually ship the same day you order! Free FedEx shipping and major discounts. I looked over their site for hours and I still did not see every rug! Ordering is easy, and if you order a rug, you can send it back within 30 days and you will not pay a restocking fee! Customer service is great and they respond very quickly. I feel very confident in recommending them to my readers! Check them out. Order one for yourself, or buy one as a gift! A beautiful rug is perfect for newlyweds making a happy home!
Disclosure: I was sent this rug to review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.

Sticking To The Classics

The classic white phalaenopsis orchid. Elegant, always a winner. If you have a green thumb (who am I kidding, I think it takes a green hand!) you will enjoy everlasting beauty. If you're like me, maybe a few weeks or months. For the last couple of weeks, I have been gazing serenely at a double stalk of double happiness. Double because I have two flowering stalks instead of one! Each flowering tower is full of gorgeous blossoms. A few buds promise me that more blossoms are on the way! Hadden's Flowers & Gifts (a long time favorite) in Albany, Georgia personally delivered my Bamboo Shangri-La Flowers from Teleflora.

When the plant (that almost sounds insulting since this is far more than your average plant) arrived, I was in awe. From the base of the gorgeous pot (which to me is a welcome upgrade that seems to fit my style beautifully) to the tip of the highest stalk, I was overwhelmed by the simple beauty of it. The stark white orchids featured a dash of color in the center of each flower. The organic shape of the natural arrangement was soothing to my senses. As much as I love ordinary floral arrangements, I think I love this even more.

Living and growing, this finicky orchid needs the right care. I wish a care card had been included because I was clueless. All of my previous attempts at growing orchids have failed miserably. So far, so good. I'll cross my fingers and hope it lasts.

After a couple of weeks, my orchid is still as beautiful as ever. When it arrived, two dragonflies (did I mention how much I love dragonflies?) were tied on. These must have been offensive to my cats because one morning they were missing. Other than that, my cats have left it alone! This gorgeous living plant really makes a statement. My sometimes dark living room has been brightened by it's presence, which has ultimately brightened my mood! This would make an ideal gift for any plant lover. It is also a nice change from typical fresh cut arrangements!

Disclosure: I have a long term relationship with Teleflora. This arrangement was sent in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions are given.

An Empty Plate Every Time

Dessert is my favorite part of a meal. While I don't often have a dessert with my meals, parties allow me to go all out! When I hosted a special engagement party recently, one of my requirements was good ol' Red Velvet. It's a southern tradition. When I found An Empty Plate on Etsy, one of my favorite sites, I was in luck. Not only did she send a generous amount for our event, she also lives in Georgia. She had to get it right! And she did, down to the very last crumb. Light and moist, intense flavor, and a brilliant red cake. It was the perfect combination of ingredients to make the ultimate cupcake. The frosting was thick and rich, but not overly sweet. You can pipe it on thick and not want to scrape half of it off. I used the bag that was sent, but I inserted a tip to make the frosting come out a little neater. Regardless of how you pipe it, one thing stays the same. An Empty Plate can be a dangerous thing. Call your friends and neighbors or you'll be all alone, looking down at an empty plate before you know it.
Disclosure: I was sent cupcakes for review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.

Make Your Desserts Look Even Better!

I love cupcakes. I hardly ever serve them because they take up a lot of space and my tiered serving plates don't really show them off that well. Recently, I found the perfect way to showcase them and it looks like I'll be baking cupcakes more often! Tiffany Frank Designs. Genius designs, gorgeous displays! Her cupcake stands are available in square and round, and she has several different sizes!

At Tiffany Frank Designs, you'll find the perfect cupcake tower for your event. If not, drop her an email and tell her what you're looking for! The cupcake tower I received was completely sealed for easy clean up. The boxes stack together when in use and they nest for storage. The boxes are well built and very sturdy. I've already used mine for cupcakes, cupcakes in a jar, cookies, and other sweet treats! Each time I use it, I get dozens of compliments. The towers make awesome centerpieces!!!

Visit Tiffany Frank Designs and see the wonderful cupcake towers she has to offer. Perfect for weddings and showers or any other occasion! This talented Etsy artist will make your desserts look even better!
Disclosure: I was sent a tower in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions are given.