Naughty and Nice Popcorn Fish From SeaPak!

Around the holidays, I always seem to have unexpected visitors. It's nice when I have a great looking appetizer ready within 15 minutes or so. That's gives me enough time to say hello and fill my guest's glasses! Here's a great appetizer from SeaPak featuring their awesome Popcorn Fish!!! Great fried or baked, this is a real winner in our house. We all love it and we have bought it several times since I reviewed it. I highly recommend it!

Naughty and Nice Popcorn Fish


1 package (22 oz) SeaPak Popcorn Fish, frozen

Naughty Sauce

1 roasted red bell pepper

2/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons mild Asian chili sauce or 1-2 tablespoons hot Asian chili sauce

Nice Sauce

½ cup Basil Pesto Sauce

1 cup cream (add more for thinner sauce)

2 tablespoons honey



Preheat oven 450º. Bake shrimp according to package instructions. Place roasted red bell pepper, mayonnaise and chili sauce into blender. Mix on low until fully blended. Pour into serving dish; place pesto, cream and honey in a bowl and stir until fully incorporated. Pour into serving dish. Serve immediately. Sauces can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Makes 25 appetizers.
 
Disclosure: I was under no obligation to share this recipe. We LOVE Seapak's Popcorn Fish and we hope you do too!

Cutie Bootie Boutique

For the last few weeks, Sam has been breaking in his new Plush Green Monster Slippers from Cutie Bootie Boutique. He jumps out of bed and puts them on before he does anything else. It's so cute! These adorable slippers match his personality and they seem to make him happy! He loves the big eyes and the green horns and he often tugs on them while he laughs. The slippers are well made and totally worth the $17 price tag. They are a little big for him and the bottom of the slipper is a little thick, but I see plenty of wear in his future! And that's great considering all the fun he's having while he wears them!

Cutie Bootie Boutique has many, many products that I want to get my hands on, especially now, since my brother and his wife are expecting. I love their bibs, bloomers, tutus and pettiskirts! Their blankets are pretty great too! I was sent a sample and I almost wished I had chosen one after seeing the patterns and feeling how soft the material is. Sam LOVES blankets and I think he would have made this is favorite! I love that Cutie Bootie Boutique offers adorable products at an affordable price! They also have a registry for parents-to-be. It's easy to go online, browse their site and overload a virtual shopping cart. And we all know that can be a little dangerous!  At least to our wallets.
Disclosure: I was sent these adorable Monster Slippers in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received.

Holiday Gift Guide: Teleflora!

We're celebrating Christmas with Teleflora's Celebration Tree! This centerpiece is gorgeous, and it's perfect for any holiday table. When I first saw this tree online, I fell for it instantly. I didn't bother reading the description because I knew I had to have it! Before I received it, I thought it would be taller. After it arrived, I decided this tree was completely perfect and I wouldn't change a thing. This Christmas floral arrangement sparkles with holiday cheer! The golden ornaments and pinecones, along with the golden holly leaves will dazzle your guests and bring a smile to your face. The "tree" is made with branches of pine and fir. The white flowers contrast beautifully and the stunning gold pot (which is more intricate than the pot shown on the website) is sure to please. For me, this was the perfect holiday arrangement and my favorite so far! While it requires more care with daily watering, I have had zero needle shed so far. Hadden's Flowers & Gifts (my local florist) chose flowers that are long lasting and I can look forward to having this arrangement remain beautiful until Christmas and beyond! This Teleflora arrangement is perfect for holiday tables, stunning floral accents, anyone wanting to downsize from a larger tree, winter weddings and more! Visit Teleflora and order your Celebration Tree or any of their special holiday arrangements!
Disclosure: I was sent a Celebration Tree in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received.

Holiday Gift Guide: Joyful Bath Co.

 I love handcrafted soaps and special blends for my bath. It helps create a relaxing environment after a stressful day. With the holidays rapidly approaching, it's always nice to have something extra special for those times when you need it most. That's where Joyful Bath Co. comes in. They provide the goodness, I simply add hot water and myself. Ahhhhhhhhh. I was given a ‘Lil Soap & Salt Bucket for review. I chose the ‘Nilla Buttermilk salts and the Oatsy Floatsie Handmade Botanical Soap. These scents complimented each other well and they were mild and left my skin feeling soft and moisturized. The gift is the perfect size and the perfect treat for just about anyone on your list! Check them out! There is still time for Christmas delivery and you can always order a gift card!!!
Disclosure: I was sent a gift set for review. No monetary compensation received.

Holiday Gift Guide: My Holiday Ham Pick- Edwards Ham

We celebrate with ham all the time. It's not just a Christmas or Easter tradition. I am always in search of the perfect ham to make our meals more memorable for family and friends. Recently, I received a cooked, bone-in Virginia Ham for review. It arrived ready to eat, perfectly sealed and packed with care. This ham isn't our traditional smoked, spiral cut ham. It's a country ham. I grew up on country ham and until now, I believed they were mostly the same. Salty. My ham from Virginia Traditions was salty, but it had a rich depth of flavor that I haven't experienced before and a glaze that added just a hint of sweetness that led to the ultimate country ham experience!

This Virginia Ham is:

•Fully cooked ham

•Bone-In

•Hickory-smoked

•Aged 4-6 months

•Sharp, aged flavor

•Brown sugar glaze

•Two sizes available

•Optional wood box

I prefer mine heated, so before tasting, I heated it through in my favorite roaster. I added a little liquid and covered it to keep it from drying out. When I removed the ham and began slicing, I noticed how moist this ham was compared to other country hams that I've tried. Tasting it was pure pleasure! It had a sharp flavor, as described, and the saltiness didn't cover the true flavor. A slice or two is perfect for dinner and but I LOVE this on biscuits (for breakfast) or hot buttered rolls (for lunch) because the bread cuts down on the salty flavor! After most of the meat has been enjoyed, the leftovers and the bone create the ultimate pot of peas or beans! This is the first product that I've tried from Edwards Ham. I can already tell you it won't be my last. I will definitely order one next year! They also offer Honey Hams that look divine!!! So if you prefer a traditional holiday ham, you're in luck!
Disclosure: I was sent a ham in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received.

Holiday Gift Guide: Olive & Ollie!

If you like to buy your kids new pajamas for Christmas, you must visit Olive & Ollie! The Mod Christmas Tree Lounge Set is simple adorable! Heather is the brilliant designer behind Olive and Ollie and she has a gift for creating clothes that are playful and fresh. She creates Birthday Tees for my kids every year and they are always picture perfect. My kids wear their tees all year long and they are still in tip top condition, even after many washes! She also has great blankets (Sam would love her Let's Sail Away Design!) and bibs. Visit Olive and Ollie and find out why we like her so much. Trust me, it's obvious! 
Disclosure: I was under no obligation to mention Olive and Ollie. She is one of my favorite designers, so I had to share!

Holiday Gift Guide: Comfort House

Give the gift of love and warmth this Christmas! Comfort House can give your loved ones a level of comfort they've never experienced! We were sent a Sunbeam SlumberRest Electric Blanket to pass on to a lucky couple. It's actually a smart blanket! Just Right Comfort™ means your blanket automatically senses and adjusts to the room temperature, and the temperature under the blanket, for personalized warmth and ultimate comfort.

It features:

Uniform and consistent heating

Silent solid state control is easy to operate

10 temperature settings

Selectable auto-off

Pre-heat

Dual controls for individual warmth selections

Machine wash & tumble dry

I was impressed by the even warmth and lack of cold spots. The controls were really quiet and easy to use/read. The blanket was incredibly soft and the walnut color was rich and beautiful, ideal for most decors. While this blanket is no longer available, you can find several that are! If you already have an electric blanket for your bed or if you are looking for another warming gift, consider a heated throw! This will be a must for my house because my husband loves the cooler temps. Not me! I shiver when the temps drop below 70. This is on my Christmas wish list for sure. Visit Comfort House and find great comfort in all of their products and service. Not only did they make my holiday gift guide, they made my all time favorite list thanks to their prices, selections, and awesome customer service!
Disclosure: I was sent a blanket in exchange for this review. No monetary compensation received.

Holiday Gift Guide: Z G O Store!

I always have a candle burning! I love scents that make me happy or make me relax, and I love those that seem to take me away. Recently, Z G O Store sent a Sands of Morocco Candle by Infusion Organique for my enjoyment. The Sands of Morocco Soy Blend Candle filled my home with the intoxicating scent of exotic spices and fresh flowers from the Far East, as well as sandalwood, lemongrass oil, and fresh vanilla. Sandalwood is one of my favorite scents and sometimes it can be a little too exotic for some. I think the vanilla softens it beautifully and makes it even more enjoyable, so it appeals to many more, making it a perfect holiday or hostess gift. If you can't afford a sunny vacation in the far away lands of Marrakech or Casablanca for Christmas, consider bringing the far away fragrance home! Check out Z G O Store for great inspired fragrances for your home!
Disclosure: I was sent a candle in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received.

Holiday Gift Guide: Bea's Gift Baskets

 I love gift baskets. They are fun to give and fun to receive. They are perfect for any occasion, especially around the holidays when you need friends and family gifts, hostess gifts, and "care packages" for out of town guests. Recently, I received a Home For The Holidays Gift Basket from Bea's Gift Baskets! As soon as it arrived, my family gathered around and we all had a part in tearing into it! You know a basket is great when you can't even get a proper "before" photo because everyone is so excited and can't wait to see what's inside! When it arrived, the basket was wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with a big, beautiful holiday ribbon. I faintly remember picking it up and admiring it afterward. After we unwrapped this gorgeous basket, we looked (and dug) through everything and the basket still managed to look great! It was put together well and all the items were secure. There was no way this wasn't going to arrive looking picture perfect. Each product was taped in place and I managed to snap a few pictures after removing the tape. The items in the basket were chosen well and after several days spent sampling the goods, I can tell you we loved them all! They were all fresh and all of the items complimented each other well. The crackers were divine and the caramel filled chocolates and peppermint bark were gone within minutes! If I had ordered this for anyone, I would have been pleased. It was loaded with value and it was so much fun discovering all the treats packed inside! Check out Bea's Gift Baskets and order your holiday gifts in time for Christmas delivery! Find Bea's on Facebook and Twitter too!
Disclosure: I received a gift basket in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones With Individual Health Insurance

Tips to save on Health Insurance

While many uninsured Americans can overcome minor illnesses and injuries with simple over-the-counter treatments, major ailments usually require a visit to a doctor or hospital.

There are horror stories in the media all the time about struggling families who seek treatment for a serious illness or injury only to end up saddled with enormous medical bills because they don’t have proper health insurance. Unfortunately, all too often this results in bankruptcy.

Uninsured individuals as well as their families need not despair. There are a great many quality low-cost health insurance options available. Once you know what to look for, it is relatively easy to find an affordable plan for you and your family.
There are several basic individual and family health insurance plans to choose from:

Types of Health Insurance Plans

• An HMO or Health Maintenance Organization has an extensive network of doctors, specialists, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers. HMOs are some of the most affordable health insurance policies and encompass a wide range of healthcare professionals so you can always find the care you need.

• A PPO or Preferred Provider Organization allows you to pick any doctor or specialist you wish to see and while it costs a little more than an HMO, you have the added bonus of more choices while still retaining highly affordable comprehensive healthcare coverage.

• A Fee for Service or FFS is much like traditional health insurance wherein you seek out the treatment you need, pay for it out-of-pocket, and are then reimbursed a pre-determined percentage of that cost.

• An HSA or Health Savings Account is often combined with a high deductible policy to protect a person from soaring out-of-pocket medical costs. The money you put towards an HSA is also tax deductible and can be applied towards paying premiums, prescription drugs and other assorted medical costs.

When shopping for insurance, there are several terms you’ll want know ahead-of-time:

Common Health Insurance Terms

• Co-insurance: The percentage, typically about 10% to 20%, the insured contributes to the total medical cost.

• Co-payment: A co-payment or co-pay is a pre-determined amount the insured pays at the time services are rendered.

• Deductible: A deductible is the amount the insured pays before their benefits pay the rest.

• Exclusions: When a service or procedure is not covered it is because it is excluded from the insured’s policy. Exclusions must usually be paid for out-of-pocket.

• Explanation of Benefits (EOB): After you seek treatment, the insurance company will send you an EOB to explain what is covered and what isn’t.

• Out-of-pocket expenses: Any medical expense an insured patient pays from their own pocket.

• Out-of-pocket maximums: The maximum out-of-pocket expense the insured must pay before their policy pays the rest.

• Premium: The monthly or quarterly amount the insured must pay to keep their coverage current.

• Prior Authorizations: Procedures or services that must first be cleared with the insurance company.

Now that you are armed with this valuable health insurance information, you can find the right plan for you and your family at a price that fits your budget.

Article provided by IndividualHealthInsurance.org - visit for more on individual health insurance.

Holiday Gift Guide: D.L. & Co

 I love candles. If I could afford it, I'd burn them everyday. While my favorite scents are usually spicy or romantic and floral, I am always open to trying something new. It's not often that I find a scent that I can't live without, and it never happens with a set. However, the Art Nouveau Gift Set from D.L. & Co has me spellbound. This set of 4 - 3 oz. votives in Wilde Flower, Scarlet Geranium, Cassis and Belle of India is impossible to forget. Long after the candles have burned out, I can still remember the intoxicating fragrance from each votive with pure delight. Oh, how I long for more! This set is costly, but the scents are pure and pleasing and not at all overpowering. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be the Scarlet Geranium. It's amazing and unique! D.L. & Co offers many beautiful gifts that range from charming to seductive. If you want to buy a gift that will please, look no further. Are they perfect? About as close as you can get.
Disclosure: I was sent a box set in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received.

Crest 3D White Whitestrips: Holiday Must-Have!

I bleach my teeth. In fact, I bleach two-three times a year. It's a little messy, but I suffer through it. But that's not all. When I get a cleaning, I get an in-office bleaching. It's not messy, but I cringe when that intense light begins to create an almost unbearable pain in my teeth! My teeth are already sensitive, and that in-office procedure hurts! Recently, I tried something new. Crest 3D White Whitestrips-Professional Effects. I skipped my last cleaning (shame on me) and it had been about three months since I bleached. When I used my first set of strips, I noticed the lack of mess. No syringes full of goo, and no excess running out into my mouth! The strips are not slippery like the ones I used years ago. They grip, almost like tape. I felt some slight bubbling but other than that, I forgot I was wearing them. You do have a peroxide flavor in your mouth while you are bleaching, but it isn't overpowering. They really do work as well as my prescription bleach that my dentist gives me, and I am very happy with the results! Brighten your smile in time for those holiday snapshots! Give Crest 3D White Whitestrips a try!
Disclosure: I was sent a box of Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects for review. No monetary compensation received.

Holiday Gift Guide: Oral-B

Give a little love this holiday season when you give an Oral-B Professional Care 3000 Electric Toothbrush! During the holiday season, people tend to eat and drink more. At least we do at my house! I couldn't imagine not using my Oral-B to brush it all away. The Oral-B toothbrush has a comfortable grip and I love that the brush head cups each tooth. My teeth really feel clean, even in between! Want to know more? The Oral-B Professional Care 3000:

•Removes up to 97% of plaque from hard-to-reach places*
•Helps prevent and reverse gingivitis
•Pressure sensor stops pulsations when you’re brushing too hard
•Naturally whitens teeth in 21 days**
•3 modes: Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whitening
•Oral-B is the #1 dentist-recommended toothbrush brand worldwide
* Based on single-use brushing study

** Via surface-stain removal

Features:
Cleaning action: Provides 40,000 pulsations and 8,800 oscillations per minute
Professional timer: A two-minute timer with 30-second intervals makes it easy to track how long you've been brushing
Pressure sensor: Stops pulsations to notify you you're brushing too hard
3 customized brushing modes: Daily Clean, Sensitive, Polish
Indicator® bristles: Remind you to replace your brush head every 3 months, once they've faded halfway
Multiple attachment brush heads with compact, round design
Precision Clean Brush Head: Provides a deep and thorough clean
Pro White™ Brush Head with polishing cup: Whitens teeth by removing surface stains
Sensitive Brush Head: Is gentle on teeth and gums
Dual Clean Brush Head: Provides cleaning, freshening and gum care
Charge indicator: Lets you know that the brush is charged 

This toothbrush also holds a great charge. I love my Oral-B and I love what it does for my teeth and gums! I think it is the perfect gift for the holidays!
Disclosure: I was sent a toothbrush to complete this review. No monetary compensation received.

Holiday Gift Guide: JM Cremp's Adventure Store!

Years ago, my husband (boyfriend at the time) was in the Army. He thought I had the coolest little brother and I'll admit, he was right. For our first Christmas together, he bought my brother an army jacket. My brother wore it throughout middle school and high school, and even into college. He wore it everywhere! Military styles never seem to go out of style. They are timeless classics! When JM Cremp's Adventure Store sent Logan an army jacket of his own, the memories came flooding back. While Logan's jacket fits him a little better than my brother's when he received his, I know Logan will enjoy his Weston Jr, kids army jacket this year and hopefully next. Afterwards, I'm sure Sam will get to enjoy it too! The soft sage green jacket seems to be very well made. It is based on Alpha's classic M-65 field coat and it is updated in washed cotton with quilted lining, hidden hood in the neck, and cinched waist. The tan interior is just as soft and it features a great pocket large enough to hold plenty of secret treasures! Flight patches on the outside of the jacket are a little worn around the edges adding even more character to this great jacket! I know military jackets might not be on everyone's list, but JM Cremp's has a lot of great products that probably are! I found many great  items when I visited their site!

Logan LOVES to read, and this set of books would be perfect for him! I am thinking about ordering the set for Christmas this year! The Handy Book Series Set was written by one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of America, D.C. Beard!

• The Fair Weather and Rainy Day Handy Book features dozens of indoor and outdoor activities, with simple instructions and easy-to-follow diagrams for building a backyard clubhouse, setting up a workshop, picnic games, papercrafts, and other diversions. Paperback, 336 pgs.
• The American Boy's Handy Book: What to Do and How to Do It is a wealth of projects and games, with practical directions on how to make them. It is the ultimate pre-TV, anti-couch potato activity book, answering the question, "What's there to do?" Softcover, 472 pgs.
• The Field and Forest Handy Book: New Ideas for Out of Doors has chapters on packing a horse, on making clothes and moccasins, on camp cooking, on building piers, boats, and sleds. Softcover, 448 pgs.

I also found  a Deluxe Zip Line that's perfect for kids and parents! This Zip Line Trolley Ride carries kids 8 and up (up to 250lbs., actually, so Mom and Dad can try their hand, too). It's

• Super-Durable UV Stabilized Trolley Unit 
• 70 Foot Steel Stranded Cable
• All Parts and Hardware for Easy Assembly
• Easy-to-Follow Instructions
• Do-it-Yourself Mounting Platform Design Plan

Toddlers will love the Fire Truck Speedster! I love it's vibrant colored steel body. The detailed chrome accents captured my attention and I love the horn, working steering column, plastic fenders and rubber tires! If a bicycle will find it's way under your tree (there will be one under mine-but don't tell Sam!) you should consider a Turbo Spoke!  The Turbo Spoke not only looks like a real motorcycle exhaust pipe, it sounds like one. How cool is that?!? The harder you crank on this pedal-powered monster, the louder it gets. It comes with three different Motocards for six thunderous sounds and best of all,  no batteries are necessary! I could go on and on, but you should see all the great products yourself! Get ready to have some fun and check out JM Cremp's Adventure Store!
Disclosure: Logan was sent a jacket for review. No monetary compensation received.

Lawry's "Complete Meal Ideas" Giveaway!

December is a busy month for most. Here, we have Christmas Dinner with my dad's side of the family, Christmas with our close friends, Christmas with my mother-in-law, Christmas with my mom's side of the family, and then Christmas with my parents, my brother and his wife, and my husband and kids. Wow! I spend so much time shopping for food, planning meals (because two of these dinners feasts are at my house!) and cooking/baking. Sometimes, I need a break and that's where Lawry's comes in! We were sent a covered glass baking dish and four great seasoning packs that work wonders with beef and chicken!
Asian Style Beef & Broccoli – This easy to prepare stir fry meal will remind your family of their favorite Asian restaurant. The dish combines beef, broccoli and seasonings with a hint of garlic. Serve it over rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Chimichurri Burrito Casserole – Lawry’s gives the Burrito casserole a new twist with this traditional Latin American sauce. With a few simple fresh ingredients, mealtime just got a lot more exciting.
Mediterranean Sundried Tomato & Garlic Chicken – Add a taste of the Mediterranean to your family’s casserole. This easy to bake casserole combines chicken, pasta, tomatoes and Feta cheese for a flavorful meal any night of the week.
Tuscan Style Chicken Marsala with Garlic & Basil –This effortless version of a restaurant favorite comes together on your stovetop with just a few fresh ingredients. Flavorful garlic and basil gives this meal its own Tuscan flair, perfect for serving over pasta or rice.
These seasoning packs are great. If you pick one up at the store, your shopping list is right on the front. It tells you everything you need to create a perfect meal! Quick, easy, and delicious! I am giving away a prize pack to a lucky US reader! To enter, tell me what you would do with the time saved by cooking with Lawry’s new seasoning mixes. For an additional entry, tell me which Lawry's product you like the most! Follow me on google/networked blogs/twitter/facebook for one extra entry each! Links are on my sidebar! Giveaway ends midnight, December 10, 2010! Good luck!
Disclosure: The products, prize pack, information and additional prize pack to give away were all provided by Lawry's through MyBlogSpark.