Whole Fruit Smoothies and Sweet Cinnamon SUPERPRETZELS...

First, I have to admit that I've been holding out on you, my readers.  Last fall, I was sent some Whole Fruit Smoothies and Sweet Cinnamon SUPERPRETZELS to review, and then life got crazy with Isaac's arrival and I'm just now getting to tell you about them!

But, better late than never, right? 

Let's start with these smoothies....

Overall, I really like these!  Coming in at only 100 calories each, they're great for a low cal snack or part of a healthy breakfast.   Personally, I wish they were a little bigger so that they could constitute a more substantial portion, but I get the appeal of having them at 100 calories. 

These would be ideal for all you folks who are trying to lose some extra pounds with the new year.  ;) 

The directions say to stick them in the microwave for 20 seconds to soften, and I often just eat them with a spoon like ice cream.  I could see (and had planned to before Isaac changed my plan) sticking them in my bag on the way out the door to work, where I'd expect they'd be just the right consistency by the time I would have arrived at my desk.  A great little way to start the day!

I'm not sure the packaging really lends itself to drinking them through a straw like a traditional smoothie, but that's alright with me.  I'm more than happy to use my spoon.  :)

Let's talk flavors...Strawberry Banana, Pineapple Mango and Mixed Berry.  All delicious, but my favorite was by far the Pineapple Mango.  What can I say, I like-a the mango.  (hehe)  It had a great tropical flavor that always makes me happy. 

You can find the Whole Fruit Smoothies at your local grocer in the freezer section.  I'd highly suggest giving them a try! 

Also, be sure to visit Whole Fruit's website, and connect with them on Facebook for special offers.

Now for the pretzels....

I've never been a huge pretzel fan, but you know if I was going to down some pretzels, they'd have to be covered in some cinnamon sugar!  Pretty delicious, if you ask me.

These babies have cinnamon infused dough and come with a cinnamon sugar packet to add yourself.  They bake up soft and delicious in your oven and make for a great snack.  You could even have them for breakfast or even as dessert.  (perhaps with a side of ice cream? oh my.)

These too can be found in the freezer section at your local grocer...give them a try!

You can find fun recipe ideas and more info on SUPERPRETZEL's website.  Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and they even have a blog!

Anyone tried either of these products?  What did you think?

**I was gifted an assortment of Whole Fruit Smoothies and Sweet Cinnamon SUPERPRETZELs free of charge in compensation for my honest review of the product. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are truthful and solely my own.

Crazy Monkey....

What a weekend!  

It was girls weekend around these parts, all because of a little something that's in the works. 

MY DAD & LINDA ARE GETTING MARRIED!  

The whole family is thrilled.  One of these days, I'll have to share their story with you guys.  It's pretty incredible.  But for now, I'll just tell you about this.  We {Linda, my sister Brenda, my soon-to-be stepsister Jane, my Aunt Alice and myself} pretty much planned an entire wedding this weekend.  98% of it was done on Saturday too!  Can you believe that?  Granted, it is going to be a very simple, intimate wedding with just family.  I'm so excited though.  It's going to be quite spectacular!  

The date is set for March 17, so you'll have to wait til then for more details.  I don't want to spoil it for anyone.  

We kicked off the weekend with dinner at my favorite Japanese Steakhouse.  We shared some sushi, and OMG, it was so good, I can't stop thinking about it!  

 The beautiful bride.  Doesn't she just radiate joy?  I love her.  

Crazy Monkey Roll.  My favorite!

Oh, we also had a possible paranormal experience on Friday night.  It was weird, and all four of us present saw it.  Not sure if I can articulate it well enough to type up the story, but I'll give it a go later in the week.  

Also, I know I missed posting the randomness last week.  Time got away from me and it just wasn't happening.  

Have you ever planned a wedding in a weekend?

Who wants some popcorn?

Okay.  I'm a little embarrassed by this, but am I the only one who has never made "real" popcorn?  Like, on the stove?  I guess I'm from the microwave popcorn generation.  Well, this weekend, we decided to give it a whirl, and OMG.  So easy, and so delish! 

You just heat some oil in a skillet with one kernel, 

{Isn't it weird how the burner looks purple in the picture?  It really is red, I swear!}

When that kernel pops, you just pour in some more kernels, cover and shake til the popping slows.  

Divide into bowls and season as desired.  

Jon doused his in butter and cheese powder, I went with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle {or maybe a few sprinkles} of Parmesan cheese.  Seriously...so good!  

Oh, and look at this little butterfly shaped one.

Cute, right!?

I don't know that I'll ever buy microwave popcorn again.  This was so easy, and so much better for you! 

Speaking of popcorn....

Father's Day is coming up, and I have a great gift for you!  This started out as a custom order in the shop, but I thought it was brilliant, so it's now listed.  A popcorn bowl for the special dad or grandpa in your life.  Each popcorn has the name of his kids/grandkids!  Fill 'er up with popcorn, treats and maybe even some movies and you're all set!  Completely customizable!

Get yours here, Father's Day is June 19th, so don't delay!

So tell me, have you ever made popcorn on the stove?  Am I the only one who hadn't? 

The writing on the wall...

Hi guys!  Seems like it's been forever.  I trust you all had a fab weekend? 

Oh, yes, I had a wonderful weekend!  Thanks for asking!

I'll have to tell you about it a little at a time. 

For starters, Saturday was rainy and cold.  {Well, actually, the weekend started with a Friday afternoon off for me, spent packaging orders and relaxing.}  Anyway, Saturday, we ventured out for our date to the Nelson.  But first, we went to Midtown to D'Bronx.  I've been hearing about their pizza my entire life, but had never been there!  It was pretty dang good.  Although, the best part was reading all the stuff people write on the walls, and of course, adding our own mark. 

We were careful not to stuff ourselves beyond comfort, and left packing enough pizza for at least 3 more meals.   We got to the Nelson and even realized we could park across the street for free.  {As opposed to in the garage for $5.}  That made the whole museum trip free since there's no admission fee.  We like free stuff!

The exhibit on Naismith's Original Rules of Basketball was quite anticlimactic.  It was literally two pieces of paper typed.  I guess I don't know what I was expecting.  I thought there'd be photos, or drawings or something to go with it.  Nope, two pieces of paper, folks!  Being the good {Jayhawk} basketball fans we are, we read through the rules.  I was quite impressed that the original rules included goal tending!  I would have thought that had come later, but nope.  Mr. Naismith saw that coming!

Since it took all of five minutes to see the rules, we had a few hours to browse through the rest of the museum.  It's been a long time since I've been in the old building. {The last time I was there, I was just in the Block Building.}  They've moved stuff around from how I remember it, but it's still fantastic.  The building itself is magnificent, and full of marble, granite and limestone.  It is solid.  The exhibits range from ancient to modern.  {There is even a real mummy on display.} 

We only got through maybe half of the exhibits before Jon pooped out on me.  But, he's promised to take me back.  {I think he enjoyed it!} 

I haven't been to many art museums, but the Nelson can certainly hold it's own with the one's I've seen.  It's really quite impressive.  If you're ever in KC, you should definitely check it out!

More weekends shenanigans to come....


What's your favorite style of pizza?  I do enjoy New York style, but I think St. Louis is my absolute fave.  Love me some thin crust!

Helliemae's Salt Caramels Review and Giveaway...

dGood morning, friends!  I hope you all had a delightful weekend.  Mine was full and busy, but in the best kind of way.
I thought it would be fun to kick off this week with a review and giveaway!  How does that sound? {insert collective cheers here.}

I recently had the pleasure of trying Helliemae's Salt Caramels.  While reading the website, I found myself drooling over the description of the classic salt caramels:  "traditional deep, rich, buttery caramels accented with flaky, crunchy sea salt on top"...um, yes please!  Well, let me tell you, they did not disappoint!  These treats are the real deal.  I've had some other salt caramels that were quite frankly, too salty and not very good.  Helliemae's on the other hand capture that perfect balance of salty & sweet.  This is no doubt due to the quality ingredients and homemade attention that goes into each batch.  Helliemae's owner, Ellen, makes each 4 pound batch  by hand.  Ellen prides herself in sourcing ingredients locally in her hometown of Denver.  She uses organic and hormone free ingredients, and her packaging is 100% recycled. She even stamps each box by hand.

Upon receiving my salt caramels in the mail, I was immediately impressed with the presentation.  The kraft paper box with the stamped top presented these homemade delights so well.  Once you open the box, you get whiffs of the treat that lies inside.  Each caramel is individually wrapped in parchment paper, and has a wonderful old-fashioned vibe to it.  I was blown away with the size of each piece as well.  Measuring about 1 1/2 inches square, they make for the perfect, satisfying treat!

{Helliemae's Caramels also come in Coffee, Cardamom and seasonal flavors like Caramel Apple and Candy Cane.  Yum!} 

If you're a Denver resident, you can find a list of local establishments that carry Helliemae's Salt Caramels here.  The rest of us can buy the treats online here.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay, now for the part you've all been waiting for.  Ellen has offered up a box of Classic Salt Caramels to one lucky jdavissquared reader!  {Thanks, Ellen!}

{This giveaway is now closed.  Go here to see who won! }

Sweet tooth...

So, I think I have a problem.  54 of my 83 recipe pins are desserts, or might as well be.  Good thing I don't actually eat that much dessert!  The dessert pictures are just always so pretty that I have to pin them.  {at least that's what I'm telling myself.}

What about you, do you have a sweet tooth?  How do you manage it?

psst...if you'd like to see more of my pins, come follow me on Pinterest.  If you're on there too, let me know so I can follow you back! 

Whole lotta bacon {vegetarians turn away}...

 
On Tuesday at approximately 5:00 p.m. the doorbell rang.  Much to our delight it was the UPS man dropping off a couple packages from Jon's mom and stepdad.  Inside was a spiral cut honey glazed ham and four packages of bacon.  Yes, FOUR!  That's a whole lotta bacon, folks!  My mother-in-law sure knows how to make her son happy! 

Jon has already consumed copious amounts of ham. I tasted it last night, and it's definitely a good one!  Melts in your mouth! 


Will you be enjoying a Christmas ham this year? 

I promise...

to try not to eat them too fast...

picked these up at Target over my lunch break. What can I say...I'm defenseless when it comes to chocolate!  Anyone else have this problem? 

Do you prefer Milk or Dark Chocolate?

I never met a chocolate I didn't like.  I'll take it creamy milk or bitter dark.  I feel like dark chocolate is easier to ration though.  Let's hope so!

{good thing I'm starting boot camp this week!}

Texas de Brazil...

Amanda and Bo took us to the most amazing restaurant, Texas de Brazil.  For those of you who aren't lucky enough to have been to one, it's a brazilian steakhouse with a killer salad bar, and all the meat you can eat.  I suppose if you're vegetarian, the salad bar would be quite satisfying alone, but the meat is really where it's at!  The Gauchos bring it freshly grilled on skewers to your table and load up your plate.  We feasted until we could not eat another bite!  My favorite was the filet mignon.  So tender and delicious, melt in your mouth...oh I want some more right now!

{click to enlarge!}

Amanda and I enjoyed dessert while the boys were in their meat comas.  Bananas foster for her, key lime pie for me.  mmmmm.

I highly, highly recommend this to all my meat eating friends out there!  Seriously folks, d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s.

Jon and I think we might just have to check out Fogo de Chao in Kansas City now.  I'm not sure anything can possible hold a candle to Texas de Brazil, but it's all we have!  {really, I've heard it's excellent as well}

Thanks so much again, Amanda and Bo!  We had such a great time, and the food was delicious!
p.s. according to Texas de Brazil's website, there is now a Texas de Brazil Express in Dallas...you guys should really check that out!  ;)

Easter on the Farm...

How was everyone's Easter?  Ours was completely unexpected and wonderful!

We had a busy day of yard work, errands and birthday parties on Saturday, so we decided to sleep in, do some things around the house and then go to the 5pm service at church.  Well, at about 1:00, Jon's dad called to remind him to bring his baseball glove....say what!?

Needless to say, Jon had a lapse of brain power which caused him to completely space off the fact that we were supposed to go to his dad's for dinner at 3:00.  This was the first I had heard of it.  So, we got ready, and headed to the farm!  We got there early, so we thought we might still make it to church, but we were just having too much fun, so we stayed.  It was a wonderful Easter!

We had the most delicious dinner.  On the menu:  grilled pork chops, baked potatoes, green beans with bacon and warm garlic herb bread.  Oh, and of course my usual gimlet!  ;)  Now, I'm not really the biggest fan of pork chops, but oh my, were they delicious!  I didn't know a pork chop could taste that good!  As George kept saying, "you can't go wrong with an Iowa Chop".  Agreed!

I, of course, did not take a picture of the food, because I was too intent on stuffing my face.  I did get a picture of the dessert, however.  Look at this decadent chocolate cake!    Paired with a scoop of ice cream, it was too die for!  {please note the darling little dessert fork...love!}

Jon couldn't help himself and busted into a rendition of Bill Cosby's Chocolate Cake bit.  

I might have joined in.  ;)

{If you don't know what I'm talking about you can go here to watch it.  About the 7 minute mark is what we were doing.  ha!} 

What a lovely Easter!  I'll share more pictures from our day on the farm later.

Happy Monday!

Say Cheese, Cheese Man!

Friday night after enjoying a delicious steak dinner for Jon's birthday, we stopped in at Dean & Deluca to visit Jon's dad, George.  For the last couple of years, since he retired, he's been working there as the "Cheese Man".  I had never been in the store, so it was quite amazing to see all the delicious {and expensive} things they had to offer.  {good thing I was stuffed, or I might have bought something!}

I couldn't help myself, I had to take his picture.  I said, "Hold that wheel of cheese!" 

Isn't he the cutest with his little hat!?

giant stuffed mushrooms...

So, this seems to be the year of giant fruits and veggies!  {remember this and this?}  Our latest monster-sized bites were in the form of mushrooms.  Jon spotted these at the grocery store, and we knew we must buy them!  We were giggling the whole time just thinking about the giant stuffed mushroominess that awaited us. 

check these babies out! 

We stuffed them with crab meat, shrimp, cream cheese and spices and then breaded them with italian breading.  {by "we" I of course mean Jon did the work while I stood there and tried to look pretty}

mmmm...

Note how freakishly small my hand looks in this last picture.  This was our conversation regarding this photo:

Jen:  Whoa!  Why does my hand look so freakishly small?

Jon:  I don't know, but doesn't look like you wanna eat a Whopper any time soon!

Hahahahahahahahahaha!

I love my husband's lame jokes!  I guess it's a good thing I find him so funny.

Ah, love.

Oh, don't forget about the giveaway!  I'll be drawing a winner Thursday evening, so make sure you enter!

yummy...

giant cookies are fun to share.

monkey bread...

Sunday while my sweet husband was golfing, I made him some Monkey Bread. It is so easy, and so good! mmmmmmmmmmm....

cut three cans of biscuits into fourths. Toss with sugar and cinnamon. (I just eyeball it, get a good coat of each on there...not too much though, cause you'll be adding more!)

place in greased bundt pan.

melt 3/4 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar and 1 T cinnamon on stove, pour over biscuit pieces.

bake in 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes.

let cool, remove from pan, and enjoy!

This recipe is great for breakfast. Be careful though, it's way to easy to pull off, "just one more piece"!

Hope you all are enjoying the end of summer. It is unseasonably cool here in KC. In fact it's supposed to dip into the 50's tonight! This evening was the perfect weather for a run...I gotta do something with all this monkey bread to eat up!

have a lovely evening!

delicious!

My mother-in-law sent Jon home with this giant tomato.

so we made fresh salsa.

it is delicious!

Last friday...

we tried a new chinese buffet that went in near our house.  $5.99 all you can eat.  It was good, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.  The only thing I found a little strange is that they had scoop-it-yourself ice cream.  Like out of the giant tubs.  Seemed a little unsanitary to me having every person off the street scooping in the ice cream...but of course, I ate some anyway.  

Who passes up free ice cream?  not I!

Here is my cute husband...

and here I am looking like a total crazed lunatic!  

I guess I was really excited about that egg drop soup!

Happy Friday everyone!