Vanessa's Soda Fountain

New Website and GIVEAWAYS

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 01:37:00 +0000

Hello Everyone!

This is just a reminder that I have a new website, East End Taste. I regular hold national giveaways on my new site. Please have a look!

www.eastendtaste.com

Room on The Broom Review

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 15:51:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

I am happy to review the beloved children's DVD, Room on The Broom, based upon the #1 best-selling children’s picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffle. This award-winning animated film also brought you the Academy Award nominated The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.

"In this tale of friendship and adventure, join a friendly witch and her cat as they fly happily through the sky on their broomstick—until the witch drops her hat, then her bow, then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals—a dog, a parrot and a frog—find the missing items and all they want in return is a ride on the broomstick. But is there room on the broom for so many new friends? The kindly witch thinks there is—much to the frustration of her cat. But when disaster strikes, and the witch is about to be eaten by a fearsome dragon, she is saved by the gang of animals, all working together. The witch’s cat learns the importance of friends and family, and the witch rewards her new friends with a magnificent broom that is big enough for everyone!"

The DVD was very fun and entertaining, an excellent choice for young children. The story line is very well written and the ending teaches children the important lesson of sharing, helping and looking out for others. This is also a great movie for the classroom. As a tutor and ESL instructor, I intend to show this movie in mid October to my young students in grades 1-2; I am sure they will love it!

If you are an educator like myself, at the link below you will find fun-filled and educational activities based on this endearing story available for FREE on NCircle's website: www.entertainmentthateducates.com.

-          SRP (Suggested Retail Price): $9.99
-          Available at retailers August 6, 2013
-          http://www.facebook.com/roomonthebroomus
-          http://www.roomonthebroomfilm.com/us

Challah French Toast with Homemade Fresh Strawberry Butter

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 17:58:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

I have a recipe below to share with you! Please have a look and let me know if you decide to make it at home and how you enjoyed it!

Ingredients

1/2 loaf of french bread, sliced at an angle into 1-inch slices

3 eggs

a slash of whole milk

a drop of vanilla

a drop of almond extract

1 tsp cinnamon

6 large juicy strawberries (the riper the better), stems removed, sliced

1/2 C of unsalted butter, softened. Plus about a teaspoon for the griddle.

1/3 C powdered sugar

a few strawberries, sliced, for serving

Directions

1. Prepare butter: in a mini-food processor, blend together butter, powdered sugar, and fresh strawberries. Remove strawberry butter from food processor into a separate small bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and keep cold in fridge until french toast is done.

2. Preheat griddle to about 350 degrees.

3. Prepare french toast batter: in a large, flat bowl (I usually use some kind of square tupperware), whisk together milk, eggs, extracts, and cinnamon.

4. Melt extra butter on griddle.

5. Dunk slices, one by one, in french toast batter (both sides), and lay on hot griddle, until all slices are on griddle (mine fit about 7ish slices).

6. When the side-down shows a bit of golden color, flip each slice to the other side (about a minute or two). Remove from grill when the other side is golden as well.

7. Serve with fresh strawberry slices and your homemade strawberry butter.

Strawberry Butter Recipe Adapted From: Landolakes

Also check out: http://bakingwithblondie.blogspot.com/2012/04/peanut-butter-banana-stuffed-french.html

My New Website

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:40:00 +0000

Hello Everyone!

Take a look at my website below. You can direct any questions there.

http://www.eastendtaste.com

I will be hosting two giveaways around Memorial Day Weekend!! Be sure to take a look. I will remind you here as well when they are up!

The Cat in the Hat: Safari, So Good Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:24:00 +0000

*GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Dear Friends,

In celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday on March 2nd, NCircle Entertainment has provided me with the opportunity to host a book/DVD review and giveaway. One winner will receive the Safari So Good DVD.

Did you know that The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! Is based off of the Random House Cat in the Hat Learning Library book series? Each Cat in the Hat episode teaches kids cool science facts, like how whales communicate or why penguins can’t fly.

The newest DVD, Safari So Good, is based off of the book with the same title. Explore the jungle and learn about African wildlife when you and your child read together, and then see the book come to life on DVD! Martin Short is the voice of the Cat, and the DVD is filled with music and funny antics.

Brand-new from The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! comes a jam packed DVD full of adventures to exotic savannas and jungles for some monkeying around! We would love for you to review Safari, So Good! in celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday.

About the DVD and book:

Join the Cat in the Hat on this brand-new safari adventure! Help him find the missing stripes for his hat, swing with silly monkeys and discover how footprints are made!

It's time for safari, so come and explore with the Cat and his friends on adventures galore. We will reach for the treetops and swing through the trees, When we walk like giraffes and swing like monkeys!

Featuring the voice of Martin Short, this is a fun and enriching DVD that everyone in the family will enjoy. As an animal lover, I love watching anything to do with adorable and fascinating animals. I even learned a ton of new information from the DVD. There is a great amount of vocabulary that your children will learn as well as many fun and interesting facts.

This DVD includes five delightful stories: Treetop Tom, Stripy Safari, King of Swing, Elephant Walk and Follow the Prints.

SRP: $10.99. This DVD is now available atNCircleEntertainment.com or a retailer near you, including Target, Wal-Mart, and Toys R Us!

The Cat takes Sally and Nick to Africa--where they learn how animals are either predators or prey, that elephants tend to favor one tusk over the other, how to tell the difference between a white and black rhino (both of which are gray!), that a leopar'd black spots are called rosettes and much, much more!

This book is packed with fascinating information about animals that you would potentially see in a real-life safari. The book is very well written and engages the audience with its fun, lyrical rhyming. I highly recommend this book as a go-to story for children who want to learn about animals found in the African wilds.

SRP: $12.99. This book is now available at seussville.com, Wal-Mart, and Barnes & Noble.

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!

Mandatory entries:

(1) entry: Follow my blog publicly Google Friend Connect and tell me your favorite Dr. Seuss book. BE SURE TO LEAVE ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!

Additional entries:
5 entries - Blog about this giveaway. Link back to this post and leave the link to your blog post in your comment.

2 entries - Become a fan of Vanessa's Soda Fountain. Please comment TWICE for this entry.

1 entry - Follow my blog via Network Blogs

1 entry - Follow me on Twitter @EastEndTaste

1 entry (1x daily)- Tweet this giveaway: #win Cat in the Hat #giveaway @EastEndTaste http://oldfashionedsodafountain.blogspot.com/

GIVEAWAY ENDS FEBRUARY 15. ONE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN VIA RANDOM.ORG

Groundhog Day: Seattle's Best Coffee offers Free Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:21:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

February is almost upon us. That means that Groundhog Day is only a few days away. We all know the legend behind Groundhog Day: if the groundhog sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter, but if he does not, there will be an early spring. If our weather-predicting friend in Punxsutawney, Pa. sees his shadow on February 2nd, Seattle’s Best Coffee will unlock 10,000 samples of delicious coffee to help lucky Americans get through the brutal, extended winter days.

Seattle’s Best Coffee is eager to ease the sting of six more weeks of winter by offering free coffee to a lucky few if the groundhog sees his shadow. Winter weather watchers can cast their prediction and enter for a chance to win a free cup of coffee by registering on Facebook.

Enter to Win Free Seattle’s Best Coffee® on Facebook!

Those who want to join the festivities can visit Seattle’s Best Coffee’s Facebook page to register to win a free sample of Seattle’s Best Coffee and vote! If the groundhog does, indeed, see his shadow, those who register will be eligible to win one of 10,000 free samples of ground coffee* that brews a 10-cup pot of coffee.

*Sample size is 1.75 oz of ground coffee. Seattle’s Best Coffee reserves the right to substitute coffee sample type.

About Seattle’s Best Coffee:

Seattle’s Best Coffee LLC has been roasting premium coffee since 1970 and today roasts more than 20 million pounds of coffee every year and millions of cups of our coffee are served every day. A freshly-brewed cup of Seattle’s Best Coffee is currently available in more than 50,000 locations including cafes, college campuses, restaurants, hotels, airlines, cruise ships, grocery stores and movie theatres. Seattle’s Best Coffee is a featured brand within Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX). For more information, please visit Seattle’s Best Coffee online at www.seattlesbest.com, become a member of the coffee community at www.facebook.com/SeattlesBestCoffee or follow Seattle’s Best Coffee on Pinterest for unique coffee inspiration at www.pinterest.com/seattlesbest.

From now through Feb. 1, winter weather watchers can visit the Seattle’s Best Coffee Facebook page to register for the chance to win free coffee. No purchase is necessary.

Oscar de la Renta Scarf Winner

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:19:00 +0000

Congratulations to Clenna E., you won the beautiful Oscar de La Renta Scarf. Enjoy! Thank you for everyone who entered my giveaway. I will be hosting many more giveaways in the near future! Be sure to check them out!

Best,

Vanessa's Soda Fountain

Univision’s Lourdes Stephen Helps Latina Cancer Patients Look Good, Feel Better® and GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 18:06:00 +0000

*GIVEAWAY CLOSED. WILL ANNOUNCE WINNER SOON

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday, January 16 at 2PM, Univision’s Lourdes Stephen will host Spanish-language “Virtual Workshop” for Look Good Feel Better®. LGF is a program dedicated to boosting cancer patients’ self-esteem and confidence through lessons on how to manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment .

The event will be streaming live here. You may register in advance for the event at this site.

Ms. Stephen will be joined by beauty experts Lilly Rivera, makeup artist, and Petra Belen, hair stylist and Louanne Roark, Look Good Feel Better Executive Director, who will offer instruction, tips and advice – tailored to Latina women - for dealing with hair loss, changes in skin, complexion and nails during your cancer treatment, taken straight from the live LGFB community based group workshop program. Register now for this virtual seminar.

LGFB also offers free workshops and educational resources that address skin changes and concerns, and offers lessons on cosmetics, wigs, turbans, nail care, and accessories, and wardrobe styling. Workshops are facilitated by 14,000 volunteer beauty professionals in more than 3,000 locations nationwide.

During the past 23 years, the program has served more than 800,000 people with cancer in the U.S. and more than 1.2 million people with cancer around the world. The program is made possible in the U.S. through a collaboration of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Professional Beauty Association.

STATISTICS:
* 59,200 Latinas will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2012.
* 1 in 3 Latinas will be diagnosed with cancer in her lifetime.
* Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Latinas, followed by colorectal cancer and thyroid cancer.
* Even though Latinas have lower breast cancer rates than white women, they are more likely than whites to be diagnosed at a later stage, when the cancer is more advanced and harder to treat.
* According to a recent survey, one-third of women with cancer said that their altered -appearance during treatment negatively impacted relationships with their friends, their spouse and their kids
* 37% of women in the same survey said that they avoided leaving the house because of the way that they looked during cancer treatment.

Please spread the word about this amazing program. Telling someone you know about this program now or in the future could certainly be a breath of fresh air for them. Sometimes it is very difficult to have confidence or to feel beautiful when you are going through chemo or certain side effects of cancer. This eye-opening seminar and workshops that are offered will certainly be very helpful and comforting.

Please register for the virtual seminar that will be held on January 16. Or, go to the site and learn how it can help you or someone you know. Tell your friends and family as well!

Read more: http://www.theartofrandomwillynillyness.com/2013/01/virtual-seminar-with-univisions-lourdes.html#ixzz2HaQkJcnF

One winner will win a beautiful, limited edition Oscar De La Renta scarf.

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!

Mandatory entries:

(1) entry: Follow my blog publicly Google Friend Connect and tell me how you have raised awareness of cancer. BE SURE TO LEAVE ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!

(1) entry: Register your email address to get more info about LGFB over at: http://redsocialww.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=14e50c66160cf480879c0ead4&id=d416bee2a2&e=0eed7dec03
Additional entries:
5 entries - Blog about this giveaway. Link back to this post and leave the link to your blog post in your comment.

2 entries - Become a fan of Vanessa's Soda Fountain. Please comment TWICE for this entry.

1 entry - Follow my blog via Network Blogs

1 entry - Follow me on Twitter @EastEndTaste

1 entry (1x daily)- Tweet this giveaway: #win Oscar De La Renta scarf #giveaway @EastEndTaste http://oldfashionedsodafountain.blogspot.com/

GIVEAWAY ENDS JANUARY 20. ONE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN VIA RANDOM.ORG

Buon Italia's Ricetta Risotto ai Quattro Formaggi

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 00:18:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

I hope everyone had a fantastic New Year celebration. I relaxed this year and visited my family in New England and then came home with my husband to spend a quiet weekend at home with our cat Abby. I was very happy to see my cats Puffy and Tigger at my family's home. We opened up presents there, cooked together, and watched movies for about four days.

One of the places I shop at annually for gifts for my family is at Buon Italia in New York City located in Chelsea Market on the west side. They have so many wonderful shops there for everyone on your list! Everything from stylish apparel to delicious grocery items baked goods. Buon Italia offers a vast array of fine, imported Italian grocery items, from olive oil and caviar to coffee, tea and cookies. It is sometimes so difficult to choose what you'd like to purchase, if only you had a wheel barrel to wheel everything you'd like home!

Below is a recipe I found on their website that I'd like to share with you. It looks so delicious to make as a side dish for dinner. I'll be making it myself very soon!

Try it at home and tell me how you like it.

RICETTA RISO AI QUATTRO FORMAGGI

(Rice with Four Types of Cheese)

Ingredients

300gr rice

200gr soft cheese

1 oz (30g) mozzarella cheese—cubed

80gr butter

1/2lt meat broth

Salt

1 oz (30g) Provolone cheese—cubed

pepper

3 tbs grated parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Butter

Directions

Slice thinly onion, sear with a bit butter using a medium-pan.

When brown pour rice, stir some minutes with a wooden cookware and let rice brown; cook rice adding hot broth.

Add all cheese and mix together.

Season with salt, when rice is tender take away from heat, add butter and grated parmesan.

Mix well and serve.

Original recipe is found here on Buon Italia's website.

Fun Fitness Survey

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 16:06:00 +0000

Happy Christmas Eve Everyone!

I hope all is well for you this holiday season. I would like to wish all of my readers and their families a happy holidays and New Year. I saw this survey on Carrots ‘N’ Cake a few weeks ago. Please copy this survey to fill out for yourself if you would like.

Five Fitness Things I Can’t Live Without:

Kettle bell
Yoga mat
Combat 1lb weight gloves
Medicine ball
Jump rope

Most Embarrassing Song I Listen to While Working Out:

Backstreet Boys "Everybody" among other similar 90's songs *_*

Favorite Pre-Workout Snack or Meal:

Some granola with 1% milk and some 100% juice.

On My Fitness Bucket List:

Become a certified personal trainer
Get certified to teach yoga with a focus on Ashtanga, Bikram and Essential Oils

Must Have Tech Tools:

iPod
Heart monitor

Favorite Workouts

Zumba
Ashtanga yoga
Silks and lyra
Indoor cycling
Weight training

Top Exercise Gear:

Lululemon black yoga pants
Nike crop pants
AE sports bra
Mika Yoga wear Bikram shorts
Lululemon cycling shorts

Motivational Mantras:

One more (rep) can never hurt!
Just keep on going!
(Good) Pain is gain.
Nobody better, nobody.

Favorite Cardio Exercise:

Favorite Strength Moves:

Pull-ups
Squats with weights
Plank pose
Push-ups

Food Survey: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:41:00 +0000

Today I have a fun little meal survey I have seen floating around on a few other blogs, and as you know, I love my surveys. Here we go!

BREAKFAST

1. Favorite cereal as a child?

Either Peanut Butter Captain crunch or Frosted Cheerios. They are still some of my favorites. I ate a lot of hot cereal as a child, such as Cream of Wheat, Maypo or Wheatina.

2. Coffee or Tea? With milk or without?

Tea. I am also very strict with my tea. I have high tea at least four times a month when I can on the weekends. I prefer black tea with steamed milk and honey (if it is a fruit flavor) but if it is an earl or lady grey, I prefer brown sugar cubes with cold milk. If it is green or white tea, it should be unsweetened or with a touch of lemon.

3. The one food you eat most often at breakfast?

Figs, granola or soft boiled eggs. I change my breakfast on a regular basis and usually eat eggs four times a week for added protein.

LUNCH

1. Sandwiches are generally considered a “lunch food.” If you had to choose between a grilled cheese and a peanut butter and jelly, which would you pick?

Grilled cheese! My favorite? Three cheese- Monterrey, cheddar and pepper jack on white bread or tomato, cheddar, gorganzola with vegetarian "bacon."

2. You can only put four ingredients in your salad (not including greens); what do you throw in the mix? Additionally, which greens and dressing do you pick?

Ah, this is easy for me: goat cheese, craisins, candied walnuts and avocado. Honey mustard for dressing.

3. One food you can’t live without at lunch?

A hearty soup like split pea with croutons, cream of red pepper, or chicken rice and vegetables.

DINNER

1. It’s the end of the day. You’re tired, hungry, and your fridge is empty. If a fast food (from a chain) is your only option, where do you go and what do you order?

Hale and Hearty or Pret A Manger. Some of my favorites when I attended school and worked in NYC.

2. TV/computer on or off while you’re eating?

Off. I prefer conversation, otherwise if I am eating a snack or having something to drink. TV or computer is fine.

3. The one food you eat most often at dinner?

Crab cakes or pasta with shrimp and peas. Also a salad with avocado. Some of my favorites!

DESSERT

1. Choose between these two American desserts: cheesecake or apple pie?

Apple crisp or butterfinger, peanut butter cup or oreo cheesecake. I also love the red velevet cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory.

2. Choose between these two foreign desserts: tiramisu (Italy) or flan (Spain)?

Neither, but if I had to choose it would be Tiramisu, but very light.

3. Ice cream: cone or cup?

Cup if it is a sundae (cookie dough with Reese's pieces, peanut butter sauce, hot fudge and crushed oreo), or a cone if it is straight ice cream (cookie dough or soft serve vanilla or twist).

Christmas Funfetti Cake Batter Truffles

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 16:33:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

I would like to share this recipe with you. I hope to make this within the coming days of Christmas! This recipe was originally posted on Lauren's Latest, one of my favorite food and home blogs. This recipe is extremely easy to make, and fun! Plus, it is no bake. They tasted so delicious and were a hit with all of my family members this holiday. I look forward to making them again!

I have not made cake pops yet but I can't see the purpose in baking the cake and crumbling it all up once it cools to mold the cake into small balls. Why not follow a recipe similar to this one and mix and match your favorite flavors? Before you coat the cake truffles in icing, place a small lolipop stick in and dip, with a fork just in case the truffle may slip off the stick.

Yield: 24 small truffles
Ingredients

1 cup white cake mix

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon Christmas sprinkles + more for decoration

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or vanilla almond bark

Truffle batter. Feel free to add more milk in case you think the batter is too dry.

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk cake mix, flour and sugar. Stir in melted butter, vanilla, milk and sprinkles. Mixture should be moist and be able to hold its shape easily when formed. Using a cookie scoop, form mixture into even balls and refrigerate 20-30 minutes.
In the mean time, melt chocolate in a double boiler or slowly in the microwave. Using a fork, drop one of the cake batter truffles into the chocolate and roll around to coat. Tap off the excess gently and transfer to cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Top with more sprinkles, if desired.

The finished product; I used sugar sprinkles instead of traditional sprinkles

Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:43:00 +0000

*GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Dear Friends,

Below is a special review of a fun loving DVD for the whole family! I always loved watching and reading the Cat and the Hat when I was a young child. Share the joys of Christmas with the Cat and the Hat with your family!

Sure to be a holiday favorite for the entire family for years to come, this adventure finds the Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally on a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home to Freezeyourknees Snowland in time for Christmas. On the way, the Thinga-ma-jigger breaks down, and they depend on a variety of animals – from African bush elephants to bottlenose dolphins to red crabs – and their remarkable abilities to help them make an amazing journey home.

· SRP: $9.99
· Available at NCircleEntertainment.com or a retailer near you, including Target, Walmart, Kmart and Toys R Us!

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!Mandatory (1) entry: Follow my blog publicly Google Friend Connect and tell me in a comment which product of theirs you would like to try. BE SURE TO LEAVE ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!

Additional entries:
5 entries - Blog about this giveaway. Link back to this post and leave the link to your blog post in your comment.

2 entries - Become a fan of Vanessa's Soda Fountain. Please comment TWICE for this entry.

1 entry - Follow my blog via Network Blogs

1 entry - Follow me on Twitter @EastEndTaste

1 entry (1x daily)- Tweet this giveaway: #win Rigoni di Asiago #giveaway @HamptonsFoodie http://oldfashionedsodafountain.blogspot.com/

GIVEAWAY ENDS DECEMBER 18. ONE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN VIA RANDOM.ORG

Sisters Gourmet Review for the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 23:34:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

I have the pleasure of reviewing two mason jars filled with dry cookie ingredients, compliments of Sisters Gourmet. I had the opportunity to try two of their special Christmas mixes, including Merry and Bright- Winter White Cranberry and Merry and Bright- Elf Treats. Both cookie mixes have a retail price of $12.99.

The holiday season can certainly be a very joyful and exciting time for all. Writing Christmas cards, listening to holiday music in the radio and while preparing meals at home in addition to shopping for our loved ones and writing out our own Christmas list. My ultimate favorite part of the season is baking holiday cookies, cupcakes and creating elaborate, festive appetizer trays that include an assortment of cheeses, white chocolate and holiday sprinkled covered pretzels, vegetables, fruits and an array of dips (my favorite being a crab cream cheese dip).

Sisters Gourmet

It is certainly the true that the holidays can become overwhelming and chaotic. To be honest, this is the first year I have not started my Christmas shopping! However, I did have the opportunity to sit down and write out all of my Christmas and Hanukkah cards the other day. To help make your holidays a little less hectic (and a fantastic holiday gift idea), I'd like to share with you Sisters Gourmet pre-measured mason jars filled with cookie and brownie mixes!

Each mix was phenomenal. From its exquisite, holiday-themed presentation right down to how deliciously simple each recipe is, you can make freshly baked cookies in no time for your family and friends or you may decide to give the mixes as gifts to your loved ones. The cookies were moist, gooey and very tasty. The Winter White Cranberry were especially festive, I loved the colors of the ingredients that evoke a sense of the holidays. The Elf Treats were so delicious and chocolatey, the youngsters of the family especially loved the Elf Treats, which the name being so appropriate!

For a limited time, orders over $60 have free shipping! Visit their blog or website to learn more information.

Their website offers baking tips and recipes! Each mix comes with its own recipes in addition to quick tips for that item! Sisters Gourmet: "Baking a difference since 1995." Visit their website to learn more about their company and how they were founded and began.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SistersGourmet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SistersGourmet

Happy Baking!

Healthy Living Survey

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 18:33:00 +0000

Happy Weekend Everyone!

How was everyone's Thanksgiving and Black Friday? My family and I went out to eat locally for Thanksgiving this year, which I believe can be just as enjoyable, especially because there are no dishes to be done or leftovers to be packed up! Nonetheless, when we eat at home, I love to make my homemade Apple Sausage Stuffing and my Apple Crumb. For Black Friday, I purchased two bras (buy one get one 50% off) and a pair of underwear from Victoria's Secret and some hot yoga clothing for 15% off from Mika Yoga Wear. I know those purchases were for myself, but I am now thinking of what to get for my family members. I have some great ideas for everyone. Unfortunately, I cannot share them here because they read my blog. BUT, I will tell you what I got for them after the holidays!

I found this fun little Healthy Living Survey from Running Around Normal the other day. I always enjoy filling out surveys, it brings out the young adult in me. Let's play along!

1. What did you eat for breakfast?

Frosted flakes and chilled apple cider. I was in a bit of a hurry!

2. How much water do you drink each day?

I drink about eight 6-8 oz. glasses of water a day. If I am doing intense workout routines, such as Spinning, Boot camp, or Combat classes, my intake is raised to an additional two glasses each day. The only time I substitute Gatorade is when I am workout for more than three years a day.

3. What is your current favorite workout?

A mixture of Spinning classes, weight lifting and flexibility classes, including yoga. The only three ways to get into shape: a mixture of cardio, weights and proper diet. Add flexibility classes to take that to an even higher level. Always exercise safely!

4. How many calories do you eat each day?

Currently between 1800-2300 calories per day (depending upon my workout routine).

5. What are your favorite healthy snacks?

Yogurt with fresh fruit and granola
Pirate's Booty
Cliff bars and Luna protein bars
Avocado and tomatoes
Cucumber salad with dill
Watermelon and mint
Light string cheese
Vegetables and hummus

6. What do you usually eat for lunch?

1/2 of a sandwich (chicken salad, tuna salad or roast beef) and some crackers with a small side salad. If I am home, I love to have homemade soup or some cold pasta at home.

7. What is your favorite body part to train?

My legs! I love Spinning classes.

8. What is your least favorite body part to train?

Biceps...ouch!

9. What are your “bad” food cravings?

Chocolate chip cookies and cookie dough anything (ice cream, bites, cupcakes, etc.). Also red velvet cupcakes, toffee, and Oreo cookies in addition to cheese and chocolate fondue. If I didn't eat any of that [good stuff] I'd be really skinny as those are my only indulgences. I never eat anything greasy or deep fried.

10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?

Yes: Fish oil, women's daily multivitamin, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Kelp.

11. How often do you eat out?

Two to three days per week (I'm including going out for dessert, tea and coffee).

12. Do you eat fast food?

Never. Simple as that.

13. Who is your biggest supporter?

My husband, my parents and my brother. Also my grandparents and in-laws. I love them all!

14. Do you have a gym membership?

Yes! I go there practically everyday, I love it! I usually like to go to two classes per day, one weights or flexibility/sculpt and a cardio class.

15. How many hours of sleep do you get each night?

I sleep for 9-10 hours a night. I definitely need my sleep otherwise I cannot function!

16. Do you have a “cheat” day?

Thanksgiving, Christmas, my birthday and sporadic days throughout the year (parties, a get-together)

17. Do you drink alcohol?

Every once in awhile, but not often. I love a glass of wine sometimes, but I dislike most beer. I don’t like the price tag on alcohol so we don’t buy it much.

18. Do you have a workout buddy?

Not really, I am very independent with my workouts and work in general. However, anyone can always join me. I sometimes workout in groups, with my brother, my husband, neighbors etc.

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?

Inspiring others to make positive and healthy changes in their lives. Hearing that just makes my day!

20. What was the last healthy thing you did?

Skipped dessert and did two hours of Ashtanga yoga.

Seattle's Best Coffee Warms Up the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:37:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

For those of you who will be working on Black Friday, Seattle's Best Coffee is here to warm up and brighten your day with a complimentary cup of coffee. Those who are working can Can Claim their Free Coffee on the Seattle’s Best Coffee Facebook Page and at Select Seattle’s Best Coffee Retail Locations. Black Friday can be very stressful and chaotic day as it is considered to be the busiest shopping day of the year across the country.

If you are working on Friday (I'll be working this coming Saturday), you can visit the Seattle’s Best Coffee Facebook page to request their free sample of Level 3 coffee*, which brews a 10-cup pot of medium and balanced coffee. Free coffee will be available now through November 25, or while supplies last.

Those looking to enjoy a coffee break on Black Friday can stop by participating Seattle’s Best Coffee locations on Friday, November 23, to receive a free small cup of brewed coffee. To find a participating Seattle’s Best Coffee location, visit www.facebook.com/seattlesbestcoffee.

There’s also a special offer on Facebook for Black Friday deal seekers – a $2-off coupon for Seattle’s Best Coffee^® Levels packaged coffee, which can be redeemed at grocery stores and mass retailers nationwide.

*Sample size is 1.75 oz of ground coffee. Seattle’s Best Coffee reserves the right to substitute coffee sample type.

A freshly-brewed cup of Seattle’s Best Coffee is currently available in more than 50,000 locations including cafes, college campuses, restaurants, hotels, airlines, cruise ships, grocery stores and movie theatres. Seattle’s Best Coffee is a featured brand within Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX).

For more information, please visit Seattle’s Best Coffee online at www.seattlesbest.com

Find them on Twitter @SeattlesBest.

Have a spectacular Thanksgiving holiday.

Best Wishes,

Melting Snowmen Oreo Cookie Balls

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:09:00 +0000

A delicious, fun and creative treat for everyone. Great for children's and family parties.

Ingredients

24 Winter (or regular) OREO Cookies, divided

3 tablespoonscream cheese, softened

9 ounceswhite chocolate, melted

Assorted colored decorating gel

Directions

Crush 9 cookies finely; mix with cream cheese until blended. Shape into 15 balls.
Place remaining cookies on waxed paper-covered rimmed baking sheet. Dip balls in chocolate; place on cookies. Tap cookies on baking sheet several times to allow excess chocolate to pool onto tops of cookies. Decorate with gels to resemble snowmen.
Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.

PREP 30 mins
READY IN 1 hr30 mins

Footnotes

How to Melt Chocolate: Microwave chocolate in microwaveable bowl on high 2 minutes or until completely melted, stirring every 30 seconds.
Nutrition Information Per Serving: 180 calories, 10g total fat, 4.5g saturated fat, 5mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate, less than 1g dietary fiber, 17g sugars, 2g protein.

Ginger Macarons with Green Tea–White Chocolate Ganache

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 17:38:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

I had my first macaron recently at La Maison du Macaron in New York City. I found this recipe in Specialty Food Magazine. I hope to try to recreate this delicious and luxurious recipe soon.

These tempting little bites of crisp meringues are filled with a ganache of white chocolate and green tea. Antioxidant-rich green tea has been touted as beneficial for heart health and cancer prevention. And in these macarons, it’s delicious too.

Yield: 20 filled cookies
Prep time: 50 minutes, plus unattended baking and chilling time
Shelf life: 2 or 3 days

Ingredients

For the meringues:
1¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
¾ cup almond flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar

For the ganache:
²∕3 cup heavy cream
7 ounces high-quality white chocolate, finely chopped
2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder, sifted
1½ tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, cut into 4 pieces

Method

1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. If desired, trace 1½-inch circles in rows about 1½ inches apart as a guide on the parchment, then turn the papers over so the marked sides are down. Fit a long pastry bag with a ½-inch plain tip.
2. In a food processor, pulse the confectioners’ sugar, almond flour and ginger to blend.
3. In a large bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the egg whites on low until foamy. Adjust the speed to medium-low and gradually add the granulated sugar; continue beating into soft peaks. Turn the speed up to medium-high and beat into a shiny meringue and stiff peaks. Do not overbeat. Fold in the almond flour mixture in three additions, using as few strokes as possible.
4. Immediately scrape the mixture into the pastry bag. Holding it perpendicular to the parchment, pipe mounds of the mixture onto the parchment. Rap the sheets a few times on the counter and set aside for 30 to 60 minutes to let meringues develop a crust and until the batter is no longer sticky.
5. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Heat the oven to 300 F.
6. Prepare the ganache: In a small pan on the stove, or in the microwave, heat the cream until it boils. In a heatproof bowl, add the chocolate and pour in the cream. Add the green tea powder and whisk until smooth. Stir in the butter. Put the bowl over ice and stir until the ganache is thick enough to hold its shape when piped through a pastry bag. Set aside.
7. Bake the meringues until crisp, lightly colored and easily removed from the parchment, 18 to 25 minutes. (Return to the oven if they stick.) Remove the pans from the oven, slide the parchment papers onto racks and let the meringues cool. If not using immediately, store in an airtight container.
8. Assemble the macarons: Match two meringues of the same size into pairs. Pipe a generous teaspoon (or more depending on the meringue size) onto one half, then top with the second meringue and gently press so the ganache spreads to the edge. Repeat with remaining cookies. Refrigerate in a covered container overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving.

NUTRITIONAL DATA (per cookie): Calories: 180; Cholesterol: 70 mg; Sodium: 15 mg; Fat: 7 g; Dietary Fiber 0 g

This or That?

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:11:00 +0000

Happy Saturday!

Let's play this This or That game!

Coke or Pepsi?

Neither. I do not drink soda.

Lemonade or fruit punch?

Lemonade (fresh squeezed).

Caramel apple or cotton candy?

I'd prefer either Maple Cotton Candy or sliced apples dipped in caramel!

Butterfinger or Snickers?

If I'm hungry, I go with the snickers. However, I prefer Butterfinger as an ice cream topping.

Pudding or Jello?

Pudding!

Turkey or chicken?

Turkey dinner, but otherwise chicken.

American or Provolone cheese?

Provolone on a sandwich with meat. American if it is grilled cheese!

Crackers or cookies?

Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies!

Pretzels or chips?

Pretzels. I love cheese and peanut butter filled!

Mexican food or Japanese food?

Oh no, that's tough. Again, it depends on my mood and how hungry I am. My favorite Mexican dish is a grilled chicken burrito with guacamole and my favorite Japanese dish is seaweed salad and the spicy tuna and avocado roll with steamed shrimp dumplings served with chopped scallions.

Chinese food or Italian food?

Italian without question. However, my favorite Chinese food is tangerine shrimp and vegetable dumplings. Italian...to many choices to list!

Ice cream or cookies?

Cookies! Otherwise, my favorite ice cream is chocolate chip cookie dough.

Pasta or pizza?

Pasta with lots of toppings. I do like pizza, but I prefer pasta. On pizza, just like pasta, I like lots of sauce with toppings like broccoli, tomato and or basil with garlic powder.

Soda or juice?

Definitely juice. I'm talking papaya, guava, peach, pear and pomegranate.

Chocolate bars or chocolate truffles?

Chocolate truffles. I particularly love lemon and strawberry cream filling.

Apples or bananas?

Both mixed!

Salad or soup?

Again, depends on my mood. I love salad topped with craisins and goat cheese and I love hearty soups like apple and butternut squash soup, split pea, corn and shrimp chowder, and yankee bean.

Cauliflower or broccoli?

Broccoli.

Onion rings or french fries?

Onion rings, my favorite!

Blizzard or McFlurry?

I never had a Blizzard (O_O). I like McFlurrys. I'll have to see and will update you!

Fried or poached eggs?

Definitely poached. I don't eat/like fried foods (except mozzarella sticks and onion rings).

Crepes or pancakes?

Crepes with jam, fruit, chocolate, hazelnut spread and or peanut butter.

Hash browns or roasted potatoes?

Roasted potatoes.

Oatmeal or cereal?

Oatmeal with nuts, fruit and brown sugar.

Have a Beautiful Day,

Happy Halloween Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:13:00 +0000

Good morning everyone and Happy Halloween!

First and foremost, I hope my readers that have and had been affected by Hurricane Sandy is safe and well. I had just come back from Disney and the Bahamas, where Hurricane Sandy was swiftly approaching as of the end of last week. After our visit to the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT, my husband and I took a cruise with Royal Caribbean and had an amazing first time experience cruising and visit to Paradise Island and New Providence, despite the weather. The hurricane was in Jamaica when we were cruising, but our ship, the Monarch of the Seas, was easily able to avoid the Hurricane's path. We made it safely back to Port Canaveral earlier than expected. I'll review my cruise later on this week.

As far as Hurricane Sandy in my area, we fortunately did not lose any power, though most individuals and towns around lost power. Our town, because we are right on the bay, suffered from heavy flooding and damage due to fallen poles and trees. Power is slowly being restored in the neighboring areas and our town; however, most businesses are closed including banks, restaurants and shops. The post office is open and one of my banks. I was able to do some last minute grocery shopping yesterday in order to bake some homemade cupcakes.

Below is the recipe I followed for my Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. The recipe is adapted from this recipe on Taste of Home. These cupcakes are so delicious and moist, you will love them. In fact, everyone in your family will be begging you for the recipe!

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened
2-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup buttermilk (substitute: 1 cup of milk with one tsp of vineagar)
FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add pumpkin. Combine the flour, pie spice, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and ginger; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and cinnamon; beat until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Refrigerate leftovers.
Yield: 2 dozen.

I created three variations of the same type of cupcake. With the first, I wanted to create a pumpkin patch using candy pumpkins (those that have the same taste as candy corn) and honey mini wheats (you could also use the large wheat cereal). With the second variation I decorated the cupcakes with sugared sprinkles and mickey-shaped sprinkles and for the third variation I used black sugar sprinkles and candy corn.

I love candy corn! It is so addicting and one of my favorite fall treats! My favorite Halloween candies are Reese's Fast Break, Three Musketeers and Take 5. What are your favorites? Are you doing anything special this Halloween?

Fabulous Fall Survey

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 18:07:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

Below is a fun survey I thought we all might try to answer. Post your answers to the questions below on your blog! This survey is originally from Annette's blog.

Apple picking or pumpkin picking?

I've never been pumpkin picking (even though there are tons of patches around me). I love apple picking but would have to say I would enjoy both. I love choosing fresh fruit and vegetables and supporting my local farming community.

Favorite apple recipe?

Warm apple crisp paired with a Yankee candle Warm Apple Crisp for mood purposes.

Favorite pumpkin recipe?

You know what's so funny, I never liked pumpkin pie until a few years ago. Now I love EVERYTHING pumpkin: pumpkin cream cheese, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin banana bread with cream cheese icing, pumpkin cupcakes, you can't go wrong! My favorite would have to be homemade pumpkin ravioli.

Favorite soup recipe?

Definitely pasta fagioli (white bean and noodles version) with no meat. My favorite was from a restaurant called Taormina in NYC, the restaurant is no longer there, so now I visit Pellegrino's in NYC's Little Italy.

Football: on TV or in the stadium?

Not really into football, baseball and hockey are much more me (YANKEES)!

Favorite football team to cheer for?

If I were to choose, it would be the New York Giants.

Daylight Savings Time – love it or hate it?

I love spring forward much better. I do not like more darkness :-/

How do your workouts change (if at all) during the fall months?

I love tend to retreat inside more because I love to be outside as much as possible during the warmer months. I focus on my indoor cycling and workout routines (weight training and cardio kick boxing) during the cooler months. I still try to run to the gym and back from my house as often as I can when the weather permits.

Favorite Halloween candy?

Of course, Reese's Fast Break, Hershey's Cookies and Cream, Take 5 and Candy Corn!

Any fashion essentials for fall weather?

I love boots, cozy sweaters, tight jeans, flats, and scarves! My favorite recent item are definitely my Le Chameau rain boots from England and flats from Sam Edelman.

[source]

Do your meals change when the weather changes?

Yes, I eat more starchy vegetables and soups in addition to more bread and pastas such as pumpernickel bread and raviolis.

Favorite fall dinner?

Pasta, almost any kind with a generous amount of sauce. I also love Indian curry dishes and I love to bake ziti and chicken parmigiana.

Favorite fall dessert?

Pumpkin bread with cream cheese icing or warm apple crisp with vanilla bean ice cream. ALSO, soft-serve pumpkin ice cream with cookie dough and caramel sauce.

Best thing about fall?

Pumpkin everything, fall foliage, warm sweaters, apple cider, hot cocoa and hot (pumpkin spiced) lattes.

Worst thing about fall?

The shorter days and the anticipation of even cooler days!

Best thing that will happen in fall 2012?

Traveling and seeing my family and husband. Also focusing on my writing and career growth! I will also be doing even more cooking at home, which is always exciting!

Best Boy and Co. Fudge and Caramel Sauces Review!

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 20:27:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

I have the pleasure of reviewing Best Boy and Co's Hot Fudge and Caramel Sauces. Wayne Shive, President of Best Boy and Co, generously mailed me four tempting sauces: balsamic hot fudge, bourbon caramel, classic hot fudge sauce and chili hot fudge. In addition to fudge and caramel sauces, they also make and sell BBQ sauces and spice blends.

Best Boy and Co is dedicated to making the best sauces (and believe me, they are) using the best available all natural ingredients without any additives or preservatives. All of their profits are given to charitable causes, as their saying goes: "Great Taste for a Greater Good." Each batch is made from scratch and must pass a panel of taste testers before production.

I was immediately blown away with the taste and texture of each sauce. You are able to tell right away that these fudge and caramel sauces are carefully created (in small batches) with the finest ingredients. It would be almost impossible to choose a favorite jar. Once I indulged in my first spoonful of the bourbon caramel, I was hooked. It was divine, beyond that in fact. The smooth hint of bourbon immediately awakened my taste buds. I could not wait to enjoy it on vanilla bean ice cream or with fruit: bananas and cool whip sounds incredible!

Their classic hot fudge sauce has a hint of bourbon vanilla and mellowed with cream and pure cocoa. This velvety, rich fudge sauce has endless possibilities; s'mores, hot fudge sundaes, cakes, pastries and more.

I had never tried the pairing of chili with hot fudge sauce before. The ribbon of chili streamed through the back of my mouth after savoring the first few seconds of fudge. Without a question, it is genius, simply the best! I would recommend these sauces to anyone! The infused chili hot fudge sauce is best paired with fried bananas, cinnamon ice cream, dark chocolate ice cream and more. They also offer an espresso hot fudge sauce! The balsamic hot fudge sauce is very unique, with a light pinch of balsamic flavor. You can get very creative with this sauce, I would say paired with fruits with a high water content or on whole wheat crackers perhaps!

According to their website, each fudge sauce is the perfect balance of cocoa, vanilla, cream and butter, sweetened with just enough cane sugar to soften the earthy brilliance of the cocoa. I would certainly agree, you can't beat it!

Best Boy's Four Featured Sauces

You may purchases their sauces here. Wayne also sells his Best Boy sauces at specialty food stores across the Mid West and East Coast. Charities he often donates to include Doctors Without Borders, The International Medical Corp., The Enough Project and The Red Cross.

Be sure to Like Best Boy and Co. on Facebook.

For more information and to purchase their incredible sauces, please visit bestboyandco.com.

Have a Lovely Day,

My Lovely Animal Family Members and Friends

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 12:02:00 +0000

Good Day Everyone!

Below are some adorable photo of some of the animals in my life. Abby is my and my husband's cat (short-haired tiger-striped, Puffy and Tigger, two boys, are my and my family's Persian cats. They turned 11 this past year! Abby is going to be 3 in September.
The longer haired black kitty is Lucy, my friend Alex's cat and the pretty polydactyl tortoise shell cat's name is also Tigger. She is my Aunt's cat. The handsome black cat with yellow eyes is Panther, my grandparents' cat.
Also pictured are some animal friends at the Hampton Classic Horse show on Long Island, including an angora rabbit, ponies, a piggy and alpacas.

Abby eating her breakfast

Angora rabbit

Love my hairdo?

Puffy!

Tigger!

Abby peaking in the bathroom

Tigger lounging!

Alpacas!

Ponies!

Piggy!

Panther!

Panther loves to play in his house

Lucy saying hello!

Tigger says it's time for breakfast!

Tigger wants his treats

Puffy watching the cooking for dinner

Tigger is taking out his toys

Puffy wants to be brushed in the bathroom

Puffy sees something!

Tigger is pondering many subjects

Herbal Healing

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:12:00 +0000

As the cooler weather approaches, try to include some of these natural ingredients into your daily lifestyle:

Witch hazel flower

Chamomile: More than just a delicious tea, this ingredient holds antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and even mild sedative properties. This tea is perfect if you feel congested and it will also help you relax after a tiring day.

Peppermint: In addition keeping your breath minty fresh, this tiny greenish-purple flower known for its aromatic leaves, and can also stimulate digestion as well as settle an upset stomach. I prefer to add peppermint to almost all of my iced teas and seltzer drinks. Peppermint can also help alleviate headaches, dispel tension and soothe menstrual cramps.

Eucalyptus: In oil form, this herb can be rubbed on the chest to help create a barrier for colds and the flu. Helping keep the airways clear and open, eucalyptus can also help restore free breathing.

Lavender: It can be used to aid burns and to reduce scarring in addition to helping to ease any pain from itchiness and bites. Lavender can also be inhaled for headache relief and to help combat insomnia.

Witch hazel: This is an excellent astringent that could help the acne prone. It is also great with helping to unclog pores. In addition, witch hazel can help stop the bleeding in cuts and scrapes. A cloth soaked in witch hazel tea can relieve the pain from bruises and help reduce swelling.

Rugby Ralph Lauren Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (♥ Vanessa) — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:47:00 +0000

Happy Saturday!

Below are some photos of certain clothing items I really like at Rugby Ralph Lauren. They have some beautiful pieces for the upcoming season. I look forward to seeing the new items up for sale later on in October. I would love to get a new cardigan! By the way, they offer 15% off of full priced items for students (with a valid ID).

It seems for the most part my desired fashion pieces stay consistent throughout each season. For the summer, I always love summer dresses and sandals and for the fall I love cardigan sweaters, long sleeve or three quarter length fitted shirts, plaid shirts, and corduroys. I am hoping to experiment a bit more with fashion and pick up some new pieces that I may not already have. Perhaps some winter skirts paired with high socks would be cute with a vest.

I love these! I bought two pairs last season: the purple and light beige. I hope to get the dark beige.

Paired with a shawl sweater or tight-fitted shirt is great. I would wear these with black flats.

I just love the elbow patches. I have one sweater with the elbow patches. These jackets are perfect for autumn!

Plaid shirts are my favorite for fall! I always wear these shirts with blue jeans.

This cardigan, which comes in blue, green and brown, is favorite peice this season! A skirt or skinny jeans would love incredible. I also love the socks she is wearing.

Vanessa's Soda Fountain

New Website and GIVEAWAYS

Room on The Broom Review

Challah French Toast with Homemade Fresh Strawberry Butter

My New Website

The Cat in the Hat: Safari, So Good Review and Giveaway

Groundhog Day: Seattle's Best Coffee offers Free Coffee

Oscar de la Renta Scarf Winner

Univision’​s Lourdes Stephen Helps Latina Cancer Patients Look Good, Feel Better® and GIVEAWAY

Buon Italia's Ricetta Risotto ai Quattro Formaggi

Fun Fitness Survey

Food Survey: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Christmas Funfetti Cake Batter Truffles

Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas Review and Giveaway

Sisters Gourmet Review for the Holidays

Healthy Living Survey

Seattle's Best Coffee Warms Up the Holidays

Melting Snowmen Oreo Cookie Balls

Directions

Footnotes

Ginger Macarons with Green Tea–White Chocolate Ganache

Ingredients

Method

This or That?

Happy Halloween Cupcakes

Ingredients

Directions

Fabulous Fall Survey

Best Boy and Co. Fudge and Caramel Sauces Review!

My Lovely Animal Family Members and Friends

Herbal Healing

Rugby Ralph Lauren Favorites

Univision’s Lourdes Stephen Helps Latina Cancer Patients Look Good, Feel Better® and GIVEAWAY