Monday, November 29, 2010

Site Review: CSN Stores

I have no problem saying I'm doing most of my shopping online for Christmas. I've been able to get exactly what I want without having to elbow my way to a good deal! My favorite site right now is CSNStores.com because I'm able to find items in their over 200 stores. They have over 1 million products, and that number is rising!

I did find myself one little "me gift" too! I do not like to be cold. Ever. I sleep in long sleeves and pants and socks. I wear sweatshirts and pants and socks all day. Blankets are all over the house. But I've noticed that I'm still cold in the car, so I was looking for a small-ish blanket to keep in the car. This is what I found:



It's a Daniadown Sherpini blanket, in chocolate. It's suedy on one side and fleecy on the other. It's so wonderfully soft and warm! It's a great deal too at $27! I've been using it in the car since my 4 year old insists on looking at "oohs" (Christmas lights) and trains almost every night. When it's on the couch (because I bring it in and just can't stop using it!) I have to almost fight the 4 year old off of it because he loves it too!

I received a credit to CSNStores in exchange for a review. I was allowed to pick my own item and was only required to be honest. No additional compensation has been received.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Book Review: Angry

Angry: A Novel
Angry: A Novel
By Laura L Smith
NavPress, 2010
English, 160 pgs
(Young Adult)


Description:
Emma is angry. She’s angry at her siblings, who she always has to baby sit; her parents, who are divorcing and ruining her life in the process; and herself for not measuring up to anyone’s standards.

With her simmering feelings ready to spill over at any time, Emma's self-worth plummets. Her faith in God is tested in the face of overwhelming hurt that threatens to send her over the edge. Can she turn back in time?

Online study guide companion available.

Review:
This is marketed as Young Adult. I recommend parents read it first before handing it to their teen. I'm sure (geez, it's been a long time...) the teenage years are harder now than they were "way back when",  and I'm sure Emma doesn't feel anything a "normal" teenager wouldn't feel given all she goes through. However, I'm not convinced this story does a good job of showing that Emma "turns to God". She argues with Him and basically doesn't think He's caring for her until she gets a part in a play she loves. I'm not even sure what the author's intent is in the book. It's ended abruptly and gives a lives-happily-ever-after feel in a relatively short amount of time to struggle. Emma is a typical self-centered teenager and is actually well written. I just wish the author would have gone into a salvation experience, a youth group, a worship service or something. She talks about "youth group" once and states that it wasn't the week to go. The youth group at my church meets twice a week. There is nothing in the story to suggest any reverence for family, marriage, sobriety or God. I'm quite disappointed.


I received a copy of the book from NavPress in exchange for a review. No additional compensation was received and all that was required was to be honest.


Sunday, November 21, 2010

Product/Site Review: Cowgirl Chocolates


There aren't many things in life that really make me giddy happy. My son's laughter, sinking into a really comfy bed at night and chocolate. Really good chocolate. I can "get by" on a chocolate which is mass produced in Pennsylvania, but I get really happy when I get good chocolate. I had a friend go to Germany and Switzerland and she was totally my best friend for weeks thanks to the bars she brought me. 

I also really love Food Network's Unwrapped. I'm kind-of a nerd and I love seeing how things are made. I saw one episode which featured Cowgirl Chocolates and I've been intrigued ever since. 

Head Cowgirl, Marilyn, founded the company in 1997 as one of the first in the nation mixing chocolate with spicy kick. Cowgirl Chocolates has won a total of 19 product awards and 2 packaging awards and is located in Moscow, Idaho USA. It has also been featured on the Food Network on “Unwrapped” and “Extreme Cuisine” and on CNBC “On the Money”. They have also been written up in the New York Times, InStyle, the Toronto Star among others.

They carry various truffles and bars and even spicy caramels. There are gift assortments and you can buy truffles by the pound (!). 
I contacted Marilyn and she was generous to provide a 9 pc. truffle and caramel assortment for me to test. (It didn't last long in this house...)



I have to tell you...this is the number one, best milk chocolate I've ever tasted. It was smooth, creamy and just melted so wonderfully in my mouth. My second favorite was the Ivory Orange. It's a white chocolate truffle with milk chocolate and orange center. The mild Raspberry Lemonade was a hit too. My 4 year old particularly loved it. It was sweet and tangy and just didn't last nearly long enough to savor it (thanks to the 4 year old grabbing it as I was half way through it). 

The spicy truffles and caramels were a bit much for me. I'm kind-of a lightweight, but I do love spice in small doses. The caramel lasted two days since I could only handle a small bit every once in a while! My husband just ate the Spicy Cappuccino and Spicy Double Dark truffles and he had to run and get the milk! 



I'll be totally honest with you. There have been (in the past year of product reviews) only 3 products I've bought again after testing them. There's about to be 4! I have an order sitting in my basket on the site right now and I can't wait to taste the bars I'm getting (Milk Chocolate Sarsparilla and White Chocolate Lemonade...) and to share the truffles I'm getting (maybe) with my friends and family!



Check out the hot chocolate and the dessert sauces too. They have a large assortment of gifts in all price ranges. They are going to be in the baskets I'm making for my family this year.

So anyway, check them out. You're going to find unique choices for all the people on your list and I can tell you, everyone will be happy with what you give them! While you're there, sign up for their newsletter and you'll be "in the loop" as far as what's going on with the company.

I received product in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Product Review: Ammo Books Toys for Kids

My boys are so active! I spend literally all day chasing one or both of them. Nap time is my "me" time...until the 4 year old comes walking in asking "is my nap over now momma?" (Which he's literally doing RIGHT NOW!)

I've been trying to make sure they are learning as we play and that isn't always easy with some of the toys we have. I was thrilled, therefore, to get to play with/test some toys from AMMO Books.

AMMO Books publishes exciting, one-of-a-kind visually charged books that always get noticed. We create "must-have" books with amazing design, thoughtful writing, and exquisite printing. We've built both an eclectic list and dedicated audience - one great book at a time!

What started as ideas in a notebook, has quickly grown into a wide scope of titles for adults and kids of all ages. In just a few years, we are proud that AMMO Books has developed a great following and a lot of loyal customers. We really love great books, and we want to bring the very best to your bookshelf!

I was sent the Patrick Hruby Memory Game and the Charley Harper Nesting Blocks for the boys.

 
I played the Memory Game with the 4 year old and he really seemed to enjoy it. 
The art work (unfortunately, face down in the picture) is really vibrant and pretty and we got to talk about the circus (he's never been) and what the things on the pictures were!

The star of our house right now though is the nesting/building blocks.


I had to separate them into 5 each because they were literally fighting over who got to play with them!

"Charley Harper’s whimsical and well-loved illustrations are featured here on this classic set of nesting blocks. The alphabet and numbers 1 through 10 are expressed with Charley’s colorful animal illustrations that wrap around the surface of each of the 10 nesting blocks. When completely stacked, the blocks stand almost 3 feet tall, and when they nest, they become a compact 6 x 6 x 6 inches square. These CHARLEY HARPER NESTING BLOCKS are interactive, decorative, and a great addition to the existing line of Charley Harper books and toys for kids. Perfect for brightening any nursery room!"

The 11 month old is having a blast trying to get them to go back into each other and the big boy is enjoying stacking them! I'm enjoying watching! Oh, and the colors and pictures on them are really great for the kids too.

They have a really creative catalog of books. Most of them would make great gifts for someone who is really into design or art. I personally want the Kelly Wearstler book HUE, she's just amazing at what she does! They also have really cool books by Todd Oldham, also amazing!

I received the mentioned products from AMMO Books in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you to Sara from AMMO for choosing me to review your products. And my son really is bugging me during nap time right now.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Book Review: Hatteras Girl

Hatteras Girl
Hatteras Girl
By Alice J Wisler
Bethany House, 2010
English, 310 pgs


Description:
There are two things twenty-nine-year-old Jackie Donovan asks God for: an honest, wonderful man to marry, and to own a bed-and-breakfast in the Outer Banks region. In the meantime, Jackie works for Lighthouse Views magazine, writing articles about other local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives. There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: the Bailey Place, a fabulous old home where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons, a place that has now fallen into disrepair because of its outrageous price tag. When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey Place, Jackie is sure God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to question her own motivation. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

Review:
I think it's interesting that this is the second of three books sent to my from Bethany House and it really seemed similar to the first. There was the "I have a dream, but do I dare chase it" and the "I think I'm in love, but I'm not sure" and the "roommate has a sick mother" themes from the last book I read. It felt like it was following a pattern. It was still an engaging read, but all these Christian fiction books are starting to read the same to me.

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received.

We Have a Winner (finally)

I forgot that the winner needed to be picked for the Wanchai Ferry/Macaroni Grill pack! Out of 18 comments, Random.org picked #13 as the winner.



Pixie said...
Our first date was at a Denny's....I knew it was a good thing when I was lucky enough to find $20 on the floor!
The winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Book Review: Amy Inspired

Amy Inspired
Amy Inspired
By Bethany Pierce
Bethany House, 2010
English, 318 pgs


Description:
Amy Gallagher is an aspiring writer who, after countless rejections, has settled for a career as an English professor in small-town Ohio just to pay the bills. All her dreams suddenly start to unravel as rejections pile up--both from publishers and her boyfriend. But just as Amy fears her life is stuck in a holding pattern, she meets the mysterious, attractive, and unavailable Eli. She struggles to walk the fine line between friendship and something more with Eli, even as staying true to her faith becomes unexpectedly complicated. When secrets, tragedy, and poor decisions cause rifts in Amy's relationships, she must come to terms with who she's become, her unrealized aspirations for her life, and the state of her faith. Can she dare to hope that she will find love and fulfillment despite it all?

Review:
I'm not sure how I felt about this book. I had a hard time getting into it and really had to make myself keep reading. I don't feel the description (from the back cover) really gets the story right. Yes, the basics of it are correct, but I didn't understand a lot of the sub-plots (pregnant friend = "I want a baby", stalky student, student dealing with tragedy) and how they related to the story. I kinda feel like the author was adding characters to get to a specific length of book. I never really saw her struggle with faith and didn't really seem as though the character was "in love". It was by no means terrible, but it isn't one I'm excited about reading again.

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was only required to be honest.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Album Review: ...Featuring Norah Jones

...Featuring Norah Jones
...Featuring Norah Jones
Blue Note Records, 2010


Description:
Norah Jones' new album …Featuring is in stores today!  The album is a star-studded collection of the multi-platinum selling, multi-Grammy Award winning singer’s musical collaborations from the past decade. 
 
The 18 songs on the album include cool cameos, collaborations and duets with such legends as Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton, and with 21st Century icons from OutKast to the Foo Fighters.  The album spans Norah’s entire career and reveal her astonishing musical versatility, from jazz to country, hip-hop to rock.  
 
...Featuring Track Listing:
 
1. Love Me – The Little Willies
2. Virginia Moon – The Foo Fighters featuring Norah Jones
3. Turn Them – Sean Bones featuring Norah Jones
4. Baby It's Cold OutsideWillie Nelson featuring Norah Jones
5. Bull Rider – Norah Jones and Sasha Dobson
6. Ruler Of My Heart – Dirty Dozen Brass Band featuring Norah Jones
7. The Best Part – El Madmo  
8. Take Off Your Cool – OutKast featuring Norah Jones
9. Life Is Better – Q-Tip featuring Norah Jones
10. Soon The New Day – Talib Kweli featuring Norah Jones
11. Little Lou, Prophet Jack, Ugly John – Belle & Sebastian featuring Norah Jones
12. Here We Go AgainRay Charles featuring Norah Jones
13. Loretta – Norah Jones featuring Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
14. Dear John – Ryan Adams featuring Norah Jones
15. Creepin' In – Norah Jones featuring Dolly Parton
16. Court & Spark – Herbie Hancock featuring Norah Jones
17. More Than ThisCharlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones
18. Blue Bayou – Norah Jones featuring M. Ward
 
Review: 
I was excited to get a copy of this, from One2One Network, as I love her previous albums. I was a little disappointed in it though. I liked a few of the songs, but not many. Maybe upon listening to it again I'll hear something else I like, but it's not too likely.
 
I received a copy of the CD, in advance of it's release, from One2One Network in exchange for an honest review.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Weekend Coupon Preview

You can see the list of coupons for this weekend HERE. I'm excited about Crayola coupons. Always good stocking stuffers!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Book Review: The Fashion File

The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men
The Fashion File: Advice, Tips and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men.
By Janie Bryant
Grand Central Life and Style, 2010
English, 192 pgs


Description:
From Joanie's Marilyn Monroe-esque pencil skirts to Betty's classic Grace Kelly cupcake dresses, the clothes worn by the characters of the phenomenal Mad Men have captivated fans everywhere. Now, women are trading in their khakis for couture and their pumas for pumps. Finally, it's hip to dress well again. Emmy-Award winning costume designer Janie Bryant offers readers a peek into the dressing room of Mad Men, revealing the design process behind the various characters' looks and showing every woman how to find her own leading lady style--whether it's vintage, modern, or bohemian.

Bryant's book will peek into the dressing room of Mad Men and reveal the design process behind the various characters' looks. But it will also help women learn how fashion can help convey their personality. She will help them cultivate their style, including all the details that make a big difference.

Bryant offers advice to ensure that a woman's clothes convey her personality. She covers everything from where to find incredible vintage clothing and accessories to how to pair those authentic pieces with modern shoes and jeans. Readers will learn how to find their perfect bra size, use color to convey a mood, and invest in the ten essentials every woman should own. And just so the ladies don't leave their men behind, there's even a section on making them look a little more Don Draper-dashing.

Emmy-winning costume designer Janie Bryant creates all of the looks seen on TV's Mad Men. She has worked on numerous films and TV shows. In 2005, she won an Emmy for her period costumes on HBO's Deadwood and she took home the prestigious Outstanding Costume Design award from the Costume Designers Guild in both 2009 and 2010. 

Review:
I'm not a fan of the show, but I love the way Bryant styles the characters. I am so happy that her styles have brought back looking nice. There has been way too much frumpy, slouchy and ill-fitting fashion lately and I love that Mad Men is inspiring a shift into feminine styles again.

Several times in the book, I really felt like the book was aimed at someone else. I'm not thin and I can't wear a lot of the styles she advocates. I do like that she made everything pretty basic and easy to learn. She's way obsessed with accessories though!

The most useful parts for me were the "necessities" she advocates for both women and men.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Tis the Season!



I'm so excited about this holiday season! It's time to start making lists, shopping for gifts, packing the children's luggage and going to see family! This will be one of the first years in a long time that we'll be at my mom's for Thanksgiving (was way too pregnant to travel last year) and I can't wait!

I'll be honest, I'm about 80% done with Christmas shopping. Although, I know myself well and know that I'll continue to look for things for the boys until I've spent all the budget! Most of my shopping has been done online. CSN Stores has been a "go-to" site where I can find anything! (Including a few things for myself...)

Check them out. You're sure to find what you need in one of their 200+ stores. Lots of items even have Free Shipping. I've always received my items quickly and they're exactly what I expect when they get here.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Book Review: Almost Heaven

Almost Heaven
Almost Heaven
By Chris Fabry
Tyndale House, 2010
English, 400 pgs.


Description:
Billy Allman is a hillbilly genius. People in Dogwood, West Virginia, say he was born with a second helping of brains and a gift for playing the mandolin but was cut short on social skills. Though he’d gladly give you the shirt off his back, they were right. Billy longs to use his life as an ode to God, a lyrical, beautiful bluegrass song played with a finely tuned heart. So with spare parts from a lifetime of collecting, he builds a radio station in his own home. People in town laugh. But Billy carries a brutal secret that keeps him from significance and purpose. Things always seem to go wrong for him.
However small his life seems, from a different perspective Billy’s song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home. Malachi is an angel sent to observe Billy. Though it is not his dream assignment, Malachi follows the man and begins to see the bigger picture of how each painful step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful symphony that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.

Review:
I had to stick with this one. I was determined to read the whole book. I'm glad I stuck with it. It started a little slow and sad, but it turned into a beautiful story of a life well lived. Billy works through his life and his "issues" with an observer/protector angel watching over him. That it's a fictionalization of a real person makes the story that much more touching. There are touches of Peretti in the accounts of the angelic realm, but it doesn't go too much into that so I didn't mind it.

I received a copy of the book from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received.

Wholly Guacamole Coupon!

Wholly Guacamole has released an amazing $4 coupon good on any Wholly product on their Facebook page! Click to Like and then go to the coupon tab to print it! This is as close to FREE as you can get! I personally want more queso! I love it so much!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Book Review: Then Sings My Soul

Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories
Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories, Special Edition
By Robert J. Morgan
Thomas Nelson, 2010
English, 320 pgs


Description:

Don't look for a dry recounting of boring historical fact, the devotional-style stories in Then Sings My Soul show the emotion and drama behind the hymns of faith that have changed many lives throughout history. Designed to be personally reflective, these stories speak to the soul and add depth to a meaningful worship time with God through song.
Recounted are stories of the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful seasonal hymns and the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing the songs.
  • Includes words and music to each hymn
  • Special, softcover, French flap cover design
  • Ivory paper with brown ink
  • Jagged edged paper, giving it a classic feel
  • Complete with hymn index
  • Use for devotionals, teaching illustrations, introductory remarks for song leaders and music ministers
Review:
I love stories. I love knowing the stories behind things I love. I love "old" hymns. There are so many song in the Hymnal that have a deep personal meaning, yet I've never wondered about the stories behind them. I guess I've just assumed that the person(s) who wrote them had the same deep experiences that caused them to write.

My all time favorite hymn is The Old Rugged Cross. You would never know it because I never sing it. I can't. I can't get through it without tears (and I HATE crying) and therefore I don't sing it.

The reason it's so personal to me is my grandfather. He passed away when I was just about to start my sophomore year of high school. It was sang at his funeral because it was his favorite. At that time, I was not a Christian and I didn't understand the meaning behind it. A few months later I accepted Jesus as my Savior and then I came to understand.

To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
It's shame and reproach gladly bear,
Thn He'll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.

It came to have meaning for me.

This book is really cool for learning the back story of the songs we sing at our churches, even those for the upcoming Christmas season are covered.

I received a copy of the book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Book Review: Drop 5 lbs.

Good Housekeeping Drop 5 lbs: The Small Changes, Big Results Diet
Good Housekeeping Drop 5 lbs: The Small Changes, Big Results Diet
By Heather K. Jones RD and Editors of Good Housekeeping
Hearst, 2010
English, 272 pgs


Description:
Sometimes it's the simple choices-like switching diet soda for regular; selecting a less-caloric sandwich at the fast food joint; stopping at just one dip into the candy bowl; filling up on salad rather than bread before your main course; or taking the kids for a bike ride instead of hanging out in front of the TV-that make the pounds melt away almost effortlessly. Whether you're a junk food junkie, an emotional eater, or even a mindless muncher, Good Housekeeping Drop 5 Pounds offers hundreds of ideas for small and very doable changes in your diet that can add up to significant weight loss.
The Diet Decoder quiz right at the start helps you pinpoint your particular eating patterns and food pitfalls, priming you for a transformation. Then, follow the icons to identify customized strategies that target your behavior. Plus you'll learn about diet destroyers like the hidden calories in “friendly” foods; simple substitutes that make both home-cooked and restaurant-bought foods less fattening; how to avoid holiday weight gain; and practical ways to incorporate exercise into your routine. Easy-to-follow charts identify “Diet Madness” meals and give you “Diet Makeover” alternatives, plus “Make This Swap” suggestions.
Every chapter opens with “Drop 5 Top 5" strategies to ditch the pounds at home, at work, and at play.

HERE'S HOW TO DROP 5 POUNDS IN JUST TWO WEEKS!
o Start with a self-quiz to diagnose your diet pitfalls
o Use our Diet Makeovers to end Diet Disasters
o Steal our Special Diet Tricks for Meal Skippers, Nonstop Nibblers, Liquid Calorie Lovers, Emotional Eaters, and Junk Food Junkies
o Mix and match our Drop 5 advice to change your diet according to your tastes and habits
o Choose from dozens of fat-blasting recipes to drop 5 pounds 

Review:
I fully intend to get this baby weight off. Of course, now that he's almost a year old, I guess it's just weight now. I've been trying everything but for some reason, I just can't get a start. I started exercising, got a cold, couldn't breathe, quit exercising, got out of the practice, Halloween candy....argh...oh and lost $20 in a weight loss bet...

So, this is going to be my plan: make subtle changes that can be sustained for a slower, permanent loss. I love the ideas in the book like bake fries instead of fry them (I can have fries!) and I'm really happy this seems "do-able". Even for someone who has struggled for so long with an extra 40 pounds. I can't even begin to tell you all the tips in the book. There is also a companion food diary to go along with it.

Check back every 2 weeks to see how I'm doing...

I received a copy of the book for review/test purposes. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.


Product Review: Tommee Tippee



I was chosen to review the Tommee Tippee Bottle Carrier. I was really excited because we travel with the baby and it's not always easy to get the bottle made while on the go. Well, I didn't get the bottle carrier, I got a bottle warmer. It's basically a thermos with a large over-lid which you pour the hot water into then float the bottle to warm it up.

closer to nature ® Travel bottle and food warmer set

  • No electricity needed! Great for travel or daycare
  • Thermal flask keeps water warm
  • Either use warm water to heat up bottles or jars in warming carafe or use warm water to make up fresh feeds
  • BPA and Phthalate free
I used it in the house since we aren't due to travel for another few weeks and it's been a little colder here. It did what it was supposed to do. I did find the pour spout a little hard to work and thought it was difficult to pour neatly. It kinda "gushed" everywhere.

I received product in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Macaroni Grill/Wanchai Ferry Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

Do you remember your first date? Maybe it was dinner at a quiet little Italian restaurant, or dining on some takeout at home. Wherever you were when love first filled the air, Wanchai Ferry® and Macaroni Grill® Dry Dinner Kits can help you recreate that special evening in the comfort of your own home.



Enjoy an Asian escape with Wanchai Ferry restaurant-inspired dishes by simply adding your own protein to delicious entrees like Cashew Chicken, Spicy Garlic Chicken, Orange Chicken, and Kung Pao Chicken. Or bring the romance of Italian cuisine to your kitchen with Macaroni Grill favorites such as Chicken Piccata and Angel Hair Pasta, Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken & Pasta, Chicken Alfredo with Linguine, Garlic & Herb Chicken Penne, and Chicken Marsala with Linguine.

So stay in and go all out! Make your meal an experience by perhaps adding some ambiance with candles and flowers.

My first date ever, I don't remember. It was most likely the movies or something in high school. My first date with my husband...well...we went to a movie, out to eat and had a car accident on the way home. I didn't talk to him for a few weeks.

Part of our routine now is date nights. Since I plan my menu one week at a time, I schedule them in advance. We never really get a date night at home though. I'm just happy if we get to talk to each other before we crash at night after the boys go to sleep!

Thanks to the people at MyBlogSpark I was able to test the Macaroni Grill Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and the Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken. They were both really easy to prepare and took no more than 40 minutes from starting to cut up the chicken to putting the plate on the table.

I was really happy with the flavors, although there wasn't quite enough in the boxes for all three of us to eat. I did adapt the orange chicken to our family since none of us really like peppers and it was still really yummy.

For more information and dinner tips, visit WanchaiFerryAtHome.com and MacaroniGrillAtHome.com. And be sure to follow Macaroni Grill on Twitter and “Like” the Facebook page to keep up with all of the latest news on your Macaroni Grill favorites!

Go here to get an online coupon for $1.50 off two packages of Wanchai Ferry and/or Macaroni Grill Dinner Kits!

Enter here to win the same package I received which will include one box from each product line and a gift card for the "extras" you need for your date night!


Entry Method:
All entries MUST have your email in them. 


First, and only, entry: Tell me where you went on your first date! (1 Entry)



Giveaway Rules: Please be sure you read these before 
you start posting comments. 
Giveaway open to residents of the US and Canada only. You will have to provide a physical address, not a PO Box. Winner will be chosen, with the True Random Number Generator (Random.org), Wednesday, November 17 at 10 PM CST. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. All entries MUST have your email in them. To keep Spam Bots from snagging you, put your address like this: name(at)server(dot)com
I received product in exchange for this review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. The products, prize pack, information and additional prize pack to give away were all given to me from Wanchai Ferry and Macaroni Grill through MyBlogSpark.

We have a winner!

Random.org has chosen comment #9  as the winner of The Family Dinner.

Swedish said... I have endeavoured to teach myself how to cook this year; my personal goal and this book would go a long way towards that. Please accept this as my entry. Thank you!

Aliya D.

The winner will receive an email shortly and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.