Holiday Gift Guide - Blentec Designer 725 Blender + Giveaway!

The holiday season is officially here, much quicker than I was expecting. It's time to start buying holiday gifts as well as planning holiday gatherings. The Blendtec Designer 725 can help with both. If you are looking for a show-stopping gift for someone close to you, you definitely cannot go wrong with the Designer 725.

It is such a versatile gift. Busy mom? Being able to chop and dice veggies in a flash is a pretty great time saver, not to mention the clean setting, full, ad soap and tap a button, then rinse. Cleaning can literally not get any simpler than that. Less time wasted chopping and cleaning, more time with children or relaxing.

Health nut? Smooties and whole fruit juices for the win. The Blendtec Designer 725 is powerful enough to blend touch skins and even seeds so you can get all of the nutrients without sacrificing quality. And not having to seed/peel things also makes it quicker and easier.

"From scratch" foodie? Make your own nut butters, baby food, salsa, ice cream, soup and much more. Whether you have to control ingredients for allergies, health issues, or just for quality and peace of mind, you will always know what your family is eating. Plus it is usually much more cost effective to make it yourself. Have you bought almond butter lately?

Party animal? Make perfect blended drinks. The party never stops and neither does the Designer 725. With plenty of power to crush ice to perfection, your margaritas have never been so good, or so easy. And again, save money. Making drinks at home is much more economical than going out.

With six preprogrammed one-touch cycles, to ensure blending perfection. The settings are: Smoothie, Salsa, Ice Cream, Whole Juice, Hot Soup, and Clean. You can add 10 seconds to any cycle by tapping the respective button while the cycle is running. The Designer 725 even suggests additional uses for each cycle so you know how to get the most from your blender.

And if the preprogrammed cycles don't match your exact need, there is a 100 speed touch slider. Get seamless precision speed control for 100 speeds with the slide of a finger. It even tells you which speed to use for stirring, chopping, mixing, blending, or pureeing. You can use Multi-Speed Pulse for an added burst of power at any speed.

The Blendtec Designer 725 is truly the blender with a brain. The exclusive SmartBlend technology senses and identifies potential problems that could interfere with the perfect blend-including loading errors, overheating, or air pockets - and then tells users how to fix them. What an amazing feature for blender novices. It is actually really helpful even if you have ample experience.

The Belndtec Designer 725 is the best blender I've ever had, and I have had other "high end" blenders. I love the preset options, it makes it so easy to get the same result every time. I also love the SmartBlend feature. I generally know what I am doing, but it never hurts to have a fail safe just in case.

Anyone who wants to try new recipes, improve their health, eat more from scratch, Have some great cocktails, or blend anything, ever, the Blendtec Designer 725 is the perfect gift. And all the features that make it the perfect gift also make it perfect for holiday entertaining. Faster prep, faster cleanup, better quality, less stress, happier guests, happier you. What more could you want?

While the Designer 725 is worth every penny, you know what's even better? Free. That's right. Blendtec has been generous enough to provide a Designer 725 blender to give away. One of you very luck souls will win. Enter below for your chance. Good luck!

Kerrygold Review & Giveaway

Have you ever eaten something unhealthy and then not only felt guilty, but got mad because you wasted the calories on something that did not taste good enough? I have, and it is one of the worst feelings for me. I get so upset, because I could have eaten something healthy if it's not going to taste the way I want anyway.

Fortunately, I found one way to ensure that I don't have that problem again, at least not where cheese and butter are concerned. Kerrygold is an Irish company that still makes their dairy the old fashioned way, with free roaming, grass fed cows. I always wondered if that really made a difference, and after trying the amazing butters and cheeses from Kerrygold, I can say it absolutely makes all the difference.

The first thing I tried was the softer butter in a tub. Butter could be one of my food groups as much as I love it, but I had never had butter as creamy and fresh-tasting as the ones from Kerrygold. It was like waking up from a lifelong sleep. I have seen the light. It probably sounds like I am exaggerating, but it is really that good. If you have never had Irish butter, namely Kerrygold, you need to try it immediately.

As good as butter is, it can't be a whole meal/snack alone. Cheese however, can be a stand alone snack or the main component in a meal. I had the pleasure or trying 7 amazing varieties of Kerrygold cheese, and they are all fantastic.

Swiss has always been my favorite kind of cheese, so I tried that first. I made grilled ham and Swiss sandwiches, using a lot of Kerrygold butter to grill it. It was so golden and crispy, and the cheese was melty, creamy, fresh and so amazingly delicious. It was better than a bistro sandwich.

All of the cheeses are so good. It was hard to pick a favorite. The Blarney Castle was exceptional. I had never tried a cheese with that flavor profile before. The Skellig was fantastic, I love the sweetness, it is so good with a fruit plate. The Cheddar cheeses were very good. Nice and sharp, but creamy enough that it wasn't too much. Dubliner was awesome, it was another unique flavor. The reduced fat was so much more flavorful than I was expecting. Reduced fat cheese is usually flavorless.

One of my favorite things I received was the Garlic & Herb Butter. I used it to make garlic bread and to flavor some angel hair pasta. It is so flavorful. It's not like that garlic "butter" stuff you get in the tubs at the store. It is real, amazingly creamy, butter with real garlic and fresh herbs mixes in. I could use this with almost everything I cook. It is a game changer.

After experiencing true, Irish butter and cheese, I can't ever go back to the lesser products I used to buy. I am so mad that my husband never told me how much better Irish butter and cheese is. He was born in Ireland for goodness sake. He got an ear-full about it. I will not make you suffer the same fate. I am here to tell you that Kerrygold butter and cheeses are better than any other brand I have EVER tried.

One of you lucky readers will get to find out first hand just how incredible these products are, because Kerrygold is giving away an Irish Gift Basket, but like the one I received. It contains two (2) of every product shown above and is a $200 value! Enter via the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win this fantastic prize. Good luck!

*I received these products at no cost to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% my own.*

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Spring Fling - Slim Down with SlimFast Giveaway!

Spring is here. Summer will be here before you know it. The weather is warm and getting warmer. The time has come to get outside and to wear shorts and hit the beach and the pool. As much as I love warm weather, I am dreading a lot of the warm weather activities that I used to love so much.

My body is not in the shape I would like it to be. While I know that my body will never look the way I truly would like it to, I know it could be a lot better than it is. It has been in the past, and I just lacked the discipline to keep it up. It always seemed so hard.

I hate to feel deprived.  When I think of diets, I think of being hungry, and eating not-so-yummy foods. I am going to try something new, though. I have know about SlimFast since I was young, but back then it was mostly just shakes in metal cans. I was too young to even diet back then, but somehow that impression stayed with me into adulthood, and I never gave SlimFast a chance, even when I tried countless other diets.

SlimFast is so much more than just shakes now. SlimFast has 100 calorie snacks, individually packaged to enjoy anywhere. Lots of mouth-watering varieties like Sour Cream & Onion or Mesquite BBQ Baked Crisps (chips), Cinnamon Bun Swirl or S'Mores Drizzled Crisps, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Snack Bites.

SlimFast also has the meal replacement products that they built their name on, but they come in the for of delicious bars like Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Caramel Almond Sea Salt and Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew. There is also meal replacement smoothies (that come as a powdered mix.) There are still shakes too. They come in re-closable plastic bottles now.

With so many options, and flavors to please every palate, it is easier than ever to stay on plan and get your body back. I have been guilty of wanting someone else's body, as I know many people do. Obviously I cannot be a model, that is not in the cards for me, but I can take back the body I used to have. I can be the best me possible and not only look better but be healthier and feel better. It all starts with a promise to myself to work hard, and it is completed by SlimFast making it a little less hard.

If you have been wanting to make a change and seriously pursue better health and a lower weight, I hope you will give SlimFast a try to. You deserve to be the best you possible. SlimFast has donated one sample pack of snacks and meal replacement bars and shakes to be awarded to one lucky winner. You can enter via the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win this life-changing prize.

Remember, this is Spring Fling. There are 9 other wonderful bloggers in this event, and they all have awesome giveaways as well. Go HERE to see all the giveaways in the event, and check back daily for new additions.

*I received these products at no cost to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% my own.*
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Christmas Wishes - Kansas City Steaks Review & GIVEAWAY!!

Are you hungry for more great gift ideas? If so, you are in luck, because I am always willing to feed your desires. If you did not catch on to my incredibly witty puns, the next item on the Christmas Wishes special will be food. This is not just any food though, these just so happen to be mouthwatering gourmet steaks from Kansas City Steak Company.

I have seen and heard a lot about Kansas City Steak Company over the years, but I had never taken the chance to try them. I am extremely frugal when it comes to most things. I am willing to spend a lot on items that I know are worth it, but initially, I am very skeptical.

I always said to myself, "steaks are steaks, the ones I buy from the store are just as good and I can get twice as many for that price."  And I said "I can make my own side dishes, why would I buy them already made?" I was a bit clueless as it turns out.

I recently tried several products from Kansas City Steak Company, and now I realize just how significant the quality difference is. It's the equivalent of a frozen pizza to a fresh NY pizza, there is not even a fair comparison.

Kansas City Steak Company has been in the business of providing the highest quality meats and other foods since 1932. It's no surprise with that reputation, that they are able to also offer the best value(for that level of quality) around. When I actually looked deeper into the cost, I realized it was not even as high as I had thought. Although after trying the products, I realized it was worth every penny and more.

I tried a great selection of products, and I was able to get a really thorough perception of Kansas City Steak Company and their products. To say I impressed would be an understatement. The products were all incredible.

I tried the Fillets and Strips combo, which had 4 bacon wrapped Filet Mignon, and 4 Kansas City Strips. Both boxes of steaks also contained original steak seasoning, which was fantastic. I certainly did not want to ruin an incredible gourmet steak with bad seasoning.

While I fancy myself a very good cook, I seem to always have trouble cooking steaks except for on the grill, and we were out of propane, so I had to cook them inside. I was so worried I would mess them up, but I followed the directions in the booklet they sent, and they came out perfect.

These were basically the best steaks I have ever eaten, even counting ones from a restaurant. I never thought I would be able to make one this good myself, and I happy that I can now thanks to Kansas City Steak Company. Now when I finally get to cook a whole meal(and not just a side dish) for my husband's family, I will be able to serve something fitting for such a special occasion.

As much as I would love to eat just steak as a meal(and I have done so before), for a family dinner, I will, of course, need a proper side dish, something equally delicious as the incredible steaks. That is where the decadent Lobster Mac & Cheese comes in.

That is something I would never attempt on my own, but having it ready to heat presented on the half shell for a beautiful presentation, it is literally effortless. It was also one of the best things I have ever eaten. It may have been better than the steaks.

It so creamy and indulgent. The looser is fresh and buttery and the breadcrumbs are crispy and so flavorful. This is AMAZING.

 And of course any gourmet meals deserves a decadent dessert. Nothing could be more fitting that these incredible cheesecake bites. They are so delicious. Just like the Lobster mac & Cheese(and the steaks) the presentation is fabulous. They are almost too pretty to eat. They even come in a lovely gold gift box.

Unlike most people, I adore my in-laws, so I am so looking forward to presenting them with an amazing meal that will be flawless and stress free with the help of Kansas City Steak Company. They are kind enough that they would appreciate anything I made them, but I know that they will love this meal because it is amazing and not just because I made it.

If steak, lobster and cheesecake are a bit fancier than what you happen to be looking for(we only eat like that on special occasions), you may think you have not need for Kansas City Steak Company. I used to think the same thing. I did not realize that Kansas City Steak Company has such incredible burgers as well.

The burgers also include the amazing original steak seasoning, which makes the flavor explode. My husband and I are burger fanatics, and these were some of the best we have ever had. That is saying a lot, because I do make an excellent burger.

These are so much easier though, since the patties are pre-formed and the seasoning is in the box. Just thaw, season and cook, so simple. During the holidays, I need all the shortcuts I can get, and this is a huge help.

They are amazingly flavorful and juicy, especially for being previously frozen. Any other patty that has been frozen(that I have ever tried) is complete garbage, but these are incredible.

Of course burgers are always better with fries, and Kansas City Steak Company knows that. The package I got was the burgers and fries combo, which included their Kansas City Steak Fries. They cook from frozen, are already seasoned and come out crispy and full of flavor. The perfect compliment to their amazing steak burgers.

These items are only a very small representation of all the wonderful products that Kansas City Steak Company offers. Best of all, there is always some sort of deal. Sales, bundle packs, promo codes, so many ways to save.

If you are still looking for a gift for almost anyone on your list, a gourmet delight from Kansas City Steak Company would be an excellent choice. The best part is that there is still plenty of time left to order in time for holiday delivery.

Many companies need you to order by like right now to ensure delivery for the holidays, but there are still 11 more days to order from Kansas City Steak Company and get holiday delivery with standard shipping. There is even more time if you choose expedited shipping.

One lucky person will not have to order at all, because Kansas City Steak Company has been gracious enough to give away a gift box of 4(8oz) Fillet Mignon to one lucky winner.

Enter below for your chance to win this fantastic prize. Don't forget to enter all the other Christmas Wishes giveaways HERE. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway
THE FINE PRINT: All entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Please read each giveaway 's directions carefully as entry methods differ, and giveaways may be open to different world areas. Please make sure you leave a way (valid email address in form or comment) with your entries to be contacted if you win. Please note that Momma Told Me, Blog POP! or the Blog POP! bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner we will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly and prizes will likely not arrive in time for the holidays due to event and giveaway timing. We will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize should concerns arise after winner's notification. If there is an issue with a sponsor please notify the blog owner no sooner than 14 days from prize notification and no more than 6 weeks, for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.  

SPRING FLING! California Delicious Review & GIVEAWAY!

The excitement of the Spring Fling Event continues. When I think of spring, a huge part of that to me is Easter. And an Easter celebration means a fabulous Easter basket. Whether you celebrate Easter or not though, everyone can appreciate a beautiful and delicious basket of treats.

California delicious is all about delicious gift baskets and Easter is just one facet of their incredible selection. I am a food lover, and if I have a basket of delicious gourmet foods, there is no stopping me, which is a serious risk to my waistline.

Thankfully, California Delicious has a great selection of baskets that are beautiful, delicious AND healthy. I chose the California Farmer's Market Gift Basket, and it was fantastic!

This basket is brimming with fresh, delicious, organic California fruit like Granny Smith and Red Delicious apples, Bartlet pears and Navel oranges.

In addition to the fabulous fruit, this basket also contains two organig gourmet cheeses and some stone ground wheat crackers.

I was so excited to did into this basket. Almost as excited as my daughter, so was swiping things at every opportunity.

Everything was so delicious. I loved being able to indulge in these tasty snacks without feeling guilty. All the fruit was ripe and sweet, and the cheeses were so creamy and flavorful. The crackers were fantastic. I enjoyed them with the cheeses and with some hummus, and I have been craving more of them ever since. I need to find somewhere to buy them.

I am so impressed with the quality and affordability of this basket. I am just looking for excuses now to buy more. Easter, flag day, talk like a pirate day, I don't care, every day is better with a little gourmet treat.

Whether you are looking for a fantastic Easter Basket, something to celebrate spring, an unforgettable gift or "just because" treat for yourself, I highly recommend California Delicious. And while I am partial to the fruit and healthier baskets, they have plenty with chocolates and other indulgent treats as well. There is something for everyone and then some.

One of my lucky readers will get to find out first hand how great their stuff is since we are giving away a $50 Gift Card good for anything from California Delicious. Enter below for your chance. Good luck.

Don't forget to check out all the other Spring Fling Giveaways from myself and my partner blogs HERE.

*Although I received this at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

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Amore Mini Gift Tower Review & GIVEAWAY!!

Just in case you missed the hundreds of commercials, and didn't happen to notice the Valentine's displays in every single store, I figured I should remind you that Valentine's Day is February 14th (THIS FRIDAY)!

You know what that means, if you are in a relationship, it is time to think about gifts. Obviously, gifts are not everything, but if you are into giving gifts, it is only logical that you will want to give something the recipient will love. While it is the thought that counts, giving the same old generic box of candy every year could eventually get a bit boring.

Don't get me wrong, I love anything my husband gets me, and I certainly love my sweets, but there are better options that assorted chocolates, many of which I end up not even eating. Cookies and baked goods are always a hit with me, but we don't have a good bakery around here and supermarket selections are not very good. They certainly don't have that special something to make the memorable.

Thankfully, if any of you find yourself looking for something more special, more delicious, more beautiful than mass produced candies and supermarket cakes, I happen to have the perfect suggestion. A stunning gift tower from Yummes.

Yummes Handcrafted Confections are just like home made only prettier and much more delicious. They are made with care, with passion and love baked in. Anything from Yummes would make an unforgettable gift, but they even have a whole collection of Valentine's Day Gifts, like this amazing A'more Mini Tower.

This little tower contains lots of deliciousness. With 12 items total, there is certainly a lot to love.

I have had Yummes confections before, but out of this collection I had only previously tried the Chocolate Chip Champ Cookie Sandwiches, which are heavenly.

Two chocolate chip cookies, sandwiching delicious icing, dipped in velvety chocolate and top with sprinkles. Seriously, does it get any more indulgent?

For those looking for something every bit as exciting, but a tad less rich, there is the chocolate dipped chocolate chip cookies.

These are really good sized cookies. Although I know they were delicious, I did not actually taste them myself as my hubby devoured them all. He had to sneak them while our daughter was asleep, because she loves Yummes maybe more than we do. She is 2 1/2 but she knew what it was as soon as she saw the box.

She helped me eat the last item in this collection, the Heart Sugar Cookies.

As greedy as it sounds, I wish she hadn't helped me. Sugar cookies are my favorite type of cookie, and these iced ones were sinfully good. I could have eaten them all myself and then some. The flavor is outstanding, not overly sugary, and the texture is perfect, not crumbly or crunchy.

This tower would make a great gift for anyone this Valentine's Day. Women looking to buy for a man, this is perfect. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and this tower is like an express pass. As a woman, I can say that this is the kind of gift that would make me VERY happy. I can't imagine a kid who wouldn't be ecstatic to receive this, and it even makes a great gift for yourself(I plan to get myself more).

And in the spirit of gifting, Yummes and I are offering one of you this exact same tower. One very lucky winner will receive an A'more Mini Tower of their very own. Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck!

*Although I received this at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*
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