It’s no secret we are a family who loves movies.  Since it’s more cost effective to rent a movie from Redbox we will do that quite often, I mean really can you argue $1.08 compared to $32.50 (not counting snacks)?  So, unless it’s just something we feel needs to be seen on the big screen we wait until it hits our local Redbox to watch it.  When we sit down to watch a movie at home we want the theater experience of having popcorn right there so we have always kept some handy at home.  This time though we were approached with a challenge…to change our our regular brand of popcorn with Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop!  So we did…

I’ll go ahead and admit I was a little apprehensive because I have have stuck with a certain brand and flavor of popcorn for quite some time, but I was up for the challenge.  Can Orville Redenbacher’s be a new favorite…a new, healthier favorite at that?  The non-named brand of popcorn I usually ate I had never really looked at the nutrition info and when I did I saw that when popped it made about 4 cups popped popcorn and had 180 calories.  I figured that’s not too bad right?  WRONG, a big fat wrong, when compared to Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop!  The SmartPop! bag was a serving size of about 7.5 cups.  Can you guess how many calories are in that 7.5 cups?  Remember that’s 3.5 cups more than my “not sharing the name here” brand of popcorn.  You’ll never guess…120 calories!!!  More popcorn and less calories, I’d say that’s a win!

Not only was I loving the more/less situation but I loved the fact that the popcorn bag was the bowl, which meant less dishes for this momma to wash later.  See…

Enjoy the popcorn in the bag/bowl and then throw away when you are done.  LOVE THAT!  Now for the taste test because fewer calories dont’ mean a thing if you don’t enjoy the taste because you won’t be eating it.  I tried the butter flavor and was pleasantly surprised.  While, it didn’t have quite as much butter as the other brand, it was enough that it added a nice flavor.  I have to say I really enjoyed the taste, it’s hint of butter added just enough flavor without going overboard.  I will say if you like very buttery taste this might not work for you but if a hint of butter is enough then this is awesome.

After trying the butter we headed out to pick up the SmartPop! Kettle Corn (at my sons request) and that has become his favorite after school snack.  Tasty and healthier than the normal after school snacks he tries to go for…SCORE!  Over all I am impressed with the taste and packaging of the SmartPop! pop up bowls and I will be keeping a pack of it handy for future movie night snacking needs. Don’t forget to head over to Orville Redenbacher’s facebook page to grab the $1 off coupon (while available) and see what other fun they have going on. Now before you go, there’s a giveaway!

WIN IT:
Ten (10) Winners will each win 1 box of Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop! to have a healthy snacking challenge of their own. Entering is simple using the rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Orville Redenbacher’s. I received an Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop! product as well as a promotional item as a thanks for my participation.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and one of the things I love to get as a gift is chocolate. Chocolate and I are great friends especially when it’s rich and tasty like Guylian Belgian Chocolate. I was sent a package of pure yumminess. Chocolate, Chocolate, and more chocolate was in the box and my mouth did a little summersault of joy. Of course my kids were as excited as I was about this delivery. Let me share with you a little bit more about how Guylian came to be.

Guy Foubert was a passionate Belgian Chocolatier making handmade chocolate truffles in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. In 1958, Guy and Liliane joined their names, both in marriage and in their company name creating Chocolaterie Guylian; a small, artisanal chocolate maker. Today, Guylian crafts the finest authentic Belgian chocolate truffles, selling them to chocolate lovers in Belgium and in more than 100 countries across the world. Guylian Artisanal Belgian Chocolates provide the ultimate experience for chocolate lovers. Each luxurious chocolate seashell is marbled with 100% pure, silky smooth milk, dark or white Belgian chocolate. Our irresistible seashell chocolates are filled with a rich, decadent, and luxuriously creamy chocolate truffle; the original handmade recipe of Guy & Liliane. Our signature truffle recipe is still made in small-batch copper kettles exclusively by Guylian’s Master Chocolatiers in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium.

I love learning the history behind the company. However, history is great but it boils down to taste factor when chocolate (or any food) is involved. If it doesn’t taste good, then great history or not, it’s not going to fly. So I pulled the harshest of critics to help me with this review….my daughter, like her mother she is a lover of all things chocolate and not shy to share her opinion. First up we tried their Chocolate Bars..

I took it upon myself to taste the dark chocolate while my daughter grabbed up the milk chocolate. We both savored each bite even taking a few dips in some peanut butter. I have to say the dark chocolate was delish, bitter yet sweet just the way I prefer my dark chocolate. My daughter went on and on about how yummy the milk chocolate one was so Guylian wins in her eyes. I am not a fan of milk chocolate unless with peanut butter, so I took a nibble after dipping it and it was so very tasty. Sweet and savory how milk chocolate should be. The chocolate bars were definitely a hit with us.

Next up was the Artisanal Belgian Chocolate Truffles:

Living near the ocean, I got a kick out of the sea shell and seahorse (above) shaped truffles. The next thing I noticed was the mixture of chocolates….milk, dark and white chocolate together to make a very eye catching design for a treat. Now the big taste test! My daughter opted out of this one since she is not a fan of truffles in general but I was ready to take them on. As I bit into the seahorse, I noticed the combined flavors of the chocolate overtake my taste buds. The truffle filling was rich and smooth. Yes, my mouth fell in love with the truffles. Since I have received them I have steadily enjoyed a truffle a day, chocolate is good for you after all!

You can eat the truffles alone, with coffee, pair with wine, anytime! When you are eating them take a moment to experience each moment of taste! Available at certain retailers nationwide they should be near you, to find out check their product locator. These would definitely make this mama happy this Mother’s Day. They are tasty, pretty to look at and the whole family could enjoy them with me, what more could a mom ask for.

WIN IT:

Two (2) lucky readers will each win a Guylian Prize Pack that includes:
One – 22 piece box of Guylian Artisanal Belgian Original Chocolate Truffles
Two – 6 piece Original Chocolate Truffle Boxes
Four – 2 piece Original Chocolate Truffle Boxes

REQUIRED ENTRY:
Leave a comment telling if you will be keeping the goodies for yourself or giving them to someone. *THIS MUST BE DONE BEFORE EXTRA ENTRIES*

Extra (optional) Entries:

1 Entry Each (leave a separate comment for each extra entry) :

• Subscribe to my blog in a reader (orange icon in header).
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• Sign up for Guylian’s newsletter by visiting their page here.

Tweet this tweet up to twice daily (be sure to leave each each link in a comment): Enter for a chance to win some sweet treats from #ADailyDoseofToni http://t.co/s8eE4oWo #giveaway

Giveaway will close on 5/11/2012 at Noon CST.

Disclosure: I did receive samples for the purpose of this post. Both item received and giveaway item are from company or representing pr firm. No monetary compensation received for this post. Reception of product does not influence my opinion and opinions are always that of my own and 100% honest. By entering this giveaway you are agreeing to terms in my giveaway rules as well as have read and understand my disclosure. Open to US ONLY! For more on my policies please see my disclosure.

Mocktails have now become easier than ever to make. All you need is a 2 quart container, water and your choice of Crystal Light Mocktails. It’s so easy to make and takes less than a minute, saving money and time is a win/win to me. Check out how simple making a mocktail for yourself can be…

1. Pour one packet of Crystal Light Mocktail into a 2 quart container.
2. Add 8 cups cold water and mix
3. Pour and enjoy!  (although if your water isn’t cold enough let it sit in the fridge for a bit to cool down).

I tried both the pomtini and peach bellini.  Both tasted so yummy. I preferred the pomtini flavor which surprised me because I love peach flavor drinks.  I love the ease of preparation and know these will be a regular in our home, especially during the spring/summer seasons.  Perfect to sip on a hot day!

Crystal Light mocktails are available in five flavors.  Margarita, Mojito and Appletini as well as two limited edition flavors that will be available April-June 2012 while supplies last.  Each flavor is available in multi-pack canisters with 5 packets each (1 flavor per canister).  Each flavor contains just 5 calories per serving (8 oz.), 0 carbohydrates and are gluten free.  For more information on nutrition facts please check the container.  Along with their new mocktails they have several other flavors to choose from as well as on the go single serving packets.

To connect and learn more about Crystal Light mocktails as well as their other products join them on Crystal Light’s facebook or follow @CrystalLight on twitter.  Have you tried Crystal Light’s mocktails or will you be trying this now that it is warming up?

Kraft Foods sent me a sample of Pomtini and Peach Bellini Mocktails.

One of the things that is an absolute must as a mom is feeding my family. They do have to eat! Kraft plays a key part in that with recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen, because some days you just don’t have hours to spare. One of the most recent recipes we have tried was the Southwest Three Cheese Chicken using their new Fresh Take product. IT.WAS.DELISH! I loved the ease of preparation and the cooking time was just long enough for me to throw together some sides to plate up with the chicken.

I know I am not the only busy mom (or person) out there, so I know I am not the only one who can appreciate these new products from Kraft.  I was a big fan of the peanut butter, milk bite bars (see my review on those in this post), the Snackwell’s cinnamon-creme drizzled caramel popcorn (be careful it’s VERY addicting), and obviously Fresh Take.  I really enjoyed everything in the box but those were my top favorites.  Check out the other new products for 2012 that are here to help save you time and/or re-energize you!

• PLANTERS new Natural Peanut Butter: A nutrient-dense energy source and plant-based protein that builds on the heritage and quality of PLANTERS in a tasty and nutritious option for adults. This is the Natural Creamy No Need to Stir Peanut Butter!
• CRYSTAL LIGHT Energy On-the-Go Sticks in NEW Citrus: Helps you through the day with energy releasing B-vitamins and just enough caffeine. All for just five calories per serving. You’ll be able to try the NEW Citrus flavor that just launched, and the product is also available in Wild Strawberry, Grape and Peach Mango flavors.
• New KRAFT MILKBITE Milk & Granola Bar (coupon for free product): Combines real milk, calcium and granola in a convenient refrigerated bar, providing the calcium of an 8 oz. glass of milk
• SNACKWELL’S new Peanut Butter Pretzels and new Cinnamon Crème Drizzled Caramel Popcorn:New flavors to fulfill sweet & salty tastes with unique, delicious permissible indulgences.
• New KRAFT FRESH TAKE (coupon for free product): The perfect blend of Kraft Natural Cheese, unique spices, and breadcrumbs… all in one bag! Just mix, coat, and bake and you are on your way to a fresh and flavorful take on your favorite chicken, fish, pork, or beef recipes. Available in six flavor varieties, including Southwest Three Cheese and Italian Parmesan.
• New JET-PUFFED Mallow Bits: An innovative shaker makes adding Mallow Bits to your treats fun and playful. Currently available in Vanilla and Peppermint, Mallow Bits is sparking imaginations and creating new recipe uses across the country.
• Lunch Break Insulated Zebra-print Lunch Tote
• KLIP-IT by Sistema 14-piece Food-to-Go Storage Set

WIN IT:

One reader will win a prize pack with the featured items listed above. It’s such a yummy prize! To enter check out the rafflecopter form below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kraft Foods sent me a basket of free products and Kitchen tools. Opinions are based on my own experiences with the product. No other form of compensation has been received. Kraft Foods is providing the prizes for this program at no cost to me and has provided me with a gift of equal value for review. This program is not administered or sponsored by Kraft Foods or its affiliates, but solely by A Daily Dose of Toni.  For more please see my disclosure.

When you say iced coffee usually the first thing that comes to mind is Starbuck’s and when you head to Starbuck’s you can spend a pretty penny on that tall, grande or venti. The pretty pennies you spend add up quickly and before you know it you are spending at least $20.00 on coffee if you go five days a week and only get the tall with no extras. It doesn’t come cheap.

Today I am here to share with you my newest (and oh so yummy) Friday Favorite. International Delight’s Iced Coffee! It’s made its appearance in my house over the last month or so….

I seriously almost cried when this finally hit stores around here. I love iced coffee and now that it’s summer it’s one of my favorite drinks. You get all the goodness of a cup of coffee (perfectly blended with flavors of mocha or vanilla for me) but cold. In the stores here it runs about $4.00 per half-gallon, which is 8 cups. WAIT WHAT??? That’s like 4 grande (the middle size) at Starbucks at less than it would cost for getting only one there. INSANE I tell you but I am definitely not complaining.

We have tried the Mocha and Vanilla and both of them suit my taste buds just fine. The vanilla overpowers the coffee taste but in a good way, it takes center stage while the coffee taste is a perfect understudy. The mocha seems to enhance the coffee flavor while adding a hint of chocolatey goodness.  Tasty and saves me A LOT of money…WIN for me!  International Delight’s Iced Coffee is definitely a Friday favorite and will stay that way. I mean goodness, even my tumbler loves it, see…

To learn more head over and check out International Delight’s facebook page!  Have you tried their iced coffee yet?

I bought these items myself but loved them so much I just had to share with you.

One of the places we frequent here in our awesome little town of Navarre, FL is Thai Hut II. It really is one of those little whole in the wall places and I have noticed those small local owned restaurants are usually some of the tastier ones. That goes for all over not just here on the coast.

The service at Thai Hut II is great. For those of us who are local, it usually means we are greeted with a smile, our normal drink and even our food (for my grandpa who never changes his mind).  We usually end up with an appetizer of spring rolls or tea rose, thai beef salad, pad see ew, tom yum chicken soup, or papaya salad then we just all kind of eat off each others plates. It’s so yummy it’s hard to choose. Choose we did though and I am going to share our eats with you…

First up we have the appetizer which is called Tea Rose. It’s a ground pork, shrimp, and water chestnuts wrapped in a wonton skin and steamed to make a scrumptious dumpling. Served with a side of chili sauce. This is pretty yummy. I know you are thinking “ERRRR, pork, shrimp and water chestnuts???” but it is combined in a way when topped with the chili sauce (which is spicy) it works and tastes great.

Photo belongs to JustStopScreaming.com

Next is the Thai Beef Salad. This has grilled beef strips, romaine salad, cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro, and onions in a yummy sauce. The beef strips in this salad are really tender but cooked all the way through (no pink). The sauce is made of a fish oil with a chili paste. I am a wimp so I usually get it medium but have them bring extra chili sauce to add. After you are finished with the salad, take your rice and soak it in the juice for an extra tasty treat.

Photo belongs to JustStopScreaming.com

Last for this review is the Pad See-Ew (Big White Noodles). This dish comes with the big noodles, carrots, peas, broccoli, egg, and I get chicken as my meat. Cooked in a brown sauce it has just a hint of sweet taste but the sweet compliments the veggies and chicken nicely.

Photo belongs to JustStopScreaming.com

The portions are huge and I can make lunch, dinner and sometimes another lunch out of one of my meals from there. I don’t usually do it with the Thai Beef Salad but cause the salad part will get soggy when sitting for too long. Prices are fairly reasonable at about $10 a plate (some a little more, some less) as well as lunch specials to choose from. Thai Hut II gets Coastal Life’s stamp of approval and I highly suggest you stopping by if you are ever staying or passing through Navarre, FL.

*I paid for this meal myself, was not asked to share but did so because I love the restaurant.  Opinions are my own and as always honest.

Upon my doorstep came a huge box full of goodies that included a very colorful mixing bowl set, Curious Chef measure and prep kit, Le Creuset bakeware and some fun Chef Boyardee goodies (aprons, hat, notepad, coupons). We had almost all the stuff for a great dinner party. Here in our home we have 5 of us, but more often than not we eat with my parents, siblings, and some others so there is always anywhere from 10-15 of us. Could the Chef Boyardee recipes make a meal that is going to feed that many? We found out Saturday evening. I grabbed up my little kitchen helper and the supplied and we made Taco-roni!

Check out the action and finished product:

I have to say I have probably the cutest kitchen helper and she had the magic touch because her pouring of ingredients was spectacular. After she got everything in my pan, being the responsible mom that I am, I made her leave the cooking area so I could do the hot part.  The recipe was so easy, you literally put everything (minus the cheese and chips) in a big pan and cook for about 25 minutes total then top with shredded cheese and corn chips.  I loved it, the only thing I might have done different is instead of putting the chips on top is used them and made it a dip instead.  It was a hit with everyone who was over that night and everyone can’t wait for me to try some of the other recipes from Chef Boyardee.

You can share your recipe experience and be entered to win a weekly prize of $500 and $75 in Chef coupons, you have to hurry though this ends on March 11.  If you enter and are picked as the weekly winner you then are entered in groceries for a year!  Groceries for a year, could you imagine!!!!  Go ahead and cook your Chef Boyardee creation and then head over to the facebook contest before March 11 so you can enter!

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a In Home Party campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Chef Boyardee and received product samples to facilitate my party and review, and a promotional item to thank me for participating. For more information about my policies please see my disclosure.

A group of about 25 (give or take a few) bloggers were flown to Louisville, KY to visit the KFC homefront and get an insiders look into the company. I learned so much while on this trip I know I am not going to be able to put everything in this post but wanted to highlight some of the things I found interesting during the trip. Before I continue check out this video KFC made that highlights the day we had:

I got hands on experience in the kitchen (yes my hands even touched that secret recipe). One of the things I loved knowing is that the chicken KFC uses is FRESH. It is delivered several times a week and kept stored in a certain tempature so it’s never frozen. Did you also know they are not allowed to let it sit for too long after cooking (in a pressurized cooker for 18 minutes by the way)? That way everything from preparation to eating you are getting fresh chicken? With so many companies using frozen products so they can keep more in stock, I found it a breath of fresh air that KFC is a little different. *Pun totally intended*

I had the chance to tour the YUM facilities, learn about how they get insight into what is liked and not liked by taste testers, see the company store, and the Colonel Sanders museum (who lived to be 90….that’s a lot of living).  I learned how cooks know if they are making the chicken just right, that they haver a system when cooking the chicken from start to finish and 7 is the magic number (totally my lucky number too).  I got to try to open the vault where the secret recipe is stored, which resulted in my sad face mentioned above as I was not successful.  I also enjoyed trying my hand at making chicken, resulting in the loss of a piece of chicken in the secret ingredient and the laughter mentioned above.  I mean really how does one lose a piece of chicken!

The people behind the scenes at KFC are wonderful and share so much information with the bloggers.  Everything from how many people actually know the secret recipe (or parts of it) to upcoming happenings that I am not allowed to disclose just yet but they are exciting.  Getting to know a company that my family uses and enjoys was priceless and I would do it again in a heartbeat.  Now here are some of the things I learned that I felt compelled to share:

• They took a stand against one of their biggest chicken providers a couple of years ago when they found out some things about how the chickens were being treated inhumanely.  They then refused to buy from them until the problem was corrected and I have no doubt in my mind if they thought anything like that was happening again they would take the same stand.  You can learn more by checking out KFC Fact page.  I also learned KFC does not use chicken that are treated with hormones.
• They do quite a bit of philanthropic work.  I love knowing a company is giving back.  Whether it’s by reuniting family or giving our the KFC Colonel’s Scholarship they are doing their part to help others.  One of the things I really loved, being in social media, was their tweet scholarship.  People received scholarships through 140 character contests, that is pretty awesome.  Watch for the next tweet scholarship to come in the fall!
• The Colonel, I believe, is the reason KFC gives back the way they do.  I learned that he was known to give franchises away to promising people expecting nothing in return.  He is also the reason KFC holds their restaurants to higher standards.  If he didn’t like something or if something didn’t taste good to him, he let them know.  A man who knew what he liked and loved helping others.  My favorite story was of him picking up a college student on the side of the road and then taking him and paying his tuition in full.  What a giver!
• The head chef at KFC works with brands such as McCormick and many others to come up with new ideas.  So chances are a brand you use could be involved in some happenings and new things KFC comes out with.  I thought that was pretty cool.

Overall my trip gave me a new level of respect for a company my family already ate.  We like their food and now to know there is so much more behind the company just makes me smile.  Now if only I could have convinced them to share that recipe with me I could make that perfect chicken at home.  I am looking forward to seeing what else they have planned down the road because I know there is something yummy up their sleeve, like the chicken pot pie that is so delish (I tried it there and it was so good, whoever says different needs their taste buds checked).

One more thing.  I have 10 $50 gift certificates to KFC to give away so keep watch for that post as well as a post with a video montage of the photos!

*As a participant of the KFC Blogger Tour accommodations, meals, transportation, & other gift items were provided.  Statements made in this post are what I learned while on the trip, opinions are mine and mine alone and not influenced in any way.  For more please see my disclosure.

Related articles

• KFC Fresh Blogger Trip Review – Photos & Video (2wired2tired.com)

I had to hold the little princess off until I could get a couple of photos and trust me that was no easy task. Once I had my photos we dug in. I had my husband and daughter try the strawberry because I am not a big fan of strawberry flavored food (love the real thing though and smoothies, what can I say I am weird). My husband said “This flavor is good, definitely can taste the strawberry”. My daughter wasn’t a huge fan, she must get the anti-strawberry from me. Then all 3 of us (I could not get my boys in on the taste test) tried the S’mores flavor and the outcome was a moment of silence followed by..

“Oh.my.gosh this is SO GOOD.” (me)
“Mom, I really really love this one, this one is so so so so so good” (the princess)
“Oh, this is the bomb. You can actually taste the graham cracker and everything” (the hubby)

We are hands down loving the S’mores flavor and the strawberry flavor according to my husband is good too but we are a chocolate family! The texture is true JELL-O pudding texture, thick and creamy. It wasn’t overly sweet and the flavors combined in the perfect way. You could either eat it as is straight from the cup or mix it up (which my daughter did). I preferred to keep it unmixed so the flavors were separate but complimented each other.

The JELL-O S’more and Strawberry Sundae flavors are made with real milk and no artificial sweeteners and are ready to eat right out of the package. This is definitely a treat we will be keeping in our fridge for a quick sweet treat. You can start finding them this month in grocery stores nationwide in the dairy section (where JELL-O pudding is kept). Start searching the aisles, it should be coming to a grocery store near you soon! Well, what are you waiting for go dig in!

What are some of your favorite sweet treats?

*Product featured in this post was provided to me at no cost for sole purpose of review.  No other form of compensation was received.  For more please see my disclosure

Related articles

• Kraft Milk Bites, A Yummy Treat For Those On The Go Moments (juststopscreaming.com)

Image Belongs to JustStopScreaming.Com

Look what arrived on my doorstep just a few short weeks ago.  A cute little tote and Kraft’s new product called “Milk Bites“

I had the chance to have a snack bar showdown. Milk Bites give you a full serving of calcium in each bar and a whole lot of taste.  Each bar contains real milk, whole wheat granola, and other healthy treats such as nuts or fruit.  Not only that but each bar gives you the same amount of calcium as drinking an 8 oz. glass of milk.  They are also a great source of Vitamin D and fiber. If I am snacking it’s better to go with something a little more healthy right!

Healthy is great but sometimes my kids don’t appreciate the healthy if the taste isn’t yummy.  So I gathered my kids and told them it was time to test out our tastebuds.  My family took the taste test to see how they faired against some of our favorite “other brand” chocolate chip granola snack bars.  While the kids have always loved the later I had high hopes of them enjoying Milk Bites and if they did I could get that calcium in them.  I had already tried both the chocolate but in efforts not to sway  their opinion I kept mine to myself.  The time for tasting the new treats has arrived.

Consensus was “The chocolate one was AWESOME!”  ”Mom, I loved that chocolate one” “I liked the chocolate one the best”.  They still said they liked the “other brand” as well but I love that they loved the chocolate Milk Bite bar because now I can give them those and they are still getting that sweet treat but with a little extra calcium.  We weren’t big fans of the strawberry flavor, which has nothing to do with the flavor itself but rather the fact there are very few things strawberry (besides the actual berry itself) we like.  I venture to say that if you like strawberry flavored stuff you will like those.

Kraft’s new Milk Bites win a Daily Dose’s stamp of approval for snacking.  If you are looking for a sweet treat that has some extra nutrients, head over to your refrigerated dairy aisle and pick a pack up.

Photo belongs to JustStopScreaming.com