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Brew Like a Baritsa with K-Cup Portion Packs {Discount Code}

November 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One of the things on my bucket list is to travel to Europe.  While I am a far way from attaining my dream, I am able to sample coffees from around the world with the new Barista Prima Coffeehouse K-Cup portion packs!  As a K-Cup Ambassador, I was sent the four varieties (Italian, French, Columbian and House Blend) from this exclusive collection of the world’s finest Arabica coffees roasted in the tradition of Europe’s most celebrated coffeehouses. Taste the flavors in easy to prepare and convenient K-Cup Portion Packs.

Before embarking on your coffee house tour, check out this video featuring Francesco Sanapo, a two time Italian Barista Champion!

In tasting the varieties, my husband noticed that the coffees were stronger, darker and more bold than other K-Cup Portion Packs.  After viewing the above video, we realized that there is actually more coffee in each pack!  After sampling all of the varieties, my hubby has settled on the Italian Roast….now only if I can get him to take me to Italy!  Can’t head over to Italy?  Check out the inspiration behind the collection in a virtual tour of some favorite European Coffeehouses!

Want to try them for yourself?  Barista Prima Coffeehouse can be purchased online, at Keurig.com and select grocery stores nationwide. As a K-Cup Ambassador, I have an exclusive discount code to share:

COUPON CODE

At Green Mountain Coffee, use code AM0015-3583 to receive a 15% discount on the entire store as well as free standard shipping.  This code is valid now through December 15th, and may not be combined with any offer or discount including Café EXPRESS.

As a K-Cup Ambassador, I received samples to facilitate this review.  All opinions remain 100% mine.
Filed Under: Promotions Tagged With: , , ,

Drew Brees: Incredible Quarterback, Amazing Dad

November 8, 2011 By 2 Comments

Confession: My husband has a man crush on Drew Brees.  So, you can imagine that I was elevated to “Best Wife Ever” when my family was invited to a local media event featuring none other than the one, the only….Drew Brees!

As native New Orleanians, we both know that this City reveres Brees as the quarterback who finally brought home the Lombardi Trophy!  But through his years here in New Orleans, we have gotten to know Brees as much more than a quarterback.  He has helped this community in numerous ways post Katrina with The Brees Dream Foundation, and for that we are eternally grateful.  New Orleans also got to witness the birth of Drew Brees the Father, as his first son, Baylen was born.  Who can forget the adorable picture of Brees and Baylen on the field after the Superbowl win?

Now, Brees has partnered with Vick’s VapoRub to become the first ever VapoDad!  Drew’s wife, Brittany, introduced Brees at the event and shared with the audience his “hands-on” Dad style which is apparent when watching the interaction between Father and son.  After a few comments, we were treated to a screening of the new Vick’s VapoRub commercial featuring Brees, the first time a Dad has ever appeared in the company’s advertisements.

Not only do we love Drew Brees, but we have been huge fans of Vick’s VapoRub for years.  When I am congested, I love that the aromatic active vapors in Vicks VapoRub are continually released and inhaled for up to eight hours. The combination of vapors in Vicks VapoRub, including menthol, camphor and Eucalyptus Oil, works to reduce a cough by acting on airway sensory nerves.  Did you know that these active ingredients also relieve minor muscle aches and pains in joints and muscles, too?  Brittany Brees admits to rubbing some on Drew’s feet after a big game!

Best. Moment. Ever.

With the flu season in full swing, make sure you stock your medicine cabinet with Vick’s!  And while you’re at it, check out Drew’s new commercial and look for the print ads, too!

Thanks to Vick’s for inviting us to the press event in New Orleans.  I was not compensated for attending the event, however samples were received.  All opinions remain 100% my own.
Filed Under: Blog Conferences/Brand Events, Promotions Tagged With: ,

WINNERS!

November 8, 2011 By 11 Comments

Congrats to all the recent winners at Experimental Mommy!  Winners will be notified via email shortly.  Please refer to my winner’s policy in order to claim your prize!

Winnie the Pooh Blu-ray/DVD: Nicole E.

The Popcorn Factory:  Christine

Playtex: Angella

Razzle Dazzle Ruby: Patti H.

Constructive Playthings Play Vet Combo Set: Ellen

Coca-Cola Prize Pack: Cori

Masterlock: Ellen

Bialetti: Julie C.

Totino’s: Jammie

Genie SilentMax: Angella

Nestle (Nook): Donna K.

Pampers (iTouch): Julie G.

Barbie Camper: Terry C.

Let’s Rock Elmo (Hasbro): Karen from SC

Boost Kids Essentials: Rosey

Zhu Zhu Fashion: Amanda S.

Horizon: Renee

Citiblocs: Jenn S.

Endangerbles:  Trixx

Ladybug Girl: Nanci S.

Nestle Back to School #1: Barbara L.

My Baby Clothes Boutique: Allison L.

Gain:  Leslie G.

Thanks to everyone who attended and the sposnors for supplying the fabulous prizes!

Filed Under: Giveaway Winners Tagged With:

Delicious Domino’s Artisan Pizzas {Review}

November 6, 2011 By 1 Comment

At least one night a week I am scrambling to get dinner together.  Sometimes, a rescue call is necessary.  No, not 911….but when we need something delicious, fast, and inexpensive, we have long relied on Domino’s for help!

Recently, Domino’s was kind enough to send me samples of their new Artisan pizzas.  My kids are pretty straightforward cheese and pepperoni kids, so I was a little nervous about what they would think of the new flavors.  Featuring Spinach and Feta, Tuscan Salami and Roasted Veggie, and Italian Sausage and Pepper Trio, I was a little afraid I might be fixing grilled cheese for them.  Was I wrong!

YUM!

After our friendly delivery driver made it to our door in about 30 minutes, both kids loved the mild but delicious flavor of the spinach and feta and gobbled it up!  My son, who has a little more adventurous palate, also loved the Italian Sausage Trio and says this one was his favorite, along with my husband.  My fave was the Tuscan Salami and Roasted Veggie, but I honestly had a hard time deciding because they were all so good.  In fact, I am not so sure we will  go back to plain old pepperoni again!

All of Domino’s new pizzas feature artisan-style crusts and mouthwatering ingredients like blends of Parmesan and Asagio cheeses, oregano, fresh spinach, and roasted red and green peppers.  I also liked how the pizzas are all a convenient 9×13 size that feeds 2.  The three pizzas we received easily fed my family of 4 and we had plenty of each pizza left over.

With online ordering and coupons available, there has never been a better time to try Domino’s Pizza! Don’t forget to follow Domino’s on Twitter and Like them on Facebook for all the latest news on your favorite pizzas!

This post is the opinion of Jennifer of Experimental Mommy.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% honest.
Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Busytown Town Hall Deluxe Playset with DVD {Giveaway}

November 6, 2011 By

It never ceases to amaze me how extensive a toddler’s imagination can be, from making up names for stuffed animals to being the mayor of a town.  Richard Scarry’s Busytown Town Hall lets your child’s imagination run free.  From the website:

“Curiosities are everywhere in Busytown! This fun Richard Scarry’s Busytown Town Hall Deluxe Playset with DVD encourages social interaction between kids as they explore and play in their own Busytown world. This playset is loaded with play features from a drive-through tunnel to a fold-up ladder!  The Richard Scarry’s Busytown Town Hall Deluxe Playset with DVD includes:

  • A double oval roadway layout
  • 12 roadway pieces
  • Sergeant Murphy figure to patrol traffic
  • Hilda Hippo in her classic pencil car
  • and a bonus DVD that includes 2 Busytown Mysteries episodes!
  • Join the Busytown characters and discover the fun with this Town Hall Deluxe Playset.”

The precious Busytown Town Hall will keep your little one entertained with all of its moving parts, including the roof that really opens, balconies that come down and a stop sign that swivels. Unlike your typical road way or railway pieces the Busytown road does not fall apart as soon as it is moved.  Like most children, my son likes to be able to relate to something that he sees on TV.  With the town hall toy your child can watch the DVD and then continue their own story through interactive play with their own real life town hall.

A great feature of this product is that there are add-on pieces with more roads, stores and characters.  You can keep adding to the collection and your little one won’t get bored with this toy anytime soon. You can find out more at the Busytown Mysteries website.  With Christmas right around the corner and the need for unique practical toys, the Richard Scarry’s Busytown Town Hall Deluxe Playset with DVD would be great for your little toddler with a big imagination.

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive the Busytown Town Hall Deluxe Playset w/ DVD (ARV $39.99)

How to Enter:

1. Tell me another Busytown product your child would love to own!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Busytown on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 22nd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This post is the opinion Beth of the Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% honest.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

Bertolli Premium Meal Soup for Two {Giveaway}

November 3, 2011 By

If you read this blog at all, you know that I possess two things:

1. Little skill for cooking
2. Little time for cooking

These two things often create a recipe for disaster! Because my husband and I both work full time outside the home, dinner needs to be quick. But I definitely don’t want to sacrifice taste or nutrition for my family. As the weather gets colder, we often look to chili or gumbo for a hearty meal, but something faster would be a dream come true!

I was recently introduced to Bertolli Premium Meal Soups for Two. Because I had a great experience with the Bertolli Oven Baked Meals, I had high hopes for the soup as well.  Don’t look for the Bertolli Premium Meal Soups with the rest of the canned soups in the store….these are frozen!  To prepare, simply pour the contents of the bag into the pot, add 1 cup of water and heat.  It’s that easy….even I can do it!

After bringing to a boil, simmer covered for 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated and serve.  We decided to try the Tomato Florentine and Tortellini with Chicken Meal Soup which is a cheese-filled tortellini, white meat chicken, spinach and tomatoes in a rich tomato bisque with a hint of basil.  Sounds amazing, right?  When it began boiling, it did indeed smell delicious.  As I stirred the soup, I was impressed with the texture and quality of the ingredients.

Dinner was on the table in less than 15 minutes and we couldn’t wait to dive in.  The soup was absolutely delicious!  You would never guess that it was frozen.  The cheese-filled tortellini tasted homemade!  The soup was plenty enough for both my husband and I and we did not leave one drop in the pot.  I am definitely looking forward to trying additional varieties such as Chicken Minestrone or Tuscan-Style Beef and Vegetables.

GIVEAWAY

One reader will win a Bertolli prize pack including two Tasting Certificates for Bertolli Premium Meal Soup for Two, an all-clad stainless steel soup ladle, a cast-iron Soup Pot and a Bertolli reusable freezer bag.

How to enter:

1. Visit Bertolli and tell me which variety of Meal Soup you can’t wait to try!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @Bertolli on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Bertolli on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

6. Subscribe to my Feed.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 18th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This product review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product supplied by Bertolli. All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

My Southern Holiday Comforts

November 2, 2011 By 1 Comment

This post is sponsored by Tempur-Pedic, the brand millions of owners trust to deliver their best night’s sleep every night. Enjoy our Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer now and give the gift of custom comfort to someone you love.

I feel like it was just the fourth of July.  We were just swimming, eating BBQ and watching fireworks with family…weren’t we?  How did we jump to November?  While it’s still warm enough to swim here in New Orleans, it is inevitable that the holidays are coming soon!  The malls are decked in red and green and shoppers are starting all day shopping marathons.  The thrill of finding the perfect gift for a loved one is part of what makes the season magical.  While I love shopping, there are several other things that bring me true Southern Holiday Comfort:

My Comfort.

1.  My fuzzy slippers.  They are pink and black striped and stay in my dresser drawer until the wooden floors in my home become too chilly for bare feet.  Putting on my fuzzy socks after a long day at work close to heaven for me.

2.  A cup of hot chocolate.  If you read this blog, you know that I am no stranger to chocolate.  A cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream and a hint of vanilla extract is divine.

3.  Turkey and gravy. It’s no secret that New Orleanians like to eat.  But there is just something about sitting around a table with your family eating the Thanksgiving turkey to make your year complete.

4.  Our fireplace. It’s a novelty.  It rarely gets cold enough here to actually light the fireplace, so we almost become giddy when the flames are ignited.

5.  My family. My true comfort.  There is no place like the arms of your loved ones to make everything right with the world.  I can be myself and rest assured that I am loved unconditionally.

Tell me about your holiday comforts!

What are you looking forward to this holiday season?

Comfort is the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday gift list, so be sure to take advantage of Tempur-Pedic’s Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.

Filed Under: My So-Called Life Tagged With: , ,

Delivering my Pampers Miracle Mission

November 1, 2011 By 3 Comments

When I was first contacted as a member of Pampers Board about embarking on a Miracle Mission, I was so excited to give back to my community.  But little did I know that my chosen Miracle Mission would be such a fulfilling experience.  A few months ago, I announced my selected Miracle Mission, St. Michael’s Special School in New Orleans, LA.

St. Michael’s provides 200 special needs children with academic, social, vocational and physical education.  My cousin, who passed from the complications of epilepsy, was a student at St. Michael’s.  While I knew this school helped my family in numerous ways, I had no idea the amount of love contained in the building!

When I first contacted St. Michael’s about my $1,000 donation from Pampers, they were elated!  They soon compiled a wish list including art supplies, writing tablets, personal CD players and many more tools to help the students cope with stress.  Shopping was incredibly fun but delivering the gifts was honestly one of the best experiences of my life.

After arriving at the school and meeting with the Assistant Principal, Beth (my cousin and writer at Experimental Mommy), my husband and I were allowed to bring the gifts to the individual classrooms and meet the children and teachers.  Their joyful faces and words of gratitude filled my soul!  We were allowed to take pictures at the school and granted permission to share them with you:

When our gifts were distributed, we took the grand tour of the facility.  St. Michael’s strives to give these special needs children the same experiences as their siblings who may attend other schools in the area.  They have a student council, cheerleaders, choir, and drama club to name a few!  In addition to academic classes, the high school students learn skills such as cooking, personal hygiene, woodworking, and maintaining a home.

St. Michael’s believes that each one of their students is like a blue rose.  Unique and Beautiful….truly Little Miracles.  The happiness of the students and the dedication of the faculty was overwhelming and I can’t thank Pampers enough for allowing me to create a Miracle in my hometown.  Take a moment to visit Pampers on Facebook and learn more about the Miracle Missions initiative.

As a member of the Pampers Baby Board, I received a $1,000 gift card to donate to a local charity.  No compensation was received for this post.
Filed Under: Blog Conferences/Brand Events, My So-Called Life Tagged With: , ,
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