_bbR3iY5lLSjzaZNziPYc6VX6tk Inspiration CAN be found EVERYWHERE!: September 2014

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Sometimes you just need to let go

I know when a relationship ends, whether it is a romantic relationship or a friendship, it is sometimes so very very hard to let go.  

The sadness that you feel can sometimes be debilitating, to the point that you just don't want to be around people.  


But of course THAT is the absolute wrong way to be.






I just love this one. 
It reminds us that there is always as reason to move forward with your life.

Thank you Bryant McGill for reminding us of this.

Are you ready to take this to heart and make it part of your life everyday?

Monday, September 29, 2014

Coconut Green Curry Mussels





Coconut Green Curry Mussels
Thai green curry paste combines crushed lemongrass, garlic, ginger, chilies and herbs. Combined with coconut milk and fresh mussels, this dish bursts with authentic flavors.
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tbsp. fresh ginger
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded
1 tbsp. green curry paste
1 lime, zested and juiced using Zest ‘N Press® Gadget
13.5 oz./400 mL can light coconut milk
1 lb./455 g fresh mussels, scrubbed and rinsed
1 green onion, sliced, green part only
Place garlic, ginger and jalapeño in base of Chop ’N Prep Chef. Cover and pull cord 4–5 times to process until finely chopped. Add mixture to the Water Tray, along with the curry paste, lime zest and juice and coconut milk. Place the mussels in the Steamer Base, place over Water Tray, cover and microwave on high power for 6 minutes. Divide the mussels, placing into individual bowls, stir the sauce in the Water Tray and pour ¼ cup over the mussels in each bowl. Garnish with sliced green onions.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 200 Total Fat: 13g Saturated Fat: 10g Cholesterol: 30mg Carbohydrate: 7g Sugar: 0g Fiber: 0g Protein: 15g Sodium: 410mg Vitamin A: 6% Vitamin C: 20% Calcium: 4% Iron: 35%
All of the products used in this recipe can be purchased on my Tupperware Site 
Now is a great time to purchase ... There is a Fabulous Sale going on!

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Turkey Tenderloin

Here is yet another reason to be owning the Tupperware Smart Steamer.  Right now the Steamer is on Sale at an awesome price (saving $44!) on my Tupperware Site so I'm really excited to be sharing this one now.   With this recipe and great Steamer Turkey isn't just for holidays ... it could be a monthly addition to your menu planning.





Turkey Tenderloin
Turkey’s not just for Thanksgiving; it’s a fantastic source of lean protein. 
Served with spicy sweet potatoes laced with Latin flair, this isn’t your typical holiday meal!
Serves 4. Serving size: 3 oz./85 g turkey; ½ cup sweet potatoes
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. onion powder
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • 12 oz./340 g turkey tenderloin
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. cilantro
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. maple syrup
  • 1½ tsp. of our Southwest Chipotle Seasoning Blend

Combine salt, onion powder, pepper and garlic powder. Sprinkle mixture over turkey tenderloin on all sides and place in Steamer Base. Place cubed sweet potatoes in the Colander Tray. Fill Water Tray with 1¾ cups/ 400 mL water. Place Steamer Base on top of Water Tray and Colander Tray over Steamer Base. 
Cover and microwave on high power for 14 minutes or until turkey juices run clear and turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C and sweet potatoes are tender. 
While turkey cooks, place the green onions and cilantro in base of Chop ’N Prep Chef. Pull cord 4–5 times to process until finely chopped. Remove cover and add olive oil, maple syrup and seasoning blend. Replace cover and pull cord 4–5 times to fully combine. 
In a medium bowl, combine sweet potatoes and contents of Chop ’N Prep Chef until coated. Slice turkey and serve alongside sweet potatoes.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 240 Total Fat: 4.5g Saturated Fat: 0.5g Cholesterol: 35mg Carbohydrate: 28g Sugar: 8g Fiber: 4g Protein: 23g Sodium: 350mg Vitamin A: 330% Vitamin C: 10% Calcium: 6% Iron: 10%
All of the products used in this recipe can be purchased on My Tupperware Site

Rocky Point Clam Chowder

I really LOVE soup and with Fall comes SOUP SEASON! So this one is right up my alley AND giving me yet another reason to use my Smart Steamer!



Rocky Point Clam Chowder
Smoky bacon and red potatoes fill this hearty soup, and a little goes a long way. The liquid from the clams combined with tomato soup forms a flavorful base.
  • 24 littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
  • 4 medium red potatoes, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, quartered
  • 2 slices reduced-sodium bacon, finely chopped
  • 2 cups water
  • 10 oz./285 g can condensed low-sodium tomato soup
  • ½ cup chopped fresh or canned tomatoes
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper

Fill Water Tray with 1¾ cups/400 mL water. Place clams in Steamer Base and potatoes in Colander Tray. Place Steamer Base over Water Tray and Colander Tray over Steamer Base. Cover and microwave on high power for 12-14 minutes or until clams open and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. 
While clams steam, place onion in base of Chop ’N Prep Chef. Cover and pull cord 4-5 times to process until finely chopped. Place bacon in Chef Series™ 3-Qt./2.8 L Saucepan over medium heat. 
Once bacon begins to sizzle, add onions and sauté 5 minutes or until onions are translucent. Remove clams from Steamer Base, remove clams from shells over Water Tray to catch any clam juice and coarsely chop clam meat. Discard any unopened clams. 
Strain steaming liquid from Water Tray through a strainer lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth and into a medium bowl. Add liquid from Water Tray plus 2 cups water to saucepan and increase heat to medium high. 
Add tomato soup, potatoes, chopped tomatoes and black pepper. Slowly bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 130 Total Fat: 3g Saturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 10mg Carbohydrate: 20g Sugar: 4g Fiber: 2g Protein: 8g Sodium: 290mg Vitamin A: 4% Vitamin C: 25% Calcium: 4% Iron: 8%
All of the products used in this recipe can be purchased on My Tupperware Site

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Meet Andrea Pearson and get your copy of Discern


Andrea Pearson and several authors have put together a really awesome eBook promotion that I wanted to share with you today.

If you love romances for free or $0.99, you'll love the lineup they've gotten set up, that you can check out here.   It includes books from all the authors in the promotion.   

But before you buy any of Andrea's books, check out the Amazon Kindle eBook store, you can pick up a few of her books, including Discern and The Key of Kilenya for FREE as I write this - so check it out.  

She is so excited that so many are enjoying her writing and is thrilled that Amazon has some of her books for free!






Right now the FREE even includes Andrea's latest book Discern!

You can check out all the eBooks in this promotion here.

Andrea's book launch for Discern, Katon University Book One is happening TODAY, and is available for purchase.  



I knew as soon as I heard it was published that I was definitely picking this one up!  
I LOVED her Kilenya Series, so I'm hoping this one will be just as wonderful.  I am sure it will be.  It hasn't even been promoted yet and its already climbing the Amazon best sellers lists!






Now if you have nothing else to do today or even if you do and you're in the area of the Viridian Event Center you might want to check out the Local Authors and You Event at the Viridian Event Center (8030 South 1825 West, in West Jordan, UT) between the hours of 1pm and 5pm.

There will be almost FIFTY authors participating in this event!  So I can see this being an awesome event to attend. Especially if you are trying to get your teens into reading for the sake of reading.  We know they need to read but many (and my kids were in this group for awhile) grudgingly read for classes, but didn't really want to experience the joy of reading.  






These authors could be just the ticket to sparking that interest in your young "adults" (as they like to be known).
These authors are seriously excited, which will resonate with your kids and of course they are hoping for a really big crowd. 

If you can make it ... tell Andrea that Kat from Inspiration CAN be Found EVERYWHERE said hi and congratulations!

Andrea will have all of her books available, including Discern (Katon 1) and Samara, A Kilenya Romance, which has never been in print before. I have read them all, except Discern, and thought it was a well written series.

Also, she'll be selling charm necklaces based on covers in the Kilenya Series. (Books one, two, and five, with the rest coming soon.)  I am betting the keys will look really sharp!

I wish I was going to be able to be there ... but I'm a "few" States away and with the way air traffic has been the last few days ... I would have had to have left this past Monday to be able to be there (and I'm thinking my boss wouldn't have understood)

Want to know more, visit Andrea Pearson; Author of the Kilenya Series, Kilenya Romances, and Katon University series at http://andreapearsonbooks.com

Friday, September 26, 2014

All NEW Kindle Fire Giveaway open World Wide!

229 giveaway  
It’s time for the next $229 Kindle Giveaway Hosted by I Am A Reader.
We are giving away 2 great prizes both valued at $229.
Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash!
 
The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below.
The 2nd is available only to those share this giveaway.
You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.

Win a Kindle Fire HDX 7", Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only) The price of this Kindle recently dropped to $199. The winner will still receive a prize valued at $229.
  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

Each of these bloggers/authors paid to help sponsor this giveaway.
Sponsor List
I Am A Reader
Feed Your Reader
Inspired Kathy
Bonnie Blythe Pure Romance
Bella Street Time Travel Romance
Bette Lee Crosby
BookBunnyPR
SA Larsen
Kindle and Me
Alecia Stone
Dana Masting
Cynthia Luhrs
Author Kimber 
Leigh Wheaton
Rachel @ Confessions of a Book Geek
Jennifer Laurens Author
Simple Wyrdings
A Leisure Moment: A Casual Conversation about our Love for Literature
Artist/Author BT
A&E KIRK, YA Paranormal Authors
MoreThanaReview
Author Claudia Burgoa
Laurie Treacy, Author
Talia Jager, Author
Author Zoe Forward
Helen Smith (author)
MyLadyWeb: Women's History & Women Authors
Mini Myths: Be Patient Pandora! / Play Nice, Hercules!
Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
Author - Cindy A Christiansen
Felicia Starr - Author
C.M. Brown
Librarian Lavender
Romance Under Fire
Megan Crane
LeahSay's Views
Laurie Here - Contemporary Fiction and MORE
Author Kimber Shook
MamaNYC
Melissa McClone, Author
Crystal's Tiny Treasures
Deanna Lynn Sletten, Author Page Flipperz Ya
Sarah Ballance
C Family of 6
Danyelle Ferguson, Author
YA Author Fabio Bueno
Lori's Reading Corner
Books are my life
BookHounds
Author Inger Iversen
E.B. Black

Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups

Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only), $229 Amazon.com Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). Ends 10/27/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.

Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

What is Magic?

I think this is the perfect explanation for magic



Probably NOT what you thought if you were searching for an explanation ...
but I think it is a true explanation.

It is the believing in YOURSELF that allows you to do anything!

It is the believing in YOURSELF that makes the magic happen

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Chicken Caesar Lunch Box Surprise

I saw this and thought these would be PERFECT for your kids lunchbox.  I mean when they are so tired of the PB&J that you have been sending in because you are at a loss for what to send.  At this point you have been making sandwiches/lunches for a few weeks and I'm betting you (and your kids) are looking for something "new" and "different" for the middle of their school day.

I think this one is perfect for that "new and different" AND you could be using up some of last nights leftovers too!


Chicken Caesar "Sandwich"

  • ¾ cup Caesar Salad Dressing
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast (leftovers, rotisserie, whatever)
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (I used chop my own) or pre-washed salad mix
  • ¾ cup salad croutons (slightly chopped/crushed)
  • 4 whole tortillas or other type of wraps

  1. In a medium bowl, combine Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, pepper, and lemon juice. Add the romaine lettuce, cubed chicken and croutons. Toss everything until well coated.
  2. Share mixture between your wraps and roll.  
  3. For easy of handling in your lunchbox, slice each in half or quarters.  
You could put in some "add ins" based on your child's (or your) likes.  How about some bacon or shredded cheese or chopped/shredded carrots ... the possibilities are endless.



Yes mom YOU could be the Lunchroom Queen with this one.







Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Clam Chowder Time

I really LOVE soup.  I could make a meal of a good soup and some nice crusty bread.  Hubby on the other hand, although he does enjoy soup, doesn't think its a "dinner" meal except on rare occasions.

All the Tupperware pieces can be seen/purchased on my Tupperware Site so if there is anything that you would like to have ... feel free to jump onto my current party (link top right sidebar) or directly from my site.



Rich & Hearty New England Clam Chowder

  • 24 clams, cherry-stone
  • 2/3 cup onion
  • 1 leek, thinly sliced, white and light green part only
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 strips bacon
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. white pepper 


 Rinse clams thoroughly in cold water.
Chop onion in Chop 'N Prep™ Chef. Set aside and combine with sliced leek.

Place clams in the Tupperware® SmartSteamer Base (hope you grab this while it is on sale till 10/10 on my site), potatoes in the Colander Tray and fill Water Tray to fill line; cover and microwave on high power for 10 minutes or until clams open and potatoes are fork tender.

Remove clams from microwave and discard any that do not open; shuck clams over Water Tray to catch clam juice.

Place clams in base of Chop 'N Prep™ Chef and coarsely chop.
Dice bacon and place in Chef Series™ 3-Qt. Saucepan along with onions, leeks and thyme.
Over medium low heat, sauté bacon, onion, leek and thyme 5 minutes or until onions are translucent.

Strain steaming liquid, add liquid to saucepan, increase heat to medium high and scrape pan to loosen browned bits.
Remove thyme, add potatoes, cream and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

It's a #PumpkinParty Giveaway Hop

It's that time again.  That's right.   
It's time for the Great Pumpkin Party Giveaway Hop!


Welcome to the 
Pumpkin Party Giveaway Hop
Hosted By 
Planet Weidknecht and LeahSay's Views
September 23 - October 8
They have brought together a great group of bloggers 
to bring you some AWESOME prizes.

My prize is something that is super cute 
and just in time for Halloween
with a retail value of $44.


I think these will make you a huge hit with the Halloween Crowd with these, don't you?

You can enter to win these by entering my giveaway using the Super-easy Rafflecopter below.  Just wait for it to load (sometimes its a bit slow)
OR
These will be available for Purchase on my Tupperware Site until October 10th 

Once you have entered here, make sure you hop on over to the other bloggers to see what they have to offer.  You can visit each of the participating blogs listed below and enter to win prizes valued at $25 or more!  Told you it was a great event!


Thanks for visiting and entering!

Monday, September 22, 2014

What Happiness ISN'T

I know a lot of people, and I count myself in the statement, have been telling you what Happiness IS.  When I saw this one I just knew I had to share.






So now that you know what Happiness ISN'T 
You will also know what Happiness IS.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Shrimp and Pasta ... the perfect combination.

I do like food with a little heat, but HOT HOT is too much for my stomach, so I like recipes like this, where you can "adjust" the heat factor.  I'm thinking this would be a fabulous meal for Sunday dinner.  How about you?



I really like that this dish just "calls" to you from the plate - it just looks that delish.  Don't you agree?

Shrimp Fa Diavolo

Ingredients 
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 anchovy filets or 1 tsp. anchovy paste
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. coarse kosher salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 lb./455 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups Everyday Marinara
(see page 11 of 25 Pasta Creations! Recipe Book) 1/4 cup white wine
1/2 tsp. Simple Indulgence™ Italian Herb Seasoning Blend 1/2 cup parsley
8 oz./225 g pasta, like linguine


Serves 4 

Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a Chef Series™ 11"/28 cm Fry Pan over medium-high heat. 

Add garlic, anchovies and red pepper flakes. Sauté until garlic is fragrant. 
Season shrimp with salt and pepper and add to pan. 

Cook shrimp 1 minute per side and remove to a plate. 
Add marinara sauce, wine and Seasoning Blend to the Fry Pan; 
reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. 

Meanwhile, cook pasta in Tupperware® Microwave Pasta Maker for 12 minutes. Drain, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. 

Add parsley, pasta and shrimp to the sauce, along with any collected juices from the shrimp, toss to combine and add some of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.

As always, any of the Tupperware items can be picked up on my Tupperware Site, or you can just jump onto my current Tupperware Party (link on top right sidebar)

Friday, September 19, 2014

Surround yourself

I first saw this on my cousin's Facebook Page.  
I'm not sure where she found it but I thought it was a "share required" piece.  
So of course I thought this was the perfect place to share it.







You might just find that when you have good people in your corner, 
the best of you will always shine.  

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Olive Tapenade Spread

I am looking at this as something for snacks during sports viewing ... 
I mean Football season is here and we always seem to be "snacking" while the TV is on. 



Olive Tapenade Spread 
Serves 5-6 

 Ingredients 

  • 8 oz. Kalamata olives, pitted and drained 
  • 2 anchovy fillets, rinsed (optional) 
  • 1 clove garlic 
  • 2 tbsp. capers 
  • 2-3 fresh basil leaves 
  • 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice 
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 


Place the olives and anchovies into the Chop 'N Prep Chef and pull 2 times. 
Place the garlic, capers, and basil leaves into the olive mixture and chop another 2 times. 
Place lemon juice and oil into the mixture and chop until it is a coarse paste. 

Serve with baked pita chips as a snack or spread on sandwiches. 
Store with the seal on in the refrigerator.

As always, you can pick up any of the Tupperware pieces on My Tupperware Site or you can jump onto the current party (link in the upper right sidebar).

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Breast Cancer Awareness

I'm sure we all know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  But I think it needs to be more than just a month ... I'm quite sure we all know someone; friend, family, friend of a friend, who has been touched by the Big C.   That is why I am starting this NOW and not waiting for October.

To help with funding to find a cure, I am holding a Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser.
There is a special Fundraiser Catalog that Tupperware has that gives 40% of the purchase price to the Fundraiser AND it has some pink items (as well as some others) that you can purchase and support the cause.

You can jump on my Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser Party and help.  If you order from the Fundraiser Page, whether it is a "pink" item or not, 40% of the purchase price will be included in the final check.




There will also be some Pink items that will be available on my "regular" Tupperware Site, especially during the month of October, that I will give up my profit on these items and add those profits to the Fundraiser Party check.

So whether you purchase from the Fundraiser I set up or the regular catalog there will be a check going to raise Breast Cancer Awareness and Looking for a Cure.









I have set it up so that ANYONE with a US ADDRESS that the product is shipped to can join in. 

Here are some of the "Power of Pink" items you can get on the Fundraiser site.




I am hoping that we will have a really big check going to support Breast Cancer Awareness so that one of these days .... it will be a thing of the PAST!

Won't you Join Me?

Do you have something that you would like to set up a Fundraiser for?  Talk to me and you too can join in and create a fundraiser for whatever you need or want to support.  Medical, School, the possibilities are endless.

Somebody wants to know you ..

I know we have all gotten those emails that says "message me cause I know somebody who wants to meet you".  And right away those go into the garbage/recycling bin.  Sometimes even if it is from a friend!

But when I saw this one I thought ... this is what it really is about.



We need to be that someone that everyone wants to know.

Lets start leading our lives in such a way that this is very true.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Southwest Chipotle Lime Marinated Chicken

I know that even though Summer is coming to an end (I know so sad) that doesn't mean that the Grilling Season is ending.  I think this would be great this Fall and if you had a good grill pan, you could probably make this all year round.

Southwest Chipotle Lime Marinated Chicken



Ingredients

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts or boneless pork chops 
  • 1-2 tbsp. Simple Indulgence Southwest Chipotle Seasoning Blend 
  • 1 tbsp. fresh oregano 
  • 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro 
  • 2 cloves garlic 
  • 1/4 cup lime juice 
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil 
  • salt and pepper, to taste 


Place meat in Season-Serve® Container.
Add seasoning blend, oregano, cilantro, and garlic to base of Chop 'N Prep Chef. Cover and pull cord to finely chop.
Add lime juice, oil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Replace cover and process until well blended.

Pour over meat, seal Season-Serve® Container and refrigerate anywhere from 4-8 hours.

Remove meat from marinade (discarding marinade), and grill over medium-high heat until internal temperature reaches 165° F/73° C and juices run clear, approximately 15 minutes.

As always, you can pick up any Tupperware items on my Tupperware Site or just jump onto my current party (link in the upper right sidebar)

Sunday, September 14, 2014

BakeitFun Baking Mat Review

I received a BakeitFun Baking Mat to facilitate my review.  I did not receive any other compensation.  It did not influence my review, as all that is noted here is solely my opinion.


Right away I was intrigued with this product because the box said it was "Professional" not just an every day household product.
Somehow it sounds like it should be "better" when it says that it is a professional version.  I was really kind of surprised at how compact the box was considering this was to be a 1/2 sheet pan size.


One of the things that I liked was the fact that it has "cookie circles" as well as "ruler marks" to help you keep everything in line and hopefully keep the cookies from merging all together and keeps you from putting too much on each cookie sheet.

The instructions say to wash by hand in hot soapy water before your first use.  Being the good girl that I am, I did follow the instructions and washed my new mat and dried it before using.


The USA Half Size Baking Mat is 16-1/2" x 11" (280x420mm) with custom designed corners that fits perfectly a 13"x18" pan.  It is manufactured using FDA and LFGB approved materials and BPA free.  It is made of fiber cloth covered with the best food grade silicone.  The BakeitFun Baking Mat doesn't require any added grease, fat or shortenings - no "non-stick spray" either.
  
This reusable mat with outstanding heat conductivity is perfect to use in oven, microwave or freezer.  It is safe for temperatures between -40F (now that's cold) degrees to 450F (wow high heat) degrees, but the flavors or odors will not penetrate the baking mat.  I think this is one of the things that makes this "different" then the other brands I have used.






I had decided that I would make some pumpkin cookies, 
since it is Pumpkin time. 

Mixing up the cookies, yes I used a pouch mix that I added things to, including some "extra" pumpkin but that's how I roll, I usually make mixes my own once I've made them once following the directions, by adding to those mixes.  But since I wanted to test out the mat and test it out quickly, a box mix was the way to go ... yes I was excited to see how it would work.  I think I was Sandra Lee before she had those TV shows.


Because of the "cookie circles" put on the mat already, I was able to quickly measure out the cookie dough and get them in the oven ready to start baking in just a few minutes.  Just gotta love that, especially if you have young kids or grandkids wanting cookies NOW!!

You can make 12 cookies per mat, allowing for them to safely spread out as it bakes.  I used a cookie scoop and got 10 cookies from my 1/2 batch of mix.  I really was concerned that it would spread out too far since I really "filled" those circles.  But I didn't need to be concerned.  It worked out really well and I didn't end up with a "mass-oh-cookie" even though I was afraid when I opened the oven door.

One of the things that they told you with the mat, is that your baked goods can take LESS time to bake than on a plain pan and to let the baked product cool slightly on the mat before removing.

I took that comment into consideration when I set the timer for my cookies.  The instructions said 8 - 10 minutes for these cookies, so I checked on them at 8 minutes.  Maybe because it was made with pumpkin or maybe it was my oven, but I needed to go the full 10 minutes with the cookies but as you can see, the bottoms are not overcooked.  In fact, they are very nicely "chewy" as I personally think pumpkin cookies should be.  These came out soft, chewy and pretty tasty if I do say so myself.


I let the cookies rest for about 5 minutes or so (no time was mentioned when told to let cool slightly before removing) and was pleasantly surprised that I could pick them up with my hands and did not need to use a spatula or cookie/pancake turner.  And no mess on the mat!  I know I have a few baking mats and always have to wash or at least use a damp towel to clean it off a bit before getting the next batch ready for the oven.  With this mat, it was almost as clean after making my cookies, as it was after I washed it right out of the box.

And keeping it clean and usable for a long time is very very easy.  The non-stick surface eliminates the need to scrub.  To keep your baking sheets clean, just rinse with warm water and air dry or dish wash, dry and roll it and store.  I kept my box so I can roll it up and put it back in the box so it is ready for use any time I want to bake or cook.  Might just try a "free-style" meatloaf next.

I am very pleased with the BakeitFun Mat.  So much so, I think I will be picking up another one very soon to replace some of the ones I had that don't work nearly as well as this one did, even when they were brand new.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Smart Steamer for Healthier Meals

Good morning!!!!  It is a wonderful cool clear day here in New Jersey ... not hot and muggy as we have had on and off this past week or so.  I hope it is a wonderful morning for you as well.

I wanted to share with you the fantastic deal that Tupperware has going on with the Mid-September brochure that may have gotten "lost" in the rest of the great pieces that are on sale this month that includes some really cute Halloween pieces.  You can always check out what is new or on sale by visiting my New Tupperware Site ... its' open 24/7 and of course you can always message me!

The deal I am talking about is the Smart Steamer.  What I love about this piece is that you can do a TRUE steaming using the microwave.  Yes in the microwave.  The only piece that is "cooked" in the microwave is the water ... that then turns into steam to create your "masterpiece".






This piece is on sale this month for just $75! 














There is also a companion piece that is only on sale for 2 weeks (ending 9/26 that gets you some additional pieces, like mini cups to make poached eggs) for $24. 
 

And if you purchase it from me I will personally send you the recipes I have for the Smart Steamer to get you started! 






There are a few "other" ways you can grab this deal ... like picking up the Smart Steamer with the 6 piece Vent n Serve in an awesome purple color.  And if you grab these I will send you both my Smart Steamer recipes AND my Vent n Serve recipes.



Check out these and so much more on my NEW Tupperware Web Site!

You can also talk to me about having your own party (facebook or book or combination of the two) to earn all kinds of great deals ... but you need to do that quick if you want to earn this Steam, Store and Save set above (only available until 9/26/14 so I must submit the party by midnight Eastern time)

Always some great hostess bonuses you can earn ... so Talk to Me!

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Tupperware Mid September Brochure

I hope that you were able to grab those great lunch specials from the Mid August Brochure that ended at midnight last night.  I was sad to see that one end BUT I have a FABULOUS Mid September Brochure to share that have some extra AWESOMENESS built in.  You can check these and so much more on My Tupperware Site.  But here is a "sneak peek" for you.


These are just so CUTE!!!  And just in time for that Halloween Season when everyone is trying to figure out what to do with their kids for Halloween.  I just LOVE the Sidekicks Candy Canister and wish they had them when my kids were little.  No more looking for something to collect their "haul" of candy as they walk around.  No more worry about ripped bags or shredded pillow cases!  And those snack packs are the BOMB!!  Think about being able to send those to school in their lunch boxes during Halloween week ... talk about being the BIGGEST hit!!



There are some really AWESOME AWESOME deals in this mid-September brochure. Yes we have some Halloween themed pieces (and you really really want to grab those quick) but how about for those of us who are trying to eat "healthier" you ask? 

Well check out that Smart Steamer!  This is an AMAZING price for this piece.  I absolutely LOVE mine.  I use it often because I can do a TRUE steam in the Microwave!  Yes the food isn't cooked by microwaves it is cooked by steam!  And at the sale price you are saving $44!

If you would also like to include our Vent n Serve 6 pc set in the new Purplish color with your Smart Steamer you can grab both as a set in this catalog for a savings of $89.50!!  Yes a HUGE savings!

I absolutely LOVE the color and the pieces.  I use mine all the time.  The other day I needed a "dessert" and of course it was last minute.  I made a very nice chocolaty/fudgy and wonderful brownie in my Large Shallow Vent n Serve in the microwave in about 15 minutes!  Yes 15 minutes from mixing to resting and then on everyone's "plate" to savor.

Now here's an added deal if you purchase the Smart Steamer from ME.  I will send you the collection of recipes that I have for the Smart Steamer to get you started, FREE.  This way you can make all kinds of wonderful meals in your Smart Steamer without worry.  These recipes have already been tested by many consultants, so it will cut out a lot of your own trial and error.

If you purchase the larger set - Smart Steamer and 6 piece Vent n Serve - I will send you the Smart Steamer recipes I have, as well as the Vent n Serve recipes I have, again FREE if you purchase from me or my site.

I know you are very interested, so check out my Tupperware Site and jump in on the fun!

Have questions?  You can email me and I will get you the answers.  Want to have a party?  Email me and I can get you set up for a party where you can earn FREE Tupperware.  It can be a Facebook party, a Book party, a combination of the two ... you name it we can try and get it set up for you.