Friday, June 29, 2012

Lucky Leaf Orchard trip Part 1 #LuckyLeafLuckyMe





 
I have been working with Lucky Leaf for nearly a year now, as an ambassador (where has the time gone?) I love the pie filling, and I was very fortunate to get to travel with some fellow bloggers to Peach Glen PA to visit the Lucky Leaf factory and orchards. As you all know I live in Philadelphia so I was able to drive where we were staying Gettysburg was only a 2.5 hour drive away. Since I lived so close my husband and I drove, and got in early to enjoy a day in Gettysburg. Here are a few of the sights we saw.
A wonderful diorama of the battle, this is the largest war diorama in the US.


Gettysburg battlefield
Here is our lovely hotel, The Hotel Gettysburg  established in 1787. The hotel was very nice and we loved our room and our view.

Our view of downtown Gettysburg...

After setting in the bloggers were invited to a meet and greet, where we met the other bloggers and members of the Knouse team as well as the Brunner team, The Knouse folks couldn’t have been nicer, Bob Fisher, VP of Marketing, Laura Hauser, Marketing Manager, Pam Hinkle, Marketing Manager. They were all very down to earth and just genuinely sweet. We received, a cute note book, apron and cherry cookie when we arrived.

We were treated to a lesson from a food stylist Cherise who works with Lucky Leaf, she did wonders with food. If you ever wondered how to make food pretty, well she knew. She had some tips for us. I was able to meet the other bloggers who were invited to the trip including:

Alicia – The Mama Report,  Paula – Bell’Alimento ,Dawn – Not Just A Mommy ,Randi – A Lucky Ladybug Charley – Cooke’s Frontier Susan W – DoughMessTic 




All of the bloggers got to try to food style on our own. Here is my stylized parfait… Looks good huh. I cleaned it up with a qtip  (who could have thought a qtip could make your food nicer looking) a couple swipes and voila! A professional looking shot. I learned a lot, and I will be using what I learned in my future posts that’s for sure…..


So after a long day we bid each other goodbye…. Because we were off to the orchards located in Peach Glen PA early the next day. I know you are looking forward to the pictures, here a little preview….


Make sure to check out the next post, the orchards, to see more of the farms, and learn more about the great Lucky Leaf company there is so much to tell, you and so many pictures to share ….

 
Make sure to check out the great recipes on the Lucky Leaf site, and like them on Facebook and follow them on twitter for more information. 



 






Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . Lucky leaf provided me with the trip to the orchards. No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .

IDAPT i4 Universal Charger Review


 
I’ve complained about space before we just don’t have enough of it and we’re forced to get creative with where we put things. That includes cell phones and other electronic devices and where we have to charge them, they’re all over our house and we sometimes lose track of where they are! We have found our solution! The Universal Charger by IDAPT has made charging for us so much neater and easier.
I had just gone a couple of days without charging my phone because I wasn’t sure where my husband had left the charger for my phone and don’t you know it when I need my phone it’s dead because I didn’t have the charger! 

Well with the Universal Charger from IDAPT we can each charge our phones and the iPad all with one easy to use charging station. This thing is a god send! I’m not kidding if you look at the outlets around our house you’ll find a charger for something plugged into it. This is a great way to keep things neat and tidy and always know where I can be able to charge my phone and always know where it is if in fact I get a call whist it’s charging. 


The i4 model is what we’re using and it is compatible with over 4,000 devices due to its use of tips for your charging needs. The tips are what you use to charge whatever item you need to charge and they’re easily removable from the dock so changing them out is a breeze. We’re currently charging both our phones and our daughters DS and are able to charge another device if we need to. The small compact size is ideal, it takes up very little counter space and will be easy to pack with us when we go away because it seems that we bring every electronic device with us when we go away and my husband’s carry-on bag usually looks like he’s carrying a bomb in it with all his gadgets and wires to keep them charged. If you’re like us and you probably are you need i4 Universal Charger from IDAPT it will let you take CHARGE of your life again. Pun intended.



 So if you are looking for a charger that you can use for all you needs I would recommend the i4 Universal Charger from Idapt.


i4 has a dual voltage system that allows it to work anywhere around the world, also, the i4 is future-proof, as the company creates new tips when new devices (with different charging ports) reach the market and that these can be purchased through our the IDAPT site. So when you pick up a charger, you will have this item for a long time, a great deal!
Buy it:

To purchase the  i4 Universal Charger from IDAPT please visit http://www.idaptweb.com/universal_chargers/i4/



Make sure to follow IDAPT on Facebook for more information.



 


Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .

AVENGERS Blu-ray Trailer Debut!

I just wanted to share the AVENGERS Blu-ray Trailer with you, this movie looks great! Can't wait to see it on Blu-ray! Check it out:






Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .

Get creative with FunBites - Review




Are you looking for a great way to eat sandwiches. Something that is fun and kids will love?  When you have children sometimes it can be hard to get them to eat certain things and making the food fun makes that much easier for mommy! I have a great suggestion for you all, why not make your food fun with FunBites! Here is a little more information about FunBites from the website:

Each funbites® Pack includes a high performance curved blade cutter that quickly creates small bites and a matching popper top that pops out food instantly so hands are clean, food is untouched.  funbites® is 100% MADE IN THE USA, top shelf dishwasher safe and BPA Free.

  • Cuts kids food into bite-sized fun shapes!
  • As seen on Nickelodeon's Parents Connect, Real Simple, Parenting.com and CBS Morning News!
  • Mommy MD Guide Seal of Approval. Rave reviews from over 250 Mommy Bloggers!
  • Try on pancakes, fruit, brownies and more!
  • What are you waiting for? Make mealtime more fun.

I was very fortunate to be able to review Cube it!  And Love It FunBites.  The Cube It, is just what you think this green cutter cuts your food into cute little cubes.  And Love it, makes great hearts and geometric shapes!

My daughter can be funny sometimes, even though she is getting older she still can’t stand crusts on bread, I try to make her like it but with no luck.  I surprised her in her camp lunch the other day I made a strawberry jam and peanut butter sandwich and used the Love it cutter, it was very easy to use, just simply rock back and forth on what you would like to cut. This worked especially well on the sandwich, using most of the bread and cutting off those dreaded crusts. The pieces packed well in a baggie, and my daughter loved her hearts and geometric shaped lunch, at it all and she said her little friends want to try her lunch too.



My little niece is just starting to eat “grown up” food and needs small bite sized pieces, and I was able to use the Cube it, to cube up some bite sized cheese for her, and she loved it!
And of course my daughter loved the cubes, so I made her some cubed cantaloupe for a snack. She popped the cantaloupe like candy and really enjoyed it. I feel better giving her these fun healthy snacks instead of sweets that are bad for her. There are endless things that you can cut up for fun food, hamburgers, watermelon, quesadillas and whatever you can come up with, your child will just love FunBites.

Well you can add my seal of approval to the current 250+ Mommy bloggers that love this product.  This is a wonderful product, the cost is only $12.99 each or you can take advantage of a deal if you buy them both for only $22.00.


Buy it:

FunBites sell for $12.99 each – or you can buy them both for $22.00


For more information make sure to stop by FunBiteson Facebook as well.

Make sure to check out this great video:



 





Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . I received Funbites to review. No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .

MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS to Cross $600 Million Domestic




Marvel’s The Avengers is expected to cross the $600 million domestic box office threshold today, becoming one of only three films in history ever to reach this milestone. The Super Hero film’s global total is now an estimated $1,438.3 million, and it stands as the #3 film of all time globally and domestically.



Marvel’s The Avengers opened in North America May 4 with a staggering $207.4 million – the biggest domestic debut of all time – and has been shattering domestic box office records ever since including the industry’s all-time second weekend record with $103 million; fastest film to reach $200 million (3 days), $300 million (9 days), $400 million (14 days), and $500 million (23 days); and highest Saturday ($69.5 million) and Sunday ($57 million) totals. It is the #4 film of all time internationally with $838.9 million. 

Among only 12 films that have grossed $1 billion at the global box office, Marvel’s The Avengers is one of five billion-dollar Disney releases, which also include Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Alice in Wonderland, Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.


Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Weird Disney Disney Epcot snack


I found this little snack while shopping in the Japan pavilion in Epcot… It is some kind of dried shrimp snack...

Oh goodness, this may be a yummy snack, but I just can’t get over the little eyes…. I would find this hard to eat with these little guys staring at me… Can’t do it!







 
Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .

What’s your ista? Ista Tees review-and-giveaway

 
Do you love tee shirts that really fit your personality? Well you are going to love, Ista tees a tee that is as unique as you are. So what is your Ista? I just love the idea of Ista Tees, a great way to show off your unique loves. There are so many great istas  on the site, some I would have never even thought of, bacon-ista anyone? Well what type of isa am I? My daughter would be an art-ista she is our little budding artist, who loves everything to do with art, from drawing to creating a clay masterpiece. I am sure you all know by now I am a travel-ista through and through. I would travel all the time, if I could I just love getting away and trying out new places.
My travel-ista tee is a hot pink color, with black writing  and it has a tiny suit case between travel and ista. I love it! It is so me, the saying and the color it is wonderful. The shirt is a quality shirt, that was buit to last. The printing good quality as well. I was able to wash and dry the top and I had no issues. In the past I have had shirts that after one wash the words started peeling off! Well not with Ists Tees, when you purchase a tee, expect the best. A tee that looks good, and you will be able to enjoy this tee for many years without peeling or fading.
You can even create your own Ista! And shipping is always free at ista tees, now that is something you do not hear much anymore. It is rare for a company to offer discounted shipping, now free shipping wow! That is a great thing!

So what is your Ista? Are you a nerd-ista? Or a Fashion-ista? Or both?  The generous folks at Ista Tees are giving one of Susan’s Disney Family readers a chance you win an Ista Tee, Would you like to win? Just visit the Ista Tee site, take a look around then come back here and tell me your favorite Ista Tee. There are also other ways to enter and win. Please enter below.

Buy it:

To purchase your own Ista Tee please visit the website. http://www.whatsyourista.com/ They have free shipping!

Win it:
One winner will win an Ista Tee


a Rafflecopter giveaway


 






Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . I received a tee to review.  No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .

GoToob, great travel tubes!

 
We are travelers, we just love to travel, but packing can be a hassle… is this the right size can I carry this on? Well GoToob has made packing easier, with their handy tubes, here is a little information about GoToob from the website:

We love to travel, and I love to pack light. So I make sure we have small travel sized toiletries.  I like to use my own shampoo and lotion not the ones the hotel privede (sometimes not all hotels do this..) This can get expensive, so I tried using one of the travel sets that are sold in stores.  Have you ever bought one of those travel sets you can find in drugstores, with the little bottles for shampoo and lotion etc? Have you ever tried to use those bottles, they are impossible, sure they do the job. But when you want to use your shampoo etc. you cannot squeeze the bottle.  Now how am I supposed to get my shampoo out of that, tap tap tap…. Wait…. Nothing. I do not use those anymore. Too frustrating. But there is a better way! I was very fortunate to be able to review a variety of sized GoToobs. GoToobs, a great squishable tubes that are perfect for travel. Yes squishable! Yes! I can get my lotion, or shampoo out! It is the little things in life that make me so happy.

The medium tube (which my husband claimed as his already…) had a suction cup to suction to the tile in the bathroom to easily squeeze out your shampoo, conditioner, body wash.. just about whatever you need for your shower.  The Large is perfect for my shampoo.  The small size is great for my daughters sun tan lotion… I carry it around in my purse and I do not like to be without it, and the little GoToobe is great for my purse at 1.25 oz it is great for the airline too.  I will surely be picking up some more tubes soon. I can see them taking over all of my toiletries soon… They are just so simple to use, and easy to pack.

There are various sizes available including:

Small - 1.25 fl. oz. (37ml)
Medium - 2.0 fl. oz. (55ml)
Large - 3.0 fl. oz. (88ml)
Dry weight:
Small - 1.08oz. (30.8g)
Medium - 1.48oz. (42.2g)
Large - 2.06oz. (58.6g)

GoToobs have a lifetime warranty too, this is a quality product that is a must for travelers. Humangear was  awarded the coveted "Buzz Award" at the leading travel products trade show in the United States. So you know these products are great, if you are looking for award winning travel items make sure to check out Humangear, and pick up some GoToobs for your next trip.  I would recommend them, they are easy to fill, and use. I will be using them on my next trip that is for sure. I am a big fan!


Buy it:
Visit the site to find out where to purchase these handy tubes


Make sure to follow Humangear on Facebook for more information.


 





Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . I received 3 GoToobs to review. No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .

Audiovox DS2058 10.2" Enhanced Definition Portable DVD Player w/ Swivel Display, great for travel!




Are you looking for a quality portable DVD player? Perhaps to travel with this summer, I have a great suggestion for you all:

Audiovox  DS2058 10.2" Enhanced Definition Portable DVD Player w/ Swivel Display

For portable entertainment that is on the move tune into Audiovox. DVDs or CDs. Home or away. Audiovox portable DVD players can provide hours of enjoyment for the family.

Features:
  • 10.2" TFT Enhanced Definition Digital Display
  • 5 hour battery time
  • 16:9 Aspect Ratio
  • 800 x 480 Resolution
  • USB Slot
  • SD Card Slot
  • Audio/Video Input & Output
  • Disc playback: DVD / CD /JPEG
  • USB/SD Card playback: MP3, JPEG
  • Internal Rechargeable Li-polymer battery
  • Gloss Finish

    Includes:
  • Remote Control
  • Built-in Stereo Speakers
  • 3.5mm Headphone Jack
  • AC/DC Power Adapter
  • Automotive Power Adapter
  • Instruction Manual
  • Product Registration Card
 
In a few weeks we will be trekking across our state on a wild road trip to Cleveland. On the way I know our daughter will get bored with playing her DS and will want something else to do, and since my husband had to get the muscle car and not something more practical we don’t have any on board entertainment for her. We have entertainment now thanks to Audiovox  the sent us a portable DVD player and I’m sure this will wind up being all of our savior’s on this upcoming trip.






What I like most about this DVD player is something that has nothing to do with the picture quality or the sound quality (they’re both wondering by the way) what has me most impressed is that this DVD player comes with a car charger! Yes, you’ve read that right, I’m excited about a car charger. Everything you buy today is a la carte and you wind up having to spend more money on necessary equipment that should be included for the initial cost. Now moving on to the DVD player….
The screen is 9 inches and swivels and folds up to the size of a tablet, the picture quality is outstanding and the fact that it folds on top of itself makes it easy for a 7 year old to manipulate. The sound was great too and another nice feature is that little headphone jack that way we can listen to music and our daughter can get lost in her little movie land.
This is a loaded DVD player, it has a rechargeable battery an on a full charge the battery life should net you 4 hours of playback easily. There is an Audio/Video output as well so you can easily hook this up to any TV with a set of RCA wires and most hotels now have flat screen TVs that have an access on the side that allows you to hook up components to it and with the included remote control you can leave the DVD on the table or desk and control it from the comfort of where you’re sitting. Like I said this is a loaded DVD player and I’m glad we’ll be taking it with us on our road trip and I’m sure this won’t be the only trip that it will be making with us!

So if you are looking for a great portable DVD player that is made well and will travel well I would recommend  the Audiovox  DS2058 10.2" Enhanced Definition Portable DVD Player w/ Swivel Display.

Buy it:

please check out the Audiovox store: http://store.audiovox.com/

For more information make sure to like Audiovox on Facebook

 





Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . I received a portable dvd player to review. No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .

Fleur de Light, wonderful candles that smell amazing!


Are you a candle lover, so you like well-made candles that smell authentic and last? Well I would like to introduce you to a great candle company Fleur de Light. Here is a little more information about the company from the website:

Fleur de Light is a New Orleans company known for high-quality candles that recall the people, places, flavors, and fragrances that make New Orleans and south Louisiana special.
Company Overview
Fleur de Light is a New Orleans company known for high-quality candles that recall the people, places, flavors and fragrances that make New Orleans and south Louisiana special.

Infused with premium fragrance oils and hand-poured in New Orleans, our candles are renowned for their unique and intense aromas and are equally popular among locals and visitors.

By capturing the distinctive scents of south Louisiana in our candles - a slice of Mardi Gras king cake, the French Market stalls, Garden District cotton blossoms - reliving those experiences becomes as simple as lighting a flame.


 
I can wax poetic about my love of King Cake. It really is the perfect cake. It has all the necessary ingredients to make a cake great, cinnamon, cinnamon, cinnamon and icing. So when my wife showed me the candle we received from Fleur de Light and it said King Cake on top of it I got excited. She then reminded me not to eat the candle….bummer.

I’m a guy but I do appreciate a nice smelling candle and this is a nice smelling candle. And it drives me circus ape crazy that I don’t have a King Cake to devour for myself. I know I said myself because I don’t share King Cake it goes against my religion. Back to the aroma of this fine candle, you get hints of cinnamon and vanilla and what’s really nice is that it’s not so overly vanilla that it’s sickening, it’s very subtle. I don’t know why but they have more than just King Cake flavored candles, all the scents are tied into the rich culture of New Orleans/Louisiana.



It’s a way to remind me of one of the only places that my wife knows she doesn’t have to ask me if I want to go to and that is a very short list of places if you’re wondering my list consists of: Disney World, Disneyland, New Orleans and Boston. I fell in love with New Orleans, the food, the culture, the people it is a great city everyone should visit and you’ll see why it’s easy to fall in love with the Crescent City.


And on top of it all every candle that is sold Fleur de Light will make a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana that will provide a family of 4 with a meal. You get a great candle and a family in need gets a meal. It’s a win-win situation. And for the record my King Cake candle is taking up permanent residency in my man cave, it’s mine, like I said before I don’t share King Cake!

I would recommend this candle, it smells list like the real thing and it is slow burning, all you would ever want in a candle. 

 
Buy it:
To purchase  a candle from the wonderful scent selection please visit Fleur de Light

Make sure you follow Fleur de Light on Facebook for more information.



Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .

The PureBoom Premium Sounds Buds, a must for travel!



Are you a music lover, and is the sound quality of your music important to you, well it is to me. A good set of headphones is important to me. And I would like to introduce you to a great company that sells wonderful headphones and more.

When I travel to work each morning, I have to travel by train and subway it can be a long trip, and what do I do to pass the time? Well I try to read or I listen to podcasts, or music. When I listen sometimes it is difficult to hear with all of the noise from the train, but I still enjoy listening. What I need is a great pair of headphones. I was very fortunate to be able to review a pair of headphones from PureBoom.  

PureBoom Advanced Performance In-Ear Headset – White/Gray
Our premium headset combines the sleek, sophisticated design with deep bass tones and crisp sound clarity for a truly remarkable listening experience. The high-grade mic allows for hands-free calls with answer/end/play/pause button on our tangle-free cable helps take you through all life’s moves. It’s music to your ears.

  • Premium in-ear headset with tangle free 3ft flat-cable
  • Multiple custom fit ear bud cushions
  • High-grade inline mic for hands-free calls with answer/end/play/pause button
  • Protective Storage Case
  • Compatible with most devices with 3.5mm audio port

The PureBoom Premium Sounds Buds were very comfortable to wear and did not fall out of my ears. A snug ear fit is very important to me, it is a bit of a pet peeve for me. When I put the ear buds in I want them to stay. And I am happy to say that with the PureBoom Premium Sounds Buds they stayed put. I also loved the premium sound quality that came from the buds. They retail for $49.99 so they are on the mid-range for ear bud prices.  I was also able to use the great mic for hands free calls, great to use while riding. Overall I am impressed with PureBoom Premium Sounds Buds. I would recommend them for pure sounding quality ear bud lovers.  I am looking forward to wearing these on the flight to Florida in a few months, they will make it easier to listen to my music, the great quality sound will surely be heard even in the noisy airplane.

If you are shopping for a new pair of ear buds, don’t pick up that $10.00 pair, it will only last a short while and will stop working trust me! I have had many cheap pairs in the past, it is just not worth the aggravation. Why not pick up a nice pair, with great sound quality a pair that will last and will be worth the money spent. The PureBoom Premium Sounds Buds come in white and black colors, and come with multiple cushion fit ear buds, so they are great for anyone who is looking for a great set of ear buds. 

Buy it:
To buy please visit http://www.pure-gear.com/shop-by-category/audio/pureboom-premium-sound-buds-headset-collection.html


Make sure to follow on Facebook for more information

Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . I received a pair of ear buds to review. No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .

Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions, . No compensation was received. All opinions are my own. This is a unofficial fan site that is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or Disney theme parks.