FunSlurp Golf BBQ Grilling Set Review and Giveaway

     Kevin and I not only want to have the coolest most up to date gadgets in our home but we are always checking out new sites to buy unique gifts for others.   We thrive on being "that couple" meaning we like to be the go to house for the holidays and other get together times of the year.  We like that people know they can come to us with questions or for advice sine we are the "tell it like it is" people.  And we definitely like being the people you can count on getting something unique or fun from as a gift.

     Because we are in Michigan, grilling season has only just begun.  Since we are a huge grilling family this also means the beginning of a different type of party season.  Even in the heat who doesn't enjoy a nice day eating and drinking outside with friends than being cooped up indoors.  This also means golf season for Kevin and my sisters significant others.  Because my childhood best friend is getting married this summer, I was online recently checking out all sorts of uncommon gifts for her and her husband to be. 

     In my search I stumbled upon a site called Fun Slurp.  Weird name right?  But way cool with gifts for just about anyone.  You can find gifts for co-workers, acquaintances, close friends, and family all at great prices.  You can find fun summer games for the children or the adults as well as accessories for your home.  We especially liked the neon bar signs but we chose to combine Kevin's love for golfing and our love for grilling together.  We got the Golf BBQ Grilling 7 pc. Set to try out.

     As compared to other products you can find at sites like this, these were not cheaply made.  Each grill tool had the actual golf grips at the ends and were all shaped with a golfing theme.  They even came in a golf bag for storage which can be used for travel such as tailgating .  Right away my sisters boyfriend was extremely jealous and wanted me to give it to him (yeah right)!  Included is a spatula is shaped like a golf club, a grill brush, golf ball shaped tongs, a grill fork, and salt and pepper shakers shaped like golf balls for your favorite seasonings.

    Fun Slurp also offers coupons frequently and a repeat shopper incentive program where you can earn Fun Slurp bucks for each purchase as well as referrals.  They definitely enjoy rewarding loyal customers!

Cost: $45.95 on sale though right now for $30
Available to purchase: Fun Slurp
Recommendation:  The golf grilling set alone makes such a cute gift idea for any golf enthusiast let alone all the other creative gift ideas Fun Slurp has.  All at reasonable prices compared to the competitors.  I would definitely have a little fun browsing around their site if I were you!
Facebook: Fun Slurp
Blog:  Fun Slurp
Giveaway:  Fun Slurp is going to give one of A Lucky Ladybug's lucky readers a $20 Gift Card to get something of their own!

Farm Rich Jalepeno Popper, Mini Pizza Slices Review and Giveaway

     Its summer again and the kids are home again.  As wonderful it is to have them all home (especially the older ones to help around the house), I dread it.  Not only does it mean keeping them busy with activities so I can still get my work done but it also means my grocery bill goes up.  It means I have less free time to get my daily tasks completed all while preparing lunch and dinner.  I am a woman who loves to cook each day for my family but lets be realistic there are those days where I barely feel like turning on the microwave let alone the oven.  Those are the days I look for something that is still healthy, something the kids will love, and something simple for me to make without breaking the bank.

Knouse Foods/Lucky Leaf Adventure 2012: Part 2 of 4

     The day we visited one of the Lucky Leaf orchards, we found the grower had three of his children working along side himself (all willingly since you know how kids can be, haha).  It was absolutely the coolest thing to watch as the machinery went through the orchard gathering cherries since there is such a short period of to do so.  Usually cherry season is approximately two weeks long at least but because of the frost and other weather conditions this year, it has been shortened to one week to gather all the cherries in their prime stages of growth.  This is mostly due to the weather here in Michigan since 70% of cherries in the U.S. come from Michigan.

     Because it can take up to five years to get a tree with fruit, trees are planted in rows and trimmed specifically to allow maximum sunlight and to keep fruit growth evenly distributed through the tree.  All of the fruit is grown for either fresh or processing purposes.  Although there is a shortage of cherries because of weather conditions, this year has also been different in that we had such an early Spring and blooms started approximately four weeks early.

     150 kinds of apples such as fuji, golden delicious, granny smith, or york are used for both for pie filling, apple sauce and juice.  Balaton montmorency cherries are the most commonly used tart cherries.  All apples are hand picked and the same goes for sweet cherry trees to avoid bruising or other damage but as you can see for efficiency purposes, most tart cherries are done mechanically.  This is possible (as you can see in my pictures) by placing two pieces of a conveyor belt/tractor on each side of the tree and shaking it vigorously for maybe 3 seconds.  By doing so all the cherries are dropped onto the belt where a blower blows the leaves off to the ground placing them back to earth where they naturally belong.

     From here cherries go straight into ice bins to keep them from breaking down and getting soft.  They must be processed within three weeks to ensure their freshness.  Actually today's cherries you will find through the assembly line are at the latest yesterdays picked cherries which is very fast production from tree to can.  Each cherry then goes through a series of operations to perfect them for your plate.  From the lawnmower blade which completely removes the stem onto the cherry pitter which pierces each cherry precisely in the center to remove the pesky pit.  There are non stop tests along the way and after to check efficiency of all machinery used and to ensure the happiness of each customer.

     Cherries are then cooked directly in the can you see and buy to be sure all the freshness is locked inside.  Each heated to a specific internal temperature and flash cooled as well to keep all food in the safe temperature zones.  Lucky Leaf has four plants throughout Pennsylvania and one located here in Michigan which are all equipped with some of the most advanced and technological equipment available (some even more efficient than say those "other bigger" competitors).

     One of the really exciting technologies used at Lucky Leaf is the way they store and process their apples for year round production.  Since we know most fruit cannot be grown through all seasons and we want the fruit that is produced here in the United States.  Once the apples are sorted for either processing or fresh use (usually the biggest are used for the grocery stores), they are prepped to be put to sleep.  About 1/3 of all the apple crops are placed in one of the 18 CA (controlled atmosphere) where it is pumped full of nitrogen and carbon dioxide.  These apples are then sealed in the room at a moderatored temperature of 31-36 degrees and in a sleeping condition for up to a year.  This sleeping state keeps them from rotting, ripening OR growing any further.

     Because Lucky Leaf is again such a self sufficient operation, they actually create their own take nitrogen and carbon dioxide instead of purchasing it thus saving transportation emissions.  They use regular air from outside the plant and first strip the nitrogen then the carbon dioxide.  The air is then re-released outside in a way that it is clean oxygen without polluting the air in any way.  These plants also use three different size compressors which each use different amounts of energy.   The largest compressor is only used when in prime harvest season which is only about 400 hours a year saving large amounts of energy.  All of the engineers who work in this facility are trained effectively to keep everything safe and operating during a power outages.

     Frequently tested thoroughly for any defects in the packaging materials or processes, there are pre-approval checks throughout the assembly line on the specifics such as the pits, the various internal temperatures, the water waste throughout, stems, and of course pesticide amounts.  Then checked after for mashing at any point during the process and weights after cooking as compared to before.  The cans are also thoroughly inspected to check for flaws throughout or on the seams, as well as making sure there are no air pockets/air bubbles inside the can after it is sealed.

To be continued....

Pretty Mommies Skin Care Products Review and Giveaway (Chantel Introduction!)

     Hi Everyone! My name is Chantel and I’m one of Randi’s good friends. I have helped her with product reviews in the past, when she has become overwhelmed with other projects Skoy Cloth. Or when she doesn’t have the ability to review the product- like the iPhone app Child Up Early Zoo .  Hopefully I become more of a regular around here, as Randi asked me to help with Pregnancy and Baby product reviews (since she isn't planning any more additions)! I hope I can lend some honest (and sometimes very opinionated, haha) reviews. I am currently 14 weeks pregnant with my third (gasp!) child. Jordan is my oldest at 11, he loves lacrosse and testing my patience & Chase is my 2 year old. He’s your average all-American boy going thru the terrible-twos. I love my kids with all my heart, even if I do want to hide in a closet occasionally, just so I won’t have to share my candy bar!

PanGrill-it Review

     So you know we are big entertainers and quite the partiers in my household.  We love preparing all sorts of food and drinks for people in our home to enjoy.  We are also a huge grilling family.  Although Michigan doesn't allow for a long summer season, you will find us grilling six out of seven nights and from the first remotely warm day (above 60 degrees outside) to the first day of snow if we can.  The food just tastes better and lets be honest it is much more fun to enjoy a nice day outside then cooped up indoors.

Zyliss FastCut Herb Tool Review and Giveaway

     For anyone who hasn't seen my crafty herb garden boxes made from wipe containers, you might not know that I am crazy obsessed with my edible gardening.  In Michigan we don't get much of a summer but you better believe I utilize every last bit of sunlight.  I actually start my seeds early in the year so they are ready to be transferred outside early spring.  Because I love to cook, I am very specific about the types of herbs I grow and plant them in large quantities.  Using fresh herbs in different recipes can make a huge difference.  Their flavor just pops as opposed to dried seasoning you buy at the grocery store.  If you've ever grown fresh herbs to use in your cooking, you know it can be a little pesky getting them prepped quickly. 

Knouse Foods/Lucky Leaf Adventure 2012: Part 1 of 4

     I was recently given an amazing opportunity (in my eyes) to participate in several up close and personal activities with Knouse Foods/Lucky Leaf.  For those of you who don't know, last Monday I flew into the Baltimore airport (which I was not impressed with in the least) to begin my trip into Peach Glen, PA.  This is where you will honestly find nothing but everything. Not too far from historic Gettysburg, you will find nothing but farm land and small towns.  However, this is a beautiful sight to see - beautiful rolling hills of plush orchards lay with in my opinion enough history to compete with such a town as Gettysburg.  Peach Glen is the home of Knouse Foods which provides most of the country with the Musselman's and Lucky Leaf Brands.  Being as large as they are they have their own zip code and fleet for distribution.

Love Bottle Review and Giveaway

     As many of you know I am extremely green friendly and using reusable cups and water bottles is just one small thing I can do to help out in a big way.  My family very rarely uses paper/plastic anything because I won't let them.  My 4 year old son even yelled at his sister last night telling her she better recycle her plastic ice cream cup!  This almost brought tears to my eyes :).  I just discovered a new company that I am very excited to tell you about - Love Bottle.

Conscious Box Review (reposted) and Giveaway

Ok so we all know an important part of being a couponer is sending out requests for samples frequently so we can get the coupons that usually come along with the products. But what about for the purpose of trying new things as well. It seems as though the "new thing" is joining a monthly mailing club where you get a whole buffet of items to try out, test, and enjoy before you have to spend the full amount only to find out you dislike a product or the way it works. The more popular and first of these kinds of mailing clubs or groups I think of are your beer or wine clubs. The newest company I stumbled across, I am very excited to tell all of you about - Conscious Box. "Conscious Box is a monthly delivery of pure and sustainable products that are handpicked from businesses that care for the planet"

I constantly have people asking me whether or not its possible to coupon when buying organic or earth friendly products. The answer is yes of course. The main thing is, you need to know what you like and what your looking for (especially when trying to find deals/coupons for the products). With Conscious Box, you will receive a box at the beginning of each month filled with a plethora of eco responsible products. Not only do you get to try these items before buying them but you get special savings included in each box. The items are changed each month and focus around a specific theme based on theme of the month or season.

One of the exciting things I liked about Conscious Box was discovering new companies I didn't know existed and old ones I didn't know were "ethical, sustainable, and honest businesses that create the purest products available." All products are 100% vegetarian and even several are vegan. Each vary from food to beauty products and of course none tested on animals. Another really cute thing I noticed was my box came with a little postcard explaining all sorts of creative ways to reuse my box once emptied instead of just tossing it into the garbage.

I also want to add something I felt was an import part of who Conscious Box is:
"Conscious Box is committed to overcoming the problem of greenwashing. Used to describe deceptive business tactics that lead consumers to believe something is “green” when it really isn’t, greenwashing” is rampant in today’s markets. We hope to educate, inform, and prevent consumers from falling for these tactics by providing them with products that are authentic and purposeful."

Cost: $12/mo + $7 Shipping
Available to purchase: Conscious Box
Recommendation: I really have to say this is one of those companies and products that makes me feel good about spending my money. They know there are always new ways to continue improving and changing. Conscious Box educates their members in every aspect they can come up with. I liked most of the products from this month and the ones I didn't I was still glad I was able to try. The kiddos loved trying the new snacks as well as it was a fun way for them to learn.
Facebook: Conscious Box

Twitter @consciousbox
Giveaway: Conscious Box is going to give one of A Lucky Ladybug's lucky readers a Monthly Box of their own!

Green Kids Crafts Monthly Box Subscription Review and Giveaway

     Being that this is my third monthly box subscription, I have to say it seems it is obvious that the "new thing" is joining a monthly mailing club where you get a whole buffet of items to try out, test, and enjoy before you have to spend the full amount only to find out you dislike a product or the way it works.  As I mentioned previously, the more popular and first of these kinds of mailing clubs or groups I think of are your beer or wine clubs.  The newest monthly club I was able to try out is Green Kids Crafts.  Green Kids Crafts is a monthly delivery of earth-friendly monthly projects and crafts for children aged 3-8.

     "Every project kids create with us is 100% earth friendly. We avoid plastics and foams in favor of supplies that are natural, recycled, and good to the earth. We know the importance of avoiding waste, so we use minimal and 100% recycled shipping materials, and all of our craft projects are packaged in plant-based, compostable cello bags. Green Kids Crafts offsets 100% of the carbon dioxide generated by business activities and helps fund the development of renewable energy projects across the United States. For 2011, we offset 36 tons of CO2, and in 2012 pledged to do the same. Additionally, Green Kid Crafts was recently awarded the Green America Business Seal of Approval."

     This has been one of those reviews that I almost battle with myself what to share with my readers because of my strong opinions.  I do however know that this is why most of you read my reviews, because of that brutal honesty.  First off this months box came with three crafts - A Pirate Hat/Eye Patch kit, A Scrap booking kit, and a Wind Chime kit.  You all know me and how I feel about everything being as green friendly as possible.  In fact the first thing I take note of when I receive a product is the packaging it comes in and also factor this and the delivery costs into the quality of the project.  A product truly isn't green in my opinion if it doesn't look at these factors along with the product itself. 

     The Green Kids Crafts came completely disassembled so that it could be shipped in what I saw as the smallest and lightest box possible.  All items included in the box (as stated above) were 100% earth friendly from what I can tell.  Dane and Declan did love putting together each craft AND more importantly in sharing in the creation of each product.  While even though Declan is under the minimal age group, he seemed to have an easy enough time following our instructions (as long as I was of course watching him with the small pieces).

     Here is where my disappointment came from in this product - I could have easily gone to the store and purchased all of the materials to put together these crafts and for much cheaper.  I probably could have even come up with a similar set of crafts with the materials I have around the household so I don't have to waste the gas.  Now this could just be because I am one of those creative people that I don't need an idea and supplies put in front of me in order to do so but...these also didn't last long. 

     The paper pirate hat was ripped within an hour of creating it and the "coins" were just paper pieces that I had to pick up at the end of the day.  Same goes for the scrapbook, the stickers and paper/fabric cutouts were pulled off and left for me to pick up as well.  NOW, the wind chime has lasted and is in my garden looking absolutely beautiful.  I think maybe if a few more quality projects could be added to offset the cost this would be well worth the "Earth Friendly" investment.

Cost:  $19.95/mo
Available to purchase:  Green Kids Crafts
Recommendation:  I am up in the air on this one as if this was me with the way my boys are I wouldn't waste the money especially when the last 2 box subscriptions were cheaper and more use came out of them.  I do however think there is always room for improvement and I think this is a great mom owned company with some great intentions!  You might have to do your research on this one and decide what is best for the age group of your kids.
Facebook:  Green Kids Crafts
Giveaway:  Green Kids Crafts is going to give one of A Lucky Ladybug's lucky readers a Monthly Box of their own!

Trudeau Stress Less Kitchen Gadgets Review

     Being that I come from quite a long restaurant management background, I consider myself to be a self starter in the kitchen.  I love to cook, grill, bake anything and especially from scratch with the freshest and healthiest ingredients I can find.  I am always updating my kitchen and trying out the newest gadgets I can find or cooking up my own creations.  I love being that contact for my friends, family, and followers when they are looking into anything kitchen. 

So if your anything like me, you have more kitchen utensils than you know what to do with!  One of the worst part of half of these gadgets is how difficult they are to use especially if you aren't a professional.   They are either cheaply made so they can be cheaply sold or they are not made for everyday use if you love to cook as I do so they break very easily.  Another issue I come across frequently is how badly these tools hurt my hands and wrists since I have a hereditary degenerative joint disorder (along with my arthritis AND carpel tunnel).  If something is too difficult to grip, turn, push, spin, or cut, then I have to either grab someone to help me or wait until my husband gets home to complete the meal.  This doesn't make me very happy.

Trudeau has recently created a line of kitchen utensils called Stress Less.  These are actually easy to grip, turn, push, spin, and cut with.  They are specifically designed to make the average cooking motions easier, reducing strain on your hands and joints.  Trudeau actually provides a lifetime warranty on each of these products.  I was given the opportunity to try out each of the Stress Less products including the pizza cutter, garlic press, can opener, cheese grater, and salt mill.

The first product I opened and used right away was the Garlic Press.  I know this is going to sound weird but I have always wanted a garlic press.  We are very big on garlic in our family and for some reason I've never actually bought one even thought I've wanted it for a long time.  The Stress Less Garlic Press was exactly that - easy!  I was easy enough to press the garlic through that Dane was even helping prepare dinner with ours.  Each part spreads apart as well for easy cleaning and removal of extra garlic.

The pizza cutter was great since I frequently make pizza from scratch for dinner.  Sometimes this can be a task to get through my crust because I am no pizza crust gooru.  The blade was nice and sharp and flowed through pizza and Danes favorite cheese quesadillas very easily.  As part of using my pizza cutter I actually decided to use my new cheese grater to add freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese to our pizza.  I love how easy this grater is, I feel like I work at Olive Garden now during dinner asking each family member if they'd like cheese on their meal (haha).

Now although I already have an electric can opener, there are just some cans that cannot be easily opened by an electric opener forcing you to go old school and use a hand operated one.  This just plain sucks.  They are never easy and if you have hands like me, causes you instant pain throughout your hands.  At first I was baffled as to how to use this opener but after a little bit of help from my husband, we were all amazed with how easy it was to use.  I love my can opener!!  This coolest part is that it cuts your can on the outside with no sharp edges.  It was so easy I've actually been using this more frequently than the electric one since I don't have to fiddle with getting the can to stick to the magnet like with the electric one.

Finally, if you have ever been to one of my families many get togethers or even just know my mother, you know what a salt obsessed freak she is.  She has salt shakers around her entire house (bedroom included) in the kitchen she uses a salt and pepper mill but her complaint is always that it takes too much time to freshly grind ALL that salt that she loves.  In saying this I gave my salt mill to her for her to try and she loved it.  She said it was super easy and she actually has a good flow of salt coming out.

Cost:  $12.99 Pizza Cutter
         $19.99 Garlic Press
         $19.99 Can Opener
         $19.99 Cheese Grater
         $34.99 Easy Grind Salt Mill
Available to purchase:   Trudeau

Recommendation:  I love Trudeau as all their products just seem to be high quality and always have such neat designs.  Although I do think they are a little over priced but so are their competitors for what you are paying for so I guess why not.  If you are a foodie like me, you'll love having these gadgets in your kitchen.  They'd also make great gifts for any family member who has bad hands.
Facebook:   Trudeau
Twitter:  @TrudeauKitchen
Youtube:  Trudeau

Cleavitz Review and Giveaway

     I have always been very naturally big busted and when I say always I mean I started out with "D" size tatas in the 6th grade.  I have only increased from there.  I prayed and prayed that with both my (breastfed) children they would shrink but never got my wish.  In fact they have only continued to increase even more than I thought possible.  I am now a size "H" which I honestly didn't even know existed!  I am always trying to find comfortable tops which hide this area without mashing me down causing me to have a uniboob and obviously turtle necks are out of the question.     

Ice Huggy Holder Review and Giveaway

    It is summer once again and the children have just finished up their school year which means planning lots of fun activities to keep the kiddos busy (and out of my hair).  Alana has her first boyfriend which because of our rules for dating and whatnot, this means if she wants to see him they have to be at our house where we can keep a close eye on her.  So in turn, he and all their friends have been hanging out at our home.  This will be my first summer where I will get the chance to show off my couponing skills to the neighborhood kids. 

Home School Convention On the Go Well Day Planner Review and Giveaway

     I have always been a very organized person throughout most of my life.  You can even ask my mother.  Unlike most other average children, my room was always very neat, I had a savings built up before I was 15, and my schedule for the week was always very well planned out.  I am never late or I honestly begin to freak and chaos of any sort in my home makes me a little crazy (okay a lot of crazy). 
     One of the biggest challenges I have ever had to overcome once having children is dealing with the chaos a little one brings into our lives.  I was even diagnosed with post partum depression after my first son was born.  I just couldn't handle all the messes, the extra work I couldn't keep up with, and having an additional person to worry about on top everything else that comes along with a new baby.  I had to learn to let some things go and to plan my schedule out just a little differently.  Through the support of my husband and mother and really focusing on controlling what I let upset me (plus a little medication),  I was able to get my self on track.  So back to life and work I went.