Category giveaways | in sock monkey slippers

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welcome back giveaway!

Posted by In Sock Monkey Slippers with 35 Comments

Upon my return to blogging this year after a short, what I like to call, slipper sabbatical, I received an e-mail from two of my favorite Etsy shops and long time readers of ISMS. Not only was it an inspiring e-mail of support but if was an offer for a giveaway celebrating the return of In Sock Monkey Slippers. With great gratitude, I present to all of you, old and new readers, two wonderful giveaways (with two separate winners) and a coupon for everyone to Una Bella Vita and Laughing Dog Studio!

Una Bella Vita

Una Bella Vita - One Beautiful Life – certainly lives up to its name. Splitting her time between Pisa, Italy and Arizona, Susanna the creator of Una Bella Vita, pulls inspiration from her surroundings into each handmade apron she creates. She is truly an artist and creates a beautiful marriage between function and design in her quality aprons. A favorite in the foodie world, Una Bella Vita, aprons are coveted by many due to their thick designer fabric, durability, and style. I speak form experience, this is my favorite apron I own and favorite gift to give!

GIVEAWAY Visit Una Bella Vita and pick out your your favorite apron from one of the many amazing choices. To enter: leave a comment at the end of this post with the title of your favorite design. Giveaway ends this Friday, February 24 2012, at noon central. One winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by e-mail. U.S. residents only, please.

Laughing Dog Studio

Laughing Dog Studio is a gorgeous collection of gemstone, vintage, artisan lampwork and exotic beaded handmade jewelry. A favorite of many Etsy shoppers, Korinne the owner of Laughing Dog Studio, creates alluring pieces inspired by seasons, elements, and worldly cultures. Each one of her pieces is made of quality material and individually unique. I’m in love with her beautiful jade pieces!

GIVEAWAY Laughing Dog Studio is graciously giving a reader of ISMS this set of Yellow Citrine Earrings called Autum Morning. To enter leave a comment at the end of this post stating that you must have these! Giveaway ends this Friday, February 24 2012, at noon central. One winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by e-mail. U.S. residents only, please.

Coupon for all…

Not only are these two shops offering a giveaway, they are giving every single one of you 12% off of your purchase to Una Bella Vita and Laughing Dog Studio with the cupon code: sockmonkeyslippers at check out.

Thank you both Susanna and Korinne! Good luck to you all!

Secret Ingredient Beef Stew & The Food52 Cookbook Review and Giveaway

Posted by In Sock Monkey Slippers with 32 Comments

I’ve been excited about this cookbook release for awhile now and when asked to review it was overjoyed to say the least. If you aren’t aware of Food52 yet, it is an on-line food community created by Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs, successful cookbook authors and noted women in the food world. They created a place to give “people from all over the world a way to exchange their ideas and to celebrate each other’s talents.” Food52.com was such a success that Amanda and Merrill created The Food52 Cookbook released recently and published by William Morrow.

The Food52 Cookbook: 140 Winning Recipes From Exceptional Home Cooks captures the amazing talent from the Food52.com community. For 52 weeks, recipe contests were run on the website and the winning 140 recipes create this book. The collection itself is impressive but not at all overwhelming. I think inspiring is a better word to describe the collection because every time I have opened its beautifully photographed pages I want to jump in the kitchen. The recipes are simple to follow but not “dumbed down” and I love that it includes tips for each recipe, an insight to the recipe creator, and a community review of each recipe. Living up to the name, The Food52 Cookbook is organized by seasons, an idea that is not found often in today’s cookbooks. This is how we should cook. Not by what was made and frozen five months ago but what is in season now.

This is not your average “home cook” collection of recipes but more of an extensive collection of real, whole, and simply beautiful food. With recipes such as Ciabatta Stuffing with Chorizo, Sweet Potato, and Mushrooms; Wishbone Roast Chicken with Herb Butter; Double Chocolate Espresso Cookies; Ricotta and Chive Gnocchi; and Lazy Mary’s Lemon Tart, this is a cookbook for everyone that really loves food and knows the value of cooking a good meal for their friends and family. The Food52 Cookbook: 140 Winning Recipes From Exceptional Home Cooks is definitely one of my favorites that I will be sucked into for a long time.

The Giveaway is now closed and winners have been notified. Thanks for participating! I’m so in love with this book I want to give you a copy! I have two books, courtesy of William Morrow, to giveaway to two lucky people. This is a must have for the holidays. The giveaway will end at noon (central) on Monday, November 28, 2011. Two winners will be chosen by random.org.

To enter do one or all of the following:

Leave a comment at the end of this post telling me what your favorite dish to cook for the holiday is.
Tweet the following: “A must have for the holidays! Enter to win the new Food52 Cookbook from @smonkeyslippers http://su.pr/2yZnjS ” Leave a separate comment saying you did
Like InSockMonkeySlippers on Facebook. If you already do that works too! Leave a separate comment

Good Luck!

I recently made Secret Ingredient Beef Stew from The Food52 Cookbook: 140 Winning Recipes From Exceptional Home Cooks and it’s one that all of you have to try! Sinfully savory and delicious this stew is rich and memorable and going into permanent rotation this winter! This savory, rich stew may be named after one secret ingredient, but it’s because of a complex mix of components that it succeeds so well. Tomatoes and tomato paste give it a sunny sweetness, diced veggies lend texture, and red wine and vinegar brighten everything up. Anchovies, the “secret ingredient,” are briny and buttery, giving the sauce a smooth, complex finish. We recommend using beef with generous marbling for the best results. – A&M

Secret Ingredient Beef Stew serves 8 to 10

5-5.5 pounds beef stewing meat, cut into 2-3 inch pieces
salt
pepper
1/3 cup mixed olive and canola oil
2 leeks, washed well and cut thinly
1 large onion, diced
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
4 celery ribs, diced
4 ounces white mushrooms, roughly chopped
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 anchovies
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup red wine
3 cups beef broth
1 cup canned whole tomatoes with juices
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
3 bay leaves
3/4 teaspoons dried thyme
1/3 cup chopped parsley

1. Season the beef with salt and pepper on both sides. Brown the meat in batches in a 5-6 quart Dutch oven over high heat, adding more oil as needed. Remove to a plate.
2. Lower the heat and add all the vegetables. Cook for 5-10 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and anchovies and cook to melt the anchovies and distribute.
3. Add the beef back in, with its juices. Add the wine, vinegar, and tomatoes with juice (breaking them up against the side of the pot as you go) and bring to a boil. Add the stock to cover (you may need a bit more than 3 cups). Put in the salt, bay leaf, thyme, bring to a boil. Simmer, partially covered, for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender. Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate.
4. When cool, skim off much of the fat from the top. Reheat over low heat, letting the stew simmer 30-45 minutes before serving.
5. Mix in half of the parsley and garnish with the rest.

Butternut Squash Linguine with Kale {recipe & giveaway}

Posted by In Sock Monkey Slippers with 19 Comments

Oh, what a busy weekend I’ve had. It was Mia’s 3rd birthday, my brother Michael came home on leave from his first tour in Afghanistan, there were family parties galore, and then there was Halloween, of course. All of this going on and the whole time I had the thought of this recipe in my head using my favorite cut of pasta, linguine and my favorite fall vegetable, butternut squash. Recently, Dreamfields Pasta asked me to create a “one pot” recipe using Dreamfields Healthy Pasta and I figured there was no time like the present to try out a recipe while the whole family was under one roof.

Dreamfields Healty Pasta is a unique pasta line that has a 65% lower glycemic index and twice the fiber than regular pasta, making you feel full longer. With only 5 grams of digestible carbs, Dreamfields helps limit the rise in blood sugar levels that normally occur after eating regular pasta. Thus creating a healthier pasta option in your meal plan.

With a delicious taste and texture, Dreamfields was a hit in our family especially with this One-Pot Butternut Squash with Linguine with Kale. Simple and delicious this is now a one of our favorites for fall. It is even Mia, the resident 3 year-old, approved. You can find more information about Dremfields Pasta at www.dreamfieldsfoods.com, on Twitter, or Facebook.

Dreamfields Pasta would like to give one of ISMS’ readers a few boxes of Dreamfields Healthy Pasta to try for yourself! To enter just leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite pasta dish is. The winner will be choosen randomly on Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 at noon central time. The winner will be notified by e-mail. U.S. and Canadian residents only, please. The giveaway is now closed and the winner notified. Thanks for participating!

Butternut Squash Linguine with Kale serves 8

1 box linguine (13.25 ounces weight), I’m using Dreamfields Linguine
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 bunch kale, preferably flat leaf
1 1/2 cups butternut squash puree, fresh or 1 can
4 ounces cream cheese*
1/4 cup milk*
1/4 tsp nutmeg, fresh or ground
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp ground pepper
1 cup broken walnut pieces
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 Tbs fresh sage, chopped

* cooks note: skim milk and low-fat cream cheese may be substituted for a healthier version

In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rapid boil. Add the linguine and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta is boiling, finely chop the garlic and sage.

Roughly chop the kale into bite sized pieces. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in the same pot as the linguine was boiled. Add the garlic and kale. Saute for 5 to 8 minutes until the kale is tender. Once finished, remove the kale from the pot and set aside.

Next, reduce the heat to medium low and combine the butternut squash puree, cream cheese, milk, nutmeg, salt and pepper in the pot. Whisk to combine. (I realize this picture states differently. These things sometimes happen when your in a kitchen with your entire family and two dogs at your feet.)

To the sauce add the cooked linguine, walnuts, sage, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine everything. Then add and fold in the cooked kale and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

Once everything is heated and combined, serve and garnish with a little bit more Parmesan. Savory fall flavors combined into one healthy and delicious one pot meal that the entire family will enjoy.

It’s also amazingly good with leftover sauteed or roasted chicken breast.

Butternut Squash Linguine with Kale serves 8

1 box linguine (13.25 ounces weight), I’m using Dreamfields Linguine
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 bunch kale, preferably flat leaf
1 1/2 cups butternut squash puree, fresh or 1 can
4 ounces cream cheese*
1/4 cup milk*
1/4 tsp nutmeg, fresh or ground
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp ground pepper
1 cup broken walnut pieces
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 Tbs fresh sage, chopped

* cooks note: skim milk and low-fat cream cheese may be substituted for a healthier version

1. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rapid boil. Add the linguine and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta is boiling, finely chop the garlic and sage.

3. Roughly chop the kale into bite sized pieces. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in the same pot as the linguine was boiled. Add the garlic and kale. Saute for 5 to 8 minutes until the kale is tender. Once finished, remove the kale from the pot and set aside.

4. Next, reduce the heat to medium low and combine the butternut squash puree, cream cheese, milk, nutmeg, salt and pepper in the pot. Whisk to combine.

5. To the sauce add the cooked linguine, walnuts, sage, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine everything. Then add and fold in the cooked kale and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

6. Once everything is heated and combined, serve and garnish with a little bit more Parmesan.

It’s also amazingly good with leftover sauteed or roasted chicken breast.

Sauteed Chicken In Morels & White Wine Sauce {review and giveaway}

Posted by In Sock Monkey Slippers with 23 Comments

A while back I received a box on my doorstep that was full of mushroom delicacies form FungusAmongUs {the organic mushroom people} and I was extatic to try out all of these delicacies. If you haven’t heard of or seen FungusAmongus in Whole Foods and other leading markets, they are the leader in delectable, exotic organic and wild crafted mushrooms and mushroom products. The FungusAmongus product line has an extensive varity of unique mushrooms; three Certified Organic Mélange Seasoning and Rub Marinades; a line of three Certified Organic gourmet Soup Mixes; and an Italian truffle line. All of which can be found in various markets and online at FungusAmonUs.com. Great name, don’t you think.

We love mushrooms in this family but living in an area where produce variety is scarce, I was happy to be introduced to this company and their line of products. My taste buds where almost overwhelmed with anticipation as I opened the box that contained FungusAmongus’ Organic Porcini Powder, Fiesta Blend Organic Mushroom Melange, Mediterranean Blend Organic Mushroom Melange, Balsamic Vinaigrette Infused with White Truffle, and Natural Morel Mushrooms. It was time to get to work.

I tried the Organic Porcini Powder first and was amazed at how fresh the powdered smelled. I think mushroom powders are something underused in the kitchen. A simple tablespoon of a porcini powder for example on baked, grilled or seared meats can give a dish a burst of wonderful flavor. I used 2 tablespoons of this porcini powder combined with 1 teaspoon rosemary, 1 teaspoon sage, 1 tsp Kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp ground pepper to make a rub for 2 pork tenderloins. Roasted in a preheated 425°F oven for 30 minutes and we had a fabulous meal.

Next, I tried the Fiesta Blend Organic Mushroom Melange and the Mediterranean Blend Organic Mushroom Melange, a blend of dried mushrooms, herbs, and spices without any preservatives or added salt. The Fiesta Blend is organic dried Shiitake mushrooms blended with vegetables and spices that added a very pleasant kick to sauteed vegetables. And the Mediterranean Blend is organic dried Porcini mushrooms blended with Mediterranean spices. This was exceptionally good in olive oil for a bread dipper and surprisingly tasty in individual spinach quiches with parmesan shavings that I made in a muffin tin. I found both of these are great flavor boosters for practically anything.

The Balsamic Vinaigrette Infused with White Truffle was also a treat and I found it to be a pleasing mixture of flavors with an abundant note of white truffle. We actually used it as a bread dipper but found it to be a good marinade and salad dressing.

The Dried Natural Morel Mushrooms were definitely a winner. The flavor was outstanding for a dried mushroom and when hydrated and cooked made a meal that the husband said he wanted over and over again.

The verdict for FungusAmongUs… two slippers up. Even the resident three year old enjoyed almost everything. Everything was fresh with abundant flavor and I would certainly recommend any product from them. I found myself kicking myself for not using dried mushrooms more often in my cooking as they add flavor to practically any dish and can be used in so many ways, especially when fresh mushrooms are not available or not in season.

The Giveaway is now closed and the winner is Kim!

FungusAmongUs and I want you to taste the power of dried mushrooms as well. Enter to win a full set of the Melange spice blends (Fiesta, Mediterranean and Pacific). Giveaway ends at noon (central time) on October 26th 2011 and the winner will be notified by e-mail. U.S. and Canadian residents only please.

Four ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment at the end of this post telling us your favorite way to use mushrooms in a recipe or how you plan to use these spice blends.

2. Like ISMS on Facebook and leave a comment here

3. Follow ISMS on Twitter and leave a comment here

4. Like FungusAmongus on Facebook (they post some great recipes) and leave a comment here

………………………………………………………………………………………….

Now on to this delicious recipe that the entire family loved.

Sauteed Chicken In Morels and White Wine Sauce serves 4

1 Tbs + 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt and Pepper
4 chicken breasts
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 large shallot, peeled
1/2 ounces Dried Morels
1 Tbs butter, unsalted
3/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup cream or whole milk
1 Tbs fresh parsley, chopped

Pour hot water over dried morels until covered and let sit for 30 minutes or until plump. Drain excess water and pat dry.

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with a dash of salt and pepper. Over medium heat in a large saute pan, add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil and chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 8 minutes a side until cooked through. Set aside on a plate.

With a knife, finely chop garlic and shallot and halve the morels. Over medium- low heat, add a teaspoon of olive oil and butter to the same pan the chicken was in. Add the garlic, shallot and hydrated morels. Saute until shallots are soft and translucent about 8 minutes.

Deglaze the pan by adding the white wine and stir with a wooden spoon, scrapping any bits of chicken or garlic off the bottom. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 10 minutes until the wine starts to reduce.

Add the cream and parsley and stir. Add salt if needed. Place the chicken back in the saute pan and spoon sauce over.

Once the chicken is heated through place a breast on a plate and cover with sauce. Serve with rice, pasta or rosemary roasted fingerling potatoes. Possibly a different meal to serve to your family but the taste is extraordinary. My three year old practically licked the plate. Enjoy.

Sauteed Chicken In Morels and White Wine Sauce serves 4

1 Tbs + 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt and Pepper
4 chicken breasts
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 large shallot, peeled
1/2 ounces Dried Morels
1 Tbs butter, unsalted
3/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup cream or whole milk
1 Tbs fresh parsley, chopped

1. Pour hot water over dried morels until covered and let sit for 30 minutes or until plump. Drain excess water and pat dry.

2. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with a dash of salt and pepper. Over medium heat in a large saute pan, add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil and chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 8 minutes a side until cooked through. Set aside on a plate.

3. With a knife, finely chop garlic and shallot and halve the morels. Over medium- low heat, add a teaspoon of olive oil and butter to the same pan the chicken was in. Add the garlic, shallot and hydrated morels. Saute until shallots are soft and translucent about 8 minutes.

4. Deglaze the pan by adding the white wine and stir with a wooden spoon, scrapping any bits of chicken or garlic off the bottom. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 10 minutes until the wine starts to reduce.

5. Add the cream and parsley and stir. Add salt if needed. Place the chicken back in the saute pan and spoon sauce over.

6. Once the chicken is heated through place a breast on a plate and cover with sauce. Serve with rice, pasta or rosemary roasted fingerling potatoes.

Rocky Ford Cantaloupe & Capicola Bites with basil and balsamic

Posted by In Sock Monkey Slippers with 16 Comments

Love or hate summer, you can’t deny that it produces some of the best fruit of the year. We go through melons like monkeys eat bananas around here and when given the chance to try out Fontera Rocky Ford Cantaloupes, I jumped at it. I had actually never had a Rocky Ford before but had heard of their supreme sweetness. At first bite we were all astounded by the candy like melon. They had the exact same flavor, color and texture as you average cantaloupe but the flavor and sweetness is intensified making this the best cantaloupe I’ve ever had. Seriously, although in a good year a Texas cantaloupe comes pretty close.

Grown only in Colorado, Rocky Ford Cantaloupes are sweet and juicy thanks to the perfect formula of hot days, cool nights and high elevation. And Frontera Produce is the only grower to provide the original “Valley Gold” variety of this summertime melon, which is one of the sweetest. Rocky Fords are picked and shipped on the same day from Holly, Colorado, meaning these beauties arrive to you fresher than ever.

I enjoyed Rocky Fords because not only was it super fresh but it’s sweetness didn’t call for adding sugar or honey when using it in recipes. Mia probably ate an entire one herself leaving one for me to use in something extraordinary and I mean extraordinary. When you have something as sweet as these cantaloupes it calls for a salty pairing like these cantaloupe capicola bites with basil and balsamic reduction. In the last 4 days I have made this 3 times and everyone keeps asking for more.

Before we get to the recipe, Frontera Produce and ISMS is giving you a chance to win a case of these amazingly delicious Rocky Ford Cantaloupes (retail $3 a cantaloupe) shipped directly from the farm to you. To enter, leave a comment telling us what you plan to do with these tasty summer cantaloupes if you win. One winner will be chosen Monday, September 5, 2011. The winner will be notified by e-mail and announced on Facebook. Good luck! The giveaway is now closed and the winner is Kristi! Thanks everyone for playing.

Rocky Ford Cantaloupe & Capicola Bites with Basil & Balsamic Reduction makes 24

1 pound (about 24 slices) regular capicola*, thinly sliced
1/2 Frontera Rocky Ford Cantaloupe
3/4 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
12 basil leaves

*regular capicola is preferd over spicy

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place capicola slices in a mini muffin tin. Press in firmly to form a cup. Place in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly crispy.

While the capicola is baking, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil in a saucepan. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 8 minutes until the vinegar has reduced by half creating a sweet and tangy syrup.

Next, halve a cantaloupe and deseed. Cut the half in quarters, cut the rind away and dice the cantaloupe in small cubes.

Chiffonade the basil by stacking the leaves on top of each other and rolling into a cigar shape. Then cut the leaves into thin slices.

Once the capicola is cooked into little bowls and the balsamic has reduced, assemble the cantaloupe and capicola bites. Place the capicola on a serving plate and fill the capicola bowls with 3 to 5 cubes of cantaloupe. Next drizzle the balsamic reduction over the capicola cantaloupe bowls with a spoon. Finish by garnishing each piece with basil. The perfect combination of sweet and salty that will amazing for any appetizer or a delightful snack. Enjoy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Frontera Produce. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. In accordance to FTC 16 CFR, Part 255

Rocky Ford Cantaloupe & Capicola Bites with Basil & Balsamic Reduction makes 24

1 pound (about 24 slices) regular capicola*, thinly sliced
1/2 Frontera Rocky Ford Cantaloupe
3/4 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
12 basil leaves

*regular capicola is preferd over spicy

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place capicola slices in a mini muffin tin. Press in firmly to form a cup. Place in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly crispy.

2. While the capicola is baking, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil in a saucepan. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 8 minutes until the vinegar has reduced by half creating a sweet and tangy syrup.

3. Next, halve a cantaloupe and deseed. Cut the half in quarters, cut the rind away and dice the cantaloupe in small cubes.

4. Chiffonade the basil by stacking the leaves on top of each other and rolling into a cigar shape. Then cut the leaves into thin slices.

5. Once the capicola is cooked into little bowls and the balsamic has reduced, assemble the cantaloupe and capicola bites. Place the capicola on a serving plate and fill the capicola bowls with 3 to 5 cubes of cantaloupe. Next drizzle the balsamic reduction over the capicola cantaloupe bowls with a spoon. Finish by garnishing each piece with basil. Enjoy.

flour sack towel giveaway {miss in the kitchen designs}

Posted by In Sock Monkey Slippers with 44 Comments

I have a thing for tea and flour sack towels. My linen closet is full and if you are a friend of mine you are probably getting a set for Christmas along with whatever I’m obsessed with cooking that season. You just can’t have enough tea or flour sack towels in my opinion and thanks to a fellow food blogger, Milisa Armstrong {aka Miss In The Kitchen}, I have yet another set. Thank you Milisa!

Not just any set mind you but good quality, 100% unbleached cotton, beautifully designed flour sack towels designed by none other than Miss In The Kitchen herself. I love the rustic farmhouse feel of these towels and I have a feeling that I will have to watch over them closely or they will end up at the ranch in my mother-in-law’s hands. Milisa has an entire line of flour sack towels available for purchase on her site Miss In The Kitchen Designs. If you are looking for a set of rustic, western, or wildlife themed flour sack towels to adorn your kitchen or for a gift I would recommend checking out her designs.

The giveaway is now closed and the winner, chosen by random.org, is Nicole Luther! Thank you everyone that participated. Thanks to Milisa, you can have a set of her fabulous flour sack towels too! To enter: visit her site, Miss In The Kitchen Designs, pick out your favorite towel set and leave a comment here telling me which set you would love to have. A winner will be randomly chosen Monday, August 22nd, at noon central time and will be notified by e-mail. Good luck!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Miss In The Kitchen Designs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Power of Fruit! {review & giveaway}

Posted by In Sock Monkey Slippers with 31 Comments

The time of neon colored and artificial fruit icy pops is long over! Thank goodness because I can’t tell you how the thought of Mia biting into a tube of frozen food dye and corn syrup was making me a bit nauseous. Introducing Power of Fruit, the one of a kind pure fruit frozen fruit bar.

It’s rare that I get this excited about a product review but I fully stand behind this one. Power Of Fruit bars are a new concept in the fruit bar industry. Get this, they are actually made of fruit! Real fruit and nothing else. There are no added preservatives, chemicals, artificial or ”natural” flavors, corn syrup, dyes, or sugar. It’s just sweet and delicious fruit. It’s that simple…Seriously. Power Of Fruit bars come in five flavors: CherryBerry, Orange Tango, All-Fruit, Tropical, and BananaBerry. They are 100% frozen fruit, less than 36 calories a bar, no artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives, less than 10 grams of sugar and the best benefit of all is that one bar represents half of one fruit serving.

Over the past week I gave bars to Mia and five of her friends. All but one favored these to the neon bars you find in the grocery store. She couldn’t get over that there was actual fruit bits in the bar. The rest of the kids, including Mia, absolutely loved them. Tropical was by far the favorite, with BananaBerry second, then Orange Tango, CherryBerry, and All-Fruit following. Mia now asks for them daily and I have no problem giving them to her. Actually, as a real food advocate, I feel quite good about it.

Over all a great review for Power Of Fruit and I fully recommend you grab a box for your kids (or yourself) to help brighten those hot summertime blues!

To find more information about Power of Fruit visit www.poweroffruit.com

The giveaway is now closed and the winner is… Jennifer R. with the answer, “Ice cream and lots of it!”

Leave a comment below and answer this question: What’s your favorite way to beat the summer heat?

One comment will be chosen randomly and the lucky winner will win 5 boxes of Power Of Fruit (a $25 value)!!!! 5 boxes! Trust me it’s worth it. We have enjoyed every box here. The winner will be chosen next Friday, July 1, 2011 at noon central time and notified by e-mail. U.S. residents only please.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Power Of Fruit. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am

Posted by In Sock Monkey Slippers with 18 Comments

Tomorrow {monday}, I age one more year to “Ma’am” and lately I’ve been bombarded with e-mails and offers to represent the “middle-aged” mom. “Middle-aged” and Ma’am” are just not something I’m quite ready to label myself as. I’ve left my twenties behind, yes but I’ve still got a lot of rowdiness to get through before I’m going to settle down in a rocker. That’s why a couple of my friends from our “review panel” and I would love to tell you about this little book that has me laughing and looking back on my own journey of how I got here.

Anna Mitchael’s Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am: How I Ditched The South, Forgot My Manners, And Managed To Survive My Twenties With (Most Of) My Dignity Intact, is a tale of a southern belle who takes flight away from her roots to find herself in the big city. In doing so she discovers herself through heartbreak, humility, and hilarious awkward moments and discovers that in order to find self acceptance you must explore the unknown while still holding onto the values of your past.

Here’s what we think:

Meredith (Yours Truly) – “Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am is a hilarious tale that I believe most of us weather you ran off to a new place to find yourself or not can relate to. Although I did find it to jump around a little, it was a very engaging read that had me laughing till the very end and in some parts throwing my hand up in the air with an “amen sister!” I enjoyed it greatly and recommend it to all especially if you are from Texas or the south, have a beloved grandmother, call yourself a foodie, and survived your twenties intact.”

Ashley C. – “Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am is a fun and easy read. I felt some parts were a bit wordy at times but for the most part you will laugh out loud at the things Mitchael says in this post college 20s something book about surviving break ups and the big city. It also shows the truths in grandma’s wisdoms. If you are a mom that needs a laugh, definitely read this witty book we can all identify with!”

Kim – “Anna Mitchael’s Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am is an autobiographical account of what a southern-born, twenty-something woman learns from life in New York City, an ill-fated relationship, and returning to her childhood roots. Portions of the book are hilarious, such as the author’s description of being a bridesmaid or her witty discussion of Texas cuisine. Mitchael also captures the angst that many single women feel as they approach their late twenties without the certainty of a life-long mate. The most attractive portion of the book emphasizes the wisdom and security of family, particularly through the tales of Mitchael’s East Texas Grandma (who also hated being called Ma’am). Enduring and funny, this book has a message for women of all ages, not just those in their twenties.”

There you have it. I recommend Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am is a must for your summer reading!

UPDATE: The giveaway is now over. The winner is Regina Edwards!

Since it’s my birthday tomorrow and I’m getting fiercely close (ok I’m already there) to being called ma’am and since I was supposed to do this review months ago (so very sorry Anna) I’m going to giveaway a copy of Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am! I really think y’all are going to enjoy this one!

How to enter, leave separate comments for each:

Leave a comment at the end of this post. Say Hi or tell us a little story of your own self discovery.
“Like” In Sock Monkey Slippers on Facebook
Follow In Sock Monkey Slippers on Twitter
“Like” Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am on Facebook

The giveaway will end Monday, May 30th 2011.The winner will be chosen randomly by random.org and posted on this post and e-mailed. Please, U.S. and Canadian residents only. Good Luck.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

a flaming food processor, a larabar disaster, and The Pampered Chef

Posted by In Sock Monkey Slippers with 120 Comments

{UPDATE · April 13, 2011}

GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED · The winner is Kim with the comment, “Too funny! This is totally my life.”

Thanks to the amazing folks at The Pampered Chef, not only do you have a chance to help me win a $3500 Pampered Chef Shopping spree and a $125 SpaFinder certificate and a chance for you to win the same through The Pampered Chef Facebook page but NOW I have been given an Easy Brie-zy Pizza Set (valued at $115) to giveaway to one of you during this contest! You know how I love pizza and this Pizza set that includes a pizza stone, garlic press, pizza wheel, sauces, spices, recipes and more is going to be a great addition to any kitchen!

Well Make this quick and simple,
TO ENTER TO WIN THE PAMPERED CHEF PIZZA SET FROM IN SOCK MONKEY SLIPPERS:

Leave a comment at the end of this post telling me your funniest or not so funny kitchen disaster story and If you don’t have one just say hi! All previous comments will be honored and included in this giveaway.
“LIKE” In Sock Monkey Slippers on Facebook and leave a seperate comment telling me you did so.

The winner of the Easy Brie-zy Pizza Set will be chosen randomly, on Friday, April 15 at noon and will be notified by e-mail.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

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in sock monkey slippers and the pampered chef {april 11,2011}

A few days ago, The Pampered Chef, contacted me to share my funniest kitchen disaster story and to be a part of their Spill It! Contest celebrating Mother’s Day. The Spill It! contest will feature stories by six food bloggers, and you will decide the winner by who has the most comments posted to their story. I had to stop and laugh because every day is a disaster in the kitchen with a 22 pound, 2-year-old girl and a 70 pound, 2-year-old lab running under your feet. Of course, I had the perfect story that happened not too long ago–as In Sock Monkey Slippers fans on Twitter and Facebook can attest to when I shouted out for help with a “burning” question. If you enjoy, or can relate in any way–which I’m sure you can–to this story, please comment at the end of this post and help me when the Spill It! contest and the $3,500 Pampered Chef prize! Don’t you just love The Pampered Chef?! What’s your funniest kitchen disaster?

Follow along with this contest and keep up with all of us on The Pampered Chef’s Facebook page. “LIKE” The Pampered Chef’s Facebook page to stay on top of upcoming info and tips and share your funniest kitchen story too!

a flaming food processor and a larabar disaster

For a while now I have had a “drop everything” craving for Larabars. Their chewy naturally sweet goodness has attracted me like a moth to a flame, so much so you would think I was pregnant. My favorite Larabar is the cherry pie one. For those of you who have no clue what I’m talking about, a Larabar is a snack bar with just a few ingredients and no added sugar or preservatives. Oh, how I loooove them, and decided with how this family goes through snack bars I needed to make my own.

With dried cherries, dates and almonds in hand and the little girl asleep and Jack the lab outside playing I set out to make my Larabar masterpiece. I laid out all of my ingredients and pulled out my trusty little, little, little 3 cup food processor.

It was a beautiful day. Adam Carroll was on the iPod, the birds were singing and I’m sure if I were Snow White dwarfs would be whistling somewhere. It wasn’t until…chunk, clunk, verrrrrommmm, chunk, chunk, chunk. My trusty little food processor filled with dates and cherries and almondy goodness started jumping off the counter. And then my worst fears happened. My little kitchen appliance went up in flames.

“What the?!!!!” was all that was going through my mind as I batted the flames out with a towel; not the brightest idea, mind you, because now I have a burnt towel. With disaster averted, I took a moment to regroup. Then the silence was shattered when our fire alarm finally went off. This set off the domino effect. I’m cursing to high heaven worried that the BEEP BEEP BEEP screaming through our house is going to wake up Mia when I’m startled by Jack jumping on our kitchen window tearing the screen to bits, then knocking over the water fountain by the window in the herb garden. I then hear “hack, hack, hack” as our ever so nervous cat, Athens, vomits in the bedroom. Ahh! Are you kidding me?

As I run outside to calm our dog down I slip and fall on something slippery and wet in the bedroom. “No, No, No, It can’t be.” Oh yes, Meredith, it is. You have just fell and busted your behind in cat vomit. Right then the situation gets worse as I smell smoke coming from the kitchen. The food processor is smoking. Huge puffs of smoke billowing from my kitchen.

I grab it off the counter by the cord and toss it out to the front patio. From the window I watch with phone in hand to call 911. And of course, instead of doing the smart thing and calling 911 I get on Facebook and twitter calling out for help.

Instead of embarrassing myself to a group of hunky firemen, crisis was averted once again as my awesome friends on Facebook and Twitter told me to pour baking soda on it or just run.

Quite once resumed as I stood by the door to make sure the fire was truly out. I then realize that by a miracle Mia is still asleep and I could actually go sit on the couch and recover from this fiasco. But life is never that simple, is it? The moment my tush hits the cushion and my tension starts to melt….”MOMMY!!!”

Oh well, back to motherhood I go with my bruised hiney and a house that smells like burnt plastic.

Spill it with me! For your chance to win the prize, please share your own disaster story on www.facebook.com/ThePamperedChef (under the “contests” tab) before Friday at noon! And If you can relate to my story or you just want to say “thanks for the laugh” let me know by leaving me a comment and passing this along! One of the 6 bloggers will win and one of you will win! Here’s to all of the moms out there who are just trying to make it through the day! Have a good one!

Homemade Cherry Larabars….sort of

2 cups pitted dates
1 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup walnuts
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

In a large, high powered food processor, combine dates, cherries, almonds, walnuts, vanilla, and salt. Process in pulses until thoroughly chopped. Or, you can simply spend 30 minutes or so chopping all ingredients by hand, as I have done.
With your hands, form the mixture into a 1 inch thick rectangle.
Next, cut to desired shape with a knife. I choose to do small bite size squares but this recipe will make 10 4 inch long bars.
Place the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 3o seconds. Stir and repeat for another 30 seconds or until the chocolate is melted.
Dip each bar halfway into the chocolate mixture and place on parchment or wax paper.
Allow the chocolate to cool and harden.
EAT!

A Valentine Giveaway from Etsylo Jewelry

Posted by In Sock Monkey Slippers with 42 Comments

***The Giveaway is now closed and the winner is #12 Dawn***
When I was contacted by Etsylo Jewelry to do a review, I was a little hesitant because I usually don’t do reviews that have nothing to do with food, family or kids. But when I checked out her collection I was instantly drawn in by the sophisticated, whimsical designs that speak of elegance with every piece. Created by Sandra Callaú, Estylo Jewelry is based in San Francisco and offers a wide range of handmade designs with high quality materials, including Sterling Silver, Gold filled, Genuine Swarovski Crystallized Elements, Czech Crystals and Pearls among others. From the exotic modern, to bridal, to the everyday, Etsylo Jewelry specializes in jewelry for every type of woman and even designer cufflinks for men. It’s this attention to quality and Sandra’s amazing talent that drew me in. If you are looking for a beautiful and unique piece for yourself or a gift this Valentine’s Day, you really should stop by Etsylo Jewelry.

You can find the Etsylo Jewelry collection at their website: www.estylojewelry.com or on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/estylojewelry and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/estylojewelry. From now until February 9th receive free shipping on everything plus additional 5% OFF for all Facebook Fans.

: Red Swarovski Heart Necklace

Red Siam Crystal Drop

It’s your lucky day! Estylo Jewelry is generously giving you a chance to win your own piece from their elegant and unique collection for a very special Valentine! All you have to do is tell me what your favorite Valentine’s Day memory is or what you are planing to do this Valentine’s Day and don’t forget to mention which gorgeous piece, the Wire Wrapped Red Swarovski Heart Necklace, or the Red Siam Crystal Drop Swarovski Necklace you would like to wear this Valentine’s Day!

And because there’s still snow on the ground here in Texas and I finally heard from my brother serving in Afghanistan, I’m in a good mood and I’m going to give you extra chances to win:
leave a seperate comment for each following your initial entry:

become a fan of In Sock Monkey Slippers on Facebook*
follow In Sock Monkey Slippers on Twitter: SMonkeySlippers*
On Twitter: tweet… I want to win one of these beautiful necklaces from Estylo Jewelry at @SMonkeySlippers http://bit.ly/dMZeXo
become a fan of Estylo Jewelry on Facebook*

*If you already are a fan on facebook or follow on twitter please leave a comment that you do so for extra entries

That’s a total of 5 chances to win! I’ve never done that before but like I said I’m in a good mood. Giveaway will end Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 2pm central time. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified be e-mail. Please United States residents only. Good Luck!

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