Eksel Grill and Oven Mat Reviews

 

BBQ tips, grill mats

 

 

This post contains affiliates.  If you make a purchase, I may make a small profit.  However, there will be no additional costs to you.

 

I was offered a discount on these ekSel Grill Oven BBQ Mats I purchased the product in exchange for a review.  I took advantage of the bargain, and I glad I did. You get two per box, a black and a brown.  You can use the mats either on the grill or in your oven.  However, the box did not contain instructions.  All was not lost, I used the box for guidance.  I’m a visual person, so this worked for me.

This time of year, BLTs are big in my house.  Summer brings fresh lettuce and tomatoes.  Furthermore, there’s nothing better than fresh ingredients on a BLT.  I stopped cooking my bacon on top of the stove years ago.  Not only because of the grease splatter, but because I think bacon cooks better in the oven.  As a result, I was eager to see if the bacon would crisp the way I like it.  Additionally, I wanted to see how the mat would handle the oil from the bacon.  I decided to use the black mat to prepare my bacon for my BLT in the oven.

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Take a look at this bacon.  It looks and tastes delicious.  I prefer Butcher Cut bacon.  It doesn’t shrink, and it’s perfect for sandwiches or anytime.  My granddaughter loves bacon so much, she wants it for a snack.

 

grill mat

 

Furthermore, you can cook chicken, sausages, pork chops and anything else on the mats.  They’re perfect in the oven or on the grill.  I hate using public grills.  This grill mat is the answer to yummy public picnic grills.

Having grill marks on burgers, hot dogs, sausages and chicken are a sign of heaven to a grill master or backyard BBQer.  Being able to get grill marks while using these grill mats is not a problem.  Just as important, not having to use spray or foil on your grates puts the icing on the cake for me.

Personally, I prefer to us a charcoal grill versus gas grills.  If your preference is gas, you will be happy to know that the grill mat can be used in gas or electric oven and on most gas and charcoal grills and smokers.  Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions and recommendations.

Also, the grill mat is dishwasher safe.  Place them in the top rack or you can wash them by hand and just dry them.  You can use the grill up to 100 times before they need to be replaced. Did I mention that you can bake cookies and pizza on them too.  Great gift idea or keep them for yourself.  Just head over and grab a pack or 2 of the ekSel Grill Oven BBQ Mats  You will be happy that you did.

 

 

Spaze Apparel Hoodi Review

I received this Hoodi in exchange for the review; however, all opinions are my own.

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I was asked by Spaze Apparel to review a product from their site.  I browsed the site and readily agreed when I came across their selection of hoodies.  It was just what the doctor had ordered.  I’m amazed at times the way things happen. You see I had been searching for months for my navy blue hoodi to no avail.  So, I knew immediately the hoodi was the winner for my review.

I selected the Gildan G186FL Heavy Blend Ladies Hoodi in navy.  It was difficult making a decision because they have so many colors to choose from.  White, black, purple, red you name it.  They offer the hoodi in sizes S – 3XL.  I like the larger sizes because I can wear a heavy shirt under it in cooler weather and still have plenty of room for comfort and movement.

So, I waited for the package to arrive.  Finally, the package was delivered.  I anxiously opened the package, and I must say I was not disappointed.  I loved the fit and it was so soft.  My response was yes, this is perfect.  I don’t know about you, but when I get comfortable with a piece of clothing it’s hard to find a replacement. It was my go to when I headed out for a early morning for a walk or to run errands at Walmart, Target etc.  My attitude about my misplaced hoodi changed. Now if I don’t find it, it’s not a big deal.  I have found a replacement that I love just as much, and I have a new attitude!  Thank you Spaze Apparel.

The one negative about the hoodi for me is the pockets aren’t deep enough.  I like to stick my phone in my pockets when I’m out for a walk.  However, my keys fit nicely though.  I want to mention that the hoodi looks great with my capris and walking shoes.  For the price, the quality is excellent. I highly recommend this item.  It’s perfect for moms on the go. Head over to Spaze Apparel and check them out. They have something for everyone in the family.

 

 

8 Celebrity Children’s Book Authors

First, when most people think of celebrities they think of glitz and glamor.  However, I have discovered several celebrity children’s book authors.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips and celebrity children’s book authors.  They have several books that are great for a reading list or gift.  I love the books not because they are written by celebrities, but because they are written by celebrities who have a special affinity for children. Check out my list:

 

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Julianne Moore –   My Mom Is a Foreigner  This book is about multi-cultures and diversity. It is appropriate for ages 5 – 8 years and has 40 pages.

Jim Carrey –  How Roland Rolls  –  So, this book is about a wave named Roland who’s afraid that, one day, when he hits the beach, his life will be over. It is appropriate for ages 4 – 8 and has 68 pages. Jim Carrey won the 2013 Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award for this book.

Octavia Spencer  The Time-Capsule Bandit This book is about 12-year-old Randi Rhodes. Randi loses her mother at age 12. She is an aspiring detective and has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.  She finds satisfaction in solving crimes anonymously.  The book is appropriate for ages 8 –  12 and has 240 pages.

Jamie Lee Curtis – My Brave Year of Firsts –  Additionally, this book celebrates the extraordinary, everyday bravery of trying new things for the very first time. This book is appropriate for ages 4 – 8 and has 40 pages.

Tori Spelling Presenting . . . Tallulah  –  Next, this book is about a little girl named Tallulah. All her life, Tallulah has heard DON’T.  Don’t get dirty, talk loudly or  wear jeans. With the help of friends, she finds out who she really is.  This book is appropriate for ages 4 – 8 and has 32 pages.

Mario Lopez – Mario and Baby Gia    This book is Mario and his cousin Gia. Mario’s Nana asks him to babysit his cousin Gia while she bakes.  There’s a lesson learned, a family is built on love and care. This book is appropriate for ages 3 – 5 and has 32 pages.

Whoopi Goldberg –  Sugar Plum Ballerinas 1: Plum Fantastic  –  Additionally, this book is about Alexandrea who has just moved from Georgia to New York City’s Harlem.  Al finds herself in the classroom at the Nutcracker School of Ballet as the Sugar Plum Fairy and has stage fright. Friendship, lots of practice, and ingenuity help her to overcome her stage fright and she gives an unforgettable performance. This book is appropriate for ages 1 and up and has 160 pages.

Kristie Yamaguchi – It’s a Big World, Little Pig!  –  This book is about Poppy the pig. Poppy goes to the World Games ice-skating championship in Paris! She meets new friends from around the world and explores Paris with her family after the championship.

 

Last, the holidays are around the corner. Check out these books, they would make a great holiday, birthday or just because gift. I purchased  Whoopi Goldberg’s Sugar Plum Ballerinas series.

 

Finally, I reviewed Kristie Yamaguchi’s It’s a Big World, Little Pig.  I recommended this book. It’s a great example of diversity and courage.  I will be adding Julianne Moore’s book to my gift list this year.

Apparel N Bags – Port Authority Computer Backpack Review

 

I received an offer to review a product from Apparel N Bags, and readily accepted. I love their products. I’m going on vacation in a few weeks, and decided to check out the Port Authority Computer Backpack to review. I’ve learn to pack more efficiently while traveling, and this year I decided to take a backpack for my computer rather than my usual laptop tote.  I also want to use it to house my camera, water, and other items while I’m sight seeing, and I thought a backpack would be easier than carrying my purse and camera bag.

The box finally arrived.  Apparel N Bags didn’t disappoint. The backpack was larger than I expected and is a quality product. Although there where 6 colors to choose from, I decided to go with the black and grey.  I loved the color combination. I’ve decided to take my 13 inch laptop with me instead of the heavy and huge 17 inch that I normally drag around. I’m learning to pack lighter in more ways than one.

There’s more than enough room for the cords and the 13 inch computer.  I can fit the 17 inch computer in the sleeve, which is another bonus. The Port Authority Backpack has several other features that I like. The front compartment has several pockets that can be used for your cell phone, a small notebook, tickets for airport parking and your boarding pass. It also has several compartments for pens, highlighters and 2 pockets on the side for a water bottle or other drink.




I love the back of the backpack. The straps are ergonomic. They are adjustable and are nice and thick. I feel confident the backpack will be comfortable once I put it on. Another plus for this bag, it’s machine washable and you can tumble dry it. The best feature, the price of $23.98.  Awesome!

Apparel N Bags has a large selection of apparel, which includes Nike and Adidas golf shirts, Nike hats, business shirts and a host of other items.  The prices are unbelievably low. I suggest that you head over and check out this site for yourself. They have a great selection of bags in an array of colors. I highly recommend this backpack. It’s a great for a Christmas gift, but it’s also a perfect place to pick up a birthday gift or items just for you.

Note:  I received the backpack as compensation for the review for this post; however, my opinions are my own.

You may also like: Apparel N Bags – Ladies Laptop Tote Review



Product Reviews: Wine Country Gift Baskets

 

chocolate gift basket review

 

I received this gift tower from a co-worker and I was delighted.  When I removed the gift tower from the box, I was delightfully surprised.  You can see from the picture that it is not your average gift basket.  It was a tower of 6 boxes.  It was so pretty I didn’t want to open it.  So, I placed it on my kitchen counter and admired it for days.

The boxes are beautiful, and the ribbon gave the tower a finishing touch.  As a result, my curiosity peaked as I looked at the pretty boxes.  They leave you wondering what’s in them because the boxes don’t give any hints.  I think that’s the point of the packaging.  The packaging was so beautiful, I decided to do a review of the gift just for you.

After a few days I couldn’t resist opening the boxes.  I had to find out what was in them. So I decided to open the top box on the tower.  What do you think was in the box?  If you guessed Ghirardelli chocolate squares you were right.  Chocolate lovers know how good Ghirardelli chocolate is.  They were devoured in a few days, much to my delight.

Because of my excitement, I decided to open one box per week.  During my endeavors, I discovered chocolate Italian pralines, candy apple caramels, butterscotch hard candies, yogurt covered pretzels and spice cookies.  I have to say this is one of the best gift baskets that I’ve ever received.

Wondering about the maker, Wine Country Gift Baskets?   This company is based out of California.  It is known for their wine gift baskets and stellar customer service.  They have a large selection of towers and other gift baskets to choose from and ship via FedEx Ground.  They offer a variety of  prices to accommodate everyone’s budget.

This gift tower just happens to be one of my favorite reviews.  So, add Wine Country Gift Baskets to your on-line Brands for gifts. If you’re looking for something unique, consider this gift basket tower.  I highly recommend it.

Check out our Ultimate Kitchens Water Infuser Pitcher Review

Shari’s Berries Review

I decided to splurge this Christmas and order a box of Shari’s Berries.  So, I’m sharing my Shari’s Berries Review.  I’ve seen the advertisement on TV and listened to the promotions on the radio for years.  And, they looked so delicious.  I finally gave in and ordered a box.   The lowest price was a 1/2 dozen at $19.99.  They offered an additional 1/2 dozen for $4.99 more so I ordered a dozen totally.  However, the shipping was quite expensive, $12.99.  Wow!  Because I had my heart set on those delicious strawberries, I decided to treat myself and ordered them anyway. 
Shari's Berry Review

The package that the berries were in was very nice.  The original packaging had an ice pack ensuring they arrived fresh and in tact.  The white bow gave it a little class.  And the box was sturdy.  The strawberries themselves was disappointing.  My reaction was what the hell?  I was expecting the berries to be more colorful and appetizing.  As you can see from the picture below, the presentation was not great.    Two were dipped in white chocolate, 2 in nuts, and 2 in chocolate chips.

 

 

Shari's Berries Review

 

 

My reaction went from what the hell to I paid good money for this?  Never again, and I mean never again.  I decided to try the strawberries, and I must admit the berries were fresh.  They were quite delicious actually and I did enjoy all of them.  So, the taste was much better than the presentation.  But, presentation is everything for that price.  I wondered what went through the company’s head before they shipped these out.

 

Shari's Berries Review

 

 

Finally, would I order them again, no.   Not for this price, and for the strawberry assortment I received.  I don’t know if everyone receives this particular assortment, but it was my destination.  It is supposedly their most popular request.  I felt deceived.  The beautifully decorated and delicious strawberries on TV and on their site was an enticement.  But, what I actually received wasn’t close.  Spending $40.00 to only be disappointed is not how I like to spend my money.  I hope my Shari’s Berries review has been helpful to you.

You may also like my Allenbelle Essentials Oils Review.

Kindle e-Book Review – The Prince’s Nanny

romance book reviews

I love romance books as much as I love true crime books.  I seem to be downloading quite a few romance novels on my Kindle.  The Prince’s Nanny was on my book list, so I downloaded it.  Let the book review begin.
First, Sabrina West, who is a nanny in her stepmother’s agency has been chosen for an assignment in Italy.  The job is to be a nanny for the twin daughters of the Prince of Savoy.  Sabrina accepts the assignment, but the twins prove to be a handful.  She would have to work diligently to gain their trust.   Little did she know that she would fall in love with the twins and their father, the Prince of Savoy.

Another woman has the Prince’s heart.  At least, that’s what she thinks.  As a result, Sabrina struggles to remain professional and perform her duties as the children’s nanny.  After all, nannies aren’t suppose to fall in love with their employers.  The mischievous twins aren’t fond of their dad’s financee.  So, they decide to put a little effort into ending the engagement.  They fall in love with Sabrina.  They decide she would be the perfect catch for their dad.

Let the drama begin.  I was not familiar with the author, Carole Grace.  She does an excellent job of getting you absorbed in the beauty of the Prince’s Villa, the country side and the latest fashion worn by the elite in Italy.   It’s one of favorite romance novels, and I highly recommend it.  It’s a great read for those days that you just want to relax or you’re vacationing. If you’re one of those who can’t sleep on the plane, download it before you head to the airport.  I downloaded it free on Amazon as a Prime Member.  But, for those who don’t have a Prime Membership it’s $2.99.