Product Review: Dr. Scholls For Her Comfort Insoles

Guess what day it is? Yep, that's right - it is Happy Hump Day Wednesday! Gotta love that week is half way over already for sure.

As some of you know, in the last week or so I received a box of goodies from Influenster with various products inside that they asked me to try out, sample, and give them provide them with feedback of my honest opinions.    Well, inside that box, Influenster provided to me on half of Dr. Scholls a pair of Dr. Scholls For Her Comfort Insoles.  I thought, well that is nice, but didn't get too excited, I mean how can you get excited over insoles, right?

Well - - let me tell you - start getting excited!  Honestly, I did put off trying them because I immediately noted on the package it said for sizes 6-10.  Really? The same person that wears a size 6 can wear the same insoles of a size 10 person?  Well, that told me that it was a "size 10" insole and I was going to have to cut it down to size and who's got time for that?  If I had simply taken the time to read the entire package upon receipt, I would have noted that it said "no cutting required" and it is true.  Somehow, someway, you just slide them in your shoe and they work!  Maybe it's magic, I don't know, but who cares how it works, it simply worked and fit perfectly in my shoe.

I wear flats to work all the time and, like some moms, instead of treating myself to new shoes all the time, I tend to treat the other family members to stuff before I treat myself. As such, my flats tend to get "flatter and flatter" on the insoles, ie. less comfortable.  Let me tell you - I slipped the insoles right in my "flattest" of flats and Oila! - it was like I had new shoes on my feet!

The gel-like material made for a "cool sensation" on my feet which was nice.  They also had gave extra support and cushion right where I needed them.  I was also worried before trying them that they would "take up room" in my shoes and make my shoes tight and less comfortable.  They did not!  Again, not sure how they didn't but they didn't.

Usually after working all day long I immediately come home, throw my shoes in the closet and slip on my comfy slippers before I start cooking dinner, etc.  Honestly, the last three days of wearing these insoles, I have not bothered to slip into my slippers until after dinner, cleaning the kitchen, taking care of dogs, etc. etc.  They are that comfortable!

Do you have uncomfortable shoes or are on your feet all day?  Try and pair of Dr. Sschools for Her Comfort Insoles and let me know what you think.  I don't think you will disappointed.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Annie's Homegrown Macaroni & Cheese

I was sent a cup of Annie's Homegrown Real Aged Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese microwaveable cups to try out and test by Influenster on behalf of Annie's Homegrown.  When I first opened my box of goodies to try and saw this product, I was like "Oh no, that is not going to be good."  The reason I said that is because I am not one to eat "microwaveable meals" nor am I know to eat "organic" or any other "healthy food" for the most part.  LOL But, I had a job to do it and I was going to do it well!

So, I took this little cup to work for my lunch this week to give it a try.  It probably didn't hurt it had that cute little bunny starting at me on the package, you know I am a sucker for furry, four legged cute creatures to plug me along.

Anyhoo - more about the product.  It was easy to make, simply tear off the plastic cover, remove the packet of cheese mx and fill with cold water to the "fill line" . . . didn't even need a measuring cup to measure my water, how easy is that!?  Then mix it up well....this is where I started getting more worried because the water looked a little "grey".  Well after reading the package I realized these were "wheat" and "organic" noodles which probably is what resulted in that appearance.  I plugged forward and heating it up as directed for two minutes.  When the microwave buzzed, I added the cheese mix and stirred and let it sit for another minute so the cheese could melt and get all ooey- gooey and then I went for it.   And............surprise............. it was actually pretty darn good!

The cheese melted all nicely, not clumpy or "powerdy" tasting.  It actually had a really nice "butter flavor" which I actually loved.  It was just the perfect size for a nice small lunch or snack.  I will definitely try them again.  I am thinking the kids would really like the White cheddar flavor.

Have you tried it?  Leave a comment below if so and let us know what you thought!


(NOTE: Providing this product by Influenster in no way, shape, or form swayed me in my review of this product.)

Bacon Cheddar Chicken Salad (and Beer Bread!)

Because I am always on the go and there is always someone else looking in the fridge for something to eat, the other day I decided to put together a large batch of chicken salad to keep on hand for those "refrigerator grazers" - you know the ones!   This chicken salad has become a popular treat in my house and I hope you will enjoy it too!

Ingredients:

2 T Tastefully Simple Bacon Bacon
1 1/2 c. Mayonnaise (hubby prefers Miracle Whip when I make it just for him)
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast (I use canned chicken to make this up in a jiffy - sometimes use 3 cups)
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
Green Onion, sliced

Simply combine all ingredients, mix well and chill.  Spread on your favorite bread or simply enjoy with crackers or celery sticks for a nutritious snack! 

Our family particularly likes it served on Tastefully Simple Beer Bread.  To make a more "sturdier" bread for sandwiches, I simply add 2 eggs to the mix before baking.  As you can tell from the picture below, someone could not even finish making their sandwich before taking a bite! Yummo.......

Enjoy!

Tina

If you would like to order any Tastefully Simple products or see what others products there are available in that product line, please feel free to go over to www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jrucker.  Or, if you would like, please feel free to come join the fun on my family's facebook business page for more recipes, tips, giveaways and more!

Twice "Baked" Potatoes

Well, yesterday was our 4 year wedding anniversary.  Since a weeknight and not payday yet, we decided to put off a "date night" until the weekend and just stayed at home with daughter and new grandbaby.  I figured dinner should be more than a frozen pizza or hot dogs tonight, so I went through the pantry to see what I had I could try and -  lo and behold I had some red potatoes raising their little hands to be used, so tried a new recipe and boy am I glad I did!  I swear these little suckers tasted like something I cooked on for hours and something you would find in a fancy-shmancy restaurant! But they are EASY and FAST!

Ingredient List:

Size B Red Potatoes (these are the smaller mid size potatoes, kind of around size of an egg)
Tastefully Simple Onion Onion Seasoning Blend
3 T mayonnaise
3 T sour cream
4 oz shredded mozzarella
2 oz shredded parmesan
Tastefully Simple Bacon Bacon


First thing you are going to do is cut your potatoes in half crosswise.  Then using a melon baller or spoon, scoop out a small well in the potato (about 1/2" deep) and line potatoes up in pan (see picture below)  I used Pampered Chef's Small Ridged Baker. Since these are made in the microwave, be sure to use a pan small enough to fit your microwave and spin while in there.

Sprinkle potatoes with a little Onion Onion and then cover with parchment paper and microwave 9-12 minutes until potatoes are done (Soft when poked with a knife tip).

While potatoes are cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cheeses and 1 1/2 TBSP of Onion Onion.  When potatoes are done you are going to fill each well with the filling.

Recover potatoes with parchment paper and microwave for an additional  1-2 minutes to get cheese all melty and warm.

Remove potatoes and sprinkle with Bacon Bacon.  I would also sprinkle these with some chopped green onion but my bare fridge did not have any to use last night.

And Enjoy!

Let me know what you think!

PRODUCT REVIEW: Microwave Pasta Boat

Well, it's Tuesday!  How is everyone's week going so far?  I could use a do-over but no since in wishing for that so we will just plug along as always.

Today I wanted to share with you a product that I stumbled across that is WONDERFUL!  It is one of those "As Seen On TV" items that you always wonder if it works or not.....well it DOES!  And if you know me, you know I am picky about things so when I say this works, it works!

It claims to make "Perfect Pasta Everytime" and so far for me it has!  You can make all kinds of pasta in it, not just spaghetti noodles.  It also comes with a little steaming rack to steam veggies, but I have never used it.  You simply throw your pasta in the pot, fill with water to the line indicated (depending on amount of servings you want to cook) and slap that puppy in the microwave and in about 20 minutes you have perfectly cooked pasta! I saw on some reviews that people said 20 minutes is too long to wait for pasta, but I don't know about you - but it normally took me a good 5-10 minutes to boil my water and then another 10 minutes to cook my pasta which by my calculator took about 20 minutes that way as well.  This way I simply throw it in the pot, put in microwave and walk away and forget about it. Works for me!

The handles on the side even allow you to measure your regular spaghetti noodles to determine how many servings you are cooking if you are not cooking an entire box.  I have cooked spaghetti noodles, elbow noodles and penne and all have turned out perfect based on the time it tells you in the little instruction book to cook it. 

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cook pasta and not heat up your stovetop, I would give this a whirl!

DISCLAIMER:  I was not given any product by any company to review for free or otherwise.  I purchased this item on my own and liked it, so thought I would share with everyone else that may be in the market for such a thing or wondered if it worked.

Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week!

Tina

Fiesta Meatballs

Finally pulled out the crockpot and put it to good use over the weekend!  Glad I did because these meatballs were a HIT.  Well.....except for my daughter who over the last few months has decided anything with "flavor" is "HOT" and spicy.  I personally don't like much "spice" to my food either, but I think these were delish and had great flavor!  First gather your ingredients:

 

Ingredients:

 

1 lb frozen meatballs, thawed (I actually doubled the recipe at the last minute and used one bag thawed and one not)

28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 cup water

1 1/2 T Tastefully Simple Fiesta Party Dip Mix

1 1/2 T Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic Seasoning Blend

4 oz shredded Cheddar Cheese

 

You simply throw all the ingredients in your Crockpot (except for the Cheese), stir together and cook on Low for at least 2-3 hours, but can cook for up 8 hours.  Would not recommend much longer or meatballs may get too mushy and fall apart.

 

Right before you are ready to serve, sprinkle the meatballs with the cheese and replace lid until cheese is melted.

 



And Enjoy!!!  You could eat these over pasta, enjoy as appetizer bites or simply eat alone.  Or, perhaps put on a hoagie bun for a meatball sub!! YUM. I may have to try that next time.

Enjoy!

Tina

Need to order the Tastefully Simple spices featured in this recipe?  Check out www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jrucker

Healthy Lifestyle Living - Grilled Ceasar Salad

Yes, me and the hubster are in our mid-40s and although we have tried the "dieting" thing over the last several years, nothing ever sticks because we never do it "together".  Three weeks ago I announced I was changing my eating habits and within 24 hours the hubby jumped on the boat with me.  It is sooooo much easier when you are both heading in the same direction!  Now to get the kids "on board" and we will be doing something!

Last weekend I decided I wanted to break down and try a "grilled salad" like I had been hearing about.  No - I don't mean a salad with a slab of grilled chicken on the top, but I mean an actual "grilled" salad!   Well, since I do NOT even touch our grill, that means I had the idea, but hubby had to implement it. He is good at it, as long as I give him the recipe and instructions, he doesn't mind at all pulling that baby out the garage and grilling away.

So......this is what we ended up with.  Looks delish?

 

 

Easy Peasy!!! To say the least! See below for the recipe I threw together using my favorite Tastefully Simple products!

Ingredients:
Romaine Head/Heart of lettuce
Olive Oil
Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt
Black Pepper
Tastefully Simple Bacon Bacon
Parmesean Cheese (grated)
Plain Bread Crumbs


Slice Romaine in half lengthwise keeping the end intact.
Drizzle Olive Oil on lettuce (both sides) along with seasoning with Seasoned Salt and Black Pepper
Place lettuce cut side down on piece of foil on grill.  (medium to high heat) and Grill for 2 minutes.  (If you want a more "charred" lettuce with grill marks you can place directly on the grill grid.)
Flip lettuce over and sprinkle with Bacon Bacon, Parmesean Cheese and Bread Crumbs (in that order) and grill for another 2 minutes.
Drizzle with Ceasar Salad dressing and Enjoy!  - - The salad is tasty enough to even enjoy without the dressing!

Let me know what you think!

Tina

I'm back......and I have gone from Mom to "Mimi"!

Introducing Carter Joshua born July 3, 2013 at 8 lb 6 oz and 21" long.  He is a keeper for sure!  He has made me transform from "Mom" to "Mimi" and I could not be happier!   (Photo taken by Chasing Lilies here in Summerville, South Carolina. If you are looking for a local photographer, I highly recommend them!)

I have been out of the blog world for a little over a year with lots going on, but am ready to get back into it and share all the wonderful things going on!  Lots of family updates, trying to lose weight and get healthy and perhaps try out that "running thing" again.  Would love to share my new business of Tastefully Simple and all my recipes that go along with that and much more!  Hope you stay tuned!