Upcoming Prize Giveaways at My Real Life Reviews!



Starting in March, there will be monthly prize giveaways here at My Real Life Reviews!

Some of the companies I have worked with in the past year (and hopefully more from this coming year too) have graciously offered to supply prizes for the upcoming giveaways.

Stop by the first week in March to see what the prize is for the month and enter to win!

 

I love freebies and prizes! And I am so happy to be able to start hosting a monthly contest at My Real Life Reviews to share some wonderful product goodies with my readers!

Stay tuned and do share this contest information at your own blogs/sites if you can!

Good luck and Have a Wonderful Week, G :<)

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Lion Brand Yarn company vs Knitting Warehouse

As I blogged about recently here and here; I've been on a bit of a knitting binge lately and lovin' it!

As we have no LYS (local yarn store) in our oh so small city; I usually order yarn online when I need some.

I've ordered from the  Lion Brand Yarn company several times in the past few years and planned to do so this time. The yarns I required were all Lion Brand. Well, I did place the items I wanted in a shopping cart at the Lion Brand site. But when it came time to check-out, I was shocked to see what my order ended up costing!

I then went over to Goggle and did a search for Jiffy Yarn. I found a link to the  Knitting Warehouse site  and was pleasantly surprised by their much lower prices and yes, they did ship to Canada too. Several yarn sites based in the U.S. do not offer this service.

Please see the two comparison orders at the end of this review.

Wowsa, that's some difference in total price!
                                        

And even more surprising was the fact that this was Lion Brand yarn I was ordering! Is it not usually the case that the company that makes a particular product is also the company that can sell it at the best possible price? I always thought so but not this time.

Lion Brand Yarn also annoyed me (big time) by not allowing me to request/receive one of their catalogues with my order, due to the fact that I live in Canada!

Come on...I'm placing a sizable order with a company and they can't even throw in one of their catalogues? No extra postage required. Just a good way to tick-off this potential customer.

And a customer who went elsewhere and probably won't order from them again.

Knitting Warehouse provided a order notification immediately after placing my order, via email. They also let me know when the order shipped, which was prompt too.

They also provide excellent prices on many other brand name yarns, tools, books. A very good selection of free patterns too.

The only complaint I did have with Knitting Warehouse was the fact that the tracking number link they supplied for my order, did not work when I clicked it. I then emailed their customer service department and they replied saying the link hadn't worked for them either (words to that effect) and that I should phone DHL to follow up on my order.

I thought they should have been the ones to "follow-up" not me. After that, I did visit the DHL site and finally found the correct page for DHL Global Mail to track my order; which arrived a few days after that.

I won't be ordering from the Lion Brand Yarn again, any time soon. I still like browsing their selection of free patterns but I was NOT impressed by this recent experience with their company.

I WILL be ordering from Knitting Warehouse again and probably many times in the future.

It really does pay to do your homework when it comes to buying online and at retail stores too. And don't assume that a company brand  name item is being offered by that company, at the best possible price. As was the case with this order, it isn't always the reality.

My actual order with Knitting Warehouse:

Items: Qty Each Price Line Total DUSTY PINK-YARN JIFFY 6 $2.89 $17.34 APPLE GREE-YARN JIFFY 1 $2.89 $2.89 AVOCADO -YARN JIFFY 1 $2.89 $2.89 LIGHT PINK-YARN JIFFY 1 $2.89 $2.89 FIESTA -YARN HOMESPUN 1 $4.79 $4.79 EGGPLANT -YARN WOOL-EASE CHUNK 1 $5.99 $5.99 CLIP STRIP-YARN CUTTER 1 $4.99 $4.99 Retail Subtotal 41.78 (Via DHL)Shipping 9.75 Tax 5.00  Total 56.53

Additional info. re: Knitting Warehouse order: I was not charged any additional charges for duty. The cutter is a bit different but I liked it better than the one from Lion Brand.


The same items IF I had ordered from Lion Brand Yarn:

Items:	Qty	Each Price	Line Total
DUSTY PINK-YARN JIFFY	6	$4.17	$25.02
APPLE GREE-YARN JIFFY	1	$4.17	$4.17
AVOCADO -YARN JIFFY	1	$4.17	$4.17
LIGHT PINK-YARN JIFFY	1	$4.17	$4.17
FIESTA -YARN HOMESPUN	1	$7.83	$7.83
EGGPLANT -YARN WOOL-EASE CHUNK	1	$9.19	$9.19
CLIP STRIP-YARN CUTTER	1	$7.84	$7.84
		Retail Subtotal	62.39
		(Via DHL)Shipping	28.58
		Duty and Tax	11.23
		Total	102.20

Overall rating for Lion Brand Yarn: Unsatisfactory. 1 out of 5.
Overall rating for Knitting Warehouse: Very Good. 4 out of 5.

Conair Infiniti Model CS54C Hair Curler/Straightener

A few months ago, I ordered the Conair Infiniti Model CS54C (hair curler/straightener tool) using up some of my oh so slowly earned AirMiles in the process. With my recent hair "snips" I thought this would be a helpful tool in keeping my hair styled, quickly and efficiently.

When the package arrived here, I took the time to read over the instruction booklet and check out proper usage suggestions for this product. I know a lot of people don't bother with instructions, safety guides etc, but I think it's a good idea, always.

What I was really surprised by was the large tag, attached directly to the cord of this product which read in big bold text:

WARNING: NOT FOR HOUSEHOLD USE- MAY CAUSE BURNS

                                    

That one stopped me in my tracks.

 Yes, I could understand a caution about being careful when using any kind of hair care appliance that involves heat. Of course they can cause burns if not used properly.

But.... NOT FOR HOUSEHOLD USE?

                                                        

I decided to go to the source and contacted Conair directly.

Here's the email correspondence:

My initial inquiry:

"I recently ordered this item from AirMiles and when I received it I noted that it is NOT FOR HOUSEHOLD USE. I'm assuming its due to the electrical source x28;as in a salonx29; that is recommended for use. I am returning this to AirMiles, after they agreed to accept it as a return. Im wondering why this product is being offered on their site as a reward if its not safe for household use? I read the label but I know a lot of people who wouldnt bother. This looks like a lawsuit just waiting to happen, if there is an injury due to this product. Please let me know.

Reply from Conair:

Subject: Re: Product inquiry from conaircanada.ca

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your email inquiry and for your support. Hair Straightener in order to be overall effective has to operate at a Salon high temperature. To achieve this the product must have a commercial rating and bearing the statement, based on the CSA Standard. The product is perfectly safe to use at home. Like any electrical appliance please review and follow the instructions that come with the product before initial use.

Best Regards,
CSR/PB

                            

My reply to their email:

                                                
If it is perfectly safe for household use it should not be marked NOT FOR HOUSEHOLD USE. You are contradicting your safety warnings. If it's not a safety hazard, then why have this warning on the cord sticker?

                                                             

***

Well, I still wasn't convinced this was a product I wanted to use at home, with a normal electrical household current as a power source so I contacted AirMiles  (they are still offering this product as a reward btw) who did return the AirMiles I had used to buy this item and apologized for my inconvenience. A big waste of time for me and still no curling iron to use.

                      

My question: If we have to start second-guessing safety warnings on tags, in instructions etc, then what are they good for? If this curling iron is safe for household use, why does it have a tag saying exactly the opposite, attached to the cord?
                                 

I think this is a very poor policy on the part of this company. I would be wary of buying anything else from Conair in the future, based on this experience. I want to feel confident when I am using any kind of appliance that it is safe and obviously for household use too!
                                                          

As I didn't actually use this product, I can't say whether it worked well or not. At least I'm not out of pocket any cash or AirMiles, just my time. It was an eye-opener though.

As for this curling iron, I guess it's headed for the recycling bin!

                                   
                                                

Overall rating for this company/product: BAD. 0 out of 5.

Jiffy Yarn from Lion Brand Yarns

              

I've been on a knitting binge lately, after a long hiatus from the craft. I have 3 projects on the go right now: My first Fair Isle project (a cardigan), a patchwork throw and a cable headband. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed knitting and how relaxing and de-stressing it can be.

It's good to be clicking again! :<)

I have also been trying to transition away from animal fibers like wool and silk due to the cruelty aspect of some production of these types of yarns. I recently went on a search to find a substitute for the mohair-wool blend, chunky weight yarn suggested for this cardigan I'm making (click to read more about this fun pattern) and found Jiffy Yarn from Lion Brand Yarns.  It sounded like a good option and I liked the extensive color choices that were available.

Well, it's been great! I've never been a real fan of any synthetic yarns but Jiffy is changing my mind about how they can look and how nice they can be to work with. This is one viable option if you are looking for a yarn with the look and feel of wool but without any guilt attached. And a much lower price point too.

Jiffy Yarn is currently on sale at Knitting Warehouse for only $ 2.89 for a 3 oz. ball. The yardage is great too. Solid shades: 135 yards. Multi-colors: 115 yards.

This yarn has the look of mohair. It is soft and smooth and has a nice sheen. And no problems with splitting that can happen with wool fibers.
                                      

I love the colors I got for my cardigan. The (flash) photos don't do them justice:

                                     

The main color is Dusty Pink and it's a gorgeous dusty rose shade that blends perfectly with the accent greens and pale pink in the pattern work section of this sweater.

The yarn costs for the complete project was just over $25 plus tax and shipping from Knitting Warehouse! The same cardigan made in a comparable wool yarn would have cost at least $ 50. or more. And I am really happy with how the cardigan looks so far. I've got 2 sleeves completed and am now working on the body of the sweater.

Speaking of Knitting Warehouse, I will be writing more about this company in the future here. Suffice to say, I was impressed by the very good prices they offer on many brands of popular yarns in addition to offering a full range of yarn-crafting supplies and resources.

Jiffy Yarn comes in a very good range of colors. Check out all the choices at Knitting Warehouse. I plan to make another one of these cardigans in winter colors too.

                   

Fair Isle can be addictive! LOL. ;<)

If you have been looking for a good alternative to mohair-type (chunky weight) wool yarns  Jiffy Yarn is definitely one to try.  

Overall rating for this product: Excellent. 5 out of 5.

Now Senior & Weight Management Cat Formula

Mr. Cheddar here....



As they say in Vegas, I hit the JACKPOT big time recently. The kibble jackpot that is!

 In case you missed all the exciting and yummy details about this recent win, you can read about it here.Suffice to meow, I was one happy dude. You can tell by that glazed look above, can't ya???

There was only one surprise in the bunch that I was not expecting.

 Lo and behold, a bag of the dreaded SENIOR/WEIGHT-MANAGEMENT type of kibs was part of the mix! Of course, I immediately planned to throw THAT particular bag out and fast. But wouldn't you know it, Meowmie managed to stopped me, just in the flick of the tail time! She mumbled something about taking care of it herself so I left it at that. After all, I don't make a habit of doing menial tasks like taking out the trash! Far from it.

Well, it turns out that the humans were smarter than I thought, this time. Much, much smarter!

 Did this bag of kibble actually land in the trash? Or was it perhaps given to some geriatric fat-cat in need?

Nooooo....this kibble ended up being part of the menu here!

And ultimately, ended up inside the Cheddar-barrel tummy!!!

How did this miscarriage of cat-justice happen, you ask? Well, as I don't actually pour my own kibble each day, I'm not always aware of what is being served at din-din time. I leave that to the humans. After all, what do they really have to do with all that time on their hands? Don't answer that if your human is reading this right now but... snort, we felines know!!!

The evidence that I had actually eaten this bag of Now Senior & Weight Management Cat Formula was made abundantly clear when I noted the EMPTY bag in the recycle bin.

Alas and alack...I had been slickered!!! And not slicker-brushed either.

And now for the real surprise in all this. This cat food tasted oh so yummy! :<)

All my precatceived ideas about what a weight-management dry cat food would taste like got chucked faster than a furball! I mean this stuff isn't just good, it's greeeeeeattttt!

Of course, we all know that I am NOT overweight. And of course, I am only on the outer cusp of being considered a senior cat at 8. And even that number is debatable as my birth certificate got lost somewhere along the way. So this is of course only a guessitimate made as usual by the imperfect and oh so often incorrect humans who call the shots, more often than not.

 In reality, I am probably only about 4!!! So young and youthful looking am I. Do you not agree? Look at that firm jawline in the photo above. I know Meowmie is oh sooooo jealous!!! Snort. Oops, digressing...

But for those cats and humans they live with out there who are of a certain age and/or might have a bit of a bag-belly problem to work on, I can highly recommend Now Senior & Weight Management Cat Formula. Full of yummy turkey, veggies, oh even fruit....how clever. But it's a long list so here's the scoop from the people who actually make it.

Ingredient list for your perusal from the Petcurean Website:

De-boned turkey, potato flour, peas, pea fibre, whole dried egg, potatoes, tomato, flaxseed, apples, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), alfalfa, de-boned salmon, de-boned duck, natural flavour, coconut oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), lecithin, carrots, pumpkin, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, papayas, pineapple, grapefruit, lentil beans, broccoli, spinach, cottage cheese, alfalfa sprouts, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, phosphoric acid, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, DL-methionine, taurine, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (a source of vitamin C), niacin, inositol, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, beta-carotene, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement), minerals (zinc proteinate , ferrous sulphate, zinc oxide, iron proteinate, copper sulphate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite), dried kelp, L-lysine, dried chicory root, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Aspergillus niger fermentation product, dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, yucca schidigera extract, yeast extract, L-carnitine, marigold, dried rosemary.

There's also a whole lot of other info. over at their website about all their products and how to choose the best for your own particular needs. Get your human to check it out and DO have them write down your final choices. They are so easily distracted at times! Sigh...

I give this cat food (after getting over my initial shock that it was a senior/weight-management formula!) the Cheddar Paw's UP!!! It's A-OK, I just don't like the name of it. And now, I'm off for another nosh!

And Meowmie's rating (yeah, like she actually tried it, snort):

Overall rating for this product: Very Good. 4 out of 5.

Erzulie Clarifying Liquid Mineral Foundation

                                           

I've been searching for a good natural liquid foundation for quite some time. I recently tried Erzulie Clarifying Liquid Mineral Foundation (warm light shade) and I am very pleased with this product.

I only wear liquid foundation in the winter time, to off-set some of the effects of drier air, colder temperatures and "winter white" skin LOL. When I do, I don't want to use a product that feels cakey or heavy. Or worse, one that dries out my skin.
                           

                                     

Erzulie Clarifying Liquid Mineral Foundation has:

-A very pleasant texture.
                   

-Goes on smoothly and dries quickly to a slightly-matte finish.
                      

-Moisturizing, vegan formula.

-No shine, greasy feeling or heavy scents here!

-Coverage: leaves a sheer finish with just enough coverage to even out skin tones.
                                           

                                                         

I have very fair skin and the Warm Light shade is just right for my skin tone. Unlike some other "warm" shades of makeup I've tried in the past, this foundation has no bronzy or orangey look. Just a nice, fresh color that blends perfectly with my skin.

I was amazed how much better my skin looked after trying this product for the first time!

I've used some "high end" foundations over the years, some of them selling for $40...or more for a small bottle of product. And most with very questionable ingredient lists too.

At $12 (on sale right now) for a one ounce pump bottle; Erzulie Clarifying Liquid Mineral Foundation is a real bargain, in every sense of the word. And yes, sample sizes of all of the foundation colors are also available so it's easy to try before you buy a full-sized product. I like that a lot too!

I previously reviewed the Erzulie Eye Depuffer Balm, which I also love. Looks like I've found another "keeper" from this company.

The only way this product could get any better would be to have organic ingredients included in the formula. Hopefully, that will be something available in the future. Still a much better choice right now, than any other "natural" foundation products that I have checked out, with other companies. And at a very good price too!

 

From the Erzulie Etsy page/site:

"This flawless finish formula has a light feel and soft matte finish(nothing greasy or heavy about it!). It evens out your complexion with superb coverage.It perfectly matches most skin tones.

All Natural and good for your skin, moisturizing without being greasy and blends perfectly!
You don't really need anything but blush with this formula.

                          
Great for mature skin. Doesn't look like a mask over your skin. Enhances the beauty of your skin! Clarifies and keeps skin clear.LIGHT SPF 20 ACNE SAFE!! Non-Comedogenic. Vegan formula."

Overall rating for this product: Very Good. 4 out of 5.

Homemade. 101 Beautiful and Useful Craft Projects You Can Make at Home by Ros Badger and Elspeth Thompson

I received this book as a gift recently. As an avid and long-time crafter and craft instructor, I was delighted with this present. Although I haven't had the chance to make any of the projects from it yet; I am thoroughly impressed by what this book offers.

To begin with, the presentation of this book is outstanding. Page after page of full-size color photos and detailed, easy-to-understand instructions for each project. And when it comes to projects, this book stands out for the variety of items featured.

Unlike a lot of craft books that have a certain theme or offer a limited number/types of crafts to make; Homemade has something for everyone and for every part of your home too.

A sampling of the 100 + projects included in Homemade:

* Citrus Pomander

                 

*Knitted Angel

                  

*Victorian Sand Pincushion

                   

*Summer Salad Trough

                

*Summer Bunting

              

*Restoring a Garden Table

                

Pumpkin Lanterns

                   

*Elderflower Cordial

                 

*Patchwork Wall

                          

*Razor Shell Candleholders

                                             

and many, many more....

I love the fact that the authors have run the gamut of all things Homemade, in the very best sense of the word. Many with a nostalgic and/or heirloom touch as well.

Gifts (for yourself or others) from the kitchen stove, sewing projects, garden ideas for indoors and out, home decor items, clothing...all with an emphasis on keeping costs and waste down and using up the many items that accumulate in our homes. Transforming the mundane into something marvelous!

I am really looking forward to making several of these projects in the coming year. I am a firm believer that crafts should be all about reusing materials and not going out and buying a bunch of things at a craft store and putting them together. Rather like comparing a painting done from an empty canvas as opposed to a paint-by-number kit LOL. Obviously, there is no comparison. In results and in the satisfaction of making something that took imagination, a bit of work and very little cash spent!

Homemade is a great place to start, to get those creative ideas flowing!

I would recommend this book for people of all ages and skill levels.  There are projects that could be easily adapted for children and some that would require a bit of supervision and assistance. This would be a great resource for teachers too.

                     

From the publisher's website: Chock full of practical, thoughtful advice from seasoned crafters, Homemade contains over one hundred craft projects that require you to look no further than your very own home. As economic and environmental factors start to play a greater role in consumer decision-making, Ron Badger and Elspeth Thompson suggest an alternative to buying. Taking everyday objects from around their homes, they transform these objects into beautiful works of art, which reflect the love and care they put into their projects. Divided into seasons, Homemade provides a years worth of activities to improve your home. It gives sound advice on how to restore a garden table, make a patchwork wall, cook delicious pumpkin soup, and more. It also includes a section on homemade basics, which details how to sew, knit, and crochet using a variety of patterns! Homemade is the perfect gift for a friend interested in crafting, or a delightful treat for you and your family. With advice from Badger and Thompson, little additions to your homelike summer troughs full of flowers and natural cleaning products will make all the difference. Your home and your family will thank you.

You can check out more about this book, the authors and several ordering options at the publisher's website: Skyhorse Publishing.

             
Overall rating for this book: Excellent. 5 out of 5.

End of January Update for My Real Life Reviews

Hope everyone is having a great start to 2012.

 I'm happy to share that January has been a very productive month for me. I have almost completed the rough draft of the novel I'm working on! It's been going very well and within a week or so, I expect to have that phase of this project finished.

I plan to get back to blogging and writing reviews by early February. I've missed being here at My Real Life Reviews on a regular basis but it's been very gratifying to note that my readership has continued to grow each week, while I was away! I hope that visitors have enjoyed the archive reviews and found them helpful.

I have several good, ok and just plain BAD product reviews in the works right now so stay tuned. And Mr. Cheddar has some "paws up" and "paws down" feline-friendly reviews he'll be sharing soon too.

Thank you for visiting and have a wonderful week! I hope to be typing up a storm here. ;<)

A Groovy Holiday Wish

Ain't he the cutest?

Mr. Cheddar may not like hats but he sure makes me laugh when he wears one; even if it's only the painted-on type this time! LOL

We both want to wish you a very happy and safe holiday and all the good things in 2012.

Thank you to my readers for all your visits, comments, emails and continued support, here at My Real Life Reviews. I appreciate your feedback and every time you drop by, so very much.

And to the companies and their representatives who have sent along their comments, compliments and yes, sometimes great gifts too! Of course, the gifts usually only arrive when I've really enjoyed a product and shared it here. ;<)

I "tell it like it is" and I hope my sincerity is evident, with every review that I write.

 It's been so much fun hosting this blog, during my first year. My only regret, I wish I had started  even sooner! I am glad that I did take the suggestion from a couple of online friends and went on to create: My Real Life Reviews.

I didn't know what to expect when I began, but the reality has exceeded my expectations, in so many ways. It's been a very positive and rewarding experience.

I look forward to sharing many more products with you in the coming months. And Mr. Cheddar (of course) has a number of reviews in the works/paws too!
                                         

Enjoy the best of the holiday season!

Savor every special moment...

Geraldine and Mr. Cheddar

***


PS: I am taking a blog-break in January to complete my novel so I won't be posting at any of my blogs during that month. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy browsing the MRLR archives.
                      
See you in February!  :<)

Mr. Cheddar Needs Your Vote!

Calling all Mr. Cheddar (and Facebook) fans!

Mr. Cheddar is entered in a photo contest and needs your votes.

Click here to vote and to check out the competition. I think he's a "paw-in" but I am biased!!!!

Thank  you for your support. :<)

Seventh Generation Dishwashing Liquid

On a recent hurried trip to the grocery store, I picked up a bottle of Seventh Generation Dishwashing Liquid,  as my dishsoap of choice these days: Nature Clean (click to read review) was not available at that particular store.

I didn't bother to read the ingredient list on the bottle at the time. And when I got home, I noted something rather strange about the label. It had a top layer that (with difficulty) peeled-back to reveal a second label underneath. It was there that I found the ingredient list.

From the Amazon product page: Ingredients: Aqua (water), sodium lauryl sulfate, lauramine oxide, decyl glucoside and lauryl polyglucose (plant-derived cleaning agents), 1,3 -propanediol (plant-derived foam stabilizer), citric acid (cornstarch-derived water so_ener), sodium chloride (thickener), magnesium chloride (cleaning enhancer), 2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one & 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one (MIT/BIT) and 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (preservatives).

 

What an eye-opener that was to read!

Right after the water, sodium lauryl sulfate (a suspected carcinogen) often used in various cleansers because it is cheap. And this at the top of the list, in a supposedly "natural" dishwashing product! The rest of the list didn't read much better.  Was the sticky, peel-back label there so that consumers wouldn't bother to read what was inside the bottle?

 I had heard about Seventh Generation products for many years but up until this time, had never bought one. As for trying this product, well that didn't happen. I did take it back to the store for a refund and even the customer service rep. who refunded my money was surprised to note what was in this so-called "green" dishwashing liquid. May as well buy the mainstream brands of dishwashing liquid if you aren't concerned about what goes on your dishes, right?

This kind of trickery and misleading of consumers, especially when it comes to supposedly better choices and greener products, really makes me mad!

                          

I found this so disheartening too, considering that many people don't take the time to read ingredient lists still but rather go by a company's reputation for "walking the talk" when it comes to providing a product they can feel good or at least better about using.

Personally, this will be my first and last purchase of any of the Seventh Generation products. I wouldn't trust or support them now, even if they do "clean up their act" in the future.

Overall rating for this product: BAD. 0 out of 5.

Easy Vegetarian One-Pot. Delicious Fuss-Free Recipes for Hearty Meals

As any of my regular readers already know, I am an avid cook, vegetarian cookbook author and cooking instructor. I just love to spend time in the kitchen!

I am also a (big time) cookbook lover. I have an extensive collection of all kinds of cookbooks. I recently added another selection to my cookbooks of choice with:

Easy Vegetarian One-Pot. Delicious Fuss-Free Recipes for Hearty Meals.

This is a collection of one-pot vegetarian recipes created by a number of cookbook authors. There is something for everyone in this cookbook, and definitely not just for vegetarians.

A beautifully presented cookbook, brimming with inspiring recipes. And all with the "one-pot" theme/advantage. Making preparation and clean-up a breeze. And who doesn't appreciate saving time, while still enjoying a wonderful new recipe!

                                          

I've tried 5 of the recipes in this cookbook so far and have several others picked out to add to that, in the near future. The recipes I've already tested are:

 

• Creamy Curried Parsnip & Butter Bean Soup (delish, turned me in to a parsnip-lover!
• Penne with Blue Cheese, Pecan & Mascarpone Sauce (very rich and satisfying)
• Smoky Hotpot of Great Northern Beans (good but I added a bit of seasoning to this one)
• Sweet Potato, Spinach & Chickpea Stew with Coconut (loved it, oh so yummy)
• Chickpea & Fresh Spinach Curry (ok but not on my list to make again)

My favorite of this group was the parsnip soup. Not only was it delicious and very satisfying; it also ended a lifelong dislike of parsnips for me LOL! The addition of the curry flavor to this soup turned a rather bland veggie into something to savor.  Definitely a keeper for winter soup recipes!

Here is the beautiful photo of  Creamy Curried Parsnip & Butter Bean Soup and the oh so easy and luscious recipe; courtesy of the publishers: Ryland, Peters & Small.

Creamy Curried Parsnip & Butter Bean Soup

This is a real winter warmer, perfect for a weekend supper at the end of a cold day. Don't overlook the parsnip- it's a really tasty root veggie and inexpensive too at the right time of year, just when you want to eat it most.

2 tablespoons butter

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves,chopped

2 tablespoons mild curry powder

500 g/ 1 lb. parsnips,chopped

1 litre/ 4 cups vegetable stock

400 g. /14 oz. can butter/lima beans, well drained and rinsed

125 ml./ 1/2  cup single cream

1-2 tablespoons freshly snipped chives

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

warmed flat breads to serve

Serves 4

Heat the butter in a large saucepan set over medium heat. When the butter is sizzling, add the onion and garlic with a pinch of salt and cook for 10 minutes, until the onions have softened.

Stir in the curry powder and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Add the parsnips, stock and butter/lima beans and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, until the parsnips and beans are tender.

Remove from the heat and let cool for about 10 minutes. Transfer the mixture in batches to the food processor and process until smooth. Return the soup to a clean saucepan and set over low heat. Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over the chives. Serve with warmed flat breads.

A couple of minor "tweaks" I made with this recipe. I added a 2 more cloves of garlic as we love it here and I used white lima beans that I cooked myself, not canned. I had the time to do this step and I always prefer non-canned beans, when I'm not rushed for time. Canned beans (preferably organic) are a convenient choice though, when in a hurry.

I made chappatis from my own cookbook and they were a perfect choice to go with this soup.

Here are photos of two of the other recipes I've tried from this cookbook:

Penne with Blue Cheese, Pecan & Mascarpone Sauce
                                                                                            

(Very rich and decadent, would be great for a in- a- hurry dinner party main dish)
                                               

                                       

Sweet Potato, Spinach & Chickpea Stew with Coconut
                                                                                                                                                                                       

(I love the subtle flavor of coconut. Paired beautifully here with sweet potatoes. A great stew!)

                                                       

I appreciate the variety of recipes and ingredients included in this collection and also the numerous (easy) methods of one-pot cooking used. Soups, salads, pasta, stir-fries, casseroles, stews, gratins and bakes,curries and tagines...it would take a long time to tire of trying out the choices in this beautifully designed cookbook. And with full-color, page-sized photos included throughout the 200 + pages.

Only one improvement that I think could have been made with some of the recipes, to improve them. Amounts given were a bit "sketchy" for some ingredients. Example:  1 onion, a handful of basil leaves....not a problem for me and certainly not something that was an "issue" in all of the recipes. But I do think that novice cooks ( I've been told this, again and again) in particular appreciate ingredient amounts to be as specific as possible.

 I also added a bit of spice here and there as I mentioned above, but that's the norm for me when I cook. We all have our personal preferences when it comes to flavors. 

I'm looking forward to more cooking adventures with  Easy Vegetarian One-Pot. I'm sure I'll be cooking up a lot more "keepers" from the cookbook, in the future. And any cookbook that results in 5 or more great recipes to enjoy again and again, I call it a winner!

Stop by the Ryland, Peters & Small website to read more about this cookbook and the many other fine books that they offer.

Easy Vegetarian One-Pot. Ryland Peters & Small, $23.95.

Photo Credit: Ryland Peters & Small

Overall rating for this book: Very Good. 4 out of 5.

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream (with gloves)

I'm always on the look-out for great hand care products. Those that make a significant and lasting improvement in the appearance of my hands, contain nourishing, natural ingredients  and are pleasant to use.

 After testing (love it!) and reviewing Weleda's Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil recently, I was eager to give some of their other products a try. I was happy to find this hand care kit that includes not only the Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream but also a pair of soft, washable gloves to wear when using the product overnight. That extra step really seems to work wonders!

Yes, I do feel a bit like Minnie Mouse when I wear these gloves! ;<)  But it's worth it to wake up to soft, smooth hands the next day. My nails and cuticles look so much better too. And the nail area can be a tough one to tackle!  I don't use the gloves every night but have been trying for a few times a week. In between, I apply the hand cream on it's own, usually first thing in the morning too. Non-greasy and with a lovely, subtle scent.

Our hands do so much for us throughout each day. They withstand exposure to: cold weather, hot water,various soaps and cleaners, dish washing... the list goes on and on. It's nice to take a bit of time to give them the pampering they need. And with a product that shows results and oh so quickly too. I've only been using this hand cream for about 2 weeks and I've noted impressive results already

From the Weleda website: "Hands showing signs of aging are nourished and revitalized by this skin-renewing Pomegranate Hand Cream. It’s a powerful regenerating treatment with potent antioxidants and rich essential fatty acids that restore youthful beauty to your hands.

This natural cream for aging skin contains organic pomegranate seed oil which is naturally rich in antioxidants that protect your hands from free radical damage and promote skin renewal. Organic shea butter, a soothing emollient packed with essential fatty acids, renders your skin silky smooth and lavishly moisturized.

Dermatological tests show that our Regenerating Pomegranate Hand Cream increases the skin’s moisture level by 34%* and reduces roughness by 9.1%** in just four weeks."

If your own hands are sorely in need of  some TLC, give this kit a try. It would also make an excellent gift or stocking stuffer for anyone on your list. Reasonably priced too at less than $ 15. for the kit. Available online at the Weleda site and in stores everywhere.

Overall rating for this product: Excellent. 5 out of 5.

A. Vogel Absolut Arnica (Pain Relief Gel)

I've been using A. Vogel Absolut Arnica pain-relief gel for a couple of years and I just love it! 

A. Vogel Absolut Arnica  helps to relieve all kinds of pain: joints, muscles, arthritis, over-training, sprains... in a natural and drug-free way.

For me, it's been a Godsend for alleviating the pain associated with my foot problems which started quite a while back. The result (or so my doctor surmised) of wearing very flat sandals one recent summer, combined with my very high foot arches and miles and miles of walking every day. This resulted in painful plantar faciitis (in my left foot only, go figure).

After a series of physio treatments, my foot has improved quite a bit but it still flares up when I do too much walking; especially on inclines,uneven streets and bumpy paths (the norm in our city). On days like that, I truly appreciate the effectiveness of this product.

 

Absolut Arnica gel is made with organically grown arnica flowers (click to read more about the healing properties of this plant).

-This product can be used to soothe many types of pain and inflammation caused by sprains, overexertion and arthritis too.

-Pleasant to apply, non-greasy and with no overpowering scent.

 -Works quickly to relieve pain and without the use of harmful chemicals, drugs or other questionable ingredients.

-Apply sparingly (a little goes a long way) with no rubbing required.

-Reasonably priced too. Locally a 50 ML tube sells for about $14. CDN. I note the price on Amazon is even better.

You can read more about this soothing gel and many other innovative, natural products/remedies at the company's  website.  I was also happy to note that they do not test their products on animals.

If you've been looking for a natural pain-relief gel or rub that really works and quickly too Absolut Arnica might be a product you'll want to try for yourself.

F.Y.I. Amazon  is still showing the old packaging but this is the same product.

Overall rating for this product: Excellent. 5 out of 5.