Taking a Blog Break!

 

I'm taking a blog break for the month of July.

 

I won't be posting at any of my 4 blogs, until early August.

 

Time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine!

 

I hope you enjoy browsing the review archives in the meantime. 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful summer and see you soon. :<)

 

 

 

 



So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Frozen Dessert

 

 

I'm always on the look-out for good, dairy-free alternatives, especially when it comes to frozen dessert treats.

 

I recently tried: So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Frozen Dessert (Cherry Amaretto).

 

 

On the plus side, this is a dairy-free dessert that includes organic coconut milk. You can read more about the nutritional benefits of coconut milk here and many other articles online. And when it comes to coconut milk, organic is the only way to go.

 

The processing of coconut milk can vary quite a bit and getting the organic type really is worth the bit of additional $$ it might entail. And not just for frozen desserts like these; coconut milk products are showing up everywhere these days!

 

So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Frozen Dessert Cherry Amaretto is packed with cherries and I do mean packed. Nice big chunks throughout. Not like some fruit ice creams where it's hard to find even small pieces of fruit, let alone chunks.

 

What I didn't like about this product was the sweetness. It was overly sweet, taking away from the cherry flavour.

 

I also thought the texture of the product could have been smoother. It didn't have that nice velvety texture that I've enjoyed with other coconut milk frozen desserts like: Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss Bars (click to read my full review). The texture of desserts like this really does make a difference and So Delicious brand didn't get top marks, in this respect.

 

A 500 ML. container cost about $6. at our local food co-op, so it is about average for frozen dessert products like these.

 

 

Ingredients:

 

ORGANIC COCONUT MILK (WATER, ORGANIC COCONUT CREAM), ORGANIC AGAVE SYRUP, CHERRIES (BLACK CHERRIES, DRIED CANE SYRUP, CHERRY CONCENTRATE, NATURAL FLAVOR, LOCUST BEAN GUM, CITRIC ACID), CHICORY ROOT EXTRACT, CAROB BEAN GUM, GUAR GUM, NATURAL FLAVOR.

 

 

So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Frozen Dessert Cherry Amaretto was OK but not great. I probably won't be buying it again, mainly because it was just too sweet.

 

 

Overall rating for this product: Fair. 2 out of 5.  

 

 

Neal Brothers Organic Cheese Twists

 

My name is Geraldine and I am a cheesie addict! ;<)


 In spite of ongoing efforts to remove as much junk food as possible from my diet, especially in recent years; sometimes...well sometimes I've still gotta have a bag of cheesie-type snacks to satisfy that particular food craving.

Can you relate?

 

I've tried a few healthier versions of cheesies over the years and most of them fell well short of the mark, in comparison to mainstream cheesie brands like Cheetos and Hawkins.

Usually these "cheesie-wannabes"  had blah, ho- hum  flavours and weird textures (and that is definitely a big part of cheesie appeal) that brought pipe cleaners or packing pellets to mind!

 

 Happily, that has changed, now that I've discovered:

 Neal Brothers Organic Cheese Twists.

 

These snacks rock!

 

The Neal Brothers (based in Ontario) did their homework when it came to creating a cheesie-type snack that was not only a healthier choice but with all the flavour and just right texture, that cheesie-addicts like me have come to expect.

 

Neil Brothers Organic Cheese Twists are definitely cheesy and with a crisp, crunchy texture that is  satisfying to the palette. No pipe cleaner reminders here!
 

 

And with an ingredient list that is healthier and less guilt-provoking than those mainstream brands.

  

INGREDIENTS:

ORGANIC CORNMEAL, ORGANIC SUNFLOWER OIL, ORGANIC RICE MEAL, ORGANIC CHEDDAR CHEESE, [(CULTURED PASTEURIZED ORGANIC MILK, SALT, MICROBIAL ENZYMES), ORGANIC WHEY POWDER, LACTIC ACID, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, ANNETTO, NATURAL FLAVOR (STARTER DISTILLATE), ENZYMES], ORGANIC WHEY POWDER, SALT.

 

 

A 113 gram bag provides 2 generous servings (they are light in weight) and one serving contains only 240 calories. Gluten-free too.

***


And by way of comparison,  here's the scoop on Cheetos brand:

I know which one I'd rather be eating.

And without any sacrifice when it comes to crunchy snacking satisfaction!


I've also tried Neal Brothers White Cheddar Popcorn, and again this is another winner:
 

 

 

 

As I've mentioned above, this company is based in Ontario but I was able to buy their products at our local food co-op, here in BC, so hopefully their distribution is continuing to expand. No mention on their site of US distribution, but hopefully that will follow too.

This really is a snack company that has a lot to offer. They also carry other products including: pretzels, salsas, dressings, tortillas...stop by their attractive website to check out all their products and to read more about the brothers behind the brand!


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

Come Home by Lisa Scottoline

I recently read: Come Home by Lisa Scottoline.

 

I'm usually (more) intrigued and interested in reading a novel that has a wide range of ratings/reviews and that was certainly the case with this book.  

 

The story's main character: Jill Farrow is a pediatrician. She is middle-aged, divorced and starting a new life with Sam, the man she is living with and plans to marry. She is also the mother of Megan, who is thirteen and former step-mom to Abby and Victoria.

 

 

From the Amazon product page:

 

Jill Farrow is a typical suburban mom who has finally gotten her and her daughter's lives back on track after a divorce. She is about to remarry, her job as a pediatrician fulfills her---though it is stressful---and her daughter, Megan, is a happily over-scheduled thirteen-year-old juggling homework and the swim team.

But Jill’s life is turned upside down when her ex-stepdaughter, Abby, shows up on her doorstep late one night and delivers shocking news: Jill’s ex-husband is dead. Abby insists that he was murdered and pleads with Jill to help find his killer. Jill reluctantly agrees to make a few inquiries and discovers that things don’t add up. As she digs deeper, her actions threaten to rip apart her new family, destroy their hard-earned happiness, and even endanger her own life. Yet Jill can’t turn her back on a child she loves and once called her own.

Come Home reads with the breakneck pacing of a thriller while also exploring the definition of motherhood, asking the questions: Do you ever stop being a mother? Can you ever have an ex-child? What are the limits to love of family? 

 

 

 On the plus side:

 

The story has some unexpected twists and turns. Jill attempts to help step-daughter Abby find out what happened to her ex-husband/Abby's father, who Abby is convinced, was murdered, in spite of everyone else's thoughts to the contrary that he accidentally overdosed on prescription drugs. The more that Jill looks into the events that led up to her ex's recent death, the more she agrees with Abby's beliefs that this actually was a murder.

 

The pace of this book is ultra-fast with well-defined characters.

  The story of a family, an "ex" family brought together again in crisis and a murder mystery, all combined.

 

 

 

And a couple of things that didn't ring true for me.

 

Not to spoil the story, but at one point Jill is ready to hand over highly incriminating evidence to someone who could definitely be one of the "bad guys". This was not believable at a point in the story when there are numerous suspects still to consider.

 

Also, on more than one occasion she is talking on her hand-held cell phone when driving. Again, this didn't ring true for me. Would a doctor do something this stupid after what they see in hospitals as the result of people using phones when driving? I think not.

 

If you're a fan of Lisa Scottoline's work (and she certainly has plenty of loyal fans) you'll probably want to read this book and decide for yourself.

 

I enjoyed the story but I think it could have been more engaging and believable, with a few tweaks to the plot.

 

 

Overall rating for this book: Good. 3 out of 5.

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Luna & Larry's Dark Chocolate Coconut Bliss Bars

 

If you're looking for a cool, delish and portable summer sweet treat, you might want to give Luna & Larry's Dark Chocolate Coconut Bliss Bars a try!

 

Truth be told, I'm kind of addicted to these coconut-based ice cream bars. I love everything about the taste: not too sweet, oh so chocolatety, smooth, velvety texture. Yummm....

 

 

A generous 89 ml. bar has only 170 calories. And these are satisfying calories, unlike a lot of other sugar-laden ice cream treats on the market, that just leave a person feeling tired and bloated afterwards.

 

 

 

Here's the ingredient list for this product:

Organic Coconut Milk (Organic Coconut, Water, Guar Gum)

Organic Agave Syrup

Organic Fair Trade Vanilla Extract

Organic Fair Trade Cocoa

 

Love that these ingredients are organic and Fair Trade too.

 



 Yes, the saturated fat level is rather high in these bars(45% of suggested daily requirements). But there is a lot of discussion about the positive aspects of eating fats from coconut-based products, you can read more about that here. Apparently, not all saturated fats are used by the body, in the same way. There are better choices when it comes to saturated fats and coconut milk is considered one of those.

 

I've also tried the Naked Coconut Bars in this line and some of Luna & Larry's scoop-able treats, and  they are delish too.

 

But if you're a chocolate fan, do give the Dark Chocolate Bliss Bars a try first. You'll be glad you did! ;<)

 

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

 



Two Summer Book Favs!

 

Stop by My Poetic Path to read mini-reviews of my two all-time favorite summer books:

 

 

 

 

 

Beachcombing at Miramar by Richard Bode

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer's Lease by John Mortimer

 

 

I re-read these two books every summer. They are both the ultimate, classic "beach read".

Oldies but goodies and both happily still available at Amazon.

 

 

And do share your own favorite summer book(s)!

 

Happy Summer and Happy Reading! ;<)

The One- Way Bridge by Cathie Pelletier

They say you can't judge a book by it's cover. But when it comes to: The One-Way Bridge by Cathie Pelletier, this eye-catching, inviting cover comes with a thoroughly entertaining story!

  

I'm a newcomer to Cathie Pelletier's work. In case you are too, she is the award-winning author of 10 novels and grew up in Maine. She is also an accomplished songwriter. 

 

The One-Way Bridge is her first and much-anticipated novel in six years and is set (as are many of her other books) in the imaginary small town of Mattagash, Maine.

 

 

 

From the Amazon product page:

 

Welcome to Mattagash, the last town in the middle of the northern Maine wilderness. The road dead-ends here, but Mattagash's citizens are fiercely proud.

Yet this simple town connected by a single one-way bridge is anything but tranquil. While neighbors bicker publicly over trivialities such as offensive mailbox designs and gossip about suspicious newcomers, they privately struggle to navigate deeper issues—scandals, loss, failed ambitions, the scars of war...and a mysterious dead body in the woods.

With her trademark wit and keen eye for detail, Pelletier has assembled an unforgettable cast of endearing and eccentric characters, from scheming mailmen and peeping toms to lovesick waitresses and loggers whose underhandedness belies their ingenuity. The citizens of Mattagash will make you laugh and cheer for them as they stumble into one another's lives and strive to define themselves in a changing world that threatens to leave them behind.

The One-Way Bridge is an extraordinary portrait of family, loneliness, and community—and the kinds of compromises we all make in the name of love.

 

 

***

 

What really stood out in this story for me were the characters. They literally jump off the page. You feel like you know these people. Sharing their joyful moments, sometimes painful memories, their dreams, expectations, losses...

 

There's Orville Craft, the soon to be retired, quirky, postal delivery man. Billy Thunder, a bad-boy, small-time hustler; who is hiding out in Mattagash after he's written one too many bad cheques in the big city. Harry Plunkett, who owns the mailbox featured on the cover and has several long-standing  "bones to pick" with Orville. Beautiful Blanche, owner of the town's café. The place where the townsfolk like to gather to catch up with the latest gossip. Blanche also has a secret admirer. Just a sampling of who you will meet in Mattagash, after you cross the one-way bridge into town.

 

There were many, many LOL moments in this story and memorable, touching and poignant passages too. What is seen on the outside is often not the complete story as we share the secrets, regrets and aspirations of the residents of Mattagash as they await the first snow of winter.

 

This was the first novel I've read by Cathie Pelletier but it certainly won't be my last. I'm looking forward to another visit to Mattagash, Maine and in the near future. I read The One-Way Bridge in a couple of days; it's that kind of book. Hard to put down and satisfying from the first page to the last.

 

The One-Way Bridge is available in print and Kindle formats.

 

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

Lundberg Rice Chips

 

I'm all for healthy snack choices like: fresh fruits, raw seeds and nuts, raw veggies etc...but sometimes, I crave a REAL "chip" snack and nothing else will do. Unfortunately, many of the healthier versions of these types of snacks leave a lot to be desired. Bland, tasteless and anything but snack-o-licious. 

 

I recently tried Lundberg Rice Chips for the first time and this is one healthier chip snack that delivers and in a big way. Oh so yummy, great flavours, a satisfying crunchy texture and with an ingredient list that won't make you cringe. 
                                                                               

 

Here's what's in the Fiesta Lime flavoured chips:
 

Organic whole grain brown rice, organic rice flour (organic whole brown rice flour, organic rice flour), high oleic expeller-pressed safflower or sunflower oil, organic whole masa corn flour, organic sesame seeds, less than 2% of the following: salt, dried cane syrup, organic nonfat dry milk, organic buttermilk powder, tartaric acid, citric acid, organic rice concentrate, dried parsley, lime oil, and natural caramel color.

 

 

Some additional information from the Lundberg site about these Rice Chips:

 

Now made with 70% organic ingredients and all organic grains, you'll find them in new updated packaging with bright vibrant colors and a matte finish, making them easier to spot on your grocery store shelves. The Whole Grain Stamp and the Non-GMO Verified logo have been added to every bag so you know you're getting a wholesome, healthy-for-you snack. And when you check out those nutrition labels, you'll notice we listened to your concerns about yeast extracts, removing them from our ingredients.

***

 

Gluten free, no trans fats, non GMO and approx. 300 calories per 20 chips. And these are nice big triangular chips. Most of them in the bag are whole too, not a bunch of broken up pieces; I appreciate that. A 170 gram bag sells for about $3.50 locally, so comparable to other "junkier" brands of chips and cheesy-type snacks and with some nutritional value going for them, unlike so many popular mainstream snack items.

One negative: they are fried not baked, that's one thing I wish they could change.

***

 

I've tried several of the flavours already and they've all been good but my favs are:

 

 Fiesta Lime, Santa Fe Barbecue and Honey Dijon.

 

If you've been looking for a better snack alternative that actually tastes good and satisfies that "gotta have chips" craving, give Lundberg Rice Chips a try. They won't replace carrot sticks when it comes to "good for you" but they certainly are a better choice when it comes to chip-type snacks.

 

  

 

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

 

 

 

 

 



Mortal Faults by Michael Prescott

 

After recently reading the ebook: Kindle Success Stories by Tom Corson Knowles which included a chapter about novelist: Michael Prescott's phenomenal success with Kindle ebooks; I decided to find out more about Michael's work.

 

I am not (and in a big way) a person who normally reads crime thrillers but I decided to give: Mortal Faults by Michael Prescott a try. I think it's fun to get out of my usual comfort zone when it comes to book genres but for that to happen, it's got to be a story that captures and keeps my attention right from the first page.

 

Michael Prescott did not disappoint!

 

 

From the Amazon product page:

 

A one-woman private operative, Abby Sinclair stalks the stalkers. Her new client is a U.S. congressman shadowed by a mystery woman believed to be a disgruntled ex-employee. He wants her stopped. What Abby doesn't know is that FBI agent Tess McCallum is already on the case. Now, despite vowing never to work together again, Abby and Tess have been partnered in a deadly game. And this is a case that takes one surprising turn after another-because there's more to the story than anyone knows.

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I couldn't put this book down!

 

Michael Prescott keeps a fast, blood-pumping pace throughout this story. He is an excellent writer and shows real skill in all areas of what it takes to make a story compelling: believable characters, crisp dialogue, meticulous attention to detail and a plot that is entertaining right to the last page.

 

And speaking of the last page, there are no loose ends at the end of this story. All is revealed and wrapped up, in a complete and satisfying way. I appreciate that. Something where many authors (even the big names) seem to fall short.

 

Michael Prescott is the author of numerous novels (available in print and ebook formats) you can check them all out at his website.

 

I'm trying to decide what to read next. But I will definitely be reading more Michael Prescott's novels and soon!

 

 

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



Word 2013

Here's a link to the mini review I wrote about this software over at my writing/poetry blog: My Poetic Path.

 

To say I'm not impressed by this new version of Word is a big understatement!

 

If you are considering "upgrading" to this new version of Word, read my review first! You might save yourself some money and a whole lot of aggravation.

 

Overall rating for this product: Unsatisfactory. 1 out of 5.

New Winner for the Spring Yarn Lover's Contest

I've picked a new winner in the Spring Yarn Lover's Contest as  NOREEN (Running With Books) 

 

has not been in touch with me to claim her prizes within the 2 weeks allowed.

***

 

The NEW winner of the Spring Yarn Lover's Contest is:

 

Rebekah at St. Gemma's Art and Needlework.

 

Congratulations Rebekah!

***

 

Please send your mailing info. to: MRLR at myway dot com asap and I'll arrange to have your prizes sent to you.

 

Again, two weeks to claim your prizes or I'll have to try again.

 

And let's hope I don't have to try again; it shouldn't be hard to give away great prizes, right? ;<)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Complete Gluten-Free Whole Grains Cookbook by Judith Finlayson

 

Check out my complete review of this wonderful new cookbook and an oh so yummy (and just in time for picnic season) Kasha and Beet Salad with Celery and Feta recipe from it, over at my cooking and craft blog: Veggies, Yarns & Tails.

 

You'll be glad you did! :<)

 



Kiss My Face Olive & Honey Soap

This will be a short review as there isn't much to say about this soap except:

 

DON'T BUY IT!

 

 

Kiss My Face Olive & Honey Soap has a pleasant fragrance.

 

A short, acceptable ingredient list:

 

Saponified Olive Oil, Water, Sodium Chloride, Honey, Fragrance

 

It comes in a generous sized 230 gr. bar and locally here in BC, I bought a bar for about $3.

 

All good. So why am I advising not to buy this soap?

 

In a word, this soap bar turns into one big, messy BLOB as soon as you wet it and start to use it.

 

And I mean a REAL MESS. Slimy, gooey...are you getting the picture?

 

 It really was disgusting to use.

 

Luckily, I was able to return it to the store where I bought it for a full refund, explaining to the manager there how unacceptable this product was.

 

The soap is also a very ugly brownish color adding to the "yuck factor" after it got wet. Definitely NOT pretty in the soap dish. LOL

 

I like using more natural hand/bath soaps without a lot of  unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredients added to them, which are absorbed in part, through the skin. The color they are is not a big concern either. I don't like anything that is brightly- colored, using artificial dyes.  

 

But the soap still has to be relatively pleasing to use.

 

Kiss My Face Olive & Honey Soap fails in that respect, big time!

 

Overall rating for this product: Unsatisfactory. 1 out of 5.



The Very Easy Guide to Fair Isle Knitting by Lynne Watterson

As any of my regular readers already know, I am an avid knitter.

 

I LOVE to knit and last year I stretched my skills (quite a bit) and tried my first Fair Isle project, a cardigan (it's the one I'm wearing in my profile pic btw). ;<)

 

 

Although I did find this project a bit of challenge (including trying to decipher a couple of things in the pattern that didn't make sense) I have been "itching" to try another Fair Isle project since then.

 

 

I recently received a copy of: The Very Easy Guide to Fair Isle Knitting by Lynne Watterson.

 

What a beautiful book this is.  And it certainly has provided the inspiration for several Fair Isle projects that I'd love to make, including:

 

 

 

Isn't this a gorgeous tote bag?

 

And for any of you wannabe Fair Isle knitters out there, this would be an easy project to make.

 

 I've read over the instructions a couple of times already and it would definitely be a good first and/or beginners project for Fair Isle knitting.

                                                       

                                               

 

 

Wowsa! I want this set too!!!

 

I LOVE heart motifs and this hat and scarf set caught my attention right away.

 A bit more of a challenge but even for a newbie FI knitter like myself, definitely doable.

 

                                   

 

 

These lovely legwarmers are a bit more challenging.

 

But doable for an advanced beginner.

 

 

 

From the Amazon product page:

 

Fair Isle knitting may look complicated, but knitting expert Lynne Watterson lays out the basics in a way that is easy to follow and understand. She starts with an overview that covers everything from the best types of yarn suitable for Fair Isle patterns to beginner knitting techniques. Also included is a primer on how to read Fair Isle charts, plus an illustrated step-by-step guide to Fair Isle knitting showing complete beginners how to hold the yarns, strand across the back of knitting, link colors in, and how to weave in ends.

The main chapters feature a selection of beautiful Fair Isle stitch patterns. Each pattern contains clear instructions in both written and chart form, and these are cross-referenced to a comprehensive guide to abbreviations. A variety of simple, stylish projects included in each chapter demonstrates ways to use the beautifully shaded Fair Isle patterns—from chic accessories and the latest fashion looks to colorful cushion covers and cozy blankets. Bonus material offers a variety of stunning finishing touches that can be used to enhance your knitting—including beads, buttons, tassels, cords, fringe, and more.

 

                     ***                    

 

One of the (many) things I like about this book is that the author included projects for a range of skill levels. So many Fair Isle books I look at focus on patterns that may be OK for someone with Intermediate or Advanced skills, but nothing that a Beginner or Advanced Beginner could actually make and enjoy making. I like a challenge when I'm knitting but not to the point of being frustrated with every stitch. What fun is that?

 

In addition to the 11 projects included in this book, there are 28 easy to follow lessons throughout that even beginners would find easy to follow. The diagrams in this book are excellent too and that's something that's lacking in so many knitting books. And when you're stuck on a particular technique, good diagrams can be a knitter's lifesaver!

 

Other patterns in this book include: a child's cardigan, child's hoodie, adult fingerless mitts, hot water bottle cover, mug cozies, home décor items and more.

 

This book would also be a great gift for the knitters on your list. Maybe they've also been tempted to try Fair Isle knitting but were too intimidated by difficult patterns and hard to understand instructions, to give it a try. This is a great knitting book to change all that.

 

The Very Easy Guide to Fair Isle Knitting is a visually stunning book. There are full-page color photos of each project throughout the 144 pages. The other pages include charts, diagrams...also in color, adding to the appeal and enjoyment of this book.

 

I'll keep you posted on my progress as I work on these projects. Now all I need is some yarn to get started! ;<)

 

 

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