Archive for the ‘Try It’ Category

Try it – Justin’s Almond Butter

August 31st, 2010

Last week I shared a pretty stellar creation. Go ahead, OOOO and AAAAH.

While I remember vividly explaining the chocolatey euphoria each bite created in my mouth, I failed to expound upon on pretty important detail: Justin’s Chocolate Almond Butter.

Ingredients: Dry Roasted Almonds, Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Powder, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Palm Fruit Oil, Natural Vanilla, Sea Salt.

When I first spotted the packet on the shelf I let out a piglet-like squeal and then apologized to those around me for making such a big to-do — what can I say, I’m a bit dramatic and when you combine that with my deep adoration for all things food, well you can see how this is a fairly common response. Anyway, after calming myself down, I was most interested in finding out the sugar content of the smooth chocolate treat. Those other Nutella lovers out there may know that one of my least favorite parts about the creamy goodness is the SUGAR! Two tablespoons contains 20 grams!

You can imagine my relief, then, when I quickly learned that two tablespoons of Justin’s formula contains a mere 7 grams – let the heavens rejoice!

But how would it taste? I mean yea, Nutella packs in the sugar, but it also makes my heart flutter, and well, that’s an important side-effect I look for in my chocolatey goods. After putting Justin’s to the test, not just in my delicious sandwich, but also implementing a finger-licking test (I find it’s the most effective), I can safely say this stuff is AMAZEBALLS.

Heart=fluttering

If you can, find Justin’s chocolate almond butter. Do not rest. Do not sleep. FIND IT. If you are having trouble, I’m pretty sure you can score some from the Internet gods – i.e. good old fashion e-commerce sites.

Have you tried Justin’s Chocolate Almond Butter yet? What did you think?

p.s. Justin’s Almond Butter did NOT provide compensation or product for this review — although I pray they will would graciously accept any surplus of the good stuff.

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Posted in Try It | 10 Comments »

Try it – Do something you never thought you could

August 24th, 2010

BIG NEWS!

First, a quick story…

A few months back, I received an email (via Foodbuzz) about a recipe contest that Beringer was running to find the perfect steak/wine pairing. The contest rules instructed participants to submit a steak recipe with a wine from the Beringer collection that would best complement the flavors.

Not knowing much about steak, but knowing lots about FLAVA, I put something together and hit “submit.”

Flash forward to a few weeks ago when I received an email congratulating me that I was a REGIONAL FINALIST! Me and 8 other finalists will be competing NEXT WEEKEND in Michigan at the Arts, Beats and Eats Festival. If I win, I’ll be flown to California for the National competition, compete in front of a panel of FOOD NETWORK judges and appear on the Fine Living Network!

Needless to say, I’ve been practicing a lot.

Anyway, it reminds me of an old joke about a poor man who prayed to God each week. He said. “God, Please oh please let me win the lottery.” And week after week he was still as poor as ever. But he kept going back to God, kept making promises that he’d pray more, be a better person if he could just win the lottery. Finally one day he got a response from God! In the midst of his cries God spoke. “I would love to grant your prayers, but you must first buy a ticket!”

My point is, had I never taken the few moments (or potential for embarrassment), I would never have this amazing opportunity. Would I like to make it to the finals? YOU BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR! But I have to put in the work, the time and everything I can to know I did the very best I could. So if you’ll excuse me, I have some practice to do.

P.S. – Detroit/Ann Arbor readers: I’d LOVE if you could come out to the event, it’ll be super fun and I’d love some familiar faces in the crowd!

P.P.S. My recipe is pretty epic, I can’t wait to share with all of you!

Have you ever tried something you thought you’d NEVER had a chance at? Why/why not? What happened? What’s stopping you?

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Posted in Try It | 11 Comments »

Try it – Ice cream. Do I really need to lure you in more?

August 17th, 2010

So I have a bit of a problem with portion control. I always think that “just one more scoop of ice cream” will be just fine and I certainly NEVER go easy on the whipped cream. But when all I’m left with is an empty carton and a belly full of creamy guilt, I immediately regret my decisions. I don’t care if I go into it with THE BEST intentions, I will always go back for at least one more scoop (although, I’ll admit, I can normally stop there).

That’s why I’m mildly obsessed with Skinny Cow individual ice cream portions.

From the makers of my beloved peanut butter ice cream sandwiches, the lean cattle have done it again and have created a product that my grocery store can’t seem to keep on its shelves. With flavors like Cookies and Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake, Caramel Cone, Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Dolce de Lecce, there’s something for every ice cream lover. Did I mention they are all 170 calories or less? Sure, there is still sugar and other ingredients that don’t necessarily make ice cream a healthfood, but if you are gonna have ice cream, you have to expect that it’s going to be a treat. And I’m totally OK with that, especially when I can actually limit myself to one serving (or two ;) ).

Now for those of you who don’t have issues with portion control, I hate your guts – only kidding, we can still be friends! But seriously, this product isn’t necessarily the best bet for everyone, but for those who have trouble stopping their love affair with ice cream, it may be a good solution. I’ve also seen many other “individual serving” varieties, such as Ben & Jerry, Hagen Daz, etc., but enjoy Skinny Cow due to the reduced calories and fat.

Disclaimer – I DID NOT recieve any compensation or free product for this post, I simply wanted to share my new find with all of you ;)

Are you a fan of individual ice cream portions? If not, what do you do to keep yourself from overindulging?

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Posted in Try It | 7 Comments »

Try It – Being a Dad

August 10th, 2010

Mister here. Just wanted to send a quick note to say thanks to all of you who have been posting comments and sending notes of congratulations on the little one. We’re really excited, happy, scared, etc. – all the emotions people feel with this type of news. I have to admit, that finally telling everyone is making it more real than it has been in the past few months. I’ve been looking forward to fatherhood ever since I can remember, and I can’t wait for it to happen.

I’ll probably chirp in here or there over the next few months between trips to the grocery store for the craving du jour. In the meantime, feel free to comment and let me know some of your fatherhood tips, I’ll need all the help I can get.

Here is an early Fashion Friday for you (taken in an NYC bakery, if there was any doubt):

baby bump - 13th week

Posted in Try It | 12 Comments »

Try it – How to get the most out of a blogging conference

August 10th, 2010

First of all — THANK YOU. For your kind words, excitement and reassurance that I’m not going to mess everything up ;)

You have no idea how hard it was keeping it from all of you! I had to get extra creative with Fashion Friday these past few weeks! Anyway, now you know and now I can bring you along for the ride — buckle up, the Mister and I tend to take the road less-traveled ;)

As many of you know, this past weekend the Mister and I headed to NYC to hang with one of our favorite friends, Ian. I also happened to attend BlogHer. For those of you who are thinking about attending a blogging conference, or perhaps already have!, I’ve put together a list of things to keep in mind. Take it from this newbie, I made it through the weekend in one piece!

1.)TAKE A DEEP BREATH. You are NOT going to get to see oe hear everything you want to. I repeat, you are NOT going to get to see or hear everything you want to. It’s not gonna happen. Trust me, I’ve tried it and you cannot, in fact, physically be in multiple places at once (alive, anyway). Come to terms with the fact that there are going to be awesome things you are going to miss. Move past it and try and focus on the present moment so you don’t miss out on anything you actually “get” to see.

2.) Your favorite bloggers don’t bite. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to someone you admire. I know it can be intimidating, and I (always thinking about me, me, ME!) assumed that I would appear creepy or stalkerish. Quite the opposite. What’s creepy is following someone around waiting for an opportunity to creep up and introduce yourself. Trust me, eventually you become paranoid that the person has noticed you and you begin to act extra normal by hiding behind poles or pretending to talk on your phone. DON’T BE THIS PERSON – it’s not cute. Not that I would know anything about that, Oh no, not at all. (sorry Pioneer Woman).

3.) Always, ALWAYS stop for cupcakes. There is no exception to this rule.

4.) Don’t feel like you *have* to attend EVERYTHING. Like I mentioned, I was also using this trip to hang with my Mister and Ian and I often called it an early day and left to explore the city and hang out with them.

5.) Bring a notepad. You’ll hear lots of great ideas and there’s no way you’ll be able to remember all of them. Make sure you stay inspired and write EVERYTHING down that you’ll want to remember later.

6.) Keep business cards with you. Bloggers will ask for them, BRANDS will ask for them and you’ll feel super cool giving them out. Make the investment and have a few hundred printed branded with your blog’s info.

7.) Wear comfortable shoes. Now is not the time to impress the other bloggers with your hot new stilettos. Stick to flats or sneakers — your feet (and back) will thank you.

8.) Branch out! Sure, it’s always fun to hang out with the bloggers you’re friends with in “real life,” but make sure you meet some new faces, too!

9.) Pack lightly – you’ll need all the extra room in your suitcase for SWAG!

10.) HAVE FUN! Try not to get wrapped up in the drama or awkwardness you think you’re portraying. For the most part, everyone else is in the same boat and is just there to learn more about blogging and meet other cool bloggers (like you!)

Have you been to a blogging conference? Do you have any tips to pass along?

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Posted in Try It | 6 Comments »

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