Winners! Aquaphor Giveaway!

The winners of the Aquaphor giveaway chosen by Random.org are:

Bethany & Nape

Congrats! I have sent you a email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose new winners. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank Aquaphor for the giveaway. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you want to be a winner too, enter some of my other giveaways.

Happy Halloween!

The screamy girl got into the spirit of Halloween and went all Jason and Freddy on me. But she did it with her tiara on! God, I love a little blood and mayhem! BOO!

I am glad Tom is here with me this year so if any demented killer jesters show up at the door, I will make sure he answers the door.

I hope you have a great Halloween!

Random Willynillyness Cooking Presents: Sabroso Saturday ~ Chocolate Tapioca

I love tapioca. Mi abuelita used to make it for me when I was little and I loved it. She served it to me plain or with pasas (raisins). I always loved it. I think what I love about tapioca is the texture. It is creamy yet with those little tapioca balls that melt in your mouth.

When I eat it, it reminds me of sitting in the kitchen with my abuelita watching her cook up some other tasty treats. I now make it on those cold snowy days when I need a little warmth and comfort.

Now a word from our sponsor:
* The American Heart Association states that “when sugars are added to otherwise nutrient-rich foods, such as sugar sweetened dairy products like flavored milk and yogurt and sugar-sweetened cereals, the quality of children’s and adolescents’ diets improves, and in the case of flavored milks, no adverse effects on weight status were found.”
* According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adding a small amount of sugar to nutrient-dense foods such as reduced-fat milk products helps enhance their palatability and improves nutrient intake without contributing excessive calories.

Today's tasty chocolate milk recipe is, you guessed it, chocolate tapioca. I was very excited to try this since I am a tapioca fiend. I am also all about the chocolate as well. This recipe is a little more involved than the other ones I have tried. It took a little time before it was ready but the recipe was still easy to follow.

Chocolate Tapioca
Makes 6 (1/2 cup) servings
Ingredients• 3 tbsp instant tapioca mix
• 1/3 sweetened condensed milk (use fat-free to decrease calories)
• 2 3/4 low fat chocolate milk
• 1 egg
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ tbsp coconut extract
• 2 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Directions1. In a medium saucepan, beat the egg well and add the sweetened condensed milk, tapioca, low fat chocolate milk and salt. Let it stand 5 minutes.
2. Place in a medium heat stirring constantly, until combination boils. Add coconut extract and mix. Remove from heat and let it stand 20 minutes.
3. Mix the chocolate morsels and serve in individual cups.

Nutritional Information:
182calories; 4.8 g fat; 2.7 saturated fat; 6 g protein; 185 g calciumThe chocolate tapioca came out creamy and delicious. It was sweet but not too sweet. I think the condensed milk gave it a nice sweetness but the chocolate morsels toned it down. Note: Since I cannot follow a recipe to save my life, I actually added the chcoclate morsels to the mixture instead of at the end but it still worked out. Both the chocolate and condensed milk gave it a nice richness.

I love chocolate and coconut together so the coconut extract gave it a nice balance and flavor. When I served it up, I decided to garnish it with grated chocolate (since I melted the chocolate morsels into the mixture) and coconut flakes. It made it look pretty and added a a nice flavor to the creamy tapioca.

So far this is my favorite chocolate milk recipe. The mocha coffee was really good but this was just delicious and comforting.For more information, follow the Bigote de Leche (Milk Mustache) Campaign on Twitter and Facebook. To see more delicious milk recipes, go to the Elige Leche website and do a search. Make sure to head over to Latina on Mission and check out the other Sabroso Saturday recipes by participating bloggers!


Disclosure: This is a paid post created in collaboration with Latina on a Mission and Milk Processors Education Program (MilkPEP). All opinions expressed herein are solely my own.

CLOSED ~ Zhu Zhu Pet Giveaway!

I randomly won a Zhu Zhu pet in a contest. And while they are cute and all, what the heck am I going to do with a Zhu Zhu Pet?

Well, I guess I could give it to the cats and freak them out. Or I could throw it in the fireplace and watch it burn. But that's just not right. Fun but not right!

I know people love these things so I thought maybe one of my readers because I am cool that way.


So one of you can this win this baby just in time for the holidays! WOO! I am making this giveaway easy.

Mandatory Entry

Tell me something about yourself. Make it something interesting because I am nosy about my readers.

Extra Entries
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Like The Art of Random Willynillyness on Facebook page (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog on GFC (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Enter another one of my giveaways and tell me which one you entered (1 entry per giveaway)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky, your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited!!)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!
Deadline: Sunday, November 21 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I won this and want to give it away to someone else.

Kritter Kondo Review!

I have to give you a little background on my cats before I review the Kritter Kondo. We have two kitties: Scout and Shawn. When we got Scout she was an an outdoor cat. As time went by she became and indoor/outdoor cat. She loved being outside. Then we got Shawn. Shawn has never ever been an outdoor cat. She has been strictly an indoor cat. We finally had to make Scout and indoor cat because she would always get beat up and we were afraid something would happen to her.

But Scout has never ever been happy as an indoor cat. If there is an open door or a chance to slip out, she will. I think she stll yearns for the opportunity to run wild but oh well. Okay, you have a little background and it will make you understand how differently the cats reacted to the Kritter Kondo.

The Kritter Kondo is an outdoor cat enclosure. It is great for indoor cats like mine who might want to have a little outdoor time. It allows cats to to be outside with no danger of something happening. I think it is also great to travel with the Kritter Kondo. I could see taking this to the beach or when visiting family during the holidays. Sometimes we travel with our cats and this would allow them to have their own space yet not run loose.

The Kritter Kondo itself comes in a great carrying case. It was easy to assemble. It is totally enclosed with a cloth mesh so your pets cannot get out at all. It collapses flat so it is easy to store inside the case and store. The interior of the carrying case has three pockets and a zipper pouch for toys, food, blanket and bed which is handy when traveling.

I received the Kritter Kondo Deluxe to review. Well, for the cats to review! The Deluxe comes with a shade canopy which is great because the kitties can decide to lay in the sun or relax in the shade. Like I said, assembly was easy peasy.

We decided to put the Kritter Kondo in the front yard so the kitties could look at the river. We also decided to put them in at separate times. They tolerate each other the best they can. In the house it's easy because there is a lot of space. In the Kritter Kondo, they would be trapped together and that wouldn't work out because they are poops and would fight.

So Scout was the first one. Now Scout still yearns for the outdoors. So I thought she would take to the Kritter Kondo but she didn't. Wnen we put her in the Kritter Kondo she realized that she was outside and promptly tried to find a way out of the Kritter Kondo. She didn't like being enclosed although she was outside. But that's Scout. She is a free spirit who wants to run wild. She stayed in about ten minutes before we realized that she was not happy.

Shawn on the other hand, liked being outside in the Kritter Kondo because she has never really been outside. She comes out on the front porch and once got out the back door. But to Shawn, the outdoors is all new. She was able to lay on the grass and take in the sights but still be protected. And she did enjoy it. She had no issues She walked around and then laid down and relaxed.

One thing I loved about the Kritter Kondo is that it has two doors on either side because when it was time to go back into the house Shawn didn't want to come out of the Kritter Kondo. She wanted to stay outside. But the double doors made it easy for us to reach in on either side and pick her up.

I would definitely use the Kritter Kondo for Shawn especially when we are outside on the front porch. That way she can enjoy the sun and fresh air. I would probably not use it with Scout unless it was being used on a trip or when we visit some one's house with the cats.

Overall, through I liked this product and if you have small dogs and cats, it is a great product. I wouldn't leave them alone but it is a nice way to get your pets outside without worrying if that they will run away or get hurt.

I also like the fact that the Kritter Kondo is made to add on more units so you can make the enclsure bigger. The mesh is small enough that the cats or dogs cannot get stuck and hurt themselves. And there is enough room to put a bed, food, water and toys.

I think this would make a great gift for anyone with small pets. So with the holidays coming up, it might be a great gift idea!! For more information, you can follow Kritter Kommunity on Twitter or Facebook!

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

WINNER!! 1-800-Flowers.com!!

The winner of the 1-800-Flowers.com giveaway chosen by Random.org is:

Sarah

Congrats! I have sent you a email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose new winners. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank 1-800-Flowers.com for the giveaway. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you want to be a winner too, enter some of my other giveaways. Remember, in a week or so, the iPad giveaway goes up!!!!

CLOSED ~ I am a Carmex Blog Squad Member ~ Review & Giveaway!

I was chosen to be a Carmex Blog Squad Member and I am thrilled. Why? Because I am already a loyal Carmex user. I have used Original Carmex for years to ward off cold sores. The minute I feel that little itch on my lip, I bring out the Carmex and it helps soothe and heal any cold sore that appears.

I also use the Carmex Stick to keep my lips nice and moist during the winter. My lips get really bad during the winter so I need something that works and I have always found that Carmex does the trick.

Now Carmex has some new items: Carmex Healing Lotion and Carmex Healing Cream. The Healing Lotion is great for everyday use. It goes on smooth and coats the skin well. I really liked it. It worked on my dry hands and kept them moist. It also worked on my legs which is fantastic because I get crocodile legs when it gets cold and this helped.

The Healing Cream was thicker and really worked well on my dry elbows and feet. What I liked about both the Healing Cream and Lotion is that they are creamy but not greasy at all. They both left my skin soft and feeling moisturized. Both the lotion and cream smell like the lip balm. It's a clean scent, not too heavy or perfumy. I liked it because already use the lip balm.

I really liked the lotion and cream but I loved the Carmex Moisture Plus lip balm with a tint! The Moisture Plus comes in Clear, Sheer Pink, Sheer Peach. I rarely wear lipstick so this was perfect for me. I love that I get a little bit of color and my lips are protected.

The other items are great as well. Hubby loves the Carmex sticks. He also is loving the Healing Cream. His skin gets more dry than mine!

I have one the Carmex tubes in my purse, car and office. And, of course, I am a huge fan of the original Carmex in a jar. I know I will be using this when those nasty cold sores pop up! Boo! Overall, I would recommend any of these Carmex products to anyone. If you haven't tried them, you should especially now that winter is a coming!! At least I am going to be protected!!

I got this wonderful travel bag for my participation in the Carmex Squad and Carmex was fantastic enough to give me an extra one to give away to one lucky reader! YAY! The total value of the kit is $52.32 and includes (2) Carmex Healing Lotions, one (1) regular size and (1) travel size, one (1) Carmex Healing Cream, three (3) Carmex Moisture Plus sticks, and an assortment of flavored lip balms in tubs, sticks, and jars.

Who doesn't need this?? You can buy Carmex products at Walgreens stores, walgreens.com and drugstore.com. The Healing Lotion and Cream are only $5.99 and that's a great deal to have soft skin! So if you want one of these fantastic kits, enter to win! Good Luck!!

Mandatory Entry

Tell me if you use Carmex products and which ones. If you don't use them, tell me why you want to try them.

Extra Entries
* Like Carmex on Facebook(1 entry)
* Follow Carmex on Twitter (1 entry)
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Like The Art of Random Willynillyness on Facebook page (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog on GFC (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky, your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited!!)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!Deadline: Monday, November 15 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. This is a sponsored review and giveaway as part of my participation in the Carmex Blog Squad.

WINNER!! Dean's Dip Prize Pack!

The winner of the Dean's Dip Prize Pack giveaway chosen by Random.org is:

Sarafan2

Congrats! I have sent you a email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose new winners. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank Dean's Dip for the giveaway. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you want to be a winner too, enter some of my other giveaways. Keep an eye out because in a few weeks my lovely readers, I will be giving away an iPad!!!!!!!!!!! WOO!

Random Willynillyness Cooking Presents: Sabroso Saturday ~ Almond Butter and Banana Grill

Yes I am still on the campaign to promote milk! And today I have a really yummy recipe. When I first saw it, I wasn't sure I would like it. I never tried almond butter but I figured it was just like peanut butter so it might be good.

I again used the 2% organic chocolate milk for this recipe. And can I tell you that I haven't had chocolate milk in forever but now that my recipes require it, I am starting to like it all over again! The other night instead of a hot chocolate, I had warm chocolate milk and it was yummy!

Some interesting facts:• Milk drinkers, in general, consume more calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and vitamin A than non-milk drinkers.
• Flavored milk drinkers have lower intakes of soft drinks compared to those who do not drink flavored milk.
Today's recipe is great for kids and adults. It makes a tasty lunch or snack. The recipe is so easy and even a child could make it. It takes minutes to make and I think you will love it.

Almond Butter and Banana GrillMakes 1 serving

Ingredients:
• 2 slices multigrain bread
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• ½ small banana cut in slices
• 1 cup low fat chocolate milk

Directions:
• Spread the almond butter on one slice of the bread
• Mash the banana and spread on the other slice
• Press the slices together and grill sandwich over low heat in a grill or small pan coated with cooking spray
• Serve with a glass of cold low fat chocolate milk

Nutritional Information:
Includes 1-8oz glass of low fat chocolate milk
444 calories; 8 g fat; 2 g saturated fat; 18 g protein; 79 g carbohydrate; 7 g fiber; 387 mg calcium

I added a little powdered sugar on top to make it look pretty and it was very tasty! I really liked the almond butter. It had a little more sophisticated taste than peanut butter would. And what is great is that this sandwich can also be made with peanut butter as well. You can use any other type of bread as well. It is easy and versatile.

So if you want a quick and tasty snack or lunch, try this delish recipe!!

For more information, follow the Bigote de Leche (Milk Mustache) Campaign on Twitter and Facebook. To see more delicious milk recipes, go to the Elige Leche website and do a search. Make sure to head over to Latina on Mission and check out the other Sabroso Saturday recipes by participating bloggers!


Disclosure: This is a paid post created in collaboration with Latina on a Mission and Milk Processors Education Program (MilkPEP). All opinions expressed herein are solely my own.

CLOSED ~ The Popcorn Factory "Try me Trio" Review and Giveaway

Guess what? It's National Popcorn Month this October. WOO! I am all about popcorn. It has got to be the perfect snack. You can eat it plain, flavored, sweet, savory or just with tons of melted butter. My favorite: with lots of melted butter.

To celebrate National Popcorn month, The Popcorn Factory will unveil its best-kept popcorn party planning secrets. Each week throughout the month, check the Popcorn Factory blog to view popcorn-inspired recipes.

Also, The Popcorn Factory is celebrating its 31st anniversary and will give FREE popcorn to the first 31,000 customers who visit the Popcorn Factory and click on the “Try-me-Trio”. The trio includes three a bag of caramel popcorn, cheese popcorn and the jalapeno popcorn.

I received a "Try Me Trio" and let me tell you, it was delicious. The caramel popcorn was delish as caramel popcorn is. It was sweet and crunchy. The cheese popcorn was good. I felt it needed a little more sharp cheese flavor but I gobbled it up, nonetheless. But my favorite was the jalapeno popcorn.

Can I tell you that this is my new favorite snack? It was sooooo good!!! The spicy jalapeno was just so tasty. I didn't even give the hubby a chance to have some because I ate it in one sitting. It was fantastic! I need to definitely order some more of this bag of yumminess!

And now one of my readers is going to get the opportunity to have a "Try Me Trio" as well. I have an extra one to give away! YAY!! You know the drill my dear readers!!

Mandatory Entry

Visit the the Popcorn Factory site and tell me your favorite tasty item!!

Extra Entries
* Like the Popcorn Factory on Facebook (1 entry)
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Like The Art of Random Willynillyness on Facebook page (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog on GFC (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky, your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited!!)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!
Deadline: Wednesday, November 17 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

WINNERS!!! Hall's Giveaway!

The winners of the Hall's giveaway chosen by Random.org is:

RJ and Homemaker

Congrats! I have sent you a email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose new winners. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank Hall's and the Family Review Network for the giveaway. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you want to be a winner too, enter some of my other giveaways. I have some really good ones going on so get on it!

Que Rica Vida iPad App

Hi everyone. As you all know Que Rica Vida sponsored my trip to the Blogalicious Conference. Que Rica Vida is General Mills’ five year-old, multi-brand, Hispanic marketing platform, web site and free quarterly lifestyle magazine. Que Rica Vida and General Mills have just launched an iPad app called Recetario.

The Recetario app provides Spanish-speaking consumers with instant access to more than 900 Latin-inspired recipes, in 12 different categories, such as appetizers and snacks, breakfasts, salads, garnishes, drinks and beverages, breads, pastas, pastries and cookies, entrees, desserts, sauces and soups. The app is available at no charge on iTunes. Yes folks, this baby is free!!

According to Adriana Amione, Executive Chef of General Mills’ Hispanic Kitchen, and the person responsible for creating most of the recipes in the new app, “Consumers continue to ask us for recipes and solutions as they work to prepare traditional and convenient meals for their families. Today’s social media tools give us another, more modern way to respond to their requests.”

What I loved about the Recetario is how easy it is to use. I go on and can find a recipe for just about any occasion or ingredient I want. I loved the photos and the delicious recipes. I am all about finding new recipes and getting new ideas!

So I can write about the app but I decided to vlog about it instead to actually show you how easy it is to use and how cool it is. Excuse the fact I decided to film in front of our porch doors, DOH, and that my hair is a fright!! The one thing about vlogging is that it is the real me: the good, bad and the ugly. It is also a little shaky. I think I need some vlogging lessons! But the vlog will give you a better feel for the app. And make sure you watch it all the way to the end because I have a little teaser announcement. You do NOT want to miss the announcement!!!!




Disclosure: Que Rica Vida sponsored my trip to Blogalicious and gave me an iPad to review the iPad app. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.


About Que Rica Vida
Now in its fifth year, the Que Rica Vida initiative is an important resource designed to provide Latina moms with culturally relevant lifestyle information and expert advice on Education, Holiday Occasions, Health & Wellness and Family - issues of great importance to Hispanic families in America. The program was developed by General Mills to help the Hispanic mother succeed in creating a healthier, easier, richer life for her and her family. The cornerstone of the Que Rica Vida initiative is its free quarterly lifestyle magazine and website of the same name, http://quericavida.com/

About General Mills
One of the world's leading food companies, General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Yoplait, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2010 global net sales of US$16 billion, including the company’s $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales.

CSN Stores Review & Upcoming Giveaway!

I love CSN Stores. I have worked with them several times and am always excited to continue working with them. I have done a few reviews and I know you all love the CSN Stores giveaways!! Well, I will be reviewing a product from their stores soon. I haven't decided what product becuase there are so many to choose from!! I do have a few ideas though.

If you haven't heard about CSN, now is the time to go check out their numerous sites. CSN is an online retailer based in Boston that started out in 2002 with two employees and one online shop. CSN Stores has now become one of the top 3 online US retailers of home and office goods with over 400 employees and 200 online stores. They sell barstools, cookware, rugs, twin beds, toys, furniture and so much more.

I thought long and hard about what item I might need from CSN stores. I am eyeing saw some really cool cat furniture that my kitties would love. If I get really selfish, then I am so buying myself some cookware! I just have no idea. But be assured that whatever I decide to review, I will let you know about!

So keep an eye out in the coming weeks to see what I decided to review!

Disclosure: I will receive a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Random WillyNillyness Cooking Presents: Sabroso Saturday ~ Mocha Coffee

I am participating in a campaign to promote milk! I agreed because I love my milk. I not only drink milk, put it on my cereal but also use it for cooking.

I use 2% milk and I find it to be just as good as whole milk. Plus, it has less calories and it still is nutritious. For the next month, I will be sharing some delicious recipes that include milk as part of the Sabroso Saturday posts. So keep an eye out for some more terrific recipes.

Today's recipe is Mocha Coffee. This required Chocolate Milk, which I love. It couldn't get better than having two of my favorite things, chocolate and coffee, in one tasty cupful!

Here is the recipe:

Mocha CoffeeMakes 4 (1 cup servings)

Ingredients
* 4 cups low fat chocolate milk
* 2 tbsps instant espresso coffee
* 2 oz semisweet chocolate
* 1/2 tsp lemon zest

Preparation
* In a large pan combine all the ingredients and cook at medium heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate dissolves.

Nutritional Information:
226 calories; 6.8 g fat; 4.1 g saturated fat; 8.7 g protein; 295 mg calciumI thought the lemon zest was a little weird but I have seen this done in other recipes and it enhances the flavors of the chocolate and coffee. The semisweet chocolate is perfect because it gives the drink a nice richness but it doesn't make it too sweet.

I got a little crazy and added some whipped cream and a squirt of chocolate sauce on top. A little lemon zest was added for color. Okay, my pictures aren't great but the drink was delicious.

For more information, follow the Bigote de Leche (Milk Mustache) Campaign on Twitter and Facebook. To see more delicious milk recipes, go to the Elige Leche website and do a search. Make sure to head over to Latina on Mission and check out the other Sabroso Saturday recipes by participating bloggers!



Disclosure: This is a paid post created in collaboration with Latina on a Mission and Milk Processors Education Program (MilkPEP). All opinions expressed herein are solely my own.

CLOSED ~ Fellowes P12C Shredder Review and Giveaway!

A few months ago our cheapo shredder blew up. Okay, it didn't blow up but it got so hot that it just stopped and never turned back on. It died. We didn't even have it for a year. We only used it maybe once a week. UGH!

Since then, I have been meaning to replace it and haven't. A shredder is one of those things that every household should have. I know some people don't really think about it, but all those credit card statements, electric bills, old credit cards, and other confidential information should not be tossed willy-nilly into the trash. You need to destroy them to prevent identity theft and having that information fall into the wrong hands.

Luckily, Fellowes came to the rescue and I had the opportunity to review the P12C Fellowes Shredder. I was thrilled because we really needed one. We had been piling our papers into a box and it was overflowing. It was time to get rid of it all!

My first impression when I got the Fellowes P12C shredder was "wow this is not my mama's shredder!" It isn't one of those flimsy ones that fit over a trash can. This is a full on solid and well built shredder. It is sturdy and quite attractive as well. It was easy to set up! I didn't even need to call in Tom to help me out. I did it on my own!! Now if I can set it up, it is easy.

Here are the basics from the company:
•The P-12C includes Fellowes’ patented SafeSense technology, an electronic sensor that surrounds the machine’s paper opening and shuts it down when hands come close.
•It also features high-security Cross-Cut technology, and a slim profile design, which allows it to fit easily in home offices, kitchens and other rooms.
•The machine has an easy-to-use pull-out bin and has the ability to shred staples, credit cards and paper clips.
•Fellowes’ P-12C has a suggested retail price of $84.99 and is available at Target stores nationwide
I even made a little video so you can watch it work. It has 3 settings: Auto, Off and Reverse. It has a lock feature which is great if you have little ones running around getting into everything. It has light indicators that tell you to standby (green), Safe Sense Technology (and electronic sensor that will make the machine stop when it senses something near the opening - yellow) and Overheat (red).

I shredded a bunch of paper. It can shred up to 12 sheets. I might have had 13 but shhhh, don't tell. I shredded old credit cards and even shredded a CD. Now don' tell my hubby it was a blank CD but I had to try it!! You can shred paper with staples. It was quick and easy to use.

My favorite part is the pull out paper tray! It has a little window that shows you if it is full and it pulls right out so you can dump the paper into a trash bin or bag. Love it!!

Okay check out my cheesy video.


I give this baby a thumbs up. And with the holidays coming, this is something you might consider as a gift. I know it sounds like a weird gift but it isn't. It makes sense and is practical. I need to convince my employer to buy one of these for my office. I handle a lot of sensitive and confidential information so this would be a great addition to my office!!

The peeps over at Fellowes are great and have an extra one P12C Shredder for one of my readers. YAY! So you all know the drill. Read the rules and enter!!

Mandatory Entry

Visit the the Fellowes site and tell me something you learned.

Extra Entries* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Like The Art of Random Willynillyness on Facebook page (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog on GFC (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky, your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited!!)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!Deadline: Friday, November 12 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

WOO! I am a Saucy Mama!!!

Remember a few weeks ago, I had entered the Saucy Mama "I am a Saucy Mama" recipe contest??? Here is the link to my post.

Well my dear readers, I WON!!!!! Yes, peeps can you believe that my "Saucy Beef Bites ~ Two Ways" won the Grand Prize! YAY ME!!!

I knew my recipe was delicious but never thought it would win!! I am super duper excited and want to thank all of you who actually entered the Saucy Mama giveaway as well.

And here I was whining yesterday that I hadn't won a thing in a while!! I think I might have to whine more often so the sweepstakes, contest and giveaways gods will have pity on me!!

Sorry I have been MIA!

I know, I know. I have been a total slacker on updating this blog. No new giveaways or anything else. I even forgot to tell you I was going to be away at the Blogalicious Conference this past weekend in Miami. I have been a bad bad blogger!

But the good news is that I am back and hopefully will have some cool giveaways coming up in the next few weeks. I am hoping to have a great one for Christmas, but we will see.

I was lucky because Que Rica Vida, part of General Mills, sponsored my trip to Blogalicious this year. It was fun and as usual, I will have some pictures and stuff up on Carolyn in Carolina. So you can head over there and check out my posts. Also, if you want to see some kick ass Fall Color pictures visit Carolyn in Carolina. Fall has exploded here in Western North Carolina and I am trying to post as many pictures as I can because it is just so beautiful!!! I can't even describe it and I am sure the pictures won't even do it justice.

Que Rica Vida has a new recipe app that I was lucky to try out. I will be vlogging about it soon so you can see how cool it is.

Aside from that, I am hoping things at my outside job slow down for winter and I can begin entering some giveaways myself. I haven't had a decent win for months!! It's sad when I don;t get to do sweeps and giveaways. BOO!

So hang in there and, hopefully, I will have some cool stuff in time for Christmas!!

CLOSED ~ Pillsbury Grands Mini Biscuit Review and Giveaway

I had the opportunity through MyBlogSpark to try the new Pillsbury® Grands!® Mini Biscuits. I eat Pillsbury biscuits already because they are easy to make, delicious to eat and a perfect side for any meal. Now Pillsbury has created these mini frozen biscuits that are just as delicious and even easier to make.

The good thing is these biscuits are only 70 calories each and that is important to me. You get 28 mini biscuits in a bag and you can use them all or use one at a time. That's what I love about these new frozen biscuits. You take out as many as you need, bake them up and the rest go back into the freezer to be used at another time. This is great because I am usually making these for me and hubby and now we won't have extras that sometimes get wasted.

Pillsbury® Grands!® Mini Biscuits are the perfect for kids, mini sandwiches or mini appetizers. Of course Pillsbury Grand! Mini Biscuits are great anytime!

I went on the Pillsbury site and found a Country Ham Biscuit recipe I wanted to try. It's so easy: Pillsbury® Grands!® mini frozen buttermilk biscuits, Honey mustard, and sliced country ham. I actually did a take on this recipe and made it my own. Instead of honey mustard, I used apricot jam and then added a slice of brie cheese! OMG so delish!

I give these a thumbs up, not only for the taste but the size and the ease of use. I also am a huge fan of being able to use as many or as few of these biscuits as I want without wasting any!!

Now you have the opportunity to win a prize pack like I received! It includes a VIP coupon good for a free package of the Pillsbury Grand mini biscuits, a $15 gift card, a cute biscuit basket, and a Zak butter dish and spreader! This is a very cool prize. So my friends, enter, enter, enter!!

Mandatory Entry

Visit the Pillsbury site and come back and tell me your favorite recipe. Any recipe will do!

Extra Entries

* Tell me how you would use the Grands Mini Biscuits (1 entry)
* Like Pillsbury on Facebook (1 entry)
* Follow Pillsbury on Twitter (1 entry)
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Like The Art of Random Willynillyness on Facebook page (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog on GFC (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky, your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited!!)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!Deadline: Friday, November 5 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes through MyBlogSpark. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Perricone MD and Red Robin Winners!!!

WOO! I am getting back on track and trying to pick my winners quicker! Here goes. The lucky winners chosen by Random.org are:

Red Robin - Mark N.

Perricone MD - redfuzzycow

Congrats to you! I have sent you both a message. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose a new winner. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank Red Robin and Perricone MD for these great prizes and the opportunity for my readers to win. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support. And stay tuned since I have some really awesome giveaways coming up!!

Pyrex Supper Saver Package Review

I was recently given the opportunity to review various Pyrex products and I was thrilled. For me, Pyrex always means a quality product. When I was little my mom love her Pyrex products and it was a big deal when she brought out the Pyrex pie plate or the Pyrex casserole dishes out to cook. I can't remember when I didn't know about Pyrex products.

And even now, if I need casserole dishes or baking dishes, I always go for the Pyrex cookware. Now, Pyrex makes many more products. In the bag of Supper Saver goodies I received, there were so many cool products that I was in hog heaven.

I received a reusable grocery bag with 3 wonderful Pyrex No Leak Lids Glass Storage containers, measuring spoons, pinch bowls, whisk, grater with container, mini spatula and a grocery list pad.

I had never tried glass storage containers before but I really like them. Besides, being no leak because of the airtight seals, the glass containers won't absorb odors, they won't stain and are environmentally friendly since you aren't using plastic.

I sent hubby to work with some soup I made and he reported back that he had no problems with the Pyrex and there was no leakage. I love these containers because I can use them in the microwave, oven and then pop them in the dishwasher. They also clean easily. The different sizes make them great for leftovers.

My favorite gadgets are the pinch bowls and the cheese grater with the container. I love this because it keeps everything in its place and makes it so much easier to clean up. I actually used the grater to grate some onions and it was the perfect kitchen tool.

The pinch bowls were perfect when I needed to measure out flour and spices for cooking. They also make perfect measuring cups as well. Overall, I liked all the Pyrex gadgets I received.

I also think these would make a perfect gift for those foodies on your holiday list. They would also be perfect hostess gift or a housewarming gift. So go check out the site!!
Disclosure: I received sample products for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

CLOSED ~ Halls Review & Giveaway

Halls lozenges are a must have in my house especially during winter. We have them year-round but come winter time we stock up on several Halls products. I also use them during the Spring when allergies pop up because Halls can relieve some of those nasty symptoms.

I especially love Halls when I get a sore throat or cough. The lozenges always soothe my scratchy throat and make me feel so much better! I also love the cough drops because they help stop that nasty cough that can cause havoc day or night!

My favorite thing is the multitude of flavors Halls offers. My favorites are cherry and honey-lemon. I also love that Halls now offers a sugar free version of their products and they work just like the originals.

Halls also offers other products like Halls Refresh, Halls Naturals, Halls Defense and Halls Breezers. And you can always count on the Halls Advanced Vapor Action® formula to make you feel better.

I will continue using Halls when flu and cold season comes around. And now you can prepare yourself for flu and cold season by entering to win this great giveaway. Two (2) readers will receive ten (10) Halls sticks each!! This is a fantastic giveaway because who can't use these? So enter to win!!

Mandatory Entry

Visit the Halls site and come back and tell me what product is your favorite.

Extra Entries

*Like Halls on Facebook (1 entry)
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Like The Art of Random Willynillyness on Facebook page (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog on GFC (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky, your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited!!)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!
Deadline: Tuesday, October 19 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

CLOSED ~ Aquaphor Review and Giveaway

As you all know I was in New York in August for BlogHer. While I was there, I had the opportunity to visit the Aquaphor booth in the Expo center. While there, I was given the opportunity to try the Aquaphor Lip Repair. I loved it. I have used Aquaphor products before and my hubby swears by the healing lotion. And now I swear by the Lip Repair.

In the summer my lips get chapped from the sun and in the winter they get chapped with the cold and wind. So I really need this product. It is smooth and not greasy like other brands. It also has no fragrance which I like and it is preservative and dye-free.

Now that winter is fast approaching, I know I have to stock up on the Aquaphor Healing Lotion for hubby and for me. My skin really suffers in the winter and Aquaphor really helps make it feel better and moisturized.

And now two of my very lucky readers will be able to try Aquaphor as well. Thanks to the fantastic peeps at Aquaphor who have offered me two (2) Aquaphor Wonder Sets (value $33) to give away. Look what you will win!!

Aquaphor Lip Repair: Aquaphor Lip Repair effectively relieves dryness and soothes chapped lips so you can smile comfortably. Provides immediate and long-lasting relief for dry lips, seals in moisture and prevents dryness. Fragrance-free, preservative-free, dye-free and appropriate for sensitive lips.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Protects extremely dry, chapped, cracked or irritated skin and helps enhance the skin’s natural healing process. The multi-purpose ointment is safe to use on babies’ sensitive skin; it relieves chapped cheeks, treats diaper rash and relieves dry skin associated with eczema.

Aquaphor Gentle Wash & Shampoo: A convenient cleanser that gently cleanses both skin and hair. Enriched with soothing chamomile and provitamin B5, it is specially designed to be gentle for baby’s sensitive skin. Soap-free, fragrance-free, tear-free and pediatrician recommended.

I know you will love the lip repair and the healing lotion. So my dear readers, read the rules and enter for this great prize pack!!! WOO!

Mandatory Entry

Tell me which Aquaphor product you are most excited to try and why!! Or, if you have used Aquaphor products, tell me about it!

Extra Entries

* Like Aquaphor on Facebook (1 entry)
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Like The Art of Random Willynillyness on Facebook page (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog on GFC (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (1 entry)
* Add my site to your blogroll (1 entry)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky, your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission - unlimited!!)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!Deadline: Friday, October 29 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.


Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.