Richard's Cajun Foods Review and Giveaway!#richardscajunfoods #NCBN #NCBNCampaign

This is a sponsored campaign for the North Carolina Blogger Network and I was compensated for my time to try the product and write this post. Opinions of this product are my own and not of the network.

There are times when I want a quick and easy meal. I work full-time and then come home and have to make dinner. There are days when that is fine but there are other days when I don't want to cook. So there are some go to meals I always make because they are so fast and easy.

One of those meals is spaghetti. I make it meatless, with meat sauce and sometimes sausage. I use sausage because it is not only tasty but also quick since the sausage needs no cooking. I recently had the opportunity to try RIchard's Cajun Foods sausage to make my go to meal.

Richard's Cajun Food is a family operated business out of Louisiana. And now we are lucky to have Richard's Cajun Foods here in North Carolina. You can find Richard's Cajun Foods in local grocery stores like Ingles or Harris Teeter. I am glad because Richard's Cajun Foods are really delicious.

I am a big fan of Cajun food but it is one of the cuisines I have not mastered. Richard's Cajun Foods allows me to have my Cajun fix without having to go to all the trouble. The products they have are amazing. They have smoked sausage and meats. They have andouille sausage, roux and sauces and also ready to eat meals.

The ready to eat meals are great because when I need a quick lunch, I can grab one out of the freezer and pop into the microwave and in minutes I have a delicious Cajun meals like Crawfish Etouffee, Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya, Red Beans & Sausage or Chicken & Sausage Gumbo. The other day I had the Crawfish Etouffee and it was delicious. It was creamy and spicy and had all the flavors that represent Cajun food.

When I needed a quick meal the other day, I pulled out some of Richard's Smoked Sausage. I cooked it up to render some of the fat. I took out the sausage and left a little bit of the oil in the pan and sauteed some onions and garlic. I added the sauce and then the sausage back in. After I let it simmer for a while, I dded the sauce over my spaghetti. Folks, this is a 30 minute meal. The smoky sausage gave my spaghetti a depth of flavor. It was smoky and spicy. I could just eat the sausage on its own. And, if you have never tried sausage in spaghetti, you should.

I really like Richard's Cajun Foods and am glad that they are now here in North Carolina because I know that I will buying the ready to eat meals and sausage again and again! If you want to try Richard's Cajun Foods head over to your local grocery store and see if they carry Richard's. You can also check on the site.

I also have some coupons for 3 lucky winners. Each winner will win 2 full value coupons for Richard's Cajun Foods.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Like on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

Rules: One entry per person per day. 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. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA: Fluffeez Gift Card Holders + Giveaway!

Do you give gift cards as gifts? I do. I sometimes prefer giving gift card especially to kids. Giving them a gift cards gives them a little confidence since they get to spend that money on something they really want. So for my great nephews and nieces and my friends kids, I usually buy a card and stick a gift card in there as he gift. I am not usually a fan of cards because they aren't cute or fun but what choice do I have?

But now there is a great new product that will make your gift card giving fun and adorable. Fluffeez. Fluffeez are little plush animals that come with a pouch so you can tuck a gift card into and then give them as a gift. Fluffeez makes giving gift cards a little more personal and shows you took the time to choose something besides a card.

I love these. First because they are so darn adorable but they are also practical. Fluffeez are a great idea especially now for the holidays. All you have to do is buy them and fill them. Fluffeez can be purchased online at the website. There is a large variety of Fluffeez and more are coming soon. The Original set includes a bear, bunny, monkey, panda, penguin and puppy. Coming soon will be Valentine's Day, Easter, wedding, Christmas and more designs.

I love them all but I really like the bunny. I know he will be filled and given away this year. I would love to receive one of these instead of just a card. You need to check them out and consider buying a Fluffeez if you are giving away gift cards this holiday season!

You can buy Fluffeez online at the Fluffeez websire. The cool thing is that you can buy just the Fluffeez or you can actually buy a gift card to go along with the Fluffeez. I love this option because then you can send it directly to your loved one.

This season if you care giving gift cards, wrap them up in a little fluffy love! And you can win Fluffeez just by entering below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Rules: One entry per person per day. 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. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Join an Exclusive Online Community! Be Counted and Earn Amazon Codes!

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You’re invited to join an exclusive, private online community where you can be an honorary advisor to this major food company and share your opinions directly with brand decision makers and other members like you.

In addition to the opportunity to impact the brand, members will receive monthly Amazon gift codes (up to $20 a month) for participating often and a $5 Amazon gift code just for joining.

Limited space available, see if you qualify for this special opportunity today.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA: UglySnuglies + Giveaway!

If you know me, you know I am a sucker for plush animals! I have a huge collection but my husband is not happy about it because my collection takes up space. But I still keep adding new toys.

I have a new friend now. I received an UglySnuglies bear. UglySnuglies are soft, oversized stuffed animals that are so ugly, they’re cute proving that you don't have to be beautiful to be loved.

The UglySnuglies aren't ugly in my eyes. I think they are adorable and I want all of them. The Bizarre Bear and he is just so squishy and soft that you want to hug him all day long. UglySnuglies aren't only to cuddle. Each UglySnuglies has a special gift that makes them special. So each UglySnuglies are unique!

Here are the UglySnuglies that are available:

• Pouty Pig – includes a bank inside to help kids learn to save their money

• Krazy Kitty – includes a hidden light in his tail to help kids feel safe

• Bizarre Bear – includes 5 secret zipper pockets to help kids clean up after themselves

• Unusual Unicorn – includes an alarm clock to help kids learn the value of time

• Rowdy Rabbit – includes a radio inside to help kids learn to relax

• Porky Panda – includes a hidden blanket inside to keep kids warm

Photo courtesy of UglySnuglies Facebook page. 

I love these stuffed animals. They are absolutely adorable. Plus, they are made to teach kids a lesson about beauty and what is important. These pets have personality and that is more important than being cute. Although these are cute!! I love the Bizarre Bear. My bear has 5 pockets. Kids would love this because they can keep their keepsakes in there and hide them away. But since all the UglySnuglies have a special gift there is something for everyone.

I know I want to buy these for Christmas. I have a new grand nephew and grand niece and these would great as Christmas gifts. Each UglySnuglies retails for $29.95 and you can buy them on the website. Use Promo Code "SAVE" and get a discount!

I have one UglySnuglies to give away to one lucky reader! These are great for gifts so you want to win one!! Enter below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Rules: One entry per person per day. 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. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

The Good Dinosaur Activity Sheets!

I have some fun activity sheets for you all! These are from The Good Dinosaur. I am so looking forward to seeing this movie. It looks adorable and fun. Make sure to click on the image and print out. With Thanksgiving coming up, these are the type of activity sheets I keep handy for the kids who come over to the house!

Tazo Chai Tea Coupon Giveaway! #sweetmeetsspicy

I am a coffee lover but every so often, I need to have tea instead. Tea, for me, is that afternoon drink. That little pick me up when I am crashing at work. It is that little treat in the afternoon on a cold day or iced tea on a hot day. Lately, I have been drinking Chai teas and I like them.

I had the opportunity to try Tazo Chai. I received some yummy Tazo Vanilla Caramel Chai Latte Concentrate, some Tazo filter bags in vanilla caramel, classic and chocolate Chai flavors to try.

I had never tried the Tazo Chai before so I was looking forward to doing so. I tried all the flavors some with the Latte Concentrate and then alone. I loved the teas with the Latte Concentrate. Chai tea is sweet and spicy and with the concentrate it actually makes it creamy and delicious. I take my afternoon teas with milk but this tea is so much better!

There are hints of cardamon, ginger and cinnamon. Those flavors with the vanilla or chocolate make the Tazo tea so satisfying and delicious. There is also a seasonal pumpkin spice chai as well! And there is not just the vanilla concentrate, you can get chocolate, organic, decaf and more.

• Save up to $2 on Tazo: http://bit.ly/1LgrTYP
• Learn more about Tazo Chai: http://bit.ly/1FUAbJK
• Like Tazo on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1PgqS9f
• Follow Tazo on Twitter: http://bit.ly/1MakXkZ
• Follow Tazo on Instagram: http://bit.ly/1VBcvBg
• Follow Tazo on Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1VBcDB1
  
  

I want you to try Tazo Chai tea for yourself! I have coupons for 5 lucky readers. Each winner will win 2 coupons each to try 2 flavors of the Tazo Chai! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Rules: One entry per person per day. 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. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Get Organized this Holiday Season with Staples + $25 gift card Giveaway!

It's been about 8 months since I started my new job. I have been so busy since I started that it has only been in the past few weeks that I started organizing my office to make it look like an office. Our facilities manager put up shelves for me and I started adding file cabinets as well.

It is starting to resemble a real office although it is more like a huge room with 2 desks and a conference table. The other desk is sometimes used by our interns. But at least my little corner of the office is starting to take shape.

Luckily, I am a fiend for office supplies and office accessories. If you saw my collection of sticky notes and pens, you would think I am crazy. I also love accessories and love having cool stuff on my desk.

I was thrilled to receive a new line of acrylic office tools to help me get more organized. The collection included a desk organizer, wall file, a letter tray and file holder. I had not even fully opened the box when my hubby snatched the file holder for our home office. He loved the blue color.

I took my other accessories to my office. My co-worker wanted my wall file holder because her area is tiny and she has nowhere to put stuff. I let her have it because why wouldn't I share the wealth? She needed it more than me.

I took the desk organizer and the acrylic file folder holder. The file holder works well on my makeshift credenza and it is now my new inbox. The desk organizer is a dream come true because it can hold all my pens, glue and giant markers and pens.

I love these new Staples desk accessories. I need to buy more. And I am putting them on my Christmas list!! If you need office accessories or are an office supply lover like me, then head over to Staples and check out this collection of supplies or any of the other collections and office supplies you can find at Staples. The prices range from $7.99 and up and are worth it!

You can like Staples on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

Because I love my readers, I am also giving away a $25 gift card to one lucky person! That way you can head over to Staples to get your own accessories. Just enter below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Rules: One entry per person per day. 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. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Marie Callender Comforts From Home Project #ComfortsFromHome #CG #MarieCallenders

This Fall Marie Callender announced the return of the Comforts from Home Project. The Comforts From Home Projects is a partnership between Marie Callender and the United Service Organizations (USO). It is set up to bring the "comforts of home" to the men and women who serve in our military.

This is such a great program. I think many times we forget about those who are brave enough to fight for us. And during the holidays not all the military members can make it home. Being alone, far away from home is not good. But if a little bit of home comes to you, it makes it more bearable.

For me, it hits close to home. I work at a homeless shelter and one of the programs we have is only for Veterans. We have permanent and transitional housing where the vets can come and work out their problems but still have a safe place to call home. Some of those vets often come and help out at our other shelter where I work and they are often without family. It is important for me as well as my co-workers to make them feel at home.

That's why I support this program. It is important that we treat all our military members with respect and dignity. When I think of those who have to be away from home in trying situations, it makes me sad. I think we should all do what we can . And this program is a special way for give the deployed troops a "home away from home" this holiday season.

You can participate as well. From September 1, 2015 through January 29, 2016, all you have to do is purchase a specially marked box of Marie Callender's frozen entrees. Then head over to the Comforts From Home site and enter the on-pack code on the package. It is easy to enter the codes! You can also track the codes that have been entered!

For every entry by January 29, 2016 of the 8-digit code found on participating products, Marie Callender’s will donate $.50 to the USO Operation Celebration program. There is a guaranteed minimum donation of $100,000 and a maximum donation of $300,000. Limit 5 code entries per person/computer each day. Valid in U.S. only. For a list of participating Marie Callender’s products head over to the site. Last year, Marie Callender’s brought care packages to a very deserving group of servicemen and women stationed overseas through a $250,000 donation to the USO2GO program.

The program ensures that that our troops have a place to celebrate every holiday, with or without their families, bringing the comforts of home that can often be taken for granted, such as seasonal meals, company, entertainment and a chance to relax away from the stress of active service.

I have always loved Marie Callender's meals as well. When I lived in Los Angeles, I would go to the restaurant. When I moved ad there was no restaurant, I was always glad to be able to find the frozen version of my favorites. I love that Marie Callender's food is made with high quality ingredients and taste delicious. And I love that Marie Callender's is helping our troops receive a little bit of home during this season.

If you want to participate, head over to the site and get the details. It is wonderful that participating in this program you can make a difference in someone's life. 

Follow Marie Callender's on Pinterest 

Like Marie Callender's on Facebook

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS teaser trailer!

Alice is back! I cannot wait for this movie. I loved the first one and this one looks just as good! Check out the new teaser trailer! Looks amazing!

Like ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyAlice

Follow ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS on Instagram: https://instagram.com/DisneyAlice

Follow Walt Disney Studios on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneystudios

ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS opens in theaters everywhere on May 27, 2016!

Holiday Gift Idea! Bright Time Buddies Giveaway!

When I was little I shared a room with my sister. I always remember we had a night light on when we slept. Not so much because we were scared but because we liked the soft glow on the walls. Sometimes during the night, we would get up and make hand puppets in front of the light. Then our mom would come in when she heard us laughing. Those were fun times.

Nowadays, I do not require a night light but I know a lot of kids who do. I have a lot of little grand nieces and nephews and they still require that little bit of light in their room and I totally understand. There are times when the dark can be scary and seeing a little light makes it all better.

Luckily there are Bright Time Buddies to help anyone who needs that light, These night lights are portable which is great for the little ones. So not only can the Bright Time Buddy be in their room but it can be anywhere in their room. And even better, the Bright Time Buddy is portable so it can travel anywhere in the house.

• Night light you can take with you!
• Click once to turn it on and it rotates between blue, yellow, and green
• Click a second time and it stays on the color of your choice
• Colors are a soft glow so kids can fall asleep with comforting light.
• Soft body for squeezable fun
• Makes a great gift!

Bright Time Buddies are such great toys. It will keep your child feeling safe at night and also keep them company at night. The Bright Buddies come in different variations: Dreamy Dog, Shimmer Unicorn, Domino the Penguin, Crescent Cat, Lumy Owl and Lucinda Ladybug. The Bright Time Buddies provides a soothing colorful light - perfect for turning any dark space into a magical place. It is soft enough to sleep with like a stuffed animal. Kids can rotate between three different color options, or keep it on the color of their choice with a simple tap.


I love the Bright Time Buddies. I think there are a lot of kids who would love these as well. Bright Time Buddies® are available at Kmart, Walmart and Toys R’Us and online for an MSRP of $14.99. These make great holida gifts or stocking stuffers!! If you want to win a Bright Time Buddy then enter below on the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway






Rules: One entry per person per day. 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. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Happy Veterans Day!

Let's take a minute to thank those who serve in the military, They put their life on the line for us.

Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars Twilight of the Republic PS4 Starter Pack with Mickey Character Giveaway!

Win the New Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars Twilight of the Republic PS4 Starter Pack with Mickey Mouse Character! One winner will be able to cross this off their kid's "Dear Santa" list because EVERY kid wants this!! Win big with your kid this holiday with this easy to enter giveaway!

+ BONUS! Mickey Mouse Character!

• Twilight of the Republic Play Set Starter Pack launched earlier last month. The play set includes two characters, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka Tano, the game, the Toy Box expansion and base. In plot, Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda travel to Geonosis after they are alerted that the Battle Droid factory has mysteriously been activated, and must discover who did it and why. The play set takes players to four different worlds (Geonosis, Coruscant, Naboo, and Tatooine) and features appearances by many Star Wars characters, including Mace Windu, Jar Jar Binks, Cad Bane, and General Grievous, to name a few. There’s also a boss battle with Darth Maul. This set is about $65. The Toy Box expansion runs $20 when bought separately.

12:00AM 9th November 2015 — 11:59PM 23rd November 2015 

(Eastern Time (US & Canada)

ENTER HERE

Infinity 3.0

Personalize your Holidays with Shutterfly Holiday Cards + Giveaway!! #MiVidaShutterfly

This is part of a sponsored collaboration with DiMeMedia and Shutterfly. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

It's the holiday season and that means I have to start getting my house in order. One of the things I try to do early is order my holiday cards. I always order them online so I can create them myself. One of the places I always use is Shutterfly. I love that Shutterfly allows me to create, design, order and get my cards quickly! I can also personalize them the way I want.

One of the reasons I order my cards early is because of mi familia in Costa Rica. I have to make sure I send them at least 2 to 3 weeks before I want them delivered because the mail is slow. So I try to get my cards out by the beginning of December. It is very important for me to get my cards to my family in Costa Rica because I rarely see my family there. The holiday cards I send help me send my love and best wishes to my far away familia.

I love photo cards because I can choose one or more photos that let my family into my life. The photo I chose for our card this year is one taken on our trip to Lake Lure this summer. It represents my life here and I am glad I can share it with my family. I love that Shutterfly offers Spanish-language cards. Sending a card in Spanish to my family in Costa Rica is special. I can also make my cards bilingual so I can use them for my husband's family as well.

Shutterfly also offers other items in Spanish as well. You can get personalized cards, photo books and photo gifts. I love buying photo gifts to give to family as well. They are special and unique.

Making cards on Shutterfly is so easy. You can choose from various templates. You can add photos and change the text. I chose a beautiful Papel Picado template and then chose the photo to include. I changed some of the wording and then added a special bonus on the back of the card. I couldn't resist and added our new addition to the back of the card.

A video posted by Carolyn Gonzalez (@carogonza1) on Nov 2, 2015 at 4:38pm PST

UPDATE!! My cards arrived!

My Holiday cards are here #MiVidaShutterfly #ad

A video posted by Carolyn Gonzalez (@carogonza1) on Nov 14, 2015 at 1:27pm PST

I love making cards at Shutterfly. They always look good and are affordable. I always find great deals on the products as well. My next project is a beautiful photo book for my hubby. He had a rough year and I wanted to surprise him with something special so keep an eye out for that.

I love my new card. They are so cute and I was glad that I could include Joss on the back since he is our new addition!!

In the meantime, if you want to make your own cards or photo gifts, you can enter below on the Rafflecopter widget to win a $50 Shutterfly certificate!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Rules: One entry per person per day. 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. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.