Thursday, September 30, 2010

THE Fabulous Beekman Boys and a Fabulous GIVEAWAY! WINNER!

WE HAVE A WINNER!
Brought to you by Random.org

3
 Jeremy, you are the winner of two bars of 
Beekman Boys Soap!
I might also slice you a piece of cheese!
Congrats!


Who likes cheese?!  I guess I should ask who doesn't like cheese? Can I get an amen?

So, I became obsessed with this television show on Planet Green called The Fabulous Beekman Boys about two city slickers move out to (the absolutely picturesque) Beekman Mansion.  Thy have goats, a Llama, and a farmer named John.  Seriously, thank goodness for Farmer John.

I won't go into which Brother is my favorite because they have equally great qualities that are necessary to run the farm.  But, if you love Martha Stewart, you will appreciate Brent's great eye for design and idyllic country lifestyle.  In fact, this post is kind of more about Brent.  Brent and I are kindred spirits where as Josh totally fits my husband's personality.  It is fun to watch with the hubby, and he totally agrees I need to leave our house in Texas and move up to the Beekman Mansion and become Brent's assistant.  Only because Brent and I have such hardcore Type A personalities that we would understand each other.  :)

Anyway, on every episode they are eating their delicious cheese, and I was getting so hungry for cheese, that I couldn't take it anymore.  So, I went online and ordered it at their online store....while I was there I couldn't help myself, and ordered a ton of their goat's milk soap.  Look below for details on how to win a bar of this luxurious soap!


But, here is how my package arrived....thank you Brent!

Brent does great things with black packing tape.



Amazing logo.

 The bags of soap...different months and different smells from the seasons.

 60:40 Goat and Cow milks.

 The Cheese..come to mama! It is called Blaak because they use the old school way of preserving the cheese by covering it hardwood smoked ash.

 The soap...

 This was featured on the Martha Stewart show to go with the cheese.


My favorite is that this is a small operation and each soap has a card that tells you exactly who made it, packed it, and of course wrapped it (not surprised that it was Brent).

If you are a fan or a fan of great soap, I am giving away some bars.  Not sure which month yet, but they are all good!


Leave a comment below on which Beekman Boy is your favorite!
Don't forget to join as a follower!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Pumpkin Spice Latte Showdown....

As you all know, I have an obsession with Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks.  Ok, maybe you all don't know that because some of us don't really know each other face to face...or see me slurping them down like they are water in a desert.

However, as I was having car problems on a rainy day last week, I changed my route to work to drop off my car at the mechanic.  This would be the one fix that my very talented husband couldn't fix...to the  tune of $445.  Anyway, I digress.  It was a very bad day.

BUT, it was going to be made better by my impulse stop at none other than Dunkin Donuts

You see, I love Starbucks.  Really truly, love Starbucks.  However, if I am drinking anything other than coffee, I cringe at the price. CRINGE I tell you.

Well, Dunkin Donuts has unveiled a new Fall line up - a line up that includes an ICED Pumpkin Coffee.

I live in Texas.  It is hot until December 25th....and even then it is sometimes in the 70s.  Major Christmas buzz kill.  But last year we had our first white Christmas since I have been born, so I can't complain.

So, I pull up to the drive through and see a great iced coffee option with a Fall twist.  I order it.  I drink it.

I die.  I die for this iced coffee.  IT IS AMAZING.  It is the only thing that can replace my Pumpkin Spiced Latte.  Now, it is like 10 miles out of my way to work.  I die again because I know this may be the first and last one I will get to drink...at least during the weekday. 

But I am saving my money for the weekends and heaven because it is only like $2.50 for a large and the other is like $4.50 for a small.  You do the math!  

Check them out if there is a Dunkin Donuts near you!


Thursday, September 2, 2010

Hatch Give-Away WINNER!

The Winner is....

Min: 1
Max: 5
Winner is 2!

Thank you Random.org!
Congrats Channa!

This last weekend the City of Grand Prairie hosted a Hatch Chile Festival. For those readers who are not in the southwest, you may not know about the Hatch Chiles from Hatch, New Mexico. These peppers are delicious....here are a few facts about the chilies...they are healthy!
  • One fresh medium-sized green chile pod has as much Vitamin C as six oranges.
  • One teaspoon of dried red chile powder has the daily requirements of Vitamin A.
  • Hot chile peppers burn calories by triggering a thermodynamic burn in the body, which speeds up the metabolism.
  • Chile peppers are relatives of tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants, all belonging to the nightshade family.
So, the recipe for Sunday's dinner is SIMPLE and Weight Watcher's friendly.

Here is what you need!

Boneless Pork Chops
A good jar of Salsa (your fave).
Salt and Pepper
Cumin (and other mexican themed spices. Taco seasoning if you like a lot of spice)

First, season the meat with the salt and pepper and Cumin. 
No real measurements here, just season it to your taste.
You are going to add them to a medium to high skillet with some olive oil.

Brown them and cook them through (no pink).

Remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.
Reduce the heat of the skillet to medium.
add a cup or so of your favorite salsa to the skillet...
While the salsa reduces a little, slice up your roasted Hatch chilies. These have such great flavor.
If you can't find them in your area,
some roasted red peppers from the jar would also add a nice level of flavor.
seeds and all....
Now mix them in slowly with the salsa.
This gives your salsa a more authentic roasted flavor.
Central Market has a whole festival!
Then simply top your pork chop with the salsa topping...and ENJOY!
We chose some organic mac n' cheese and some frech cut green beans
to accompany our little piggy.

Because you might not have Hatch Chilies in your area, I am giving away a jar of Hatch Chili Queso.  This can be enjoyed with any type of tortilla chips! This Queso will have you making plans to vacation in Hatch, New Mexico.  :)

I will pick the winner at random from the
comments section on Sunday (9/5/10) -
when I post my slow cooker ribs recipe just in time for Labor Day!