Merci Chocolate Review and Giveaway #MeaningfulMerci (Closed)

 

Ah, the holidays.  What do you give or have on hand as a nice present if someone unexpectedly drops by the house?  I don't know about you, but we usually have a box or two of chocolates wrapped and ready to go.  How can you go wrong, really?  So, when asked to review a box of Merci chocolates, I could not refuse. (My job is really tough sometimes.) 

I am overly impressed with these delicious chocolates! Merci chocolates are probably the best chocolates I have ever tasted. They are a European chocolate that are made in Germany.  I found these chocolates to be smooth and creamy, not too rich or overly sweet. The assortment of flavors offered was nice, too. There are 7 flavors, each one with a creamy filling inside: Milk Chocolate, Coffee and Cream, Hazelnut-Almond, Hazelnut-Cream, Dark Cream, Dark Mousse, and Praline Cream. 

When choosing a box of chocolates, I usually go with the variety pack.  But, I always find that there are weird nougats or cream filled candies that no one wants to eat.  These usually get hard or melt and wind up in the trash.  I can assure you that none of my Merci chocolates will be trashed.

What did I really like about Merci chocolates?  I like that each stick of chocolate is individually wrapped with the flavor clearly marked on the wrapper.  No more wondering who picked up a chocolate, smooshed in the center, and put it back.  Each stick of chocolate is also divided into two pieces, making it easy to break apart.  I didn't feel cheated when eating these chocolates either.  After eating the first half of chocolate, I was satisfied, When I realized that I still had the other half to eat, I didn't have to feel guilty about going back for seconds!

Merci chocolates also have a guarantee with each box: Merci states that their chocolates are "produced under the strictest quality control and should reach you in perfect condition.  If you are not entirely satisfied with the product, you can return the box and its contents".  There is also an expiration date printed on each box to maintain the best possible taste of the chocolate. 

Merci chocolates would be great for a present this holiday season.  Whether you are looking for a present for someone else, or a little treat for yourself, you won't go wring with picking up a box of Merci chocolates.

We have one box of Merci Chocolate to give to one lucky Mama Cheaps reader!
Enter this giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget HERE.



Thank you to Merci for providing a box of chocolates for review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Softsoap Scentsations Holiday Scented Body Wash Review

Ah, one of my favorite types of reviews to complete....body wash.  If you are a busy parent, you will understand what having 5 minutes to yourself is like.  Besides being almost non-existent, time to yourself to relax is great for your overall well being.  When I do get those rare moments of peace to myself, I like to make sure I can indulge in one way or another.  Whether is be a great new hair product, or in this case, body wash.

I love to use body wash in the shower.  I find that soap alone not only dries my skin out, but leaves me feeling cheated.  I don't know if it is the refreshing scents or the moisturizing I crave but, for me, using body wash is a simple indulgence that will go a long way when facing a long day.

I was so excited to try Softsoap brand Scentsations limited edition body washes.  This was just what I needed to get into the holiday spirit!  Softsoap has created two amazing seasonal scents: Wintermint Wonderland and Enchanting Sugar Plum.

I first tried Wintermint Wonderland.  Wintermint Wonderland is a pure white pearlescent formula that is moisture rich.  I wasn't sure how I felt about using a minty scented body wash, but once the wintermint scent hit my senses, I changed my opinion.  I was immediately relaxed by the minty smell that, for me, was reminiscent of the Christmas nougats I ate as a child.  Plus, this formula left my skin feeling soft and smooth!

I then tried Softsoap's Enchanting Sugar Plum.  This Enchanting Sugar Plum body wash will fill your shower with an amazing scent of festive berries.  This body wash is formulated with suspended moisture beads to help skin stay soft and supple.  I loved the rich lather that left my skin feeling extra soft.  My skin was moisturized, far from that dry feeling that bar soap leaves me. 

Softsoap Wintermint Wonderland and Enchanting Sugar Plum are only available for a limited time at Walmart.  Each bottle retails for about $3.48.


We were provided with a sample of the products reviewed above in order to facilitate the review. All opinions are 100% our own.

Reindeer Food

Here is what Mason and I will be doing this afternoon!  This is a fun way to get the kids involved in preparation for Santa's big arrival.  Everyone remembers to put cookies and milk out for Santa each year, but what about the hard-working team of reindeer?  Before your cherubs go to sleep on Christmas Eve, have them sprinkle some magic reindeer food on the front lawn or by the front door so the team can keep its energy up to make it to all the boys and girls homes before morning.

Here is what you need:

• Oatmeal
• Magic reindeer dust (gold or brightly colored glitter or bakery sprinkles)

Put the ingredients on a snack-sized bag, shake it up, and it's ready to give to your child to put out before going to bed.  The magic dust will glisten in the snow or grass, making it easy for the reindeer to spot. 

If you live in an area where you are concerned about wildlife eating the glitter, substitute bakery sprinkles or even sugar (colored with food coloring, if desired).

Use these two links below from organizedhome.com in you want a cute reindeer poem to put on your bag of food.

• http://christmas.organizedhome.com/sites/default/files/image/pdf/gift_tag_magic_reindeer_food_cute.pdf
• http://christmas.organizedhome.com/sites/default/files/image/pdf/gift_tag_magic_reindeer_food.pdf

On Christmas Eve, sprinkle this wonderful Reindeer Food on your lawn. The shiny glitter or sprinkles will sparkle in the moonlight and the smell of oats will guide Rudolph to your home.

Birthday Freebies!!!

Someone celebrated their birthday this weekend!  I won't say how old I am, but I have to say I had a great time with my family.  I was treated to a special dinner and Mason and Amanda bought me a beautiful necklace with their birthstones on it.

Did you know that when your birthday comes around, restaurants and retailers give away a ton of coupons and free stuff?  You have got to check out this list of freebies you can get on your special day.  Some require you to simply join their email list, others don't.  I have been receiving coupons and freebies all month long from various retailers!  Not too shabby.

Check out his comprehensive list from Mama Cheaps.  While you are there, you might find some great deals too!

Happy Thanksgiving and Quick Corn Bread Recipe

Happy Thanksgiving!  In case you are on short notice and need a good cornbread recipe quickly, here you go!  Every year it is my job to make the corn bread.  I have taken many, many recipes and tweaked it to how I like it.  Most are too dry or not sweet enough for my liking.  Here is the recipe I have developed over the years.  I hope you like it as much as my family does!

Ingredients

4 tbs butter or solid vegetable shortening - softened
1 and 1/3 cups cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar (I have used up to 3/4 cup if you like it sweeter)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 8oz can of creamed corn

Directions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.  Lightly grease 11x8 inch baking pan with the butter or shortening.

2. Stir the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until mixed.  Beat the milk, oil, and eggs in a separate bowl until blended.  Pour the wet ingredients into the center of the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until just blended - a few lumps won't matter.  Stir in can of creamed corn and mix slightly.

3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the center of the oven until golden brown and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 45 minutes.  Since ovens vary, it may take longer to cook thoroughly.  Remove and cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!!!!!

Thanksgiving Fun!

I found some fun last minute Thanksgiving activities on Babyzone.com.  Click on the link below to be taken directly to the activity.  Have fun!

Gingerbread Turkey Cookies

 

Icing for Gingerbread Turkeys

Homemade Butter

Apple Turkey

Thanksgiving Cornucopias

Felt Leaf Placemats and Napkin Rings

Tree of Thanks

Squash Geese

Free Thanksgiving Printables

Want some new Thanksgiving activity pages for the kids?  Head on over to Parents.com or Michaels.com to print out the latest coloring pages, word searches, mazes, and connect the dot pages!

Want more??????

Click HERE for free printable activities from Kaboose.com

Click HERE for for free printables from FamilyShoppingBag.com

Click HERE for free printables, activity sheets, decorations, coloring pages and more from familyfun.go.com

Click HERE for free printables, word searches, turkey mazes, flash cards, bingo, and more from mes-english.com