Ghirardelli Chocolate Review

Please read the disclaimer regarding any reviews on this site.

I love chocolate. Every so often when I'm at the grocery store, I will peruse the chocolate aisle and pick out some new and interesting flavors. I have a few favorite chocolate brands I enjoy, Ghirardelli being one of them. They always have new and innovative chocolate flavors to try. Well, this week, I got quite a treat. Ghirardelli sent me a sample box of several different flavors of Ghirardelli chocolates to review.

One thing I like about Ghirardelli chocolate is that for the solid chocolate squares, they tell you what percentage of cacao is in the chocolate. I enjoy a good dark chocolate (it's the best kind of chocolate for you), so I like to see that cacao percentage on the package. Needless to say, I started off my tasting with some dark chocolate.

The first sample I tried for this review was a Ghirardelli's Intense Dark Midnight Reverie chocolate square with 86% cacao. That's about the highest cacao percentage I've ever tried. Intense is certainly a good descriptive word for it. It's a very bittersweet dark chocolate that melts in your mouth. If milk chocolate is more to your liking, you may want to pass on this one, but dark chocolate lovers will definitely enjoy this chocolate. I certainly did. Then again, there are few chocolates I've met that I didn't like. ;)

I followed up the Intense Dark Midnight Reverie with Ghirardelli's Gourmet Milk Creamy Devotion chocolate square with 32% cacao. Like the Intense Dark, this chocolate was made with all natural ingredients. This chocolate is incredibly sweet, very rich and creamy. I would say it is the complete opposite of the Intense dark. It has a pleasant, sweet aftertaste. Because of its richness, one to two squares at a time would be enough to satisfy my chocolate cravings. More than that would be too rich for me. It's a pleasant chocolate for a small afternoon or after dinner treat.

Dark & Sea Salt Caramel SQUARES Stand Up BagNext, I tried the Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt Caramel. All I have to say is WOW! This was my favorite so far. The sweetness of the caramel cuts through the bittersweet of the dark chocolate. The sea salt really complements the sweet caramel. It is an amazing combination of flavors. My husband doesn't even like dark chocolate, but when he sampled this, he thought it was even better than the milk chocolate Creamy Devotion. It's at the top of both of our lists. Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt Caramel is going on my grocery list and I've already sent emails to friends about it. Seriously, check it out.

The Dark Chocolate with Raspberry filling was good, but it had a tough act to follow. I enjoyed the intense combination of dark chocolate and tart/sweet raspberry, however, this one could be improved on. The filling is made from real fruit so it does have stones from the raspberries in it. I wasn't too keen on that. A smooth filling would make this chocolate over the top.

Milk Chocolate with Caramel is one of my favorites. It's very sweet and combines two of my favorite flavors, chocolate and caramel. This is my "go to" chocolate if nothing else interests me. The only thing that could possibly make this better is... sea salt. Ghirardelli hit one out of the park with the Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt Caramel. It would be interesting to see a Milk Chocolate version.

Next, I tried the Dark Chocolate with White Mint filling. This chocolate is also very sweet mostly due to the mint filling. The mint is not overpowering, which is nice, and the sweetness of it cuts through the bitterness of the dark chocolate to create a very pleasant flavor combination.

In the course of writing this review, I have discovered that chocolate combined with sea salt is amazingly delicious. The combination of salty and sweet can't be beat. (Hey, that rhymed!) The Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Escape and Intense Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Soiree were excellent. Both contained crunchy roasted almonds and sea salt, which gave it a nice texture.

Lastly, I tried two chocolates with truffle filling, Dark Chocolate with Truffle and Milk Chocolate with Truffle. Both were excellent, but I would have to say I prefer the dark chocolate. The truffle filling is sweet and with the combination of the milk chocolate, it was a little too sweet for my tastes. Paired with the dark chocolate, the truffle filling made for just the right level of sweetness. Milk chocolate lovers may disagree with me. The Dark Chocolate with Truffle Filling chocolate square comes in a close second to the Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt Caramel.

All in all, these Ghirardelli chocolates were excellent. I found a few new favorites that I'm definitely going to buy and recommend to friends. I hope you've enjoyed this Ghirardelli chocolate review. If you're looking for a nice chocolate treat or perhaps some dessert, pick up some Ghirardelli chocolate. They were a big hit with my family. They're sure to be a big hit with yours.

Mother's Day is coming up, give her the gift of chocolate. And hey, you can get a 10% Ghirardelli discount by clicking this link and ordering online.

Keurig B-40 Review

Please read the disclaimer regarding any reviews on this site.

Keurig Single-Cup Brewing System #B40I'm a casual coffee drinker, meaning I usually have, at most, one cup of coffee a day. Brewing a decanter of coffee every day with our Mr. Coffee was definitely overkill and I hated heating water on the stove or in the microwave for just one cup. Enter the Keurig B-40. I first ran across the Keurig B-40 at my sister's house. She and my brother-in-law are casual coffee and tea drinkers. With the Keurig B-40 coffee brewing system, they could not only easily make coffee and tea, they could make hot chocolate and apple cider for the kids.

The Keurig B-40 coffee maker seemed like the perfect choice for a casual coffee drinker like myself. I kept my eye out for good deals, though I would argue that the current price of $119 that most retailers carry it for is worth it. When I purchased mine, the average price was around $149. I was able to get it at Kohl's with discount and free shipping for $105. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

I really enjoy how fast it brews and the variety of different k-cup drinks that are available. My favorite k-cups so far are Millstone Hazelnut Cream, Caribou Coffee, Folgers Vanilla Biscotti, and Green Mountain Naturals Hot Apple Cider.

Here are the Pros & Cons of the Keurig B-40 coffee maker from my experiences.

Cons

  • There are only 2 sizes of brews to choose from and while the largest size is adequate, a bit larger size would be appreciated.
  • I don't like my coffee too strong, so the cup the Keurig B40 brews is great for me. However, for those who like a super strong brew, a regular K-cup will probably not do. I would suggest getting some of the bolder brews rather than regular blends.
  • The automatic shut off feature turns the unit off after 2 hours. For a casual drinker like myself, that seems a bit long. So, I usually just turn the machine off after I brew a cup.
  • Your average cup of coffee will probably be more expensive than if you used a Mr. Coffee and bagged coffee, but it's excellent value for casual drinkers like me who generally get pricey froo-froo coffee at a shop for their caffeine fix. However, you can opt for a reusable k-cup and use your own favorite ground coffee, which should bring the price down per cup.
  • The price of the machine is a bit more than your average coffee maker, but it's well worth it! Best $100 I ever spent on a coffee machine.

Pros

  • Heats water and brews quickly. Your drink will be ready in less than a minute!
  • Very simple to use. Turn it on, put your cup in position, wait for the water to heat, add your k-cup, push a button... voila!
  • Large 48 oz. reservoir means you don't have to replenish it very often.
  • Large variety of K-cups.
  • Comes with a sampler pack of different types of k-cups to try, which will definitely help you determine what flavors to purchase in the future.
  • There are reusable kcups available that allow you to brew your own favorite ground coffee with the Keurig B40.

Verdict: ★★★★★

I would give the Keurig B-40 Home Brewing System a 4 out of 5 stars. It has definitely lived up to my expectations and more. The whole family loves it!


Keurig B-40 Coffee Maker
$90.00
$119.99
$119.99
$159.99

Top Ways to Beat the Heat

Please read the disclaimer regarding any reviews on this site.

Most of the country is sweltering in a record breaking heat wave this summer. But you don't have to wilt under the soaring temps. We've compiled a list of some great ways to beat the heat and stay comfortable and safe.

Air Conditioners and Evaporative Coolers. Of course, the best way to keep cool and beat the heat is to invest in some air conditioning. Central air conditioning can be expensive to install and maintain, but there are some cheaper alternatives for just about any price range. For around $100, you can get a Sunpentown Evaporative Air Cooler. It can cool the room by up to 12 degrees. If you have a little more room in your budget, I would recommend a portable room air conditioner. These start around $200 and up, but the great thing about them is that they can easily be moved from room to room as needed, much easier than a window air conditioner. We use a NewAir brand portable air conditioner. It's been reliable and efficient for several years now.

Oscillating Fans. Another cheap alternative to air conditioning is an oscillating fan. Constant movement of air can cool you down. There are several tips that can help you cool your home with just fans. Place a bowl of ice in front of the fan for an extra cool breeze. If the room is warmer in the evenings than the air outside, face your fan out the window and use it to pull the warm air out of the house. (If the air outside is warmer than inside, DON'T open the windows. It will just let warmer air in.)

Personal Cooling Products. If you don't mind looking like a thrall (that's a Star Trek reference for all you non-Trekkers) in your quest to cool down, you can even wear a personal cooling collar. Other personal cooling products include the personal mister, the personal cooling cloth, and the pretty amazing personal fan (and air conditioner). The personal fan and air conditioner can cool the air by up to 30 degrees. It runs on batteries or through the USB port on your computer. That makes it excellent if you have to spend hot days and nights on the computer, like I am as I type this.

Sun Shades. If you have any windows that frequently catch sun, you should invest in some sun shades or awnings to deflect the heat that can radiate into your home. They can keep your patio and areas around your ground floor windows up to 20 degrees cooler.

Inflatable Pools and Above Ground Pools. Water is simply one of the best ways to keep cool, but not everyone can afford an in-ground pool. However, aboveground pools and inflatable pools have become inexpensive alternatives that deliver just as much fun (and cooling power)! Aboveground and inflatable pools cost only a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, compared to tens of thousands for an in-ground pool. They have the added advantage of being able to put them away when you're done with them for the season. Intex offers a wide range of inflatable pools that offer easy setup (you can be frolicking in about an hour). They also offer metal framed pools if inflatable pools aren't your thing. These are a little more rigid and a little more expensive. Setup also takes a little longer.

LED Lighting. One of the main sources of heat in your home comes from lighting. LED light bulbs do not build up heat like incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs do. They give off only 3.4 btus per hour, compared to about 85 for other bulbs. They're more efficient and use less electricity (which means there's more juice for your fans or air conditioning).

Remember to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Stay cool out there and stay safe!

Decorative Ceiling Tiles

Please read the disclaimer regarding any reviews on this site.

Do you have an ugly popcorn ceiling that you'd like to just disappear? There's a solution for that. That solution is decorative ceiling tiles! If you have a strong popcorn ceiling that isn't falling apart, installation is as easy as just gluing the tiles on over the popcorn. You can find more information, including a video on installing ceiling tiles over popcorn ceilings at the Decorate Ceiling Tiles website.

But decorative ceiling tiles are great for more than just covering ugly popcorn ceilings. Just look at the gorgeous ceilings customers have designed with Decorative Ceiling Tiles. The pictures speak for themselves.

Milan, owner of Decorative Ceiling Tiles, is very responsive to customers and is willing to answer all questions. He's even put together a series of videos showing different projects and how easy it is for you to install these ceilings yourself, from drop ceilings to faux tin. If you're looking to liven up your boring or ugly ceiling, your best option is definitely Decorative Ceiling Tiles.

To save even more on your new ceiling, get 5% off everything at Decorative Ceiling Tiles with coupon code DCT.


ZaggMate for the iPad

Please read the disclaimer regarding any reviews on this site.


The ZaggMate for the iPad is not just any iPad case. It also has a built in bluetooth keyboard. It's made of aircraft grade aluminum with military grade high density padding, so it's durable, offers superior drop protection, and also matches the iPad's finish. The ZaggMate takes your iPad to another level. For folks on the go, this iPad case puts the iPad on par with a netbook or laptop, only much lighter and portable, not to mention you don't have to wait for it to boot.

The ZaggMate was declared the MacWorld Expo's 2011 Best of Show Winner. It is simply one of the best accessories for your iPad2.

Say Goodbye To Dead Batteries

Please read the disclaimer regarding any reviews on this site.

ZAGGsparq 2.0The ZaggSparq is an ingenious little device that not only recharges your electronics, it stores its own charge, up to 4 full cell phone charges while unplugged. It has 2 USB ports, so you can charge more than one device at a time, including portable gaming devices. The ZaggSparq is extremely portable, as it fits easily into a pocket or bag. That means you can take it with you on the go, which makes it great for business people and travelers.

You don't have to worry if the USB ports are compatible with your devices. The top USB port is optimized for devices capable of taking an optimized charge and the bottom USB port is general, for all other devices. The ZaggSparq was specifically engineered for charging the Apple iPad and can add between 5-6 hours of video viewing to your iPad.

Check out the ZAGGsparq 2.0 today and say goodbye to dead batteries!

The Exclusive Derek Lam Limited Edition Collection is Now on eBay

Please read the disclaimer regarding any reviews on this site.

Derek Lam's exclusive 5 dress collection is now available on eBay. The exclusive Derek Lam limited edition collection includes a black cotton poplin "black tie" evening dress, a floral print georgette boho halter dress, an indigo denim sun dress, a black cotton poplin shift dress with peplum back, and a floral print georgette chemise dress.

Derek's aim is to create fashion that is comfortable, elegant, and timeless. He thinks it is important to interact directly with his customers to find what they want in fashion and he does so using the latest social technologies, allowing them to vote on what they want to see in his clothing lines. For this reason, he's happy to be able to bring his line to eBay in order to reach new and existing customers directly.

The Derek Lam eBay section includes video about the inspiration for the dresses and a behind the scenes look at Derek Lam's studio and the design process. Take a look now!

Tan Through Swimsuits and Clothing

Please read the disclaimer regarding any reviews on this site.


Cooltan Tan Through Womens 2pc SwimwearThe long winter is over in many parts of the country and with that warm sun peaking through the clouds, many of us are setting our sights on summer. We'll be hitting sunny destinations for summer vacation and want to bring home that healthy, glowing tan. The only problem with that is unsightly tan lines. The folks at TanThrough.com have a solution for that. Their line of swimwear and clothing act like a medium level sunscreen (about SPF 6), allowing you to tan through the fabric. The secret of their clothing is that they use Microsol, lightweight fabrics that let just enough sunlight through, but also allows moisture to wick away through the fabric, keeping you cool and comfortable.

When you hit the beach this summer, bring along Tan Through swimwear and clothing and say goodbye to tan lines forever!

Smelly Dog? No Problem.

Please read the disclaimer regarding any reviews on this site.

Dogs smell. It's a fact of life. As a dog owner, I'm used to it. But on occasion, our pup needs a little freshening up between baths, especially if company is coming over or we have something special going on.

For quick touch ups, we use Earthbath Grooming Wipes. They're all natural, pH balanced, and they're thick enough to handle the dirty job of cleaning your pooch. Due to recent health problems with our dog, she hasn't been able to groom herself as much and we've had to do the job for her. These wipes have been an excellent and convenient way to keep her clean.

While searching for different scented products for dogs, we ran across Happytails Spa Stinky Dog Collection, which comes with six natural products including shampoo, conditioner, bath replacement spray, breath spray, and coat mist (which they call Fur Breeze). They not only smell good, but they actually eliminate the odors.

Happytails Spa also carries plenty of natural, eco-friendly products to solve many other dog health problems, such as hip dysplasia.  Happytails offers a Joint Resolution product that helps improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Our dog, unfortunately, suffers from hip dysplasia and we'll be giving her this once another of her medical issues resolve. We'll write a review and post it here once we've tried it.

Gear Up For Winter Fun!

Please read the disclaimer regarding any reviews on this site.

The 50 Foot Snowball Launcher.We just got our first snow of the year. It was a perfect day for some winter-y fun of snowman building and snowball fights. When we came in from the cold, I hopped online, and looked for some snow gear. Little did I know how high tech fun in the snow had become. In snowball fights, you can now get the upper hand with a 50 Foot Snowball Launcher. Just put some snow into the forming chamber, close the lid, and voila! Three perfectly formed snowballs that you can stick into the muzzle of the snowball launcher and pelt your friends, family, and unsuspecting passersby.

The 150 Foot Slinging Snowball Xistera.And if 50 feet is just not enough, you can get
the 150 Foot Slinging Snowball Xistera. Based on the xistera that players use in the game jai alai, this battle-ready snow gear has a built-in mold to make the perfect tightly packed, round snowball that is sure to devastate your snowball fight opponents.

The Gas Powered Snowboard.If you're serious about shredding some snow, you'll want to check out the
The Gas Powered Snowboard. The gas powered snowboard combines the freedom of a snowboard with the power and thrill of a snowmobile. It has a maximum speed of 18mph, controlled by the throttle control on the adjustable height handlebar, and cleated footpads to provide secure footing while you're ripping it up. Now that I think of it, one of these might be the only way I could get to work tomorrow.

The Seated Sled Board.Now, the Seated Sled Board is just my style. It combines the thrill of snowboarding with the stability of sledding. Plus, it saves the strain on your legs. Great for couch potatoes like myself who want to join in the winter fun. It features anti-skid channels to keep the sled from veering where you don't want it to. Want to slow down? Just make like the Flintstones and use your feet!

The Year 'Round Sled.As you probably know, sledding is so awesome that we shouldn't just relegate it to the winter months. I'm obviously not the only one that thought that, as someone invented the
Year 'Round Sled. It lets you slide down grassy hills in the summer and snowy ones in the winter, for, well... year round fun! It's durable and holds up to 200 lbs, so mom and pop can join in the fun too!

← Previous Entries