Product Review -- Kashi Granola Bars

I recently had the opportunity to review Kashi Peanutty Dark Chocolate granola bars!  This opportunity was with Moms Meet and I was sent free products.  All opinions below are my own.   

Kashi sent me a HUGE package of granola bars to sample.  Plus a box of cereal and cereal bars.  I laid out a spread and invited a few moms and kiddos over to sample along with me!  We all took the "two bite test" from Kashi.  What is the two bite test?  Take two bites of any Kashi product and then decide if you love it.  It is a great way to get kids to try something new since it is only two bites. 

We dug right in and began sampling!

These granola bars could definitely pass as a candy bar.  They are very sweet with a soft dark chocolate flavor layer on the top.  The addition of the peanuts is WONDERFUL!  I had quite a few comments that said these granola bars reminded them of chocolate covered peanuts.  I would take that as a positive response...wouldn't you?  The granola bars of course have Kashi's signature 7 whole grain mix.  So they are better for you than your average candy bar.  If you are looking for a sweet treat these granola bars are definitely for you.  If you are more of a savory granola bar fan, the consensus was you should really skip these.  I would venture to guess there is a savory granola bar made by Kashi if you want to take the two bite test for yourself. 

I sent each kid home with some Kashi granola bars to eat or give to friends!  I thought passing on the two bite test love was an excellent way to end our little get together!  Reality time -- Kashi sent me one box of their strawberry cereal bars.  I did set them out for my taste test party.  But after I had ONE bite of those...I hid what was left for me....those are like heaven sent or something.  I could eat one every single morning for the rest of my life.  No joke y'all...two bites were not needed for me to profess my love.

A majority of my guinea pig friends voted thumbs up for the Kashi Peanutty Dark Chocolate Granola Bars.  Me and my family voted a unanimous thumbs up.  The only thumbs down were those that felt they were too sweet for a granola bar.  No thumbs down were given for taste or quality.  I had a wonderful time taking and giving the two bite test.  And I will continue to give the two bite test to my kids with other Kashi foods plus any other food I want them to try!

Head on over to Kashi.com for even more kid friendly foods and the low down on all of their offerings!  Like Kashi on facebook to keep up with all of the latest Kashi products and who knows maybe a coupon or two! :)

Disclaimer:  I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer.  As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog.  My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.
~Thanks for stopping by!~
~Angie~

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Easy Halloween Candle Wraps

Before we get to today's Halloween goodness, head on over to the PSA stamp camp blog and check out my magnetic chalkboard calendar!  Y'all are gonna love it!!

 

Awesome right?  Now for some super simple candle wraps! 

Wide black ribbon and stickers...

Put stickers on ribbon and wrap candle...SIMPLE!!  And ca-ute!!

I will be showing off my Halloween mantle next Friday so y'all stay tuned for more Halloween goodies!!

Posted at Show and Tell on Romantic Home.

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~Thanks for stopping by!~

~Angie~

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I made another pouf ottoman!

So remember when I made my coffee sack pouf?  Wellll...my little boy took that one over.  So that meant that the little diva had to have one too!  So wanted hers to be pottery barn inspired....she loves the patchwork quilts they have in PB teen.  Lots of different fabrics all put together.  So....here is what I came up with...

Once again I followed the instructions from Better Homes and Gardens.  I did leave off the decorative stitching this time.  There was already so much going on with all of the different fabrics and patterns, I didn't think it needed anything else.

How many different fabrics you ask??  Well 9 in total.  Eight for the side panels and one for the top/bottom.  That is a lot of cutting!!  It seemed to take longer to cut this one out than it did to sew it together. 

I really love how this one turned out.  It is perfect for a little girls room.  Most of the fabrics I already had on hand.  I spent about $10 on some more fabric and about $8 on stuffing.  Not too bad for a custom-made, pottery barn inspired pouf!

I love how the fabrics look great together but they are all totally different!  I had to throw in a little purple zebra stripe....what girl's room would be complete without it??  :)

So much better than a plain ole bean bag don't ya think??  They are just more tailored and elegant looking!  Hello my name is Angie and I am a pouf addict...

Posted at Transformation Thursday on The Shabby Chic Cottage.

Posted at Show off your Stuff Party at Fireflies and Jellybeans.

Posted at the under $100 party on Beyond the Picket Fence.

Posted at the Open House Party on No Minimalist Here.
Posted at SNS on Funky Junk Interiors.
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~Thanks for stopping by!~

~Angie~

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Want to participate in my Handmade Holidays event?

Get ready for the second annual handmade holidays event on The Country Chic Cottage!  Twelve days of handmade gift tutorials and handmade shops!  Last years event was a smashing success so I decided to do a repeat!

It will run from November 7th to 18th right here!  Why am I worried about November now??  Well the Handmade Holidays event is all about YOU!  I have been lining up fabulous guest posters for tutorials and wonderful handmade shops that are going to show off their wares!  But...I have a few slots left!  So I am opening up sign ups to YOU! 

The rules:

Gift Tutorials:

• Must be something that can be given as a gift.
• Must not be published anywhere before – you can publish to your blog 1 week after publishing on mine.
• Must have a blog.
• Must send me your post in html format.
  

Shop Highlight:

• Your shop must include handmade items that are suitable as gifts.
• You will be responsible for writing up a highlight post with up to 4 pictures and sending it to me in html format.
• Coupon code can be included but is not required.
• The shop highlights are completely FREE!!

Yes you can sign up for both.  Sign ups will be on a first come, first serve basis.  You MUST send me an email to thecountrychiccottage@yahoo.com to sign up...please don't just comment on this post.  Right now I have 3 gift tutorial slots open and 6 shop slots open.  I do not need the actual posts until November but I need to fill the slots now so you have plenty of time.  So y'all get to emailing!  And the rest of you look for some great handmade gift ideas right here starting November 7th!

~Thanks for stopping by!~

~Angie~

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My Memories Software WINNER!!

Want to see who won the scrapbook software??  The My Memories software goes to....
paint_horse_milo said...
I "liked" the My Memories Suite on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/mymemoriessuite?sk=app_167969729896883

thecraftingcowgirl.blogspot.com

Didn't win but want a copy of the My Memories Suite software for yourself?? 

Use the code:

STMMMS80148

to get $10 off of the My Memories software plus $10 to the My Memories store!

Congrats to the winner!  Reminder you have 72 hours to contact me before I pick another winner!

Disclaimer:  Coupon code is an affiliate code.

~Thanks for stopping by!~

~Angie~

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More Fall Home Decor

I really love decorating for fall...just something about the colors.  And please don't make me count how many pumpkins I now own.  :)  So on to my latest little fall display....

Stading in the back is a framed vintage quilt square that is "fallish".  In front is dollar tree pumpkins in various shades of white and brown...

Then I took a galvanized bucket and filled it full of the leaves I bought from the dollar tree...I have been stalking the dollar tree lately if you can't tell...

The ceramic pumpkins are just perfect!!  And I heart that little owl...I found him at a yard sale...

And we have another display that has a fall touch!   For under $5!! 

Posted at Get Your Craft On on Today's Creative Blog.

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Linking up to the Fall Mantle Party on The Lettered Cottage.
~Thanks for stopping by!~
~Angie~

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Thrifty Finds -- Gifts of Fire King

Today's thrifty finds are actually vintage gifts from a dear reader and friend!  Many thanks Tricia for my box of goodies...I am in loooove!!  Two pieces already found a home....

Two Fire King creamers in white!!  Lovely.... 

Gotta show off the bottoms y'all.... 

I love the shapes!!  The white pitchers I had here that were thrift store cast offs will probably once again find their way to a thrift store!!   

You have to make room for authentic fire king goodies!! 

They joined a few pieces that I already had... 

And who said that creamers belong in the kitchen??  These are beside the TV in my bedroom! 

Tricia you made my day! :)  I truely hope we can meet soon!!  HUGS!!

So did y'all get any thrifty treasures this week??  Or gifts from readers or friends??

Showing off my Thrifty Treasures on Southern Hospitality.

Posted on Met Monday on Between Naps on the Porch.

Posted at Your So Very Creative on Me Making Do.
Linking to LWIFF on Vintage Revivals.
Posting to It's a Blog Party.

~Thanks for stopping by!~

~Angie~

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Giveaway -- Candles from Good Neighbors Candle

Just so y'all know...I heart candles...especially soy candles!!  So I am here today to share some with you!  You can win some great soy candles from Good Neighbors Candle!  Some of my fave items...

Butter Pecan Pie in Cracked Glass

The perfect candle for your fall home!!

Mercury Glass Style Candle

Soy candles in mercury glass....yes please!!

Tea Lights and Tarts

In addition to larger candles, they also carry a wide selection of tea lights and tarts!

What can you win?

TWO 9 oz soy candles in YOUR choice of scents!  The list of scents is endless so I am sure you can find something you will loooove!! 

So are you ready to enter??

The rules:

1)  International entries okay
2)  Open from now until September 30th at 11:59 pm central time

3)  Winner will have 72 hours after I post to contact me before I choose another winner

How to enter? 

FIRST (Mandatory):  Visit Good Neighbors Candle and pick your fave item.  Leave a comment below telling me what that item is.
SECOND:  Follow the Candles at Hospitality Lane blog and leave a comment below telling me you do.
THIRD:  Follow the Hospitality Lane Blog and leave a comment below telling me you do. 
FOURTH:  Like Good Neighbors Candle on Facebook and leave a comment below telling me your do.
FIFTH:  You can blog, tweet, or facebook this giveaway for extra entries.  Leave a comment below for each one you do.  Include a link to your blog or facebook/twitter page. 

So -- up to SEVEN entries per person! :)  Whatcha waiting for??  Head on over to Good Neighbors Candle and get started!

~Thanks for stopping by!~

~Angie~

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Sponsor Love -- Mogasa -- Garage Sale Finder

Ever wished you had a garage sale app for your iphone or android?  One where you could search for garage sales wherever you are?  One that will map them all together for you -- a custom treasure trail if you will?  Well search no more!!  MOGASA is here! 

The MOGASA mobile app gives you the ability to search for garage sales near you AND map them out!  You can also connect with your friends and review the sales you go to.  Maybe you are having a sale soon??  You can even list YOUR garage sale on MOGASA! 

I downloaded the MOGASA app myself.  It is FREE!!  Yep major bonus right??  :)  I found it very easy to use.  And there were even garage sales listed in my area!  I live out in the boonies y'all...so this was a major accomplishment!  In my area, the garage sales that are listed on Craigslist were also viewable through MOGASA.  This is the ultimate in high tech yard saling!  So y'all download MOGASA and see what treasures await you!  The weekend is starting and you are missing out on some fab treasures!!  But wait there is more.... 

Next Wednesday MOGASA is having a Tweet2Win giveaway...y'all I love twitter!!  All of the contest information can be found here.  Y'all be sure to follow @MOGASANET and @PennySaverUSA on twitter and swipe up those $25 gift cards next Wednesday! 

~Thanks for stopping by!~

~Angie~

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More Embroidery Hoop Art -- this time with STAMPS!

Remember when I mentioned to y'all that I am on the design team for PSA Essentials?  Well I have been busy, busy making projects with the great line of stamps available from PSA!  My daughter especially loved the skelanimals line!!  So remember that embroidery hoop art wall that I did a few weeks back?  Well we got busy and made an additional hoop...this time with Skelanimals!!     

We made this one the exact same way as before.  Except that before we put the paper in the hoop, we used the PSA stamps and ink and randomly added the stamps all over our paper. 

This is a really great project for your kids to help with!  The stamping was totally random so your kids can do that part themselves.  We used both green and turquoise ink when stamping. 

And now for the full shot of this corner!  Looove it!!

Posted at Show and Tell on Romantic Home.

Posted at Frugal Friday on Shabby Nest.

Linking to Catch as Catch Can on My Repurposed Life.

Posted at friday fun finds on kojo designs.

Posted at Frugalicious Friday on Finding Fabulous.

Posted at Friday Favs on Naptime Crafters.
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~Thanks for stopping by!~

~Angie~

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Winner -- Rainbow Lollies

 Sorry all -- I have had a cold this week and my head is in the clouds I think.  I did not announce our winner!!  The winner for the giveaway from Rainbow Lollies is below.  But first....you can get
15% off with coupon CCCBLOG

The winner is....

Bianca Roman said...

Following Rainbow Lollies on Twitter (@supbonka)

adoruhs(at)gmail.com

You have 72 hours to contact me before I pick another winner.
 

Y'all be sure to visit Rainbow Lollies cause seriously her stuff is A-Mazing! :)
~Thanks for stopping by!~

~Angie~

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Framing Senior Pictures with Paper Coterie

Let's start with the fact that I heart Paper Coterie.  And they did not in any way sponsor this post.  Plus they have no clue I am writing about them.  So now that we got that outta the way.  Let's look at the goodies!!  My daughter had her senior pictures done.  And we picked an obscene amount of poses.  So she wanted a collage for her room of some of her faves.  We choose a polaroid heart collage from Paper Coterie in the 30" x 20" size.  Their prints are made on "breathable fabric" plus it is self adhesive.  Brilliant quite frankly!!  So here is our finished framed picture...

I took the rough dimensions to the thrift store and came up with this frame for $5.99....

I took it apart (which is a whole other blog post -- that thing had enough staples in it to hold king kong in jail...).  Then finally I got to spray paint the frame in black...

Then I covered the original picture with brown kraft paper.  Using the brilliant SELF ADHESIVE that was already on the print, I just peeled and STUCK it in the center!

Now for a few close ups so you can oooh and aaahh over the pictures.  Feel free to say I don't *look* like I could have a senior in high school.  You know all that stuff...

My fave picture is the one below on the right.  I also have a large Paper Coterie print of it by itself for ME!  I still have to frame it though....so more Senior picture fun later!  Senior year has just started and it appears that is going to be a wild ride.  But we are oh so proud of our daughter who is a "not a little girl anymore"...her words...not mine...



Posted at Transformation Thursday on The Shabby Chic Cottage.

Posted at Show off your Stuff Party at Fireflies and Jellybeans.

Posted at the under $100 party on Beyond the Picket Fence.

Posted at the Open House Party on No Minimalist Here.
Posted at SNS on Funky Junk Interiors.
Posted at the Weekend Wrapup on Tatertots and Jello.
Posted at Sunday Showcase on Under the Table and Dreaming.
~Thanks for stopping by!~

~Angie~

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Book of Spells (aka EASIEST Halloween Craft EVA!)

Are y'all ready for a really super simple easy halloween craft?  I give you my book of spells...

A book and an old sewing pattern piece.  (I heart old sewing patterns!!)  The sewing pattern piece you use should be from an area that does not have any writings or markings...

Just wad up your sewing pattern piece for some character.  Flatten it back out.  And go old school!!  Make a cover for your old book -- just like you did in elementary school...

I took a grey marker that was about out of ink and free handed on the words.  That way they would not look to "new"...

An "old" book in a matter of minutes!!

My halloween mantle is coming right along y'all!!  Can't wait to show ya!



Posted at Show and Tell on Blue Cricket Design.

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~Thanks for stopping by!~

~Angie~

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