Family * Travel * Food

Beginners Guide to Whiskey Drinking

Starting with a milder whiskey and cleaning your palate with water in between each sip is recommended for beginners. Adding water can also open up the flavors of the whiskey by diluting it. There are many different types of whiskey, and they all have unique flavor profiles. The most common are bourbon, Tennessee, and rye whiskeys. 

Smell

If you're new to whiskey, trying different kinds might seem like it could be safer. There are so many different flavors and aromas to choose from! However, the good news is that there's whiskey for everyone. The key to finding your favorite is experimenting with it and finding a reputable store like Curiada, which has many options. When you're drinking whiskey, take a moment to enjoy the smell. The nose has five million olfactory cells that can detect 32 primary aromas. You'll notice a lot of hints of the whisky's flavor in its scent. If you're a beginner, having a whiskey aroma wheel handy is helpful to help you identify the different smells and flavors. These are similar to wine aroma wheels and help you identify a whiskey's characteristics.  Whiskey is one of the most versatile drinks, and you can enjoy it in many ways. Whether you prefer your whiskey neat or in a cocktail, knowing how to enjoy it properly is essential. This comprehensive guide to whiskey for beginners will help you learn everything you need to know about the spirit. When tasting whiskey, sniff it before you take a sip. It allows you to detect more aromas and flavors the spirit offers. If you are new to sniffing, try experimenting with different techniques to find what works best for you. Be careful not to inhale too hard, or you could have a sore nose! When drinking whiskey, drinkers recommend using a large chunk of ice. It is because more giant ice cubes melt slower and will dilute the whiskey less quickly. Then, gently swirl the whiskey in your mouth before swallowing it. It is known as the 'mouthfeel' and is when you can experience all of the flavors that the whiskey has to offer.

Mouthfeel

The mouthfeel of whiskey can be complex for newcomers to accept. While it's partly a matter of physiology, it also depends on the individual's expectations and culture. For this reason, it's best to start with a standard whiskey drink before trying something more complex. Ideally, whiskey should be drunk neat or with only a tiny amount of ice. It allows you to experience the whiskey's authentic flavors. However, it's important to note that adding ice can change the flavor and texture of the spirit. It can also numb the taste buds, making picking subtle flavor notes more challenging. Many enthusiasts recommend drinking whiskey with a few ice cubes, which helps open up the spirit and bring out its flavors. However, there may be better ideas for beginners, as they can quickly mask the drink's complexity and make it unpalatable. 

Add water or ice

There are many ways to enjoy whiskey, and while some whiskey connoisseurs may frown upon adding water or ice to their drinks, there is no right or wrong way to consume it. What matters is that you find a method of drinking that maximizes your enjoyment. Whether it's a cut-crystal Glencairn glass, a well-organized ritual, or a brown paper bag, that's up to you. Adding water to a whiskey can help dilute it, which opens up more flavors. However, the type of water and how much you add will alter the taste, so it's essential to experiment with different styles. Filtered tap or spring water can make a difference since they have no chemicals. If you add ice, it's best to use more giant ice cubes or even ice balls, as they melt slower and dilute the whiskey slowly. Also, avoid adding too much ice, as it can numb your taste buds and make the whiskey too cold. 

Add garnish

As you become more comfortable with whiskey, you should experiment with garnishes. Adding a garnish can help you identify different flavors and aromas in the whiskey. It can also add a bit of color to your drink. Try using a lemon twist or a simple cherry to add color to your whiskey. You can enjoy it independently, but it's also a great addition to cocktails. Many novices prefer to mix whiskey with a mixer to get started, and there are many standard cocktails that you can try. Alternatively, you can use a low-calorie mixer. When drinking whiskey, you must take small sips and roll the whiskey around your mouth before swallowing. It will allow you to experience the whiskey's full flavor and texture. You can also add ice to your whiskey, but it's best to use large pieces of ice so that they melt slowly. It will prevent your whiskey from diluting too quickly. You can also use whiskey stones and soapstone chunks that chill your drink without diluting it.

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Homeware Essentials: How to Choose a Coffee Machine

Tea and coffee are the drinks of choice for many people today. Traditionally, coffee was made from granules, although in recent years, coffee machines have become more popular in Britain, and for a good reason. Coffee machines simply make a better cup of coffee. However, with so many models on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one. This is why we have put together the following guide; keep reading to learn more. 

Cafetiere/French Press

A cafetiere, or French press as it is sometimes known, is one of the simplest coffee machines. It is a glass jug with an inbuilt wire mesh that works as a plunger. Allow the coffee to brew for a few minutes before using the plunger to catch the grinds. They are relatively cheap and easy to use too. They are compatible with any ground coffee. 

Capsule Coffee Machines

These are arguably the most popular form of coffee machines. They use disposable capsules or pods to create the coffee. It tends to be one pod per cup. They are really user-friendly and convenient to use. The brand of the machine will limit your choice in capsule. There are pod recycling schemes which lessen the environmental impact of these machines. Luckily, OnBuy has a huge range of coffee-making machines, which includes a number of the make and models listed above. So be sure to check them out.

Coffee Filter Machines

A coffee filter machine works by allowing hot water to drip slowly through ground coffee into a jug or a cup below. Depending on the size of the machine, it can make large quantities of coffee too. They are perhaps more ideal for those who want to drink coffee regularly throughout the day or in a house where there are several coffee drinkers. There is a range of models which hit all price points, and they again are compatible with any ground coffee.

Percolators

Percolators work similarly to coffee filter machines, although in the opposite way. The water is pushed up through a tube to brew the coffee in a jug above the water tank. They are also traditionally used on a hob, although you can find electric models. Percolators cannot keep the coffee hot for a long time, and they also may overflow. They do make a great cup of coffee, but they tend to be quite strong. They again range in price and can be used with any ground coffee.

Espresso Machines

In essence, espresso machines are essentially smaller versions of the machines that baristas in coffee shops use. Depending on the model, they may also have a number of other features to explore, like milk frothers and different settings too. They can be tricky to master, and depending on the model; they may require a bean grinder. Some of the models are on the more expensive side, but you can still find affordable options. The type of coffee required would depend on the machine and whether you need ground or whole beans. 

How to Choose?

Your choice will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, the size of your household, how much time you have and what type of coffee you prefer. This is why doing research is key. You might even want to consider the aesthetics of your home and which machine will go best with your kitchen and general interior design style. 


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What is the Difference Between Organic, Fair Trade, and Direct Coffee?

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with 1 in every 2 Americans over the age of 18 report consuming coffee each day.

Of course, as any coffee consumer knows, not all coffee is created equal. The Keurig K-cups you purchase at your local store tastes drastically different than the premium coffee you can enjoy at your favorite coffee shop.


The type of coffee beans, the location where the beans were harvested, and even roast date all play an important role in the quality and taste of your coffee.

For example, Tradecraft suggests using coffee beans no more than three weeks after they are harvested to get the most out of the coffee.

While the quality of the ingredients of your coffee is a big part of the final result, the type of coffee you consume is also a crucial factor to consider.


In this brief guide, we’ll be exploring the differences between organic, fair trade, and direct coffee.

Organic Coffee

An increasingly popular type of coffee to consume, coffee that is labeled organic must meet a certain standard of guidelines.

While the requirements can differ slightly depending on various country regulations, organic coffee uses coffee beans where the beans are grown in organic conditions. Organic coffee is produced without any chemicals -- like pesticides.

Because of the unique standards in which the coffee must be produced, organic coffee often costs more than non-organic. Many health-conscious coffee drinkers believe the alleged health benefits and improved taste are worth the price premium.

Fair Trade Coffee

Fairtrade International is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure that corporations and producers of common goods are able to establish a mutually beneficial and ethical relationship with their production partners. 

Coffee produced under the Fair Trade USA label requires that the farmers, importers, and exporters all operate within a set standard of rules, with the intention of promoting equality and growth for everyone involved in the coffee production process.

Fair trade coffee is considered to be one of the more ethically sourced types of coffee as it prohibits its partners to use child and forced labor. Additionally, producers who have a Fair Trade certificate must pay their workers a fair and living wage as well as commit to healthy and ethical business practices. 

If you’re looking to consume coffee that is ethically sourced, fair trade coffee is a great option to consider.

Direct Trade Coffee

Unlike fair trade coffee, which operates under a single organization, direct trade coffee involves coffee production where the coffee roasters and coffee producers have a direct, ideally mutually beneficial relationship. Direct trade coffee is not overseen by any one person or organization.

Because the distributors work directly with the coffee farmers, they are often able to have a more significant say in the quality and price of coffee beans in which they purchase.

The direct relationship also allows distributors to offer a higher price to the farmers for their coffee beans than when additional importers and exporters are involved. Direct trade coffee is also often beneficial for the farmers as they can invest their higher profits into building a sustainable coffee production farm.

Though there are many other types of coffee other than what we explored today, understanding the difference between organic, fair trade, and direct trade coffee can help you decide which types of coffee you feel good about investing in.
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Find Out Why Circle K's Simply Great Coffee Will Make You Ditch Your Barista

CLOSED- Winner is Shayla D
Today's conversation is sponsored by Circle K, and all opinions are my own. 

National Coffee Day is September 29th, and I want to let you know the scoop on where you can get some GREAT coffee without the big price tag. Introducing Circle K's Simply Great Coffee. The name truly says it all! You can get a coffeehouse quality coffee beverage without the long wait in line, or the interaction with a barista. This is especially great for those who prefer less people-ing.


The Simply Great Coffee line of specialty coffees includes: espresso, cappuccino, latte, americano, mochaccino and hot chocolate- All under $3!  They are all prepared with freshly ground beans and fresh milk. 
  • Small (12 oz.): $2.29
  • Medium (16 oz.): $2.69
  • Large (20 oz.): $2.99
  • Espresso (2 oz.): $1.29


Their state-of-the-art machines are quite impressive and what you might find in fancy coffee shops, except you can have your coffee in-hand in under a minute. It's very user friendly and the coffee is fantastic! I tried the americano and it's very smooth with no bitterness or cheap aftertaste. They have a full bar complete with any sweeteners or creamers you might want to add. I don't think I have ever been in that well-known, overpriced coffee shop and made it in and out in less than 3 minutes. 


To celebrate the launch, Circle K will serve free 12-ounce cups of Simply Great Coffee beverages from 6 to 8 a.m. during the first two weeks of October. You can follow along on the Circle K Southeast Facebook page to learn which stores will offer free samples each day. That would be perfect on the way to the carpool line for drop off or before heading into work. Who doesn't love FREE coffee?! 

Would you like to try out Circle K's Simply Great Coffee for yourself? Enter below to win a $25 Visa gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) so you can taste why it is called Simply Great Coffee. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Be sure to connect with Circle K Southeast on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and promotions.
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Adagio Teas For The Most Discriminating Tea Lover

I want to tell you all a little something about my husband, Dwayne. He is the rough and rugged type who isn't afraid to work hard and get a little dirty. He also loves books, music and business. In recent years, he has become rather passionate about something we wouldn't have expected. He LOVES tea. He loves it to the point where he buys books on tea, researches them online, and drinks lots and lots of the good stuff every day. 

It isn't unusual for us to go out to a restaurant and he asks the server if they have hot tea. He believes in drinking hot tea after each meal to aid in digestion. Needless to say, he drinks quite a bit of hot tea. We were so lucky to get to try out Adagio Teas recently. They offer a wide variety of teas for every taste. Having Dwayne peruse the site was like sending a kid to a candy store. He was in heaven! 

It took him over an hour to place his order because he was overly excited about what to get. He took the smart route and ordered a variety of sample sizes which makes up to 10 cups of tea. This gave him the option of trying smaller batches so he could narrow down what his favorites are to order in a larger size next time. We actually recommend for anyone to do that as well. There's no need in buying a full size of a particular tea that you might not care for. 


We picked out a variety including chai, rooibos, green and Pu-ehr. He was very curious about the rooibios and honeybush, so he tried those first. He chose this small black tea pot and coordinating cups to steep the tea and make his actual tea drinking experience feel more authentic. I told you you loves his hot tea! 


One of his favorite tea tips is to add a small amount of local honey in the bottom of the tea pot before adding the hot water and tea. This way, the honey gets distributed into the tea so you don't have to add any after steeping. With some tea varieties, he doesn't bother with any sweetener at all. We actually reserve the tea leaves when he does not add sweetener after brewing, to add to his worm compost bin. 


The packaging is air tight and when you cut it open, you are hit with the distinct tea fragrance. I have to say, this isn't your ordinary supermarket tea. Those simply can not compare! Each packet of tea comes with brewing instructions on the package. You can adjust the amount according to your personal taste. So far with the ones he has tried, the suggested quantity and brewing times have been spot on. He has even experimented with mixing two types together to make a unique blend.

The taste of Adagio Teas is very robust and very true to what it supposed to taste like - pure and natural. You can tell that their tea comes from excellent crops by the quality you receive.


A few things that I really love about Adagio Teas is the amount of information they have listed with each variety of tea or tea accessory on their website. You can find out where they are sourced and read the reviews of verified buyers. This makes it very helpful when you need a little help selecting just the right tea. They sell most of their tea in loose, bulk packaging, but do offer tea bags/pyramids for those who prefer the convenience. My husband actually has a one cup tea ball so he can have his loose tea while at work. Again, we highly recommend starting off with some sample sizes to find which teas you like best. 


So far it looks like the green chai, decaf chai, rooibos, honeybush, and spearmint are the faves. You have to check out the Adagio Teas website because they carry practically every type of tea you would want. You can even design your own tea blends and containers. They have a lot of gift options, tea collections and brewing accessories. If you are a real tea lover looking for superior tea, you have to give Adagio Teas a try. Once you create your account and start making purchases, you can earn points toward gift certificates to use on the site. There's a dashboard where you can keep track of your orders, points, wishlists and more. They also have a tea of the month club and very affordable flat rate shipping of only $3.75 (you can qualify for FREE shipping on orders over $49).

Learn more about Adagio Teas on their website and stay connected on Facebook & Twitter for product updates and promotions.

Disclosure: I received a gift code to spend on products for review purposes and all opinions are my own as always. 
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An Overview of Garagiste Wines

Wine has become the next big thing in artisanal beverages, with a rapid increase of craft wines becoming available. According to Gold Medal Wine Club, no longer are enthusiasts reaching for mass-produced bottles recognized from magazine lists, but instead they are seeking hidden gems found within the bottles of garagiste wine.

What is Garagiste Wine?

Garagiste is a term that originated in France to describe a type of wine maker who focuses on small, high quality products as opposed to creating large batches. It became a label for a subculture that refused to be restricted by governmental rules and instead rebelled, utilizing small garage types of spaces to create their own specialized wines. These independent innovators incorporate passion and creativity into their artisanal cache. The wines are made with great attention to detail, which often means the final tally of cases is extremely low compared to that generated by corporate producers. There are a variety of garagiste wines available, although only a few types are usually offered from any one particular producer. If you have a garagiste wine in hand, you can rest assured there are very few others that get to partake in the flavors you are experiencing.


Where is Garagiste Wine Produced?

While some variance of a garagiste wine can be found in locations throughout the country, there are a few spots where they have really come into their own. On the West Coast there has been a huge influx of craft wine producers, with enthusiasts creating an array of unique products. The primary stateside hubs can be found in Central and Northern California, with a large number of artisans staying true to the state’s “wine country” reputation. While large wine producers are aplenty, there are lots of resources for wine makers of all sizes. However, The Golden State can’t claim all the talented makers of garagistes. In recent years, Oregon and Washington have both climbed in recognition as craft wine producing states, and rightfully so. In keeping with the North West’s independent spirit, craftsmen let their creative juices flow in this area where small, non-corporate businesses are given considerable support and quality work can easily find a niche. Locally sourced ingredients, organic elements and slow, intentional processes are all revered, making these ideal regions to experiment and create artisanal spirits.

Considering the low number of bottles produced, every drop counts. When you have a garagiste wine poured into your glass, take the time to enjoy it with multiple senses. Observe the rich color and viscosity, smell the aromas as it breathes, and savor every sip, enjoying the uniqueness of what you are experiencing.
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The 5-hour ENERGY® Yummification Contest winners are in!


The 5-hour ENERGY® Yummification Contest winners are in and you can view the winning videos here. I'm excited about the third place winner because he is out of Lugoff, SC which is about 25 minutes away from where I live. Way to go to all of the winners!

First Place ($50,000 prize): “Pomelimelade” by Tim Merlau, Los Angeles, CA

This winning submission mixes a Pomegranate 5-hour ENERGY® shot with limeade, and then takes us on a musical journey through all that can be accomplished over several hours (spoiler alert:  it’s a lot).

“Pomelimelade”
§  1 glass Limeade
§  1 shot of Pomegranate 5-hour ENERGY®

Second Place ($30,000 prize): “Ramalamadingdong” by Mark Golembeski, Los Angeles, CA

The second place video helps us turn that 2:30 feeling frown upside down by mixing a 5-hour ENERGY® shot with lemonade.  This video has it all: a clown, a puppy, a guy in a tutu, and much more.

“Ramalamadingdong”
§  1 glass Lemonade
§  1 shot of Berry 5-hour ENERGY®

Third Place ($10,000 prize): “Arnold Power” by Zac Sheorn, Lugoff, SC

The third place winner reminds us that you don’t have to be good at sports, but mixing a Pink Lemonade 5-hour ENERGY® shot with decaffeinated iced tea helps keep you refreshed while practicing.  And practicing.

“Arnold Power”
§  1 glass Decaf Iced Tea
§  1 shot of Pink Lemonade 5-hour ENERGY®

The 5-hour ENERGY® samples, gift card, and information have been provided by the makers of 5-hour ENERGY®.
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BILINER Premium Water Review #ad

As we all should know, drinking water is imperative in maintaining proper health. I make it a point to consume more than 60 ounces daily and try to aim for 100 ounces if I can. I have often heard of water coming from pure and natural sources and have been curious to find out more. I received some bottles to test out from BILINER in both Premium Mineral Water and Royal Class Spring Water.
I couldn't help but admire the lovely bottles and names that seem to match. But what exactly makes this water different from others?

BILINER mineral waters comes from the heart of the old continent, the Czech Republic. From the North Bohemian region (Czech Republic), extremely rich in valuable minerals (which are found along the extensive geological break) comes this highly valued, naturally carbonated alkaline mineral water BILINER as well as the renowned and, for many centuries, a proven natural aid to digestion, SEDLITZ WATER. When me and my husband tried this mineral water for the first time, our eyes opened wide from the tingle on our tongue. We were really intrigued that the carbonation was natural and unlike the typical carbonated water we have tried in the past. The Spring Water was crystal clear, super smooth and clean tasting. It's refreshing to drink water that does not taste like a plastic bottle or even like tap water. I found out that these waters are so pure that even a newborn baby could drink it.

Interesting facts about BILINER Premium water: 

  • Really great, unique taste of mineral salts
  • Naturally carbonated directly from the source, with no artificial carbonation. Very rare water property.
  • High content of beneficial minerals
  • Bottled exactly as it flows from the mineral spring
  • The oldest mineral water in the world, which was the subject of trading more than 300 years ago
  • Popular throughout Europe under trade name BILINER SAUERBRUNN since early 18th century
  • Recommended by balneologists and loved by spa guests, it combines healing properties with the refreshing, restorative qualities of naturally carbonated water long before any other manufactured soda waters were available
  • The city of Bilina was called “Vichy of Germany” before the many political changes which took place in Europe
  • The temperature of this spring water ranges between 63° F and 68° F at its source.
  • Contemporary Czech name is BÍLINSKÁ KYSELKA

Major effects when used in the form of drink treatment include:

I – neutralizes excess gastric acids (Natural remedy for heartburn)
II – avoids mucoid effect (Ready for inhalation)
III – powerful anti inflammatory
IV – stimulates stomach secretions
V – aids pancreatic activity
VI – reduces creation of oxalates in urine, helpful in prevention of kidney stones
VII – reduces creation of uric acid, helpful in prevention of gout

Dosage and practical use of BILINER Premium:

Natural healing water Biliner is prescribed for use either as Spa drink treatment or for regular home use drink regimen. In order to boost its beneficial effect, the recommendation is to drink the water – in small gulps – out of a spa cup. The water is best at room temperature although refrigeration does not impair its value in any way.

This healthy functional mineral water is now available in the United States, distributed by the  BILINER USA to exclusive and discerning retail stores for sale to those customers who want the very best. My husband has already decided to start ordering cases of the mineral water and we hope to find it available in some local stores soon. You can check here to see if you can find it locally or you can also order BILINER online.

Be sure to connect with BILINER on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions.
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Life is Good Coffee Review & Giveaway (2 winners) CLOSED

CLOSED-- Winners are Atasha M and Sharon H. Congratulations! 
Every single morning, I start my day with coffee. Even if I only have one cup, it is a must-have. I was so happy to receive 3 of the new coffees from Life is Good. Just the name alone makes me feel lively. Life is Good coffee comes in 5 delicious flavors--Light Hearted, Happy Medium, Dark & Daring, Banana Bread Bliss and S'more to Love. They are UTZ Certified for sustainable farming and 10% of net profits go to helping kids in need. How can you not feel good about that? 
The 3 flavors I received to try are: Happy Medium, S'more to Love and Dark & Daring. I let my hubby pick which flavor we would try first. We went with Happy Medium. We are big fans of a medium roast and this one was really good! It is the perfect well-balanced blend, very smooth yet rich at the same time. We plan to try the S'more to Love flavor this weekend. It sounds amazing!
Check out the website for coffee specials. You can also see if there are any stores in your area that carry it. I am so happy that my local Publix supermarket carries Life is Good coffee. I even saw them on sale last week. Be sure to connect to Life is Good on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions. 
I am so thrilled to offer a giveaway for two lucky Mom Files readers to win 3 bags of Life is Good Coffee each. Enter below:
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This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on April 17, 2014. Two winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. *Prizes may vary. Good luck!

I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. All opinions are mine as always. 
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Let's talk wine-- My recent find for $5

I don't know about you, but I love a nice glass of wine at the end of the day. I won't pretend that I really know a whole lot about wine. I go with trying different ones to determine what appeals to me. I know that I don't like Zinfandel's because they are too astringent. Moscato and Riesling is way too sweet. Most red wines are too strong or taste like a funky old oak barrel. I think my palate might not be mature enough for some varieties! I have to have a balance between sweet, with a slight "bite". I came across a wine at my local Kroger store and the price tag attracted me. It is called Rejuvenate Red Blend and was on sale for $5.00. I figured that it wasn't a whole lot to spend and if I didn't like it, I wouldn't be out by much. 
I poured a glass and it was love at first sip. It had a mild sweetness with hints of cherries and berries. It is what I have been searching for- not too sweet and it had a slight bite. Even my husband liked it. I have purchased a few bottles since the first one and think I better buy as many as I can to put away, while they are on sale. It pairs well with any type of meat or poultry as well as pasta and desserts. It's a good everyday table wine. I haven't seen it in any other stores besides Kroger and the website really doesn't give any information about it. My guess is that they are a new company. They make a Moscato as well as the Red Blend. If you are looking for a new wine or are a wine newbie, I highly suggest this brand.

What is your favorite wine? I am always open to trying something new.
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Old Orchard Juices and Teas Review & Coupon Giveaway {5 winners}

Are you looking for ways to save on giving your family juice and drinks and not sacrifice quality and taste? Old Orchard frozen juice and tea concentrates might be the answer you are looking for.
Old Orchard offers many flavors to choose from including Southern Style Sweet Tea, Classics like Grape, Apple, Pineapple and Orange, as well as a variety of juice blends. I found the Old Orchard frozen concentrates at my local Walmart. There were so many to choose from! I picked out the Sweet Tea and the 100% Juice in Pineapple Orange. I really love the convenience of having a frozen concentrate for those times that we run out of drinks. The plastic containers can be microwaved if you are in a rush and recycled. Of course you can't go wrong with having less packaging. I plan to save the containers to use as seed starter pots for my Spring planting.

I mixed up the Pineapple Orange juice as directed on the container and enjoyed a glass of it with my breakfast this morning. For those calorie conscious folks, each serving of Old Orchard drinks have only 90 calories. Not bad at all! The taste? Absolutely delicious. I will have to keep a half dozen of assorted flavors in my freezer at all times. To find a store near you that carries Old Orchard frozen juice, go here. Stay connected with Old Orchard on Facebook and Twitter.

I have a set of 4 coupons for any variety of teas or juices for 5 Momfiles readers to win. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on February 14, 2013. Five winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Old Orchard provided me with coupons for FREE products in exchange for a product review. All thoughts/opinions expressed here are my own, as always.

Shelly, Mom Files
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How I maximize my coffee budget and still have the perfect cup each day

I love a really good, rich cup of coffee. I only require one cup a day and I get tired of the same old brand sometimes. I am a coffee snob and stay away from the low-end bargain brands. They lack the strength and flavor I require.  The whole 'use a tablespoon per 6 ounces of water' is a joke. I am more of a use 1/2 cup per 6 ounces (no lie!) As much as I love the premium brands, I can't always justify the cost. I finally found a way to get around that and not sacrifice the quality or taste. Lately I have been shopping for premium, traditional ground coffee that is on sale and try to match it up with coupons. I also purchase an espresso ground coffee that I always find on sale at Publix. They tend to always have a brand for under $3. I usually buy Cafe Bustelo, Pilon or La Llave.
What I do is mix both varieties in my regular drip coffee maker. The fact that The espresso grind is more concentrated and rich, makes me have to use less of my more expensive premium coffee.
The result is a dark, strong and rich cup of coffee every time. I have been doing this for months and even my husband noticed how good our coffee is. We are so spoiled that we have to bring coffee from home when we travel. I totally recommend this method of coffee making for those who crave the richness of Starbucks but have Walmart pockets.
Shelly, Mom Files
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"Flavor It" Review & Giveaway

I am such a big fan of kitchen gadgets. I received a neat item from Primula Products called Flavor It Pitcher 3-in-1 Beverage System. You can make a wide variety of amazing infused beverages using just about any ingredient you want.  You can make fruit flavored teas, water, wine, even iced coffee! The only limit is your imagination!

The beverage system includes:

  • Flavor Infuser - can be filled with fresh fruit, herbs, or spices to lend intriguing flavor notes to water, tea, punch, and more. Creating a multitude of beverage options from cucumber lime drinks to blueberry iced tea, to sangria and more. 
  • Stainless Steel Tea Infuser - designed to brew loose tea or ground coffee, either hot or cold. The infuser's filter sits low in the pitcher, accommodating small quantities as well as a full pitcher. 
  • Chill Core - filled with non-toxic gel, it is better than ice because it keeps the beverage cool without diluting the flavor.

I decided to test it out over the weekend and decided on fruit infused water. My daughters are big on fruit flavored water so we took a vote and went with peach and lime. I added slices of peaches and limes into the Flavor Infuser and added filtered water the pitcher.
I love the design of the pitcher because it fits perfectly in my fridge door. This frees up more space for bulky milk jugs and other drinks. I let the fruit infuse overnight and we all tasted the water. It was fantastic and very refreshing! I plan to make sangria this coming weekend and will use red wine with a mixture of fresh fruit. My 16 year old is looking forward to make some vanilla flavored iced coffee. I really love that you can tighten the lid to close it to reduce spills. The pitcher itself is BPA-free, dishwasher safe, scratch resistant, shatter proof and  stain resistant. 


The Flavor It Pitcher 3-in-1 Beverage System would make a great wedding, anniversary, hostess or holiday gift. Check out Primula Products on the web, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

How would you like to win one? One lucky Momfiles reader will win the Flavor It Pitcher 3-in-1 Beverage System. Enter in the Rafflecopter widget:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on October 25, 2012. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

I received a product sample for review purposes. All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own as always.
Shelly, Mom Files
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8th Continent Soymilk Review & Giveaway

**Contest Closed** Winners are kimmiesb, Krystel S, Kimberly, Maryann D and Dealsfan32. Congratulations to you all!

Hey guys! I wanted to share my review of 8th Continent Soymilk. I have always heard about the great health benefits of soy and thought I would check it out for myself. The girl in me just loves the fun prints on the cartons. Who wouldn't want to drink something that came in such a happy container? I was really amazed by the very long shelf-life, refrigerated of course. I picked up the Original variety to try out. I confess, I am not a big milk drinker so I have to drink mine out of a wine glass :) You know what? It was very delicious! I prefer the taste over traditional cow's milk. 8th Continent Soymilk comes in 8 varieties ~Original, Light and Fat-free versions including Chocolate and Vanilla. My husband wants me to buy the Light Vanilla so he can use them for his protein shakes.
I was checking out the website and I did not realize you can substitute 8th Continent Soymilk in almost all your recipes. They have some really nice recipes from all different categories. It's a great choice for those that are lactose-intolerant or live a gluten-free lifestyle. You can learn more about the health benefits of 8th Continent Soymilk here. Be sure to stay connected with 8th Continent Soymilk on Facebook and Twitter.

The great folks from 8th Continent have provided me with coupons for FREE product to give away to you guys! 5 winners will get 2 coupons each. Enter in the Rafflecopter widget below. Make sure to do the mandatory entry first in order for your extra entries to count.
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Cooking with Coke- Share your recipes & memories {Giveaway}

Contest Closed
Winner is #61 Julie~ Congratulations!

Hey friends! I am so excited to be working with Coca-Cola on the launch of their new website called Cooking with Coke- a site dedicated to Coke-loving moms and families. Celebrity chefs Ingrid Hoffman and G. Garvin are featured on the site and they both share their memories of Coca-Cola along with some great recipes. I am sure Coca-Cola has been a part of your family gatherings, barbecues, parties and just everyday life since you were a kid. I know it has been that way for me! I have passed along my love for Coke with my kiddos and they always insist on the Coca-Cola brand every time we shop.

Cooking with Coke is intended for moms and families to share their recipes and stories with others. I think most of you will agree that food and Coke are a great combination! Here is my recipe. I loved browsing through the recipes of other fellow Coke lovers.
One of my Coke memories~ Check out these Coke bottles we have had since 1999 (still with 12+ year old Coke in them). They were given to us by my mother-in-law as a souvenir from when the Super Bowl came to Miami, January 31, 1999. We had moved up north but Miami was always in our hearts so it was a big deal when they had the big game in our hometown. We also have some Florida Marlins Coke bottles (when they won the World Series in 1997) in our storage room. Hmm, maybe I should re-do my kitchen with a Coca-Cola theme?!
For the giveaway: In an effort to help promote the Cooking with Coke site, Coca-Cola is providing an Ingrid Hoffmann 12qt Tamale Pot and Steamer with Lid by T-fal® {$59 value} to give away to one lucky Momfiles reader! Nice huh? Imagine all the new food memories you can create with this beauty...
To enter *Mandatory: You must go to the Cooking with Coke site and submit your favorite recipe. It does not have to contain Coke as an ingredient. It's really easy (I promise)- You connect through Facebook and it brings up a simple form to add your recipe with an option to add a photo and to share a memory. It can be as simple as a drink or a dessert. You can refer to my recipe as an example. You must then leave the link to your recipe. If you do not leave your link then your entry will not be valid and it will be deleted. This will count as 5 entries (just leave the link and #1, #2 etc... as an individual comment)

You can gain additional entries by any of the following:
~ "like" Momfiles and Coca-Cola on Facebook and leave your name you are liking from
~ Follow Momfiles and Coca-Cola on Twitter (leave your Twitter name)
~ Tweet this (once a day):
Enter the @CocaCola Cooking with Coke #Giveaway @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/3cfnf3b to win a 12qt Tamale Pot and Steamer w/ Lid by T-fal®
~ Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect
~ Sport the Momfiles badge on your blog/site

This giveaway is open to US Residents and will end at 9:00 PM EST on April 29, 2011. One winner will be selected via random.org and will be contacted via email. Be sure to leave your email address if you do not have a Blogger profile. Good luck!

This giveaway prize was provided by The Coca-Cola Company. The Coca-Cola Company is not a sponsor, administrator or connected in any other way with this giveaway. T-fal® had zero involvement with this contest. I will receive the same prize as a thank you gift for spreading the word about the new site.

Shelly, Mom Files
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