Aug 312013
 

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I  am so excited to be  part of this group of GoodCook Kitchen Experts and  the get stuffed burger challenge.  I have been thinking about this burger for weeks. I decided to do a burger with ground turkey and when thinking about it I decided to make it using all my favorite thing from a Thanksgiving Dinner ~  turkey and stuffing with the addition of a bit of cheese.

 

To help me with my stuffed burger GoodCook.com sent me some great products to use in the making of my burger.  IMG_1509

Non-Slip Flexible Cutting Board – I really liked the cutting board because it had a large surface and a non-slip backing.  Even wet it didn’t slip.   

 

Next was a super Folding Grater – It made shredding the cheese a breeze.  I like that it had two different sides so I could choice the size of shred I wanted. It also folds so it doesn’t take much space.

 

There was a Mini-Chef Knife – it was super sharp and the perfect size for cutting up the mushrooms I used in my recipe.

 

There was a Turner that was coated to help protect you nonstick pans – that I have fell in love with.  I have used it a number of times already.  Mine is a read color so easy to find in the drawer.

 

One of the best items the Stuffed Burger Press – it makes stuffing a burger easy!  I really have never used a burger press and this one allowed me to create a pocket to put in my stuffing ingredients in and then cover with more meat and seal shut.  I can see stuffed burgers on my menu much more often.

 

The last item is the Cast Iron Square Grill – I have wanted a cast iron pan for years but never bought one. I remember my mom having one and using it all the time.  I was just a bit scared of the cast iron and how to care for it.  The great thing was that the grill included instructions on how to season it and how to care for the pan.  Seasoning the grill pan will help prevent items from sticking and it should last me a life time.

Here is my great recipe using ground turkey for my Thanksgiving in a burger.

Thanksgiving Turkey Burger

 

For the Burger

 

1 pound ground turkey

¼ cup stuffing mix

¼ cup finely diced onion

1 egg

1 clove minced garlic

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Fresh parsley/sage

 

Mix all ingredients together – divide into 4 balls

 

For the stuffing

 

1 cup shredded swiss cheese

½ cup mayo

4 oz cream cheese

1 teaspoon brown Mustard

¼ teaspoon ground pepper

1 clove minced garlic

½ cup sliced mushrooms

½ cup chopped onions

¼ cup dried cranberries

 

Mix the first 5 ingredients together and set aside.

In pan sauté mushrooms, onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil until tender add cranberries. Mix the items in the pan with cheese mixture.

Cranberry Mayo

3 tablespoons cranberry sauce

2 tablespoons mayo

1 teaspoon brown mustard

Mix together and spread on your bun for extra flavor.

 

IMG_1550   Here is how I put my Thanksgiving Burger together.

 

This is the great Folding Grater, the Non-Slip Flexible Cutting BoardIMG_1552 and the Mini-Chef Knife.     I started by shredding my my Swiss cheese and then I cut the veggies I would need the onions, mushrooms and garlic.

After cutting up my veggies I sauteed them until soft in a bit of olive oil.  I then mixed them with my cheese mixture.

 

 

 

 

Here is the burger press – you put half of one of you portion of IMG_1558meat on the bottom there are lines on the press so that you can make 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 pound burger.  Next you take the smaller side of the press and press it in to the meat – it leaves a hole in the middle so  you can stuff it with your filling.  So here is my cheese, mushroom and cranberry filling. IMG_1559Then you take the remaining portion of your meat and place it on the top.  You use the large side of the press an press it all together.

I was surprised how easy it all was.  I know I will be making lots more stuffed burgers and trying lots of new recipes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Here is my turkey burger in my new   Cast Iron Square Grill  from GoodCook.com.  My Thanksgiving Turkey burger ended up being pretty big – so I cooked it on each side about 5 minutes.  When It was done I placed it on a toasted potato hamburger bun with the easy cranberry mayo I made with a piece of lettuce.

IMG_1561Here is my great tasting Thanksgiving Turkey Burger.  Rexy and Joey both loved them!  I liked all the flavor and the bit of sweet from the dried cranberries.  Starting Sept 3 thru Sept 17 you will have the chance to vote on the best burgers up to 3 times a day.  There are two categories one for all beef and then the one I am in – anything but beef. I hope you check out all the great burgers and vote for mine! Each vote will enter you into a drawing to win the same Good Cook Burger Stuffing Kit I received  which include a burger stuffer, a cast iron grill pan, nylon turner, chef knife, cutting board and folding grater.  There will be 10 winners.  You can go HERE to enter.

If you would like to start stuffing your own burgers you can go to Good Cook Burger Tools and purchase them today.  Use BurgerLovers when you check out and get 25% off.



Kaisy1“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Aug 312013
 

great escape tour banner large PELICAN BAY448

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Book Details:
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Published by:  Imajin Books
Release Date: (July 20, 2013)
Number of Pages: ~300

Synopsis
Some things are better left alone…

After Ethan Hodges discovers an undersea cemetery just off the beach of Pelican Bay, South Carolina, he seeks answers from a grandfatherly fisherman named Captain Shelby. The captain wants the past to remain buried, and he warns Ethan to stay away. But Ethan doesn’t listen.

Ethan’s best friend and secret love interest, Morgan Olinsworth, joins in the investigation, unearthing intriguing secrets about the mysterious fisherman. When Captain Shelby is suspected of murder and disappears, a manhunt ensues, revealing a truth that unnerves everyone in Pelican Bay.

About The Author
Jesse Giles Christiansen is an American author who writes compelling literary fiction that weaves the real with the surreal. He attended Florida State University where he received his B.A. in English literature. His newest novel, “Pelican Bay,” focuses on a very old fisherman, Captain Shelby, and the mysterious happenings linked to him surrounding a nosy, sea-battered beach town (release date: July 20th, 2013, Imajin Books). One of his literary goals is to write at least fifty novels, and he reminds himself always of something that Ray Bradbury once said: “You fail only if you stop writing.”

Links
Web Site: www.jessegileschristiansen.com
Blog: www.jgchristiansen.wordpress.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/JesseGilesChris
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jesse.gileschristiansen.7

Purchase Link:
AMAZON

My Review:

Pelican Bay held my attention!  Ethan had grown up in Pelican Bay and loved the water – when he was young played along and in the water.  He met Captain Shelby who thought of Ethan as a son.  One day Ethan mentioned to Captain Shelby he wanted to  visit the stones jutting out of the water – but Captain Shelby told him it was a dangerous place and stay away. He couldn’t stay away and found out that it was an under water grave site with names craved into some of the stones.  He wanted to investigate who’s under water graves they were so he in listed his friend Morgan to help.  She worked at the local library.   What information did they find? What happened to Captain Shelby?  You will need to read Pelican Bay to find out.

Giveaway:

The author will give one E-book copy of Pelican Bay to one of my readers.  You must be 18+. Leave a comment on a new author you just started reading or who your favorite author is.  Extra entries for each way you follow Kaisy Daisy’s Corner.  Giveaway ends Sept 13, 2013.

Please fill out the form HERE to enter.

Kaisy1

I received a Copy of this book from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for the review, and the review is honest and my responsibility.

Aug 302013
 

blue ridge

This time of the year I think of Jam and Jelly with all that nice fresh fruit.   I  recently tried  a couple great products  from Blue Ridge Jams. Blue Ridge Jams has over 200 varieties of specialty food products including fruit jams, jelly, pickles and a number of other products.

IMG_1234Blue Ridge Jams makes their products in small batches using only fresh fruit and vegetables, pure cane sugar and only the finest ingredients. They are located in North Carolina and have been making great tasting products since 1961.

I love this Black n’ Blue Preserves from Blue Ridge Jams. It has Blackberries, Black Raspberries, and Blueberries in a preserve that is like nothing I have ever tasted. My family might be a bit different but I love jam on french toast and grilled cheese sandwiches.  I remember growing up and mom would make them for lunch.  I used the Black n’ Blue Preserves on my french toast recently and it was great.  It’s good on English Muffins too!

IMG_1235The next thing I tried from Blue Ridge Jams is the Cherry Pecan Conserve. Yummy is all I can say.  I loved this on top of vanilla bean ice cream.  It was so good. This is made with cherries, pineapple, and pecans. I think it would be yummy on french toast or waffles too.

The finely item I tried was Jalapeno Strawberry Jelly.  I was a bit unsure about this one, it is  a is a sweet pepper jelly with a strawberry twist, the spicy flavor.  I decided to use it on Chicken that we were grilling one night as a glaze and it was delicious.  I was so happy that I tried it.  We have used it a couple times like that.

You can purchase your own great tasting products from Blue Ridge Jams online HERE. You can also stay in contact with Blue Ridge Jams on Facebook.

Kaisy1

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Aug 302013
 

shoplet-logo-darkI really found some great products on shoplet.com for my home office.  Often I find that I work at home finishing up some project that I started at work and didn’t have time to finish.  I also work on my blog from home almost every day.

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I have been having a bit of a problem with my laptop over heating and shutting down.  It’s so frustrating if I am in the middle of something or even if I am just playing a game on Facebook.  So when I saw this Fellowes Laptop Riser I wanted to try it.  I love it!  First it has a built-in curved design helps keep your laptop cool, while tabs on front hold the laptop securely in place.  I found since using the riser my laptop has not shut off in the middle of me using it. That’s a big Yahoo!

I also like how it lifts my laptop up and elevates my laptop for better viewing comfort and helps reduce neck strain and shoulder tension.  It took a bit to get use to the position of the keyboard but love it now.  It is a great product!

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The second product that I received was the Fellowes Document Lift with a dry erase surface.  This is a 3-in-1 design, can hold my document, I can use it as a memo board and also a clipboard.  What I really like is that I don’t have to look down to see my document – it helps reduce neck, shoulder, and eye strain. It’s so versatile it can be used in either portrait or landscape orientation.  This makes doing a project a lot easier and takes less time to do when I am not in pain or always looking down.  It doesn’t take up much room on my desk either.

I love both products that I received from Fellowes.  You can find both products HERE on Shoplet.com.  You can also connect with  Shoplet.com on Facebook.

 

Kaisy1

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Aug 302013
 

wlogo

I love products that are eco friendly and I recently started using Woolzies  Dryer Balls in my dryer.  They are great! Woolzies are 100% pure New Zeland wool dryer balls.  You put them in your dryer and they help dry your clothes faster, reduce static and also wrinkles.

IMG_1438Here they are in my dryer – you get six dryer balls and they last for 1,000 loads of wash.  That is a lot of wash – for me well over a year.   I like the idea that I am saving money not buying dryer sheets or liquid fabric softeners and I am also saving money by not using as much electricity by the clothes drying faster. You may notice the different sizes of the balls but that is because they are hand made.

Woolzies Dryer Balls have no chemicals at all and are hypoallergenic so they are safe for everyone even children.  They do not shred so nothing left on your clothes. They are better than the plastic dryer balls because they are PVC free and won’t fall apart or melt in your dryer.

I have to admit there is one problem with the dryer balls – my cat Shadow loves them!  If one falls out of the dryer she is all over it and I have to search for it when she is done playing with it! I do love these Woolzies Dryer Balls.

If you would like to purchase your own Woolzies Dryer Balls you can do so HERE.  You can also keep connected with them on Facebook.

Kaisy1

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Aug 292013
 

image003I love finding new products for my skin.  I recently tried a couple of products from Jabu’she that I just loved.  Jabu’she is a line of Swedish anti-aging products. Jabu’she was created after extensive research on the actual product formulation and its core ingredient, QAL-100; The study was reviewed by the Research Ethics Committee at Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm (2001), and has been published in one of the most prestigious medical journals, The British Journal of Dermatology (founded in 1888) 2003:149:841-849t.

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Here is the Jabu’she Cleansing Lotion which is very gentle and had a fresh scent.  I liked how smooth it was.  It is perfect to use for you daily facial cleansing regimen – no need to worry about skin irritations from using it. Jabu’she cleansing lotion gives the skin a finer luster, increased vitality, and fewer visible pores.  The cleansing lotion also helps firm, refresh and calm your stressed skin.

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This is Jabu’she Original 24 Hour Cream is an anti-aging cream that helps revitalize the appearance of aging skin.  It helps reduce the appearance of pore size and helps make skin like brighter and can help reduce hyperpigmentation.  You can start seeing results in 3-4 weeks with regular use.  What I liked most about the 24 hour cream is how smooth it was and how well in hydrated my skin.  It did not leave my face feeling greasy or shiny.  This lotion contains a unique formulation QAL-100 which has antioxidant properties.

Jabu’she has some other great skin care products that you can find and order HERE.  You can also connect with Jabu’she on Facebook.

 

Kaisy1

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

 

Aug 292013
 

great escape tour banner large RIGHT AND LEFT GRAND640

RLG eBook cover 10142012 smashwords 1500

 

Book Details
Genre: Cozy Mystery – New Series
Published by: Wordsmiths4u
Release Date: April 22, 2013
Number of Pages: 242

Synopsis
In this first Darla King novel, Darla returns to square dancing in midlife following tragedies in both her personal and professional lives. She moves from Florida to Texas and from high-powered investigator to life in a small town and a job as far removed from crime as she can think of—she becomes a square dance caller. But when an unconscious stranger turns up on the ranch of one of her dance club members, her specialized knowledge may hold the key to the identity of his assailants. At first, Darla is concerned that her friend Doug is the target. When the same square dancer is assaulted not once but twice, she realizes something else is wrong. Even more telling is the secretive but disturbingly handsome FBI agent that enters the picture.

Darla didn’t plan it this way, but her curiosity pulls her into the case and she has to use the investigative skills from her past that she thought she’d left behind. She’s inquisitive by nature, and looks for patterns to unravel it all. Patterns like the ones she uses to choreograph a dance. Combined with her contacts as a square dance caller and her square dance knowledge, she’s just the person to fit all the pieces fit together. Darla, along with her close friends from the Clearton Squares Dance Club, ends up in the thick of things—and in danger.

About Rosalee Richland
Rosalee Richland is the pen name of two real-life square dancing writers. As Rosalee, co-authors Cyndi Riccio and Rhonda Brinkmann joined forces to create the Darla King cozy mystery series. Darla and her friends portray the best of the square community, the warmth and friendship among people in it, and the enjoyment square dancing brings worldwide. Darla’s curiosity often puts her squarely in the midst of unusual circumstances, and Darla can’t let go until the mystery is solved.

When not writing, Darla’s co-authors enjoy reading, traveling, meeting readers and fans, networking with other authors, and – of course – square dancing. They are learning to blog, and are always working on Darla’s next mystery. If you have a chance, stop in at a book signing and find out which half of Rosalee shows up! In the meantime you can stay in touch with Rosalee and Darla on on Facebook, Goodreads, or the Darla King Series blog. Or just search for “Rosalee Richland” anywhere in cyberspace.

Online links:
Goodreads/Rosalee Richland:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6577514.Rosalee_Richland
Rosalee Richland on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rosalee-Richland/284946448289065
Rosalee Richland blog:
http://rosaleerichland.blogspot.com/

Purchase Links
Amazon             B & N           Book World

My Review:

I really enjoyed Right and Left Grand.  I remember way back in grade school that we did square dancing in gym but I really don’t remember that much about it except picking partners. It was nice to learn about more about the dances, clubs and the different clothes each group wore. Darla was a caller for square dancing and did it for a number of different clubs.  Her friend Carlotta helped Darla at the dances and often danced with Sam and Doug was also part of the group of friends.  One night when Doug didn’t show up for a dance they started to worry so when they called him found out there had been some trouble at his ranch.  On his way out he saw a body on the side of the road ~ he called 911.  That’s when the police showed up too ~ who was this person, how did Doug know him? Darla, Carlotta, Sam and Doug decide they need to save this mystery ~ but that might not have been the best idea. You will need to read Right and Left Grand to find out what happens.  I can’t wait to read the next in the series.

Kaisy1

I received a Copy of this book from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for the review, and the review is honest and my responsibility.

 

Aug 292013
 

dang_chips_logoI love coconut so when I found these Dang Coconut Chips I knew they would be good.  These chips are made from copra (meat of the coconut).  The meat is sliced out of mature coconuts and then toasted to a golden brown with a dash of sugar and salt. The roasting brings out the natural sweetness. IMG_1099

What I like about Dang Coconut Chips is that you don’t have to eat a lot to feel full.  Copra is high in fiber so you feel fuller faster.  I think they make a perfect after noon snack not only do they taste good they give you a a boost of energy too.  Dang Coconut Chips are vegan, gluten free, non – GMO, have no cholesterol and high in Lauic Acid.

I didn’t know how versatile coconuts are and how many uses there are for them.  The husks can be burned to produce electricity, the juice is delicious, light and packed with electrolytes, and the meat can be eaten raw for a snack, pressed into coconut milk, or toasted for a truly special experience.  Many cultures have been subsisting on coconuts for generations.

If you would like to buy a very satisfying snack you can purchase Dang Coconut Chips HERE online.  You can also find Dang at many local stores including Wholefoods and Thriftway.

Kaisy1

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Aug 292013
 

shoplet-logo-darkWith school either recently started or starting soon ~ I look for a place I can get most of what I need so I don’t have to go from store to store.  Shoplet.com  has all the products from Avery that I am looking for ~ here are a few of the items I was looking for.

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Here is a Avery Flexi-View Round-Ring Presentation View Binder.  It’s great for keeping all my files together and the plastic is durable so it keeps the pages looking nice and presentable.  I recently started taking a class that I have to do presentations in so this is exactly what I need.

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I also use the Avery Ready Index Contemporary Table of Contents Divider.  It is great way to separate my files in my binder.  It has some great brightly colored preprinted tabs that help me find what I am looking for easily. The paper is strong and should last longer.

 

 

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I have recently been clean out some of my desk drawers at work and storing some of my old files in boxes.  I found these great Avery Round Easy Peel Labels to use to mark the boxes and what is in them.  They are Patented Easy Peel feature for fast peelingsimply bend the label sheet to expose the Pop-up Edge, making it quick and easy Avery offers free, easy-to-use templates. Makes storage easy and to find something easy.

 

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I love to do craft projects and recently found a couple things that I would like to make more of and sell.  I was thinking maybe at a farmers market or a Christmas Bazaar.  Avery Blank Printer-Compatible Tags with Strings.  I think they look very professional and would be easy to create my own design on them and use for pricing.

 

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I also found some Avery Tri-Fold Brochure with Tear-Away Cards at Shoplet.com.  I think these would be great to advertise the products I want to sell.  They are a great size and each 8-1/2″ x 11″ tri-fold brochure is pre-scored for easy folding and features four detachable cards.

 

 

 

I found everything I need right online at Shoplet.com.  They have lots of great Avery products that I am sure will find what you are looking for either for organizing or printing.

Kaisy1

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Aug 292013
 

IMG_1533Do you have a piece of jewelry that you really like and wear it all the time?  I recently received a Necklace from Baroni Designs that I just love. My necklace is called Tide Pool Necklace. I live near the Oregon Coast and this necklace reminds me of all the visits I have made there. When you visit Haystack rock you can see Starfish and if you are luIMG_1536cky you will find a whole sand dollar. So each time I wear it, I am taken back to the Coast and a place where my spirits run free.

My necklace arrived in a pretty box with a bow. The starfish and sand dollar charms are sterling silver and they are paired with a small sea-blue bead suspended from a sterling cable chain. The necklace is dainty and perfect to wear anytime.  You can pair the necklace with either starfish or sand dollar earrings.

Baroni Designs has a great variety of jewelry for woman, children and men. Baroni has made it their passion to create designs in jewelry that reflect who you are.  Not only is the jewelry beautiful it reflects the real you in spirit. Baroni is located in a small Northern California coastal town and is a big part of the community.  They support local non-profits and run a green business.  Which we all know is important and something I look for when reviewing and purchasing products.

If you would like to purchase some beautiful jewelry from Baroni Design you can do so HERE.  You can also keep in contact with Baroni on Facebook.

Baroni Designs has also offered one of my readers the same necklace I have ~ Tide Pool Necklace.  You must be 18+ and have a US mailing address. Leave a comment on your favorite item from Baroni Designs.  Extra entry for following Barnoi Designs on Facebook.  Extra entries for each way you follow Kaisy Daisy’s Corner. Giveaway ends Sept 12, 2013.

Please fill out the form HERE to enter.

Kaisy1

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”