PopCorners Review and Giveaway

Around this house I have to keep snack foods on hand and with that being said first and foremost, we also love to find new and unique snacks to try and share with friends and family. I must say that having this blog we have been introduced to some wonderful snacks that we would otherwise have known nothing about sadly. And once again we have been given the opportunity to try a snack that is truly unique and super delicious all at the same time! I want to share with all of you today PopCorners…these unique popcorn flavored snack in the shape of a tortilla chip is really amazing and if you or your family is like mine they are going to be a huge hit with popcorn lovers all over the world!

About PopCorners:

Time to change the popcorn! PopCorners is the world’s first popcorn chip, available in five delicious flavors. As a healthy and gluten-free snack, we want to honorably carry on the traditional goodness of snacking on popcorn-but with a twist!

We have just one question; who is it that said satisfying your craving for popcorn can only happen by eating handfuls of white fluffy things full of hulls that end up in your teeth and unpopped kernels and crumbs that end up everywhere else?

We must have missed that memo—which is good, because otherwise we never would’ve created PopCorners—the first ever popcorn chip. Fact is, PopCorners deliver pure popcorn pleasure minus all the annoying stuff (not to mention fat, chemicals and calories). So if you’re ready for a “popcorn experience” that’s only about the great light popped taste and satisfying crunch (and not flossing your teeth and cleaning crumbs off yourself), welcome to PopCorners—the new shape of popcorn …and, as your visit will confirm, the shape you want to be in.

Five flavors available in 1.1 oz or 5oz bags:
Butter
White Cheddar
Sea Salt
Kettle
Cheesy Jalapeno

Our Thoughts:

We were sent a sampler package of all five of the delicious flavors of PopCorners. I knew just by checking out their website, Facebook and Twitter pages that this is a truly unique, flavorful and healthy snack option. Our PopCorners arrived super quick and I couldn’t wait to share them with Chad and “Bug” because we all love popcorn and I knew they would love to give these chips a try and boy was I ever right!

We immediately set in to sampling the PopCorners and believe it or not I thought all five flavors was amazing and just between me and you the butter flavor taste just like a bucket of movie theater buttered popcorn….it’s pure butter lover heaven! Even though all of the flavors are delicious we all seemed to have our absolute favorite and for me that was the sea salt…I absolutely adore sea salt flavored chips of any kind so naturally these were my favorites and “Bug” being a little butter fanatic he quickly claimed the butter flavored bag and the hubby quickly snatched the cheese jalapeno!

We have now been snacking on these PopCorners over the past few weeks and I’m so glad we discovered them. I really wish I knew how to describe the taste and smell of these chips…if only the computer screens were scratch and sniff….:0(….but anyways they smell just as delicious as they taste. We have quickly replaced our movie night popcorn with PopCorners and I have a feeling they are going to become a permanent resident of our snack cabinet.

The one thing I absolutely love about PopCorners is that I don’t have to worry as much about “Bug” getting choked like I do when he eats regular popcorn. I also love the fact that when we get a craving we can simply open a bag and get to snacking unlike having to pop the popcorn ourselves and then have to clean up afterwards before we can enjoy!

Bottom Line:

We love, love, love PopCorners and we highly recommend picking up a bag and tasting the unique difference asap! Trust me you wont be sorry! A tasty snack that is also a healthier alternative to regular potato chips….what could be better?

Buy It:
To purchase the PopCorners mentioned above visit the PopCorners website to find a retail location near you or to order online!

Win It:
PopCorners has very generously offered one of my lucky readers a sampler pack like the one we got to try out with some of each of the 5 available flavors!

Mandatory Entry: Visit PopCorners on Facebook and tell me what flavor you would most like to try! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to PopCorners be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” PopCorners on Facebook

6. Follow PopCorners on Twitter

Giveaway ends April 07, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the PopCorner Sampler mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

ZILLIONZ™ REAL-MONEY DELUXE ATM SAVINGS BANK REVIEW

Ever since “Bug” has been born we have been working on a savings account for him and to be honest the little man has quite a chunk in the bank for a three year old. But, now that he is old enough to “earn” his money we thought that it would be a great idea to get him his own bank to keep his change and dollars in before we go and deposit them into his savings. So while I was looking for the perfect bank for him that would not only hold his cash but we wanted something to help teach him about money in general so when I found the Zillionz Real-Money Deluxe ATM Savings Bank I knew this was the bank we had been searching for and I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to review one!

About Zillionz Real-Money Deluxe ATM Savings Bank (taken from website):

This deluxe ATM features a single-screen backlit digital display. Just insert the ATM card to activate the screen and view your savings. The coin slot recognizes the value of each coin and the automatic bill feeder accepts real currency. This secure vault is sure to keep your money safe—only you have access with your digital access code. Stand it up or hang on a wall with its built-in wall mount.

Features
WORKS WITH REAL MONEY
BACKLIT DIGITAL DISPLAY
COIN RECOGNITION
MOTORIZED BILL FEEDER
ATM CARD INCLUDED

AGE: 5 & Up


Our Thoughts:

“Bug” was sent a Real-Money Deluxe ATM Savings Bank from Zillionz to review and it could not have arrived at a better time, which was just in time for his 3rd birthday party and as you all know there are going to be those family members who are going to be giving cash to the birthday kiddo so I thought why not let him start his bank on his birthday! I kept the Real-Money Deluxe ATM Savings Bank hid from him until we got home from the party and he was thrilled when he found out he had his own debit card (yes, it’s really sad when a 3yr old knows exactly what a debit card is and how it works!).

We immediately opened it up and got it all set up for him with his own very special pin number we let him choose, now he isn’t old enough to remember it for himself so when he goes to use his ATM we have to help him with his pin but it’s good practice for when he does get older. I have to say my favorite feature of the Real-Money Deluxe ATM Savings Bank is the fact that it counts up his money as he puts it in the bank so he knows exactly how much he has and that is super important since we have a set limit on how much we keep him at home before we make a deposit, so we always know when it’s time for a trip to the real bank.

It didn’t take “Bug” long to figure out how to use the Real-Money Deluxe ATM Savings Bank just like a pro! He has spent countless hours playing with the machine and I am proud to say that he is starting to recognize the coins and their values better now since he has been using the bank. I think the withdraw feature is awesome as well so if he is wanting a special toy like say he was after his birthday once he reaches the amount he needs he can withdraw it out of his bank and it still keeps up with what he has in the bank just like real ATM! I have to say that this bank is one of the best on the market for little ones to learn about saving and keeping track of their money!

Bottom Line:

“Bug” and I both love his Real-Money Deluxe ATM Savings Bank from Zillionz and I can guarantee you that it’s seen its fair share of use over the past month and will be getting much more in the coming months and years! In my opinion I think every kid should have one of these to help them track their money and teach them the much needed responsibility they are so desperately going to need when they get older to save as much money as possible.

The Real-Money Deluxe ATM Savings Bank would make a wonderful gift for any child. It’s fun and very easy to use an not to mention a wonderful learning tool!

Buy It:
To purchase the Real-Money Deluxe ATM Savings Bank mentioned above and more money saving banks visit the Zillionz website!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Real-Money Deluxe ATM Savings Bank mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Sargento Joins Forces with Culinary Expert to Help Americans Make More Nutritious Choices

Sargento Foods, Inc., in partnership with culinary expert and registered dietitian, Michelle Dudash, is making it easier for Americans to incorporate healthier – yet tasty – options in their diets. With the recent release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, there is a greater call for people to choose nutrient-dense foods that are lower in sodium and saturated fat. And Sargento Reduced Sodium and Reduced Fat natural cheeses are just that.

The Dietary Guidelines recommends reducing daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams and to further reduce intake to 1,500 milligrams for select segments of the population, which collectively make up about half of the total U.S. population. With 25 percent less sodium and 33 percent less fat than traditional natural cheeses, respectively, Sargento Reduced Sodium and Reduced Fat varieties are an easy solution to incorporating delicious cheese into a nutritious, well-balanced diet.

“Translating the new dietary recommendations into everyday life can be challenging. Americans are now looking in their refrigerators wondering what they should throw out and what new products will help them enjoy a more nutritious lifestyle,” said Dudash. “Fortunately for cheese lovers, Sargento offers reduced sodium and reduced fat cheeses that taste just as delicious as their traditional counterparts.”

Sargento Reduced Sodium and Reduced Fat natural cheeses are available in snacks, slices, and shreds in a variety of flavors, such as Reduced Sodium Colby-Jack sticks, Reduced Sodium Provolone slices and Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar shreds. On average, Sargento Reduced Sodium natural cheeses contain 90-140 milligrams of sodium per serving, and Sargento Reduced Fat natural cheeses contain 2.5-6 grams of total fat and 1.5-3.5 grams of saturated fat per serving.

Michelle also shares the following tips to help Americans make informed food choices and develop sound eating habits:


1. Instead of adding salt throughout the preparation process, only add it at the end of cooking when it’s needed. This method requires less salt, while still reaching your taste buds upon first bite.
2. Use good quality, fresh and seasonal ingredients whenever possible, which results in maximum flavor and leaves little need for added salt.
3. Seek out foods with 140 milligrams or less of sodium per serving, since these qualify as low sodium. Sargento Reduced Sodium cheeses all fit the bill with only 90-140 milligrams of sodium per serving, making it a deliciously satisfying way to follow a diet lower in sodium.

4. Finishing touches like julienned sundried tomatoes in egg dishes, raisins in salads, and toasted slivered almonds in rice are low sodium additions that can really liven up the flavor and texture of recipes.


5. Choosing lower fat versions of your favorite nutrient-rich foods not only offers less total fat, but also may provide a savings in saturated fat and calories compared to selecting their regular counterparts. Sargento Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Shreds, whole grain crackers, vinaigrette dressing, and yogurt are a few examples.

To view recipes specially created by Michelle Dudash, RD, using Sargento Reduced Sodium and Reduced Fat natural cheeses, click here. Each recipe contains 550 milligrams or less of sodium and nine grams or less of saturated fat per serving.

For more information on Sargento Reduced Sodium and Reduced Fat natural cheeses or to locate a store near you that carries the product, visit www.sargento.com
I did receive a few VIP coupons above complementary to review some of Sargento Reduced Sodium and Reduced Fat natural cheeses. No monetary compensation was received.

Earth Hour 2011 will take place at 8.30pm (all time zones), Saturday, March 26

WHAT IS EARTH HOUR?

Earth Hour is driven by the global community’s will to protect the planet we share. Earth Hour’s exponential growth – from a single-city initiative in 2007 to a global movement across 128 countries in 2010 – is indicative of the growing desire for a cleaner, healthier world that is gathering momentum by the hour. At 8.30pm on Saturday 26 March 2011, Earth Hour will mark a moment of global contemplation to go beyond the hour; a collective commitment by individuals throughout the world to be the ongoing change they want to see in it.

Earth Hour 2011 will ask the world to:

· Switch off your lights for Earth Hour at 8.30pm, Saturday 26 March 2011 and celebrate your commitment to the planet with the people of the world
· Sign up and Share stories of your actions that benefit the planet on earthhour.org
· Sustain your actions beyond the hour – www.beyondthehour.org

HOW DO WE INVOLVE OUR CHILDREN?

In a bid to extend the message to young children and their caregivers, the Earth Hour organization has appointed the globally loved animated character Pocoyo as the first Global Kids’ Ambassador of Earth Hour, Beyond the Hour. Pocoyo will reach out to millions of preschool-aged fans across the globe, fostering “Learning through Laughter,” to inform children about environmental issues.

Parent and their caregivers can find a fun activity book, promo, screensavers and wallpaper at http://www.pocoyo.com/earth_hour_2011.html

At the recent Beyond the Hour press conference in Singapore, Earth Hour Co-Founder and Executive Director, Andy Ridley commented “Everyone has the power to make change: a CEO can change an organization, a 7-year-old can change a classroom, and a president can change a country. What we are announcing today is just the beginning. It is through the collective action of individuals and organizations that we will be able to truly make a difference, which is why we are urging people across the planet to share how they will go beyond the hour this Earth Hour.”

Chloe Nicol, a 7-year-old girl from Australia, is guiding her school to increase recycling and reduce energy waste. The school now also shuts their blinds instead of using air-conditioning to cool the rooms.

Nathi Mzileni, a 15-year-old boy from Swaziland, was inspired to take action in 2010 when he realised his town did not participate in Earth Hour. He started a group at his High School called Green Enviro to educate people about climate change, and this year will single-handedly make Earth Hour a reality in his town of Shimunye, Swaziland.

Parrys Raines, a 15-year-old Australian girl, has convinced her school to install water filling stations and provide each student and teacher with a reusable stainless steel drinking bottle to reduce plastic bottle waste.

Parents, caregivers and their children EVERYWHERE can support the initiative by throwing an Earth Hour Party Celebration to help spread the word on saving our environment. We’ve included some easy tips for the perfect party, enjoy!

· Make invitations out of recycled paper or send an email invite.
· Use organic and locally sustained food.
· Serve finger foods to skip using plates and utensils, and use cloth napkins that can be washed and used again.
· Make dishes that don’t require the oven or electricity to prepare.
· Be creative with food, licorice ends can be cut off to make edible straws for the kids.
· Family craft project - decorate canvas shopping totes with eco-friendly paint, old buttons, etc.
· Have a nighttime, outdoor, eco friendly scavenger hunt by flashlight - hunt for garden tools, seeds, egg cartons, etc. Once the items are found, explain how they are used for recycling and to save our environment.
· Have a recycled book exchange for the kids and adults, instead of favors.
· Have fun and remember to have enough candles and flashlights for everyone to see!

“20 SIMPLE IDEAS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS TO HELP CHILDREN TO GO “BEYOND THE HOUR”, AND HELP SAVE OUR PLANET!”

At the centre of the Earth Hour is the symbolic collective action of lights out on March 26.

Yet Earth Hour is about much more than just switching off the lights. It’s about switching to a more sustainable lifestyle. Being mindful, using less, making everyday choices to reduce our environmental footprint.

If you want your kids to be environmentally responsible when they grow up, you've got to teach them while they're still young

Here are some tips for going beyond hour. Big or small, through all our efforts combined, these changes will help make a difference.

Turn off lights and appliances at the wall when not in use
Explain to children that lights, TV’s and computers use energy, and that it is in short supply! This is an easy way to reduce wasted energy and carbon. If you switch off just one appliance at the wall you could save 99 pounds of greenhouse gas! Ask your child if he can imagine what 99 pounds might look like, and show him/her some examples – like twenty 5 pound bags of potatoes!

Stop using plastic containers
Explain to your child that every bottle they throw in the trash sits in a big pile at the local dump. Have your child help you pick out fun, brightly colored refillable or reusable containers.

Make recycling fun!
Make recycling fun by inventing games such as tossing non-breakable recyclable items into trashcans at a short distance! Use recyclable materials in craft projects, for example use cardboard to make masks, or paper to make airplanes! Create art projects such as paper mache and mosaics. And donate discarded items to charity!

Have a candlelight family and grab a blanket if it’s cold!
Once a week, have a candlelight family hour and tell stories or play games instead of watching TV. And if it’s cold, wear an extra layer of clothes or snuggle up under a blanket to read books.

Use the sunlight to warm up a room
The house pet knows this and you kids will enjoy it too. Open blinds and drapes on a sunny but chilly day and enjoy the glorious warmth that pours in through the windows!

Close drapes and blinds when it’s too hot!
In the summer heat, turn down or off the air-conditioner to save energy by teaching children how they can keep from getting hot and sticky by closing the drapes and blinds to keep the room cool. They will enjoy their playtime better and parents will save money too!

Watch your water use
Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water, and of that, two-thirds is frozen in glaciers and polar ice-caps! Teach kids water-wise habits at home at a young age. Turn off the water while brushing teeth, take shorter showers, and no water-hose fights in hot weather!

Throw a green birthday party
Kids parties generate a lot of trash. Email invitations; choose reusable kid-friendly cups and plates; and create a craft activity for kids to take something home instead of wasteful goody bags.

Walk more
Walk to pre-school with your kids! It’s fun to spend the extra time with your children, great exercise and you save on gas too.

Take public transport when you can
Buses and trains ease congestion, reduce emissions, and allow you to relax with your kids. Relax and read a book together instead of driving the car!

Car pool
Double the efficiency of your car by carpooling to pre-school!

Buy earth-friendly back-to-school products
It’s always fun shopping for supplies. Choose recycled pencils and notebooks, PVC-free shoes, hemp backpacks, organic cotton clothes, or re-used clothing where possible.

Take a reusable cloth bag when you go shopping – decorate bags with your kids!
Did you know that American use 380 billion plastic bags every year? In addition to being manufactured from non-renewable fossil fuels, plastic bags degrade extremely slowly. Buy a canvas bag, and decorate it with recycled items!

Buy local, seasonal produce
Take the kids for a fun morning out and buy produce at your local Farmer’s Market! Explain how far much of the food you buy has travelled before it reaches your table. Food produced locally costs less to process and transport, and it’s fresher and better for you.

Cut down on meat
Try to eat a little bit less meat by having the children help you to make one extra vegetarian meal each week. It takes only about 723 gallons of water to produce 2.2 pounds of wheat, but 3250 gallons of water to produce 2.2 pounds of beef.

Plant natives in the garden
Enjoy some fresh air with the children in the garden and plant native plants! Kids might like to have their own miniature size garden box to tend! Use native plants, they require less water, care and maintenance. Plus, you will be creating the ideal conditions to attract native species to your backyard or balcony by creating a habitat for them.

Start a compost
What kid isn’t fascinated with worms? Create a worm composter! Almost 75 per cent of household waste is compostable. Composting not only saves landfill space, but recycles material and saves money on fertilizers. Worms to speed up the process. Ask the children to fill the composter with food scraps and in a few months, they will see how the “garbage” becomes rich dirt they can help you spread around to make the garden grow.

Grown your own fruit and vegetables
Watching things grow is exciting! Reduce your footprint and have your kids help you grow their own veggies. Let them choose seeds, plant and tend them together. Fresh veggies are good for you and for the earth. No packaging and no food miles!

Install a rainwater tank
See how much rain you can catch! Secure your own water supply and collect water for use in the garden. Rainwater is free, so parents, that means a reduction in bills too!

Share your tips with friends!
Have a weekly contest with friends to see who did the most to help save the planet!

Design Contest for Charity from Company Kids

The Company Store, celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, will accept original artwork from children 12 years and under. Submissions can be uploaded to www.Facebook.com/CompanyKids.

Is your child a future artist? Does he or she like to help others? The Kids' Design Contest is geared at inspiring creativity while supporting art education and charitable work among America's youth.

All it takes is submitting an original design for a comforter. If that design gets the most votes on Facebook, we'll use it on the comforters we donate to homeless kids across the country. And the three designers with the most votes win Company Kids gift cards.

Let your kids use their creativity to help others. Enter them into the contest and start designing!

Rules:

•open to kids 12 years old and younger
•designs must be handmade - use paint, pencils, markers, etc.
•use six colors or less
•please submit images in .jpg, .gif, or .png formats
•must comply with official rules

Prizes:

The design with the most votes will get made into thousands of new comforters for homeless children. On top of that, the three artists with the most votes will receive gift cards from Company Kids. Subject to verification.
1st Prize - $500 Gift Card
2nd Prize - $250 Gift Card
3rd Prize - $100 Gift Card

I will receive a a FREE Company Kids backpack complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Wubbzy's Egg-Cellent Easter Giveaway and Original Piece of Wubbzy Artwork Sweepstakes

Wow, wow! We’re so egg-cited to let you know about a very cool sweepstakes happening only on Wubbzy.com that is sure to make the most EGG-CELLENT Easter basket goody!

To help celebrate the release of the brand-new Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! DVD, Wubbzy’s Egg-Cellent Easter, now available, one lucky Wubb fan can win a one-of-a-kind, original piece of Wubbzy-inspired artwork, from series’ creator and artist, Bob Boyle.

For more information about the sweepstakes, and to enter, please visit: http://www.wubbzy.com/. The sweeps is live March 21 – April 10, 2011.

About WUBBZY’S EGG-CELLENT EASTER:

Fun-Filled Holiday-Themed Release from Anchor Bay Entertainment Hops into Stores – and Easter Baskets Nationwide – March 1, 2011

Beverly Hills, CA – Easter has never been more “egg-citing”! Wubbzy and his friends Walden, Widget and Daizy – from the Emmy Award®-winning Nick Jr.® preschool TV series, “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!,” will give preschoolers and families even more to celebrate this Easter with a brand-new, special seasonal DVD. “Everybunny” will be chirping with laughter when “Wubbzy’s Egg-Cellent Easter,” the latest release in the best-selling DVD series from Anchor Bay Entertainment, sprouts up in stores from coast-to-coast, Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

“We’re delighted to bring this adorable and festive new ‘Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!’ title to preschoolers across the country, just in time for the holiday,” said Erin Carter, Executive Director of Brand Marketing, Anchor Bay Entertainment. “The charming new release is the perfect answer for families on the ‘hunt’ for affordable Easter gifts and is a great way for them to celebrate spring together – the Wubbzy-way – with relatable age-appropriate life lessons and lots of heartfelt humor.”

All the kooky action of Easter in Wuzzleburg comes to life in six “egg-ceptional” episodes featured on the debut DVD. In “Wubbzy’s Egg-Cellent Easter,” Wubbzy and his pals celebrate the first day of spring with a game of kickity-kick ball and discover new ways to decorate eggs for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. And when the holiday is suddenly cancelled, it’s up to Wubbzy to save the day!

For even more Easter cheer, “Wubbzy’s Egg-Cellent Easter” includes holiday-themed coloring sheets and activity pages.

“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” has been a hit with young viewers and their families since its 2006 TV premiere on Nickelodeon®, and the show currently airs daily on Nick Jr. Wubbzy is a fun, lovable, curious little guy who just likes to play, play, play with his friends in the eye-popping town of Wuzzleburg. The top-rated series supports preschool social skills – sharing, listening, compromising, helping and appreciating others, self-awareness and the use of humor as a coping skill.

Although their world is more fanciful and imaginative than our own, Wubbzy, Widget, Walden and Daizy, deal with the same social and developmental issues faced by preschoolers. They learn how they fit into a group, how to understand their own feelings and those of others, how to get along with one another and the value of friendship and community.

“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” is produced by Bolder Media, Inc. in association with Starz Media’s Film Roman Animation Studio. It is a worldwide hit that is broadcast in 60+ countries. Susan Miller (co-producer of Ella Enchanted) and Fred Seibert (executive producer of “The FairlyOdd Parents”) are the executive producers of the show created by Emmy® Award winner Bob Boyle (producer of “The FairlyOdd Parents”).

Buy It:
To purchase Wubbzy’s Egg-Cellent Easter mentioned above visit Amazon.com!

Win It:
I have a copy of Wubbzy’s Egg-Cellent Easter DVD to giveaway to one of my super lucky readers for their little Wubbzy fan (ARV $16.98)!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Wubbzy and tell me your kiddos favorite character from the show! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Wubbzy be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” Wubbzy on Facebook

6. Follow Wubbzy on Twitter

Giveaway ends April 05, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I will receive a copy of the DVD mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Emerson Creek Pottery Review and Giveaway

I love handmade pottery and I am always visiting flea markets, garage sales and other specialty shops looking for unique and hand panted pottery to add to my every growing collection. There is just something super special about each piece of pottery and they each have their own story. I love that no matter what design the pottery has painted on it, each piece goes together brilliantly and I always enjoy entertaining family and friends on my unique pottery finds. Recently I was introduced to an amazing pottery company called Emerson Creek, and let me just say they have some of the most beautiful designs of pottery I have ever seen, so when I was given the chance to review an item from their Summer Peaks collection I was thrilled!

About Emerson Creek (taken from website):

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Emerson Creek Pottery artisans are continuing the American tradition of pottery making in a contemporary way. The property on which Emerson Creek Pottery sits was originally a 500-acre land grant from the King of England. In 1825, Silas Wade aquired the land and built his two room, and two story log cabin, now the home of Emerson Creek Pottery. To the north are the majestic Peaks of Otter, visible through the treetops in winter. The land rolls gently away from the house to the creek beds. More information about this historic home can be found in the Virginia Room of the Roanoke City Library, Roanoke, Virginia.

Influenced by the energy of Early American cobalt decoration, owners Priscilla Palmer and Jim Leavitt founded Emerson Creek Pottery in 1977. Priscilla developed the unique technique of applying natural pigments to an absorbent glaze with a Japanese Sumi-e brush. The spontaneity of the brush stroke, combined with the accuracy of design yields our distinctively recognizable style. Priscilla's deep love of the natural world provides a multitude of organic designs for all of Emerson Creek's pottery.

Our ceramic pottery has been featured at Monticello, Mt. Vernon and the Smithsonian Institute, as well as in fine homes across America. We have had the pleasure of designing customized pottery patterns for numerous clubs and organizations.

Our pottery is formed of clay made onsite. Each piece is hand made, hand painted and fired in a gas kiln. Each pattern is a series of carefully planned strokes. No templates or stencils are used. The patterns are practiced and committed to memory. The artists paint the pattern again and again. Each piece is alike and yet different, like flowers in a field. We are currently featuring 15 different lines of ceramic pottery, including our beloved signature line - Field of Iris, a classic since 1977. All of our work is microwave and dishwasher safe, lead free and ovenproof.

Visitors to Virginia find a warm welcome at Emerson Creek Pottery. We are an easy 10 minute drive from Bedford, a lovely 30 minutes from Lynchburg or Smith Mt. Lake, and a pleasant 45 minutes from Roanoke. With its original log walls, original fireplace, and three double barrel chimneys, the cabin which houses the Emerson Creek Pottery factory outlet offers considerable interest to those wishing to steep themselves in the rich history of the region. And, our guests enjoy the opportunity to connect with the past by experiencing the special quality of our handmade pottery which continues a true American tradition handed down to us from Colonial times.

Since 1977, it has been our pleasure to offer the American heritage of handmade, handpainted pottery to our customers. We take pride in the fact that when you shop Emerson Creek Pottery, you know that you are purchasing a little piece of history which will surely add the quality of timeless beauty to your home. We stand behind the superior and consistent quality of our craftsmanship and thank you for choosing Emerson Creek Pottery.

My Thoughts:

I was recently sent a Summer Peaks Square Appetizer Plate from Emerson Creek to review and I can’t tell you how excited I was and when the plate actually arrived at my door I have to admit that I was speechless at how stunning this plate was in person, the photo just does not do this beauty justice.

The plate was shipped very securely and arrived very quickly after I was informed it was on it’s way. The one thing that is an absolute must when ordering glass wear and especially hand panted pottery is that each piece is securely packaged so that there is no chips or breaks and my plate was very securely wrapped and arrived in perfect shape.

Once the plate arrived I could not wait to show it off and I soon got my chance during a family Sunday breakfast I used the plate to sever the fresh fruits for the pancakes. Everyone complimented the plate and I have to say it fit in so well with my other pieces of pottery I have collected over the past few years. And I also must say that the mixed colors of the fruits looked amazing with the beautiful mountain background of the plate.

The painting of the peaks themselves is beautiful and the artist did an amazing job capturing every little detail to make this plate on of a kind. Since receiving the plate and seeing the quality and durability of the design when washed by hand and in the dishwasher I can safely say that I have the whole Summer Peaks collection on my wish list and I will be adding more of the plates and other pieces to my collection as time goes on.

Bottom Line:

I am very impressed with the artists painting on the piece and I love that I can simply toss the plate in the dishwasher after using it during a family meal and not have to worry about the art work. I am also pleased with the security of the plate during shipping and I can tell you I would not hesitate to purchase other pieces from Emerson Creek Pottery for the simple fact that I know that the piece would be a beautiful one of a kind addition to my collection and that it would reach me in one piece and is well worth the money I would be spending on it because the artwork would not chip or fade after use.

If you are looking for a unique one of a kind gift or addition to your own pottery collection I highly recommend checking out the beautiful pieces available from Emerson Creek!

Buy It:
To purchase Summer Peaks Square Appetizer Plate mentioned above and much more visit the Emerson Creek Website!

Discount Alert:
Emerson Creek has kindly offered all of my wonderful readers here at The Cartoon Lovin’ Mama a coupon code good for 15% off all orders over $25.00 or more good thru 04/23/2011. Simply use code sg486

Win It:
Emerson Creek has generously offered one of my super lucky readers one of their four styles of mugs in the winners design choice (ARV $16.00)

Mandatory Entry: Visit Emerson Creek Pottery and tell me your favorite design! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Emerson Creek Pottery be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” Emerson Creek Pottery on Facebook

6. Follow Emerson Creek Pottery on Twitter

Giveaway ends April 05, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the plate mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.