Selena Thinking Out Loud had the opportunity to try a complimentary container of HemisFares Gluten-Free, Authentic Italian, Gelato!
As a BzzAgent reviewer, this campaign gave me the chance to learn more about this Kroger family brand. As you probably already know, I have reviewed a number of authentic Italian products from HemisFares, but now they are delving into the dessert category. So, I am pumped to give it a try and share my personal review/video below and a coupon code too. HemisFares Gelato (Chocolate) Review During my visit to Barcelona, Spain and parts of Italy, I tried some gelato. I found that it was much creamier, slow-churned, and had a lot of effort put into it's production. So, when I tried the HemisFares, authentic, Italian gelato, I was expecting nothing less. The product comes in a durable, thick, plastic container. The company makes it very clear that their product was produced using milk from grass-fed cows. They also present the ingredients on the back of the container very clearly. Since I am steering clear of too much gluten, I was happy to see that this was another gluten-free dessert option. Once I removed the container's seal, I could already see that it was going to be smooth, the way it was formed in the container. Then I tried a spoonful and immediately noticed the rich, creamy, taste of the chocolate gelato. It was not too sweet, but sweet enough. Compared to other chocolate ice creams I have tried, there wasn't this powdery, coco powder, residue, taste. It also went really nicely with a freshly-baked, slice of banana bread, that I made.
The container provides enough for 4 servings, so you will need to get a couple of containers for a large number of guests. Overall, the price for the container was pretty consistent with its competitors at about $4.00+ or so. At my local Kroger family grocery store, Ralphs in Southern California, they had other flavors to include: Pistachio, Hazelnut, and Vanilla with Dark Chocolate flakes. I will most likely try the vanilla with the chocolate flakes next! In conclusion, this was a great-tasting gelato. It's another great product by HemisFares and continues to represent the quality of HemisFares, authentic Italian, focus. Although, I mostly purchase alternative desserts (sorbet, soy ice cream, etc.) I would definitely purchase this product again for parties, get-togethers, and just to have at home for a sweet snack. I recommend that you give it a try. Below, you will find a video with my review and walk-through instructions on how to get your 1.00 off eCoupon.
Get Your $1.00 Off Coupon (Exp: 12/31/15) Get your $1.00 Off eCoupon for one (1) HemisFares, any size, product. Follow the simple steps below: 1.) CLICK HERE to be taken to the HemisFares official product page. 2.) Choose your local area Kroger family grocery store. 3.) Click "Sign In to Load", which will take you to the log-in page for your local grocery store. 4.) Log in, then you will automatically be taken back to the coupon page. 5.) Enter Coupon Code: GELATO, then click "Load to Card". 6.) The eCoupon will be automatically loaded onto your Club Savings Card to be redeemed at checkout. There's no need to clip or print out your coupon.
Selena Thinking Out Loud purchased some Amico and Alfresco Mini Amaryllis bulbs from Blooming Bulb.
I had the opportunity to plant them two weeks ago, to make sure that they would start blooming, beautiful flowers by Thanksgiving or Christmas. I have read that they make great holiday gifts, a perfect addition to a home's holiday decor, and easy to grow indoors. My Amico and Alfresco Mini Amaryllis bulbs from Blooming Bulb Review Since this was my first time, I wanted to make sure that I followed the instructions on the outside of each brown package, when they arrived. I purchased each bulb back in June, and they were scheduled to ship out to my home, in the Fall, from Blooming Bulb. I purchased them ahead of time because I waited too late to plant flowers this year (2015) and they didn't get a chance to bloom, so I wanted to be prepared this Fall and for Spring 2016. Blooming Bulb sent me a shipping confirmation in October that my bulbs were on the way and they came ready to plant. I waited two weeks to plant them because it was extremely warm in Los Angeles and stored them in the vegetable tray in my refrigerator to keep them nice and cool. In the following video, I show you how I planted the Amico and Alfresco Mini Amaryllis bulbs. I also show you the progression of their growth after 2 weeks and watering them once a week.
Since I have had such a fantastic experience thus far with Blooming Bulb, they are my go-to for seeds, bulbs, and gardening gifts. They ship on time, according to their pre-established schedule, and their seeds and bulbs actually grow! I am very pleased with my results. Gardening has become a very relaxing hobby for me that I hope to explore even more with other types of plants and flowers from Blooming Bulb. By the way, I'm working on planting some Anemones, which will be ready to bloom, beautiful, red, flowers in the early to mid Spring! I can't wait to share their progress with you! If you're looking for a reliable company to purchase seeds, bulbs, and other gardening gifts from, for the holidays, and throughout the year, I highly recommendBlooming Bulb. Update on Alfresco Bulb Growth It took 3 1/2 weeks to see their first bloom. They are SO fragrant and simply beautiful! Once they finish blooming, I will be letting the bulb go dormant in my cool, dark cabinet, for about 2 months, so that I can begin the growing process again, in fresh soil, since they will continue to grow for you throughout the year, if you do this.
Get 10% Off your order when you sign up for the BloomingBulb newsletter.
Selena Thinking Out Loud invites you to learn how to make a pumpkin pie from real pumpkin for Thanksgiving. This recipe will be great for Christmas and even an office holiday potluck too. There are SO many recipes out on the internet that you can follow and personalize, by substituting or adding your own ingredients.
In the video below, you will see the recipe and ingredients I used to prepare my pumpkin pie.
Ingredients 1 1/2 cup Pumpkin 1/2 cup Zulka Pure Cane Sugar (white) 1/2 cup Zulka Pure Cane Brown Sugar Pinch of salt 1/2 tsp of Cinnamon 1/4 tsp of Nutmeg 3 Eggs 1/2 cup Evaporated Milk 1/2 cup of Water (I used spring water) 1 Pie Crust (I used Phillsbury Pie Crust) Instructions: --->Preheat Oven to 400 degrees to cook pumpkin
1. Bake your pumpkin for 1 hour in a 400 degree oven. Remove all of the seeds and cut into quarters, placing them in a baking dish, covered with aluminum foil. After baking the pumpkin, separate the cooked, soft, meat of the pumpkin from its skin, and place into a bowl to refrigerate until cool. (Approximately, 1 hour) For Pie Crust. If you are using Philsbury pie crust, let it sit out for 15 minutes before unrolling and placing it into your pie plate. No oil or flour was used on my non-stick pie plate, but that will depend on the pie plate you use. --->Preheat Oven to 375 degrees to bake pumpkin pie 2. In a large bowl, add the pumpkin, pure cane sugar (white) and pure cane brown sugar; add the pinch of salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix just until smooth and well blended. Add the eggs and mix into other ingredients.Do not over mix. 3. Lastly, add the evaporated milk and water. Mix one more time until smooth and well blended. 4. Pour half of pumpkin pie mixture in the pie shell, then add the rest in the pie shell once you have sit it on the rack and pushed it in the oven. They pumpkin mixture will set evenly. 5. Bake for 1 hour and test with a toothpick to ensure that it has cooked thoroughly. Cool and Serve. Serves about 8, depending on how you cut your slices.
Halloween is almost here and a perfect time for a pumpkin carving tutorial! This year, I decided for the first time ever, to carve a pumpkin to add to my home decor. The video below shares with you my experience.
Do you carve pumpkins for Halloween? Share your comments below this video, I look forward to reading them. Have a Happy Halloween!
This past week, I had the opportunity to see over 5,000 carved pumpkins and Jack O' Lanterns, at The Rise of the Jack O' Lanterns Fall Event!
It is held in New York, Los Angeles, and San Diego. I did hear that they will be bringing it to many more cities in the future. I went to see it at the Descanso Garden in La Cañada Flintridge, CA.
I also heard a nice brief overview from one of the pumpkin sculptors, when you first enter onto the trail. He was finishing up another pumpkin carving. So awesome!
To get into the Halloween swing of things I decided to attend this family-fun event! There were people of all ages really enjoying themselves. So, the kids will have fun too. You'll see why in my video recap below.
Recently, I toured the Captain George Flavel House in Astoria, Oregon, during my 7 day Coral Princess Cruise. Being my first time in Astoria, I wanted to experience something more historic. Among the many excursions, I decided to visit the Flavel House and have tea and scones. Before this tour, I knew nothing about Captain George Flavel, but I must say, he made a name for himself and left his own legacy in Astoria. He was a man who worked diligently for what he wanted. Captain George Flavel was hungry to achieve his own personal levels of success and that is a great life lesson for us all.
In this YouTube video, I share my experience, while touring the Captain George Flavel House.
My Flavel House Tour Review To maintain the identity of this home, built in the 1800s, had to have been a huge undertaking. Every detail, from the wooden finishes, to the bed sheets, furniture, and kitchen accessories, must have taken many hours and even years of study to protect and maintain the history within this house.
The Queen Anne style architecture is very apparent, and each room has its own charm and purpose. When I walked through the doors of this home, I felt like I was stepping back into history. It was an invaluable experience, to learn and see for myself, how an upper-middle class family lived during the 1800s.
The tour guide was very well educated on the daily living practices of the family. She explained a lot about their lives and how each room served its purpose. The tour guide added a nice touch to the overall tour experience.
Tea and Scones The scones, pastries, and hot tea, was a nice addition to the tour experience before actually walking through the home. Everything was served in the dining room area of the home, with a lovely chandelier overhead. The fireplace, tall wooden doors and windows, set the mood for this room. It expressed a sense of style and class. The ladies serving the pastries and tea, were very patient and personable. Flavel House Gift Shop After the tour of the home, I went into the Flavel House Gift Shop where there were even more detailed information about Captain George Flavel and his family. There was a video playing in a small room, sharing how George Flavel worked to build his monopoly in Astoria. On the other side of the shop were displays of items to learn more about during this time in the 1800s.
When I decide to go on vacation to anywhere new, I like to travel off the beaten path. This was one of the those times and I'm glad that I did.
