CamelBak® Groove & CamelBak® All Clear

70% of the Earth is covered in water.

Less than 3% of the Earth's water it is fresh water.

More than 2/3 of the Earth's fresh water is frozen in glaciers.

 According to www.drinking-water.org groundwater provides 25-40% of the Earth's fresh drinking water. Even though it is "fresh" water it may not be safe to drink. One concern for travelers to a developing country would be having enough safe water to drink. In the United States safe drinking water comes in the form a treated water by a city or county, or in the form of bottled water. The Beverage Marketing corporation said Americans consume an average of 29.2 gallons per captia of bottled water in 2011, with an expected gain of 1.2 gallons over the next five years. Like many people in developing countries the people of Uganda may not have access to clean water. Often the source of water is shared with neighbors and animals. Bottle water is a luxury. In order to have safe water people carry a Jerrycan weighing approximately 40 lbs from the water source to their home which could be two or more miles. Once the water is home it must be boiled before it is safe to consumed or used in cooking food.

Jerrycan

At home in Minnesota know I can turn on the faucet and get water any time that is safe to drink.  In my usual travels I take a water bottle, especially when flying to keep hydrated. As I researched my trip to Uganda I found that it was not safe to drink water unless it was bottled or boiled.  I wasn't sure what the availability of bottled water would be so I started looking at various options.  My brother Matt is a designer at 3M and has worked on various water filters, I knew he would have the right product for me. Matt recommend two water bottles from CamelBak®.  The first is the CamelBak® Groove, the second was the CamelBak® All Clear. He was able to get me one of each of each of the water bottles to use on my trip.  

The CamelBak Groove has a built in water filter that will filter out bad tastes in water that is safe to drink. I started using the CamelBak Groove before my trip and did find it made a difference in the water I drink from the tap; it tastes like fresh filtered water. I have also use it at work and public drinking fountains with the same great results. The only thing I need to remember is not to fill it completely to the top because when you put the top on with the filter the water overflows.  

The bottle is BPA-Free and the top has a CamelBak patented bite top which I really like because it eliminates leaking from the top of the water bottle. The filter will last about 3 months. I was worried about remembering to change the filter, but then I found out I could register on CamelBack to get a  reminder. This water bottle is one I will continue to use daily. The cost for a CamelBak groove is $25-35 and can be purchased online at CamelBak Groove or purchased at REI.

Photo by Linda Cullen Photography
 http://cullenphoto.com/

The CamelBak All Clear was a life-saver on my trip to Uganda! I will admit the first time I used it in Uganda I was a bit nervous, but CamelBak has a reputation for quality and the All Clear would never went onto the market it it didn't work. It was simple to use, lightweight, and I had extra water all the time. 

The All Clear is a portable purification system that uses UV technology to neutralize microbiological contaminants in water and make the water safe to drink in 60 seconds. The CamelBak All Clear comes with a BPA free water bottle (.75 liter), classic cap, UV cap, USB cable for charging and carrying case for the All Clear UV cap and USB cable.  


The All Clear is simple!  

1. Fill the bottle with water 
2. Screw on the All Clear UV cap
3. Press the power button
4. Shake for 60 seconds
5. Drink!

The LCD screen on the cap has a 60 second timer and the UV light will turn off when the water is neutralized.  Once the UV light is done simply remove it and replace it with the classic cap or with other CamelBak cap. The UV light has a rechargeable lithium ion battery built into it.  According to the CamelBak website a fully charged battery can provide 80 purifications (approximately 16 gallons of water)   The UV cap stows in the protective case with the USB cable. I charged the battery before leaving on my 10 day trip and it still had a full charge when I returned home. The USB cable can be plugged into a USB wall outlet, computer, solar panel, etc., and be fully charged in about 4 hours.

Photo by Linda Cullen Photography
 http://cullenphoto.com/

Instead of worrying about having bottle water or boiling water before I could drink it I would "make water" (purify it) with my CamelBak All Clear.  Once I made my water I would pour it  into my CamelBak Groove and then make a second batch and simply replace the UV cap with the classic cap. I used the All Clear at least three times a day during my trip to Uganda. The cost for the CamelBak All Clear is about $99.00 and can be bought online at CamelBak All Clear or at stores like REI. This is a great investment for anyone who travels to areas with questionable water. 

If you want to use the All Clear in areas where there might be larger sediment in the water I would recommend also purchasing the All Clear Pre-Filter ($15). This filter fits on the top of the All Clear water bottle and allows you to filter out sediments before purifying the water with the All Clear. It is also available online or in stores.

CamelBak makes outstanding products and they stand behind what they make. Weather you are looking for a water bottle to use everyday or something to have clean water when traveling, camping, or hiking I would recommend shopping at CamelBak.   They also guarantee their products for life. "In 2011, CamelBak introduced the Got Your Bak™ Lifetime Guarantee for all reservoirs, backpacks, bottles and accessories. The Got Your Bak™ Lifetime Guarantee covers all reservoirs, backpacks, bottles and accessories from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product." 

Photo by Linda Cullen Photography
 http://cullenphoto.com/

You cannot go wrong with CamelBak!!  

Thank You to Matt, 3M & CamelBak for the great water bottles!

DesiderioChocolates

DesiderioChocolates reached their KickStarter goal of $14,000!! As of now they have $15,408.

Get rewarded in CHOCOLATE!! 

Yes I said CHOCOLATE!!

Vanessa Dionne started her business, DesiderioChocolates, in 2008. She currently does all her chocolate work by hand, but with your support can help her purchase a small enrobing machine. The machine is for tempering chocolate and has a conveyor belt attached that coats the confections. You can help DesiderioChocolates raise the $14,000 funds by clicking here: desiderio-chocolates-vegan-confections-launch. Any pledges over $15 gets you wonderful treats; the more you pledge the more chocolate you get!  The last date to back Vanessa's Kickstarter campaign is August 2nd. 





DesiderioChocolates are completely vegan.  Don't think they lack in flavor because DesiderioChocolates uses unique local Colorado ingredients such as Colorado Ruby Port, Stranahans whiskey and Left Hand Brews; as well as organic ingredients such as blood orange and hibiscus, organic rosemary with Celtic grey sea salt,black mission figs, Masala Mango and more. 

Milk Stout, Imperial Stout brews from Longmont Left Hand Brewing Company and Stranahans from Stranahans Colorado Whiskey

 Vegan dark chocolate caramel & nougat mini bars

Vegan pomegranate salted caramels 

DesiderioChocolates make great gifts, party or wedding favors.  You don't have to visit the Rockies to enjoy these delectable delights, DesiderioChocolates will ship all over the United States. 

To find out more or order:
1749 N Main St.
Longmont, Colorado 80501
Phone: (720) 934-3074
desideriochocolates@gmail.com
http://www.d-chocolates.com

Radar Watches

I was having trouble with metal watches irritating my wrist and started looking for a different option.  Unfortunately, anything that could have been considered an option would have been best for a 5 year old. I found an option with RADAR Watches; their watches feature a silicone band which is comfortable and lightweight. I was a bit nervous that at silicone would make my wrist sweat, but it has not.  There is an interchangeable face that a stainless steel case back, but because it sits inside the silicone band the metal is not touching my skin.  The small amount of metal from the clasp that actually contacts my skin has not caused any sort of irritation either. I have four different colors, plus one LED light up face; I can make different combinations with just a couple clicks. 

If you are looking for a fun watch that creates a conversation, you need to see RADAR Watches.  RADAR  Watches feature interchangeable watch faces and bands in 10 vibrant colors which make 100 possible combinations. If you cannot decide on a color RADAR Watches has created  RADAR² Theory which packages watch combinations of 3, 6, and 10 and YOU pick the colors and save up to 33%!

MORE COLORS = MORE POSSIBILITIES …

If you own 3 colors…you will have 9 possibilities,

If you own 6 colors…you will have 36 possibilities,

If you have all 10 colors…you will have 100 interchangeable watches.

Viking Fans- Check out the purple and gold  

With the hundreds of combinations you can pick your favorite colors, or support your favorite school or sports team by combining their colors.

Recently,  RADAR Watches released the “Special Agent"; this watch features a vibrant multi color LED light that illuminates the face of the watch and flashes colors. Currently the "Special Agent" is available in RED, WHITE, BLUE and BLACK.  Radar sent me one of the first ones and it is a lot of fun 

Owner, Adam Pratt, does sell the watches wholesale to retailers and works with organizations to help raise money.  I recently found out from Adam that they can add logos and custom designs to the face (there is a minimum order required per color).  I am working with Adam to expand his market as well as work with various organizations to benefit financially from  RADAR Watch sales.  I you are interested in adding  RADAR Watches to your stores inventory or raising money for your organization, contact me and we can get you on RADAR.

SMALL SPECIAL FOR SMALL SERVING:
When ordering a RADAR watch use coupon code TRsmallserving and receive 10% off your order. This special is not available on already reduced packages in the RADAR² Theory or U.F.O sections.

To find out more about  RADAR Watches visit them at Radar Watches 
Follow them on Facebook  or Twitter

New Summer Treat

For more ideas or to find out more about Joia All Natural Soda click here: Joia

Flex Watch

Photo by Matt Weber (www.thymeinourkitchen.com)

I have been looking for a watch that wasn't metal because it seemed my wrist kept reacting to the metal of any watch I had on.  I also didn't want anything that looked like an 8 year old should be wearing it.  In February, my friend Kristine Knutson, owner of How Impressive!,  was wearing a watch from Flex Watches.  I tried it on and found that only a small amount of metal actually touched my skin.  I thought this was the perfect option because it was primarily silicone. She told me you can change the bands and the faces to create different combinations.  I also like that it was a fun accessory.  I needed to know where to get one. Kristine told me she sells them at her store in Libertyville, IL, but they can also be purchased online.  The best part about Flex Watches is they give back to 10 different charities based on the color purchased. Kristine extends the charity by donating profit from her in store sales to a local charity each month no matter what color someone buys. 

The 10-10-10 standard (10 colors | 10 charities | 10 percent) was created in hopes of raising awareness through unique colorful products. Flex Watches gives back 10% of each sale to a charity they partner with based on the color. 

"The Flex is not just a watch, it's a brand that represents the lifestyle we aspire to lead.  Our watches don't just tell time, they tell stories. "

I chose the Orange Flex Watch; it represents the St. Bernard Project. The mission of the St. Bernard Project is create housing opportunities so that Hurricane Katrina survivors can return to their homes and communities. From the first time I started wearing it last week I have been asked about it or someone has commented on it-that is how you spread awareness.  

To find out about the other charities represented go to www.flexwatches.com/charities.

Pork Medallion with Pepper, Onion & Pineapple

I recently saw a cooking demo with Chef Brian Duffy from Philadelphia making Pork Filet Medallions with a Pineapple Ginger Salsa. It was an easy dish that I could easily replicate and make for one.  With a few modifications I made a similar dish with ingredients I had in my kitchen. I have posted his recipe as well (Pork Filet Medallions with a Pineapple Ginger Salsa). 

I like using Schwans products because they often are individual servings or can be resealed and used as individual servings. Because items are frozen you may need to allow time to thaw.

1 Schwan's Boneless Pork Loin (#393), thawed

1 cup Roasted Peppers & Onions (#761), thawed
1/4 cup Pineapple
2 Tsp Ginger (Fresh or jar, I used jar)
1/2 Jalapeno Diced (add more depending on amount of spice you want)
2 Tsp oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

For Pork Loin

1. Preheat skillet on Medium and add of oil.
2. Remove chop from wrapper and season lightly with salt & pepper
3. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes on each side

While cooking pork loin mix Roasted Peppers & Onion, Pineapple, Ginger, and Jalapeno in a bowl. When you are on the second side of cooking your pork loin add the mix to the pan, around the pork, with about 4 minutes left to heat. 

Remove pork from skillet and top with pepper mixture.

Add Some Sparkle with Derek (TheLavishKing) Ivy

I am currently working with Derek (TheLavishKing) Ivy in Kansas City, MO to add sparkle to my Minnesota Wild hat by adding Swarovski Crystals.

Hat Before

Not a hat wearer? Derek also adds Swarovski Crystals to shirts, pumps, t-shirts, blazers, letterman jackets, etc.. Each piece is custom made so no two items are identical.  Derek works with you to ensure your item is exactly how you want it; price of items are determined by how many crystals are used.

I have posted a link to Derek's YouTube videos on the side of my blog.  You can also find him on Facebook by clicking this link THELAVISHKING. Don't forget to let him know you found him on my blog!  You can also contact me for his email or phone number to place your order.

Stay tuned to see how my hat turns out. 

Here are some more examples of Derek (TheLavishKing) Ivy work. 

Kansas City Royals Before

Kansas City Royals After

LUX Soap

I met life-style expert Ross Sveback on Facebook in 2009.  I have had the opportunity to collaborate with him on a variety of project ideas.  In addition to his dinnerware, Ross recently designed a line of handmade soaps that will be sold on his website www.rosssveback.com and in retailers across the country. 

After meeting with Ross to discuss various packaging ideas, he decided on using a specialty paper that compliments the scent of each of the soaps.  I have been hired by Ross to design labels for the front and back of his packaging.  We then passed the final design to a graphic designer to create the final rounded label.

I have had the opportunity to smell each of the soaps; they are all unique in fragrance, texture and color.  These LUX Soaps would be a perfect gift for a man or a woman.  

In addition to information his LUX Soaps, you will find more information on Ross' line of Faux Bois dinnerware, embroidered kitchen towels, products he recommends and fabulous recipes to help even the novice cook make wonderful meals.  I do warn people- don't go to his website hungry.  My favorite recipe...there are too many to name one favorite.

His soap scents include: 

• VII - Heavy Whipping Cream, Honey & Oats
• Bror - Russian Fir, French Green Clay & Poppyseeds
• Nero - Slippery Elm Bark, Shea Butter, Lavender & Tangerine
• Jaipur - Cloves, Patchouli & Rhassoul Clay
• LV - Lemon Verbena, Marigold & Tangerine
• Blis - Lavender & Shea Butter
• Magi - Frankincense, Gold, French White Clay & Myrrh
• Elements - Sea Salt, Eucalyptus & Lemongrass
• Leo - Citrus, Floral, Gold, Equisite
• Eros - Patchouli, Sandalwood & Rosehips
• Hadass - Moonflower, Shea & Gold
• Terre - Moroccan Clay, Cinnamon, Orange & Peppermint

Schwans' Makes Quick Meals for Singles

Two products I keep on hand are the Schwans' Unbreaded Chicken Filets (item #502) and the Asparagus Spears (item #779).  These items are quick to prepare and perfect for one or two servings. 

Schwans' uses 100% all natural chicken! These boneless, skinless filets are 99% fat free and great for grilling, roasting, or to use in any of your favorite chicken recipes. Packed in individually wrapped in easy-peel packaging keeps product fresh and easy to use for one or two servings. There are 10 servings per box.

The asparagus is easy to use.  It can simply be thawed and eaten cold; grilled; cooked and added to any dish.  This isn't your pencil thin asparagus, these stalks are hearty!

I find Schwans' products equal to fresh products without the worry of spoiling.  Many items come in resealable bags so you can use as little or as much as you need. If you are trying to control your portion, these two items are great for because of the individual or resealable packages.  Of course, if you are a fan of asparagus like I am you might get a little out of control. 

For this dish I took the froze chicken breast and cooked it in my cast-iron pan; as it cooked I added a little seasoning. While the chicken was cooking I took out my asparagus spears to thaw; once the chicken was almost ready to eat I added the asparagus to the pan to heat. I topped this simple dish with a fig sauce I had on hand.  This meal without the fig sauce cost $3.16.


"Schwan's is an online grocery store that offers food delivery to your home. Products range from ice cream and dessert to meats, dairy and recipes to match." 

To find out more about Schwans visit their website www.schwans.com 

Watch for more recipes I make using Schwans products. 

Uncle John's Blood Mary Mix

The Bloody Mary mix can make or break your Bloody Mary.  I have been trying to find the right one to go with my pepper infused vodka for quite sometime.  I finally found one when I ran into John at MGM Liquors in Burnsville.  He was sampling Uncle Johns Bold Bloody Mary Mix and also the Uncle Johns Spicy Bloody Mary Mix.  I tried both flavors.  The mix had a fresh tomato taste with just enough spice in both to please the palette. The mixes didn't taste salty; that is something I have found with several other brands.  I have used Uncle Johns Spicy Bloody Mary Mix and even people who do not like spicy Bloody Marys agree this one does not have overpowering spicy flavors and they enjoyed it.  The mixes would be great for Virgin Bloody Marys and the website has some recipes utilizing the mixes.

Uncle John's is a local company out of Rochester, MN.

Where to buy: Buy Uncle Johns
Website: www.unclejohnssf.com/  

Why I Love My Silpats

My friend, Ross, introduced me to the wonders of the Silpat.  Sure, I had seen them used before, but I didn't actually use one until I helped Ross make over 200 6" cookies for an event.

So what is a Silpat?  "The most popular non-stick baking item ever invented," according to their website (Silpat.com). It turns your cookie sheet or counter in a non-stick surface. It saves a lot of time cleaning up because the pan doesn't have any sticky mess on it. I simply wash the pan and Silpat with hot soapy water.

I used to us parchment paper all the time, but now I pull out my Silpat instead because it not only saves clean up time, it saves waste and money.  I still use parchment paper from time to time, just not as much.  

Silpats can be used in an oven up to 480°F. They can also be used in the microwave and freezer.