Holiday Gift Guide- Brigadeiros by tinyB Chocolate.

Brazil. Bossa nova. Beaches. And now brigadeiros!  That’s the essence of tinyB chocolates. We capture the excitement, romance and richness of Brazil in the magic of its favorite national chocolate treat. Luscious chocolate brigadeiros. Available now for the first time ever in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Made fresh to order with two-day delivery guaranteed anywhere in the continental US, tinyB offers the hands-on care and service of a local family-owned business blended with international charm and panache.

But at its heart, tinyB is about the happy love story between Renata, a beautiful Brazilian chocolatier, and Andrei, a San Francisco tech entrepreneur. They fell in love, got married and started tinyB in their kitchen as a way to share their love for each other and for brigadeiros with San Francisco and the world.

Renata’s special recipe heightens the chocolate intensity, without the bitterness of dark chocolate or the sweetness of extra sugar. Hand-dipped coatings offer a variety of sensational taste treats.

Perfect for sharing, giving and enjoying. Client gifts. Wedding favors. Personal presents.

Each tinyB is handcrafted and gently placed in gift boxes that are detailed with care because we want you feel that they're made just for you - which they are.

My Thoughts:

I recently learned of brigadeiros while browsing for a gift for my mom. She has always been a chocolate and sweet lover. Ever since trying them, I have been a huge fan of the delicious creations! I have to say that tinyB has been one of the best brisadeiros I've ever had. Not only is their packaging beautiful, the flavor varieties they provide are incredible.

In my pack I received were the flavors dark chocolate and almond, milk chocolate with sprinkles, coconut and cream, and strawberry cheesecake. Each was uniquely creamy, soft, and packed with flavor. The milk chocolate with sprinkles had a nice sugary crisp bite along with the softness of the chocolatey brigadeiro texture. I was surprised at how nicely thin the almonds were cut in the dark chocolate and almond choice. I'm a huge almond fan so that was an awesome addition. If you are a coconut fan, I highly recommend coconut and cream. It was velvety smooth and so rich. My all time favorite though was strawberry cheesecake. It is so reminiscent of a nice slice of cake. What a wonderful treat! 

If you are looking for the ideal gift for a loved one, your coworkers, or even yourself, I highly recommend tinyB chocolate. It'll truly make your day! 

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Japan Candy Box Review and Giveaway!

OUR STORY
Our passion at Japan Candy Box is to spread the love for fun Japanese candy & snacks all over the world! We are totally in love with everything Japanese, and snacks are a big part of the authentic Japan experience. To bring that experience to you, we carefully handpick the most popular candy & snacks that Japanese people actually eat, and curate them into an exciting monthly box you’ll surely love! Discover Japan through seasonal snacks, limited edition Japanese candy and flavors that are not available anywhere else. Directly from Tokyo to your door!

BEST JAPANESE SNACKS
We carefully handpick the most popular snacks you'll surely love!

FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE
The shipping is absolutely FREE to every country worldwide!

100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEED
Experience the fun snacks and flavors that are not available elsewhere.

My Thoughts:

I'm not only a huge candy and snack lover, but I adore Japanese culture. It's always been a dream of mine to visit Japan. Getting the opportunity to savor their treats makes me feel as if I'm fulfilling a long time goal! With Japan Candy Box, you can enjoy a monthly delivery of goodies for you and your loved ones to enjoy. This month, Japan Candy Box took a fun Halloween twist and I can't wait to share the fun with you.

Lotte Toppo Halloween Cookie Sticks-
These were one of my favorite goodies in the box. The cookie sticks are filled with yummy milk chocolate all the way through. The cookie has a nice crispy bite and are lightly flavor which highly compliments the chocolate.

Skeleton Ramune Candy-
This was such a cute addition to the box. The bone pieces have small holes that can be put together to make a skeleton shape. The candy was just as good too. Nice and sweet.

Coris Mizuame DIY Flavor Change Candy-
This was such a fun candy to get in the box. I love DIY projects and this fantastic. The pack comes with three flavored liquid candies in strawberry, soda, and lemon. There is a mixer and a plastic pack as well for holding them. All three flavors were awesome and even better together!

Halloween Caramel Corn-
Tohato has created these soft crisp snacks since 1971. This months flavor was pumpkin pudding in honor of Halloween. I adored these! They had a sweet and salty flavor from the corn puff.

Koala's March Cookies Halloween Edition-
As a chocolate and cookie lover, this was my other favorite treat in the Japan Candy Box. Not only were the Koala's absolutely adorable, but the chocolate filling in the crunchy cookie was nice and smooth. Plus, how nice is the packaging? Very Kawaii!

Halloween Sweet Candy-
This traditional brown sugar snack was so unique. I've never had anything quite like it. The inside texture was fluffy and soft. The outside had the brown sugar that complimented the interesting bite. Overall, an awesome experience!

Halloween Umaibo Snack Stick-
The Umaibo Snack Stick was a great addition to this box to change up the sweet Halloween candies with something savory. This treat was flavored after authentic Japanese corn potage soup. Though I've yet to try that myself, I'd love to have a bowl now. This snack was delicious!

Marukawa Witch Mystery Gum-
This was a really exciting treat to experiment with. The gum has mystery flavors inside and by combining the five flavors, the taste will disappear. It certainly did! Each gum was chewy and bursting with flavor.

Marukawa Witch Color Change Gum-
This awesome gum will change your tongue to red or black when you chew it. It was so exciting to watch. My younger brother enjoyed seeing what would happen. Plus, the cola flavor was fantastic too.

Monster Stamp Candy-
These Monster Stamp Candies were one of the most creative treats I've ever seen. When you lick the colorful shape, it allows you to use them like traditional art stampers. So fun! Plus, they were yummy to eat too!

In conclusion, I could not get enough of the Japan Candy Box. I highly recommend it for children and families alike. Whether you want to treat yourself or enjoy with others, this is the perfect gift to look forward to. Thank you Japan Candy Box for letting me experience the fun.

Giveaway:

Japan Candy Box was kind enough to provide a giveaway for one lucky New Age Mama reader to enjoy delicious Japanese candies too! Thank you so much Japan Candy Box for the opportunity!

New Age Mama Japan Candy Box Giveaway

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Jam City Merchandise Review- Panda Pop and Cookie Jam.

Jam City is a Los Angeles-based mobile game maker with global reach. The company was co-founded in 2010 by former MySpace co-founders Chris DeWolfe, Aber Whitcomb, and former 20th Century Fox executive Josh Yguado. Its portfolio of titles--which includes Cookie Jam, Panda Pop, Family Guy: The Quest for Stuff and Marvel Avengers Academy--has been downloaded more than 800 million times and is regularly played by nearly 50 million people monthly. Jam City has studios in Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego and Buenos Aires. In 2016, Jam City acquired TinyCo, a San Francisco studio at the forefront of bringing the world’s most popular entertainment franchises to mobile games.

● Panda Pop:

Game Description: An evil baboon has kidnapped and trapped precious panda pups in the jungle. Strategically burst matching bubbles to beat the evil baboon and return the cubs to their worried mother! Panda Pop puts your strategy gaming skills to the test like never before!

○ Features

§  Unlock and discover dozens of beautiful worlds & over 500 challenging levels.

§  Compete with friends and see how your scores stack up.

§  Fun & easy to learn. Challenging & rewarding to win.

§  Characters, animations, and sound effects you will LOVE.

§  Strategy game for iPhone or Android!

○ Available on App Store, Google Play, Amazon Apps and Facebook

● Cookie Jam:

Game Description: Crunch your cookies before they crumble! Sprinkled with a deliciously sweet twist, this match-3 game is equal parts fun and challenging. Hop in your traveling bakery to set sail on this new puzzle adventure and explore mouth-watering patisseries from around the world. Cookie Jam was the recipient of Facebook’s 2014 Game of the Year award!

○ Features

§  Never-ending fun with dozens of unique levels

§  Deliciously sweet supply of power-ups and combos

§  Float your way through fantastical bakery islands

§  Fun and easy to learn, but a challenging game to master

○ Available on App Store, Google Play, Amazon Apps and Facebook

COOKIE FACTS AND FIGURES:

The average American will eat 35,000 cookies in their lifetime.
More people have played Cookie Jam than there are cars in India.
Cookie Jam has been played more times than the average person will blink in their lifetime.
Queen Elizabeth I is credited with the creation of the first gingerbread man.
More people play Cookie Jam every day than live in Costa Rica.
The world’s largest chocolate chip cookie weighed about as much as eight elephants.

My Thoughts:

Jam City released fun merchandise additions to their hit apps, Cookie Jam and Panda Pop. Kids and parents alike will love to add these items to their collection to honor their favorite games! I was sent both an adorable Panda from the Panda Pop franchise, as well as a delicious cookie jam.

I adore the soft and cuddly Panda Pop plushie. The red shirt is too adorable. The size and make of the product looks just like the original character. This is a well made plush toy that kids will love to play with for hours.

The creamy all natural Cookie Jam is another fantastic treat for children and families to adore. I found it was rich, flavorful, and perfect for spreading on cookies, crackers, toast, anything that needs that extra kick. The first ingredient I tasted was the cinnamon. With a dash of nutmeg this is the ideal indulgence. I enjoyed it room temperature or cold from the fridge (it didn't lose it's texture cold either!).

Nutritional Information is here:

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Holiday Gift Guide- Red Rose Sweet Temptations; Dessert Flavored Tea.

With cold weather comes the excuse to stay inside, curl up with a good book (or a good binge on your favorite TV show), and sip on something hot and delicious, now without any of the guilt! We are happy to share with you and your readers new Red Rose Sweet Temptations, a range of zero-calorie, caffeine-free herbal tea blends that are naturally flavored, lightly sweetened with Stevia and taste just like your favorite bakery treat! They taste just like their flavor names, which include Blueberry Muffin, Caramel Apple Pie, Lemon Cake and Strawberry Cheesecake.

Lisa Lillien, aka Hungry Girl, has partnered with Red Rose to create some delicious recipes featuring the new flavors. The latest recipe pairs perfectly with the weather outside and upcoming holiday season - Caramel Apple Pie Latte! Here's the link to make this delicious drink yourself!: Caramel Apple Pie Latte Recipe

About Hungry Girl:

Lisa Lillien (a.k.a. Hungry Girl) is a New York Times best-selling author and the creator of the Hungry Girl brand. She is the founder of hungry-girl.com, the free daily email service that entertains and informs hungry people everywhere. Lisa is the author of twelve bestselling cookbooks, six of which debuted at #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list. She has also starred in a top-rated cooking show on both Food Network and Cooking Channel. A self-proclaimed "mad scientist" in the kitchen, Lisa dishes out guilt-free recipes, tips & tricks, supermarket finds, and survival guides for real-world eating situations.

My Thoughts:

I'll admit that I have a sweet tooth! When the holidays come around I am ready to dig into my favorite seasonal recipes. However, trying to stay on point with my health needs and not over do it with sugary treats is harder this time of year. Thanks to Hungry Girl and Red Rose, they have created a must have tea line for sweet lovers just like me! With flavors like Caramel Apple Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake, Lemon Cake and Blueberry Muffin, no matter what your favorite dish is you are covered by Red Rose Sweet Temptations!

I was amazed by the accurate flavors of these teas. If you are concerned about health risks, fear not! Sweet Temptations are caffeine free, herbal, zero calorie, naturally flavored and only lightly sweetened with Stevia. You'll be able to enjoy all your favorite bakery treats without any guilt!

After enjoying a cup at night as a treat with my official Red Rose mug added in to my delivery, I decided to try and see what special mixes I could make. I loved mixing up a tablespoon of honey into my Blueberry Muffin tea. It was scrumptious! I also adored making my own dessert by adding a touch of chocolate syrup into the Strawberry Cheesecake and a bit of cinnamon into the Caramel Apple Pie! These teas are perfect for your recipe making! 

If you're looking for a savory treat for yourself or a loved one this holiday season, look no further than Red Rose Sweet Temptations!

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Promotion: 

Red Rose and Hungry Girl are having a promotion now on their Sweet Temptations tea. Click here on this link Promo Link  to check out the wonderful prices of individual packs and multi. All orders over $65 receive a free gift! Offer ends 12/26/17 at 10 am ET. 

Holiday Gift Guide – Giusto Sapore’s Italian Traditional Panettone

As far back as I can remember, Panettone has been a tradition at our Italian Heritage Holiday meals. This year I have tasted one of the best ever, the Giusto Sapore’s Italian Traditional Panettone. 

Panettone is a leavened baked cake. It is a delightful vanilla cake filled with raisins and chunks of candied citrus fruits. The golden color is beautiful when sliced open to see the wonderful nuggets of raisins and fruits. It is made in a classic dome shape with a wonderful light and airy texture. 

One of my family’s favorite ways to have Panettone, make it into a French toast. Take a few slices, dipped in egg batter then make the French toast. Super easy and full of flavor. I also love having a slice lightly toasted then spread with butter. 

The raisins and fruits are just the right amount inside to give that classic Italian taste. The 2-pound size is generous enough for a few servings. We like it for breakfast and for desserts. It goes deliciously with a cup of coffee. The flavor of the Giusto Sapore Panettone kept me coming back for more slices! The flavor is buttery and not overly sweet. I really like the bread type texture with a very chewy bite. The flavor comes direct from Italy. Giusto Sapore Panettone is imported direct from Italy! 

If you have never tried a Panettone, this brand is a very good one to taste. It is much lighter than a traditional holiday fruitcake and more versatile in ways to enjoy it. 

Look for Giusto Sapore full line of Italian products, including Panettone at specialty food stores. Their products include olive oils, pastas, vinegars, coffees, cookies and biscuits, canned goods plus many types of antipasto fine foods. They can be ordered online at Amazon or direct from Giusto Sapore Store. 

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Chuao Chocolatier California Collective Review

CHUAO CHOCOLATIER UNVEILS NEW CALIFORNIA COLLECTIVE:

Maker of Culinary-Driven, Fair Trade Certified Chocolate Announces Premium Indulgence 

at Accessible Price Point

Chuao Chocolatier, maker of culinary-driven, Fair Trade Certified chocolate launches its latest innovation, the California Collective. A completely new, decadent line of chocolate bars, the Collective brings a premium indulgence at a sought after, accessible price point in five delicious flavors embodying the essence of California living.

The California Collective includes five sunny coast-inspired flavors that celebrate the spirit of Chuao’s home state, from the sunshine to the shoreline. Crafted with a premium blend of Fair Trade Certified chocolate, varietals include:

·       Sun Kissed Coconut: Your personal pocket full of sunshine with crunchy almonds and toasted coconut chillin’ out in milk chocolate.

·       Pool Party Pretzel: Dive into deliciousness with crushed pretzels and crunchy toffee in a pool of sweet milk chocolate.

·       Salted Caramel Dreamin’: Live out your west coast fantasy with sweet caramel toffee and sultry sea salt in creamy milk chocolate. 

·       Sea Salt Surf: Take your taste buds on a seaside getaway, where savory sea salt swims in waves of rich dark chocolate.

·       Bright & Sunny Honey: Escape to California, where awesome almonds and bits of crunchy honey toffee play all day in rich dark chocolate.

“Our goal was to capture the California spirit—salty ocean breezes, sun-kissed beaches and those creative Cali vibes—within each of the flavors,” shares Chef Michael Antonorsi, Chuao Chocolatier’s co-founder & master chocolatier. “The California Collective is my sweet way of sharing it all with you.” 

Chuao Chocolatier’s new California Collective is available online at www.ChuaoChocolatier.com for $2.99 per bar. A curated selection of the brand’s signature line of bars can also be found at fine grocery and specialty retailers nationwide, as well as the brand’s southern California boutique and www.chuaochocolatier.com.

 About Chuao Chocolatier:

Chuao Chocolatier was co-founded in 2002 by Venezuelan Master Chocolatier Chef Michael Antonorsi and his brother Richard Antonorsi. Named a Top 10 Chocolatier in North America by Dessert Professional Magazine, Chuao Chocolatier is on a mission to share joy with the world through deliciously engaging chocolate experiences. Committed to creating sophisticated, award-winning flavors using a proprietary blend of premium, Fair Trade Certified chocolate and high-quality ingredients, Chuao crafts chef-inspired chocolates in an exceptional assortment of flavor combinations. To find your joy, visit www.chuaochocolatier.com/storelocator.

My Thoughts:

Chuao Chocolatier has made an amazing assortment of sweet treats. These products will make anyone who loves chocolate go to the paradise of California by snacking on a piece of their California Collective line! I was very grateful to try each of the bars listed above! Having visited California a few years ago, this was a walk down memory lane. I also was thrilled to be snacking on something that is free of unnatural additives while still supporting fair trade ingredients. Their thought that everything you need to make a treat is in your own "pantry" was appealing to me. I will attach a picture and my thoughts on the flavors! I have to say, I was impressed and am excited to share them with you! 

Sun Kissed Coconut: I am usually not that fond of coconut in my chocolate. I love the smell, but find that the coconut is cute so coarsely that it is hard to chew and not enjoyable. However, I was over the moon with Chuao's Sun Kissed Coconut! The roasted almonds and finely cut toasted coconut were the perfect compliments to the creamy milk chocolate. I felt like I was basking on an island resort while eating this delicious chocolate bar. This one was by far my mom's favorite too. I caught her relaxing in bed watching television while enjoying it! Whenever I crave coconut, this is going to be the chocolate bar for me.

Pool Party Pretzel: Who doesn't love a good chocolate covered pretzel? It's been the go to snack for generations. This chocolate bar from Chuao Chocolatier knew just how to make that classic treat even better! With the perfect amount of crispy pretzels mixed with savory toffee and thick milk chocolate, you'll never feel like the summer time pool days have ended. If you want the ideal blend of sweet and salty, along with that light crunch, this is your go to! 

Salted Caramel Dreamin': I adored this wonderfully sweet and salty chocolate bar. The caramel toffee reminded me of the nights out in California with my mom when here and I were out there together. If you look closely in the pictures, you see the yummy toffee mixed in with the delicious milk chocolate. The added sea salt balances the sweetness, making the flavors completely enjoyable and able to be tasted together. 

Sea Salt Surf: Dark chocolate is by far my favorite. It isn't overly sweet and always creamy (and healthy for you too!). I adored this thick and tasty product from Chuao Chocolatier. The sea salt allows the dark chocolate to take on an even more powerful taste. As a dark chocolate lover, I would sit back and enjoy this any day of the week!

Bright and Sunny Honey: Chocolate and almonds are the ideal combination. This bar is the choice for those that love sweetness. The dark chocolate adds the pow factor to the sweet honey toffee and finely cut roasted almonds. There is a nice mild crunch to this bar with a sweet after taste. I loved it!

If you are looking for delicious, fairly priced chocolate that is using real products on the market, Chuao Chocolatier is for you! Supporting fair trade, ethically sourced Cacao, and fresh ingredients, these products are unique along with delicious. The California Collective line is a must have! 

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