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:

Connect with Jam City:

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Holiday Gift Guide – Kitchen Gift Books

Do you know someone who loves baking? How about a coffee fanatic? Here are two books that are ideal for holiday gift giving.

For your favorite baker – Holiday Cookies contains prize winning family recipes from the Chicago Tribune. These recipes are from home readers who submit them into the Chicago Tribune Holiday Cookies Contest. Each of these tried and true family recipes are lovingly described as to why the cookie is special. The recipes are mouthwatering, and the stories are touching! This is a joy to read as well as being a cookie cookbook. 

Inside Holiday Cookies:

Simple Drop Cookies

Sugar & Spice

Fruit & Nut Treats

Chocolate Delights

Sandwich Cookies

Brownies & Bars 

I love the many full color photographs! Not all the recipes have photos, but those that do are beautiful! There is a very enticing recipe for Eggnog Cookies I can’t wait to make for our Christmas party. The Snowflake Sugar Cookies are a work of art! Christmas Rocks is a fruitcake type of cookie that dates to the 1940’s. Lots of history and family traditions are found throughout this gem of a cookbook. The chocolate section will have any chocolate lover drooling. 

Set this book in a basket of cookie ingredients for a lovely bakers gift! 

Holiday Cookies

Prize-Winning Family Recipes from the Chicago Tribune for Cookies, Bars, Brownies and More

By Chicago Tribune Staff
Introduction by Carol Mighton Haddix

Agate Publishing

For coffee lovers, check out the title Craft Coffee. As a coffee drinker, I found the information very comprehensive. I have learned a lot from this book. Simple tips as well as ways to choose beans, equipment, ideal ratios and much more are included to make the best coffee you can at home! Making craft coffee is a manual type of process and there is not much included about using electric coffee makers. 

This is more for those choosing coffee presses and manual drip brewing. The details and information is very well written by a coffee enthusiast! One tip I know I will be using forever is rinsing my paper filters before each use. I never noticed the paper taste really affected my coffee until I started using this tip. I found the book informative and it made me want to try a different way to brew! There are no photos, but they have included many illustrations. 

Add Craft Coffee to your gift giving list for any coffee lover.

Craft Coffee: A Manual

Brewing a Better Cup at Home

By Jessica Easto
With Andreas Willhoff

Agate Publishing

 

Mother's Day Gift Guide - Give Mom Something Sweet from Voortman Bakery - #Giveaway

 Voortman Bakery, formerly Voortman Cookies, just underwent a total brand re-imaging including all-new recipes and updated flavors, using only real ingredients. What you see on the new packaging is what you get in the new Voortman cookies and wafers.

The cookies hold a sentimental sweet spot for many moms and those who recall snacking on their wafers as a child. Voortman’s new products are rolling out at Walmart, Target, Kroger’s and over 30k retailers across the country. The bakery (everything is made in an actual bakery by real bakers!) provides more natural snack options, they don’t have high fructose corn syrup or preservatives and are made with real ingredients like fruit, cocoa etc.

My Thoughts 

The old myth is true. All women love chocolate, cake and cookies. They especially like cookies, especially ones with chocolate included. If you want to give your mom something sweet she's sure to enjoy this Mother's Day,  some of the delicious cookies from Voortman's Bakery. They offer a  variety of different flavors, all of which are made with real ingredients. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or high fructose syrup in these delicious morsels . Here's a little about each one of the varieties I got to try.

Vanilla Wafers- These are a classic. They practically melt in your mouth. They are  favorite with all my children from 5 to 16. Even toddlers can enjoy this crispy treats.

Peanut Butter Wafers - This are awesome if you look you wafers a little on the salty side. The peanut butter makes them not quite as sweet, but you still get that satisfying crunch.

Strawberry Banana Wafers- I never had this flavor before, but I'm hooked. I love this fruity combo in in a crispy wafer. 

Chocolate Wafers - Another classic. These crispy wafers have a yummy chocolate center. 

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip - I'm usually not a big fan of oatmeal cookies, but when you add in the chocolate chips, I like them much better. These are fresh and delicious, especially with a glass of milk.

Oatmeal Cookies- So, the plain oatmeal aren't bad either, even if they aren't my favorite in the batch. I do love that they are made with real whole grain oats.

Coconut Cookies - I am a sucker for coconut, so these cookies were just awesome. Each one is packed with real shredded coconut

Coconut Dark Chocolate- As if just coconut wasn't enough, you can also get coconut and dark chocolate. These are my two favorite things, and my mom's too! I know what she's getting for Mother's Day!

All of these cookies and wafers were amazing, and they are only a few of the varieties you can choose from at Voortman's Bakery. They have tons of flavors, including sugar-free. To see all this fabulous company has to offer, be sure to visit their website or follow them on their social media.

The Giveawa

One lucky winner is going to receive a selection of cookies from Voortman Bakery (varieties may vary)! To enter, simply fill out the giveaway tools  form below. Open to the US only. Giveaway will end 5/14/17 at  11:59 est. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

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Valentine's Gift Guide - Toastees from Almondina - #Giveaway

Almondina cookies has become one of my favorite indulgences. They are  a classic almond cookies that all generations can appreciate, but they come in thinner sizes. Now, the are even available in delightful bite size portions called Toastees.  Each serving which amounts to around 4 pieces is only 60  calories, so you can enjoy your snack without feeling guilty.  The also offer unique flavors including:

Cranberry Almond

Sesame Almond

Lemon Poppy Almond

Coconut Orange almond

All of these  varieties are packed with flavor and very fulling so you won't feel like you're sacrificing anything.  They are nice and crunchy and taste great on their own or dipped in coffee or tea. They are an indulgent treat. Cookies like chocolate chip have lost appeal to me since I've gotten older. They are just way to sweet. This are just sweet enough. Plus, they are dairy free, have no preservatives, no added fat, and so salt.

If you are interested in giving the Almondina cookies a try.   Toastees are being carried coast-to-coast by stores including all Sprouts Markets, Bed Bath & Beyond, Publix, Fairway Markets, Kroger Michigan, Amazon, Almondina.com  and others  To keep up with new products and promotions, be sure to become their fan on face book or follow them on twitter.  They would definitely make  great Valentine's Gift for those with more mature taste buds. Pick up a package of Almondina Cookies today and bring a little piece of Italy home. 

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a variety pack of Toastees from Almondina. To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end on  2/22/17. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. If you have won a giveaway from Almondina in the past, you are not eligible to win again. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

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Nonni's NEW Dark Chocolate Almond THINaddictives

Hungry for a new, sweet treat this back-to-school season?

THINaddictives, the growing line of almond thin cookies straight from Nonni’s artisan bakery, just got even better with the introduction of its newest offering –Dark Chocolate Almond THINaddictives!

Made for chocolate-lovers seeking a guilt-free indulgence, these new crunchy treats come in three delectable flavors: Dark Chocolate Banana Almond, Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond and Double Dark Chocolate Almond. Each is lightly drizzled with decadent dark chocolate and made with real ingredients such as California almonds, bananas and sweet cherries.

Averaging only 70 to 80 calories, the new Dark Chocolate Almond THINaddictives are served in pre-portioned freshness packs with two almond thins. They are low in sugar, fat and carbohydrates and contain at least two grams of protein per pack, offering a better-for-you treat perfect for fit-friendly snacking.

My Thoughts

Biscottis are  a classic treat that all generations can appreciate, but now they come in thinner sizes. Each pre-proportioned package is only 100 calories, so you can enjoy your snack without feeling guilty.  The newest flavors are Double Dark Chocolate Almond, Dark Chocolate Banana Almond, and Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond. These rich dark chocolate treats are perfect for summer or to tuck into lunch bags during the back to school season. They have big pieces of  nuts  in each cookie, dark chocolate drizzle, and they're packed with flavor. They are an indulgent snack both parents and kids will enjoy.

 Despite the small size, they are also very fulling so you won't feel like you're sacrificing anything.  They have all the crunch you're used to with full size biscottis and taste great on their own or dipped in coffee or tea.

If you are interested in giving the new THINaddictives flavors  a try, they are available in stores nationwide. Check their store locator to find a location near you.  To keep up with new products and promotions, be sure to become their fan on face book or follow them on twitter.  Pick up a box of Nonni's Biscotti's today and bring a little piece of Italy home. 

The Perfect Summer Travel Snack- Walkers Shortbread Review and Giveaway!

Summer is meant for spending time in the sun, road trips and just enjoying the outdoors. Walkers Shortbread makes for the ideal addition to your packing list: The “World’s Finest Shortbread” comes in mini, re-sealable packs, perfect for on-the-go—especially when you have hungry kids in tow.

Made with just four simple, all-natural ingredients (flour, butter, sugar and salt), Walkers Minis will satisfy that sweet tooth craving without spoiling appetites. They’re also the perfect dessert addition to any picnic (for diners of all ages)! Walkers also offers a (truly delicious) new Gluten Free Shortbread portion pack that will satisfy any dietary needs for the road.

My Thoughts:

The smell and taste of a delicious shortbread is something that always brings back childhood memories. My grandparents loved them and we always enjoyed a few together, especially around the holidays. Walkers variety of shortbreads bring me right back to that place. Read my review below of the three flavors Walkers was so kind to share with me and for you all through a giveaway.

Gluten Free Pure Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread: 

As a chocolate chip lover, these shortbreads hit the spot. There are two in each individual pack. The texture is soft yet with a light crisp. They may be gluten free, but going off of taste alone, you'd never know. The chocolate chips are always melty and rich, and in addition you get a nice hint of butter. These will make any day a little more sweet! 

Gluten Free Pure Butter Shortbread: 

A classic flavor with a gluten free twist, this treat will have you remembering the good old days when you had your very first shortbread. They are crunchy, thick and oh so buttery! You can enjoy them without the guilt.  

Pure Butter Mini Shortbread Fingers:

These may be mini but there is nothing small about their taste! These little shortbread fingers are delicious and addicting. You can never have just one. I was guilty of putting my hand in the resealable bag a couple times through the day. They have a light crisp and just the right amount of buttery flavor. 

I am now a true fan of Walkers Shortbreads! They are a fantastic treat to get you through the day! When they arrived, my family was quick to give them a try and each one of us enjoyed! My dad loved to take these to work for lunch and share with his coworkers. If you love shortbread treats as much as me, you will love these, whether you are choosing to go gluten free or not.

                            Connect with Walkers Shortbread: 
                            Facebook Twitter Website Pinterest Instagram Google+

The Giveaway:

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Gimmee Jimmy's Cookies

I have always enjoyed cookies, but they were just cookies. Nothing that special. However, a few weeks ago I received a package in the mail from Gimme Jimmy's Cookies. They make cookies, but they aren't like any cookies I've ever had before.  These cookies are a gourmet, melt in your mouth piece of heaven. They are soft, chewy and so delicious that just thinking about them now is making my mouth water. These are the kind of cookies that you will take just one bite and become hopelessly addicted.

I was sent one of their sampler tins that contained some of their signature
flavors including oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, and white chocolate chip.  Believe me, every one of them tastes just as good as they sound. All of the cookies are nice, big portions that are chewy and delicious. They are packaged in individually layers to provide long lasting freshness, and come in a beautifully arranged tin that would make the perfect gift for any occasion. This was a big tin of cookies, and even after two weeks, they still stayed fresh and delicious in the tin.

Gimmee Jimmy's Cookies  offers a variety of gourmet cookies including sugar cookies, rainbow cookies, double chocolate chip cookies, and many more delicious options.   There are also samplers available where you can mix and match your favorite flavors for a nice variety. To learn more about this great company and all they have to offer, you can visit their website or follow them on social media. 

Connect with Gimmee Jimmy's Cookies 


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