Cuisinart - WAF-100 - 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker/CSN STORES Review

CSN always impresses me by their fastest shipping. I ordered this waffle maker for review on Wednesday and I got my package next day! Unbelievable!!!

My retired waffle maker is round. Cuisinart WAF 100 4 Slice Belgian Waffle Maker is large, square, has 4 deep pockets give you 4 waffles at a time.

I prefer easy recipes in weekdays. But on weekends, I like to surprise my hubby and my son with a little different taste especially for Sunday brunch. I always make waffles with baking powder and even though I love baking and kitchen sometimes I buy frozen waffles..Oh yes, I do.. But today, to celebrate my new waffle maker I prepared real Belgian waffle batter (with yeast instead baking powder) and tested my recipe with the new waffle maker, before Sunday:) Result?

I'm so OK with the result... lighter(because of the yeast),

thicker, bigger- and not dry(because of Cusinart WAF 100 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker),
and more crispier(because of the egg whites).

Well, hello weekend!

recipe
For the best result, prepare the batter the night before or at least 3-4 hours before.

W a f f l e d o u g h
(makes 6 waffles)

-ingredients-
3/4 cup milk
3.5 g dry yeast
1/2 tsp sugar

Warm 3/4 cup of milk(lukewarm),
mix in yeast and add 1/2 tsp of sugar and set aside (don't refrigerate)

2 large egg+ 2 egg whites
3/4 a stick of butter
2 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
L e t ' s a d d m o r e f l a v o r :))
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp lemon zest
a pinch of salt
Separate egg whites and yolks. Mix whites with a mixer until fluffy, put aside. Mix dry ingredients(flour,sugar and salt) in a deep bowl. Add yolks, yeast mixture,vanilla, cinnamon, lemon zest and butter(melted) and mix by hand or using dough hook. Gently add the beaten egg whites into the the dough
No more mixing:))
T h a t 's i t !
Leave the dough to rest in room temperature until it gets double
(at least) or triple!
Simply pour batter onto the deep pockets on a preheated( hot) and greased waffle maker.


Top with syrup, fruit
(I love blackberry and strawberry mix with whipped cream),
butter, or your favorite toppings and,

e n j o y !

Mmmm...heavenly!!!

Crispy exterior with moist interior(just what my son loves)

Bakes four 4 1/2 inch square waffles; Non-stick coating for easy to clean.

Try not to overfill! The lid might get stuck closed.

If you don't have large storage place in your kitchen, it can be stored on its back edge, lid locked. It has 5 setting browning control( from light to very dark) and audible ready signal.

What is new with CSN Stores???

Have you heard about Joss&Main?

It is an exclusive private sale CSN Stores recently launched. You can join filling up registration form only with your name, last name and email address. It costs nothing to join.

This site offers top brands and designers for the home at up to 70% off retail. Sales only last 72 hours, but new ones are launched daily. All are backed by the high levels of costumer service.

I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from CSN Stores.
The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Almost done!

Popcorn shrimp(Aria was asking for it since yesterday), black beans with bell pepper(which I haven't made it all winter) and rice for dinner today!
Who is coming over for dinner tonight??? I can happily add another plate to the table for you:)



recipe


Since we have been having a tough/cold winter, NBA Mini Jammer Basketball Hoop kept Aria active while he was stuck inside all winter.

review

Yesterday was 40 degrees, today is 30-35, but very windy right now..It seems it's gonna be under 30 degrees again over the next couple of days..

A pic from last year-First bloom of spring, 2010



Warmer weather coming this weekend, h o o r a y !

NBA Mini Jammer Basketball Hoop Review

I received a Mini Basketball Hoop for wall yesterday from dazadi.com to try and review. My son loved all the logo's on the board. He just started to play basketball and he is so happy that he keeps practicing with this indoor hoop, even though winter comes. This morning I heard some rocket coming from my son's room. He was practicing a slam dunk.
After I heard his 'yes!!!' I noticed that this item will bring his life a lot of fun. Easy to set up and perfect for beginners. We tried a cheap one last winter but it broke in a few days. This product is sturdy. I believe that he will use it for years.

NBA Mini Jammer Basketball Hoop features a 24 Inch reinforced plastic backboard with all 29 NBA team logos, a 10 Inch molded plastic basketball rim and comes with a 5 Inch inflatable basketball. You will need an air pump for that.

My son was playing in the front yard when FedEx guy brought it yesterday. He grabbed the package and opened it. He has been waiting for this hoop for a while and he was very excited about it. The assembly instructions was very helpful. He attached the basketball net to the rim by himself:))







One of his friends came over yesterday and they both enjoyed playing with the hoop. He said his 10 years old brother is still has the same hoop in his room and they are playing together.

Bottom Line; It's much more sturdy than others, totally worth to price. Easy to assemble and the back board is pretty looking with all those logos. It's good to practice dribbling and shooting inside also doing a slam dunk. Although you should never hang from the rim.
I recommend this product to everyone. Brings so much fun to the kids room.

I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from dazadi.com.The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Want to access another computer?

I have been very interested in learning more about accessing other computers. Yesterday we had a conversation about it with some people. Learning about the computer world looks endless:) Anyway, every new thing I learn is a plus. Isn't it?

I heard about Proxy Pro but I didn't know what it's for exactly, until yesterday. It's a software that allows one computer to access or control another via the internet. 

Proxy Pro 7 Workstation Edition Most of technicians prefer to upgrade to PROXY Pro 7 Workstation Edition because it's fast and has great security, including “256-bit encryption– the highest in its class.
I'd like to share with you guys a little more about this business-oriented service.

It includes;

Remote access software provides to reach machines anytime, anywhere.
Remote control  software provides to resolve support issues collaboratively.
Remote management software allows to monitor and repair machines in real-time.

PROXY Pro 7 Remote Desktop Software allows remote control of Mac and Linux computers as well as Windows 7. You can download your free 30-Day Trial of PROXY Pro 7 now.PROXY Pro 7.0 introduces peer-to-peer remote access and control of Macintosh and Linux computers for the first time. Schools, colleges and other educational organizations prefer Proxy Pro and thousands of helpdesk and IT administrators everyday to access and managing desktops, servers and mobile computers.

It's a small small world.. And with these softwares, it's getting smaller and smaller 😊

Relaxing time with a music box!

Hope you're staying cool today. It's 96 degrees here. The best thing to do is staying home, relaxing, having a nice icy drink:) What else? Maybe a nap? My son loves taking a nap with his music box. How relaxed it can make you and your little ones feel! They are very comforting.
Do you have a music box or do you want a new one? Also you may want to buy one of those beautiful music boxes as a gift to your family/friends. I still remember I had a music box when I was a little girl. Whenever I hear the same music it really does make me feel all cozy inside.

Amazing Music Box original online music box gifts company offers the widest selection and the lowest prices online as well as offline. Their music boxes are perfectly sized, hand made by artisans from Sorrento, Italy. The melodies are Swiss-made Romance mechanical movements by Reuge. They also carry the Sankyo mechanical music movements from Japan.

It is not easy to choose. They all look beautiful. The Lilac high gloss heart and flower inlay music box is my favorite:)

I also really like the Butterflies theme music box with jewelry compartment. Gorgeous!


Highly Personalized...
Choose a sentimental melody, they will built it for you and deliver it to you up to a week.

Baby&children Sorrento Music Boxes

Put your little ones to sleep with these adorable music boxes. They can help you calm your baby and put him or her to sleep easily. They also will amuse your child.

Christmas Music Boxes
Time does fly. If you like to start planning on what to get your family and friends for Christmas, add one of those beautiful music boxes to your list. It make an elegant Christmas Gift for your loved ones. Choose an music box for them. Sharing the joys and traditions of the holiday season with your little ones, your grand children is truly one of the greatest gifts of parenthood. They will remember that special day forever..

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the my own. Even though I received compensation for my time,I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those products.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer liquid daily sunblock

I reviewed Neutrogena Ultra Sheer liquid sunscreen three weeks ago. I've always liked Neutrogena products. This product features Helioplex, a breadth of stabilized sunscreen technologies that delivers superior protection from the sun. Here is my review I shared on Facebook.(June 10, 2010).

Hope everyone is having a great summer break!

"Neutrogena Ultra Sheer liquid sunscreen*SPF30

I received 2 tubes Neutrogena Ultra Sheer liquid sunscreen*SPF30 from Jenn& The Tidal Labs Team this week.

I have been using it last a couple of days.After using it first time I liked it.It is not greasy and leaves skin soft and smooth.

We were at the beach 2 days ago and spent all afternoon there. I needed to reapply after swimming.I don't like feel oil after I put on a sunscreen on my face.I don't even like to touch my sunglasses with messy hands.My skin felt clean.I don't have a dry skin.My skin is normal and it worked for me.

I concern ingredients of skin products I buy for me and my family.Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid sunscreen has Helioplex which stops both UVA and UVB rays.If you really concern sun damages, the best thing to do is to limit your time outdoors. If you can't do this, remember to reapply a good quality sunscreen like Neutregona Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock for long time outdoors.

Yesterday, I used it under make up.After rubbing it on my face, in a couple of minutes later I only felt smoothness on my skin.No mess.Works beautifully under make-up and moisturizers well.It kept the sun off of me.

I recommend this product everyone who looks for quality sunscreen."

Would you like to review UltraSheer®, too?

Then go to http://www.giantwavepool.com/ultrasheer!

Or get $2 off your UltraSheer®

Purchase at http://www.neutrogena.com/suncoupon.

I received the product mentioned above for free
for review purposes from Tidal Labs.
I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:
"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements
and Testimonials in Advertising."

Somebody got a new bike for his birthday :-) CSN Stores Review

I've received a 20" Hyper Metro BMX Bike from the awesome people at CSN Stores. UPS delivery was at the door in less than 48 hours after I ordered. It is totally a pleasure to deal with this company. Aria was at school when the UPS guy knocked the door. I told him that there is a huge package waiting for him in his room. He looked at me and said 'is it my new bike ?...YAY!!! (It was a very loud one:))

We unwrapped it together and waited for daddy to assemble it for 3 hours. Seriously, it was a long tome for him when thinking of his first ride on his cool bike. He picked up all the zip-ties and said 'let's recycle these mom' ;-)

Hyper Bicycles specializes in BMX and racing bikes for all ages.
Hyper Bicycles 20' Hyper Metro BMX Bike-720981 is just the right one for him/his age.

His first bike was with training wheels. I took them of when he learned how to ride it without training wheels two years ago. He was sooo ready for a real bike ;-)

These days you can get a great deal on a new bike by ordering online. Just a quick reminder how to properly assemble a mail order bike right out of the box;

The tools you would need when you order a new bike online ;
*Phillips head screwdriver,
*wire cutter,
* allen keys;adjustable,
*a set of metric open-end wrenches,
*adjustable wrench.
*You’ll also need an air pump.

We don't have a air pomp so they took it to the closest gas station to pump some air just in case. He enjoyed every minute helping daddy to assemble his new awesome bike! Just like he said
'my awesome bike'

When the bike was ready to be hopped on, it was already dark outside. But I didn't ask him to wait until tomorrow(tomorrow is also a school day..Could he wait until he comes back home from school??) I know what he would say..'It's not fair'..night shot wasn't good though. I'm not adding it.

And this morning just before school

happy moments...


He loved his new bike. He said 'I feel like I'm flying mommy'

A good bike is...
...a trusted friend that makes your kid feel like flying!

ViCera's Ceramic Cutlery Review

A good, basic set of knives is a standard feature for even the smallest of kitchen. Good knives will make food preparation faster and easier. A good chef's knife can get very expensive, but worthwhile. Knives that feel good in your hand. Let's face it; you can't cook with out pots pans and utensils! And a good knife is a good start to cook an enjoyable, delicious meal.





I've received a ViCera's Santoku Knife from ViCera Cutlery (pronounced "vee-say-rah') to try and review.

Why ceramic knife?

If you use ceramic knives, you probably know these but if you're using ceramic knives first time like me I'd like to share with you guys why I wanted to try this ceramic knife.

*Ceramic Knives are weight just half that of steel or stainless knives. Extremely comfortable to use.



*Ceramic Knives will stay sharp for years without sharpening.

*The blade is so sharp, only little pressure is needed to cut food. 300 times more cutting edge retention than stainless steel.



I sliced lemons, limes, tomatoes, bell peppers very thin.

* Will last you for long years. They therefore will never become discolored, rust, or stain.

*All is needed to clean them, only a simple wipe of the blade or simply wash them with warm water and dish soap.

*Often times, steel knives react with food acids leaving behind a metallic taste in food. Ceramic blades will not react with food acids.

I've always enjoyed to prepare veggies. But not as much as I did yesterday:-)


Why ViCera ??? ViCera's Cutlery are made of better materials and has better manufacturing process than others. You can read here.

You have to take care using them because the blade edge is very sharp. Don't use them cutting hard objects like bones. If you drop them from a height the blade is liable to break. Always use a plastic or wood cutting board to protect the edge.

Vicera's Ceramic Cutlery on Facebook

I received Vicera's Santoku Knife for review purposes, my review is my opinion and I have not received any compensation for this.

Ocean Saline Nasal Care Review/ Giveaway-CLOSED

A big thank you to all the participants and Ocean Saline Nasal Care for sponsoring this giveaway!

The winner of this giveaway is;

VKT!(#10)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I'll be contacting you by email.

Hubby has been more interested lately in my site after he noticed that I mention him on my blog posts more often than Aria :-) And another product for him to try was on my list this week. New Ocean Complete Sinus Irrigation!
I don't have any sinus problem but he has! And my son sometimes complains of stuffy noise. Since his doctor recommended Ocean Nasal Spray for him, he has been using it when needed. Kids hates using eye drops, nasal sprays..He still doesn't like to use eye drop but he's OK with using nasal spray. When he had stuffy nose the thing he hate is to run out of Ocean Spray, not to use it.
-Moooom! (I know that tone means. We ran out of something that he want to use or eat;-)
-What happened?
-Where is my Ocean Spray.(He makes up an Ocean Spray song and sings until I give him. You know he loves make up songs.
He doesn't need my help anymore. He is doing it himself. And after drop twice, everything gets back to normal..end of the stuffy nose problem and... sweet dreams!!! Ocean Spray helps to breath easier.
It's the best for all family.




I received a package yesterday from Ocean Saline Nasal Care. Contains;
*1 New Ocean Complete Sinus Irrigation(6 Fl. Oz. with 2 Actuator tips)




This salt blend formula works for allergies, cold/flu, sinusitis, nasal symptoms, dry, irritated nasal passages. It's unique two in one nasal irrigator and moisturizer.
Hubby's nose is so sensitive to coldness, dust, climate changes. Sometimes, Aria counts how many times he said 'bless you' to him:)
Yesterday he said;
'Dad 12 times I told you 'bless you'. Now I'll write a 'bless you' note and hang it on the wall instead':-) Kids!!!
It's warm inside, windows are closed, he is not sick, AC is not working but he sneezes! Sometimes I wonder, if he is allergic to me lol :)
Anyway, I got the best solution for him! New Ocean Complete Sinus Irrigation also moisturizes and very easy to use. White tip for moisturizing, orange is for stream irrigation. You don't need to mix or clean up. He has been using it since yesterday and it worked very well.
I'm so glad that he slept pretty good last night.

*2 bottles Ocean Premium Saline Nasal Spray(3.5 Fl. Oz and 1.5 Fl Oz) He took one of them with him to work today. Just in case if he needs to use.

*1 bottle Ocean for kids(1.25 oz.) which we tried this one for the first time. I didn't know they have a spray for kids. I used to buy regular bottle since doctor recommended.



It's formulated gentle enough for infants. Plus it has child size applicator, contains extra moisturizer, safe for daily use.

They also offered an Ocean Complete Sinus Irrigation product for one lucky reader of yonca is cooking


To enter this giveaway; Visit Ocean Sinus Irrigation website and leave a comment here what did you learn new about Ocean products.


Extra Entries;

-Like Ocean Family of Products on Face Book.

-Follow me anyway you want.

The winner will be chosen randomly. Giveaway ends on May 28. 2010 at 10 pm(EST) Winner will have 48 hours to respond to notification with shipping info – if no response, another winner will be chosen. Giveaway is open for US residents only. Good Luck!

I received Ocean Complete Sinus Irrigation and Ocean saline nasal care products for review purposes, my reviews are my opinion and I have not received any compensation for them.

Singing all the way home!

I woke up hearing David Archuleta/Crush today again:). My son loves this song along with him and his other songs. He sings with him.
-Mom, I still need to work on this song..I don't know all the words!
-You sound good..What about your spelling words? Are you ready for the test?
-Mom??
-Whaaattt???
-I'm trying to concentrate here!
-Yeah, yeah!

That is how I started my day this morning :)
The bus driver was smiling at us today! Lol, I didn't know he started to sing in the bus too...All the way home!!!



Maybe you remember, I wrote a review of Jergen Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer a little while ago. I just want you to know guys, I tried Jergen Natural Glow Express Body Moustrizer this week. And the result is as good as the other one. Plus it works faster. And I'm loving it!

POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice Review

POM Wonderful offered to send me some 100% pure pomegranate juice to taste and review. I got the box the other day from POM Wonderful.

I poured myself a glass of POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice and really liked this taste.

The best things about this product; it is lightly tart, no added sugar or preservatives and %100 pomegranate juice. The only brand guaranteed to contain 100% authentic pomegranate. POM Wonderful %100 Pomegranate juice is the antioxidant super power. Protect your body against free radicals. I also read that it is more potent antioxidants than red wine, grape juice, blueberry juice, cranberry juice, green tea, vitamin C and vitamin E. It promotes prostate health and heart health. Pomegranate juice is known to act as a blood thinner.Read more about benefits of pomegranate and POM Wonderful products.

I don't want to miss all these benefits of pomegranate just because I don't like crunching the seeds:)

POM Wonderful is coming to us from California's sunny Valley. They grow their own fruit, pick it by hand, squeeze it with their own proprietary presses and even manufacture their own cute bottles!

Today I made a yummy snack for all of us and we enjoyed the taste of pomegranate in our little bowls:)

(for 3)

1 cup oat cereal

1 cup POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice

2 cups vanilla yogurt

1 banana(thin sliced)

1 apple (small cubed)

pomegranate seeds and pistachios

I made this delicious snack with POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice by layering oat cereal, vanilla yogurt, apple cubes and banana slices.

**************************

Put the oat cereal at the buttom of the bowl and pour POM Wonderful pomegranate juice over the cereal. It gives a pleasantly sweet taste to cereal. Add apple cubes and then vanilla yogurt. Drizzle POM Wonderful on it. Place the banana slices on top. Garnish with pistachios and pomegranate seeds. It is a healthy snack and also yummy.

You can find more delicious recipes on POM Wonderful website.

If you like pomegranate juice, POM Wonderful is high quality juice. Visit their website and learn more about their products.

If you haven't taste pomegranate juice yet, do give it a try!

Unilever Products Review and Beauty Tips!

I got a package of Unilever products such as Dove, Pond’s, Vaseline and Q-tips and enjoyed pampering myself:)
I am a morning person, wake up every morning full of energy and after 9-10 pm I'm very very lazy and dont want to wash my face. I always use wet cleansing towelettes. But it was the first time I used PONDS Wet Cleansing Towelette. Smells beautiful, my skin was smooth, soft like a Baby's after cleaning:)It is more effective at removing make-up than others I used before. Love it!
Another product is Vaseline Total Moisture Conditioning which I have been using this product for more than 10 years. I can't imagine my day without Vaseline. It provides %100 of daily hydration.
The other Unilever product I received is Q-tips in a beautiful box which easy to use.
And Dove... I always use Dove soaps but never tried Dove Hair Spray and Dove Deodorant before.
Love the hair spray. It provided strong hold besides natural movement.
I didn't need to use Dove deodorant in the day again. Once a day was enough for all day freshness. Yes, all day!
Do you know what is the best time in the day to use the deodorant? I used to apply it every morning but just learned that applying a deodorant is the best when used at night. Because body tempature is lower at night and allowing to skin become more receptive to absorbing the formula. This wonderful tip is from Unilever Beauty Tips of the Day Widget.

Are you planning to buy a flat iron or curling iron? Choose an iron with ceramic plates. Why? You can read it on this widget(on my side bar) in hair styling tool tips.

You will find more helpful tips and product information from Unilever products, page by page on this widget. Thanks Unilever for these wonderful beautiy tips.