Amy's Original Bridal Hangers Review

I wish I had my wedding pictures already. I realize my wedding isn't until June but I just know that the wedding photos I will have of these hangers are going to be so much better than mine. I mean...isn't most of the point of these super cool hangers that they're adorable in photos? Pretty sure it is.

In case you've never heard of this concept: it is a current trend to have personalized hangers for the bride and/or bridal party with names (or titles etc. --such as "Bride") bent into wire for the hangers, and sometimes something engraved on the hanger itself-mostly to be used as a photo prop (not to say that dresses can't hang from them--they can and they do. Just so long as they hang from the sturdy hanger and not the soft, bent, wire). I was lucky enough to receive personalized hangers for myself and my gals from the makers of the original bridal hanger--Amy's Original Bridal Hangers!

Back in 2010, Amy (who has a background in Interior Design and has has a business of creating beautiful handmade things since 2005) and her husband began selling the original personalized wire wood hangers. And from there they became a phenomenon! Something fun I discovered throughout chatting with Amy is that she is a fellow Ohio-an! She's from the Columbus area and is really all about supporting that community (she's even currently offering a 10% discount off all purchases made in Ohio!)

Evolution Fresh Giveaway (Closed)

Evolution Fresh (which you may remember from this blog post) is encouraging everyone to get healthy with their #3DaystoGreen challenge their green juices (they offer 4 cold-pressed green juices that include more than a pound of green vegetables in each bottle!) To help you take on their green incentive, we've got a...

GIVEAWAY! (CLOSED)

The winner is comment #20-auntiepatch69!

One lucky Cooking Actress reader will win an $40 gift card to purchase Evolution Fresh at Starbucks as well as a coupon for one FREE bottle of Evolution Fresh.

Giveaway closes January 29, 2015, 11:59PM EST.  After the contest is over, I will send the winner an email (so please make sure you provide an email address or some other way to get in touch with you), and get you your prize. The winner will have 3 days to respond or another winner will be chosen, all prizes will be awarded. The winner will be chosen via a random number generator. Open to continental U.S. residents over the age of 18. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

How to enter: (REQUIRED FOR ENTRY IN THIS GIVEAWAY) 

Check out the #3DaysToGreen website and, if you want, enter the giveaway over there! Leave a comment telling me you entered or which green juice you're most excited to try.

Additional (optional) entries: (you will receive one additional entry for each of the following--so if you leave a comment for all of them, you can have a total of up to 9 entries/chances to win!) MAKE SURE TO LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY-these entries are optional, not required.

• "Like" The Cooking Actress on Facebook-leave a comment on this post to let me know you did so.
• Follow The Cooking Actress on Pinterest-and leave a separate comment letting me know. 
• Follow The Cooking Actress by email-leave another comment.
• Follow me on Twitter @kayleblogna-leave a separate comment on here to tell me.
• Follow me on Instagram @kayleblogna-leave another comment, saying you did so.
• "Like" Evolution Fresh on Facebook-leave a comment on here letting me know.
• Follow @evolutionfresh on Twitter-leave a comment telling me you did.
• Tweet this about the giveaway:  (and leave a comment on this post afterwards)  
• I want to win the @evolutionfresh #3daystogreen #giveaway from @kayleblogna #thecookingactress http://bit.ly/1xJla3V

**If you already like/follow any of these, it still counts. Just let me know you already follow each in separate comments**

Disclaimer: Evolution Fresh provided me with a some Evolution Fresh products as well as the products to be won for this giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or host a product giveaway in return for the free product. My opinions, as always, are all my own. We are not liable for technical failures or typographical errors, or resolving identity disputes related to the winner.VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

Angee W. Personalized Bridal Clutch Bag Review

I had never really thought about having a clutch for the wedding. It's not one of those things I dreamed about.

Until I saw Angee W.'s personalized bridal bags. Now I am OBSESSED with my beautiful, unique, personal, perfect bridal clutch and it's all thanks to Angee W.!

Angee W. was started by a mother & daughter duo and it's a collection of handmade and personalized clutches (especially for brides, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, etc. but totally applicable for any occasion) made of silk, satin, lace and/or pearls. Seriously-browse their etsy shop. I dare you not to find a clutch that you fall in love with! {Angee W. also has a small, beautiful, collection of bridal belts and sashes.} I fell head over heels for multiple clutch options but ended up choosing the White Lace Bridal Clutch with Pearl Brooch as I felt it would go best with my wedding dress and other accessories (lace + pearls + crystals).

Not only are you able to purchase a beautiful clutch (from tons of options in almost any color or design you could imagine)--you then also have personalization and add-on options. Tired of clutching your clutch? Don't worry, you can add a chain or a pearl or crystal handle. Want to add just a little bit of an extra personal touch? They do custom embroidery on the insides of clutches! AND-my personal favorite-Angee W. will even add a photo lining to your bag. Send them your favorite (preferably high resolution) image and it ends up as the most gorgeous purse lining you've ever seen. As you can see, I went with one of my favorite engagement photos. You can also add a sexy boudoir photo or maybe a picture of you and your girlfriends (especially great if you're thinking of these as bridesmaid gifts) or you and your mom, etc. It makes these bags the perfect present (even if you're like me and the present is to yourself!)

So, you place your order for the perfect bag. Then the coolest thing happens: it arrives! In the prettiest, best box! All of Angee W.'s clutches are packed and shipped in custom designed, eco-friendly, paper keepsake boxes-they have a built in invisible magnetic snap, making these boxes a perfect space for the safe keeping of your bag and any other wedding accessories. I completely loved it and was so happy to open the box and find my even more beautiful, tissue paper wrapped, personalized clutch.--And that is where it will stay until June and I don't have to worry about something happening to it in the meantime!

The purse looked even prettier in person and, when I opened it, I found a small chain (in case I need a little handle), the prettiest Angee W. logo stitched inside, and-of course-my beautiful engagement photo as a fabric lining. I could not have been more smitten and I cannot wait to be able to use it for the wedding and beyond!

I'm clearly not the first person to be impressed by Angee W. I first heard about them from other websites- they have been covered extensively in the press and you can read a bunch of raving testimonials from very happy customers! Their portfolio makes me even more excited about how pretty my Angee W. clutch will look in my bridal photos and their blog has a bunch of fun info about weddings and their products, as well as giveaways and news about sales and any new publications.

If you are interested in gorgeous, quality, one-of-a-kind clutches then you need to check out Angee W.! You won't be sorry! I know I'm not :).

Disclosure-I was provided with a complimentary personalized bridal clutch from Angee W. I was provided no other compensation and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are, as always, my own.

Vegan Cuts Snack Box Review

Hello.

I know. I'm not vegan. Like...at all.

BUT--I like vegan things sometimes. And I like that, usually, vegan goodies tend to be unprocessed and from scratch which I am all about. And I know some of you peoples are vegans! 

SO-I have some exciting stuff to share.

I'm a Vegan Cuts Brand Ambassador!

Which doesn't mean much aside from the fact that I think Vegan Cuts is an amazing website and that their new Snack Boxes are the bees knees and I want to share all about it! (plus I want to get my hands on their gorgeous Beauty Boxes!)

Here's the lowdown on Vegan Cuts Snack Boxes--for a monthly fee of $19.95 (with FREE SHIPPING for the US!) you get between 7 and 10 snacks, a mix of full and sample sizes, that are all vegan, delicious, and most of them are even gluten-free, too! What What whaaaaaat!

In my shipment I received a super-cool Chai flavored nutritional shake, crunchy and delicious coconut chips, a slightly sweet and very coconut-y coconut treat, annnnd...

THESE CHIPS. Michael FLIPPED OUT over these chips. Like...could not stop talking about how much he loves them and how I need to buy him more. And Michael tends to not be a fan of things that are vegan/gluten-free so him saying this...he reaaaaally loved them! And that's not all I got in my box!

Sweets for Kayle!! There were candies, classic and comforting snack cookies (seriously...just like the little baggies you grew up with but made of real ingredients!), a savory spice/seasoning packet, and....the yummiest candy bar in all the land. Everything tastes delicious but you can tell that they're made from real, natural, good stuff!

This "hot & fit cereal" is another perfect addition for Michael's snack/breakfast time routine. I love the wholesome goodness that's in this oatmeal.

NOW-I highly suggest you sign up for a Vegan Snack Box subscription! It's only $19.95/month (you can cancel anytime) plus FREE SHIPPING!!

Puffy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies-Nestle Toll House #DelightFulls Review

Christmas is my favorite holiday.

There's pretty lights. Happiness. Jolliness. Colorful decorations. Gifts. Family. Friends. Fun.

AND COOKIES! SO. MANY. COOKIES! It's the cookie season!

And now we can have even more fun with baking and put a fun spin on favorite recipes thanks to Nestle Toll House DelightFulls Filled Baking Morsels! Just when you thought chocolate chips couldn't be improved!

A couple months ago I spied a new fantastical thing---chocolate chips with...fillings?? It was one of those moments where you think to yourself "THAT'S LIFE CHANGING." and also, "Obviously-why hasn't this already been done?" All I know is when I found out that Nestle Toll House wanted me to play with their new DelightFulls I was SO EXCITED. 

Nestle Toll House DelightFulls Filled Baking Morsels are the same Nestle Toll House chocolate we all love (I mean...guys....they invented the chocolate chip cookie. THAT MEANS SOMETHING.) filled with 4 different flavors! They're slightly bigger than standard chocolate chips (no complaints here) and they even hold their shape when baking. You can use them whole, cut in half, or even chop them up--the ways you can use these tasty morsels are endless (brownies, cookies, cake, candy, hot chocolate, milkshakes...etc.!)

Available in 9 oz. bags these are the 4 varieties of Nestle Toll House DelightFulls:

• Milk Chocolate Morsels with Peanut Butter Filling
• Obviously...these were what I used! PEANUT BUTTER AND CHOCOLATE. 
• Milk Chocolate Morsels with Caramel Filling
• These are the ones I can't wait to try next, I haven't been able to find them at my local store but I will continue my pilgrimage for gooey caramel filled goodness!
• Dark Chocolate Morsels with Mint Filling
• I'm definitely going to be using these soon, too. Michael and I both adore dark chocolate and mint.
• Dark Chocolate Morsels with Cherry Filling
• I want to use these in a cheesecake sort of dessert for Michael I think-it's right up his alley!

Pssst....Nestle peoples...you should totally make the peanut butter and caramel varieties in dark chocolate, too! Just a dark chocolate lover's opinion :P

Back to Christmas talk: I'm in that very frustrating stage of life in between being a child and having children. I'm unable to fully experience all of my old Christmas traditions, but I don't have any kiddos to create new ones with! That said, Michael and I are definitely already forming new traditions. And this year I will enjoy the last bit of my most time-honored and important childhood Christmas experience for the last time: I will spend the night at my mom's, wake up with my brother, and enjoy Christmas morning being all excited and happy (although we probably won't wake up at 3 AM like we used to--also...the presents aren't gonna be so overwhelming.) Next year Michael and I will be married and I'll want to wake up with him, so this is all a little bittersweet. The good news is, now that I'm home I can take part in other Christmas festivities! My mom and brother and I are actually going to a little Christmas village today. And next week we're going to decorate cutout cookies (which we always used to do as children and I haven't been able to participate in for a long time). And in the spirit of new things...I've been tasked to make cookies for other things. Like Michael's work party. And who knows what else!

I'm really looking forward to, in the next 5 years or so, having little chubby helping hands and seeing little innocent eyes light up and seeing chocolate smeared little smiles in the kitchen with me. I adore baking and I cannot wait to share that with my children, and to share all the love that I bake into every bite!

I could definitely see these cookies becoming a favorite for years to come-especially with little ones. They are a total classic--all the flavors of a peanut butter cup in a big, FAT, perfect cookie! Fresh out of the oven they're so soft and peanut-buttery and when you take a bite and see the peanut butter filling a little bit melt-y inside of the baking morsels....it's simultaneously cool and delicious. Michael loved them. My brother broke his strict diet to eat one and a half (and he forced himself to resist more). I dare any picky eater to not fall head over heels (unless you're not into peanut butter...then...well...not for you, I suppose. May I interest you in a different cookie?) 

Anyway. What I'm saying is: make these cookies. Especially for the holidays (I bet Santa would put you on the extra nice list for LIIIFE if you made them for him, btw.) Get your hands on some Nestle Toll House DelightFulls Filled Baking Morsels. Have some fun. Bake. Experiment. Make traditions! Eat. BE HAPPY.

Fa la la la la.

JORD Watches Review

I love my future father-in-law. He's more a part of my life than my actual dad. But he is SO HARD to shop for! Every year Michael and I agonize over the perfect Christmas gift for him, and we usually come up short. But not this year. This year I think he is going to be very happy with his gift, thanks to JORD watches!

The word "jord" is Swedish for earth, soil, or land.  

And Jord Wood Watches is all about an appreciation for natural elements, but with a modern design. 

Made up of a collective of artists, designers, and seasoned watchsmiths, JORD watches not only incorporate wood-they feature it! The intricacy and multiplicity of the woods they use means each watch is one of a kind. And, a super sweet feature, on the website there is a JORD watch specialist there to chat with you if you have any questions or concerns!

Whether you're shopping for a special man or woman in your life-JORD has got you covered! Ranging from the uber masculine (and rare) 746 watch to the super pretty (and my personal fave) Cora series (their 1st official lady's watch) with tons of versatile (and unisex) options in between, you will have no problem falling in love with a beautiful, unique, wood watch!

Michael's dad is classic and timeless-like the Fieldcrest watch (in black) that we got him. They ship the watch in a gorgeous box with a super stylish cushion to keep it safe and looking good. When you see and hold the watch there is no doubting the quality craftmanship. It is a beautiful, great, timepiece. (And, splash and scratch resistant--which is always awesome because...you know...life.)

I cannot wait until Christmas!

And, if you're thinking about getting a watch for yourself-or are curious for styling or fashion tips for JORD watches-you can check out the JORD blog or #jordwatch. (I *squeeeed* a little when I saw some contestants on The Voice wearing this exact watch! Oooh Chuck is going to be so cool.) And go order yourself your own wood watch!

Or win one !!!

GIVEAWAY(CLOSED)

A winner has been chosen!

One lucky Cooking Actress reader will win an $120 gift certificate for JORD! So you can pick whichever watch you like and apply the certificate towards it (depending on which watch you choose, that could mean you get one for free)!

Giveaway closes December 11, 2014, 11:59PM EST.  After the contest is over, I will send the winner an email (so please make sure you provide an email address or some other way to get in touch with you), and get you your prize. The winner will have 3 days to respond or another winner will be chosen, all prizes will be awarded. The winner will be chosen via a random number generator. Open WORLDWIDE for people over the age of 18. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

How to enter: (REQUIRED FOR ENTRY IN THIS GIVEAWAY) 

Fill out the entry form here: http://www.woodwatches.com/giveaway/signup#1 and when you're finished leave a comment on this blog with the unique code generated from the entry form.

Additional (optional) entries: (you will receive one additional entry for each of the following--so if you leave a comment for all of them, you can have a total of up to 9 entries/chances to win!) MAKE SURE TO LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY-these entries are optional, not required.

• "Like" The Cooking Actress on Facebook-leave a comment on this post to let me know you did so.
• Follow The Cooking Actress on Pinterest-and leave a separate comment letting me know. 
• Follow The Cooking Actress by email-leave another comment.
• Follow me on Twitter @kayleblogna-leave a separate comment on here to tell me.
• Follow me on Instagram @kayleblogna-leave another comment, saying you did so.
• "Like" JORD Wood Watches on Facebook-leave a comment on here letting me know.
• Follow @woodwatches_com on Twitter-leave a comment telling me you did.
• Tweet this about the giveaway:  (and leave a comment on this post afterwards)  
• I want to win the @woodwatches_com #giveaway from @kayleblogna #thecookingactress http://bit.ly/1s0kp2l

**If you already like/follow any of these, it still counts. Just let me know you already follow each in separate comments**

Disclaimer:  JORD provided me with a complimentary watch and is sponsoring this giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or host a product giveaway in return for the free product. My opinions, as always, are all my own. We are not liable for technical failures or typographical errors, or resolving identity disputes related to the winner.VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

#HillshireSnackPros Review

So. Didja have a good Thanksgiving? Yes? 

Great. Back to real life!

Which means packing Michael a lunch and finding me a (non-chip or sweet) snack. 

That's where Hillshire Snacking comes in! 

Do you like the sound of 15g+ of protein, premium meats, and super bold flavors? ME TOO. And Hillshire Snacking offers all of that in 8 different varieties.

• Grilled Chicken Bites with Teriyaki Sauce
• Genoa Salame with Gouda Cheese & Toasted Rounds
• Grilled Chicken Bites with Honey Mustard Sauce
• Grilled Chicken Bites with Mango Habanero Sauce
• Italian Dry Salame with Gouda Cheese & Toasted Rounds
• Hot Calabrese Salame with Pepper Jack Cheese & Toasted Rounds
• Peppered Salame with Pepper Jack Cheese & Toasted Rounds
• Grilled Chicken Bites with Sweet Chili Sauce

I was lucky enough to get a bunch of packages of the grilled chicken bites with sweet chili sauce to try (although I would love to get my hands on some of the other varieties in the near future)! Michael went gaga---these are right up his alley. Unique and flavorful (therefore breaking up the monotony of his usual lunch and snack options) the chicken has a delicious grilled flavor and the sauce adds a fun bite of zesty spice.

Hillshire Snacking products are perfectly portioned to be an everyday snack or the thing to grab on the go but they are also encouraging you to get creative and think of these as a unique way to snack! Share your unique Hillshire Snacking experience with the hashtag #UniqueWay.

For the most part we just ate these in a straightforward way---however I did create a sandwich with 1 pack of the Grilled Chicken Bites with Sweet Chili Sauce. I used the sauce as spread on each piece of bread and placed the chicken and a slice of cheese in the middle. It was gooooood.

So, to sum up--I'm sad we're almost out and I think I need to locate a Target near me that carries Hillshire Snacking products!

#spon: I'm required to disclose a relationship between our site and Hillshire. This could include Hillshire providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.

The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen Bake Shop Review

You guys may remember my friend Susan (AKA The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen)-she is the first blogging friend I ever met "in real life" and she's an award-winning baker/cook, a super talented food blogger, a proud pug-owner, a totally fun and sweet girl AND now a bake shop owner!!

Thanks to an insanely successful Kickstarter campaign (and a LOT of research and hard work) Susan now has her very own bakery that is all about-wait for it-COOKIES! SHE SELLS COOKIES! Um....I love cookies. LOVE THEM. So I'm all about a bakery that only sells cookies. And you want to know what's even better? These cookies are all preservative free, small batch, and baked with THE BEST ingredients-mostly organic ingredients and fairtrade chocolate. That is so incredible and something I am completely 100% in love with. 

I've had Susan's baking in the past, and can attest that she's fabulous. But she was sweet enough to give me a little reminder and send me a small sampling of the cookies she sells in her bake shop. And I am a lucky, lucky lady because she has totally outdone herself with what she is selling!

I was able to try Susan's 3 main varieties of cookies that she sells:

• Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies-These are the first cookies you see pictured above. Susan takes 2 soft (and delightfully crumbly and full of peanut butter flavor) peanut butter cookies and sandwiches all-natural strawberry preserves in the middle for the perfect spin on all of our fave childhood comfort food. I packed these in Michael's lunch and he completely loved them.
• Peanut Butter Cookies-These are the same cookies used for the PB&J Cookies. They're made with all-natural organic peanut butter (which accounts for the extra powerful punch of peanut buttery goodness) and brown sugar (which equals soft, chewy, cookies).
• Triple Choc-o-lot Cookies-Susan uses THREE kinds of chocolate. THREE! Dark chocolate, red cocoa powder, and chocolate chips all create a super decadent chocolate lovers' dream (trust me, I'm a certified chocoholic)-and as if that wasn't perfect enough....there's vanilla sea salt on top. Which completely makes the cookies. It's the perfect little bit of salty to balance the sweet. Completely died over these.
• Signature Chocolate Chip Cookies-I cannot decide if these or the Triple Choc-o-lot were my favorites. Methinks it's a tie. All I know is I will always go for a classic CCC, especially when it is done as impeccably as this one. Crisp edges...chewy inside...delightfully gooey chocolate chunks (microwave these babies for 10 seconds to take them to the next level)...pretty little specks of vanilla (hello lovahs) aaaand again with that vanilla sea salt! As usual, it completely elevates the whole thing. 

The main sum up I can give about The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen Bake Shop is this: you can taste the quality. Every nuance of flavor has been meticulously thought out and your taste-buds get to enjoy the results! AMAZING.

Michele's Totally Awesome Gourmet Popcorn Review

It's official. I am now a quarter of a century. And I had an awesome time of it. Really...the only other gift I'd ask for at this point? MORE of Michele's Totally Awesome Gourmet Popcorn!

This is not my first time talking about this utterly amazing popcorn on here. Essentially the thing is: I was introduced to Michele's popcorn when I was on location in Maine filming a movie. I became fully addicted (like...to a real degree. Ask anyone who was on that set.) And now when I know that I want some super delicious, homemade, totally awesome popcorn-I call up Michele's!

Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn, one of my personal favorites.

SO...when I decided to whip up some caramel corn chocolate chip cookies...I gave my old friend Michele a little email...and begged for some caramel corn.

And she very sweetly obliged. And sent me a couple other kinds because she knows how deep my love for her popcorn is.

Michael's fave--Maple Bacon Caramel Corn!! I couldn't find this variety on their website, perhaps it's coming soon?

Michele's popcorn is good because it is hand-made in small batches with fresh, quality ingredients! You can definitely taste that this popcorn is real-no processed stuff here! PLUS they have SO MANY DIFFERENT AMAZING FLAVORS-savory and sweet and anything in between (like the above maple bacon)! My favorites are pretty much all the ones involving chocolate. DUH.

Fun fact, though: Michele's isn't just about popcorn! They also make a variety of other treats (pretzel sticks...oreo's....STUFFED oreo's....oh yeah) and even PUPcorn for your pooches!

The classic-Caramel Corn.

So, obviously...you need to try some of Michele's Gourmet Popcorn for yourself!

Visit their website.

Like their facebook.

Follow them on twitter.

Or send 'em an email: questions [at] michelesweetshoppe.com

Disclaimer: Michele's Totally Awesome Gourmet Popcorn provided me with samples of product to review, and I was under no obligation to review if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product. My opinions, as always, are all my own.

La Piuma Bella Review

La Piuma Bella...google translate tells me it means "the beautiful feather". And how fitting a name that is for this fantastic little shop. Feathers are one of a kind and evoke a feeling of fantasy-of flight. Plus...they're pretty. Just like all the things that La Piuma Bella sells!

I knew that I wanted all of my bridesmaids to have a matching jewelry item as one of their gifts, as well as for them to wear in the wedding. And...since roses are something of a theme...I wanted something with roses. My first thought was necklace but, due to the necklines of the dresses we're looking at, necklaces wouldn't work. So then my thoughts jumped to earrings! And then I found La Piuma Bella and I fell in love.

StampOutOnline Custom Stamps Review

I knew I wanted to use a return address stamp for my save the dates and wedding invitations from the second I found out that it was a thing (via pinterest, of course). You get a uniform, pretty, return address on everything-and it looks so much nicer than a label (in my opinion). And it's inexpensive-you just pay a one time cost for the stamp (and the ink--or you can just buy a self inking stamp!) and that's all you need!

So I was beyond excited when, on my hunt for the perfect return address stamp, I connected with StampOutOnline and they agreed to work with me to design a custom stamp and a review for the blog!

The process is simple: you simply visit StampOutOnline's website or etsy shop. You then contact them (either message them on etsy or email them) if you want a fully customized stamp or just order based off of one of the designs they already have. You give them the names and addresses and particulars for the stamps as well (they do make plenty of stamps other than return address ones, but since that's what I went with that is what we'll discuss!) In my case, I loved the overall look of this stamp's layout (fonts, etc.) but I wanted to make sure the dimensions would work for my Save the Date's (I wanted to make sure it would be small enough to fit in the upper left hand corner)--I also wanted to see if a rose could be incorporated (since that's a bit of a theme for the wedding).

They got back to me crazy quickly with 4 proof options they'd come up with! Then all I had to do was pick my favorite (or I could have tweaked it with anything else I would've want changed)/approve it and my custom stamp was on its way to me!

Brown Butter Brown Sugar Toasted Almond Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt

Today is my Michael's birthday!! It's the day my favorite boy came into this world so that I could then be born 3 years later and then 19 years after that I could fall in love with him and then 4 years after that we could get engaged and less than a year from now we can get married <3 Happy birthday sweetie, I love you more than anything!

And he and I loved these cookies almost that much. Which is like...a lot.

I had something of an ulterior motive to making these cookies (as if I ever really need a reason to make cookies)--I was lucky enough to be sent some samples of Zulka's new sugars to try! You may remember that I've spoken about Zulka's Morena Sugar (my fave granulated sugar, btw) before. To sum up: Zulka is a family owned company that is dedicated to producing more natural sugar through responsible and environmentally friendly cane production. Their products are minimally processed, which helps preserve the flavor and natural properties of the sugar cane (which means it tastes better!)

And Zulka just came out with some new sugars, and I was able to try their Brown Pure Cane Sugar and Powdered Pure Cane Sugar!

Powdered sugar is great and all but....brown sugar is where it's at. It's my boo. My sugar BFF. So when I tested it out I wanted to make sure I chose a recipe that was really going to showcase it, as well as show me how it would behave in my favorite use for brown sugar: chocolate chip cookies. This recipe was perfect because not only is there a big dose of brown sugar in the cookie dough, the almonds are also toasted and caramelized in brown sugar-double whammy! 

And btw-the sugar was phenomenal. Subtly more rich and flavorful than more processed brown sugars, it really took these cookies to the next level!

Browned butter and brown pure cane sugar lend these cookies complexity and warm, delightfully comforting flavors. Brown sugar candied almond slivers add some smokiness and crunch. Dark chocolate is the bite that cuts the sweetness, and then the sea salt just ties everything together into a neat, delicious, cookie bow.

I LURVE THESE COOKIES.

As my fiance' and I were hunched over the cookie jar, shoveling fresh cookies into our mouths, Michael declared (around a mouthful of chocolate and almonds and cookies), "These are some of the best cookies you've ever made."

"Really?" I declared, probably causing bits of cookie goodness to escape and fly into his face, "EVER?!"

"They're up there," he confirmed, before reaching for another cookie.

You'd reach for another cookie too.

Why I Smile-and a #FreshGuard Review #spon

I'm a very bubbly, happy person. I generally have a smile on my face. And it's been a requirement of pretty much every job I've ever had: as a hostess, promotional model, actor, and childcare professional-smiling is key! Even so, I've had people come up and tell me "Why do you smile so much?" "You smile a lot!" etc.
My response? The more I smile the happier I feel! Plus-why not smile? Life isn't perfect but life is GOOD.

Why do I smile?

I have people who love me and that I love. I'm planning my dream wedding to my best friend. I'm home, surrounded by family and friends. The sky is a beautiful shade of blue. The sun feels divine on my skin. Chocolate chip cookies are delicious. My steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare. And I spent 3 years in braces-I might as well show off this smile that it took me so long to get!!

Here's my little dental story: I was 10 and realized one of my teeth was turned almost completely sideways. I went to the dentist. She sent me to an orthodontist. Turns out, I was losing my baby teeth so fast that there wasn't enough room in my mouth for my adult teeth-causing "crowding". Plus, I had an overbite. So then, after I lost my last baby tooth (not too long later, I was still 10-almost 11) I got braces. And a bite plate. And then I had headgear to wear at night for 6 months. I had a variety of bands. I generally went through a decent amount of pain until I was 13 and finally got my braces removed (for the record-it was all worth it)! Then I had to wear retainer (upper and lower) for a year...and ever since I have worn them at night (not every night, but most nights). And after all these years? My retainers got kinda gross.

Fresh Guard™ to the rescue!!

Fresh Guard™ is specially formulated to clean mouth guards, retainers, and clear braces. Fresh Guard™ Soak kills 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria in just 5 minutes while Fresh Guard™ Wipes offer a convenient on-the-go cleaning solution with no water needed. Visit http://freshguardclean.com/ for more information, store locator and coupons!

Up until now, I've only been able to use a toothbrush to clean my retainers-which doesn't quite pass muster. Fresh Guard™, however, "is specially formulated for retainers, mouthguards and removable braces. It delivers a Complete Clean – 1) prevents the build-up of mouth film for a clean feel, 2) removes odor-causing bacteria for a fresh and clean smell, and 3) reduces yellowing and helps remove stains for a clean look."

Since I only wear my retainer at night-and since it was in such dire need of a good clean-the Fresh Guard™Soak was best suited for me. I just followed the super easy to follow directions and then-in only 5 minutes-my retainers were magically cleaned! Fresh Guard™Soak does say that for especially dirty retainers it may take a couple soaks (and even then some stains are not removable). I soaked my retainers twice (even though they were pretty clean after the first time!)-by the end my top retainer was perfectly clean and the bottom just had a couple stains, which is totally understandable. These things are over 10 years old, so I was very impressed by how clean they turned out! I'm definitely going to be using the Fresh Guard™Soak periodically to keep my retainers sparkling clean and minty fresh-another reason to smile! :)

To learn more about Fresh Guard™ visit their website or view this super informative (and fun!) video. And, an added incentive to try Fresh Guard™, click on this link to get Fresh Guard™ coupons and special offers!

What puts a smile on your face?

(Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.)

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Fresh Guard™. I received promotional items and Fresh Guard™ products in exchange for my participation. The opinions and text are mine.

My AMAZING Photo Guestbook-A Mixbook Review

Here is what I knew I wanted for our wedding guest book: I wanted a photo book, essentially a photo album of our beautiful engagement pictures, guest book (so that for years to come we'll still actually look at it and it won't just sit somewhere gathering dust! Plus I love when things serve dual purposes, and I am obsessed with our engagement photos so any excuse to look at them, really, I'll take.) I wanted the book to be customizable and I wanted it to be inexpensive!

MixBook was 100% perfect for this.

Mixbook is a SUPER easy and fun website where you can make completely customizable photo books, cards, and calendars (and creating and customizing is entirely free!)

When I first found Mixbook I decided to get the absolute most inexpensive option for my guest book (book on the right in the photo above)-which was the standard 8.5x8.5" soft cover (and with the 30% off offer at the time, I was able to get the entire thing-including tax and shipping-for just under $24! Pretty awesome). I would also like to note that I chose the budget shipping option and it STILL only took 5 days to get to me, and Mixbook does an awesome job of packaging so that nothing will damage the books during the shipping process. And, while the book I received was lovely and would have totally worked, it was definitely not super durable (if you touched it wrong there were fingerprints, etc. and due to it being a softcover, it was a bit flimsy) so I decided to contact the customer service department: who were UNBELIEVABLY helpful! They offered to refund me the entire price of the book I had ordered and put it back as a credit onto my account-no questions asked (and really, this was in no way their fault)! Instead I ended up having them refer me to their marketing department, who hooked me up in exchange for this review, but regardless they were extremely kind and helpful.

And then I upgraded myself to the gorgeous 12x12" hardcover you see up there on the left.

The quality...is outstanding. I was stunned by how beautiful my guest book was when it came to me.

The hardcover was lovely and seems durable. The photos are gorgeous and perfect. I'm totally head over heels in love with how amazing it turned out.

Mixbook uses archival-quality, FSC-certified papers, hand-stitched hardcovers, and incredibly detailed print reproduction: which essentially comes down to the fact that they're beautiful, the photos look how they should, and they are going to LAST. Which...ya know...for my wedding guest book...kind of important.