CityMama's™ Stuff People Send Me

(St)uff Links for 12/18/09—Tasty Holiday Food Edition

Recently, I was sent some good, free stuff that would be perfect for making your holiday entertaining easier and tastier.

Beemster Cheese--The Beemster Dutch gourmet cheeses I was sent were nutty and full-flavored, especially the extra-aged variety.  If you like robust, assertive, medium-hard cheeses, these are for you.  They were delicious as a snack with crackers, and even better with wine.  Highly recommend for a fun addition to your holiday appetizer menu.

Cost to you: prices vary, around $15-$17 per pound.

Cost to me: FREE

Président Brie Log--I was sent three of Président's new brie logs to try just before Thanksgiving. I have to say, these are brilliant. For those who are not a fan of brie rind, the outside of the log is just lightly coated so you can stop digging brie out of the wedge at parties and leaving the floppy rind behind for the rest of us! The other nice thing about brie in a log is that it slices up nicely and is the perfect shape for topping water crackers or rounds of baguette. Another winner.

Cost to you: (couldn't find a price online, let me know if you can.)

Cost to me: FREE

The foodloop lace--More brilliance abounds. I use twine for trussing chickens and for holding stuffed boneless legs of lamb or pork tenderloins together, but no more.  This handy-dandy gadget is my  go-to trusser and holder now. It's 15 inches of silicone and is heat- and food-safe. There are tons of way to use this tool--just use your imagination! This would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone who loves to cook!

Cost to you: set of four runs about $10

Cost to me: FREE

Stonemill Kitchens dips--Artichoke. Parmesan. Dip. Need I say more?  I received a sampler of four different Stonemills Kitchens dips just before Thanksgiving and they've been a hit at potlucks ever since. I brought to Thanksgiving and served one as an appetizer at our Thanksgiving a couple of days later.  They make great football snacks along with plain bagel or pretzel crisps, and best of all they can be served warm or cold. One thing I like about these dips is you can see the ingredients in them--there are shreds of parmesan, big chunks of artichoke hearts, spinach leaves, peppers.  They're in there because you can see them and they look fresh and tasty. I'm partial to the spicy Three Cheese Peperoncini flavor. (Click the link and download a $1 coupon!)

Cost to you: $3-$4 each

Cost to me: FREE

Ultreo Toothbrush

The days of bad holiday sweaters and fruitcakes are long gone. This holiday season, what could be better than giving the gift of a bright, confident smile?

Meet Ultreo, the most innovative power toothbrush on the market and the first true advance in power toothbrush technology in 15 years. Ultreo is the first and only toothbrush to use patented ultrasound waveguide technology with sonic bristle motion.  It delivers a gentle brushing experience, provides a long-lasting feeling of clean, produces naturally whiter teeth, reduces gingivitis, removes hard-to-reach plaque and definitely inspires more smiles.

This toothbrush would be a great gift idea for:

• for the busy mom (or pop) who never does much for herself or her health care;
• for the tech savvy person who has an iPhone and Blu-ray player and should have this by his or her bathroom sink;
• for health conscious folks who appreciates the connection between oral and overall health; and
• for the everyday people like us who go out, work long hours and just want to feel better and smile more -- who wouldn’t want to get that gift this holiday season?

What I like about it: I like the color scheme which is a little more modern than the usual blue/green electric toothbrush color scheme. It looks neat on your bathroom counter. I like the timer with the 30 second intervals (which is what I also dig about the electric toothbrush I currently use.) I like that it fills my mouth with bubbles, something I don't like about my current electric toothbrush. My mouth feels fresher when it's really foamy. I'm a little obsessive about my oral health and it really did get my teeth clean.

What I don't: This now brings us to 3 electric toothbrushes.

Cost to you: about $150
Cost to me: Free

Epson Artisan 800 All-in-One Printer

Is it possible to fall in love with an electronic device? The answer is yes.  Living in the heart of Silicon Valley and being a nerdy techy couple, my husband and I have tons of electronics between us (it's kinda embarrassing), but I would trade them all--even my iPhone, especially my iPhone?--for the Epson Artisan 800 printer.

Just look at it.  Ain't it a beaut?

We've been limping along with what I thought was a "just fine" HP desktop printer. Documents look...fine.  Pictures look...fine.  I really had no idea what I was missing until I started playing around with the Epson Artisan 800.

It has a pretty touch panel, and a full-color, tiltable touch-panel LCD display.  It is goood-looking, too.  Not only can you print, copy, scan, and fax, but the printer is Wi-Fi-enabled so you can do it from anywhere! And, you don't need a computer to print photos: print from memory cards or from your Pict-Bridge compatible cameras or mobile phones.

What I like about it: It's like having my own personal Kinko's at my disposal. I can use it for work and I can use the included software to create cards, invitations, calendars, photobooks, collages--any crafty project I can think of. No more sending away for photo books (something I like to do after a fun family outing or adventure), I can make my own! Also you can adjust, crop, edit etc. photos right from the LCD display. How awesome is that? It prints photos quickly (in seconds) without loss of quality. I love the Wi-Fi compatibility. Now I can sit on the couch and  browse the internet for recipes and print them without having to get up and connect my laptop to the printer. Cuz let's face it, when you're on the couch, the last thing you want to do is get up.

What I don't like about it: Minor detail: It's bigger than our old printer so it takes up more space. When you have a small house and your office is also the guest and play room, things like the footprint of a printer matter.  But again, that's minor.

Cost to you: $299.99
Cost to me: Free

Estee Lauder [Give the gift of beauty this holiday--to yourself]

Through an opportunity with Blogher ads, I received an offer to try $100 worth of Estee Lauder cosmetics absolutely free.  If there is one thing I love in this world, it's free beauty products (no matter what kind they are) and so I jumped at the chance.

Makeup has always been an interest of mine. From the time I was 8-years-old I've been involved with one dance or theater performance or another and makeup was an essential part of those performances. In my 20's, using all the professional stage makeup tricks of the trade I learned over the years, I supplemented my income by doing freelance makeup on the weekend. If you got married in the Bay Area in the 90's, chances are I did your face or at least someone in your wedding party's.  If you needed headshots, I probably did those, too. I love making people pretty(er).

From the time I was little, Estee Lauder cosmetics have held a certain allure for me. Their 70's spokesmodel, Willow Bay, would peek out at me from magazine ads or department store signs, and she always seemed to be saying, "Yes, my child. This is the make up you will be wearing when you are...a woman."

When I was old enough to wear makeup, I chose Clinique because it was the 80's and that was the starter makeup of the day. From there, I moved on to Lancome and Borghese because that's what all the sophisticated college co-eds were wearing. Somewhere along the way, I branched out and tried other brands until MAC came along and I was blown away. I spent most of the 90's powdering my face into perfect matteness and lining my lips with MAC Spice liner before applying my Viva Glam. Somehow I skipped over Estee Lauder altogether because by the time Paulina Porizkova was their spokesmodel, that wasn't the woman I wanted to be. Estee Lauder seemed to be a brand for "older" women. The colors didn't seem modern. Estee Lauder was a brand for preppy moms.

Now that I am 39 and a mother and someone who works from home, I have learned to simplify my makeup routine. I know what works best for me and don't stray much from that. I like neutral eyeshadows that go on like silk. I like foundations that offer SPF and provide coverage without being too heavy. I need brow powder and mascara that adds instant thickness to my sparse lashes and I like my lipstick to have a touch of gloss. I wear perfume everyday and change it up depending on my mood.

As I pored over the selections on EsteeLauder.com I realized a couple of things: either things had changed, or I had. I liked these colors. They weren't dowdy at all. I spent 10 minutes drooling over the pretty compacts. I also realized as I was filling my basket that something seemed...familiar. The lip gloss I chose (Pure Color, Rhubarb), well, was that...the same color Sarah Palin wore when she gave her speech at the RNC? The Lucidity foundation in Golden Sands, was that her shade? Suddenly I came face-to-made-up-face with the fact that Sarah Palin and I have exactly the same skin tones. No wonder why, despite my hatred of her and everything she stands for, I always had to give her mad props for her flawless makeup. (Although she could've used a lighter hand with the blush brush.

In the end, I selected the following items to test:

• Lucidity Foundation in Golden Sands and Golden Caramel ($33.50 each)
• Pure Color Lip Gloss in Rhubarb $18.00
• Pure Color Eye Shadow in Mink $17.50
• and also included was a gift set of assorted Pure Color Eyeshadows, some foaming facial cleanser, a mascara, and a sample of Sensuous perfume

I had a deadline to do the review (today), so I got up this morning and put on all my new colors. By 8.30AM I was rocking a full face of Estee Lauder and the teacher's at Wallie's preschool were all, "Oh, are you the babysitter?" I've come so far from the days when I wouldn't leave the house to go to the corner market for a paper without a full face of makeup on.

What I like: The Lucidity foundation is gorgeous.  I like my foundations to be a little luminous. Some light-diffusing foundations make you look like you have a face full of glow-in-the-dark paint on, but Lucidity is very subtle. It covered all my flaws without being heavy. The lip gloss is lovely. It provides lots of glossy color without being sticky, without scooting around on your lips, and there's no weird taste. Love it.
The eye shadows are pigment-rich (which means you use less) and go on silky-smooth. I choose some neutral browns from the gift set and will save the Mink for evening wear. It's a little darker than I imagined it would be.  Am also wearing the Sensuous perfume today which is floral-y (my preference) with just a hint (just a bare hint) of spice. The quality of all of the products was top-notch, right down to the packaging. None of the shadows were cracked. Cases and bottles feel substantial, not cheap.The perfume didn't leak. That means a lot ot me. Lastly, the site is very easy to navigate and explanations of all the products are complete.

What I don't like: I think I am color-challenged because I have a hard time knowing what the colors of the eyeshadow, lipstick, and foundation look like online v. IRL. As I mentioned, I thought the Mink was going to be a taupey-brown, but it's really a dark, smokey brown. I love smokey colors, but I was expecting something lighter. I love shopping online (it's how I do the bulk of my personal shopping for everything from cosmetics to clothes), but I recommend going to an Estee Lauder counter first and making sure the colors are what you want. This is why I ended up with two foundations--I just wasn't sure which color would be right.

Cost to you for all of the above: $100+shipping
Cost to me: Free

So here I am, rocking the Estee Lauder and wondering why I didn't order any concealer. (This review wouldn't have been complete without a picture, right?) I am a far cry from Liz Hurley, but I'm very pleased with how everything turned out. Seriously, though, couldn't you see these colors on Sarah Palin?

Seriously.

The Children's Place Holiday Collection (on sale!)

In one way or another, The Children's Place has been a part of my girl's lives (and wardrobe) since they were born. When they were littler and we lived in Portland, we stocked up on jackets, tights, scarves, hats and mittens. Their jeans fit my tall elder daughter the best, and their soft yoga pants, bought years ago, are now on their second go-round with my younger daughter. They've held up beautifully and best of all, the price is always right.

Every year the girls get new outfits for special holidays--Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. While they are still young enough to let me dress them festively, I am going to take advantage. This year their holiday outfits were generously provided by The Children's Place.  I love the perky, modern designs that say "winter holiday" in an understated way. They don't need to look like elves to be in the holiday spirit although, truth be told, I wouldn't be opposed to dressing them that way.

On Bunny is a black velvet swing coat ($13.99) and red velvet skirt with black polka dots ($10.49). Wallie is wearing the matching velvet jumper ($13.99) which features a jeweled neckline that you can't quite see. She has the shine henley ($7.00) underneath it. All the velvet items are fully lined.

What I like about the clothes: The items are cute and the modern designs looks great.  They aren't too embellished and the lining speaks to the quality of the items. All of the items are on sale, but even at their full prices, they are affordable options for the holidays. My girls wore their dresses on Thanksgiving and will wear these outfits to see Santa, to the Nutcracker (twice), to Christmas Eve caroling at our church and on Christmas Day. Possibly even on New Year's, too. Bunny's swing coat can also be worn with other skirts and over other dresses. All the items washed well and looked great after being hung dry.

What I don't like about the clothes: That there aren't more options in their sizes. I want to stock up for next year. If you like these outfits order now! Inventory is low.

Cost to you: Varies, from $7.00 to $13.99
Cost to me: Free

Groovy Girls RSVP [New line celebrates 10th Anniversary]

My girls are huge fans of the Groovy Girls line of products. Not only do we own multiple dolls plus accessories like clothes, tents, chairs, cars, etc. but we also own the freaky "real-girl-sized" Groovy Girls doll.  I currently covet the Troop Groovy Girls dolls, I get verklempt just looking at them they are so dang cute.

Let me get this out there because Groovy Girls are often mentioned as an alternative to Barbie dolls: It's true. They are a kinder, gentler alternative to Barbie, and because we are not a "Barbie household," we appreciate that. That's not to say we don't own any Barbies: we own two, I think, plus a couple that came with a Happy Meal, and we have a couple of the $5 Target movies. We just don't go out of our way to seek out Barbie products which is fine because our girls have also never really shown a strong interest in playing with Barbies. I didn't play with them as a kid and so I am not wrapped up in nostalgia about Barbie. (Although, I did have the Barbie make-up head and that was totally boss.)

Am I disturbed by Barbie's huge, smooth rack and lack of genitalia, sure. Does my anti-Barbie-ness run deeper than that? Not really, at least not in any hard-core way. I have heard and understand all the positive reasons to play with Barbie's as well.  I guess when it boils down to it, they're not interested and we don't push it.  In the end, parents have to make a choice that is best for their family and we'd rather our girls play with toys that relect their muti-culti-ness, not miniature (mostly white) adult women.

But Groovy Girls? Groovy Girls are a whole 'nother story altogether.

Like with most of the toys we own, our Groovy Girls were given to my girls by beloved family and friends. Like any toy, they sit in a box, basket, or shelf waiting to be discovered and loved. Once Bunny got to be the age where she enjoyed pretend play, she started becoming interested in her Groovy Girls, but it wasn't until Wallie was old enough to enjoy playing with dolls that their love of Groovy Girls skyrocketed to whole new level. Groovy Girls is one activity that my girls enjoy playing together. They can get lost for long stretches of time in a world of Groovy Girl pretend.  The nice thing is that because the dolls are so soft, they play in a gentle way which includes lots of hushed tones, lots of cuddling, lots of hair-brushing, and tucking into beds.

Playing with their Groovy Girls is definitely a favorite in our house, and this new line of dolls and pets (which Groovy Girls kindly sent to me for review) is no exception. From the site:

To celebrate the 10th Birthday of the Groovy Girls brand, Manhattan Toy is introducing the Groovy Girls RSVP.com collection! Each doll comes with her own special code to a superfun and totally rad online party as well as fun activities for parents and their daughters to share. What are you waiting for? RSVP and JOIN THE PARTY!

What I like about them: They are the same squishy and cuddly Groovy Girls you know and love. I love the clothes, the hair, the unique names, their cheery smiling faces, and that they come in every color of the rainbow. The pets are a cute touch and definitely a sweet way to lure in the Littlest Pet Shop crowd.
What I don't like about them: almost nothing, except that the RSVP girls come with a code (a la Webkinz) to foment an online experience. We won't be "RSVPing" for a while. As I've said before, I'm not a fan of getting my 6- and 4-year-old hooked on the computer. We have Webkinz and they prefer to play with them, not interact with them online. While my kids are still relatively disinterested in computer games, we're not going to push it. There is time for that, and my parenting instincts tell me that that time is not now.

Bottom line: Another cute and fanciful item for any kid on your holiday list or anytime.

Cost to you: Varies. Dolls run $15-$20 each. Pets are $12 each.
Cost to me: FREE

Tiny Prints Holiday Cards and Business Holiday Cards

A couple of years ago, I was Googling around for "modern holiday cards" (using those exact search terms) and I stumbled upon a site called Tiny Prints.  I ordered some holiday cards and was so impressed that not only did I order cards from them the next year (along with everyone else, it seems, because we received so many cute Tiny Prints cards last winter and all of them different), but I ordered personalized stationery for my daughters from them as well.  I love that the colors are true, the photo print quality is nice, and the cards are printed on weighty card stock, not the cheap stuff. I also love that they are located about 10 minutes from where I live.

I have been a happy, paying customer of Tiny Prints for over two years.

That's why when they approached me to write about their new holiday and corporate holiday card promotion, I happily agreed to do it. When they said they'd offer one of my readers a $50 gift certificate, I was even more delighted.  When they threw in one for me, well, naturally that sealed the deal. You know I tell you the real deal about stuff people send me, but since I already planned to order my holiday cards from Tiny Prints anyway, I'll use my gift certificate for that.

So here are the contest details. I know most people's eyes glaze over when faced with an explanation of a blog contest, but I promise, these are pretty painless. And best of all you get to see the very newest holiday cards before everyone else does. (Kinda.)  It's a fun contest.

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Win a $50 gift certificate from Tiny Prints!

Show your holiday spirit and share your favorite new card design for 2008

A leader in holiday photo cards, Tiny Prints is so excited about the upcoming 2008 holiday card line that they couldn’t wait to offering a sneak peek to showcase the  all new card designs.  Enter their contest to help determine what cards will be most popular this coming holiday.  During this early preview period, the new holiday cards are not yet available for purchase; however, for a very limited time you can receive amazing early-bird savings on their soon-to-be retired photo cards, Christmas cards and holiday invitations. 

To help them celebrate the launch, they’re looking for contestants to review any of their very newest 2008 Christmas cards, holiday photo cards and business holiday cards for those who work in or own companies. Simply go to Tiny Prints (www.tinyprints.com), browse your favorite 2008 holiday card designs currently being previewed and save your favorite 2008 design in your account by clicking the “save in favorites” button. Then come back to this blog post and provide a link to the specific holiday card (see link for example) in the comments below indicating what you liked best about it.  Please note that some designs are so new that they cannot yet be customized, but will be soon (early October and hundreds more designs)!

The contest will run through Tuesday, September 30^th  2008. Winners will then be drawn at random from people who have properly followed the above directions and placed comments in this blog post. Please create your comment using the same e-mail address you used when creating an account on Tiny Prints so participation can be verified.