Category: Uncategorized

November 8, 2019

Celebrating Family Around the Table with Hamilton Beach: Bread Maker

My favourite memories as a child and teenager were spent in the kitchen cooking with my Dad. I loved the holidays as we would prepare cannelloni, lasagna, veal and all types of desserts. I would spend half my time helping prepare the meals and the other half eating the ingredients (cannelloni stuffing is still my favourite – all of that delicious spinach and cheese goodness).

Good food and family were the two most important things we had growing up in our home. They were the centre of every happy, fun moment and especially around the holiday season. This is the gift I want to give my own kids – family and good food.

The one thing I always wished I learned how to do in my youth? Make bread.

There is nothing better then fresh, warm bread to accompany your meal (it is like a giant hug on a bad day). We always had a loaf of bread with every meal and I was always the first to volunteer to go pick one up at the bakery (I loved the smell and how the bag would just heat up). Not to mention, bread is the best way to clean up those dirty sauce pots over the holidays!

My only problem? I have been incapable of making bread from scratch – it doesn’t rise, it is still uncooked after it is finished cooking in the oven or it is rock solid. After many failed attempts, I gave up (my pride couldn’t handle the bad loaves and the teasing from the kids).

We were able to test out the Hamilton Beach Premium Dough and Bread maker leading up to the holiday season and I can honestly say that I am in love with this machine.

The Hamilton Beach Premium Dough and Bread maker is on the bigger size but it does tuck away perfectly in our pantry closet, although I tend to leave it on my counter as it fits right in the corner. It has a beautiful, sleek stainless steel design so it can match any kitchen decor and will fit in with your other appliances.

The bread maker looks intimidating at first but it is actually very simple to use. You adjust each setting with the turn of the dial (which for me was the hardest part to learn) – making changes for the type of bread, loaf size and the crust colour (light, medium or dark). Once you have added all of your ingredients, adjusted the settings – it does the rest for you. You can literally just step away and enjoy the smell of the bread rising, warming and baking.

The clean up? Surprisingly very simple. My husband teased me a bit thinking that the machine would be messy on the inside but I could clean the inside with a paper towel. There was no sticky dough left in the machine (similar to when you make the bread by hand) and the pan that contains the ingredients was simple to wash in the sink. Nothing stuck to any of the parts, except for a bit of dry crust on the mixer piece.

Hamilton Beach has a great selection of recipes on their website – we have been using the French bread and Italian Parmesan recipes. Both have become huge hits in our home and take roughly three to four hours to bake with roughly a five minute prep time. So no excuses for not being able to make fresh bread, you can whip those ingredients out and have them in the machine in five to ten minutes.

The bread always came out perfectly, despite being paranoid the whole time that it wouldn’t work. The first time we made the french bread we realized we didn’t like the recommended crust colour (it came out a bit harder, which I know french bread can be but my kids like their bread softer) so the next time we went for a medium and it was perfect. Be careful when you are removing the pan from the machine, it gets very hot! I burnt the edge of my finger on the fourth time, but everyone was so excited to snag a piece of bread that they didn’t notice I hurt myself (no worries, it didn’t even blister!).

The bread maker made it possible for us to enjoy delicious home made bread with minimal effort, mess and clean up. Every recipe came out exactly as expected and added that missing piece from my childhood.

Do you have a baker in the family? This would make a perfect gift for the holiday season for them. The machine is roughly $149 Canadian, you can find more details on their website here.

Make sure to follow Hamilton Beach on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest recipes and products!

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

October 30, 2019

Travel and Defend the Universe with Klikbots

Do you have a creative child that loves to discover and come up with new ideas, plays and action dram? Do they love adventure and protecting the world from evil? Then the Klikbots are the perfect gift for them!

What are Klikbots?

Klikbots are a line of action figures that children can use to create their own action clips with. The figures have interchangeable pieces, articulating limbs, and action accessories. The figures come with their own app to create their clips with called, the Klikbot Studio.

Klikbot History

Helix is the brain of the Klikbots. She is a science whiz, and loves to experiment, tinker and fix any problem along the way. After the group discovers a precious metal, they are confronted by the evil Modulus. The group is thrust into a battle they were not prepared for. Will they choose to become heroes to save the planet?

These super cute toys are easy to use and manipulate into place. They literally click into place when you move their joints (I had a giggle over this one – not sure if it was done intentionally with the name and sound these toys make as you move them into place). They have suction cups on the bottom of their feet so it was easy to stick them in place on the table for capturing images and setting up scenes. There is nothing worse then trying to set up a scene and have all of your characters falling down (the joys of my own childhood).

Klikbots can be purchased in single packs or in a studio pack. There are four Klikbots in total: Helix, Axil, Cannon and Cosmo. Each character has their own specific colour. The studio pack also comes with a creature as well to help your child do battle. This variety really allows your child to create their own theatrical piece to fit their own creative plot. They can have the whole gang protect the universe or perhaps they have a special connection to just one specific character and that is the hero of the day.

The Klikbots use the StikBot Studio app, so if you already have those other character sets you more than likely have this app installed. The app is extremely easy to use, your child will have no problem creating stills and videos. I went over it once with my son, and he was off on his own creating his own imagery.

Klikbots will make an excellent holiday gift for the creative child who loves adventure and dreaming up stories. They can fully take charge and call all the shots with these characters. They can be purchased just in time for the holidays from Toys R Us in Canada and Target in the USA.

Make sure to follow Zing on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all the newest additions.

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

October 30, 2019

Honeymoon Alone Book Review

In a story about finding independence and taking chances, Lucy learns that leaving everything up to fate can be dangerous – and jeopardize her chances at happily ever after.

About Honeymoon Alone

Just how reliable are psychics – specifically psychics hired by your sister for wedding entertainment? When irrepressibly romantic Lucy Gray is ditched at said wedding by her date in front of her whole family, the promises of a psychic seem better than her pity-riddled reality. The psychic’s advice seems insightful: stop ignoring fate’s signs – fate will lead you to love. But when “fate” leads Lucy to London, she finds herself tangled in a web of lies.

In a story about finding independence and taking chances, Lucy learns that leaving everything up to fate can be dangerous – and jeopardize her chances at happily ever after.

My Thoughts

Hilarious, heart warming and lovable – this is a book that I could not put down. From the incredible characters to the well written plot that leaves you laughing, heart sore and fingers crossed for more.

I fell in love with Lucy – she is a sweet, young woman who despite being a good person and a great daughter, she is stuck and just not quite sure how to push herself out of it. She is a romantic at heart but just can’t seem to find love. She craves adventure but is timid. Throw in some crazy relatives (you know the type – that you love with all your heart but drive you completely bonkers) and the perfect catalyst (your date making out with your cousin at your sisters wedding!) and we have the start of an amazing story that will be hard to put down.

After all she went through at her sister’s wedding, Lucy decides to take a trip to England after discovering her sister forgot to cancel her honeymoon plans (her sister, who is very Type A, planned two of everything just in case). This is completely out of character for her (and sends her family spiraling – how could dependable Lucy leave them on Christmas for London???) but you find yourself cheering for her. I literally laughed out loud about the passport stamps, as I was that same person when I traveled as an adult! I am timid and definitely not an adventure seeker, so when we took our first and only big trip, it was so exciting to see those stamps being placed in your passport.

While in London, Lucy slowly steps out of her comfort zone with the aid of an old acquaintance. Love comes and finds her in an odd encounter that leaves you questioning his full intentions (is he a good person, is he spying on her, does he have some serious family issues??) and wishing Lucy could see the potential for love right in front of her. I did not see the end coming but it was perfect and fit the story so well.

Honeymoon Alone is a beautiful, well written story of putting yourself out there and breaking out of your comfort zone in order to find your own happiness. It reminds us that we are in charge of our own happiness and sometimes we have to make it happen and not just be a spectator in our own life. You will laugh with Lucy, want to reach out and hug her and give her some good advice but in the end she teaches you the best lesson in second chances and believing in yourself. She is the best friend you need and her family is the added bonus. You will not be able to put this one down.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Nicole Macaulay received her Bachelors degree from Boston College and her Masters of Fine Arts from Emerson College. Her thesis, Honeymoon Alone, won the 2019 Popular Fiction Thesis Prize at Emerson College. Nicole worked in television, news media and the travel industry. She’s passionate about social change and iced coffee. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband, four children and an adorable tuxedo cat named Jack.

Book Trailer

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

October 29, 2019

This Earl of Mine Book Review

Introducing the Bow Street Bachelors—men who work undercover for London’s first official police force—and the women they serve to protect. . .and wed?

About This Earl of Mine

Shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed is done with men who covet her purse more than her person. Even worse than the ton’s lecherous fortune hunters, however, is the cruel cousin determined to force Georgie into marriage. If only she could find a way to be . . . widowed? Georgie hatches a madcap scheme to wed a condemned criminal before he’s set to be executed. All she has to do is find an eligible bachelor in prison to marry her, and she’ll be free. What could possibly go wrong?

Benedict William Henry Wylde, scapegrace second son of the late Earl of Morcott and well-known rake, is in Newgate prison undercover, working for Bow Street. Georgie doesn’t realize who he is when she marries him—and she most certainly never expects to bump into her very-much-alive, and very handsome, husband of convenience at a society gathering weeks later. Soon Wylde finds himself courting his own wife, hoping to win her heart since he already has her hand. But how can this seductive rogue convince brazen, beautiful Georgie that he wants to be together until actual death do they part?

My Thoughts

I fell in love with Georgie from the start – talk about a young woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. She lives in a time where woman are primarily used for their wealth, hold no real value except for what they bring to a marriage in title and name. She is wealthy beyond imagine but not the type of wealth that many of the aristocrats in London look up to – her Father earned his money through shipping. She has inherited his bright mind for business and loves the work, she has even increased their wealth. But she will do anything to ensure this does not come into the hands of a greedy gentleman who will lose her inheritance and silence her bright mind and voice. She even goes so far (and does) marry a man in Newgate prison, one whom she assumes is on his death bed for the safety of marriage and then becoming a widow.

Little did she know that the man she marries is Benedict Wlyde, the second son of the Earl of Morcott. But what was he doing in prison? Despite his reputation he works undercover for Bow Street to bring in extra money to help pay off his Father’s debts.

When their paths collide at a society event, will they be drawn together? Will Wylde be able to protect her from society and those who would want to use her only for her wealth? Can she let go and trust enough to see that there are some good people out in the world, that will love her for more than just her money?

I loved every moment of this historical romance and have already re-read it twice. I loved the characters, the plot and the tempo of the story. I kept rooting for these two – I wanted them to learn to trust and to find happiness as they both truly deserved to finally be happy. A definite must read!

You can purchase a copy of this book here.

Rating: 4.5/5

About the Author

Kate Bateman, (also writing as K. C. Bateman), is the #1 bestselling author of historical romances, including her RITA® nominated Renaissance romp, The Devil To Pay, and the novels in the Secrets & Spies series To Steal a Heart, A Raven’s Heart, and A Counterfeit Heart. When not writing novels that feature feisty, intelligent heroines and sexy, snarky heroes you want to both strangle and kiss, Kate works as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several popular TV shows in the UK. She splits her time between Illinois and her native England. Follow her on Twitter to learn more.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

October 15, 2019

Christmas Angels Book Review

A heartwarming Christmas story filled with the magic and miracles of the holiday season by USA Today Bestselling author, Nancy Naigle.

About Christmas Angels

Growing up, Liz Westmoreland dreamed of taking over her grandparents inn located in the small mountain town of Antler Creek only for it to be sold before she ever got the chance. While browsing the internet, she stumbles upon a listing for what looks to be the picturesque inn and it’s set to go to auction. Liz places a bid, and by a miracle, wins the auction. But when she gets there she finds the property in significant disrepair.

When Matt Hardy narrowly lost the inn and property that butted his land, he just hoped it wasn’t another city slicker coming to make matters worse after the previous owners gutted the place for an art gallery. But the minute he recognized the sweet, freckle-faced girl from his childhood and heard her plans to reopen the inn, he jumps at the chance to help his childhood crush restore a place where he made so many fond memories.

While working on repairs, Liz and Matt discover her grandmother’s collection of angels in one of the cabins. When the angels start mysteriously showing up all over the inn, she begins to look at them as reassurance—that restoring the inn is what she’s meant to do. But when an accident leaves Liz feeling like she made a mistake, will Matt—and the residents of Antler Creek—be able to show Liz that she’s found a home? And possibly true love as well?

My Thoughts

Liz did not have the typical childhood that you would expect and this has influenced the way she lives her life. She loves her parents but it was her grandparents that instilled the importance of family and what a family really means. Her best memories from her childhood were centered around her grandparents and the inn that they ran in their small town.

When she finds that the inn is up for auction, she bids for it and is successful. She does this against the advice of her friends, colleagues and even her own parents. There is something about the property that makes her feel at peace and at home. Nothing could have prepared her for what she was about to see. The previous owners gutted and tore out so many features of the home that she loved. She is devastated and unsure if she can accomplish everything that needs to be done.

When all seems impossible enter Matt – sweet, kind and thoughtful (he melted my heart!). He had a huge crush on Liz as a child and is more than happy to help her with her new project (and you can see how much he still cares for her even if Liz has blinders on). He wants her to remember her family, the good in people (you can rely on others) and the joy in the simple moments.

This is an absolute beautiful novel that makes you laugh, cry and hope for the best. Family is so important and this novel reminds you of all those cherished memories from years ago. You are rooting for Liz and Matt – you want her to find her happiness and dreams, even if she is stubborn to see it right in front of her. It is a beautiful story of starting over, finding happiness and peace in the storm of life. It not only makes a great holiday read but a fantastic year round read.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 4.5/5

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author NANCY NAIGLE whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of heart. Now happily retired, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and the occasional spa day with friends. A native of Virginia Beach, she currently calls North Carolina home. Some of her other titles include The Secret Ingredient, Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa, and Recipe for Romance.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.