Evolving Stacey » Reviews & Giveaways

Ghirardelli Chocolate is My Small Indulgence

Stacey — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:56:04 +0000

Room for Indulgence

If you saw my Weight Watchers video last week, you’ll know that I’ve had a hard time getting back into a healthy eating routine. Truth be told, I haven’t been 100% on my Weight Watchers program since mid-December. I start with good intentions every morning and by 4pm I somehow find a piece of bread or pita chips in my mouth and it goes downhill from there.

I love Weight Watchers because it’s a lifestyle more than a diet and because the PointsPlus system guides me towards smarter choices (when I follow the program) and gives me room for indulgences (indulgences with boundaries).

I will get back on the program (this is a public commitment to myself) starting February 23, 2012.

Premium Chocolate Extravaganza!

For me, indulgence means chocolate or spa treatments. Both at the same time? Even better! I can’t always afford a day at the spa, but I can afford to splurge on a 2 point Ghirardelli chocolate square. Y-U-M!

In January I received a gift pack from Ghirardelli that included their new milk chocolate line, Ghirardelli Gourmet Milk. My gift pack included Gourmet Milk Creamy Devotion with creamy 32% cacao milk chocolate, Gourmet Milk Sea Salt Escape with sea salt and almonds and Gourmet Milk Coconut Rendezvous with toasted coconut.

I was told I could offer this gift pack as a prize on my blog or keep it for myself!

Did I mention I had fallen off of Weight Watchers and that I love chocolate? Needless to say, my family (yes, I shared) has been in a chocolate oasis for the last few weeks. Even the coconut infused chocolate was divine.

Going forward with my weight loss journey, I won’t intentionally eat that much chocolate in such a short amount of time, but I will incorporate chocolate into my daily Weight Watchers point allowance.

If I stay within my daily points, I know adding premium chocolate to my lifestyle will add a bit of indulgence to my daily routine without breaking the bank or breaking my scale.

Discloser: The Ghirardelli chocolate mentioned in this post was provided to me free of charge. Opinions are 100% our own.

Chore Charts for Kids

Stacey — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:19:29 +0000

A new year for this evolving family means new rules and new chores for my kids.

New chores means I need some sort of system or chore chart for kids to ensure this is going to be successful. I was invited to review chore charts for kids from GoalForIt.com and thought it was a perfect tool to try because it’s free, interactive, and online (3 of my favorite things).

I created a chore chart for both of my kids on GoalForIt.com using pre-populated chore options. We are starting with the following chores on our charts…

Ready for school
Put things away
Clean my room
Practice my reading
Help clear table
Go to bed on time
Brush my teeth
Exercise

The chore charts were easy to create and I hope my kids will be motivated to fill their charts in everyday (and I hope I’m motivated enough to remind them).

There is a “moolah bank”, which is an optional point system I can use as an incentive for my boys to complete their goals each day. I can assign point values to each goal and the boys can spend their moolah points on things like watching TV and Wii.

Love the concept…but will it actually work in this household?

Time will tell. Stay tuned.

Disclosure: I was compensated for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

The Best and Most Affordable Riesling Wine

Stacey — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:10:03 +0000

I’d like to be a wine connoisseur.

I’d even be happy if I could pretend to be a wine connoisseur.

But I’m not and I can’t pretend. All I know is that I like Riesling Wine.

When I was working in Corporate America, we’d always have wine at dinner when I was traveling on the road with clients and colleagues. Everyone at the table appeared to be wine connoisseur (or at least they pretended to be). When people would ask my opinion, I’d usually reply “You pick and I’ll try it”.

I tried to like red wine a few years back because “everyone was drinking red” and it was supposed to be good for my health. But in truth, I never acquired a taste for dry red wine.

Then, last year, I was introduced to one of my favorite Riesling wines.

B. Lovely

B. Lovely is a 100% Riesling Precept Wine from Washington State, filled with flavors of peach blossoms, honeysuckle, nectarines, and apricots. It’s sweet, but not too sweet (for me), there’s a clean finish, and it’s delightful to drink.

I don’t drink wine every day, but when I do have a glass (or two) I’d prefer to enjoy it. And when I bring a bottle of wine over to a friend’s house, I’d like my friends to enjoy it too. In the past I’ve picked out such bad wines that party hostesses never bothered to even open my wine. It sadly sat hidden on the counter.

I had to start bringing flowers instead.

I recently partnered with Precept Wines and had the opportunity to enjoy two bottles of B. Lovely with friends and also taste test a few of their newer wines.

Note: The descriptions below are directly from Precept Wine’s website.

Confectioner’s Sweet Symphony is a delectable, soft and sweet red wine. Made with grapes picked at the peak of ripeness, the wine captures a symphony of delicious fruit flavors including blueberries, raspberries and strawberries working together in perfect harmony to deliver delicately balanced red wine. Take a sip and experience a Sweet Symphony.

Chocolate Shop, the ultimate “Chocolate Lover’s Wine” is a deep, ruby red wine blended with rich, velvety chocolate. Inviting aromas of black cherry and dark chocolate combine in the glass and continue on the palate surrounded by hints of cocoa powder. Nuances of sweet red wine lingers on the smooth finish. Chocolate Shop provides you with an indulgent wine experience like no other.

Sweet Pea is two parts real Washington grown apples, one part natural fruit essence, a dash of artful blending and a pinch of domestic charm. Pleasing as cobbler and refreshing as a cool glass of Riesling on a warm summer evening, Sweet Pea is ripe with golden delicious apple flavors, hints of peachy, strawberry or blackberry sweetness and a crisp, clean finish.

Angel Cake has the inviting aroma of bright tropical fruit, mango and pineapple swirl in the glass and continue on the palate. Crisp acidity balances the sweetness on the finish. Enjoy on its own or pair with desserts that feature flavors of vanilla, spice, and caramel.

Evolving into a Novice Wine Connoisseur

So this is what I know for sure – I like sweet, citrus, fruity white grape Riesling wines. But I have a lot more to learn. To step up my game, I asked Elyse Luray if I could review her new book Great Wines Under $20: An insider’s guide to over 200 noteworthy and affordable wines. So far she’s teaching me how to read a label, which wine glasses to use for red and white wine, when to chill and when not to chill.

Her favorite Riesling wines under $20 are…

Bonterra
Brandborg
Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica
Dr. Loosen
Herman J. Wiemer
Leasingham
Leeuwin Estate Art Series
Pacific Rim
SeaGlass

Are you a wine connoisseur? Share your favorite wine in the comments section below.

Chevy Cars Are Now Part of My Life & My Community

Stacey — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 05:53:40 +0000

In May, when Chevy loaned me a Volt for a week, I gave myself the self-proclaimed label of a “Chevy Mom”. At least once a day people would ask me about the Volt and how on Earth I was driving one (they are not even for sale yet in Illinois).

My best response was “I’m a Chevy Mom“.

I drive a Honda Odyssey and a Toyota Prius…but ever since I was introduced to the amazing cars and people at Chevy, in my heart I have become a Chevy Mom.

To me Chevy has become more than a car and a brand. Chevy has become part of my life and part of my community. Being able to test drive shiny new Chevy vehicles is a really fun luxurious experience…but getting to know the women and men behind Chevy has truly been my honor.

Since I’m a self-proclaimed Chevy Mom, I was thrilled when I heard I was going to be able to test drive the Chevy Equinox during my 40 and Fabulous birthday celebration in Palm Springs.

It felt very Hollywood to arrive at my hotel and have a shiny red car waiting for me.

According to the Chevy website, the Equinox gets 32 MPG on the highway, beating the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape Hybrid.

And according to our back seat rider, the back was roomy and comfortable.

Thank You Chevy…

For helping me celebrate my birthday in style
For supporting moms and the blogging community
For Driving the Midwest and Our Town Our Heroes
For dedicating YOUR time to helping others.
And for having one of the most brilliant and inspiring social media teams e-v-e-r!

Disclaimer: I was provided a Chevy Equinox to test drive. The opinions in this post are 100% my own.

40th Birthday Celebration – Part 2 (with four giveaways)

Stacey — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:55:51 +0000

I’ve been in Palm Springs, California, this week celebrating my 40th birthday, soaking in the sun, and experiencing pure relaxation. This morning we are sipping coffee on the balcony and then heading to the Westin Mission Hills Spa for the rest of the day. This evening we are taking our Chevy Equinox into downtown Palm Springs to experience Villagefest.

Join in the fun with these fabulous giveaways from my 40 and Fab partners (you do not need to be 40 to enter)…

The Westin Mission Hills Giveaway: Win two nights at the Palm Springs Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa to use for a girlfriend’s getaway, a romantic getaway, or a family adventure.

Shutterfly Giveaway: Win your own Shutterfly photo book to fill with summer memories.

Precept Wine Giveaway: Win your bottle of choice from Precept Wine Brands.

Restraurant.com Giveaway: Win a $50 gift card from Restaurant.com

How to win…

Answer the following question in the comments section below midnight July 8, 2011: Where would you go if you were going to plan a vacation ALONE (without your kids or significant other)?

Below are 4 additional ways you can enter to win.

Tweet about these giveaways, using the hashtag #40andFab.
Send me a tweet at @EvolvingStacey telling me why you are FABULOUS.
Share details about this giveaway on Facebook (and leave an additional comment to let me know).
“Like” Evolving Stacey on Facebook (and leave an additional comment to let me know).

Disclosure: Some or all of the products or services mentioned were provided to us free of charge.

40th Birthday Celebration – Part 1

Stacey — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 18:56:58 +0000

I’m thrilled to be having my 40th birthday celebration at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California. It is truly one of the most relaxing places I have ever been too. From the balconies, to the indoor and outdoor fans, to the whirl pool, to the comfy beds and chairs, the villas here exude comfort and relaxation for this week long 40th birthday celebration. The staff are not only polite, they are authentic, friendly, and mindful. And the pools are all different to meet the needs of all of their guests.

The main pools at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa are extremely kid friendly — and too kid friendly for this week’s mom’s only vacation. We have been happy hanging at the adult only pool (total win) under umbrellas and having cold drinks delivered to us on ice.

The Westin of Palm Springs Giveaway

The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa has been generous enough to help us enjoy our 40th birthday celebration and they want to also extend their generosity to YOU by offering a two night getaway! You can use this for a mom’s only ME TIME experience, a romantic getaway with your significant other, or you can bring the family to experience all this family friendly resort has to offer.

How to win…

Jump over to my celebration giveaway post and leave a comment before end of day July 8, 2011. Be sure to tell me you want to win the two night getaway.

Top Ten Reasons Why the Chevy Volt is Here to Stay

Stacey — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 03:53:04 +0000

“The Future is Here and America is Back in the Game.“
~ Motor Trend Magazine ~
(when they named the Chevy Volt the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year)

After test driving the Chevy Volt for a week, I decided to post my top ten reasons why I think the Volt and electric cars are here to stay.

10. Going green used to be all about hippie grassroot organizations. Now people understand how going green helps the bottom line.

9. The price of gasoline has skyrocketed. Auto companies understand cars need to be fuel efficient.

8. Auto industry leaders are finally paying attention and building green cars (Yeah Chevy!)

7. America is slowly starting to get that bigger is not better.

6. Charging a Volt is so easy my 5 year can do it.

5. The government is proving a tax credit of $7,500 to anyone who buys an electric car.

4. The interior’s two LCD touch-sensitive screens make you feel like you’re driving a space vehicle.

3. Most people can commute gas-free and tailpipe emissions-free for about $1.50 of electricity per day.

2. Electricity is a cleaner source of power and electric car technology is only going to improve overtime.

1. We can reduce carbon outputs for our children and our children’s children.

Thank you Chevy for this out-of-this-world experience.

Family Renewal: Toy Story on Ice Review

Stacey — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 12:00:12 +0000

Welcome to my second post within my Family Renewal series. This series shows some of the ways my family plays and laughs and recharges together from the perspective of my children.

Enjoy our Toy Story adventure. It started at Toy Story on Ice, complements of Feld Entertainment, and has brought endless hours of fun creative play into our house.

I Want a Chevy Volt!

Stacey — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 02:32:51 +0000

Subtitled: What I Learned From The North America International Auto Show – Day 2

As I mentioned in my last blog post, I was invited by General Motors to be their guest at the North America International Auto Show for two and a half days. Day 2 was the big day at the auto show.

My biggest Ah-Ha moments on day 2 had to do with all the energy around the new electric cars, specifically the Chevy Volt.

Chevrolet Volt Wins 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year!

By 7am, I had already arrived at Cobo Center (before I even had my first cup of coffee) for the official opening of North American International Auto Show, which included the announcement of Car of the Year. The three finalists were the Chevy Volt, the Nissan Leaf, and the Hyundai Sonata. I’m not familiar with the Sonata, but I was so impressed and excited that 2 out of the 3 finalists were electric cars.

I am not one to get sentimental over a car, but I was truly moved when they announced the Chevy Volt won car of the year. First, I was amazed that an electric car was truly going to be a viable option. And then it occurred to me that my children will never know a time in their lives when electric cars were not an option. It was pretty exciting to experience be beginning of the future first hand.

I was going to share all of the other details of my day in this blog post, but now that I’m writing it, it feels right to just honor the Volt for being the first mass-produced electric vehicle.

Cheers to GM and Chevy for establishing an entirely new segment in the global automotive market. The Volt truly is in a class by itself.

I was invited to attend the auto show by General Motors. They provided my travel, meals, and accommodations. My opinions are 100% my own.

A Better World (Review)

Stacey — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 05:51:05 +0000

Can you imagine a world where everyone treats each other kindly? Where wonder fills the air? Where all the good deeds you do are rewarded? To me, this kind of world sounds like a pretty great place to be, so I was excited to have the chance to review one of Facebook’s newest games called A Better World.

Unfortunately, A Better World needs to be better if it is going to succeed on Facebook. Although I did not love this game, the two parts I did like were the Positive Post and the Gratitude Grotto.

The Positive Post is where you can let your Facebook friends know how much they mean to you. You can send (and receive) compliments and other kind messages for all to see. The game developers believe you all have something nice to say and they want you to say nice things to your friends on Facebook. When you send a post, you are rewarded with Positive Points and Do-Good Gold.

I love the idea of sending positive notes to my Facebook friends and I think I would use this tool if it was an application on Facebook instead of a game. I don’t need to earn Positive Points and Do-Good Gold to motivate myself to write positive notes, but I would appreciate a reminder and an easy tool to help me share the positivity.

The concept behind the Gratitude Grotto is also very inviting to me. Here you can share the things for which you are grateful and read what others appreciate too. Again, I love this concept, but wish it was a Facebook application instead of a game. The Gratitude Grotto is located in the game’s countryside near a calming waterfall. Unfortunately, before I can type in my gratitude, I have to click on an icon of a man with long silver hair, which is very distracting to me because he looks like a religious man reading the bible.

Overall, these are really the only two parts of the game I think I would ever use.

Disclosure: Thank you Buzz Cooperative and Toon Ups for the opportunity to explore and review this Facebook game (and for providing me with a gift card from Likeable Media in return for reviewing this game).