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The Way to this Rachael Ray Collector’s Heart….

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Rachael Ray Measuring Cups and Dokkie

My husband went and did it again… he proved to me, for the billionth time, that I didn’t just marry a great guy, I married my hero. I wrote a post on my food blog a while back about a gorgeous set of Rachael Ray measuring cups. I wondered how in the word I didn’t already have them… given how I collect all things Rachael Ray and am in love with the colors.

Well, not only does he apparently read my food blog (awwwww), he takes hints even when they weren’t intended to be hints!

You guessed it.. I now own the gorgeous measuring cups and a ridiculously beautiful Purple Rachael Ray Moppine Towel as well.

In the pictures, here, the purple measuring cup looks more gray, but it is unmistakably a beautiful purple. One of our cats, sweet Dokkie, seems to be inspecting the colors above, doesn’t she??! When you’re a cat mom who is also a food blogger, you do not…. absolutely do NOT…. take photos of anything without help from at least one little Nosy Parker.

Some might would shoo the cat away and take professional-level pictures but not me. I simply take what I consider to be the cutest picture!

Rachael Ray Mopine and Measuring Cups

Rachael Ray Moppine Towel and Measuring Cups

As you can tell, the purple moppine towel is absolutely gorgeous – such a deep, bold shade of purple. I love the way Rachael Ray Moppine Towels (Amazon link) are made – you can put both of your hands into the hand pockets, allowing the rest of the moppine towel to cover your forearms, protecting you entirely from the hot deliciousness you’re removing from the oven. When you click through the link Rachael Ray Moppine Towels (Amazon link), you’ll see the WIDE array of colors available. I’ve had the red before as well and it’s also a beauty.

You can find the gorgeous Rachael Ray Measuring Cups on Amazon, too.

Rachael Ray Measuring Cups and Dokkie

Rachael Ray Measuring Cups and Dokkie

Gorgeous Rachael Ray Measuring Cups (How do I Not Already Have These?!?)

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I may have mentioned once or a thousand times how obsessed I am with Rachael Ray products, shows, and recipes. Heck when she had the Food Network series where she ate out on $40 a day, I never missed an episode even though I would never try such a thing. Truth be told, I very seldom eat out, but if I did, I wouldn’t do so more than once and there’s NO way I’d be able to keep it at $40.

So why watch such a show? Two words: Rachael Ray. Love her – always have.

I collect her cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, pans, bowls, utensils, etc. Even though I am such a big fan of her cooking shows, the reason I collect everything with her name on it isn’t due to that… it’s simply because her line of products is the best, period. Apparently she has a very high standard for anything with her name and lovely face attached – smart.

I also love vibrant colors and her products are always so fun, happy, cheerful, and colorful.

I was on Amazon earlier, ordering a new set of deep purple moppines and I saw the gorgeous Rachael Ray Cucina Kitchen Measuring Cups, pictured here. I, literally, asked my cat Guennie, “How do I not already have these?!”

She had no answer.

From Amazon:

  • MEASURING CUP SET INCLUDES: 1/4-Cup Brown Measuring Cup, 1/3-Cup Orange Measuring Cup, 1/2-Cup Lavender Measuring Cup, 1-Cup Red Measuring Cup, 2-Cup Blue Measuring Cup
  • HIGH QUALITY, SAFE CONSTRUCTION: Measuring cup set is made from sturdy BPA-free melamine; cup capacities are marked on inside rim
  • STACKABLE MEASURING CUPS: Cups stack inside each other from small to large for compact, convenient storage
  • EASY CLEANING COLOR: Each measuring cup sports a unique color for easy identification; top-rack dishwasher safe
  • MAKES A GREAT GIFT: The perfect complement to other clever, colorful Cucina kitchenware from Rachael Ray
  • Quality Assurance Guarantee

Take a closer look at these beauties Rachael Ray Cucina Kitchen Measuring Cups. You may bump into me and Guennie on Amazon… looking for what else we may have missed!


Bamboo Pig Cutting Board…. Yes, Please!

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I have always had a total, complete, and all-consuming love for pigs. If my cats (the one animal I have an even greater affection for) allowed it, I would have one – a female I’d name Patsy Swine. Come on, how could I not?

I often blog about pig collectibles and kitchen items on the food blog because I’ve heard from so many readers who love them almost as much as I do. I say almost because none of y’all have a name picked out for a pig you’ll never have.

This gorgeous bamboo pig cutting board is from Amazon and I am in love with it. It speaks to everything my own kitchen’s decor is about – a rustic/whimsical approach, heavy on pigs.

Here’s the thing – I have always loved pigs greatly. I even began “collecting” pigs for the kitchen over 12 years ago. Then something happened that made me fall even further in love with them and made me want to have them outside of the kitchen as well as inside of the kitchen…. this “something” that happened is a precious, lively, adorable 2 year old named Maddox and he (along with the rest of my family) makes my world go round.

Since he was about 6 months old, he has LOVED pigs and cats (I keep telling people he IS my spirit animal). While he loves all animals, there is a certain, palpable joy that comes over his face and into his voice when he sees a pig or cat (real, stuffed, drawing, figurine…). If it’s a cat, he laughs and meows. If it’s a pig, he laughs and oinks.

Why wouldn’t I want more of that in my life??!


Adorable Kitchen Gadgets for Kids who LOVE Dinosaurs!

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I was on Amazon earlier (full disclosure, I’m never really officially off Amazon), looking for dinosaur-related plates for my grand-babies. I have three grand babies and they’re all little boys – one is 2 years old, one is almost 6 months old, and the youngest? Well, he isn’t officially here yet, but he IS officially loved!

I found three WONDERFUL Dinosaur Food Holders from Funwares:

The TriceraTaco (the triceratops is one of kids favorite dinosaurs) is pictured on the left. It can hold tacos – or sandwiches, waffles, toast, English muffins, fish sticks, chicken nuggets, etc.

On the right is another one I’m kind of freaking out over, the NachoSaurus. I love that he comes with his little food dish for dunking and dipping. He could be used for fries with ketchup just as easily as chips with salsa or cheese. He could also hold candy, carrot sticks, or other snacks.

Last, but in no way least, is TacoSaurus Rex (pictured below). This guy can hold tacos, sandwiches, bagels… whatever the little “boss” has consented to eat that day!

I can’t wait to whip these out on my 2 year old grandson – he is WILD WILD WILD about dinosaurs and will love these.


Easter Lovelies for the Kitchen: Dishes, Cake Stand, and Towels to DYE For (Sorry Not Sorry)

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I was browsing around Amazon earlier (always a dangerous sport for me) – looking for Easter dishes and new Easter cloth napkins. I’ve had a deep purple for years now and, while they’re lovely, I want to add some extra colors to the table.

I got so sidetracked by lovelies galore that I almost forgot my napkins! The first thing I saw, the too-cute-for-their-own-good, Mr. and Mrs. Rabbit Dish Towels are pictured on the right.

See how guilty they look? That’s because they made me forget everything but my own name.

There’s no easy way to show them all to you – so I’m just going to roll them out, one at a time. Each link is, of course, an Amazon link. I mean, is there really any better place to shop??

First up, the Sweet Bunny 16 Piece Dinnerware Set (pictured to the left).

For years, I have used the same beautiful white dinnerware set for Easter and Thanksgiving but this year I’d really like to give each wonderfully special holiday its own chance to bask in the spotlight.

These precious “sweet bunny” dishes are really tempting me to buy a few sets. I haven’t found any I like nearly as well and our grand babies will love these for years and years to come.

As far as that goes, I’m pretty sure our daughters and sons-in-law will love them just as much!

The gorgeous 16 Piece Set includes: 4 Each 11″Dinner Plates, 8. 5″ Salad/Dessert Plates, 20 oz. Mugs, 6″ Ice Cream/Dessert 26 oz. Bowls.

If you have Amazon Prime, delivery is free with these dishes.

Second of all, I found these ADORABLE (sorry to yell, but they’re worthy of all caps)

They would be absolutely adorable with the plates shown above or with white dishes for that matter. They’re available in many different colors – there is an orange and black that would be ideal for Halloween and a gray and white that is so great-looking I want them for everyday. If you click through, be sure to check out the image they have using the gray and white napkins.

It looks so stylish and gorgeous!

Features:

  • 100% Cotton
  • Imported
  • PACK OF SIX – Napkins measures 20×20″
  • EASY CARE – 100% cotton machine washable gentle cycle tumble dry low. Low iron if needed.

Third of all, there’s the gorgeous Ceramic Pastel 3-Tier Cake Stand (or cookies, deviled eggs, sugar cubes, candies… whatever you want to put on it).

It comes in silver or gold and both are absolutely gorgeous. The stand comes with free little tongs (for picking up sugar cubes or small treats).

When you look at the stand from above, you can see the embossed flowers as well as lovely little butterflies. When you click through, you can take a much closer look.

  • Diameter of Platters: 6”, 8”, 10”. 14.5″ tall
  • Material: High quality fine china, 100% LEAD FREE
  • Use as a cupcake stand, dessert stand or serve for fruit and other sweet treat. It can be used at all types of events and parties such as tea party, baby showers, graduations, weddings, Christmas, thanksgiving or for home decor.
  • Embossed porcelain design

I love that this stand can take you all through spring and summer (much like the checkered napkins above).

I have quite a few more Easter-themed gift ideas and kitchen gadgets as well as recipes in the works, so stay tuned!

I hope your weather is as beautiful as it is here in Kentucky. Hang in there, everyone, spring is almost here!

 

 

15 Best Free Apps for Eating Healthy on a Budget

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Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can definitely be a challenge at times. With fast-food chains such as McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy’s on nearly every corner, the temptation to stop and get a quick bite to eat is something that everyone has in common. In life, you can’t control everything, but you most definitely can control the food you put into your body.

Of course, it’s okay to splurge every now and then, but if your diet mainly consists of processed foods this can and will be very detrimental to your health. Even though you may not see the effects right away, in the long run you will be more prone to various types of illnesses that can be a great threat to your general health. That being said, there is no better time to take control of your health by finding ways such as downloading healthy food apps to create a more balanced diet.

Due to the fact that the health and fitness lifestyle has become more popular than ever, it only makes sense that the number of health and fitness apps would skyrocket too. It’s 2019, and there seems to be an app for just about everything! So why not download an app that can transform your diet and help you live a healthier lifestyle? These apps can virtually do everything! Some can track your heart rate, the number of calories you eat, provide you with personalized meal plans and so much more. Having these apps is almost like having a personal trainer or nutritionist in your pocket. 

So instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a personal trainer or nutritionist, you can simply download apps that can basically do the same thing. Feel free to utilize or download the various apps that Wikiby has found to help you keep your general or specific diet on track and so that you can crush your fitness goals by the new year. 

15 Best Free Apps For Healthy Eating On A Budget

Infographic Credit: WikiBuy.com

Gift Ideas for Pig Collectors

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If you scroll through my food blog for any length of time, you’ll see pig after pig after pig. I’m completely and utterly (if only cows were my obsession, what a joke this would be) in love with pigs and you can find them everywhere in my kitchen.  The deliciously unique pig platter (pictured on the right) needs to join my crew as soon as possible.

In fact, I plan to see to it that she does.

Made of resin, I plan to use her more for looks than anything else.

Equally beautiful is the equally unique small pig bowl pictured to the left. How gorgeous is this?! When you click through and see the picture on Amazon, you’ll notice they have a few artificial flowers in it, along with a candle. LOVE the way that looks and that’s exactly what I’ll be putting in mine.

Originally carved out of a knotty wood, this adorable pig bowl measures 4″ wide, 8″ long, and 3″ wide.

Like the beautiful pig platter above, the pig bowl is also made of resin.

Click through the links or the pictures to take a closer look.


Fall Decorating Ideas You Can Use in Your Kitchen and Dining Room

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With a thousand and one apologies to “summer lovers,” this is MY TIME OF YEAR! Autumn and Winter have always been extra special to me (even when it meant back-to-school… I forgave these magical seasons for that injustice). Naturally, I love to make our home come alive with each season, but when it comes to Autumn and Winter… well, let’s just say the seasons are embraced in every single room.

The colors, the smells, and the comfy vibes of Autumn? You just can’t beat it, can you?

The infographic, below, includes some wonderful ideas for embracing the season in every room of your house. Since we’re a food blog, we’ll pay special attention to decorating the kitchen and dining room for Fall.

(Continued Below the gorgeous infographic…)

Fall Decorating Ideas Infographic

 

Infographic Credit: Fall Decorating Ideas

A couple of personal tips and ideas:

  • When decorating tabletops or wreaths, please use fake acorns as opposed to taking those you find on the ground. Animals are counting on this type of food source to make it through the winter. If everyone were to start rounding these up, that’s going to take a lot of food out of innocent animals mouths.
  • If you need more space for seasonal decorations, securely and safely box up the decorations that are currently in their way! I have pigs and other farm animals all over my kitchen (decorations, not real ones – my cats wouldn’t approve). These guys always “sleep” through fall and winter in a comfy box in a closet as they make way for ghosts, bears dressed for trick or treating, pumpkins, snowmen, reindeer, Santas, etc. Just be sure to remember where the regulars are napping!
  • Autumn tablecloths, runners,and napkins are especially gorgeous – especially in the dining room, where your table can remain “set” throughout the season.
  • Strings of lights make the top of hutches, flower centerpieces, or cabinets uncommonly festive and beautiful. There is an ingenious strand of lights on Amazon that is dimmable and can be controlled by a remote control. Click here to check it out. There are many colors available – each season is represented. Be still, my heart.
  • While candles are gloriously associated with fall and winter, many people can’t use them (either they or a beloved pet may have a lung disease or there may be young children or pets around – candles are very dangerous with little ones around, whether they have fur or skin!). If this is the case for you, the above-mentioned strands of lights may be just the thing to add festive light. There are also lots of flameless candles, too, of course.
  • I add a few autumn dishes to my collection each year. Using autumn plates, bowls, mugs, etc during the months of fall just makes the season even sweeter. Of course, we do the same with other seasons, as well.
  • Here’s a tip for any time of year: If there is a season you aren’t that crazy about, for whatever reason(s), try embracing it. Decorate your home, inside and outside, and you’ll soon see the beauty of that particular season. Go all out! Bring the colors, scents, and energies of each season into your world – it’s all part of living out loud… which is, of course, the only way to live!


Pig Paper Towel Holder: Pig Collectors will Lover This

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As someone who is both obsessed with and a collector of pigs, I feature a lot of pigs on this food blog. What’s funny is, I hear from SO many of you who feel just as strongly about them as I do.

They’re whimsical, fun, and impossibly cute… what’s not to love, right?!

The adorable Pig Paper Towel Holder, pictured here, is pretty much a MUST HAVE as far as I’m concerned.

Not only is she a beauty, she serves a very useful function – she give that ever-present and ever-wandering roll of paper towels an attractive place to call home.

  • Bring a farmhouse accent to your kitchen with this delightful paper towel holder featuring a fun-loving pig
  • This standing paper towel holder features a dark brown, rustic color that blends cleanly with your country-themed decor
  • The perfect housewarming or birthday gift for animal lovers, and anyone looking to add a country rustic aesthetic to their kitchen
  • Four hooves keep this holder standing evenly on your kitchen
  • Pig Paper Towel Holder, 6-1/4″W x 18-1/2″D x 6-3/4″H; Cold cast ceramic and wood

Click here for a closer look.


FUN Pig Molds for Pig Collectors

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  I have a few things I love to collect and pigs are one of them. Not the real kind, unfortunately. My cats draw the line at sharing their food, attention, cuddles, or beds with anything that snorts.

When I found these adorable Pig Molds on Amazon, I knew I had to tell y’all about them because I’ve heard from many of the food blog’s readers who love pigs as much as I do.

First is Piggy Pop (pictured to the left).

Piggy Pop makes Pigs in Blankets easy peasy.
Product Description

  • Use any dough or pancake batter
  • Fast, fun and easy
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Easy as fill, insert and bake!
  • BPA free

Piggy Pop provides a cute and creative way to make Pigs in a Blanket and then some. This is a silicone baking pan that bakes 12 pig shaped treats at a time. Simple and easy to use, you simply fill each of Piggy Pop‘s molds with pancake batter or dough, add the cocktail franks and bake.

Piggy Pop comes with a recipe guide that includes 12 tasty recipes. The baking pan is oven safe and heat resistant up to 500 ° F.  I love the fact that it’s dishwasher safe.

Pig-Shaped Pancake Molds

Next up – Silicone Pig Pancake Molds (pictured to the right). I love these just as much as Piggy Pop. My grandbaby, Maddox is absolutely obsessed with Pigs (and with adorably making the “oink” sound!) and I cannot wait to make him pig pancakes!

Product Description

  • Make breakfast more fun with pig-shaped pancakes; bake 2 at a time with this set
  • Stainless steel curled tail functions as a stay-cool handle; folds flat for storage
  • This silicone mold is heat resistant up to 500F, BPA free
  • Dishwasher safe so cleanup is a breeze
  • Designed in the USA

Candy Molds

Last, but not least, the Perny Silicone Pig Candy Molds (left). Again, I am SO anxious to make Maddox pig candy. It’ll be the first Halloween candy I make and you bet it’ll be used for many Christmas candies!

With these adorable molds, you can make 20 pig-shaped candies (or chocolates, jell-o, ice cubes…) at once. The molds are BPA free and made from high quality 100% food grade silicone.

These are safe for use in the oven, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher.

Simply pour your favorite recipe in the mold, prepare, and cool completely. Then turn it upside down, this flexible silicone candy molds offers a non-stick surface that allows the sweets to pop right out with a little push from the bottom.

If you prefer another animal, when you click through, you’ll find other animals and shapes available on Amazon.