Cook With Kohl's - Review and Sweepstakes entry info

It is summer time again and that means plenty of get togethers with family, friends and neighbors.  Many memories are made over the summer months - the longer days and nicer weather are a perfect formula for more celebrating.  An intregal part of these celebrations is the food of course!

The next potluck, picnic or backyard BBQ, consider visiting Kohl's for all of your food prep, serving and storage needs.  I recently visited Kohl's and was astounded by the variety of items carried in the Food Network Line.  I shop at Koh's often but usually in the clothing, accessories, jewelry or Bath/Linens departments.  I have to admit that I had never really ventured over to the kitchen section before.  I really was taken aback by the vast selection.  There area a few select Food Network Kitchen items available on Kohls.com, but at the store I visited there are literally hundreds of items to choose from.

Flexible silicone measure and prep set

Silicone utensils

My Kohl's Haul

For this review I really had a difficult time selecting what to purchase but I finally settled on new cookie sheets, flexible silicone measuring bowls, a silicone spoon,  2  silicone spatulas and a cooling rack.

When I came home with the new goodies my girls were so excited and we decided to make cookies.  Although these are not a summer dessert per se, cookies are great year round and perfect for any occasion.  We actually found a recipe at the Food Network's website and decided to make that.  

Review:  I really enjoyed using my new cookware.  My favorite items were the silicone spoon (HEAVY duty) and the baking rack which was very sturdy and stable.   I liked also that the measure and prep cups were silicone as well.  It was useful to be able to gently squeeze the bowl to pour ingredients out more easily and the silicone also gave it a good grip in the counter and when handling - we had NO slips or spills!

Here is the recipe that I used: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe.html  There were a few different ones to select from but this is the one the girls and I liked best.  We did add walnuts also but otherwise stuck true to the recipe

Cooling Rack

Also, if you get a chance check out twitter and instagram for the #CookwithKohls sweepstakes.  You can tweet or post to instagram using the #CookwithKohls hastag and a note or picture about the weekly topic - this week it is Summer Desserts!  Make sure that you tag @Kohls and use the #CookwithKohls hashtag.  More information can be found on the Koh's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kohls  there are only a few days left to enter so make sure that you get your name in the hat!  Also, I will be hosting a Kohl's card giveaway later this week so make sure to check back!

Disclosure:  I received a gift card for review purposes.  I was not required to give a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Delay in updates

My site as flagged by Google for having Unnatural Outbound Links. I did my best to correct recent links (2012 - present) but ended up deleting most review posts prior to 2012. I did try to edit as many as I could but the amount of work involved to convert links on over 1000 posts was too daunting considering that I work full time and have three active kids. I made the difficult decision to delete posts instead of convert links which would have taken weeks.

 I have resubmitted my site for review and hopefully all is well. I do hope to be back now with a few reviews, giveaways and updates on the girls.

 

Scrapbooking and Papercrafting Resource List

My favorite places for Scrapbook/Papercrafting supplies are vast and numerous.

GO LOCAL:
Michael's and AC Moore  are"standby" local craft stores that are I frequent what I consider my my ever faithful standby location. 

PROS:  Both have great sales regulary, a vast selection of papers, stamps, punches, markers, glitter, glues, embellishments, storage solutions and more!  Both also have apps available to download to your phone (with a compatatile system).  Now I am never without a coupon!  Both also have rewards programs. 

CONS:  Although the variety is great and there are excellent prices at both, you will not find speciality lines at these stores. 

Archiver's is a local chain speciality store.   

PROS:  What I love is that they have a really extensive collection of papercrafting items.  They also have interesting classes and 2 fun, functional and inspiring work areas.   If you need to buy items as you go, the store will keep a running tab for you! 

CONS:  Warning - 1) Speciality stores can be pricier than mass retailers and 2 ) may not be as flexible as larger retailers  if you don't have your coupon with you.

On my last trip to Archivers I addicentally left my coupon at home once and the coupon would not come up on my phone.  The sales girl would not give me any sort of discount so I left my items at the store, on the counter, unpurchased and went home irritated.  When I arrived home I found the same items online and then purchased the same items from a different retailer - at a discount.  Sadly Archivers lost a sale over not giving a 10% discount.


THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX:

 I also really love to find buys online or hunt for deals in unxpected places.  A few successes

Discount Retailers - I have had successes digging for items at Big Lots, Tuesday Morning, Marshall's, and even Walmart.

PROS:  Great prices

CONS:  You have to dig.  Do not go in the store with something in mind, because chances are you will not find it.  If you keep an open mind, you can score some great deals!

Yard Sales - Many Scrapbookers will decide that they need more space in their homes or simply decide to discontinue papercrafting/scrapbooing.  Most are looking to simply offload materials. 



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