Grapefruit + Bergamot = 7-Up??

I don't why, but whenever I wash my hands with this soap, it reminds me of 7-Up!  Who would have thought that by combining Grapefruit and Bergamot you could get the scent of 7-Up!  Which, if you think about it, is really a nice, crisp, clean scent - not too sweet, not too flowery, not too fruity.  Just fresh and clean.  I keep a bottle of this delicious foamy soap by the kitchen sink for quick hand wash-ups, and save the harsher dishwashing soap for the dishes.  A few years ago you could only find Kiss My Face Grapefruit & Bergamot Foaming Soap at Trader Joe's and some health food stores.  Now, if you look carefully, you will see it on the shelf at Marsh, Kroger, Wal-Mart and other mainstream stores.  

A Favorite from Last Year Returns!

I had just about given up hope on this clever item - Chilled Salad Bowl with Servers - from Crate and Barrel. After buying one of these last summer, I bragged it up to my friends and family. But when I went to purchase a second one for a gift, I could not find it in the store, catalog or website! So it made my day to see this back in the latest Crate and Barrel catalog, on the website, and in the store. A couple of things make this salad bowl a "pearl". First of all, the serving utensils store right on the lid and are held secure with just a little snap. The second clever feature that elevates this above your common plastic bowl is the removable icepack that fits into a cover on the bottom. Store the icepack in the freezer, then insert under the bottom cover when you are ready to leave for your picnic or carry-in to keep your salads fresh and chilled. Only $14.95 at Crate and Barrel.

Pampered Chef - Old & New Favorites

I'm not a big Pampered Chef fan, usually relying on my local kitchen store for new gadgets and utensils. But recently a friend hosted a Pampered Chef party for charity and I was in need of a night out, and so I went to my first Pampered Chef party in about 10 years. I was reminded of a Old Favorite - Small Micro Steamer - and came home with a New Favorite - Mix N' Chop.

I have had the Small Micro Steamer for at least 10 years. It perfectly holds a one pound package of frozen vegetables, and with just a few minutes in the microwave, you can quickly drain and serve. I have easily gotten my $8 worth. My New Favorite is the Mix N' Chop which sells for $10. This clever gadget is perfect for breaking up ground beef as you brown it. It quickly and easily breaks down the meat to small pieces with minimal effort. So nice when you are making tacos, chili, or spaghetti sauce!