Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Your Kids Next Favorite Book!

My review will be up next week. I am half way through and I can't wait to see what happens next.



Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes and the Good Luck Circle Take Kids And Adults On The Adventure Of A Lifetime

Palm Beach, FL, November 29, 2011 - Americans love traditions and every family has a favorite. Any time is the perfect time to read a mysteriously ‘creepy’ tale to children – one that is garnering acclaim and attention at schools around the country. We are talking about Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes, and the Good Luck Circle (Health Communications, Inc.) by Frank McKinney. The wild tales in McKinney’s brilliant novel were inspired by thousands of one-mile trips to school with his daughter Laura on their daily trek through a dense grove of trees, past an eerie nature preserve and over a rickety drawbridge.

It is the story of Ppeekk (pronounced ‘Peekie’) Rose Berry, who is forced to walk to her first day of school after moving from rural Indiana to sunny Florida.  Ppeekk has an unexpected chance encounter with a mysterious little man who leads her to find King Frederick the 9th, a flattened, 3-inch, dead Shiner fish who comes to life in her hands.  She aptly names him “Dead Fred,” and is soon introduced to his brilliant underwater kingdom of High Voltage.

She discovers that Dead Fred has been dethroned by Megalodon, a fiendish 50-foot prehistoric shark who uses his entourage of vicious crabs, blood-red remora fish and three ghastly creatures to threaten and extract the imagination and joy of children everywhere – and bring the kingdom of High Voltage to an abrupt end.  As she and Dead Fred learn to love and trust one another, he enlists her help in trying to save High Voltage from the evil beast.

Ppeekk and her friends use all their resources, including themselves as human bait, to lure Megalodon and his rogue army into the fight of their lives in a heart-pounding adventure that takes place in the middle of a fierce and deadly Category 5 hurricane.

This best-selling author’s first venture into young reader fiction has reached number five on Amazon.com’s top-selling young reader books for teen adventure/thriller. Visit McKinney’s interactive website to see how Dead Fred is charged with enthralling magic and page-turning suspense at:
www.dead-fred.com.

Frank McKinney has been profiled on Oprah (2x), 20/20, CBS Evening News, USA Today and Travel Channel. His seemingly bottomless well of creativity and imagination is exemplified in Dead Fred. He is a five-time international best-selling author, philanthropist and visionary. Please check out some of Frank’s colorful TV appearances at:
http://frank-mckinney.com/franks_greatest_hits.html .

###

TIP SHEET:

Steve Alten, NY Times best-selling author of the MEG series:  “An engaging and uplifting tale with more interesting characters than a Narnia adventure.”

Randell L. Grant: “I had a wonderful time reading this along with my 10yr old Johanna. We made it even more fun by making different voices to go along with the many characters. Johanna didn't want to stop reading and was disappointed to have to wait until the next night to continue. To hear her yell with joy when Dead Fred came back to life was so special. The book tells a story about the challenges we all face in everyday life - from interacting with each other in the family, making new friends, overcoming adversity, life’s triumphs and the fact that there are always new challenges (Megalodon’s) down the road.”
William Harbison: “I believe that Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes and the Good Luck Circle is one of the finest children’s books ever written. The love that Frank McKinney has poured into this book is incredible! It is exciting and fun for kids as well as adults! I would highly recommend Frank's masterpiece Dead Fred!”

CPCS Offers Mushroom Warnings


San Francisco – November 29, 2011 – Tasty mushrooms often find their way onto holiday menus, but buying cultivated varieties at a reputable food market is far safer than collecting and eating wild mushrooms, according to experts at the California Poison Control System (CPCS).

“There have already been a number of cases of poisoning from wild mushrooms this year in California since the rainy season started,” said Dr. Richard Geller, medical director for the CPCS at Children’s Hospital, Madera.  The California Department of Public Health warned on November 21 that, "it is very difficult to distinguish which mushrooms are dangerous and which are safe to eat.  Therefore, we recommend that wild mushrooms not be eaten unless they have been carefully examined and determined to be edible by a mushroom expert.” CPCS concurs with the state warning.

Eating poisonous mushrooms can cause abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage and death.  The most serious illnesses and deaths have been linked to mushrooms that cause liver damage, including Amanita ocreata, or “destroying angel”, and Amanita phalloides, also known as the “death cap.”  Symptoms typically develop six to 12 hours after eating.

“No matter how experienced one is at mushroom identification, there is always a risk in eating wild mushrooms,” according to Dr. Geller.  “There are old mushroom hunters and bold mushroom hunters,” he said, “but no old, bold mushroom hunters.”  He added, “Contrary to folklore which says poison mushrooms are brightly colored, poison mushrooms typically look like most edible mushrooms.”
Individuals with symptoms following wild mushroom ingestion, or their treating health care providers, should immediately contact CPCS at 1-800-222-1222.

About CPCS
You can learn more about a variety of poison issues by following CPCS on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/iS6S7J  and on Twitter @poisoninfo.  Sign up for weekly safety text messages to your cell phone by texting TIPS to 69866; and download a free iPhone app, Choose Your Poison, at http://bit.ly/gg9vfG.  CPCS is dedicated to providing California residents with the most up-to-date information and 24-hour help in case of poisoning. In case of an accidental poisoning, consumers should immediately call 1-800-222-1222 for advice. Specially trained pharmacists, nurses, physicians and poison information providers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help. In most cases, a poison exposure can be safely managed in your home, avoiding a call to 911 or a visit to a crowded hospital emergency department. Many parents think about contacting the poison control services only in case of an emergency, but experts are available to answer questions any time.-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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DAY 5 of 12 Days of Christmas - The Real Face of Jesus DVD Giveaway


Could there really be a more appropriate DVD offered this holiday season?

Presented by The History Channel and now available on DVD


As the Shroud of Turin is put on public display for the first time in 10 years, new data reveals more than just a flat image embedded in the ancient cloth, but an astonishing, three-dimensional, sculpture-like figure.

Using the principles of physics, cutting-edge digital technology, and the revolutionary CGI process pioneered in Stealing Lincoln's Body, HISTORY brings that image to life, unveiling the most accurate representation ever seen of what many believe to be Jesus Christ.

The 411:
Using high tech 3D graphics, graphic artist Ray Downing has spent years trying to recreate a "very real" image of Jesus Christ.

Researchers head to a chapel in Italy and explain the details of  the Shroud of  Toran which  is 14 feet long and made out of linen cloth. They explain the burn marks and the placement of the body features. The details are remarkable. Taking the Shroud as the starting point the take a picture, place it onto fabric and start mapping out the blue print for resurrecting Jesus' image.

I found the whole documentary very interesting and spent a lot of time reading everything I could on this very valuable piece of history!  Science and religion are a very interesting marriage and this documentary did exactly what I set out to do. Create a 3D image of Jesus.

The end of The Real Face of Jesus is unbelievably moving even thought I know it is only a computer generation.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY 
“Like” The History Channel on Facebook
Follow along on Twitter 

To Purchase:


The Giveaway: A History Channel DVD - The Real Face of Jesus

The Sponsor: The History Channel



Stocking Stuffer Idea for the Adults On Your List

Originally I wanted the title to read Stocking Stuffer Idea for EVERYONE on your list but quickly realized my kids were only interested in it when I pointed things out to them. They are 6 & 8, what do they know....this book is so adorable and will have your rummaging through your childhood photos to see what you can come up with.


Have you ever thought about recreating one of your favorite childhood photos as an adult? Thousands of people worldwide have been inspired to do just that, and now the best of the best of these amazing photo pairs are in the book "Young Me, Now Me."



FAVORITE CHILDHOOD PHOTOS RECREATED WITH AMAZINGLY ACCURATE AND HIGHLY AMUSING RESULTS!

Open to any page in Young Me, Now Me and you’ll see a cherished childhood snapshot alongside a brilliant reproduction taken decades later. Nothing is overlooked in these amazing photo pairs—family members have been rounded up in the same spot in the old backyard, special clothes have been sewn to match kiddie outfits, poses and facial expressions are perfectly replicated, and, if needed, spaghetti sauce is smeared from cheek to cheek to imitate the explosive lunchtime of a happy baby. While these efforts at accuracy are impressive and often hilarious, the amazing thing is what people didn’t do—change. No matter how many years passed between the old and new photos, you can still see that same curve of the smile, angle of the face and look in the eyes. Here is the thread connecting years ago to now.

Featuring 70 then-and-now full-color photographs and heartwarming tales of unforgettable memories about love, friendship and family, this book is a gift everyone will enjoy.

The 411:
I have looked at this book at least 5 times in the past week. It is adorable and the corresponding stories sweet. My personal favorite include a grown man laying on the same blanket he laid on when he was a newborn. The same angle, the same sunlight streaming through.

My sisters and I are never all together but I would totally do this with them.

The book has been in my bag since I received it and everyone who looks through it, writes down the title and the website. It is truly a phenomenon.

We all love the effort everyone took in trying to get the exact same facial expressions and clothing. For more on this book, check out the Young Me, Now Me website. By the way, don't blame me if you find yourself spending way too much time there. I couldn't help it either!

Any idea which photo you would reenact?

To purchase:



Look for this book and others on my Holiday Gift Guide.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Tuesday Takes Ruby Tuesday- Street Decorations

Ruby Tuesday is over here. Join Mary and her gang for loads of red.

Head over to Freda for more Tuesday Takes
 The town is starting to look like Christmas. Love the red ribbons I couldn't miss on this fence. Very festive.

Day 4 - Greased Lightning the Super Cleaner is My New Counter Decoration! GIVEAWAY




The holidays are approaching, and we all know that means lots of food, family, and the unfortunate clean-up that comes with it—from sprucing up your home before your guests arrive to tackling the aftermath of a great get-together.

Greased Lightning Super Strength can help you survive those everyday messes during the holidays, like drink spills on your carpet, day-old food residue on your kitchen counter and even grass stains from the Thanksgiving family football game!

Great for surfaces in every part of your house and even for stain removal, Greased Lightning is a multi-purpose cleaner and degreaser that removes grease and grime, laundry and carpet stains, soap scum, and much more. 

 The 411:

I am not sure what it is about cleansers but we bloggers love reviewing them and you guys love entering to win them. Greased Lighting is AWE-SOME!

From the colorful yellow bottle that I never seem to be able to put it away. It sits on my counter and I use it every day! hahah...I crack myself up.

No seriously, the stuff is GREAT! While I will admit to not using it on a carpet stain or pretreated any clothing yet, I can tell you that my greasy stove has never looked better. Well it wasn't really the stove that was greasy it was the thing above my stove that has a light an exhaust fan, what the heck is that thing called? Well anyway, that thing is original to the house and is just a nasty mess. We clean it the best we can but it never really looked clean underneath to me.  It looks incredible now. Not new, but better than it ever did. We use it on the counter, the stove top, the floor, the walls, the tub! Oh the tub. I took a bath instead of my usual shower the other day because the tub looked tre' clean!

The folks over at Greased Lightning want you to check it out for yourselves and have offered one of my readers the chance. 


The Giveaway: A coupon for a free Greased Lightning

The Sponsor: Grease Lightning

To Win:

Mandatory Entry.  If this is not followed, none of your extra entries will count. Leave me a comment below by Midnight, December 13, 2011 (leave your link below).

For Extra Entries:


*Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link for (3 extra entries) (each entry must be separate).

*Follow Greased Lighting on Facebook
*Like  Maria's Space on Twitter
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (3 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow my blog (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Leave a message on my Holiday Gift Guide
*Leave a message on Babybindle's Holiday Gift Guide
*Tweet (leave your link) (can be done daily)

*Post my Christmas Button
button

*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook (Not my personal Facebook) and post a message that you entered with a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a link to the message in the entry form (3 Entries).
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link (3 Entries)
*Add my main button to your s
*Open to US only.

Disclosure: I am hosting this giveaway for Greased Lighting
who provided the review & giveaway product. 
I received no monetary compensation.

Brave Irene by William Steig Read by Meryl Streep


A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year
Now a Book & CD Set with a recording by Meryl Streep
from the Grammy-nominated William Steig collection

BRAVE IRENE
By William Steig
Read by Meryl Streep

Brave Irene is Irene Bobbin, the dressmaker’s daughter. Her mother, Mrs. Bobbin, isn’t feeling so well and can’t possibly deliver the beautiful ball gown she’s made for the duchess to wear that very evening. So plucky Irene volunteers to get the gown to the palace in time, in spite of the fierce snowstorm that’s brewing – quite an errand for a little girl!

But where there’s a will, there’s a way, as Irene proves in the danger-fraught adventure that follows. She must defy the wiles of the wicket wind, her most formidable opponent, and overcome many obstacles before she completes her mission. Surely, this winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on.

Narrated by the iconic Meryl Streep, this Book & CD Set charms with vivid illustrations, an exciting storyline, and the perfect voice to bring it all together. Also including a read-along track, Brave Irene is the kind of book that children will grow up listening to, and then excitedly read to themselves!

Praise for Brave Irene:
“An extraordinarily eloquent story about love and courage” – The New Yorker

"With sure writing and well-composed, riveting art, Steig keeps readers with Irene every step of the long way." -- Booklist, starred review

“In Brave Irene, Streep’s mellifluous voice transforms instantly from the even-toned narrator to the infuriating wind that tortures Irene.” – Audiofile, Earphones Award Winner

"William Steig’s Brave Irene has the timeless quality of a classic fairy tale." -- Publishers Weekly

"A lovely story, well told and most attractively presented." -- Kirkus Reviews

WILLIAM STEIG (1907-2003) began drawing for The New Yorker in 1930. He published his first children’s book in 1968, and received the Caldecott Medal in 1970. His works include The Amazing Bone, Abel’s Island, Doctor De Soto, and various other Newbery Honor and Caldecott Honor books.

MERYL STREEP is one of the most celebrated and award-winning actresses in the history of film. She holds the record for most nominations for Academy Awards, and has won twice. She also garnered two Emmy Awards, Seven Golden Globes, and six Drama Desk Awards.

Brave Irene is a 1986 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year.
Brave Irene Guided Reading Ppt  
View more presentations from Mandie Funk
The 411:
I had never heard of Brave Irene by William Steig when I received it. We are always looking for new family friendly books to read together. What drew me in instantly was that Meryl Streep was the reader on the audio book and that there was snow on the cover. We are entering winter so this seemed like the perfect book to settle down and read with my kids.

Handsome and I headed into his room for us to read. He looked at it and asked me to read it to him. I started and he settled into my lap. Next thing I know, Goddess comes in too and settles in to listen. Then he read it out loud to me. Lastly he read it along with the audio. The last two reads were on his own. I figured we would read together and than put the book on the shelf like so many others before it.

Honestly, this was confusing, what was it about Brave Irene that made him want to read it three times in a row? I don't know. Maybe it was the pictures. Or maybe it was because he, like Irene, tries very hard and always has. Being a child in therapy since he is two, his mannerisms, scholastic abilities and personality is always scrutinized. His perseverance, like Irene's is to just keep going.

In this book, Irene's mom makes a beautiful dress for a Duchess. Unfortunately she is sick and can't get it to the Duchess, so Irene, being the good girl she is does her best to get it there. She tucks her mother in and heads out into a storm to bring it to her.

No matter how hard the wind pushes Irene she must make it there. She doesn't want to let her mother or the Duchess down. Irene is a people pleaser like most of us. We don't want to be let down. She keep going and in the end, all roads led to something spectacular. If we don't give up.

Putting aside that no mother would allow her child to venture out into a storm to bring a dress to a duchess. And, that Irene could have potentially died by falling off a cliff or freezing to death. Or, the amount of stress put on a child to trudge through the wind, snow and bitter cold without letting anyone down borders on child abuse I think the book is a wonderful read of courage, love and never giving up!

Handsome loved the book so much that he is basing his first school book collage on it! We need to pick up some construction paper today!


To Purchase:

DAY 3 of 12 Days of Christmas - Stocking Stuffer - FYRFLYZ





FyrFlyz ™ is so much fun. We love ours and it actually comes with us everywhere. Perfect for when we are waiting and need to keep the kids busy. They have become pretty good at working them and look like pros.

FyrFlyz are a revolutionary spinning toy that came out this past September . By swinging two strings and applying tension or slack you create  amazing LED light shows right in the palm of your hand. Check out how to create the tricks at http://www.fyrflyzcom/.

Look for InKoos in my Holiday Gift Guide
 
WHERE TO BUY: Toys R' Us

JOIN THE COMMUNITY 
“Like” FyrFlyz on Facebook
Follow along on Twitter 

The Giveaway: A FyrFlyz of Our Choice

The Sponsor: FyrFlyz

To Win:

Mandatory Entry.  If this is not followed, none of your extra entries will count. Tell me who you are entering for by Midnight, December 12, 2011 (leave your link below).

For Extra Entries:


*Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link for (3 extra entries) (each entry must be separate).

*Like Fyrflyz   and Maria's Space on Twitter
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (3 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow my blog (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Leave a message on my Holiday Gift Guide
*Leave a message on Babybindle's Holiday Gift Guide
*Tweet (leave your link) (can be done daily)

*Post my Christmas Button
button

*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook (Not my personal Facebook) and post a message that you entered with a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a link to the message in the entry form (3 Entries).
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link (3 Entries)
*Add my main button to your s
*Open to US only.

Disclosure: I am hosting this giveaway for FyrFlyz  
who provided the giveaway product. 
I received no monetary compensation.

Monday, November 28, 2011

DAY 2 of 12 Days of Christmas -You are Broadway Bound With This GIVEAWAY



Wooot!!! Come sing about love...I am thrilled to present to my readers, the opportunity to see Godspell on Broadway.

Prepare ye for GODSPELL, the beloved classic from Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy® and Academy Award®-winning composer of WICKED and PIPPIN. Enjoy all the good gifts of one of the most enduring shows of all time as it comes to Broadway in a brand new, intimately staged, one-of-a-kind production. Raise your spirit with the Tony-nominated score filled with the popular hits Day By Day, Learn Your Lessons Well and Turn Back, O Man.

This timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love has touched the hearts of countless theatergoers all over the world--and now you can join the celebration as a spectacular ensemble of Broadway’s best performs the greatest story ever told. So come sing about love--at GODSPELL.

Maria's Space review can be found here.

To Purchase: Godspell Tickets

The Giveaway: 2 Tickets valid for a Tues, Wed, Thurs  or Sunday Performance. Valid until 1/1/2012

The Sponsor: Godspell

To Win:

Mandatory Entry.  If this is not followed, none of your extra entries will count. Tell me who you are entering for by Midnight, December 12, 2011 (leave your link below).

For Extra Entries:


*Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link for (3 extra entries) (each entry must be separate).


*Like Godspell &  Maria's Space on Twitter
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (3 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow my blog (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Leave a message on my Holiday Gift Guide
*Leave a message on Babybindle's Holiday Gift Guide
*Tweet (leave your link) (can be done daily)

*Post my Christmas Button
button

*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook (Not my personal Facebook) and post a message that you entered with a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a link to the message in the entry form (3 Entries).
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link (3 Entries)
*Add my main button to your side bar
button
*Open to US only.
Disclosure: I am hosting this giveaway
Godspell
who provided the giveaway product.
I received no monetary compensation

321 Productions Named As US Syndicator For Starfield Indie Studios’ Sci-Fi And Drama Movie Slates



321 To Handle Television, DVD And Digital Distribution For Renowned Sci-Fi and Drama Indie Producer’s Roster Of Catalogue And Select New Releases

For Immediate Release:

CHICAGO (November 28, 2011) – Starfield Indie Studios has named Chicago-based 321 Productions, a division of Zephyr Media Group, as the US syndicator for Starfield’s expansive catalogue of sci-fi /thriller/horror feature films as well as select future feature and series titles in the celebrated independent Sci-Fi film producer’s select upcoming projects.  321 Productions will represent all categories of distribution in the US for Starfield Indie’s film titles, including broadcast and cable television, DVD and digital channels.

With production offices in Toronto and London, Starfield Indie has gained worldwide recognition for its eclectic portfolio of genre films, many of which have gone on to become cult favorites.  Under the helm of the production company’s principals Mark Pickering and Phillip Jackson, Starfield Indie has amassed more than 25 films and four television series to the company’s credits, including such Phil Jackson / Daniel D’or sci-fi classics as the cult “Replikator” (Ned Beatty, Brigitte Bako); Men of Means (Michael Pare); 2103 the Deadly Wake (Malcolm McDowell); and Dream-Breaker (Michael Pare).  Starfield also brings to its syndication deal with 321 Productions the 13-part reality TV series “The Mission” produced by Phil Travis.

In addition to handling select library titles, 321 will also launch US non-theatrical distribution of the indie’s soon-to-be released titles, including  the much anticipated space docu- thriller “Alien Life –Contact”  narrated by Michael Ironside for release in summer 2012.
“Mark Pickering and Phillip Jackson have built Starfield Indie Studios into one of the most acclaimed independent genre film production companies.  In addition to being honored with numerous industry awards, many of the company’s titles continually rank among sci-fi and thriller/horror enthusiasts’ most favorite lists.   We are delighted to present to the US television, DVD and digital markets the most extensive package ever offered of Starfield’s prized genre titles,” said Dan Zifkin, CEO of Zephyr Media Group.

“Zephyr Media Group’s 321 Productions has become a top go-to distribution home for the independent production community”, notes Starfield President Mark Pickering.  We have known Dan Zifkin and his team for many years now and are delighted to entrust our catalogue  with his  proven and successful team.”

About Zephyr Media Group:
Headquartered in Chicago (Evanston, IL) with offices in Los Angeles and Washington D.C., Zephyr Media Group is a recognized industry leader in US and international television and DVD distribution and full service media planning and buying for traditional advertisers, advertising agencies and direct response marketers.  The company’s expansive staff of media professionals is responsible for numerous high-profile campaigns on behalf of both corporate and entrepreneurial clients alike.   321 Productions is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zephyr Media Group, responsible for the national syndication and advertiser sales of over a dozen quality syndicated television and cable programming services.  Zephyr Media Group is located on the Internet at www.zephyr-media.com.

About Starfield Indie: Starfield Independent Studios Inc. “Starfield Indie”, is a creative Toronto (Canada) and London (UK) studio developing and producing stories as feature films, TV series, and trans-media. Our president is producer/financier Mark Pickering (London). Writer/Producer Philip Jackson (Toronto) is Co-President and Head of Production & Development.  Mark Pickering is a Cambridge (UK) and Columbia (US) graduate IP and entertainment lawyer and a producer of theatrical and documentary films and series who has funded some 30 independent features in whole or part, including Kenneth Branagh’s The Magic Flute on which he also was a producer. (The film premiered at the Venice and Toronto festivals).  www.starfieldstudios.tv


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Saturday, November 26, 2011

Color Carnival Sunday #7

Hello everyone I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Please leave your link below so everyone can visit you. If you are confused on the new format, please know you are not alone. We took a vote and we are doing away with the voting system. Link away and have a great week!

Here is my colorful submission for this week.

The Senior Center created a moral based on their take on What's In Your Heart for September 11th. They asked that I come down and take a photo that they could send to their screen printer to make shirts and sweatshirts for their fundraisers. It is so colorful and I am definitely going to purchased a sweatshirt when they are done.





Friday, November 25, 2011

Hickory Farms Makes The Holiday Better

First, let me start by saying, that my family has been ordering from Hickory Farms since I can remember in 1973 but they were probably ordering before that.  The catalogs would come in and my mom would dog ear the pages as she ordered gifts for grandparents, great grandparents, family friends and teachers.

The towers were always a favorite because you would get a box of nuts, sweets, savory things like mustards and then cheese and sausage. I am not a big cheese girl but as a carnivore I love meat. 

Recently I was able to revisit Hickory Farms when I had the opportunity to host a Hickory Farms Party. I invited 7 friends and with the use of Clary's home. Every party she comes to at my  house she says, "that was fun, I should have a party at my house" so since I know she always decorates for Thanksgiving I asked if she wanted to host. She being a great friend said yes and together we entertained 6 woman.  

I was surprised when I asked them if they had ever ordered or received a gift from Hickory Farms. None of them had. They all were familiar with the name because there is usually a Hickory Farm store or mostly a stand in the malls but none had shopped. 

Hickory Farms was being generous. We received enough food to feed a small village.  Choosing 1 of each of the boxes we cut up samples for everyone to try. It was the "best" party ever. 


Get woman together to sample food and it's all good. We had a great time, laughing, talking and eating.  Everyone had a favorite; I personally liked the Turkey Sausage and Cranberry Mustard. Who would think that Cranberry Mustard would taste so amazing. It went quickly. The jars are small but it taste good on everything and a few woman talked about how they would love to put it on top of their ham before they cook it for Thanksgiving dinner. Yummy!

Click to enlarge

The Smoked Gouda Cheese was a favorite. Every time we tried something new, someone would chime that "THIS" was their favorite. 

One of my favorite parts of the party was when I opened the basket containing cheese, meats and fresh fruit. I cut up a red pear and at first everyone was all "I'm not a pear person." Until they tried it! When one returned to the room after taking care of the only kid at the party, a little boy 14 months old, she was asked to try it and when she said, "I'm not a pear person" all of them told her she had to try it. She did! Annnnnddd she loved it too!

Anytime Hickory Farms needs someone to do taste tests, they can count on me and my girls, we are in!

Each woman was handed a box to take with them which completely floored them. I loved the Facebook messages about the party especially when one was telling me she was already cutting into her cheese and sausage. 

Looks like Hickory Farms made some new fans and I was able to give a box to my UPS guy who delivered them and many others every year. My grandparents and in-laws also received boxes. It was the best review ever. 

Click to Enlarge