Ghirardelli Milk & Truffles squares

If you are a lover of chocolate I am sure you have heard of Ghirardelli. For many they are know as the finest chocolate makers. A statement I cannot argue with because...well have you tried their chocolates! I was given the opportunity to try out a new line of chocolates they are now offering called Milk & Truffles squares. Now who am I to turn down trying chocolate.

I am no connoisseur but I do enjoy chocolate. Here are my opinions on the Milk & Truffle squares. The outside of the chocolate is made with milk chocolate. Smooth but hard yet not too hard. Only enough to provide a slight crunch when you bite into it. The filling is a chocolate truffle filling that is again, smooth but it is also rich & delicate at the same time. The richness is not overpowering, it's a perfectly blend of dark and milk chocolate with a hint of truffles.

In other words, absolutely divine.

Ghirardelli Milk & Truffle squares are currently sold at Target, Walmart, Walgreen & at other major retail stores. You can search for a store near you here. They come in in 4.63 ounce bag and while some may say that's too small you have to remember these aren't the type of chocolates you are supposed to chow down & devour in a matter of minutes. These are to be savored. On the bottom of the bag it says "Moment of timeless pleasure" and that is exactly how these should be enjoyed. As a little timeless escape, savored and enjoyed.
You can find Ghirardelli online via Facebook right here or directly at their site here.


*I wrote this post while participating in the SheSpeaks Ghirardelli campaign in which I received a sample of chocolates to try. All opinions expressed therein are solely my own. I received no monetary compensation.*

Tuesday Tunes-Tunes that speak to you

Every once in a while there is a song that comes out that completely takes your breath away after hearing it for the first time. You know it's a great song when it continues to do so each and every time you here it there after. For s singer to pull that off with not one but many of their songs takes pure talent. There's no way around it folks. You just cant pull some rhymes out of your bum and expect to be an instant hit.

I recently purchased Christina Perri cd after getting sick of always having to go to YouTube to hear one of her songs. So as I sit here and listen to the cd, I also have it in the car and on my phone. Obsessed much? Eh not really, I just can't stop listening because her music speaks to me.  I first heard of her about two years ago (my timing may be a tad off just because I am bad with timing, but it was some where around 1.5-2 years ago). I am sure you have heard of the song Jar of Hearts. No? Well here, listen....I'll wait.



You hear that natural talent. No special effects on her voice. Just raw beauty. The first time I heard this song I loved it and I have continued to love it every time I hear it on the radio. Then the other day I heard a new song of hers and again, instant love (also if you love Twilight it's on the new soundtrack for the last movie).



I don't know if I can express what it is I love about her music but I will try. Her voice, hello it's amazing. It's real, raw, beautiful, natural. Her lyrics, I am a romantic and I feel that a lot of her songs have to do with romance/love in some way. Not all of her songs do but a few of my favorites do. Ink, she has tattoos which I know some people see as a turn off but I think they're hot. They add to her look and in turn adds a piece to her. Tattoos in my opinion are an expression, a piece of art just not in a showcase room but the showcase is your body. I love tattoos and I am of the mind frame, the more the better.

So there you have it. This weeks Tuesday Tunes. If you'd like to participate be sure to link up over at Amandas site High Impact Mom!

And just because I love you all I will leave you with another one of my favorites.

Wordless Wednesday-Completely random

I had planned on this weeks Wordless Wednesday being completely wordless (seeing as I can't seem to do a completely wordless post) but as I sat down this morning to decide which photo to use I realized that my Lightroom gallery was empty. Completely empty, not a single photo in there. Nada. And to top it off I cannot access any photos on our server from my laptop. Will.not.panic. Must.remain.calm. Wooosaaaaa.

So in the mean time all I have are some photos from last week that I put on Facebook.

My boys at the park. My oldest is not a big swing lover so just that he sat with his brother so they could swing together completely melts my heart.

Random sunrise photo with our local oil rig. It makes me giggle that they put trees around it attempting to make it "pretty" since they are building homes right behind it. Still some might see as an eye sore but now I am actually starting to enjoy the view. Makes it feel a little bit country.

Now excuse me while I go wake my husband and have a mini freak out session.

For more inspiring photos be sure to check out:

The Bonafide Life, Better in Bulk, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist, High Impact Mom, BrainFoggles, The Centsible Life, Rachel Ferrucci, Lil Kid Things, Resourceful Mommy and Zensible Mama and don't forget to link your own photo stories.

 

Tuesday Tunes-Written in the Stars

I like a lot of different types of music. I know I have said I am a metal girl at heart and while I am I still listen to other genres of music and enjoy them equally. Country is not one of those genres though. Now don't go bashing me because I don't like country, I don't hate it but it's just to...twangy for me. Back in the day there were a few country artists I did listen to but not anymore. I am not quite sure why I even brought Country music up as it has nothing to do with my song choice this week. Guess I just wanted to give you a little history. Anywho, being one that tries not to discriminate against different genres I wanted to share something other then heavy music today.

For some reason this song doesn't seem to get much airplay. I am not sure why because I think it's an amazing song. Not only is the beat along with the harmony beautiful but the song itself speaks volumes and has such a good message behind it. From the first time I heard it I stored it in the "favs" memory bank. If you watch the video I dare you not to be touched by it.




I have been known to pull this song up on YouTube and blast it while I am cleaning, and possibly putting it on repeat. What, don't tell me you've never done it ;)

I love finding songs that reach down in you and make you really think. Thing about what the day holds, what life could have been and what life is and in the end being thankful for everything. To me this song does that. Not in a selfish way because I know there are people out there that struggle but it brings a sense of calm and hope that they will all be okay. Not naive, just hopefull. 



Don't forget if you are participating in Tuesday Tunes to head on over to High Impact Mom and link up so we can all listen to each others tunes! Click here to be brought directly to the linky.

Sunset Sunday

I love those moments when you're out driving around and all of the sudden you realize how gorgeous the sunset is at that exact moment. There's nothing you can do except pull over and enjoy it. And if you're lucky you can catch a picture of it. Seeing as my camera isn't really light enough to carry with me all the time I am grateful technology is as awesome as it is and I take pictures with my phone.
Two nights ago I had just dropped my son off at a friends and as I was climbing back into the car I looked up and knew I had to go find a spot to take a picture.

 Craig from Stay Adventurous and I have teamed up to help spread the word on Sunset Sundays. We would love it if you would join us in sharing the simple joys of sunsets & the memories they bring back for you.

Chicken a la Shana-Serrano Chicken Recipe

Get it??? Like Chicken a la King but since this is my recipe it's Chicken a la Shana. Actually I don't even know what Chicken a la King is but I like saying it, so it helped me name my recipe that has been nameless for seven years.

:::::WARNING::::: 

If you do not like spicy dishes turn away, do not, whatever you do, do not look at this recipe and see it's deliciousness scream at you and invite you to try a bite of it's spicy goodness. 

When I made this prior to having kids I would occasionally double the amount of peppers. What can I say I love me some spiciness. 

Chicken a la Shana

5 chicken breasts

1 whole red onion (chopped)

2 Serrano chili peppers (sliced long way & seeds removed)

1 red Jalapeno (sliced long way & seeds removed)

3 garlic cloves (minced)

Pepper
Sea Salt

Garlic Salt

Onion Powder

Cayenne Pepper

Oregano (I use a ground up powdered version so measurements may vary)
Tomato Sauce (2/15oz cans or 1/28 oz can)
Olive oil

De-seed and slice up your peppers. Make sure not to rub your eyes after handling these babies

Season your chicken with the salt and pepper. Cook approximately six-seven minutes on each side in one tablespoon of olive oil

Chop your onion. I left the pieces a little chunky because my oldest is not a fan of onions so I usually pick them out for him and then put them on my plate. Waste not right

 Put another tablespoon of olive oil in the pan and cook up the onions, garlic and peppers for two-four minutes. I like my onions slightly crunchy so I typically only cook them for two minutes

 Next add in the tomato sauce

Put the chicken back in

Add in remaining seasonings (oregano, garlic salt, onion powder and cayenne pepper)

 Simmer on low for 15 minutes

Whala....Chicken a la Shana

Wordless Wednesday-A beautiful sight

This morning started off with a bang. Somehow my after I snoozed my alarm it went into silent mode so when it went off again there was not a single noise being made to actually wake me up! It wasn't until 7:19 when my youngest came strolling in that I jumped out of bed. As we rushed to get out the door and get my oldest to school I noticed the sunrise and ran back inside to get my camera. 

I know you're probably shaking your head at me. No worries, I would did to but it's something deep wired in me, if I see something spectacular I have to get my camera, running late or not. So enough talking, this is supposed to wordless after all.

Now I am no weather specialist so I will not make any claims as to what that thing is coming from the cloud that looks like the beginnings of a cyclone, I will say it was really neat to see it though.

For more inspiring photos be sure to check out:

The Bonafide Life, Better in Bulk, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist, High Impact Mom, BrainFoggles, The Centsible Life, Rachel Ferrucci, Lil Kid Things, Resourceful Mommy and Zensible Mama and don't forget to link your own photo stories.