Through Buitoni’s parternership with Foodbuzz and their Tastemaker Program, I received a coupon for a free Buitoni frozen meal. See, I kinda cheated since I’ve already tried their frozen lasagna. A couple of weeks ago, my husband had a major craving for lasagna (no, he’s not the pregnant one, I am). So since he asked for it one night when it was way too late to start making one myself and I had that day coincidentally read a list of reviews of the best frozen lasagnas, I thought I’d take my list of the best ones and go get one for him and try it out for myself!
However, once I got to the store, they of course did not have one of these “best” lasagnas, but I stumbled upon this Buitoni frozen lasagna (not on the list because the testers did not try this kind), which looked very promising. I figured since Foodbuzz has such a great relationship with Buitoni, and lots of foodie bloggers were raving about various Buitoni products, it couldn’t be too bad. See, I’m a total Italian food snob. Unless it comes from an authentic Italian restaurant, my family, myself, or imported, I typically do not like American Italian food. It’s totally different. I haven’t tried the Buitoni brand before due to this snobishness. I’ve turned down other Buitoni Tastemaker opportunities for this reason. Anyway, the frozen lasagna is all natural and Southern style – which I appreciated the clarification. My family is from Northern Italy and the lasagna/food styles are totally different. I do like them all though, just depends on the mood I’m in. I’ve turned my husband and son into Italian food snobs as well. I can’t believe my toddler son for the past year will turn up his nose to so-so lasagna but will snarf down the good stuff. Seriously. Are kids supposed to be that sensitive? If we go to a non-Italian restaurant where spaghetti is on the menu, he usually hates it after one bite, and then I try it and he’s always right.
[more…]
Hi! I’m finally back! Sorry for the long hiatus – I’ve been completely exhausted so every spare second I’ve had has mostly been zombie-like or napping. Anyway, a surge of energy has found me today and I feel excited to write lots of upcoming food reviews as well. I received this bag courtesy of CSN stores. I love that company and their versatility and they never asked me to say it! On to this diaper bag that I received a couple of weeks ago in the mail.
Holy cow. This Okkatots bag is one serious backpack/diaper bag! They do an excellent job on the website showing what can all fit into this hog – but you really have no idea how big it is until you’re holding it. It’s wayyy larger than my pregnant belly which gets bigger every day! This bag is really meant for travel, and I can definitely see why. I’d say it’s the size of my small carry-on suitcase with wheels. Now, I was planning on using this for an everyday diaperbackpack when I ordered it, but now I’m thinking this is for road-trips and day-trips to games or people’s houses which will be extremely convenient. It’s amazing! This is what I am going to bring to the hospital when I have the baby since I will be able to easily organize my things, the few things baby will need the first few days of her life, and even a few things for my son and husband. I’m not even joking, it’s that big! It’ll be fantastic for trips since when we drove O to Kansas City when he was a baby, I forgot the Dr. Brown’s bottle inserts so we had to go to Target to buy some more. Everything was stuffed in the diaper bag and subsequent bags so my organization was compromised! We all know the new moms that always leave something behind since we’ve all done it and also held onto plenty of other babies’ bottles and sippy cups left at our houses. That’s because we’re all overtired and just stuffing baby gear into over-sized bags and we can’t see what’s going on, nor can we focus half the time anyway! I’d definitely use this daily if I had multiples or two even closer in age. With the Okkatots backpack, I could also pack tons of things for my three year old, but my over-sized purse normally takes care of that. Maybe he’ll get spoiled with a few more toys on-the-go now…or snacks:) For a few features so you get a better idea on what I’m talking about: changing mat, laundry bag, insulated large pocket that can hold up to 6 bottles (great for holding some bottles and a sippy for the older one), removable paci pouch, key hook, wet wipes pouch, extra side pocket, cell phone pocket, diaper dispenser that can hold up to 16 diapers, mini dvd carrier and extra organizational pockets. You can hang it open in a closet, which for me would only come in handy on trips when there’s nothing in the closet – and you can also stand it on a counter top due to the nice flat base. Since this is so large and multi-functional, it is fairly heavy. I kinda wish Okkatots would make a replica of one of these slightly smaller for daily use and also a backpack for people without kids with tons of organizational features – who don’t need a diaper dispenser, changing mat, etc… To see the page where the picture came from and some additional information, click here. I will definitely be using this bag and I already know it’s my favorite with all the features and easy to see organization, but due to the size and weight, it won’t get used every day. Basically, it’s exactly what they advertise it to be – an awesome travel bag.
[more…]
