Tag Archives: cool gear inc

Halloween with See’s Candies

7 Oct

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See’s Candies, founded in California by Mary See, have been making candies for over 90 years.  Only the finest, freshest ingredients are used in making each recipe.  No preservatives are added to their candy.   I can’t believe it’s October already.  Invites to Halloween parties are starting arrive and the girls are making plans with their friends. I’m always looking for festive gifts for teachers, host/ hostesses, friends, and families.  I also love having treats for my daughters friends when they come for Halloween themed play dates.  My family recently tried a few of See’s Candies seasonal Halloween treats perfect for those occasions and gifts.  Below is a list of what we tried, gift ideas, and how to serve your See’s Candies:

Sour Bats (Nut Free):

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These super sour bats will make you pucker. My girls loved them! Add a few to your child’s lunch for a yummy surprise or give a bag to their teacher!

Milk Chocolate Jack-O-Lanterns:

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These rich, creamy, milk chocolate jack-o-lanterns are delicious! Tape one into a handmade card for friends, family or teachers for a sweet Halloween touch!  See allergen information at the end before giving to a child with nut allergies.  Sold as a box of 6.   

Chocolate Mashmallow Jack-O-Lanterns:

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My youngest doesn’t like chocolate with the exception of these chocolate marshmallow jack-o-lanterns. They are delicious but a little big so we cut them into 1/4’s and put the leftovers into a plastic bag for later.  Attach to a card or hand out to friends or family.  See allergen information at the end before giving to a child with nut allergies. Sold as a box of 6.

Pumpkin Spice Lollypops (Nut Free):

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I did not personally try these because my girls insisted the were only for them. They loved them and wanted to save them for their Halloween play date with friends! I thought it would be cute to color the sticks and add jack-o-lantern eyes and a mouth to the wrapper.

Pumpkin Spice Truffles:

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I get excited for fall because I love everything pumpkin spice. These truffles are rich, creamy, and full of my favorite pumpkin spice flavor. Great to include at a dessert table at a Halloween party or share a box with the host/hostess of a party you are attending. The pumpkin spice truffles are so delicious, I will be bringing a box to Thanksgiving as well! Sold in a box of 12!

Having a Halloween party or play date? Here are a few ideas to server See’s Halloween Candies:

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The sour bats are a great topper for mini cupcakes. Add a milk chocolate pumpkin for decoration in the center and surround it with the cupcakes.

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We used a Jack-O-Lantern candle holder my daughter made at Color Me Mine one year for the Pumpkin Spice Truffles and the Cool Gear Light Up Skeleton Mug for the Pumpkin Spice Lollypops for extra Halloween flare. My daughter drew a “spooky” picture to display behind the treats.

See’s Candies also has a selection of gift boxes which include some of our favorite See’s Seasonal Candies featured above.  Click the image below to find out about gift boxes available.

Image from See's Candies!

Image from See’s Candies!

See’s Candies can be found in these shop locations or purchased online.  Click here for shipping rates!  No need to worry about candy melting during warmer months. See’s Candies uses warm weather packaging and cold packs to protect your candy from the heat.

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Have a SWEET Halloween with See’s Candies!

Disclaimer:  I received samples for the purpose of this review.  This did not alter my opinions.  Opinions and ideas expressed are my own.  Information in italics came from sees.com!  Allergy Alert: The chocolate marshmallows, chocolate jack-o-lanterns, or pumpkin spice truffles are made on equipment that also process peanuts/ tree nuts so aren’t advised for those with nut allergies.  Click the link for See’s Allergen Information!

Trick-or-Treat, Give Me Something COOL to Drink… (Cool Gear Halloween Giveaway)

22 Sep

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Happy First Day of Autumn!  Although, we are sad summer is over, the crisp fall air is refreshing and it means time for pumpkin picking and Halloween.  My girls are anxiously awaiting Halloween!  They started planning their costumes over the summer and are already making plans with friends for Halloween night!

We recently received a Cool Gear Inc 14 oz Light Up Skull Mug and set of Glow Eyeball Ice Cubes.  My daughter opened it immediately and wanted to leave a “spooky” drink in the fridge for her dad when he came home from work.  We looked in the fridge and came up with “The Eye Socket” (below).  The mug features a flashing light that is turned on and off with a button on the bottom and the eyeballs glow once they are charged with light, adding extra festive fun perfect for night.

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Our favorite berries are Driscoll’s

We have made this drink several times, and every time my girls enjoy it.  It makes about 2 servings.  They enjoy measuring and mixing the ingredients themselves.  They also love smashing the blueberries.  We plan on having a few friends over for pizza before trick-or-treating and will be serving this fun Halloween drink!  DSC_0994

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Another Fall favorite is Apple Cider.  Our favorite apple cider is  from Red Jacket Orchards, found at Whole Foods.  I received a sample of SINFIRE Cinnamon Whiskey from Hood River Distillers not long ago, and decided it might be a good combination.  It sure was tasty.  A great drink to cozy up and relax with after the kids are in bed.  An easy drink to have at an adult Halloween party.  Serve it in this awesome mug and keep it cool with the eyeball ice cubes to “light-up” your night!

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Make this Halloween extra “Spooktacular” for you and your kids and enter to win a Cool Gear Light Up Mug and set of Glow Eyeball Ice cubes by clicking the link HERE!  Giveaway ends on 9/30/2013 at 11:59 p.m.

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More information about the products  below:

Image from Cool Gear Inc

Please note that these eyeball ice cubes are intended for adult use.  My girls asked to use them in their drinks and I explained the cubes were for their cups and not to be put in their mouths.  Because of their size and shape, they could be a choking hazard.  If you choose to use these eyeballs, supervision is required. Image/ Information from Cool Gear

Image/ Information from Cool Gear

Image/ Information from Cool Gear

Disclaimer:  I received a Light Up Skull Mug and set of Glow Eyeball Cubes for this review.  All photos, recipes, and opinions, unless noted, are my own and require permission if used on another site.

Thirsty Thurday: Bottles To Keep Hydrated

25 Jul

20130725-115313.jpgWe just returned from a very hot week in the Outer Banks. I can’t really complain about the heat because we did not have a drop of rain and stayed on the beach from morning to night with brief breaks inside to snack or eat.  With the amount of time we were playing in the sun, it was extremely important to make sure we were drinking enough water and fluids.  I have never seen my girls go through so many water bottles.  We went through 1/2 a case of water a day and quite a few Fruitables.  After seeing how much we were drinking, it was better to take re-useable bottles.  Here are some of our favorites to help keep hydrated during the remaining summer days whether at the beach, at the park, at the pool, running in the backyard, or running errands to get ready for back-to-school (see below image):

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1. Cool Gear Inc Can:  Fun for parents and kids, this 16 oz can keeps drinks cold up to 6 hours and is fun to use to keep hydrated in the sun.  Fill with water, iced coffee for mommy, juice or follow the cute drink recipe on the back of the can. On my trip, I rceived lots of compliments on my can and many asking where to get one. You can find them at Walmart, and Bed, Bath and Beond.   Cool Gear Inc also has a variety of other fun bottles you and your family will love.

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2. Tervis Water Bottle:  Also great for parents and kids because of the many great designs and holds up to 24 ounces of water, perfect for long outings and very hot days.

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3. Pottery Barn Kids Klean Kanteen:  Love the adorable styles.  This bottle can be personalized.  It is the perfect size for little ones on the go.

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5. Thermos Smoke Hydration Bottle:  This is my oldest daughters favorite because she loves the flip top carrying loop.  It is great for adults too. The bottle holds up to 24 ounces of water with a leak-proof proof lid and a rotating meter lets you monitor your daily water consumption.

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4. Stephen Joseph Little Squirts:  We have not used this bottle but my daughter saw it recently and asked for it as a birthday/ back-to-school gift.  The cute pouches are re-usable, freezeable, foldable and perfect for a quick drink on-the-go!

Image from Stephen Joseph

Image from Stephen Joseph

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received samples from Tervis, Thermos, and Cool Gear Inc.  All opinions expressed are my own.  All information about the products came from the company websites.  Unless noted, all images were taken by Tastefully Childish.