Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Lunchtime Links for February 29th, 2012

Turkey Hill Whoopie Pie Ice Cream



Mmmmmm.... whoopie pie.  Maybe it was growing up in the tri-state area, or going to college in rural Pennsylvania, but I'm a huge fan of whoopie pies.  For those of you that have no idea what a whoopie pie is, Wikipedia explains it as "The whoopie pie (alternatively called a gob, black-and-white, bob, or "BFO" for Big Fat Oreo) is an American baked good that may be considered either a cookie, pie, or cake. It is made of two round mound-shaped pieces of chocolate cake, or sometimes pumpkin or gingerbread cake, with a sweet, creamy filling or frosting sandwiched between them."

I was super excited to come across this tub of Turkey Hill ice cream in Target - Chocolate ice cream with whoopie pie pieces and creamy filling swirl.  Add the words "Limited Edition" + a coupon for a free Turkey Hill ice cream, and I was sold!

 


This ice cream was delicious! Super chocolate-y thanks to the chocolate ice cream and the chocolate whoopie pie pieces, with swirls of a marshmallow-ish filling throughout.  I wouldn't necessarily discern that this was a whoopie pie ice cream, it could also easily be a chocolate cake or Ho-Ho ice cream, but it was tasty nonetheless.  I'm not sure how limited this "Limited Edition" ice cream is (in terms of both when it's sold but also locations it's sold at), but if you come across it, give it a try!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Lunchtime Links for February 28th, 2012

Japanese Azuki Bean Sandwich Kit Kat



It's been a while, but here's a new (to me) Kit Kat flavor from Japan!  

Don't let the "bean" part make you think it's a savory item- Azuki beans are often sweetened and used in a LOT of Japanese sweets, usually as a filling.  I love pretty much anything in Japan with azuki bean paste, or "an" as it's called.  Rolls, mochi, cakes, waffles, crepes, and so much more!  This Kit Kat flavor mimics the taste of an azuki bean sandwich, as shown on the box.

Being a fan of azuki bean sweets in Japan, I really like these Kit Kats.  The smell and taste are really pleasant, sweet but also nutty, as azuki beans really are.  I think the nutty/toasted flavor helps to bring out the "sandwich" portion of this snack as well.  These Kit Kats have an impressively complex taste that is really different from other Kit Kats, for sure.  I'm so glad I got to try these!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Lunchtime Links for February 27th, 2012

CVS Deals - Week of 02/26/2012

There are some great Extra Bucks deals this week, as well as regular coupon deals.

Some of the deals will essentially mean the products are free!

- Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste: $4.99 on sale, $1 manufacturer's coupon, $4 Extra Bucks back.
- Thermacare heat wrap: $3.79 on sale, $3.79 Extra Bucks back. 
- Schick Hydro Silk razor: $9.99 on sale, $4 manufacturer's coupon, $4 Extra Bucks back.
- 3 bags of Hershey's Cadbury mini eggs: 3/$10 on sale, $2/3 manufacturer's coupon, $2 Extra Bucks back.

There are also some great coupon deals this week:

- 4 UP2U gum packs: $0.99 each on sale, four $1 manufacturer's coupons.
- 2 Snickers Eggs: 2/$1 on sale, $0.25/2 CVS coupon.


Happy shopping everyone!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Lunchtime Links for February 24th, 2012

Cooking Light Chocolate Chip Coffee Muffins



I usually enjoy making the baked goods in my monthly issues of Cooking Light, and this chocolate chip coffee muffin recipe was no exception.  The idea of coffee and chocolate chips in a muffin sounded delicious and a great combination of flavors I love!

The recipe came together really easily, as most of the ingredients are items I have on hand.  And yes, that includes the instant coffee - I love using it in chocolate recipes to add extra flavor (thank you Ina Garten for the tip!).  I did use skim milk instead of whole milk since that is what I normally drink.  

I was a little concerned at how chunky these looked pre- and post-baking, but it's more of an aesthetic thing and didn't affect the taste.  Both the coffee and chocolate flavors are strong in these muffins, and it's a nice balance of both.  I think these would be great for a regular breakfast item or for a brunch party!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Lunchtime Links for February 23rd, 2012

Georgetown Cupcake - Chocolate PB Swirl Cupcake





Recently, the free "secret" cupcake at Georgetown Cupcake was listed as the PB Swirl cupcake.  As it turned out, it was a Chocolate PB Swirl cupcake that was given away that day, which is on the regular menu.  I'm not complaining though, since I haven't technically blogged about this one yet!

The Chocolate PB Swirl cupcake is a "Valrhona chocolate cupcake with a creamy peanut butter core topped with a rich Callebaut chocolate ganache icing and a peanut butter swirl".  In other words, chocolate + peanut butter + chocolate + peanut butter, yum!

This cupcake is definitely up there in terms of Georgetown Cupcake cupcakes I've tried - it's super rich and decadent, with a great balance between the peanut butter and chocolate components.  Anyone that is a fan of Reese's cups or any other chocolate/peanut butter combo will love this one!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Lunchtime Links for February 22nd, 2012

CVS Deals - Week of 02/19/2012

This week, I took advantage of a bunch of Extra Bucks deals at CVS!

  • Coldcalm cold medicine: $6.99 on sale, $6.99 Extra Bucks back. 
  • 3 packs of Eclipse gum: 3/$3 on sale, $2 Extra Bucks back.   
  • Tylenol Precise pain relieving heat patches: $7.49 on sale, $5 manufacturer's coupon, $2 Extra Bucks back.
  • Jergens, Curel, or Biore: Spend $15, get $5 Extra Bucks back.
    • 2 Jergens lotions: $8.39 each, two $2 manufacturer's coupons.
  • Nivea: Spend $10, get $3 Extra Bucks back.  
    • Nivea body wash: $4.88 on sale, $1.50 manufacturer's coupon.
    • 2 Nivea lip care: 2/$5 on sale, $3/2 manufacturer's coupon.

Happy shopping everyone!

    Tuesday, February 21, 2012

    Lunchtime Links for February 21st, 2012

    Bethenny's Skinnygirl White Cranberry Cosmo

     


    As most of my friends know, I am a huge fan of Bethenny Frankel.  I've liked all of her shows, her books, and her whole brand in general.  Anyone that is a fan of hers will also know that the Skinnygirl brand is currently a big part of Bethenny's empire, with ready-to-serve margaritas, sangria, and most recently wine.  

    So, it will surprise no one that I was very happy to receive a free bottle of the new Skinnygirl White Cranberry Cosmo! I figured this was a good time to blog about this, since the new season of Bethenny Ever After started last night on Bravo!

    I brought over the bottle of Skinnygirl White Cranberry Cosmo to my friend S's apartment to try it out.  After a delicious lunch at Shake Shack, we sat and chatted while pouring out some of this Skinnygirl drink.  

    The first thought I had was being pleasantly surprised by the smell- I was expecting a strong vodka smell, but it definitely smelled primarily of cranberries.  A few sips in, we both found this to be a refreshing and easy to drink beverage.  I started thinking of scenarios where a light cocktail like this would be good: Brunches, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, summer BBQs, etc.  Adding some frozen fruit would add some splashes of color and flavor that I think would go well with this drink as well!  Finally, at less than 100 calories per 4oz. serving, it's a nice light option among all of the other sugary and heavy drinks :o) I'm glad I got to try it out and will definitely buy it for a party in the future!




    Monday, February 20, 2012

    President's Day

    Hopefully most of you also have today off for President's Day weekend!  I will be staying in town and catching up with friends, working out, and some good eats as usual.  Enjoy your day everyone!

    Friday, February 17, 2012

    Lunchtime Links for February 17th, 2012

    T-Rex Trying...

    So simple but so hilarious, hahaha!  Poor T-Rex.

    Thanks M for posting the link on your blog!

    Thursday, February 16, 2012

    Lunchtime Links for February 16th, 2012

    Coach Perfumes



    How cute are these perfume boxes??

    From top to bottom we have the Coach Poppy, Coach Signature, and Coach Legacy perfumes.  These purse sprays are $45 each normally, although I pretty much only buy them whenever I get the Coach coupons in the mail, haha.

    I like all three of these scents, but I have to say that the Coach Signature is my favorite for nighttime, and the Coach Poppy is a much lighter, spring-ish everyday scent.  The Coach Legacy is also a great everyday perfume as well.  There is a new Coach Poppy Flower, but I've smelled it a few times in the stores and I have to say, it's a little too sweet/flowery for me.  Obviously perfume is a pretty personal choice- what one person loves may be not so great for the next person.  If you're in the market for a new perfume, give the Coach perfumes a try!

    Wednesday, February 15, 2012

    Lunchtime Links for February 15th, 2012

    CVS Deals - Week of 02/12/2012

    This week CVS has the "Spend $30 get a $10 CVSCash card" deal again.

    Remember, these are valid for pre-coupon prices, so try to get as many of the items that have coupons available!

    This week I got:

    - 2 Maybelline Baby Lips: $4.39 each, Buy 1 Get 1 50% off on sale, two $2 manufacturer's coupons.
    - 4 Kleenex tissue boxes: 3/$4 on sale, $1/4 manufacturer's coupon.
    - 2 Lysol wipes: 2/$10 on sale, $1/2 manufacturer's coupon.
    - 2 Sensodyne toothpastes: $5.99 each, Buy 1 Get 1 50% off on sale, $2.50/2 manufacturer's coupon.


    There are also some great Extra Bucks deals this week:

    - 2 EverPure hair products: $6.99 each, two $1 manufacturer's coupons, $5 Extra Bucks back.
    - 2 Colgate Total toothpastes: $2.75 each, two $1 manufacturer's coupons, $4 ($2 for each) Extra Bucks back.


    Happy shopping everyone!

    Tuesday, February 14, 2012

    Lunchtime Links for February 14th, 2012

    Happy Valentine's Day!



    I thought this was a fitting photo for Valentine's Day, haha.  These signs were too cute to pass up snapping a pic of them.  


    Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

    Monday, February 13, 2012

    Lunchtime Links for February 13th, 2012

    Georgetown Cupcake - Open in NYC!



    As of Saturday, February 11th, 2012, Georgetown Cupcake in NYC is OPEN!

    The newest (and first outside of the DC area) bakery is located on 111 Mercer Street in Soho - and I hope they do well, they should fit right into such a cute area like Soho.




    If you can't make it to the DC area to try Georgetown Cupcake but find yourself in NYC, definitely check it out!!



    Photos courtesy of my friend M who was nice enough to snap some photos (Instagram'd by me since I'm obsessed) for me on opening day!

    Friday, February 10, 2012

    Lunchtime Links for February 10th, 2012

    Madden Girl Twista Flat



    As you may know, I am a huge fan of heels, especially crazy platform heels.  But sometimes, flat shoes are good to have, haha.  I got these Madden Girl Twista flats at DSW because I thought they were cute and different from my normal neutral colored shoes.  I like how the bow and the little pop of red on the front add a fun little detail to an otherwise nude flat.  I highly recommend these comfortable flats for anyone that is looking for a new pair of spring shoes!

    Thursday, February 9, 2012

    Lunchtime Links for February 9th, 2012

    Shake Shack - Salted Caramel Custard

     


    Back in January, I had a chance to try out the Salted Caramel custard at Shake Shack.  I'm soooooooo glad I did, because this custard was delicious!  It's everything you could hope for from salted caramel.  For being really popular these days, I think it's pretty difficult to get that right ratio of sweet and salty.  This custard had a great balance of those flavors and was really tasty!  I hope this one comes back again sometime soon!

    Monday, February 6, 2012

    PA-bound

    Hi everyone!  I'll be in EXOTIC Pennsylvania (haha) for work for a few days, so I'll be back on Thursday with regular posts! 

    I hope you are all having a great start to your week!

    Friday, February 3, 2012

    Lunchtime Links for February 3rd, 2012

    Football



    In light of Sunday being the Super Bowl, I thought this sign in a storefront I recently passed by was appropriate :o)

    Thursday, February 2, 2012

    Lunchtime Links for February 2nd, 2012

    Shake Shack - February Custards

    New month, new custard list!!

    • Monday: Lemon poppy seed creme fraiche
    • Tuesday: Chocolate passionfruit
    • Wednesday: Pineapple brown sugar
    • Thursday: Coconut caramel pecan
    • Friday: Chocolate chip cookie
    • Saturday: PB&J
    • Sunday: Coffee & Donuts

    I have to say, pretty interesting flavor combinations this month.... but hey, better than boring flavors!

    Wednesday, February 1, 2012

    Lunchtime Links for February 1st, 2012

    Pillsbury Biscuit Waffles



    A while back I saw people posting (on Pinterest and food blogs) about using biscuit dough to make waffles in a waffle iron.  It took me a while, but I finally picked up a tube of Pillsbury biscuits to try it out for myself!

    This literally is as easy as 1-2-3:

    1- Pop open the Pillsbury biscuit tube (carefully, if you're scared it's going to explode like I do... every time...)

    2- Place the biscuit dough pieces into a preheated/PAM-sprayed waffle iron.

    3- Wafflize!


     


    These turned out delicious!  The biscuit dough is super crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.  For those of you that like crispy edges, there's plenty of those with these waffle biscuits, yum.  I really liked eating these with a smear of peanut butter or just plain.  They also freeze really well, I just wrapped each waffle biscuit in plastic wrap and popped them into a freezer bag to eat later.  Try it out if you like biscuits and waffles!