I’m salivating over the last of my Colombian Fair Trade Select Green Mountain Coffee K-Cups. As a Bzz Agent, I was lucky enough to try a sampling of certified fair trade K-Cups that Green Mountain Coffee offers. The medium roast brew of the Columbian Select was extremely smooth and flavorful. What an enjoyable wake-up call in the morning! Some people are probably wondering what makes Fair Trade coffee any different than another cup of coffee.

In the world of U.S. specialty coffees, Fair Trade Certified is becoming increasingly prevalent in the industry. Green Mountain Coffee currently has the largest selection of Fair Trade Certified coffees in the United States, and they’ve been supporting this practice for more than a decade. You can support their efforts or share your experiences by visiting Green Mountain Coffee on Facebook.

What is Fair Trade?

To me, fair trade coffee is a beverage you can truly feel good about. Farmers are paid a fair price for their harvest, and they can invest in their communities and businesses. The coffee is made following environmental standards in the way it is grown, processed and sold. This is because Fair Trade Certified farms must follow strict labor laws and practices. All of the above and more translate into creating high-quality coffee. When purchasing a Fair Trade Certified coffee, look for the official logo to make sure the product adheres to established standards.

Other Green Mountain Fair Trade coffees that come in a K-Cup include:

• Vermont Country Blend
• Extra Bold Sumatran Reserve
• Gingerbread
• Wild Mountain Blueberry
• Our Blend

Disclosure: I am a BzzAgent and received free samples and information regarding the Green Mountain Coffee Fair Trade K-Cups. I was not monetarily compensated for this post and my opinions are 100% my own!

Doesn’t a granite countertop look awful when it becomes grimy, filmy, and stained? My parents have a black granite countertop and it easily becomes compromised with water spots and lingering wiped-up spills. I was excited to put Granite Cleaner to the test. First, I smelled it because I hate that strong chemical scent many products possess. I detected no scent to the product, which is a good thing.

Granite Cleaner offers specialized care and maintenance for high-end granite, marble and tile counter tops, including features in your kitchen and bathroom. Marble and granite professionals have given the product their seal of approval for this 100% biodegradable daily cleaner that swiftly removes unwanted dirt and grime. Usually, all-purpose cleaners are not made to treat marble, granite and tile with tender loving care. They often leave behind soap scum and streaks. With Granite Cleaner, we enjoyed streak-free results.

Cutting Edge Formula

Granite Cleaner is made with Triple Action Poly Shield (PS3), which allows you to clean more efficiently (without leaving behind a chemical residue), fights future stains, and doesn’t leave any streaks. I also love that it is an eco-friendly product.

If you are interested in more green cleaning products that pose no harm to kids and pets, visit Get Cleaners Online. When you become a Facebook fan, you will have chance to win free products.

Up for grabs is a full-size Granite Cleaner.

Mandatory Entry

(must complete before all other entries)

Join Get Cleaners Online mailing list. They will send you discounts and coupons.

The link is at the top of their website.

Extra Entries

(leave a separate comment for each)

1. Follow Granite Cleaner on Twitter [1 entry]

2.  Become a Facebook fan of Granite Cleaner [1 entry]

3.  Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post [2 entries each]

4. What would you use the product on (granite, marble, or tile)?  [2 entries]

The Fine Print: For every entry that you complete, let me know in the comments section. For example, 2 entries = 2 separate comments. Contest ends June 27, 2011 at 11:59pm (ET).  The winner will be chosen through Random.org. Please leave an email address so I can contact winners, who will have 48 hours to tell me where to send their prize. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Fiber and protein and vitamin C….oh my! Kashi Sweet & Sour Chicken is packed with a lot of healthy, all-natural ingredients. Accompanying tender cuts of chicken breast in a sweet pineapple-ginger sauce, you will find roasted green beans, yellow peppers, and edamame. Kashi 7 whole grains and sesame pilaf also provides a healthy boost to the meal. Although not mentioned, but visible on the packaging – I’d like to point out that mushrooms are also a part of the entrée – a vegetable I’m not quite fond of, but easily removable in the meal.

I am pleased with this entree, not only because it is healthy, but also because it tastes good. The sauce is a breath of fresh air because I find many similar selections too salty. The sweetness adds just the right balance to the overall meal. The combination of generous amounts of chicken, vegetables, and sauce makes the Kashi Sweet & Sour Chicken a satisfying and filling lunch and dinner. Will definitely purchase this particular selection again.

Eco-Friendly Fact

Kashi packaging has undergone a revamp and is now 11% smaller.

By the Numbers

• 320 calories
• 6 grams of fiber
• 18 grams of protein

Daily Recommended Values

• Vitamin A – 6%
• Calcium – 6%
• Iron – 10%
• Vitamin C – 80%
• Fiber – 24%
• Protein – 25%
• Potassium – 17%

If you love cupcakes, then you’ll go crazy over Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves. Not only do you get to flex a little muscle in the kitchen (or look like you have been), you also get to show off your creative side.

Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves are eye-catching and make the perfect conversation piece for family and friends. Kids will certainly get a kick out of the presentation and with more than 70 designs; it’s easy to choose a style that fits almost any party theme.

I received the Lil’ Burger design. A teaser to the directions is printed on the outside of the package, but easy instructions are also included inside the packaging. All you need to create these puppies is 1 dozen cupcakes, light brown frosting (can be made with red, blue, and yellow food coloring added to vanilla frosting), and sesame seeds.

How cute is a little hamburger cupcake? I wish I could show you, but I forgot to take a picture of the finished product. The last thing on my mind at that point was a camera. I love the idea of themed cupcake sleeves. One of my favorites is the champagne bucket. They also have a new line of couture sleeves – think wedding!

Other Benefits of Roundabouts

Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves are not only resistant to oily substances, but also wipe clean if you get a little messy. A small adhesive holds the sleeve into place. Another highlight of this product is that they are eco-friendly (woohoo!). Some people have even reused their Roundabouts by using a dab of frosting to hold the sleeve into place. Also, the company can customize and personalize cupcake sleeves for any occasion.

Wish you had your own decorative cupcake sleeves? They are so much fun.

Up for grabs is your choice of Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves.

Mandatory Entry:

[must be completed before extra entries]

Visit Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves and come back here and tell me the style you like the best.

Extra Entries:

[leave separate comments for each]

1. Become a friend of Roundabouts on Twitter [1 entry]

2. Like Roundabouts on Facebook [1 entry]

3. Google Connect friends of mine get [1 entry]

4. Enter any other giveaway [2 entries]

5. Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post [2 entries]

The Fine Print: For every entry that you complete, let me know in the comments section. For example, 2 entries = 2 separate comments. Contest ends February 17, 2011 at 11:59pm (ET).  The winner will be chosen through Random.org. Please leave an email address so I can contact winners, who will have 48 hours to tell me where to send their prize. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

I just learned that you can make a simple bird feeder by coating a pine cone with peanut butter, and then attach birdseed to the peanut butter. Had to share this because I thought this would make a neat little project for kids.

Finally, my blog has received love from a handful of companies so that I can provide reviews of products beyond edible goodies. This week, I’ve had the pleasure of hydrating my face and dressing my nephew in a really cool T-shirt (which you can enter a giveaway for on my site). Thanks to the Mailbox Monday Linky at A Frugal Friend for giving me the opportunity to share the kinds of freebies and samples that could be yours too!

Freebies

• Sample of Seattle’s Best Coffee [Level Three]
• 6-Pack of Nescafe Taster’s Choice to-go Packs
• 2 Coupons for Yogi Tea –  [Blueberry Slim Life Tea shown + coupon]

Giveaway Wins

• Smiley Cookies [12] – Giveaways for Mom
• 3 Ties from Tiecoon [they sent random ones – good choices!] – Freebies & Much More

For Blog Giveaways/Review

• Smiley Valentine’s Day Cookies [12]
• Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipe Kit
• The Chalkboard Tee [giveaway]
• Repechage Hydra Dew Kit
• $50 Credit to SWAGG

The concept of the Chalkboard Tee is incredibly special because it not only keeps your child stylish, but also encourages creativity and even education. The Chalkboard Tee is a boldly colored t-shirt that offers a space for children to write or draw…like a chalkboard. My nephew looked pretty spiffy in his Big Apple t-shirt that he says transformed him into a ninja.

The Chalkboard Tee comes with a variety pack of chalk to use on the shirt. A damp cloth (or paper towel) erases past masterpieces for future works of art. I also like the fact that the chalk is not easily rubbed off with your fingers – meaning the art will stay intact longer.

When I presented the t-shirt to my nephew, I had hoped he would demonstrate his artistic skills much better (I swear he has them) or at least write his name in the apple, so I will tell you that his drawing of a “dragon with fire coming out of his mouth and eating an egg” was a bit rushed. He did, however, have fun modeling his new shirt, which fit perfectly and was very cute.

Eco-Friendly Highlight

I’d also like to point out that the Chalkboard Tee comes packaged in a space-saving, eco-friendly tube that can double as a pencil holder, planter, and piggy bank. Class Attire also suggests ways to reuse your Chalkboard Tee.

Do you want a Chalkboard Tee of your own? You can purchase one (sizes 2 to 12) from their website for a recently discounted $25 or win one here! Also, use a YonaWrites exclusive discount code for $9 off your Chalkboard Tee – simply enter “class13214″. The code expires on April 1, 2011.

Giveaway

Up for grabs is one Chalkboard Tee of your choice.

Mandatory Entry

(must be completed first for all other entries to count):  Take a look at the selection of Chalkboard Tees and leave a comment letting me know what you would choose.

Extra Entries

(leave a separate comment for each entry)

1. Become a Facebook friend of The Chalkboard Tee and tell them Yona Writes sent ya [2 entries]

2. Twitter friends of Chalkboard Tee get [1 entry]

3. Google Connect Friends of mine get [2 entries]

4. Comment on any non-giveaway post [2 entries each]

5. Twitter friends of Yona Writes get [1 entry]

6. RSS feed subscribers to YonaWrites get [1 entry]

The Fine Print: For every entry that you complete, let me know in the comments section. For example, 2 entries = 2 separate comments. Contest ends January 31, 2011 at 11:59pm (ET).  The winner will be chosen through Random.org. Please leave an email address so I can contact winners, who will have 48 hours to tell me where to send their prize. Must be 18 years or older to enter. This giveaway is open to U.S.  residents only.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Celebrate the art of reusing, repurposing, and upcycling items with a chance to win a free customized train case from Remixed Vintage (http://judythejazzcat.etsy.com/). Vintage train cases offer an enchanting place to store cosmetics, jewelry, small tools, art supplies, photos, fashion accessories (such as scarves and belts), special trinkets, and other keepsakes. Designer Judy Valencerina is accepting entries until January 22, 2010 at 12 p.m. (California time), and drawing winners at 3 p.m.  Enter the contest…

On January 12, 2010, an earthquake ripped through Haiti and forever changed lives in the country and across the globe. Many charities and fundraising efforts have come and gone, but I’d like to draw your attention to the Heart of Haiti Project, which features the art works of Haitian artists who transform raw materials (like wrought iron, paper mache, and stone) into art centered on the history and culture of their country.

From the vibrant hues of the Green Ceremonial Bowl to the Small Feast of the Sea Tray (shown above), a great deal of Heart of Haiti creations are brightly colored. The Heart of Haiti products that have truly caught my eye are made out of steel cut from recycled oil drums.

I especially love the birds flying through the design of the Heart of Haiti Fire Bird Bowl. Sea lovers may gravitate to the Heart of Haiti Coral Hurricane Candle Holder, but I think the eye-catching design also possesses a “half-a-world” look. The Heart of Haiti Agwe Mirror is dedicated to the island’s sea god, Agwe. The metalwork offers an exotic peek undersea with fish and swirls of sea grass. The details of the steel work are mesmerizing.

Founder of Heart of Haiti and Fair Winds Trading, Willa Shalit has partnered with Macy’s to offer a sampling of Haitian creations  to the public. For each product purchase, 22% of the profit goes to the artisan.

If you are interested in browsing more or purchasing Heart of Haiti products featured in this post, pay a visit to Macy’s website at http://www.macys.com/heartofhaiti.

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.

From pouring the contents of Campbell’s Select Harvest Light Southwestern-Style Vegetable soup into the pot to taking in the inviting scent, I give this healthy soup two thumbs up. I honestly didn’t expect it to taste as good as it does. Also, this selection is only 50 calories per one-cup serving. You can eat an entire can without feeling that you “overdid it.”

If you are a vegetable lover, Southwestern-Style Vegetable is a tasty choice to consider. The company boasts “real ingredients” and 100% natural. You’ll enjoy a delicious combination of carrots, celery, tomato, corn, and black beans.

The broth is extremely flavorful with hints of spiciness that aren’t overwhelming. It isn’t a weak, clear broth either, but one with substance, spices, and a bit of weight (if that makes sense). In other words, because the soup is “light”, the consistency of the broth does not suffer.

Healthy Highlights

Besides offering a low-calorie option for lunch and dinner, one serving of Campbell’s Select Harvest Light Soup satisfies nearly one-third of your vitamin A daily recommendation and provides 4 grams of fiber (16% RDA).

Eco-Friendly Initiative

I’d also like to point out that while reading my Campbell’s soup can, I learned that the label was made with 75% recycled fiber content and printed with soy ink.

Disclosure: I received free coupons from She Speaks to try out Campbell’s Select Harvest Light Soup. Southwestern-Style Vegetable is the first flavor I’ve tried so far. My opinions are 100% my own.