The inbox on my desk often holds a surprise or two. Recently, it contained a box of goodies from Muir Glen Organic and Cascadian Farm Organic. And were those goodies delicious!
From Muir Glen, there was a can of Chicken Tortilla soup and a jar of Italian Sausage with Peppers pasta sauce. The soup quickly disappeared during lunch that day, and I’m not sure, but I think I was humming “yum” under my breath the entire time. It contains small chunks of green pepper and onion, along with black beans, floating in a creamy and spicy soup. The spices were subtle at the first bite, growing to a delightful bite after a few spoonfuls. I enjoy spicy food, and this was a wonderful experience. A delicious soup, to say the least, and one I’ll be looking for on the shelves of my local market. Visit the website for other products.
The pasta sauce contains tomatoes and organic pork seasoned with sea salt, brown sugar, rosemary and spices. The flavor is further enhanced with onion, garlic, fennel, sweet basil and oregano. I used it over spinach and tomato rotini pasta, enjoying the zesty flavor. There’s just a bit left in the jar. Hmmmm, I think I know what I’m having for dinner tonight!
From Cascadian Farm came a box of Sweet & Salty Peanut Pretzel Chewy Granola Bars and a box of Dark Chocolate Almond Granola.
The granola bars were shared with the others on the Grit staff, and we all enjoyed them. The box calls them “chewy organic granola bars with peanuts and pretzels dipped in rich chocolate flavored coating.” The box emptied quickly. The bars were yummy, nice and chewy, with that great salt and chocolate combination.
I took the cereal home – didn’t want to share any dark chocolate goodness! It was another box that emptied quickly. While I didn’t taste too much chocolate (I’m not sure I really want my granola cereal to be that sweet, although I am more than a little enamored with the thought of chocolate for breakfast!), I did taste the almonds and the granola. It was an excellent combination, and with a spot of soy milk, made for an excellent breakfast.
We’ve received other items from Cascadian Farm, and I’ve enjoyed every item from their shelves. Great additions to the family pantry. Check out other products on the company’s website.
Another recent surprise in my inbox was from LightWedge Products. A catalog was accompanied by an original LightWedge in Ocean, the perfect color for me! The original LightWedge fits hardcover books and trade paperbacks.
Now, I’ve been thinking about purchasing a LightWedge for quite some time, and I couldn’t have asked for a better surprise. I’ve always wondered if the product would actually work for me, because I’m extremely nearsighted, and I prefer a high light level in which to read.
The original LightWedge fits well over a page, and even over two pages of a paperback, and it’s lightweight with an easy to reach and use light switch. While it works well in dark situations, it’s not quite enough light for my nearsighted self. The company, however, makes a few products for those of us with low vision, including a couple of lighted magnifiers I will have to check out.
A number of attachable lights are included in the catalog, from Great Point Light, all of interesting design and in nifty colors. A few are designed for youngsters with baseball or soccer ball bases and great colors. There’s even a Harry Potter LUMOS Book Light, an original LightWedge with Harry Potter graphics and replaceable switch covers.
I would recommend a visit to the LightWedge website or call toll-free 877-777-9334 for a catalog.
Another great book gadget I recently discovered didn’t come in the mail. I found them at my local independent bookstore, The Raven. The round container of Book Darts has revolutionized my reading time.
The back label says, “Book Darts (book dartz), n. 1. a bookmark for exactly where you stopped. 2. a linemarker for discoveries you want to find easily. Achivally correct. A safe alternative to paperclips, underlining and highlighting. Will not stain.”
I love bookmarks and even collect them. I also carry a book in my purse or bag at all times, and those bookmarks often fall out and get lost. With a single Book Dart, I no longer worry about losing my place or my bookmark. The small bronze arrow fits over a single page, marking my place or even a quote I want to use for a future blog. The container holds 50 of the little darlings.
Check with your local bookstore, visit the website or call 800-366-2230. A delightful find for any bookworm!
I wonder what tomorrow’s mail will bring?