Not Just Another Catalog: Zingerman's!

You know the story.  Around the holidays catalogs come in from out of nowhere...sure, there are the regulars, but then there are piles of those you have never seen before.  Zingerman's was one of those we received this year.  I had never heard of the place.  Actually, the name sounded familiar, but I couldn't remember why.  Then I saw that it was based out of Ann Arbor, and I remembered my sister telling me of this "amazing deli" she went to once while there...yes, it was Zingerman's.

It wasn't just any catalog.  Every picture came in the form of artwork, and each description made you want to buy a product, even if you'd never liked it before. 

A bacon club?  Amazing.  

Fresh baked breads?  Even better.

So, I caved.  I ordered a few Christmas gifts but really wanted to order something for our family.  This arrived a few days later...

And, its contents...

My grandfather is a bit hard to buy for (he has everything he needs), but he has always loved sardines.  When I saw these highly rated sardines, I knew he needed them.  Plus, a few pages away I found these macaroons - my grandma's favorite.  Perfect!

As if their marketing and packaging (I'm a sucker for detail-oriented, fun packaging) wasn't enough, I opened their newsletter to find this article.  As a former FFA member and current rancher, I was sold.

So, I contacted them to tell them how much I loved their company, and they sent me their sugarplums from Portugal to review.

 And, since I was receiving these, I decided to go ahead and place an order of my own.

We are a salami-loving family.

This stuff is incredible!  I cannot recommend it enough.  We've already polished off two.

Then we ordered a couple more gifts...

...one especially for the boys. 

 I had this waiting for them when they woke up from naps.

Hot chocolate, a marshmallow of both kinds and two sugarplums.

I would be lying if I said Carter would touch the sugarplum.

But the marshmallows, he hasn't stopped!

 He even suggested this...

John Paul didn't want much of the sugarplum either (and Peter was still asleep).

But, Jeremy and I tried one (our first taste ever) and they were great!  Very sweet and reminiscent of Christmas - a special treat.

There is something for everyone at Zingerman's - everything from baked goods to olive oils and fruitcake to parents-to-be gift boxes.  Their customer support is incredible, and they have made something as ordinary as food extraordinary with a bit of extra attention to detail.  

It will no longer be in the pile of "where-did-this-come-from" catalogs!  Zingerman's has made our Christmas a bit more delectable, and I have a feeling they will for years to come!

There's No Mixing Up our New Water Bottles

The boys received some fun mail a few weeks back.  Inside the box they discovered their very own water bottles.  These amazing little juice/milk/water bottles from Personal Creations have not left their sides.  

I don't know what it is about having their name on something, but it's important to my kids.  If their name isn't on a particular item, they'll find a way to get it on there.  Take Carter's little bike for example.  No name.  So, what has a black permanent marker "C" on it now?  That bike.  For Halloween, his fireman jacket wasn't marked.  Before we left the house, it had to be written on: "Danger.  Fireman Carter."

So, you can see why these are so special.  What's equally as cool, for Carter, is that they have two different lids.  One for your normal everyday drinking and another for when you're on a hike or in the desert without any form of hydration in site.  Cue Carter's rough and tough backpack.  In no time, he clipped his new water bottle on that thing and was off on an adventure!

Whether they're working in the firewood wagon...

or just playing outside...

they get thirsty.

 And, nothing beats a water bottle that is sure to not get mixed up with the rest.

Thank you Personal Creations for making our lives a bit more simple and for giving the boys their very own it-has-my-name-on-it water bottles.

They're a huge it!

You need some, don't you?

Thank You and a GIVEAWAY

I appreciate you.  Each and every one of you who reads this blog.  Some days (as you've read), I don't know why I write the blog.  Others, I don't know what I'd do without it.  Your comments and words of affirmation I treasure.  I love the people I've met through this little space, and I love the encouragement among others who write as well.  Thank you.  Thank you for taking the time to read and the time to comment.  It means the world to me, even on the days when I haven't gotten back to you right away. 

All of that to say, I want to offer a token of my thanks.  You all know how much I love being cozy!  I mean, I think I've said 100 times that I live in a fleece at all times of the year.  And, if I'm watching TV or working on the computer, I have to be curled up in a big blanket.  That is why I want to give one away...one of my favorite things...in hopes that it might become one of yours!

My aunt has made these blankets for years.  She makes them out of all kinds and styles of materials (some heavier than others, some softer than others).  I love them all.  This one is a lighter-weight.  It's perfect for a year-round throw!

I feel the animal print gives it a bit of versatility, too!

Currently all blanket proceeds go to an amazing local charity!  So, this can be yours (for free!), and you can feel good knowing the money spent on it went to a really good cause.  Win/Win.

Enter today.  I'm announcing a winner on Friday so I can get it to you in time for Christmas!

Merry, Merry Christmas friends.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway