MemoVase Review

This post sponsored by Splash Brands.– I was provided with a free product in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and not influenced by the developing company, and/ or its affiliates in any way.

Who doesn't love fresh flowers? And who wouldn't love a heart shaped vase with a personal message? I was recently contacted by Splash Brands to write a review for their new product the MemoVase. The clever thing about this flower vase is the removable, reusable message plaque on the front. You write on it with a dry erase maker and simply wipe off with a dry paper towel to change out your greeting. The plaque attaches with inset magnets.

 I was so pleasantly surprised when I opened my new vase. It was much larger than I expected, it measures 8 inches high and is made of white ceramic. Honestly, it is perfect for gift giving as you can personalize it, then the recipient can use it all year for any holiday or special occasion. 

So I had a little fun this morning playing ...

I even think it looks cute holding kitchen utensils. 

The MemoVase comes with a dry erase marker hidden behind the plaque but you can use any color of dry erase marker that you happen to have.

I think this product will be a big hit!

You can find out more about Splash Brands and their other products HERE.

The MemoVase is supposed to be available on Amazon but they are currently sold out :(

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Nutella Fudge

I don't consider myself much of a candy maker. I'm more of a cookie person. But during the holidays I always make several batches of fudge, And by several I mean dozens, sometimes even hundreds! In New Jersey selling homemade fudge was  part of my sons' Boy Scout fundraiser for many years. Then when I moved to Arizona I started making it for my charity Christmas Idea House.

 Now in Utah, I don't have anyone to make it for except our family and new neighbors so I decided to try something different. Nutella Fudge.  I mean, who doesn't already love creamy, chocolaty fudge and rich Nutella? The combination seems perfect! I scoured Pinterest and came up with this version.

The ingredients are similar to my regular fudge recipe. However this uses some brown sugar along with the regular white granulated and instead of semi sweet chocolate chips substitute Nutella.

Into a large heavy bottomed pan melt the two sugars, butter, and  evaporated milk.

Over medium heat bring it to a full rolling boil and boil for 4 minutes.

Remove from heat and quickly stir in a  jar of marshmallow cream and Nutella. Add vanilla.

 Now pour into small pans and sprinkle with sea salt.

The tins are actually my secret. I buy foil tins in bulk online. These are made to hold approximately one pound. They are more square than the mini loaf pans you find at the grocery store and they have a clear snap on lid, perfect for gift giving. Yes, I buy a case and split it with friends. The tins cost about 10 cents each. One source I've used is  HERE.

 I make labels for the lid, 

and bow up the fudge for gifts. 

Each batch made approx 4 pounds.

This new recipe is not as chocolaty as my original but does have that flavor of hazelnut coming through. It is smooth and creamy and makes for a sweet indulgence during the holidays!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ⅔ cup evaporated milk
• ¾ cup Nutella
• 7 oz. jar Marshmallow Cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

1. In a large sauce pan over medium heat, melt butter, sugar, brown sugar and evaporated milk together, stirring constantly and bringing to a full rolling boil. Continue to boil and stir constantly for 4 minutes.
2. Remove sauce pan from heat and stir in marshmallow cream, Nutella and vanilla until smooth.
3. Pour into prepared pan and evenly spread and distribute.
4. Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the top of fudge.
5. Cool completely before cutting.

Do you have a favorite fudge recipe? 

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Cottages for the Children

Have you ever made a gingerbread house? Last year I attempted one with the grandkids and let me tell you , it was not easy! The walls kept falling down and candy kept sliding off the roof. It didn't matter, we were having a great time together. 

That is why I was so impressed with the Wasatch County event called Cottages for the Children. It's an annual gingerbread cottage display/fundraiser that helps local kids in need. The entrants range from amateurs of all ages to professional bakers, and the cottages were everything from small traditional designs to entire villages.  

I personally love the all white European look.

 Here is the local recycling center.

This is Scrooge and his visit from Jacob Marley.

You can see Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit in back of the house.

 This platform was made of melted peppermint candies.

 Look at the tree full of candy.

 And a little kitten hiding in the branches.

I think the most impressive was this entire town of Radiator Springs!

  

Someone built an entire gingerbread mountain with the iconic Snowbird gondola. 

What an amazing log house and barn!

Look closely, there are chocolate gummy bears roasting marshmallows. 

  

I was so impressed with the creativity! What a fun event! 

Whether you are entering a contest or just having fun with the family, gingerbread houses are a wonderful holiday tradition!

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Christmas Trees from The Christmas Idea House

This weekend, December 1st and 2nd, Desert Club of Mesa presents its 60th Christmas Idea House! This is the first year in 17 years that I won't be there due to my move to Utah. This talented group of ladies fills a home with amazing Christmas decor and treats. Then it is opened to the public with items for sale and ALL of the proceeds are donated to  local charities and students in need.

Since I can't attend this year I'm sharing just some of the fabulous Christmas trees my friends and I have decorated over the years. I hope it gives you some inspiration! 

If you would like to attend the Christmas Idea House this year click here for more info Christmas Idea House .

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Be Inspired @ Common Ground

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