Rescue A Coconut, Save The Planet

 

In 2009, Ed and I found ourselves in Key West, Florida taking some time off after delivering a load to a business a few towns over.  While there, we rented scooters to get around town and had some fun wrangling coconuts.  The abundance of the coconuts there for the picking got me thinking.  I thought about the tropical islands you see in the movies, where the main character is usually stranded, just them and the palm trees.  What do they eat?  A lot of coconuts, I imagined.  But seriously, when you have an abundance of something what do you do with all of it?  Especially the parts that are leftover.  

I collected about 15 of those coconuts, in their husks, and brought them home to family members.  I still have mine.  But when you take the actual nut out of the husk and eat the coconut meat, you're left with a shell.  We've all seen the coconut bras sold at seaside souvenir shops.  But what can really be done with them?  People in locations where they're plentiful must use them practically.  Have you ever wondered what happens to all the coconuts in the world?  I have.   

Well, you no longer have to wonder.  

Rainforest Bowls has the answer.  And they're out to save the planet with a solution.  In a partnership with them, through their Ambassador program, I'm here to offer you a way to help.  First, this, from the documentation I received from them:

Did you know that over 55 billion coconuts are harvested worldwide per year?  It also means that billions of coconut husks are discarded and burned in landfills each year. Rainforest Bowls helps the Earth by turning coconut waste into useful, food-safe bowls.  With your purchase, enjoy peace of mind knowing that you rescued a coconut shell from being burned as waste, you're supporting the livelihood of local farmers and artisans, and you're doing the environment a favor by choosing sustainable products.

They have a mission.  For every 10 bowls they sell, they will plant one tree through environmental charities - One Tree Planted and Trees For The Future -  that focuses on global reforestation.  So if you buy a few bowls, you're not only adding something unique to your home, you're helping to save the planet.  Can't get any easier than that, can it?

The bowls are beautiful!  I have this set:

The bowls are made from reclaimed coconut shells and handcrafted by local artisans in Vietnam.  See how they're made here.  

And courtesy of Rainforest Bowls and my association with them, they are offering my readers a 20% discount if you decide to make a purchase.  Just use the coupon code SALENALETTERA at checkout to get the discount.

Click HERE to start shopping!

And don't forget to follow them on Instagram and Facebook!

* Sponsored post.  Photos courtesy of rainforestbowls.com

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2019: Sorry,  no post on this day.
2018: Pom Wonderful
2017: How Do?
2016: Silver Luxe
2015: Art From The Bottoms Up
2014: Weekend Getaway
2013: Long Shadow In Kansas
2012: Spreading Joy, Pixie Style
2011: Coming Soon 
2010: Feren Films Y’All Shouldn’t Miss 
2009: This Guy Sucks 
2008: Shine And Shine 
2007: Eddie Hoots It Up Friday 
2006: Eddie The Bird Whisperer 
2005: Laundress

Friends In High And Rugged Places

So, I'm finally getting around to doing my review of the ToughTested products I received a few months ago.   Let me give you a little background.

All of the charging cords I've ever had from Apple, for my iPhone, have become destroyed in a matter of months.  The problem I continued to have was the fraying of the charging cable. I've used electrical tape and animal print duct tape to fix the problem and although it works, it looks like crap.  They always break in the same place and after a while the cable just becomes unusable.  So Ed bought me a charging cable from one of the truck stops, the braided kind that's really durable.  It was great.  I loved it.  It felt so durable and I wondered why Apple, for the kind of money one pays for their products, didn't include this kind of cable when you buy something from their product line.

But then my brand new cable stopped working and I couldn't figure out why.  It wasn't frayed, it wasn't loose, it didn't look damaged.  It just stopped charging.  So I Tweeted to ToughTested, the company who makes it, and told them in 140 characters or less about my disappointment.  They quickly responded and asked me to send my information to them via a direct message and they'd send out a new one.

I sent my information but I never got the new cord.  Sad face.  I didn't want to be a pain in the ass, and figuring they got busy and my request got lost on its way through the chain of command, I wrote it off as a lost cause.  I didn't contact them again.

Enter Wendy Parker of The George and Wendy Show.  Not a trucker but a bonafide "celebrity" in the trucking world, she travels with her trucker husband and writes a column for Overdrive Magazine from the passenger seat of their rig.  She's got a healthy following on Facebook, engages regularly on Twitter, and frequently posts on Instagram.

She also attends the major trucking industry shows - MATS and GATS - has partnered with several companies, done promo for several brands, and reviewed products and services for a number of vendors that cater to the trucking industry.  I'm telling you, she's everywhere.  Oh, and she wrote a book too.  

So when I read on Twitter that she was going to be the grand dame of the ToughTested booth at the 2017 MATS show, I sent her an email about my beloved but no longer functioning charging cord. She quickly responded telling me she'd see what she could do about scoring me a new cord.

Well.  I am here to tell you that Wendy Parker didn't just "see what she could do", she came through like a BOSS.  Not only did I get my cord replacement - really, the only thing I wanted - but shortly after the MATS show was over, I got a box in the mail containing all of the items in the photo above.  Holy mother of the big slab!

The package blew me away.  I unpacked it like a kid on Christmas morning.  And because ToughTested was so great to me, I'm going to tell you what I think about each item in the box.  Let's just say that up front, I'm totally impressed.

OK, so first let me tell you why it's taken me so long to get to this review.  The biggest reason is that I'm a colossal procrastinator (ask my mother) and when I get home from my two-day run, I seem to find all kinds of things that keep me from actually sitting down and typing.  The other part is that I wanted to be able to use the products before I made any kind of comments or did a review on them.  I got the box at the end of March, so I've had four months now to make use of them and really get a good sense of what they are and what they do.  

Let's begin.

The Durable Braided Cable ($24.99)
This is the only item I actually needed when I contacted ToughTested.  And I love it.  In the signature black and orange ToughTested colors, the braided cable is super sturdy.  It's perfect for everyday life, but it's even superior for life in the truck.  The ends have durable, flexible plastic covering at the exact spot that shreds on most regular charging cords.  The cord is protected at the weakest point and the braiding doesn't break down. No need for electrical or duct tape!  I love this thing.

Rugged, Weatherproof 8000 mAh Dual USB Battery Pack ($59.99)
This thing is pretty amazing.  I use my phone so much that I'm always out of juice.  I often carry one of those little charging units (my friend Kim gave me one from the place she works that's the size of a lipstick tube) because I hate to be out and about without power.  This one is heavy duty.  It's a little bigger than a deck of cards but a wee bit too bulky and heavy to carry in my purse with all the other stuff I have in there.  What it is perfect for is a tote bag on the beach, a backpack when I'm out and about, or to throw in the pannier bag on my bicycle.  It can fully charge my phone up to five times and it has the ability to charge more than one device at a time.  We used it while out and about in California last weekend and Ed took it when he went motorcycle riding and used it for both his phone and his GPS unit. It's perfect for those types of outings.  And if you drop it off a cliff or get it wet, it'll still work.

Rugged Wireless Speaker and Power Bank ($69.99)
Now, this thing I LOVE.  LOVE LOVE LOVE!  Just like the description says, it's a speaker and a powerbank.  You can listen to music and charge your other devices with it.  It has a 16-hour battery life, it's shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof.  It utilizes both Bluetooth technology and a 3.5mm jack to connect devices, it's not as heavy as you might imagine, and the sound is insane!

Seriously.  I'm blown away by the sound.  Amazing quality, great bass, really pleasant tones overall.  It's not cheap or tinny, and the sound doesn't change when you increase the volume, no vibrations or wobbles.  It sounds like it's coming from a speaker in a home or car system, not from a portable speaker with a wrist strap.

I'm not one to camp - although I have a feeling that may change in the future - and can see this speaker perched on a rock belting out tunes to a crowd.  It has power!  For me, knowing that I can drop it and it's not going to conk out on me is a real plus.  As Ed can attest, I have a tendency to be a little butterfingered when it comes to gadgets.  I'm surprised my iPhone has lasted as long as it has without me breaking the screen on it since I drop it all. the. time.  I seriously don't know how they pack such serious sound into something so small, but the consumer in this scenario is definitely the one benefitting from the technology in this little baby.

Power Share Pro USB Wall Charger with InstaSense ($24.99)
Every device we buy comes with a charger.  The iPhone has that little cube, Ed's Samsung has a bulky wall charger, and we have power strips and outlets that have USB ports in them because we use them so often.  It never hurts to have an extra charger.  What I love about this one is that it has three USB ports, it does a fast 30-minute charge, and the prongs that plug into the wall can be used in an 180° or 90° position, which allows it to sit flat against the wall if needed (good for behind furniture, or in tight spaces).  And like all the other items, the construction is rugged.  I'm definitely not breaking any of this stuff anytime soon.

Pro-Comm Neckband Bluetooth with 10x Noise Canceling and Speaker mode  ($79.99)
This Bluetooth headset is badass.  It's a neckband style, with speakers in the neckband so you can wear it with or without the earbuds in and still hear what's coming through.  The cable is Kevlar reinforced (say what?!) with a braided nylon cover to prevent tangles.  The earbuds on this thing not only block out noise, but they're comfortable, which is often hard to find.  As awesome as these things are, I have to be honest and say that this is the only item I passed on to someone else.  I have tried many headsets and earbuds in my technology-driven life and I've settled on a brand that I love and have used since Ed bought me my first iPod over 10 years ago.  I don't like wireless (Bluetooth). I like to be hooked up, without having to worry about charging my ears in the middle of an audiobook marathon.  They went to a very appreciative family member.

Tech Gear Bag for Mobile Accessories  ($24.99)
I am a bag freak.  Purses, tote bags, cosmetic bags, backpacks, mesh envelopes, zippered cases, pencil holders, even plastic Ziploc bags.  Most people know this about me.  In fact, my friends bought me gifts from Bangkok one year that I still use on a regular basis to this day.  So, of course, I love this ToughTested gadget bag.  This past weekend when Ed and I went away, I stored all the ToughTested gadgets in it and threw it in our travel bag.  It's got a hard molded exterior and a carabiner so I can just clip it to the D-ring on my bag.  I'm very happy with it.

Last but not least, there was a baseball cap in the box.  Now, I'm not a baseball cap kind of girl, and Ed rarely wears them anymore, so if any of you out there would like a brand new, ToughTested cap with a Mid-America Truck Show patch on one side and 2017 stitched on the other, send me an email and I'll be happy to mail it out to you.  Put "Tough Tested Hat" in the subject line and then tell me how you found my blog and how long you've been reading - I don't care if you're a newcomer or a longtime fan - the very first email I receive at salenalettera@gmail.com will be the first person to get the baseball cap.

This is what ToughTested says about their products:

"Tough Tested products are built to meet the demands of professionals; 10-hour work shifts, noisy trucks, unpaved roads, extreme conditions, continuous use. ToughTested is designed to go to work with you. Our products work longer hours and withstand the extensive stress of rigorous use. We engineer our products to exceed performance standards and we back them up with a 5-year warranty. You can expect more robust features built into Tough Tested products; longer and heavier cords, higher amperage, longer battery life, more durable materials, extreme temperature tolerant components, higher grade plastics and hardware. Whether you’re off road on the job or on a hike, you want your gear to be ToughTested."

That about sums it up.  Damn.  I could have just written that.

I'd like to thank Wendy Parker for reaching out to ToughTested on my behalf, and I'd like to thank the folks at Mizco International and ToughTested for coming through in such a HUGE way.  They asked if I would share my experience with their products after I had a chance to use them.  I was more than happy to oblige, writing a review is a small price to pay to show my appreciation for such a generous box of swag.


“This is a sponsored blog post. While the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by Mizco International to review this product.”


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: No Middle Ground
2015: Check Out These Links Before The Big One Hits
2014: In Six Months, They'll Know Right Where To Put It
2013: Musical Parking Spots
2012: Me And The Thunder
2011: Her Cup Overfloweth With Idiocy
2010: Dear Arizona,
2009: Come Sit In Our Cab For A Spel And Let Us Take You On The Road!
2008: How Well Do You Know Your Stringed Instruments?
2007: Meat. The Old Fashioned Way.
2006: Kicking The Hell Out Of Texas
2005: Look, Mary!

Time For A Questival!

Logo courtesy of Cotopaxi.com

OK, so I have a pretty amazing opportunity to tell you all about.  

I recently came across a company called Cotopaxi, and they have an amazing job opportunity available with their company.  I thought it'd be something you all might be interested in.

Get this, people...

They're looking for a real life Road Warrior!

Not a road warrior like me, who spends her time in a cushy custom rig listening to podcasts and audio books while hauling freight around the United States, but someone who will participate in an actual hardcore adventure!  It includes travel, various challenges, meeting new people...and did I mention travel?  Helloooo?  How can you not be wondering right now if you just came across your dream job?

They said if I was interested, they'd welcome my application for the position. As Ed's mother would say, "Bless their heart."  I told them I appreciated the offer and might have considered it 25 years ago, but at this point in my life, I'm quite happy with the amount of traveling I currently do.  I'm really only semi-adventurous, and my idea of camping is a sweet hotel room, not a tent or travel trailer. Y'all remember how I don't like temperature extremes, right?  And, uh, I need to pee like a million times a night.  I am not shuffling from a tent to a port-a-potty (or clearing in the woods, if that's the case) in the middle of the night.

But just because it's not for me, doesn't mean it's not for you.  Just take a minute to think about the job you're currently doing.  Then read the rest of this post.  Then think about the job you're doing again.  This might be a no-brainer.

I've got to tell you, traveling around the country is an incredible opportunity.  I've been doing it for over thirteen years now and I still love it.  I still start every day with wonder. Sure, sometimes seeing the same places - depending on where they are - can get a little boring, but overall I still think it's the best job I've ever done in my life.  I've never seen as much, learned as much, or enjoyed as much, at any other job I've had, as I have with this one.  Being on the road over 300 days a year might not appeal to everyone, but for me, it was a perfect fit.

This opportunity with Cotopaxi will give you a little taste of what I do.  You'll be traveling 25,000 miles - which is more than double the miles an average person puts on their car in a year! - hitting 30+ major cities while seeing everything in between.  And during all this travel, you'll be writing and tweeting and Instagramming every fantastic little moment.  You'll essentially be living my road warrior life but without having the DOT (Department of Transportation) to answer to.

When I asked them for more information about the position, they sent me a little blurb to share with my readers, along with an infographic that gives you the scoop on the position.

And really, how can you not love a company that has a llama as its logo??

So here's a little summary of what they're looking for:

"Outdoor clothing company Cotopaxi is looking for the next Road Warrior to join their team! As a field marketing specialist, this team member will travel across the United States and visit every major city during the 2017 Questival Tour, a 24-hour adventure race where participants receive a Cotopaxi backpack and compete in various challenges. If you have camping experience and a love for the outdoors, are able to tell a great story, and are proficient in social media, this position is for you! You'll be able to explore the U.S., all while spreading Cotopaxi’s mission of doing good and giving back to the world."

Below is the infographic.  If you're interested, click HERE to apply.

Infographic courtesy of Cotopaxi.

Connect with Cotopaxi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.




~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: The Last Link Should Be Your First Stop
2015: The Gods Are Angry. Or Laughing.
2014: These Four Guys Always Have The Same Expression On Their Faces
2013: Save Money On Sandwiches, Buy Nice Car
2012: Big Money Needed For A Relaxing, Feel-Good Experience
2011: The Original Metrosexual And The Petting Zoo
2010: Cribs For Corn, Not Celebrities
2009: LL Cool E
2008: Hunt On Hold
2007: The Blondes Come Marching In
2006: Thank You Is Not Enough
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

If Only I Could Bottle This...

Variety Pack - Photo courtesy of infinityjars.com

Hello.  My name is Salena and I'm a container addict.

I love jars, tubes, bottles, things that spray, eye dropper bottles, and squeezie things.  I love travel sized containers, the smaller the better.  I hoard them.  Don't get me wrong, I also like full-sized containers.  Beautiful jars to store things in, pour olive oil out of, stash my favorite coffee in.  I have standards but I don't discriminate - small, big, skinny, fat, narrow opening, wide mouth...I love 'em all.  

I have a few beautiful bottles and jars in my kitchen, but the thing I use containers most for, are my makeup and hair products.  I have a long history with tiny cosmetics containers, and over the years have amassed quite a collection.  When I worked for Estée Lauder in my early twenties, I'd take home every little vessel they gave us and collected whatever the other cosmetic lines offered, too.  GWP (Gift With Purchase) was my favorite time of year because most things came in sample sizes.  Those little containers were perfect to clean out when one product was done and then reuse it for something else.  I guess I was green before green was cool.

Recently I was approached by Infinity Jars to try out their product and write a review about them.  One look at the jars and I knew I'd do it.  After a little back and forth, I had to choose the jars I wanted.  That took months. Literally.  Mostly because I’ve been overwhelmed with stuff to do – my mother’s townhouse renovation, Thanksgiving, Christmas, packing our apartment, moving back to our house, unpacking, cleaning, organizing.  Ahhhhhh.  Just typing that sentence exhausted me.
So, yeah, it took me a while to get to the jars in my hot little hands.  It didn’t help that their website has like a bazillion items to choose from.  I have trouble making decisions when faced with so many great choices.  Thankfully, they were gracious and patient.  I finally chose three – a 15 ml pocket size glass jar, a 5 ml glass screw top jar, and a 10 ml glass fine mist spray bottle.  

The reason the Infinity Jars appealed to me is because they are guaranteed to have an airtight seal, they're ultra-violet filtering, they’re scent proof, and they naturally preserve and rejuvenate freshness.  I don’t know exactly what “rejuvenating freshness” means, but it sounded good.   

15 ml Pocketsize Glass Jar - photo courtesy of infinityjars.com

The two aspects that most interested me were the airtight seal and the scent-proof feature.

I used the 15 ml Pocketsize Glass Jar for my coveted hair clay.  When I travel, whether I’m leaving the house or the truck, I don’t like to take full-sized product containers with me so I transfer everything into smaller containers.  But I have a problem with the hair clay because one whiff of air and the stuff seizes up like cement.

It’s dry-ish to begin with, really more like clay than hair balm, but needs what little moisture it has to stay pliable.  I’ve used other containers in the past and eventually wind up chipping out the hardened clay and throwing it away because it deteriorates within days.  

But not with the Infinity Jar!  I used the 15 ml pocket size jar for my hair clay and it’s still the same consistency in the jar as it was in its original tube.  After an entire week!  Amazing!

The jars are gorgeous, a deep violet-colored glass.  Infinity Jars says, “This type of pigmented glass blocks out harmful light rays (these rays quickly degrade organic matter), while still permitting two beneficial light rays that are laboratory proven to preserve and extend the shelf life of goods (for as long as 2 years!).”

10 ml glass spray bottle - photo courtesy of infinityjars.com

Light filtering is important.  Especially for something like olive oil, which I use a lot of.  Air and light are two of the most harmful elements to olive oil, and Infinity Jars has a beautiful collection of glass bottles with oil spouts specifically for this purpose. 

I also picked out a 10 ml Glass Spray Bottle which I plan on using for either perfume or facial oil - haven't decided yet.  The fine mist is going to be perfect for either application.  Tell me - who doesn't love a fine mist? 

I'm honestly impressed with the quality of the glass jars.  The color, the fit of the lids, the weight of the glass itself.  They're so incredibly smooth and feel wonderful in my hands.  I have to be honest about one thing, though.  Every inch of floor surface in my house is tiled so I've been handling these beauties with extra care because I'm afraid to drop and break them. 

Lately, I've been dropping everything - so much so that Ed just looks at me and says, "Really??  Again?"  I don't know what it is.  I'm super butterfingery the last few months.  I broke a Christmas gift from my friend Kim, I broke my mother's ceramic soap dispenser, I broke one of my favorite plates, and just last week I broke a bottle of nail polish.  That induced some salty language during cleanup! 

 Overall, I'm very impressed with Infinity Jars.  Some people might say they're pricey, which I can understand, but when you put expensive cosmetic products, herbs, cooking oils, facial oils, etc. into them, you're actually saving money in the long run by not having those products deteriorate over time. 

 And, one more thing - I'm a firm believer that glass is always superior to plastic.  If you don't believe me, read this passage taken from the Infinity Jar website regarding the use of a glass water bottle over a plastic one: "Have you heard that natural ultraviolet radiation has the power to inactivate all types of bacteria? Modern scientific research has proven UV light can kill microorganisms from molds, viruses, and bacteria, to algae, yeast, and nasty organisms like e-coli and giardia. Infinity Jars UV Water Bottles harness the natural power of the sun for good. Our glass refracts and blocks out all visible light rays (which cause degradation), while still permitting beneficial UV-A (black light) and infrared wavelengths. This light filtration capability of our U.V glass is what sets this water bottle apart from all the other standard water bottles on the market!"

That paragraph is for all of you who leave your water bottles in the car, getting full-on sunlight through the windows I know you haven't covered with a sun-shade.  I'm very weird about bacteria in my water.  I've seen algae.  I'm not interested.  So this beautiful 1 Liter Round Bottle is the next thing going on my list. 

1 Liter Round Glass Bottle - photo courtesy of infinityjars.com

If you ever started a sentence with, "If only I could bottle this..." 

Well, now you can. 

You can follow Infinity Jars on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. 


** This is a sponsored blog post. While the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by Infinity Jars to review this product. ** 


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
2016: Climbing The Regal Horned Lizard 
2015: The Valley Of The Temples 
2014: The Day The South Fell Apart...Again 
2013: Island Graffiti 
2012: Four Seasons Of Food To Conquer 
2011: Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head 
2010: As Seen On TV 
2009: Eddie Polishing His Chrome Friday 
2008: Traveling With Your Cat 
2007: Getting Wet In The Next County 
2006: Down With O.P.P. 
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Testing Ed's Giant Brain

Eddie is my Vanna White.  He has been more than cooperative in helping me display many of the items I showcase here on the blog.

Today I want to share with you the Good Job, Brain! book.

I listen to the podcast, which I've written about in the past, and I've also written about the book, before it became available.

I was asked earlier this year if I was interested in receiving a copy of the book since I had written about and was a fan of the podcast.  Uh, helloooooo?  Yeah.  I was all over that offer and told them in return for their generosity, I'd tell my readers all about it.

I've been reading it on my own for a while, but I also broke it out on Thankgsiving and shared a few tidbits with my family and friends.  Ed is pretty good with trivia, so he was into answering the questions I probed his brain with - like Extreme Animals, he knew most of them.  We had several laughs, too, with some of the more interesting trivia.

There are things like the mnemonic way to remember all the Canadian Provinces and Territories.  And a section called On Your Marks, which go over a bunch or diacritics (Google that!), marks, accents, etc.  It'll tell you what that little squigly thing - like the n in señor or the a in São Paulo - is called.

There are puzzles and crosswords too, but to me it's definitely a book with info to share with people.  By the end of it, you should feel a little bit like a know-it-all.

And you may even be a star if you ever participate in actual pub trivia.


“This is a sponsored blog post. While the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by Ulysses Press to review this product.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: Practically A Cardinal Red Sin
2014: Drink And A Movie?
2013: Leaving The Blue Skies Behind
2012: One Special Request
2011: Body Language
2010: Move Along, Not Much To Read Here
2009: My Favorite Geek Scores Two Bargains In One Day
2008: Your Beating Heart
2007: All I Want For Christmas Are My Two Front Teeth
2006: Eddie Opens An Eye In Vegas Friday
2005: You’re Giving Me Agida

Greatness, One Cup At A Time

A couple of months ago I was asked to do a review of the Aerobie AeroPress Coffee Maker. As usual, I was more than happy to give my opinion on something.  About a month ago the product arrived and Ed and I got to work using it.

Just a little comment before I continue - I really need to start a food blog so people will start sending me edible items to review!  

Back to the AeroPress...

The zippered travel bag contains everything you need for a surprisingly good cup of coffee.  Seriously, you're going to be blown away by what you can do with hot water and a plunger.

The AeroPress Coffee Maker system comes with the following:  Funnel, Chamber (numbered with 1-4 on it), Plunger, Filters and filter holder, coffee scoop, stirrer, and filter cap.  

And to be honest, if you were to lose the funnel, scoop, stirrer and filter holder, you'd still be able to make liquid energy in a cup.

Over the last month, we've been carrying the zippered pouch in the truck with us.  We have a 4-cup coffee maker in the truck, but it's a pain in the ass to dig out and we don't have a lot of time on this run to set it up and make morning coffee.  With this, all that's needed is ground coffee and hot water.  And both in the house and the truck I have a hotpot that boils water in two minutes.  You can't even walk into the truck stop for a cup of coffee in that amount of time.

At night I usually make tea or my favorite General Foods International coffee drink, both of which require only hot water.  When Ed wants coffee - even though it's not as easy as dropping a tea bag in a cup - I will make him coffee with the Aerobie because I can't honestly tell him I don't want to take that one extra step to press water through a filter. He'd never buy that.  At least I don't have to wash out the coffee pot.

If I’m feeling like I need something especially decadent, I will make a latte for myself, using my Aerolatte milk frother to whip up some warmed milk or cream to complement the absolutely amazing cup of espresso the AeroPress makes.  Unlike other places I've had lattes (I'm looking at you, Starbucks), this cup of espresso is never bitter.

We've made coffee for guests with this product and they're always amazed at the flavor. Usually they say, "What kind of coffee do you use?"   It's not the coffee, my friend, it's the process.

Sure it helps to use good coffee, preferred brands or favorites.  But we've used this with regular run of the mill coffee and it still makes a great cup of joe.  And it always tastes more flavorful than what we get from our coffee maker.

With the Aerobie AeroPress, there's no reason to drink bad coffee.  This goes everywhere - camping, boating, traveling - any place hot water is available.  Easy to pack, easy to transport, easy to clean.

Here's a video of Ed making a cup of coffee with the AeroPress.  I'm not a videographer and Ed's not an actor, so cut us some slack while watching our little production, but feel free to partake in Ed's joy when he gets to the end of the process and sips his fabulous cup of coffee.

And, if you're really interested in owning an Aerobie, the inventor is selling the company.

Why, you ask?  No reason other than, "Because I'm 78 years old."

“This is a sponsored blog post. While the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by Aerobie, Inc. to review this product.”


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2015: Table For Two, Table With View
2014: Ready For The Himalayas
2013: The Lady In 7A
2012: No, Not Harry Potter. GRACE Potter.
2011: UPSide Down
2010: Gucci, Gucci, Gu
2009: Big Trucks + TV = Big Truck TV
2008: Insane In The Holiday Brain
2007: Umbrella-ella-ella-ella
2006: Dress Code
2005: And It Begins…

You Don't Need A Hard Hat To Tackle A BIG AZ

I ate a burger from a vending machine once.  I know, the horror.

I was working as an operator for the deaf and hard-of-hearing (great job, by the way) and in the break room they had a vending machine stocked with more than just candy. They had burritos, mini-pizzas, and burgers. It’s the first time I’d ever seen a burger in a machine. I don't eat food out of cans (like Spaghetti-O's or SPAM), and I thought vending machine food fit into that same category.  But then I thought, how bad could they be? Microwave burritos are good. Microwave pizza is edible. And how different can they be from a burger at a fast food joint?  I should just try it. 

So I did.

That was over a decade ago and I’ve never eaten food out of a vending machine since. The closest I’ve come was a hot dog on a roller at a truck stop.

Then, recently, I was asked if I was interested in reviewing a convenience store food product.  They'd provide me with the product and pay me to post a review on my blog. Pay me to eat something?  Helloooooo….these people totally speak my language!

They asked for an honest review - which if you’ve been reading me for any length of time, you know that's what they'd get. Do they know I freely give my opinion, asked or not?  This is The Daily Rant after all.

Let's get started.

As most of you know, Ed and I have a full kitchen in our truck.  We have a fully stocked pantry, and if you’re a regular reader, you’ve seen the meals I’ve been able to whip up - pizza, my father's famous chili, apple crisp, scallops, braciole, sausage and peppers, and so much more.  But eight years ago, in our old truck, we had the same amenities most drivers do – a fridge, microwave, hot-pot.  Some drivers crank it up a notch and carry a crock pot or BBQ grill in a side box. On a daily basis we ate oatmeal, soup, sandwiches.  I've even had cereal for dinner - those little containers they have at the c-store.  In addition to the food we ate in the truck, we also ate in truck stops and restaurants along the way.  

But sometimes, you just don’t have time to stop for a sit-down meal. Sometimes you’re in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the night. That’s usually when a craving strikes. A craving for something you can’t get your hands on.

Like a burger. What if you’re in the mood for a burger? Or, better yet, what if you want to stockpile burgers in your cooler for those times when you are rollin’ down a highway in the middle of nowhere? Believe me, it happens. Miles and miles and miles without a truck stop or restaurant. If you have a craving, you’re plumb outta luck.

Unless you have a BIG AZ.

No, I’m not making fun of the size of your tuchus. I’m talking about BIG AZ burgers and sandwiches!

Here’s the scoop.

The burgers come wrapped as shown in the photo above.  You can find them in the cold sandwich case at truck stops and convenience stores.  The ones I bought ran me $3.99 per burger.  They also make chicken sandwiches, but the place I stopped at didn't have any so I bought the two types of burgers they carried.

We tried the Bacon Addict Cheeseburger and the Kickin' Jalapeno Burger.  Since there was no way I was going to take a photo of me eating a burger - believe me, I would have totally taken a picture if I looked like this  - I snapped a shot of Ed getting ready to devour one.  A real-live trucker.  In a hard hat.  I actually stopped him from working on the truck to sit down and eat one of these burgers.  It was lunch time so he wasn't hard to persuade. 

But before he ate it, I made him measure it so you could see how big the BIG AZ actually is!  This is not a kiddie meal burger.

They come pre-cooked and ready to pop in the microwave.  90 seconds and they're ready to eat.  Both Ed and I commented on how blazing hot it was coming out of the microwave. You really couldn't even hold it.  Which is a good thing because I like my food piping!!  The cheese was nice and melty and the bun was soft and pillowy.  

We - I even got my  mother in on the taste-testing - were all surprised.  The burgers were better than expected.  When I bought them at the convenience store, the cashier actually raved about them. She kinda went on and on about it.  Normally, that would have annoyed me, but in this case, she totally gave me hope.

The jalapeño burger was our favorite.  It was spicy, cheesy, and satisfying.  The bacon burger?  Just okay.  The bacon flavor was there, the bacon smell was there, but the actual piece of bacon was a bit limp and unappealing.  I don't know how it could have been crispy considering how the burger is prepared, but it wasn't the end of the world, because the the burger was still very edible.  Overall, they were good.

I can't say this type of burger tops ones I've had at my favorite burger joints, but that wouldn't really be a fair comparison anyway.  They're just not in the same category. Ultimately, this is a very convenient way to have a burger any time of day. Especially in a truck.  Middle of the night craving is where it’d come in handy for a night driver.  And if you're like me and want convenience, or you don't want to get out of the truck in the middle of the night, having a few of these in your cooler can get you through to your next meal.  You can totally buy a few days' worth - the AdvancePierre Foods website says they're good up to 14 days in the refrigerator (365 days in the freezer!).   This is the perfect way to have a burger or even a chicken sandwich whenever you want.  They even have breakfast sandwiches!

So give them a try.  They're available nationwide and you'll be in good company - people like them so much they've been awarded the convenience store consumer's choice award year-after-year.  

For more information on the BIG AZ burgers, check out the AdvancePierre Foods site:

www.advancepierrepromos.com

Or check the BIG AZ Facebook page to find out where to buy them:

BIGAZ Facebook Page



“This is a sponsored blog post. While the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by AdvancePierre to review this product.”



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2015: In Line For Service
2014: Nebraska. In Color.
2013: Ominously Beautiful
2012: Signs Of Fall
2011: Life Explained…By Graphs
2010: An Amazon Sized Beverage Supply
2009: He Wasn’t Hiding His Face Once The Camera Started Rolling
2008: Waiting To Be Served
2007: The Men In Mexico Are Snappy Dressers
2006: A Mystically Beautiful Day
2005: Rock It!!

Food For The Spirit Inside Of You

Last month I did a post about my RBar purchase and how much I was in love with this delicious little healthy treat I found.

When I was done writing it, I tweeted about it, tagging RBar.  Shortly after that, I was contacted by them and asked if I would be interested in taking RBar on the road and posting pictures on social media in all the places I traveled with (and ate) these colorful packets of goodness.  

Of course I was interested!  I love to share things I love.  

I had already bought two boxes off the shelves in my local Sprouts, but they didn't carry all the flavors, so I wasn't able to speak to the Peanut Butter & Jelly RBar (which really tastes like PBJ!), or the Lemon Poppyseed RBar, or the Cranberry Cashew RBar.

Then RBar generously sent me several boxes of the Variety Pack.  I had access to them all!!  And let me tell you - they are delish!

Look, energy bars are usually for fit people.  Hikers, cyclists, girls in yoga pants. People who are doing strenuous activities that they need energy for.  Not fatties like me. But really, when I picked up the cute little package, I didn't know it was an energy bar.  I just thought that because it was at the Sprouts Farmers Market, it was a healthy kind of "candy bar".  I have been trying to do better with snacks - although more often than not, I fail miserably - and I have to tell you, these things are like decadent treats. I feel really satisfied after having one.  They totally hit the sweet spot.

I've seen many healthy cookies and brownie bar recipes made with dates as the base, but prior to my first RBar purchase, I hadn't tried any.  In fact, I was a little wary of dates, thinking I wouldn't like them because they're very prune-like to me, and the eating of prunes....well, they don't conjure up the best visual for me.

But I like Fig Newtons, and to me, figs were the closest to the flavor and consistency of dates.  And I wound up liking them.  The RBar is also the perfect size, providing just the right amount of date.  Any larger and the sweetness would be overwhelming.

RBar is a Tucson-based startup - which explains why initially, I couldn't find these bars in other states - and they are growing.  I'm thrilled to be able to support a company whose product I truly enjoy.

RBar is looking to expand.  They're looking to branch out.  Maybe you can persuade your local grocer or outdoor store or health food joint to start selling them.  Hell, we might even be able to get them in truck stops if people start asking for them!  But first, you need to try them.

Click HERE to browse the RBar site and find a flavor you like.  I recommend the variety pack for sampling them all.  

And as it says on the RBar site:  "We make RBars for people who aren't satisfied with following the crowd. The people who pursue the freedom of the outdoors, the wide open spaces of experience, and the adventure of travel. At RBar, we believe everyone has that spirit inside of them."

Feed the spirit inside of you.

** This is a sponsored blog post.  While the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by Rbar Energy to review this product. **

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2015: These Little Piggies Went To Market
2014: Just Another View From The Road
2013: Polly Needs More Than A Cracker. Polly Needs A Roll Cage.
2012: Hats Off To Tits And Ass
2011: Approaching Chi-Town
2010: Paneful Outlook
2009: Gray County Silhouette
2008: This Little Piggy Went To Market
2007: I’ve Been Everywhere Sunday
2006: The Heat Bog
2005: Five