Steak and Egg Flatbread

So, I know this has nothing to do with my regular posts on the blog, but one of my friends posted about the steak and egg flatbread on FaceBook, so I just had to try it. Let me tell you, it was DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I fell in love with it, and it's too tasty not to share! If you haven't had it yet, you're missing out. I got onions, spinach, olives, jalapeños, banana peppers, and chipotle sauce on mine. S/o to Subway for making it, and coming up with it in general because it is well worth the $3.00!!!

The Panini Maker

I love paninis, but places like Panera Bread can get expensive, so I decided to buy my very own panini maker. I am not only able to make paninis in the comfort of my home, I feel as though a void in the pit of my stomach is now filled.

Kohl's has the Kalorik Maker, online only, for $89.99. Now, I know this seems steep, but if you think about it, the number of times a panini fanatic goes to Panera would eventually add up. Also, this will be well worth every penny. Back to the Kalorik, some beneficial features of this handy maker include: a large surface for the entire family, a drip tray, good for capturing fat and grease for healthier cooking, and temperature control.

The second maker from Kohl's is really neat because it's also a grill. I know! It's called the Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Grill and Panini Press (first image). It's available online for $59.99 and has nonstick ribbed cooking plates for easier cleanup, an indicator light to let you know when the grill is preheated, and a drip cup for oil and grease.

Amazon has the Cuisinart GR-1 Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press for $89.99. It has non-removable grill plates and is brushed in a stainless-steel housing.

They also have the Brentwood Maker, Black and Stainl Small for less money. This costs $14.12 and has a non-stick coating, along with cord storage, and cool touch housing and handle.

Walmart has the Oster DuraCeramic Maker, Black for $29.92. This one is four-times more durable, cooks up to 20% faster, and works as both panini maker or grill.

The next from Walmart is the Proctor Silex Indoor Grill with Panini Press for $45.80. This bad boy has a nonstick surface for easy cleanup and adjustable heat for maximum cooking control.

Target has the Sunbeam Maker for $29.99 (online price). It has a 180-degree rotation, is nonstick, and the metal finish is stainless steel. It can also hold two slices of bread at one time.

The next from Target is the Bella Maker-to the left and online only-for $29.99. It's nonstick, has an 800-wattage, and has grill plates that allow for two-sided cooking.

Williams-Sonoma has the Krups Maker for $79.95. It has cast-aluminum cooking plates to guarantee even browning and a convenient latch to lock the maker closed for easy storing.

They also have the Breville Panini Press and Grill for $119.95, if you're looking for something a little fancier. It can be used to grill meats and vegetables, as well as toasting the sandwiches, and has a nonstick cast-aluminum plate for even browning.

The Deep Fryer

Have you ever had a hunkering for some french fries, but been inconvenienced by the lack of a deep fryer? Say no more, for I have the answer! Here's a list of five different stores full of fryers: 

Bed Bath and Beyond: Presto FryDaddy for $29.99 is made of aluminum, has large capacity, is nonstick, and prepares four big servings with four cups of oil at a time.

To the right is the Big Boss Oil-Less Fryer from Bed Bath and Beyond. It has three cooking elements with little or no oil as well as a tight-sealing glass dome that allows you to monitor the cooking process. The glass dome keeps the hot air inside so your kitchen does not heat up as well. The Big Boss is available for $99.99. 

Lowe's has the Cuisinart 1.16-Quart for $51.00. The maximum oil capacity is 1.1 liter with an adjustable thermostat as well as a nonstick die-cast bowl with attached heating element for superior heating. It also has a stainless steel housing as well as removable charcoal filter for odor removal.

There's also the Waring for $99.99. This has a dishwasher-safe lid, basket, and bowl, as well as a tilt and drain feature for easy cleanup. There's also a 30-minute mechanical timer and heavy mesh basket with cool-touch handle.

Walmart has the Farberware 4L Dual Stainless Steel for $49.96. It has a charcoal air filter, two small fryer baskets, and one large fryer basket.

The second from Walmart is the Premium 3-Liter Capacity Fryer with Adjustable Thermostat, Stainless Steel. The online price is $39.00. It comes with a stainless steel cover with clear window and filter, as well as a non-stick removable enamel inner pot.

Amazon has the Presto Dual ProFry Immersion Element Deep Fryer for $64.00, which will save you $35.99. It has oblong-shaped baskets for frying large pieces of chicken or fish and a 12-cup food capacity.

The second from Amazon is the DeLonghi 2-1/5-Pound-Capacity Fryer. This one is selling for $79.95 and has a hose for draining to make collecting the oil safer. 

To the left is the Hamilton Beach Black HB Cool Touch Fryer from Target for $39.99. It has a glossy finish with a see-through lid, and adjustable thermostat. 

The second one from Target is the T-Fal ActiFry Black for $249.99. It has a digital control and display, nonstick coating, locking lid, and is made of ceramic, which explains the price.

Dr. Kurt Hochenauer

It was neat getting to hear from Dr. Hochenauer in that, not only has he had experience, but he's also a former journalist. I liked the fact that when he got tired of his job, he left. Sometimes people stay and complain, or make themselves a martyr, (whether consciously or not), but he chose to take action on it. I like that he writes three times a week, as to stay up to date on current events, as well as to keep the practice of his writing skills up in general. I thought it was interesting when he said he gets along well with ultra religious people, because, I was under the impression of them being most judgmental out of everyone else.

 I thought the good writing and be unique comment was important because it makes sense. You have to play a game, so to speak, of standing out and giving people something they're not going to get bored with within ten seconds of reading. I think being able to post to other sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, is a good idea, so that you get more readers. I thought the comment on how the blog follows one forever is significant, in the sense that, if you don't want someone to read it, don't post it. I also agreed with him when he spoke about writing being a centering act.

Square Cupcake Pans

I was recently at a friend's wedding shower when she got a square-shaped cupcake pan as a gift. She had requested it on the gift registry and was thrilled when she opened it. So if you like baking and are looking for something fun and hip, buy the pan that will make your cupcakes go from bland to grand!!!

Amazon has the Fat Daddio's 12-Cup Square Pan for $25.92. It is able to heat faster and cool quicker. It's also made with a non-reactive 18 gauge anodized aluminum. There's 16 in stock, so hurry and order!

Target has one that is the Calphalon Bar Pan for $17.09. It's both chip and break resistant. 

They also have the Silicone Solutions Pan, which is heat resistant, dishwasher-safe, and is listed at $9.99.

Prepared Pantry has one for 19.99 that's made with welded link construction. It says it's on sale and that the consumer saves $8.00 with their pan.

Ebay has a couple of pans. The first one is a non-stick square pan that's selling for $19.00. It is unused, unopened, and undamaged.

The next is a Silicone Square Pan which is nice because this one's orange. As well as having a temperature that's safe up to 450F, it's also dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe. It makes 12 cupcakes and is selling for $17.99. 





*The gray pan is the Silicone one from Target*

Waffle Makers Continued

Best Buy:

Best Buy has some cool ones because they have mini waffle makers and ones with color. The first is a Sunbeam Mini Waffle Maker that's blue. You can prepare up to eight 2" waffles. It has a drip rim; cool-touch exterior; plastic construction; ergonomic plastic handles and a nonstick cooking surface. It's normally $24.99, but is currently sold out online right now.

They also have a Kalorik Heart Waffle Maker that's red. You can make five heart-shape waffles per batch. It has an adjustable thermostat; six temperature settings; stainless-steel decorative insert; nonskid base pads,along with cord storage. It's available for $39.99.

The last is a Chef's Choice- WafflePro Classic Belgian Waffle Maker that's stainless-steel. It has a quad baking system and a nonstick, deep-channel griddle. It also has an easy-to-clean overflow channel, instant temperature recovery, and a built-in cord storage.

Kohl's:

The first is a Bella Rotating Waffle Maker, on sale for $19.99. It has an auto-locking mechanism to prevent spillage and a rotary system that turns 180 degrees for even browning.

The second is the Kalorik Belgian Waffle Maker for $69.99. It has a brushed stainless steel finish that adds a contemporary touch. This is only available online.

The third is the Elite Cuisine Chrome Waffle Maker and Griddle with Temperature Control for $59.99. It has an upright design to make storing easier and removable nonstick cooking plates for easy cleanup. It also has two interchangeable cooking surfaces for convenience and adjustable heat setting for a variety of foods. This is only available online.

I only found two on the below site because they were either out of stock or the waffle makers had been discontinued. 

Click here:
The first is a Round Classic Waffle Maker. It bakes one large waffle and has a five-setting browning control. It also has a regulating thermostat and nonstick baking plates. It is available for $29.95.

Click here:
This next one is really cool. It's called the Pizzelle Press and bakes two thin, crispy waffles at once. It has a lock-down lid with a rolling dowel, measuring spoon, and brushed stainless steel housing. The cost is $49.95.

Second Website:

Click here:
The first one is the All-Clad Belgian Waffle Maker. The price is between $179.95-$199.95. This waffle maker has a steam-release system that prevents condensation buildup as the waffles bake. It also has advanced heating technology to ensure consistent browning.

Click here:
The second is the All-Clad Classic Round Waffle Maker. It has a nonstick finish to ensure easy cleanup and produces a 1/2"-thick, 6 1/2" diam. round waffle with four sections. The price is $129.95.

Popcorn Maker

So, my last blog was VERY long. I apologize for that, still learning the ropes. I will try to condense this, and the rest for that matter. This next kitchen appliance is the one and only popcorn maker. I'm a huge fan of popcorn, not only at the movies, but at home as well. I'm only going to list two different makers this time and see if it helps.

Bed Bath & Beyond: Cuisinart EasyPop Popcorn Maker for $49.99 & the Old Fashioned Popcorn Cart with Concession Stand for $149.99. Now, this one is obviously more expensive, but it's because it has wheels, and, as the title says, is a standing popcorn maker like from back in the day.

Best Buy has a new one that's called the Tabletop Hot-Oil Stainless Steel. It's selling for $59.99.

For the sports fans out there, they also have a Philadelphia Phillies or Minnesota Twins makers to represent the teams. They are selling for $27.99 each.

Walmart: Presto PopLite Hot Air Popcorn Popper for $19.88-the online price. This maker makes up to 18 cups of popcorn in less than three minutes..WOW!!

Walmart: There's also the Kettle Popcorn Maker, which is like the cart with concession stand, minus the wheels. The online price is $47.60.

Amazon: the Waring Pro Professional Popcorn Maker for $79.00 & the West Bend Stir Crazy 6-Quart Electric Popcorn Popper on sale for $27.04. I'm craving popcorn now!

Lowe's has the 0.25-Cup Oil Tabletop Maker, which makes 12 cups of kettle corn per batch. It also has a funnel for adding oil, popcorn, and sugar. The price is $62.99.

Waffle Maker

I'm not much of a breakfast person myself, but I have to admit, I love waffles.

Bed, Bath, & Beyond has three different designs of waffle makers. The first is a 1400-watt that allows all four sides to cook evenly and simultaneously so you can make them twice as fast. The price is $99.99.

The next is called the Calphalon No Peek Waffle Maker. It's $99.99 as well, but is made of a high performance bronze no-stick so that clean up is easy. 

The third is a Cuisinart Classic Round for $29.99. It's stainless steel and only makes one waffle at a time. Some other places to find waffle makers are:

 Walmart:

 Walmart has several, but I'm going to just list three. The first is a Hamilton Beach Flip with removable grids. It has a drip tray that catches extra batter along with indicator lights that lets you know when it's ready. The online price is $29.94.

The second is a Farberware Non-stick Flip Black and Stainless. It has a nonstick cooking surface and comes with the measuring cup and removable drip tray. The online price is $24.94.

The third is an Oster 8-Inch Belgian Stainless Steel. The online price for it is $18.66.

J.C. Penney:

The first from J.C. Penney is a Waring Pro that has extra-deep squares to hold fruit and syrup. The original price is $90, but they put it on sale for $69.99.

Next is the Calphalon No Peek Round Iron. The original price is $75, but the sale price is $59.99.

Third is the Hamilton Beach 4-Square Belgian for $55.00.

Amazon:

 The first is a Proctor-Silex Durable Belgian. It has compact, easy storage, and a nonstick grilling surface. The measurements are 11-1/4 inch long by 8-1/5 wide by 4-1/4 inch high. The price is $26.00. 

The next is a Presto FlipSide Belgian for $39.74. It has a countdown timer with digital display signals when time is finished. It's brushed with stainless steel exterior and flips 180 degrees to evenly spread batter. It's also made with a professional-style rotating design with an extra-thick grid that bakes a 7-inch diameter waffle with four easy-to-cut sections.

Lastly is the Black and Decker Flip Maker. It has a cool-touch handle along with rotate and cook system. The price is $31.85.

The Keurig Coffee Machine

I know this isn't new, but I am in love with my boss's Keurig. Not only do I help myself to a cup (English Toffee to be exact), I am still blown away with the difference of taste. Why didn't I discover this machine of heaven any sooner?!? 

Keurigs can be found at 

Walmart: $199 for the VUE and $99 for the K-Cup.

Target: K-Cup: $109 and $170 for the VUE.

Bed Bath & Beyond: $200 for the VUE and I'm going to be honest, I could not find a price 

for the K-Cup online. 

Best Buy: $150 for the K-Cup and $170 for the VUE.

Kohl's $150 for the K-Cup and $170 on sale for the VUE. 

They can also be ordered online at. By the way, there are some differences between the Keurig VUE and Keurig K-Cups. For instance, the VUE is more expensive but does have more cup sizes. The K-Cups are also bigger than the VUE, so needless to say, will not fit.

Politico

I feel that having a version of Politico in New York will mainstream the gap between Washington and New York. I also feel that media in general is going more towards a digital direction due to the internet, television, and being able to pull it up on a mobile device. I feel that it will not only widen the audience, but also make it more convenient for readers. The addition to New York will decrease the geographical gap from Washington allow even playing field for the east coast in general. Mr. Allbritton is wanting to widen the horizons and allow Politico to reach greater heights and its full potential. He has confidence in Politico breaking through the competition and becoming a huge hit on the east coast. 

The Tornado Can Opener

I was recently at a friend's house when they showed me the coolest kitchen appliance I have ever seen. Why I liked it so much is because it's hands-free and works on both small and large cans. It's also really easy to use. All you do is place it on the top of can, press the big white button on the top, let go, and when it's circled the can, simply press the button again and pop off. It's called the Tornado Can Opener. It's about $12.00 and can be found at Walmart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Amazon.com. When it says "as seen on TV," it's serious!!

Blogs That Interest Me

I think this first blog is interesting, because I like the background and the fact that she posts pictures, but  she starts out talking about women and like what men don't notice or get about women, then she posts pictures of her cat, (I'm assuming it's hers), and then she talks about her personal feelings and how her day went. It's just funny to me. I also like the first three pictures she posted. The expressions of the people crack me up, and it makes sense because underneath the third image, she's talking about haunted houses.

This side image is one of my favorites from PoisonDDT's blog.

The strengths of this blog are the background and how easy it is to read her posts. Everything is organized throughout this blog. It has a specific layout that is not hard on the eyes or making me get tired of reading her thoughts. I love how there's no specific topic that she stays hooked on. By not staying stuck on one topic, PoisonDDT's blog strays away from being boring or monotonous.

I like that the word "poison" is the introduction of her name because it's different. Another strength is how her dates are set up to where they are out to the side and lined up with the top of each image or post. The way this blog is set up and organized is definitely something to take notes on. For improving this blog, I would delete the photos of Walmart and New Moon Madness because nobody cares, (at least I don't), and I like the fact that she posted about the floral shop fire because that is something that seems to be of importance. I also see some spelling mistakes.
http://poisonddt.com

Here are nine other blogs that caught my eye:

http://www.jmbranum.com/sites/jmbzine.com/
http://oklahomawine.blogspot.com
http://carleta.tumblr.com
http://9to5mac.com/2013/09/03/spotify-connect-offers-airplay-like-wireless-streaming-with-greater-freedom/
http://matthew.wordpress.com
http://acornsfromanokie.com
http://www.takeabiteblog.com
http://lees-lounge.blogspot.com
http://runningmomof4.com

Introductory Post

My name is Rachel and I will be sharing not only different products, but details about those products as a convenience to the public before shopping.