The time has finally come. I received my package of Newman’s Own Organics goodies a couple of weeks ago and I have steadily been making my way through the many products to taste test them for a proper review. Believe me, that was not a problem. 😉 Now the time has come to give you the rundown of the various products and why you should buy them. I’m not saying that because I should. I’m saying that because they are just that good.

Disclaimer: Newman’s Own Organics sent me these products to review free of charge. The opinions expressed in this post are explicitly my own and I was not compensated for them.

Now that we’re clear with the legal issues…where should we begin? How about with what always comes first in my foodie heart. The chocolate!

I was sent 6 different flavors to try and basically every single one was a winner by my standards. It may not be Godiva or a Ferrero Rocher truffle, but still delicious.

• Espresso Dark Chocolate – Any surprise this was my favorite? I didn’t think so. Dark chocolate + coffee flavor. And the fact you can really taste both in a creamy, melt in your mouth way was all that was needed to win me over. Kind of how easy it would be for Brad Pitt (pre-Angelina) to win me over.
• Milk Chocolate – This tasted like any basic milk chocolate, but was denser and more satisfying. It didn’t just dissolve right away like lots of milk chocolate. I loved that. It made it easy to really take the time to savor it.
• Mocha Milk Chocolate – Not as good as the Espresso Dark, but still delicious. Think a mix between the previous two chocolates. So if you prefer milk chocolate over dark this one would probably be for you.
• Orange Dark Chocolate – I’m not normally a huge orange flavor fan but I did like this. The orange wasn’t overpowering. It reminded me of those orange shaped chocolates they have at Christmas time.
• Super Dark Chocolate – This was the only one I didn’t love. It still tasted like high quality dark chocolate, but wasn’t very “melty”. I would rather just love on some basic dark chocolate.
• Dark Chocolate – Simply. Delicious. Not too sweet. Not too bitter. Perfect.

Where to next? Well, to all the varieties of cookies of course! Do you notice I have a strong sweet tooth? Luckily I know how to control it, instead of allowing it and food to control me. 😉 I received many cookie varieties: Hermits (Original & Ginger), Newman-O’s (Chocolate & Ginger), Alphabet Arrowroot cookies, Fig Newmans, and Espresso Chocolate Chip cookies. I enjoyed sampling one (or two or three) of each over the past couple weeks.

• Newman-O’s: Let’s just put it this way. The Original flavor is better than Oreos. The ginger flavor tastes just like a gingersnap cookie but with icing. The creme centers are super creamy and more like icing than the tough goo you find in an Oreo. Peter even preferred these over Oreos or other store bought cookies.
• Fig Newmans: Taste like any Fig Newton I have ever had so there is nothing exceptional about the taste. BUT the fact that they are made with recognizable ingredients and are more natural make me prefer them.
• Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies: Meh. Too dry and not really satisfying. They taste like a basic chocolate chip cookie, but more like the cheap stuff from the store instead of high quality ones like these.
• Alphabet Arrowroot Cookies: Taste kind of like a graham cracker in cookie form. Not necessarily something I would love to munch on, but they are a perfect treat for Makenzie. I adore them for her.
• Hermits: These kick ass! They are chewy, flavorful, dense, and just pleasure in an 80 calorie block of goodness. They also are way more satiating than any cookie I’ve ever had. Both the Original and the Ginger are so incredible. Think a combination of an oatmeal raisin cookie, the texture of a brownie, and the intense flavor of a spice cake. Oh. Em. Gee. Divine. I WILL be buying these again when they disappear from my goody basket.

Clearly, Newman’s Own Organics sent me quite the bounty and I want to honor them properly for their kindness with adequate reviews of the items. Since there are so many products I will stop here for the sweets and treats. Look for part two on the savory items and dried fruit to come your way soon.

Which of the above items sounds like it would make your tastebuds happy? What is your favorite product you have reviewed for your blog? Or what product would you most love to review?

Hello all of my wonderful readers! Today is kind of a bittersweet day. I was supposed to be heading up to Indiana today to spend the weekend visiting my good friend Mandy and have some fun together with our little families. But due to some circumstances beyond her control, we are having to postpone. I miss her, but would not have wanted to be there this weekend taking her away from things much more important right now. I guess it just means I get to look forward to and anticipate our time together a little longer. Nothing wrong with that. I always like having something to look forward to. 🙂

Speaking of which, remember how I mentioned in this post the importance of always having something to look forward to every day, no matter how small? That’s how I approached this week. I was just living my life, with simple things to look forward to and little moments to cherish.

1. Park time with Makenzie.

Don’t ask me why that child is scared to sit in the baby swings, but could stay on a “big kid” swing all day if I let her. We were at this park almost 45 minutes and she did nothing else. FYI, pushing a swing back and forth that long hurts your shoulder. Freaking out that she will let go and fall off the back so you hover over her will give you a headache.

2. Reading (and finishing) an amazing book.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Seriously, this book is fantastic. I can see why it has been raved about and is on bestsellers lists. It is easy and enjoyable to read, but provides so much insight and packs a powerful message. It is set in Mississippi during the 1960s when many changes were happening with Civil Rights. The story revolves between 3 main characters: a young white woman who wants to write a book sharing the perspectives of maids and 2 of the maids she interviews. The varying perspectives the book gives are so realistic and very eye-opening to what it must have been like to live in that era. I was appalled reading some of the actions. And while it is fiction, there is no doubt in my mind that this was the way people lived for a long time. And sadly, some still hold these opinions. It shows how far we’ve come, yet how far we still have to go to truly value and appreciate others no matter who they are and their backgrounds.

3. Some heavy cleaning.

I scrubbed the sinks, baths, anything I could get my hands on. I swept/mopped, did laundry, dishes, and many other tiny details. For the record: 1) the Magic Eraser is a housewife’s best friend. 2)I hate our kitchen tile and cannot wait until we redo our kitchen. Unfortunately, having a functioning upstairs was first on our list and where all our money & time went when starting the many renovations on our house. We hope to do the kitchen sometime before 2012. I think that’s what Peter said. It may be wishful thinking though. Until then, I will have to pretend the fugly 80’s tile is black granite.

4. Picnics with friends at another park.

M's Picnic Lunch

enjoying the sunshine

I just love beautiful days. Sunny and in the mid-upper 70s = perfection. Being able to share that time with my baby girl and a good friend = doublemint gum. Double the pleasure…double the fun. More swinging, sliding, walking. And eating up my current obsession of an avocado, pepperjack, spinach, turkey sandwich. With Newman’s Own Soy Crisps and a plum on the side.

5. Trying more of the Newman’s Own Goodies I was sent to review.

So I can actually get that review up sometime in the near future. I could just do the review now. In one word. Yum! And I still have so much left. My tummy is a happy camper to be able to have a little nibble of goods like theirs every day.

• What was your favorite thing to do on the playground growing up? Mine was the spinny wheel thing that you sit on and get spun around real fast by your mom, dad, or whoever. I don’t know what it’s called, but it was fun!
• What is your favorite food to pack for a picnic? Mine is always some sort of sandwich and fresh fruit!