FOOD/WINE REVIEWS:
Review And Giveaway - Green & Blacks Organic Chocolate 02/10/11
Review And Giveaway - Chex Mix 12/28/10
Review - Hickory Farms 12/01/10
Review - Druids Fluids - Wine 02/25/10
PRODUCT REVIEWS:
Review - CSN Online Stores - Burton Backpack 01/28/11
Review - Qwik Shower Gym Class Wipes 12/27/10
Review - CSN Online Stores - Throw Pillows 12/21/10
Review - CSN Online Stores - Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum 11/18/10
Review - CSN Online Stores - Storage Ottoman 09/30/10
Review - CSN Online Stores - Fiesta Dinnerware 09/16/10
Review - CSN Online Stores - Tailgate Toss 08/20/10
Review - CSN Online Stores - KitchenAid Roaster With Rack 03/08/10
BOOK REVIEWS:
Book Review - Ripley's Believe It Or Not 11/17/10
Book Review - Good Enough To Eat, By Stacey Ballis 09/23/10
Bookazine Review - Light & Delish: 400 Calories or Less 09/15/10
Book Review - The World In Your Teacup 06/12/10
COOKBOOK REVIEWS:
Cookbook Review - Crazy About Cookies, By Krystina Castella 11/27/10
Bookazine Review - Easy Delish & Comfort Foods 11/20/10
Cookbook Review - In The Kitchen With A Good Appetite, by Melissa Clark 11/12/10
Cookbook Review - Princess Party Cookbook 11/10/10
Cookbook Review - Nigella - Recipes From The Heart Of The Home 11/05/10
Cookbook Review - Boost Your Metabolism, By Chef Susan Irby 10/27/10
Cookbook Review - Two For Tonight 09/12/10
Cookbook Review - The Complete Jerky Book 08/19/10
Cookbook Review - Homesteader's Kitchen Recipes From Farm To Table 08/23/10
Cookbook Review And Giveaway - The Complete Berry Bible 08/12/10
Cookbook Review - Tea With A Twist 06/15/10
Review - Substituting Ingredients A - Z 06/09/10
Cookbook Review - Substitute Yourself Skinny, By Chef Susan Irby 05/24/10
Cookbook Review - Vegetarian Slow-Cooker - Over 200 Delicious Recipes 05/11/10
Cookbook Review - Daisy: Morning, Noon, And Night 02/21/10
CD/DVD/TV REVIEWS:
NBC TV's Claymation Episode of Community 12/08/10
CD Review - Norah Jones - Featuring Norah Jones 11/11/10
CD Review - KT Tunstall - Tiger Suit 10/19/10
DVD Review - Grey Gardens 03/24/10
DVD Review - The Invention Of Lying 02/15/10
ADULTS ONLY REVIEWS:
Review - EdenFantasys - Get the Fireworks Started 06/27/11
Review - EdenFantasys - Ambassador Program 03/13/11
Review - EdenFantasys Spring Clearance 02/27/11
Review - EdenFantasys - Still Time For Valentine's Day Orders 02/06/11
Review - EdenFantasys - Valentine's Day Ideas 01/24/11
Review - EdenFantasys - Remember Valentine's Day 01/09/11
Review - EdenFantasys 12/20/10
Review - EdenFantasys 12/06/10
Review - XXX Rated Product 11/10/10
Review - XXX Rated Product 10/21/10
To have your product reviewed, simply send an email with the details (a Press Release will do) and a contact person to: lolasdiner@yahoo.com. I will email you back with my shipping information. If you have a specific time frame in mind for your review to be published, please include that in your original email. I try to accommodate as much as possible.
Lola's Diner ©2008-2011
Recent Posts
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
ACCEPTING ITEMS FOR REVIEWS
Lola's Diner is now accepting merchandise for review. Items such as Cookbooks, books, "adult" merchandise (toys, dvd's), food/beverage items, wine, gift boxes, cookware, furniture, appliances, sporting items, dvd's, gift ideas for the holidays.
You name it, I'll review it.
All reviews are unbiased.
Lola...have you done reviews before? Yes, check out my "Lola's Reviews" tab at the top of my page.
How do I get my product to you to get reviewed on Lola's Diner? Just send me an email lolasdiner@yahoo.com. A press release will do, and a contact person. I will email you my shipping address. If you have a particular time you would like your review to run, please let me know in your email, I will try to accommodate you as best I can.
Lola's Diner ©2008-2020
You name it, I'll review it.
All reviews are unbiased.
Lola...have you done reviews before? Yes, check out my "Lola's Reviews" tab at the top of my page.
How do I get my product to you to get reviewed on Lola's Diner? Just send me an email lolasdiner@yahoo.com. A press release will do, and a contact person. I will email you my shipping address. If you have a particular time you would like your review to run, please let me know in your email, I will try to accommodate you as best I can.
Lola's Diner ©2008-2020
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween!
So Saturday I went to a Halloween party of an LGBT social group I belong to. I had to fly solo because my girlfriend came down with a horrible cold.
OMG! I have never been to an adult costume party before. I will definitely be attending in the future. I had sooooo much fun! And the parties from the social group are always must see events, but it always seems like I miss the one where something interesting happens. Well...not this time! More on that in a bit.
I spent several hours and about $12 bucks on part of my costume. The rest of my costume was doctor scrubs way back from when my 17 year old daughter was born. Amazingly enough I still had them! There was supposed to be a costume contest, but they never did name a winner. I think I had a pretty good chance...considering my costume...and that 98% of the other guests were lesbians. Here it is:
This was taken before the party. Yes, my eyes are closed, but I'm not schnockered, the cell phone caught me with my eyes closed. Unfortunately no one has posted any better pics. What an awesome costume to wear to an LGBT party! You would not believe the attention I got. One woman was more than shamelessly flirting. I think I was darn lucky I went solo or there may have been a chick fight. In fact there was almost one anyway. One member of an engaged couple was getting hit on by the same chick that hit on me and her partner was just about ready to take it outside. I have to say, if you a straight single guy or a single lesbian this is the costume to wear.
So did you dress up for Halloween this year? What was your costume?
Lola's Diner ©2008-2010
OMG! I have never been to an adult costume party before. I will definitely be attending in the future. I had sooooo much fun! And the parties from the social group are always must see events, but it always seems like I miss the one where something interesting happens. Well...not this time! More on that in a bit.
I spent several hours and about $12 bucks on part of my costume. The rest of my costume was doctor scrubs way back from when my 17 year old daughter was born. Amazingly enough I still had them! There was supposed to be a costume contest, but they never did name a winner. I think I had a pretty good chance...considering my costume...and that 98% of the other guests were lesbians. Here it is:
This was taken before the party. Yes, my eyes are closed, but I'm not schnockered, the cell phone caught me with my eyes closed. Unfortunately no one has posted any better pics. What an awesome costume to wear to an LGBT party! You would not believe the attention I got. One woman was more than shamelessly flirting. I think I was darn lucky I went solo or there may have been a chick fight. In fact there was almost one anyway. One member of an engaged couple was getting hit on by the same chick that hit on me and her partner was just about ready to take it outside. I have to say, if you a straight single guy or a single lesbian this is the costume to wear.So did you dress up for Halloween this year? What was your costume?
Lola's Diner ©2008-2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
I'm putting down my fork to talk about the Marie Claire Fatty Article
Have you seen or heard about the "Should Fatties Get A Room? (even on TV?) article in Marie Claire magazine? If you haven't, check it out here.
First of all, I think it's AWESOME, yes TOTALLY FREAKIN AWESOME that CBS is airing Mike & Molly (the #1 new comedy on television this season)! To me, I think it's akin to networks having shows with gay couples, or interracial couples. Yes, I said it! And I'd like to see more of it. Why can't America see REAL people on television, instead of anorexic twigs?
I have seen parts of 2 episodes and from what I've seen I rather like it. I've seen other blogs talk about complaints about fat jokes, but perhaps I missed those parts, or perhaps I was so "getting it" that the jokes were either lost on me, or I'm so used to them I didn't notice them. (Kind of like living next to a hospital and not hearing the ambulance sirens after awhile. You hear it so much you are immune to it.)
Now that I've seen this clip of Behind The Scenes, (and I'm LOOKING for the fat jokes) which admittedly is probably a montage of fat jokes, and possibly more than airs in an episode (hey! I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt!), I see there are some pretty offensive fat jokes. But hey Maura! We're all fat and jolly and love to laugh, right? So who cares?
I'm not exactly sure where CBS is going with this show, but being that the couple met at an Over Eaters Anonymous meeting, I'm sure it goes without saying that the show is going to tackle the issues that those of us who are over weight deal with every day. Stuff like dieting and dating and being intimate.
The article in question opens with Maura’s editor posing this question: “Do you really think people feel uncomfortable when they see overweight people making out on television? Maura writes, “Those people are downright obese!” Maura writes further, “I'd be grossed out if I had to watch two characters with rolls and rolls of fat kissing each other… because I’d be grossed out if I had to watch them doing anything. To be brutally honest, even in real life, I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room – just like I’d find it distressing if I saw a very drunk person stumbling across a bar or a (sic) heroine addict slumping in a bar.”
Apparently Maura isn't aware of all the full figured men and women who are lovers of full figured people. And the skinny people who are lovers of full figured people. I'd be willing to bet she isn't aware that there is even porn with full figured people. I think someone needs to invite Maura over to watch Shallow Hal and view a few of those porn movies, and have her wear a fat suit for a month. That'll fix her skinny a** boat.
This is directed at Maura, frankly Maura, I have a problem watching 2 super skinny people making out. I'd feel like I was at a Cub Scout camp-out watching someone rub 2 sticks together to light a fire. Dang! 2 skinny people making out? Have a fire extinguisher handy, because you could have a fire on your hands in no time. Okay, I don't look forward to your letters (homage to CF), I was only joking.
I can see why this sitcom is #1. It's because the characters are people that a lot of us can relate to. After all, aren't we all hearing the reports on the news about more and more Americans getting obese? (And no, I'm not going to quote statistics, because I'm too fat and lazy to look them up Maura.)
As someone who has lost 77 pounds (at last weigh in), and who still has more to lose, I sometimes find myself getting sucked into the whole weight dynamic, especially since I am dating. (If you want to see a recent photo, check out this post.)I've always said, it's what's inside that counts. It's the intangibles, not the package. It's odd this time around with the weight loss. I think I'm more comfortable this time, than any other time in my life when I've lost weight. I think I've lost the proverbial fat person inside, I actually love myself for losing the weight (and would love to lose more and am working on it) and am more comfortable than I've ever been. I think I'd have to attribute that to my "coming out" and being more comfortable with myself in general.
So have you seen Mike & Molly? Have you read the article? What's your take on both?
Oh, and if you have even the slightest sense of humor (don't you hate when funny people are intimate?), go check out Mamapop's take on this.
And don't forget to boycott Marie Claire magazine...(which by the way I've never even heard of and don't know why I've even mentioned it in this post.)
Lola's Diner ©2008-2010
First of all, I think it's AWESOME, yes TOTALLY FREAKIN AWESOME that CBS is airing Mike & Molly (the #1 new comedy on television this season)! To me, I think it's akin to networks having shows with gay couples, or interracial couples. Yes, I said it! And I'd like to see more of it. Why can't America see REAL people on television, instead of anorexic twigs?
I have seen parts of 2 episodes and from what I've seen I rather like it. I've seen other blogs talk about complaints about fat jokes, but perhaps I missed those parts, or perhaps I was so "getting it" that the jokes were either lost on me, or I'm so used to them I didn't notice them. (Kind of like living next to a hospital and not hearing the ambulance sirens after awhile. You hear it so much you are immune to it.)
Now that I've seen this clip of Behind The Scenes, (and I'm LOOKING for the fat jokes) which admittedly is probably a montage of fat jokes, and possibly more than airs in an episode (hey! I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt!), I see there are some pretty offensive fat jokes. But hey Maura! We're all fat and jolly and love to laugh, right? So who cares?
I'm not exactly sure where CBS is going with this show, but being that the couple met at an Over Eaters Anonymous meeting, I'm sure it goes without saying that the show is going to tackle the issues that those of us who are over weight deal with every day. Stuff like dieting and dating and being intimate.
The article in question opens with Maura’s editor posing this question: “Do you really think people feel uncomfortable when they see overweight people making out on television? Maura writes, “Those people are downright obese!” Maura writes further, “I'd be grossed out if I had to watch two characters with rolls and rolls of fat kissing each other… because I’d be grossed out if I had to watch them doing anything. To be brutally honest, even in real life, I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room – just like I’d find it distressing if I saw a very drunk person stumbling across a bar or a (sic) heroine addict slumping in a bar.”
Apparently Maura isn't aware of all the full figured men and women who are lovers of full figured people. And the skinny people who are lovers of full figured people. I'd be willing to bet she isn't aware that there is even porn with full figured people. I think someone needs to invite Maura over to watch Shallow Hal and view a few of those porn movies, and have her wear a fat suit for a month. That'll fix her skinny a** boat.
This is directed at Maura, frankly Maura, I have a problem watching 2 super skinny people making out. I'd feel like I was at a Cub Scout camp-out watching someone rub 2 sticks together to light a fire. Dang! 2 skinny people making out? Have a fire extinguisher handy, because you could have a fire on your hands in no time. Okay, I don't look forward to your letters (homage to CF), I was only joking.
I can see why this sitcom is #1. It's because the characters are people that a lot of us can relate to. After all, aren't we all hearing the reports on the news about more and more Americans getting obese? (And no, I'm not going to quote statistics, because I'm too fat and lazy to look them up Maura.)
As someone who has lost 77 pounds (at last weigh in), and who still has more to lose, I sometimes find myself getting sucked into the whole weight dynamic, especially since I am dating. (If you want to see a recent photo, check out this post.)I've always said, it's what's inside that counts. It's the intangibles, not the package. It's odd this time around with the weight loss. I think I'm more comfortable this time, than any other time in my life when I've lost weight. I think I've lost the proverbial fat person inside, I actually love myself for losing the weight (and would love to lose more and am working on it) and am more comfortable than I've ever been. I think I'd have to attribute that to my "coming out" and being more comfortable with myself in general.
So have you seen Mike & Molly? Have you read the article? What's your take on both?
Oh, and if you have even the slightest sense of humor (don't you hate when funny people are intimate?), go check out Mamapop's take on this.
And don't forget to boycott Marie Claire magazine...(which by the way I've never even heard of and don't know why I've even mentioned it in this post.)
Lola's Diner ©2008-2010
Cookbook Review - Boost Your Metabolism Cookbook, By Chef Susan Irby, with Rachel Laferriere, MS. RD
I recently received a copy of Boost Your Metabolism Cookbook, Fire Up Your Diet For A Fit And Firm You, by Chef Susan Irby with Rachel Laferriere, MS, RD. You may recall that not too long ago I reviewed her cookbook, Lola's Review - Substitute Yourself Skinny.
From the Press Release:
Boost Your Metabolism Cookbook, Fire Up Your Diet For A Fit And Firm You, by Chef Susan Irby with Rachel Laferriere, MS, RD is currently available online at Amazon.com, Borders.com, Barnes and Noble.com and your local bookseller.
Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given this novel to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this book review.
Lola's Diner ©2008-2010
According to the Center for Human Nutrition, the average woman's metabolism drops 2 to 3 percent per decade starting at age 30. Fair? No. Fact? Unfortunately.About the Author:
Clearly, women need to beat down Mother nature and regain control of their bodies---but how? Enter Boost Your Metabolism Cookbook, Fire Up Your Diet For A Fit And Firm You, by Chef Susan Irby with Rachel Laferriere, MS, RD. Chef Irby shows dieters metabolism-boosting food options beyond milk chased with hot sauce and maple syrup/cayenne pepper lemonade. In fact, with Chef Irby leading the charge, readers will soon realize boosting metabolism is easier---and more delicious---than they ever dreamed possible.
"Chef Susan Irby has worked under multiple Master Chef including Todd English, Ming Tsai, and George McNeill. She is also the author of Substitute Yourself Skinny. Known as the Bikini Chef, specializing in "figure-flattering flavors." Chef Susan is host of The Bikini Lifestyle with Susan Irby The Bikini Chef on KFWB News talk 980 in Los Angeles and author of 3 cookbooks. She has cooked for several celebrities including Billy Bush, David Spade, Kate Sagal, and Bill Hendel, and appeared on The Patti Gribow Show and KLAC Los Angeles and numerous other media outlets. She lives in Orange County, CA. Visit Susan Irby.com."Chapters:
Sure-Fire Metabolism BoostersAppendixes:
Appetizers and Dips
Breakfasts
Sandwiches, Wraps, and Pizza
Salads
Soups
Chicken and Turkey
Beef, Pork, and Lamb
Seafood and Fish
Pasta, Polenta, and Grains
Vegetarian
Side Dishes
Smoothies and Snacks
Desserts
Additional Metabolsim-Boosting FoodsThe one downside about this cookbook is the lack of photographs. There are none. That is something I really like to see when I'm trying a new recipe, I like to know what it's supposed to look like. However, each recipe does include Calories, Fat, Carbohydrate, and Protein information. Every other page also include a section called "Burn It Up", which gives additional tips on boosting your metabolism.
Supplement Your Diet
Metabolic Tips and Tricks.
Boost Your Metabolism Cookbook, Fire Up Your Diet For A Fit And Firm You, by Chef Susan Irby with Rachel Laferriere, MS, RD is currently available online at Amazon.com, Borders.com, Barnes and Noble.com and your local bookseller.
Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given this novel to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this book review.
Lola's Diner ©2008-2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Adult Halloween Costume - Any ideas?
Ok, so it looks like I may be attending a Halloween Party for the lesbian group I belong to. I'm looking for ideas for homemade costumes from stuff I already have. I don't have the money to blow on a store bought costume and I'm looking for something unique and something that will be a big hit at the party. Some kind of costume that my girlfriend could also wear something in that theme would be great too.
Anyone have any ideas? What was the best costume you've ever seen?
Lola's Diner ©2008-2010
Anyone have any ideas? What was the best costume you've ever seen?
Lola's Diner ©2008-2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Cookbook Review - Simply Suppers By Jennifer Chandler
I recently received a copy of Simply Supper By Jennifer Chandler. What an awesome cookbook for budget conscious families! Comfort foods that are budget friendly, quick and don't have an intimidatingly long list of ingredients. There are recipes for entrees, soups, side dishes and desserts.
Each recipe is accompanied by a full color photo. I can't tell you how much I love that! Especially for dishes I've never cooked. I always like to know what my finished dish should look like. Each recipe also includes Cooking Tips, Variations and Time-Saving Tips.
From the press release:
Sunday we made "Mashed Potato Soup" and "Arroz Con Pollo".
For the mashed potato soup we actually made a batch of mashed potatoes from scratch because there is no such thing as leftovers in my house. Lol! I'm sure in a pinch you could use instant mashed potatoes or a package of ready made mashed potatoes and the recipe would turn out just as delicious. Once we had our mashed potatoes done the soup came together very quickly and it was delicious! The recipe calls for 1/4 Cup Crumpled Cooked Bacon (optional) for garnish. (Ahem! Bacon optional? Seriously?) We opted for extra bacon and we also added shredded cheese for garnish. Simply delicious!
Chicken Tortilla Soup (page 7) is one of my favorites when I dine out, and while the it may have gone better with our entree, it was my daughter's choice this weekend and she chose the dishes. Every Sunday we get together with friends for da Bears game and cook up new recipes.
There are so many delicious looking recipes that I'm sure this is going to be one of my go-to cookbooks for some time to come and it would make an excellent gift for newlyweds or a great housewarming gift.
Simply Supper By Jennifer Chandler is available now at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Borders.com and your local bookstore.
Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given this cookbook to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.
Lola's Diner ©2008-2010
Each recipe is accompanied by a full color photo. I can't tell you how much I love that! Especially for dishes I've never cooked. I always like to know what my finished dish should look like. Each recipe also includes Cooking Tips, Variations and Time-Saving Tips.From the press release:
30 in about 30: 30 recipes that can be whipped up in about 30 minutes. Includes soups, poultry, fish, beef, pork, pasta, sandwiches.
10 leftover chicken makeovers: 10 ways to turn leftovers into something delicious.
20 "Freezer Go-To" items: Recipes to make double batches of for freezing...and to save you when you don't have time to cook.
About the Author
Jennifer Chandler graduated at the top of her class with Le Grand Diplome and a MentionLe Cordon Bleu in Paris. She moved back to her hometown of Memphis Tres Bien in Pastry from and in 1999 and opened the highly-acclaimed and award-winning (including Best New Restaurant in Memphis) Cheffie's Market and More - a prepared foods market and bakery. Jennifer is a full-time mother of two, a freelance magazine writer and a professional salad eater.
- Jennifer was recently named national spokesperson for French’s Mustard ™
- Jennifer also recently partnered with Whole Foods Market in Memphis, TN as a featured author and chef.
Follow Jennifer on Twitter: @cookwjennifer
For the mashed potato soup we actually made a batch of mashed potatoes from scratch because there is no such thing as leftovers in my house. Lol! I'm sure in a pinch you could use instant mashed potatoes or a package of ready made mashed potatoes and the recipe would turn out just as delicious. Once we had our mashed potatoes done the soup came together very quickly and it was delicious! The recipe calls for 1/4 Cup Crumpled Cooked Bacon (optional) for garnish. (Ahem! Bacon optional? Seriously?) We opted for extra bacon and we also added shredded cheese for garnish. Simply delicious!
Mashed Potato Soup from Simply Supper By Jennifer Chandler page 17.The Arroz Con Pollo was also delicious!
4 Tbs Unsalted Butter
1/2 Cup finely diced Yellow Onion (1/2 small onion)
4 Tbs All-Purpose Flour
3 Cups Chicken Stock
2 1/2 Cups leftover Mashed Potatoes
1 Cup Heavy Cream
Kosher Salt and finely ground Black Pepper
1/4 Cup crumbled cooked Bacon (optional)
1 small Tomato, diced (optional)
2 Tbs thinly sliced Scallions (optional)
In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, melt the Butter. Add the Onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Dust the Onions with the Flour and cook, stirring, until lightly golden, about 1 minute. Whisk in the Chicken Stock. Over high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and whisk in the Mashed Potatoes until you have a smooth consistency.
Gradually whisk in the Heavy Cream. Season with Salt and Pepper to taste. Cook until mixture is heated through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled Bacon, diced Tomatoes, and Scallions, if desired.
Serves 4.
Chicken Tortilla Soup (page 7) is one of my favorites when I dine out, and while the it may have gone better with our entree, it was my daughter's choice this weekend and she chose the dishes. Every Sunday we get together with friends for da Bears game and cook up new recipes.
There are so many delicious looking recipes that I'm sure this is going to be one of my go-to cookbooks for some time to come and it would make an excellent gift for newlyweds or a great housewarming gift.
Simply Supper By Jennifer Chandler is available now at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Borders.com and your local bookstore.
Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given this cookbook to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.
Lola's Diner ©2008-2010
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