Saturday, December 29, 2012

Tucanos Brazilian Grill


            My husband and I took a small getaway to celebrate the end of his semester.  While walking around a Salt Lake City mall, we came to a restaurant named Tucanos.  It is a Brazilian grill, and my husband was really excited to try it.  I had tried a Brazilian restaurant several years earlier and wasn’t impressed, so I was skeptical.  The hostess also mentioned that they had a something called a Salad Festival, and we were welcome to take a look at it and then decide whether we wanted to eat there or not.
The Salad Festival sealed the deal for me.  There was a huge salad surrounded by various dressings, a basket full of delicious looking rolls, sushi, huge platters of meat and cheeses (including a huge bowl of fresh mozzarella balls).  There were also chafing dishes full of delicious soups and entrees such as lobster bisque, and stroganoff.  There were also lots of Brazilian dishes that I had never tried before like : polenta, collared greens, Brazilian cheese rolls (which were a lot like baked mozzarella sticks), and fried bananas.  Everything at the  Salad festival looked amazing!  We also looked over the menu and there were great sounding appetizers and colorful fruit and ice cream drinks.  You could also add specialty skewers like shrimp, bacon wrapped filet mignon, and bacon wrapped scallops to enhance your churrasco (Brazilian grill) experience.
We were quickly seated and the waitress, Tonya, explained that servers would be coming around with skewers of meats, and we would to use our “cue” to signal if we wanted more meat.  The green meant we wanted more and the red meant we were done, for the time being.


We flipped our cue to green and servers with the churrasco came almost immediately.  We were first served a beef brisket that was delicious and tender.  Another server came with cooked cod with a sweet glaze, followed by bacon wrapped turkey, glazed chicken thighs, pork loin, and top sirloin.  The servers kept coming, and at one point we had to turn our cue over to catch up on all the delicious meats they had brought us.  Everything tasted amazing!  I’ll confess that I’m not a huge fan of meat, in general.  I’ll eat it, but it’s not my favorite (hence my reluctance to eat at an all-you-can-eat Brazilian grill).  But even my husband commented that he had never seen me eat that much meat, ever.  I told him that if all meat was this good, I would eat meat all the time.
        But by far my favorite item that the servers brought around was the brown sugar grilled pineapple.  I could not get enough of it!  It was sweet and smoky and cooked to perfection.  It’s not a stretch for me to say that the grilled pineapple at Tucanos is probably one of the best foods I've ever eaten.
One thing I was not interested in eating, was the chicken hearts the servers brought around, every so often.   Our waitress, Tonya, came over and showed us her special way to season the chicken hearts with hot sauce and lime juice.  I was really impressed that she would take such great care to make sure that we were having a great experience.  But I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised, because all of the service at Tucanos was fantastic.  Each server was gracious and made sure we were having a great time.
The atmosphere at Tucanos was festive and classy.  It was a fun place to eat, but also felt like a refined dining experience.  I’m so glad we decided to eat there, and I would highly recommend visiting a Tucanos the next time you are dining out.  There are locations in Boise, ID; Salt Lake City, UT; Provo, UT; New Port News, VA; Colorado Springs, CO; and Albuquerque, NM.
       I’d like to thank Nicole, Tonya and everyone at the Gateway Tucanos for giving us such a great experience.


In fact, I have a special treat for my readers.  I was given two special scratch cards for Tucanos, to be used in January.  Each card is a winner and the prizes range from a $100 Tucanos gift card, $50 Tucanos gift card, free adult churrasco meal, free shrimp skewer, or free desert or specialty drink.  The cards must be redeemed by January 31st and the card is only valid if the scratch part is removed in a Tucanos restaurant.           Just leave me a comment below telling me if you've ever tried a Brazilian Grill, and I will randomly pick two people to win these fun scratch cards.

I received no compensation for my review, and I was under no obligation to provide a positive review.  I wanted to do a review because it was a great dining experience. My opinions are my own.  

Friday, December 14, 2012

Mixing in the New Year!!!

kitchenaid stand mixer

Mixing In The New Year!

KitchenAid Stand Mixer Giveaway!

Happy New Year From Grandma Juice & The Kids Are Grown!
Can you believe it's the end of the year already? Doesn't it seem like each year goes by just a little faster than the last one? In just 2 short weeks, the holiday fuss will be over and life will be back to normal. Whatever 'normal' is on your street, we know one thing for sure! Everyone has their eyes on a new KitchenAid Stand Mixer to whip up some fabulous new dishes this coming year.
RonMel Events is at it again! For this super special giveaway, we've asked the coolest bloggers we know to help you get Mixing In The New Year in style! Yep! 1 very lucky winner will receive a brand new KitchenAid Stand Mixer! We know it's something on everyone's 'Wish List'. And, we aim to make sure someone gets to cross that one off!
Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
We want EVERYONE to be able to enter and win, no matter where you call home. Since Amazon can only ship to US winners, any Canadian or International winner will receive an Amazon Gift Code so they can purchase their own. Shipping restrictions may stink, but we've got you covered!
 
Awesome, right? Ready to get this KitchenAid Stand Mixer party started? You know what to do! Fill out the handy, dandy Rafflecopter form below and off you go. There is only 1 mandatory entry. Name and email address so we can contact you if you are our lucky winner! All other forms of entry are optional. Do as many or as few as you care to. But the more you do, the better your odds! Don't forget to check back and do the daily entries too! If I could win, I'd be doing them all right along with you! And remember, all entries will be verified. You wouldn't cheat, would ya?
GOOD LUCK! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winning and Musings is not responsible for prize fulfillment.  My opinions are my own. 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

3 Winners!! LeLe Pets Giveaway

Lelepets Holiday Giveaway

Welcome to Lelepets Holiday Giveaway!!

Special shout out to our wonderful co hosts
There are hundreds of daily deal sites worldwide that offer great discounts on clothes, home furnishings, beauty products, toys, and electronic gadgets. Whatever you need, you can most probably get from these sites at less than half of its retail price. LeLePets.com is one such deal site but what sets it apart from all the rest is that it offers deals solely for pet products.
 
Pet lovers will definitely be delighted with this daily deal site that is dedicated exclusively to our most-loved pets. Now you can get your fave pets high-quality brilliantly designed pet products at very affordable prices. LeLePets members get full access to daily deals that can get them up to 70% off designed inspired pet products. LeLePets.com is exclusive for members only. However, membership IS FREE and you can get exclusive access to the site by requesting membership with a valid email address.
 
If your schedule is too busy and you just can’t find time to check the site daily, fret not ‘cause LeLePets will send you a daily or weekly newsletter via email to keep you updated with the current and upcoming fab deals. That way, you’ll never miss that deal you’ve been long waiting for.
 
I’m certain you’re excited to go shopping for cute and adorable accessories for your lovable pets. Well, how would you like to get some free credits to use on your shopping spree? Join my giveaway by telling me what your favorite item is on LeLePets. There are always new deals daily so your choice may change every day as well. Join below for more chances of winning.

GIVEAWAY!!

PRIZES at STAKE:
Grand Prize: Fatboy Pet bed + $50 Lelepets GC Consolation Prize : $50 GC (2 winners) a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winning and Musings is not responsible for prize fulfillment. My opinions are my own.  Please contact the host bloggers with any questions.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Huge Christmas Toys Giveaway


Bay Area Mommy is giving away these awesome toys sponsored by MGAE as part of her Holiday Gift Guide! Winner will receive the following: - 1 Little Tikes Cook ‘n Grow Kitchen ($109.99) - 1 iTikes Piano ($39.99) - 1 Mini Lalaloopsy Silly Fun House Playset with Misty Mysterious ($42.99) Giveaway runs from DECEMBER 12 to 25, 2012. Open to US residents only. To enter, use the GiveawayTools form below. Good luck!
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... *Winning and Musings is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Prize will be shipped directly by the sponsor. Please contact Bay Area Mommy for any questions.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Attention all bloggers!

$200 Amazon Giveaway
  • Event Date: January 4 - January 18
  • OPEN WORLDWIDE
  • For companies/ non bloggers/business owners who are interested in sponsoring an event, please send me an email at: admin at divafabulosa dot com
  • SIGN UP HERE

Friday, December 7, 2012

Stocking Stuffer Giveaway

Still Need Stocking Stuffers? Win some From ReelMama and CVS!

Reel Mama, Kat’s Cafe, and Rude Mom and an amazing group of wonderfully talented bloggers are delighted to bring you the CVS Super Stocking Stuffer Holiday Giveaway! CVS is helping us bring our readers holiday cheer with some fantastic prizes that kids and moms alike will love to find hanging in their stockings on Christmas morning. Prizes for the kids include Someday by Justin Bieber perfume, RoboFish, Puzzles on the Go, and a Friendship Kids Fashion Doll. For moms, the prize is many fantastic items from the new Nuance beauty line by Salma Hayek, one of the world’s most glamorous moms. It's a good variety of stocking stuffers for all of you last minute shoppers, or maybe just a little goody for yourself for all the hard work you have done this holiday season! Make sure to complete the Rafflecopter form below the list of prizes so you can enter. Good luck, and happy holidays! Special holiday message: In the spirit of holiday giving, Reel Mama and the blogging community are working to raise funds for kids impacted by Hurricane Sandy. If you would like to donate, please visit the KIDS IN DISTRESSED SITUATIONS (K.I.D.S.) Thank you! Giveaway Rules: You must be 18 years old or older to win and be a U.S. resident. The giveaways will run from 12/7/2012 at 12:01 am through 12/14/12 11:59 pm. One winner will be chosen at random via the Rafflecopter. Reel Mama, the co-hosts, and participating bloggers are not responsible for the shipment of prize, which will be shipped by the sponsor. We unfortunately we cannot guarantee arrival of the prize prior to Christmas and other holidays.

CVS SUPER STOCKING STUFFER GIVEAWAY PRIZES

Stocking Stuffer Gifts For Kids

Someday by Justin Bieber: Justin Bieber has a created a perfume that is perfect scent for the ultimate Bieber fan! Foil Pack Puzzles (Minnie Mouse and Spiderman): These puzzles are 24 to 100 pieces, and come in reusable bags for easy storage, and are fun for the whole family to enjoy. RoboFish: Swims like a real fish with a water activated swimming mechanism. RoboFish delight children and adults alike! Friendship Kids Fashion Doll: 18” doll with fashionable holiday clothing. UNREAL Candy: A healthier alternative to your favorite sweets. UNREAL candy replaces corn syrup, hydrogenated fat and preservative with real ingredients.

Stocking Stuffer Gifts For Moms

Nuance Salma Hayek Nail Lacquer – in 5 different fall colors: Fortified with nourishing oils and natural botanicals, bold lacquer formulas provide chip resistant color, long-lasting coverage and intense shine. Nuance Salma Hayek Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner: Offering rich moisture and nutrient protection for strong, shiny, healthy-looking hair, Argan Oil and Acai Fruit Oil help provide long lasting hydration while helping to tame frizz and protect against environmental elements and thermal damage. Nuance Salma Hayek AM/PM Anti-Aging Super Cream: Antioxidant, vitamin-rich blend with Tepezcohuite and Borage Oil helps replace lost nutrients and hydrates skin to help reverse the signs of aging, and improve radiance. Nuance Salma Hayek Anti-Aging Smooth & Firm Elixir: Vitamin-rich, cooling gel serum with active botanical extracts oxygenates to help firm and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, providing a glowing and youthful complexion. Nuance Salma Hayek sample size of Flawless Finish Liquid Foundation – also includes a $2 off coupon: Ultra-nourishing, light-textured foundation provides essential hydration, delivering lasting perfection as it “blurs” flaws, evens skin tone and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and pores. And Also: Nuance Salma Hayek My Super Moisturizing Body Cream sample size – also includes a $2 off coupon: Inspired by Salma’s grandmother’s recipe, Shea Butter and Honey help nourish for continuous hydration while Babassu and Macadamia Seed Oils blend with Vitamin E to restore moisture and help protect and soothe skin.
a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: Winning and Musings received no compensation for participating in the giveaway, and all opinions are 100% his/her own.