Product ReviewZ | Wise Company

Wise Company

I recently discovered an amazing place called the WISE COMPANY.  This company provides a huge selection of Food Storage and Emergency Supplies. They even have ready-made meals that have an amazingly long shelf life of 25 years! Their prices are very reasonable and they always seem to have great deals going on!

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and one of the things that is taught by the leaders of my church is that it is important to have food and emergency supplies stocked and ready to provide for your family in times of crisis. I admit that I have struggled putting this together for my own family. Several years ago, I had a pretty good stock of basics stored up for my family, but we had our own little emergency of my hubby losing his job and we used it all up. Since then, I have not made it a priority, but I'm working on changing that.  

I don't have a huge amount of cash reserves to put toward supplies at this time, but I really believe in doing a little at a time. The Wise Company makes it pretty easy. You can purchase small amounts or whole collections at a time - make it work for you!

I got a sample of various ready-made gourmet outdoor meals to try with my family.  I was pretty impressed with the flavors and their use of real meat.  All I had to do was add hot water and I could even add it right to the bag! My family and I sampled several different meals - some were better than others, but all-in-all, I really was impressed with the flavors. They are perfect for camping or long-term food storage. These certain selections have a 7-year shelf life. I really love all the different options that Wise Company has and it really makes it convenient to be able to order it all online.

Check out the great deal going on right now! Also don't miss your chance to get A FREE SAMPLE and try it for yourself!

Up to 20% OFF on Any Emergency Food Kit with FREE Emergency Supplies and FREE Shipping at WiseFoodStorage.com! (valid until October 31, 2014)

If you are looking to provide food storage and emergency supplies for your family, you should look no further than the WISE COMPANY! So many different choices and great prices!

Disclosure: I personally use this product. I have become an affiliate of this company, by my own choice and will receive compensation if you use the link(s) above to purchase this product (but it won't cost you any more). I also received a sample package of products to try out for free.

This product is DeDe APPROVED and I highly recommend it!

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Product ReviewZ | MyMemories

MyMemories Suite 
Coupon Code: TDOAVLNK10
or STMMMS61543

As most of you know, I am a designer at MyMemories. Besides having many wonderful designers and an incredible amount of options of kits, MyMemories also has a wonderful piece of scrapbook software called MyMemories Suite.

I admit that I actually use Adobe Photoshop most of the time, but I have been known to use MM Suite as well. I enjoy the simpleness of it. Its very easy-to-use and I like that if you purchase the kits from the MM Store, then they are incorporated right into the software. It is available for PC and Mac, as well so that is really nice. I like that there are many options and each version gets better. 

If you are looking for software that is created JUST-FOR-SCRAPBOOKING, easy-to-use, great tools, and available for all - look no further!

Disclosure: I personally use this product. I have become an affiliate of this company, by my own choice and will receive compensation if you use the link(s) above to purchase this product 
(but it won't cost you any more).

This product is DeDe APPROVED and I highly recommend it!

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Product ReviewZ | Gerber Life Insurance

Gerber Life Insurance
Give your child an advantage for life!

When I was first married, I had no idea the responsibility that a grown-up truly has. I didn't realize that there would be SO MUCH to worry about and so many important things to take care of, like insurance and retirement plans. I had no idea things could get so complicated. As a married couple, we were thinking about life insurance and protecting our little family. Making the right financial decisions is always hard and continues to be hard for me, but I do believe in having insurance and being able to protect your family when hard times come.

So when I did have my first child and when I saw the Gerber Life Grow-up Plan, I thought it definitely looked interesting. I really liked that it was a WHOLE LIFE policy and that as long as you kept up with the relatively low payments, your child could have that insurance for life. I figured, why not and went ahead and signed up. It has been a pleasant experience since and I signed up my daughter when she was born as well. So now, I have 2 policies and I don't regret it at all. My thought is that I will continue paying for their insurance until they are married (or out of the house) and then I will hand it over to them and they can continue with it as they wish. It is nice to know that I have that protection for them and for us as a family.

I also enjoy the little benefits that they offer!
You can get a FREE Child Safety ID Kit right now.
Of course, you hope you will never need it, but it's better safe than sorry.....

Some of the things I love about Gerber Life:

* Great Rates

* Easy Online Payments

* Great Customer Service

* Protection for my kids for their whole life

So I encourage you to look into this insurance for your family. I hope it is something that will work for you as well as it is working for me!

Disclosure: I personally purchase this service for both of my children and my opinions are my own. I have become an affiliate of this company, by my own choice and will receive compensation if you use the link(s) above to purchase this product.

This product is DeDe APPROVED and I highly recommend it!

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Product ReviewZ | Unbox Love

Unbox Love

Fun, creative dates-in-a-box delivered 

to your door each month for $39.

My husband and I have a good relationship. We love each other and we enjoy spending time together, but sometimes life gets in the way. We've never had a set day for DATE NIGHT and that means that it actually rarely happens. We spend most weekends together as a whole family, which is definitely not a bad thing, but we don't always get time alone and when we do its usually watching tv shows/movies together. Now, we love movies/tv, so its definitely enjoyable and it's kind of our "thing," so I hope this ever changes, but sometimes I do wish for a little more. When we do go out, its usually dinner and a movie and that's always fun too, but once-in-a-while I do wish we could come up with something more creative to do with our time, but then I haven't put any work into it either. 

I was on Facebook, as per usual, and I came across an ad for UNBOX LOVE. At first, I just ignored it, but then something intrigued me and so I clicked the link. What I found out, was really interesting to me! A date-in-a-box, delivered to your door with everything planned out- all you had to do was open it up and play along. I figured - what could it hurt to give it a try, so I ordered it and I'm so glad I did. 

It turned out to be so much fun and definitely something that my husband and I wouldn't have tried without this! I was afraid that my husband wouldn't play along, but he totally has and I think he enjoys it as much as I do. We loved that everything was included and just had everything planned out for us. We have enjoyed the little conversation starters included with each month. It has really helped us to know things about each other that we didn't know. I really feel that it has brought us closer together. I feel more connected with him after these dates. I love that the activities are really engaging! Also except for our 2nd month, it was a date that we could do at home after the kids were in bed, which really worked great for us. Something else that I love about it is that it offers a surprise - you don't know what's in the box until you open it up! It's definitely brought more spontaneity to my life! 

We are now on our third month and we couldn't be happier! I get really excited when I see that UNBOX LOVE on my doorstep and I know I am in for a fun surprise!

Check out this month's DATE-IN-A-BOX: 

This month's UNBOX LOVE was about COMMUNICATION and it included: The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman, 2 Tangram puzzles,  Dove Chocolates, and Altoids

We started off our date with a communication game, using the Tangram Puzzles. We took turns being "The Builder" and "The Voice." 

The Voice creates a design using the tangram puzzle without allowing The Builder to look at their creation. Then, The Builder will use their Tangram and attempt to build the design created by The Voice, using only The Voice's verbal instructions!

I admit that my husband and I were pretty horrible at this. We each had a hard time describing our designs, which resulted in the other person having a hard time building the same design! But we had fun and I think it gave us some insight into how we communicate.

Our attempts to match each other's designs failed,
but we still had fun! 

Next up, we were take the test that was in the book, The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. We intend to read this together a little later on, but we just took the test on our date. We actually went ahead and went to the website and filled it out there. After taking the test, we cuddled up and talked about our results.

The last part of our date was using some Conversation Starters (included in the date box) to have some fun conversation with each other, as we ate our chocolates/altoids and cuddled!

It was a really fun night and I really loved the quality time that we had together!

"Creative dates delivered to your doorstep every month. Because your relationship is too important for boring!"

Unbox Love is truly a fun and unique way to share quality time with your significant other, without the stress of having to plan it yourself! I highly recommend purchasing this date-in-a-box. You won't regret it and your relationship 
will be better than ever!

Disclosure: I personally purchased this product (and I keep receiving this every month) and my opinions are my own. I have become an affiliate of this company, by my own choice and will receive compensation if you use the link(s) above to purchase this product. 

This product is DeDe APPROVED and I highly recommend it!

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Book Review | How to Embrace Your Inner Hotness by Leta Greene

How to Embrace Your Inner Hotness
by Leta Greene

Book Review by DeDe Smith

Purchase the E-book on Amazon
Please visit the author's website

Your outward appearance might make the first impression, but sixty seconds later, when that first impression is ancient history, it's your inner beauty that needs to shine! If you want to be truly hot, this book will show you exactly how, including the following: 

• Why you need to stop buying in to a cultural concept of beauty • How to transform the way you see and present yourself, inside and out • How to discover the secrets to the right look for you • Why different isn't bad—it's your key to hotness • How to choose happiness now, no matter your current situation • How to leave pain in the past • How to figure out what you really want • How to stop letting other people define your worth, potential, and purpose • How to find the right man and have the hottest marriage imaginable! • What it means to be "enough" (and it's not what you think!) 

We all experience loss and pain when our lives don't end up looking like we dreamed they would. Professional beauty expert and speaker Leta Greene looked that in the face and made a choice. Happiness and permanent hotness followed. Yours can too, right now, as Leta shares how to create the life and look you want in 15 simple steps—a transformation that will make you irresistibly, and lastingly, hot!

When I started to read this book, I was thinking it would be good for me, but I didn't realize how much it would change the way I feel about myself. I have always suffered a bit from low self-esteem and even though I know that I am a Daughter of Heavenly Father and I know that we are each loved and special - I have a hard time liking myself. This book is helping to change that.  I want to read it again to concentrate more on the "Hotness Challenges" that the author puts in the book. I want to get rid of the constant negative talk that I do to myself and find those inner joys and discoveries of who I truly am. I'm so excited about putting this book into action and discovering the unique person that I am.

Leta Greene has a delightful writing style that is engaging and so easy to understand. In fact, for me it was like having a conversation with a friend. Her life stories were wonderfully written and helped me to see my own truths about how I see myself. I loved being able to laugh and be motivated at the same time. Read this book - you won't regret it. It has truths for women of all ages and we all can learn from it.

How to Embrace Your Inner Hotness is a well-written, engaging book that will change your life and help you discover the unique "hotness" of YOU!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author for review, but this did not influence my opinion.

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Review | Cafe Fraiche at Brick Canvas

As part of my Brick Canvas participation, 

I was able to experience 
Fraiche

Fraiche is an awesome little cafe, inside Brick Canvas. They serve juices, smoothies, salads, soups, sandwiches and some baked goods. It is the perfect place to go after a workout, to finish up your day of pampering, or to start your day off right.

Everything is made for you as you order it and you can watch them as they juice the fruits and prepare your order from scratch. 

Their smoothies are to die for - especially the LOVE BOMB. I really loved the CHICKEN PITA, as well. 

I also got to try out GO-DOUGH for the first time and as a dough lover, this hit the spot! Nice to have a healthy alternative.

Just like in all the studios at Brick Canvas, everyone is so friendly and welcoming and make you feel like a million bucks!

I was so impressed with Fraiche! Everything was so refreshing and delicious. I loved that everything was made right in front of you. A really great place for a light meal!

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from Brick Canvas. I received a tour, discounts and free services to review for this post. The views expressed in this post are my own.

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Review | Bikram Yoga at Brick Canvas

As part of my Brick Canvas participation, 

I was able to experience 
Bikram Yoga

The only yoga that I have ever done (up until now) has been the few moves on the Wii Fit that I can do, so yoga is basically a new thing for me. When I heard that Bikram Yoga is yoga done in a 105 degree room, I was freaked out. I don't usually do heat well. Summer is my least favorite time of the year and I like to stay in air conditioned areas. But I decided that I had to give it a try and I'm so glad I did!

Bikram Yoga is done in a 90-minute class, in a 105-degree room, and involves 2 breathing exercises and 26 yoga positions.

I was able to do 6 yoga classes and experienced 2 different yoga instructors. Both instructors were so helpful and welcoming and the other class members helped me out so much. It truly felt like we were in it together and that felt really good.

I took the time to come a little bit early and just lay and relax in the room. It helped me to get used to the heat and really helped me cope better. I enjoyed the way the heat helped loosen up my muscles and I could go a lot farther than I thought I could.  There was a lot of positions that I couldn't do, but I liked how I could just do my best and not feel like I was competing with the others around me. I liked that I could take a break when I needed it and dive back in when I was ready.  I don't think I have ever sweat so much in my life! All-in-all, it was amazing and my favorite part of the whole Brick Canvas experience.

I was so impressed with Bikram Yoga! I am currently trying to find the money every month so I can make it a few times a week. It's really addicting and the instructors and people at Brick Canvas are so welcoming and awesome! I look forward to making progress in my flexibility and self-image!

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from Brick Canvas. I received a tour, discounts and free services to review for this post. The views expressed in this post are my own.

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Review | Vivesque at Brick Canvas

As part of my Brick Canvas participation, 

I was able to experience 

Vivesque

Up to a couple of weeks ago, I had never been to a salon, where I knew I would continue to go there. They were all just okay. Nothing special. That has changed folks! There are so many amazing things about Vivesque that  I want to tell you about! Everything down to the little details was truly wonderful! From the moment that you step in their doors, you are treated like royalty.  This salon was truly like no other that I have ever experienced!

The receptionist brings you a flavored water to sip on and throughout your visit, they bring you chocolate-covered almonds and frozen grapes.

The whole salon is so clean and beautiful. I love how everything is spaced so that you have plenty of room.

My stylist was Rachel and she is just amazing! She talked with me about my hair and even though I wasn't sure what I wanted, she helped me out with the perfect plan for my hair. We decided to add some layers to my hair and to add some natural-looking highlights. 

Before the coloring, I was taken into another room and received a scalp and facial massage (just part of their service), along with the washing of my hair. It was so relaxing and definitely my favorite part of the whole day.

Throughout my visit, Rachel kept me engaged in a delightful conversation. It felt like we were old friends. I loved that she kept track of all the products she used on my hair so that I could purchase them if I wanted to. They keep track of everything during your visit, so that your next visit will be easy and relaxing. 

I was so excited about my hair! I loved how it turned out. It is so natural looking and not too different, just different enough to give me a change.

Before

After

After my hair, Rachel gave me my very first pedicure. I loved it and can't wait to come back and bring my daughter for a girls day out!

I have a manicure scheduled for next week and I know that my experience will be as amazing as it was this time.

I was so impressed with Vivesque and I can't wait to go back! I was pampered to the extreme and I can honestly say that I will no longer be going to any other salon. Vivesque has my business! You definitely have to try it! You will feel like a VIP from the moment you step in the door!

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from Brick Canvas. I received a tour, discounts and free services to review for this post. The views expressed in this post are my own.

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Review | Lyceum at Brick Canvas

As part of my Brick Canvas participation, 

I was able to experience 

Lyceum

Be active. Be brave. BECOME.

I am so impressed with the way Lyceum is run. Jesse and Trish Allen (along with the other trainers) are amazing people and I love what they have created with this gym center. The concept is using your own body weight along with TRX Suspension Trainers and Kettlebells to train and get fit. No matter where you are in your fitness - a beginner or a pro - they have a program for you. The object is to make progress with yourself, not in comparison with others. They have personal trainers that run the workouts and even though its in a group, you feel like you have one-on-one training. They work with you at your level and even though there are set workouts for each day - they can bring the workouts down to your level. I really appreciated that since I am a complete beginner when it comes to working out.

Jesse really took the time to talk with us about the purpose of this wonderful place and I really appreciated his one-on-one help when I attended a workout session.  I love that along with the workouts, Trish has provided excellent resources for nutrition.  You can schedule a session with Trish to discover the right meal plan for you and she also schedules workshops.Their website provides great resources for training and nutrition as well. You can even do workouts through the online program if you have suspension trainers and kettlebells!

I was so impressed with Lyceum and their whole concept of focusing on your own progress and not comparing yourself to others. I love that they work with you, no matter your level. I love that its all about YOU as an individual. I love that your success is based on what you put into it.  This is a great gym and I hope all of you in Utah County take advantage of this great place!

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from Brick Canvas. I received a tour, discounts and free services to review for this post. The views expressed in this post are my own.

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Review | Sage Leaf Spa at Brick Canvas

As part of my Brick Canvas participation, 

I was able to experience 

Sage Leaf Spa

I have never had the opportunity to go to a spa before, so having a spa treatment was a definite first for me. Before the appointment, I was a bit nervous and self-conscious about my body, but from the moment I stepped in the door, my mind was at peace.

After you check in, they provide you with a luxurious terry robe and leather slippers. You change in a locker room and lockers are provided for free!  After you change they guide you to the "quiet room."  This dimly-lit room is the perfect place to relax and get mentally prepared for your experience. 

Each room is clean, relaxing, and beautiful. My massage therapist, Katelyn, was wonderful. She truly had magic hands.  I decided to try out the Vichy Shower for my treatment.  This experience was like nothing I have ever experienced before. I received a honey-butter and lavendar exfoliation scrub underneath hot shower heads.  I also received an amazing scalp massage and had my hair washed and conditioned. You are covered modestly the entire time with a towel. My only complaint is that I wish the towel was just a little larger. I would have been just a bit more comfortable, since I am a big-bodied person.


After the "shower," I was brought to another room and given a light massage with coconut body lotion. My skin has never felt so good!

After the treatment, you can relax again in the "quiet room" for as long as you want to and partake in the provided water and treats of chocolate, dried fruit, and nut clusters.

I was so impressed with Sage Leaf Spa and I can't wait to go back and try a full body massage. They use high-quality products and doTerra oils in all of their treatments. The staff is so experienced and knowledgeable and they excel at targeting your specific needs and wants. If you are looking for a spa in Utah - this is the one to go too! My experience felt so personalized and really helped me to de-stress and be at peace.

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from Brick Canvas. I received a tour, discounts and free services to review for this post. The views expressed in this post are my own.

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Utahns!!! Brick Canvas Giveaway

I have the most amazing opportunity to introduce you to

Brick Canvas

Brick Canvas at Thanksgiving Point is an amazing place, full of unique studios and services that help you to discover ways to balance your body and soul.  It's the perfect outlet to help shape and change you to be the person you want to be.

The studios have been brought together to CHALLENGE, DISCOVER, EMPOWER, NURTURE, and NOURISH you.

I was given an amazing tour through the building where I was able to meet with each of the studios and in the next 3 weeks, I have been given the opportunity to EXPERIENCE each of these studios to the fullest! I am so excited to share my experience with you!

Please follow the links to read more about this amazing place! And make sure you visit the bottom of the post for a chance to win a free 30-minute massage, plus a discount for everyone on their first visit!!! 

www.brickcanvas.com
Facebook

Brick Canvas features a unique combination of studios, including a fitness and nutrition center, full-service spa, hair salon, Bikram Yoga studio, juice bar, and more. Each studio has a specific focus that will challenge, empower and nurture you – both inside and out.

Shelli Gardner, Co-Founder and CEO of Stampin’ Up and owner of Brick Canvas shares her vision for the new space, “We wanted Brick Canvas to be more than just a place for exercise or pampering. We envisioned a space that would be inviting, yet motivate everyone who comes through the door to achieve their goals, whether that’s increased strength and flexibility or a new hair style that makes them feel more confident.”

The Brick Canvas studios include:

Bikram Yoga

A state-of-the-art Bikram Yoga studio – the first in Utah County - where you can increase your flexibility, strengthen your core, and quiet your mind.

Lyceum

A fitness and nutritional wellness studio that tailors solutions to meet individual needs, and empowers people of all fitness levels to reach their highest potential with an integrated approach, including resistance and strength training, and nutritional coaching.

Sage Leaf Spa

A full-service spa where experienced therapists and estheticians customize your massage, facial, and body treatments to ensure that you get the care and nurturing you deserve, and that you leave feeling renewed and refreshed.

Vivesque

Brought to you by the nationally recognized Salon Tantrum, Vivesque is a salon that features cutting edge techniques and some of Utah’s hair artistry leaders, who are committed to helping you look your best with a style you can maintain.

Fraiche

Located just inside Brick Canvas, this inviting juice bar serves smoothies and fresh and delicious snacks that are perfect anytime of the day.

The Loft

With 4,400 square feet of space overlooking beautiful landscaped gardens and a water feature, this space is perfect for hosting a variety of meetings and events.

So, how would you like to experience Brick Canvas? 
If you live in Utah (or visiting in the near future),
 this giveaway is for you! 
Come share in my fun and excitement!

I'm excited to be able to offer one lucky winner

a free 30-minute massage

plus a free month membership
to either Lyceum or Bikram Yoga!

Details:

The winner will receive a free 30-minute massage in the Sage Leaf Spa at Brick Canvas. If the winner wishes they can upgrade to a full 60 minute or 90 minute massage (the winner will just need to pay the difference).

The winner will also receive a free 1-month membership to either Lyceum or Bikram Yoga

I have a little something for EVERYONE! 

For those who do not win, I would like to offer a unique discount to everything at Brick Canvas! During your first visit to Brick Canvas you will receive a 30% discount on anything you purchase. Just mention that you are a reader of DesignZ by DeDe for the discount. This discount will be good for products and services/treatments you purchase on that day in any studio. This offer only goes until the end of October so hurry in! 

Please use the following giveaway form to enter!  

The giveaway ends September 26th at midnight MST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from Brick Canvas. I received a tour, discounts and free services to review for this post. The views expressed in this post are my own.

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The Kitchen Cooking Classes

I am so excited to introduce you to an 

amazing place in Provo, Utah! 

If you live in Utah or are coming to visit Utah - you can't miss out on these amazing cooking classes!  It's a great alternative for date night or girls night out! There are a variety of classes to choose from - taught by some fabulous chefs! 

I was lucky enough to attend a class in January taught by Rebecca Millican. My class was titled WARM DESSERTS FOR COLD NIGHTS and it was truly AMAZING! 

We received 3 great recipes for Bread Pudding, Chocolate Lava Cakes, and Apple Tarts. These desserts were so scrumptious - I'll seriously never be the same again. I have never had a bread pudding that I enjoyed - but THIS ONE - WOW! I loved it! We even learned how to make our own little individual tinfoil ramekins for cooking the tarts! I can't wait to make these again for my family!

I can't say enough good things about these classes! I loved the environment - it was a beautiful functioning kitchen and the classes were small enough that we all could see everything going on. Our instructor was so inspiring and she had a great way of explaining and answering questions. I loved hearing all the hints and tricks from a renowned chef!  

The complete highlight of my night was the extra recipe that our instructor gave us - a YUMMY Vanilla Custard Sauce that went well with everyone one of the desserts! It was SCRUMPTIOUS! I am salivating just thinking about how good it was.

And I have the best news ever - I get to share the recipe with you! Thanks to the people at The Kitchen for letting me share it! It goes so well with desserts and crepes! You gotta try it to believe it!  And you really should make it with real vanilla beans if you can - it makes it over the moon good!

Vanilla Custard Sauce

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup sugar

6 egg yolks

1/2 vanilla bean or 1-2 tsp vanilla extract

Place the sugar and the heavy cream in a medium saucepan. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

Place the egg yolks in a medium mixing bowl and whisk to break up.

You are going to want to temper the mixture so that the eggs don't cook. So whisk approximately half of the hot cream into the egg yolks, then return this mixture to the remaining cream in the saucepan, whisking as you pour it in.

Return the pan to the heat. Over medium heat, stir the mixture constantly with a rubber spatula. Continuously scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent any of the mixture from sticking. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly. DO NOT BOIL, or the mixture will separate!

Strain the mixture into a clean bowl and cool over a bowl of ice water.

Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days!

I can't wait to attend another class! I really encourage 

each of you to visit THE KITCHEN and 

attend one of these classes! You won't regret it! 

If you are going to a class - let me know - I would love to 

come with you and make sure you tell them I sent you!

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