Fun product reviews, and CSN Stores giveaway!

I recently had the opportunity to review a few products, thanks to the Foodbuzz Tastemaker program.

Marx Foods Palm Leaf Plates
First, and by far my favorite, was the Marx Foods Palm Leaf Plates.

The plates produced by this friendly (and earth-friendly) company are made of naturally discarded materials, and are both disposable and biodegradable. Note that I work for a company that used to supply disposable, biodegradable dishware in our kitchenettes, so I consider myself an expert on these typically second-rate disposable dishware options.

But these plates are fabulous. They're incredibly sturdy, so much so that I actually felt guilty disposing of them. And they have higher, rounded edges that really help keep food in its place. Even nachos.

Admittedly, they're a bit weird-looking. It almost looks like you're eating off balsa wood plates. But I highly recommend them for your next gathering. They're sturdy, unique, and definitely a conversation piece.

Eggo Real Fruit Pizza
I received an incredibly elaborate package one evening, complete with huge box, dry ice, and the works. Inside was ... two boxes of Eggo Real Fruit Pizza. (It probably would have been more cost-effective and environmentally friendly to issue a few coupons.) The pizzas come in two flavors: strawberry granola and mixed berry granola. And they can be either nuked in the microwave or baked in the oven. They look pretty healthy, with a whole-grain crust, and a yogurt, granola, and fruit topping. I'm sorry, dear Eggo people, but it didn't work for me. The prevailing flavor was the yogurt, and otherwise it was just kind of dry and chewy. (P.S. I still love your toaster waffles.)

Buitoni Premium Frozen Meals
We received a coupon to try one of the new varieties of Buitoni Premium Frozen Meals, from the folks who've been making refrigerated pastas and sauces for years. We tried the Braised Beef & Sausage Ravioli. The meal was incredibly simple to make, with both the pasta and sauce cooking in just minutes (perfect for a weeknight). The pasta was nice and thick and flavorful, although I wasn't terribly wild about the filling. The hubby thought his was quite good, though. We'll definitely try this again in another variety.

CSN Stores giveaway!
I was recently contacted by Jess from CSN Stores about sponsoring a giveaway for a $40 gift certificate toward anything from dining room furniture to children's toys and games on csnstores.com or any of its more than 200 sites.

What would you purchase with your $40? Perhaps some new Le Creuset?

A lunch bag or three to send the kiddies back to school in style?

Some stylin' new dishes for the pets?

TO ENTER: Simply leave a comment telling me what you would like to buy with your $40 gift certificate. The deadline is Friday, August 20. (Please include a name, as well; anonymous entries will not be counted. Yes, Mom, I'm talking to you.)

Please note that the giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. or Canada, and that additional shipping charges or international fees might apply for Canadian addresses.

Happy shopping!