Clever Creations Tryazon’s Tryabox!

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The holidays are always so special to me and my family. We always remember we are blessed, every day of the year. Maybe that is why Christmas is just so special to us. We absolutely love decorating, and really look forward to it too. I will be honest, I start to sneak decorations up before Thanksgiving, and normally leave them up to Three Kings Day. Traditions span the religions of our world. One tradition of families celebrating Christmas, is passing on decorations from generation to generation. Clever Creations is a company that sells Nutcrackers. Not just the usual ones that we see everywhere, but all types. Types that can be adored by many.

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I was thrilled to be chosen for this Clever Creations Tryabox! I was sent three of their different Nutcrackers, and a trio of their Shatterproof Pickle Ornaments. We used to play the Pickle Game every year. When our family changed, we stopped playing. I am so excited to renew this game. It is so much fun. The three Nutcrackers I was sent are: The Traditional King Nutcracker, The Chubby Italian Nutcracker, and The Lady In Silver Nutcracker.

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The Pickle Game revolves around the Pickle Ornament. “The pickle ornament is the last ornament put on the tree. The first-person Christmas morning to find the ornament gets to open the “pickle present”.” The present can be anything that you want it to be. Since Santa always spoils my children, I used to make it cash, like a $10.00 bill. That way, no matter the age of the recipient, the gift would be perfect. I cheated though, because I am a softy. There was also always a consolation prize, too. I love, love, love, that the pickle isn’t glass, like my last one was. Now, I don’t have to worry about it breaking on Christmas morning, and someone hurting themselves. It comes in a three pack too. So, if I want, I can write up the story of the pickle game, and give the extras to a couple friends as a hostess gift, or just as a gift, or to a neighbor, etc. It’s fun giving people presents!

I received the traditional green Pickle Ornaments. They do have them available in other color options as well. Included in the package are some silver threads. You need to attach them to the ornaments yourself. Or, you can attach a hook of your choice. The ornaments measure out at 1.5″ x 1.5″ x 4.5″. I love how they have gold, sparkly spots all over the pickles. I love sparkles! Just make sure your Christmas lights don’t reflect off of them, or that may make it easier to find, lol!

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 I lucked out and received one of the traditional Nutcrackers: The Traditional King Nutcracker. It is one of the staples, so we are proud to have it in our family now. My King measured out at 12” tall. The top of his crown, brings him to a little over 12”. His Gold Staff is moveable, but does not come out of his grasp. He is made out of wood, and has been decorated in Red, Blue, and Gold tones. I love his traditional mustache, that was painted on. I also think his expression is priceless; so serious, guarding, ruling. His nutcracker action is smooth going. What I love the most about this one, is the little bit of glam, the jewels that adorn his outfit and crown. So perfect for a King.

The next Nutcracker sent to me is from their Chubby Series; The Chubby Italian Nutcracker. Since I have some Italian in me, I really got a kick out of him. He does have some paint smudges on him, but I am used to seeing that with Nutcrackers. The Italian carries a basket of grapes, which actually is moveable too. I think they scraped against his body in packaging. In his other hand, he carries a bottle of wine. The bottle has been marked with the year 2017. I really like that! I can never forget the year I received him, now. Mine measured out at 7” tall; short and stout. He is just too cute, even with the smudges. Honestly, they make him look more authentic. Like he was out there gathering the grapes, and making the wine. I really love him. They even gave him a checkered bandana around his neck. His mouth opens smoothly too, it’s just a little harder to see it, because of the bandana. I am really loving the chubby series. It also makes it easier to group the Nutcrackers together, that way.

Last but not least, is the third Nutcracker I received. I honestly, have never seen anything like her in Nutcrackers before; The Lady In Silver Nutcracker. I mean, WOW. Talk about glam! She radiates sparkle, and I love things that sparkle. She is also made out of wood. Besides being painted, she is adored in an outfit of sequins. She looks so regal, so beautiful. She stands at 14” tall. I love her white fur hat, and the matching fur adorned gown. She is even carrying a sequined purse, and wears a silver necklace. Her long black gloves are painted on, so she can never lose them. They cleverly covered the front of her nutcracker with her flesh colored tape. So, at a quick glance, it is not noticeable from the front, unless you are opening it up. They painted the wood lever on her back, silver, to match the gown. I love how regal, yet sweet, her painted on face is. She looks like royalty.

Clever Creations offers many different styles of Nutcrackers for sale. Overall, I am pretty happy with them. They have a lot of character to them, and are a decoration that is both fun to give and receive. I am most definitely going to look forward to pulling them out of my Christmas boxes every year, and setting them out for all to enjoy. They make me smile. They make my family smile. What more is there to ask for.

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You can give Clever Creations some love, and follow them here:

https://www.pinterest.com/tryazon/clever-creations-for-christmas/

https://www.facebook.com/cleverchefco/?ref=br_rs

 Here are the links to these particular Nutcrackers as well as the Clever Creations Storefront on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/s?marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&me=A3DT8NCMU69VU5&merchant=A3DT8NCMU69VU5&redirect=true

https://www.amazon.com/Shatterproof-Christmas-Ornaments-Clever-Creations/dp/B01IWMKIJU/ref=sr_1_10?m=A3DT8NCMU69VU5&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1509928110&sr=1-10

https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Nutcracker-Clever-Creations-Christmas/dp/B01M0U5PYD/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1507220771&sr=1-1&keywords=Clever+Creations+Chubby+Italian

https://www.amazon.com/Nutcracker-Clever-Creations-Collectable-Christmas/dp/B072188TRY/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1507220717&sr=1-1&keywords=Clever+Creations+Lady+in+Silver+with+Purse+Nutcracker

https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Clever-Creations-Collectible-Embellished/dp/B01HOT0QAI/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1507220841&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=Clever+Creations+nutcracker+red+12+in&psc=1

http://clevercreationsco.com/

I received these as a sample through Tryazons Tryabox. All opinions are honest and my own.

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LightingEver’s 16.4ft, 300 LEDs RGB Strip Light Kit Review

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LED lighting comes in so many options nowadays. Strip lighting, which is what this is, is so easy to work with, and affords a variety of ways to play with lighting in your home. It can be used for holiday lighting, daily lighting, decorative lighting, and project lighting. This particular kit from Lighting Ever arrives with a 16.4ft strip of RGB, peel and stick lighting, 1 remote with batteries included, 1 user guide, 1 remote adapter, and 1 AC adapter. These lights are not waterproof. They are best used indoors, or on a covered porch away from moisture, or moisture build up. If you need to cut these to fit where you are using them, let’s say, to make a turn, you can. You will need to order light strip connectors though, so they will still work on one run. It can only be cut at a certain spacing, though, so check before you do. The remote is a 44 Key remote. These lights have so many settings. You can choose the basic white lighting, which is my favorite, or one of 20 different light color choices. You can leave it steady on, or on a fade mode, and adjust the speed to your liking. It can also flash through the regular RGB colors on its’ own. They do get warm to the touch when on, but not hot. So make sure they will have some ventilation, where you mount them. This is normal for LED tape lighting. My husband is a commercial electrician and has used it for years. The remote is very responsive, and the lights are bright and clear.  This strip uses 36 watts of power. It has 300 LEDs on it. So, it uses just a little over have the amount of power, that a regular 60 watt bulb uses. No bad at all, for so much light.

Overall, a well working light strip. The remote is very responsive. The lights are nice and clear. Everything is all set up for immediate use, upon arrival.

 This product is available here for purchase: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M2ZRYW3/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I received these at a discount. All opinions are honest and my own.

 

It’s time to sparkle with A Touch of Dazzles’ Joy to the World Necklace.

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I love the holidays, all of them. I also love jewelry. Jewelry personalization is a lot of fun. It adds a whole new layer to the enjoyment of jewelry. I love that more companies are offering a version of clear lockets, and locket charms. A Touch Of Dazzle has a great variety of jewelry. I was very happy to get acquainted with this company. I ordered their Joy To The World Christmas Necklace Charms Locket. It is absolutely adorable, and oh so Christmassy.

They offer all types of jewelry: earrings, dangles, bangle bracelets, bracelets, charm necklaces, charm sets, necklaces, key chain charms, and even a DIY Locket Party Set. I’ve never seen a DIY party set before, for sale. What a fun idea! So many age groups would really enjoy that. A lot of their jewelry is even 18KT gold plated, or Rhodium plated, for those of you with metal sensitivities.

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I absolutely love, love, love the Joy to the World necklace, I received. They have other versions of the same necklace, as well as charm packs, for purchase. The case surround is encircled with pretty, sparkly red crystals around it. It arrived nicely packaged, in a jewelry gift box. Perfect for gift giving. The necklace itself is stainless steel, which is very durable, and long lasting. It won’t turn on you, like other metals, and shouldn’t bother most people. My guys love stainless steel jewelry, as do I. The charms included with my locket are: 1 Joy to the World plate, 3 green floating crystals, 1 gold tone star, 1 wreath, 1 candy cane, and 1 Santa. I love them. Not only are they so cute, but the detail is perfect. The locket stays closed tightly due to the strong magnets used. It shouldn’t just pop open you. There is an indent on the right side of the locket, where you place your nail into it to pry it open. It’s pretty easy to do. Both sides of the locket are clear glass. The chain opens and closes via a lobster claw clasp. I find this type of clasp to be easier to do by oneself, and more reliable too. That has been my personal experience. I love that lockets like this can be changed out. You do not have to order a whole new necklace just to change the look and feeling of it. You can just order new charms. I love charms, especially ones this tiny. They add that touch of whimsy and personality that I really love. The chain on this necklace it a 22” chain with the extender. The extender has a pretty oval charm on it that states A Touch of Dazzle. Overall, this is a well made, and festive necklace. It is absolutely perfect for the holidays! I love it.

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I am very, very happy with a Touch Of Dazzles’ jewelry. A Touch of Dazzle provides beautiful jewelry that expresses precious moments of happiness for Moms, daughters, friends, and everyone in between. Find all of their amazing products using the button below.  My Readers save 15% by using code: KARMAS15. Just apply this code at checkout. It’s very easy to do.

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I received this as a sample. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

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Be Holiday Ready with MOT Global’s Christmas Photo Booth Props.

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Christmas time is such a fun and festive season. It brings so much joy, laughter, and creates so many wonderful memories. I really think the world is a better place during this time. Photographs are such an integral part of the holidays, too. With all of the new selfie gadgets, photos are really changing. There is a whole new perspective we are getting now. Not everyone can afford to have professional photos done for large parties, and family gatherings. I give props to these Christmas Photo Booth Props from Mot Global. Not only is this an affordable set, but they are cute, fun, and easy to use. In their set you get 52 pieces to spice up your photos with, as well as 4 festive, holiday bookmarks to use. They include the sticks, and double sided sticky tabs to attach the sticks to the props, as well.

It is so easy to attach the bamboo sticks to the props. Carefully peel one sticky dot off of the sheet, and place it onto your prop. Then, take one of the sticks, and place the end onto the sticky dot. The dots really are sticky and hold the sticks perfectly in place. I was very happy and relieved to see how well they worked. The props are made out of card stock. They all have a sheen to them as well. The colors are pretty vivid, and the props are hilarious. There are even props that can be used throughout the year. There are mustache props, pipes, bowties, a present, silly glasses, and even a tongue sticking out. These would all be appropriate for other seasons and occasions. They do, however, sell 3 other different options on their sale page, that are not Christmas themed. Overall, these are really fun, and would be great for simple photos to all out parties. We sure do love them.

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I received these props for free, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. – MOT Global’s Christmas Photo Booth Props 52 Pieces DIY Kits Party Supplies with 4 Free Bonus Bookmarks

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If you would like to purchase this set, they are available here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MG95JB4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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World Vision Giveaway!!!!!!!!!! Enter, Enter, Enter!

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This time of year is always so full of love and joy. The spirit of giving is in the air, and people seem a little nicer. I really love this time of year. We have today a wonderful giveaway from the World Vision Gift Catalogue. The values of this giveaway is stated at $530. That is pretty exciting to me. In this giveaway, the prizes are: 1 History’s first coffee blend set, 1 tree of life votive holder, 1 upcycled artisan bowl, 1 royal silk scarf, 1 turquoise medallion necklace, and 1 mango wood beaded bracelet.

The rules involved in this contest are: Entrants must be both 18 or older and US residents.  Giveaway will be open for entry from 12/2 until 12/15/2016.  To enter please click on the Enter Here button below:

Giveaway Host:

Parenting In Progress

Co Host:

Ms. Cat’s Honest World

&

Cspierdowis Product Reviews

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This prize is sponsored by World Vision if for some reason they are unable to send the prize Parenting In Progress and co hosts are not responsible for the supply of prizes.

Find out more by visiting the World Vision Catalog Website.
Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube as well.
Disclosure:  No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.

 

Get tricky with it! – Gifts and Gadgets Onlines’ Gift Card Maze by TechTools.

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I have seen advertisements for maze boxes over the years, in magazines. I have always been very intrigued by them, but have never pulled the trigger on ordering one. I give gift cards every year as gifts, and they really aren’t any fun to buy. This baby brings the enjoyment up a notch for the buyer, lol. Maybe not so much for the receiver, haha. This maze box from Gifts and Gadgets Online is pretty cool. I love that it’s see through, and made out of pretty durable plastic. This should be reusable as long as no one pries open the door. It measures out at 5 ½” long x 3 3/8th” wide x just over ½” thick. It works like any other ball maze. You need to move the metal ball through the maze, until it lands over the slide. When the ball is there, you push the slide firmly over, and it pops the door open. The first time I tried it, I gently slid the slide over, and nothing happened. I then pushed the slide firmly over, and the ball moved and the door popped open. It was a Eureka moment, if I may say so myself! This maze comes with a snowman card in the slot. It’s pretty cute. This will fit any regular sized gift card perfectly. It will also fit cold hard cash as well. I am so excited about using this, this holiday season. For once, a gift card will be a lot of fun to give!

I received this at a discount. I was under no obligation to leave my honest and unbiased review. – Gifts and Gadgets Onlines’ Gift Card Maze by TechTools.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M4GJ7NP/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Snowflake simplicity. – SolarDukes’ Snowflakes Solar Powered Garden Stake Lights.

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The winter season is coming fast. Instead of just thinking of the ice cold weather that is coming, it’s fun to think of the decorations that surround the months, and the beauty and intricacy of the snowflake. Snowflakes are so beautiful. As children we are taught how to cut them out of paper, and to draw them as best as we can. They are just so beautiful. These particular solar lights from SolarDuke are really pretty too.

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I am loving how sensitive the newer solar panels are, for something so small. The solar panels on these lights are only as big as my palm, yet, I was actually able to charge one in my window, during Hurricane Mathew. We needed something bright and cheery with all the darkness, wind, and rain. These lights are actually yard stakes that you put together easily. They are fully weatherproof as well. They stand about 32” tall, and will go on by themselves at nighttime.

These are LED lights as well, and are rated to last about 100,000 hours. Fortunately, the internal battery is replaceable, because it won’t last as long as the LEDs, lol. They rotate through 7 beautiful colors, and because of the clear plastic snowflake design, really glow in such a mesmerizing way. Under each solar panel, you will see a switch to turn it on and off, as needed. Otherwise just slide the stakes together, to assemble them, and place them out in the sun. They will go on at night and be off by morning.

The snowflakes are made out of a clear plastic. But they are actually pretty thick, and a little bigger than my fist. This is a set of two, so they would be really pretty flanking a doorway, or a garage door, walkway, gateway, and more. You can order more than one set, and then place them in pots along your deck. I love that no electricity is required. Your electric bill will not go up. They are not hot to the touch, and they are not too bright, and shouldn’t keep you awake at night. I love, love, love them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, I’m sure you can tell by all of my gushing about them. These are a win, win for the winter season. They were a big hit in my household.

I received this at a discount. I was under no obligation to leave my honest and unbiased review. – Snowflakes Solar Powered Garden Stake Lights Color Changing Outdoor Decoration Lawn Patio Deck Yard Decor by SolarDuke

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If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXZGT4A/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Time to be fancy. – GC Quill Writing Calligraphy Pen Set Writing Case 100% Handcrafted.

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Calligraphy is such a beautiful art form. There is something so elegant about a piece written in calligraphy. Some people have such an amazing talent for it. From scriptures to gift tags, it is always so beautiful to look at. I am so excited about this set. I had a simple one, years ago when I was very young. This set is absolutely perfect for anyone getting into calligraphy. It has everything needed to get started. In this set you get: 5 different inks to choose from, 1 ink bottle stand with ink holder, 6 nibs (writing tips), and 1 calligraphy pen. Since this set was hand crafted, and made alongside the companies that make professional pens, you can rest assured this pen will work the way it should.  You just need to provide paper, and an eagerness to learn. After a quick search online, I found so many free templates to begin your calligraphy lessons with. So, you do not have to wing it, no worries. The pen is well balanced, and the different tips are nice and smooth to work with. If you are new, like me, to this, make sure you are in an area, where no one will knock your bottle of ink over. I knocked my well over, lol. It’s a new experience to get used too.

The ink included is pretty nice to deal with as well. It does not have a pungent odor to it all. I have asthma and allergies, and it doesn’t bother me one bit. No animal products were used in these inks. They are “non-toxic soluble dyes and pigments suspended in acrylic shellac”. This tips are supposed to last awhile. They are made out of stainless steel and are “tipped with iridium alloy”, to keep rolling smoothly for years. The handcrafted pen is so pretty, and made out of a pretty Birch wood. I am new to this set, but I am believing the hype. It is easy to hold and use. It’s a fun experience. This pen is nicer than the one I had many years ago, and that does make a difference. I love having the different heads to really be able to try the different styles with, as well as the different ink colors. It’s the perfect beginners’ for me, and I think it would make a great gift.

I received this for free. I was in no way obligated to leave my unbiased and honest review. – GC Quill Writing Calligraphy Pen Set Writing Case 100% Handcrafted – 5 Bottle Ink – Best Calligraphy DIp Pen For Kids and Beginners – 100% Quality Guarantee

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KZ8KFOC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sparkles! – Gao Ges’ LED String Lights -100 Leds, 33 feet Copper Wire.

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I absolutely love fairy lights on copper wire. First off, I love, love, love copper. No clue why, but I do. The color is so rich and vibrant. It has always been a favorite of mine. I was thrilled when they first came out with these lights. So, I am not new to them. This set is waterproof, but the waterproofing of the outdoor outlet will be up to you. That part is not waterproof. This particular set from the Gao Ge store on Amazon, is 33 feet long, and has 100 LEDs on it. 100 beautiful, warm white, LEDs. The thin copper wire is surprisingly more durable than you would think, and the LEDs are interwoven into the wire. I think it’s pretty cool how they do this. This particular set is a one mode set. They stay steady on. The cord does separate; in case you have a remote set up. These lights will accept it. Fortunately, the lead line is a good length (18”), which makes setup easier. This wire really stays put too. You can wrap it around almost anything, and it won’t budge. For example, I had a set of solar powered fairy lights, copper ones like these. I wrapped them around the landing banister of the deck. It stayed out for almost a year, before the cord was cut by the edger. We had a hurricane go through, and a ton of storms. They never, ever budged an inch. I just wrapped them around the banister too. I did not use anything at all to keep them in place. I love LEDs, they are so durable, and just keep on going, no matter what. They have a really long life span, thousands of hours. This company did not state the specific amount of hours from what I could find. From my past with this type of light, it’s normally around 50,000 hours.

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These lights do not get hot to the touch at all, so little ones won’t hurt themselves if they accidently touch them. These lights use so little energy as well. They only consume 12W of power. You can do almost anything with these, as long as you have a nearby outlet. They have a regular 2 prong plug on them. You can place them inside a bottle. You can decorate your patio like I did, or your bedroom, wreaths, pictures, behind frames, and more. With the holidays coming up, you can decorate around your decorations with these. Since they are so neutral, and offer a warm white light, they can be used year round as well. There is really nothing I do not like about these lights. I am a big, big fan.

I received these for free, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. – Gao Ges’ LED String Lights -100 Leds, 33 feet Copper Wire, Warm White Outdoor Decor Lighting, Water-Proof.

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If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KRPUWPU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Serving it up in style with Virginia Kitchen Boys’ Large 1 1/2 Quart Ceramic Casserole Dish.

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I have been lucky enough to be able to review Virginia Kitchen Boys’ ceramic cookware in their Lavender theme. This is the 4th piece I’ve received. It’s their 1 ½ quart casserole dish. I absolutely love it. It is also such a useable piece. As like the other pieces, this product is handcrafted here in the USA. It is made out of “100% lead free, cadmium free, non-toxic, all natural sustainable clays and paints.” It is microwaveable, oven, and dishwasher safe as well. You can cook with this in the oven up to temperatures of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be picky about drastic temperature changes. For example, do not take it out of the oven, and put it straight into the sink to wash. Also, don’t take it from being wet from washing it, and place it into the oven. Even though it is dishwasher safe, and has a hard finish on it, I like to hand wash my ceramic wear. I’m afraid of other items in the machine chipping my cookware. This casserole dish has the beautiful lavender decoration going all the way around the outside if it. It is really pretty to serve it. The slick ceramic coating goes around all of the dish, except for the underside, on this one. Since you can cook and serve in this same dish, do not forgot to place a trivet down on the table. Then, when you are done serving from it, when it cools of, you can wrap it and place the leftovers in the fridge, in the same casserole dish. I love convenience like this. You can do so much with this dish. You can just serve cadies, or snacks in it. You can make hot dips, casseroles, salads, baked omelets, and cook meat dishes in it as well. You can make your yummy fruit crisp dessert in this dish, and be proud to serve it to your guests. Hummus is the new craze, and you can definitely serve it proudly in this dish. I love baking brie with fruit preserves, and that can be done easily in this casserole dish. You really can’t go wrong. I love cooking in stoneware like this, because it heats up so evenly, this cooking your food dish so evenly. I am absolutely loving their line of lavender themed ceramic cookware. This casserole dish is going to get a ton of use.

I received this product at a discount, in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are 100% solely my own.”– Virginia Boys’ Kitchens’ Large 1 1/2 Quart Ceramic Casserole Oven-to-table Deep Baker and Serving Dish with Decorative Hand Painted Lavender Design.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016V9SWTO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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