Points of Review

Staying Organized with the Samsung 4-Door LCD Refrigerator with Apps {Gift Card Giveaway}

2011-06-27T14:34:00.015-06:00

Tell me if this sounds familiar. You head downstairs first thing in the morning, pour your first cup of coffee while looking through bleary eyes and sit down in front of the calendar to remind yourself what you need to accomplish that day. Ah yes, soccer practice for the kids, appointments to schedule, dinner to be made...you know, the usual. You turn on the television and flip to the Weather Channel to check out the day's forecast (God forbid you actually step outside to check the temperature).

Next, you stand in front of the freezer, door wide open, and realize that all you have for dinner is chicken breasts...again. What the heck are you going to do with chicken breasts to stop your family from saying, "Can't we get takeout tonight"? And then you realize you won't be home in time from soccer practice to turn on the rice so that it will be ready in time for dinner. Better leave a note for the husband to turn on the rice when he gets home.

If you're like me, this is a standard scenario for the morning. More often than not, at least one of the items on my mental "to do" list gets forgotten because organizing myself in a coherent fashion is not one of my strong points. In fact, I would say that I am the queen of random notes. Little pieces of paper, covered with well-intentioned reminder notes, litter my work area in the kitchen. Guess how efficient that system is. It's a wonder that I get anything done at all.

What I really need is one central place where I can organize all of this information. That's where the Samsung 4-Door LCD Refrigerator with Apps comes in. That's right - WiFi...in your fridge.

If this beauty was sitting in my kitchen, I could check the weather report, figure out what the heck I was going to do with that chicken by looking up recipes, and leave my husband a note about turning on the rice, using the post-it function.

I haven't come up with a name yet, but I'm sure I'd have to christen this new kitchen companion with a down-to-earth, sensible name. Madge, Mabel...something like that. Not only would she keep me organized in my daily tasks, but Madge would store and food in a very novel way. Besides the Wi-Fi, one of the coolest features about this fridge is the FlexZone Drawer. The drawer is divided into four sections which can each be set to a different temperature so that you can store a variety of food and drinks at the proper temperatures.

If you would like more information about this amazing appliance, head over to the Official site

This fridge would do wonders in solving my organizational issues. Now I want to hear from you.

Imagine your dream appliance to solve a vexing problem for your chance to win $100 Best Buy gift card.

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment
on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on
this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about
an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older and runs from 7/25-8/19/11.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be
selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Head to the BlogHer round-up page for more chances to win.

Sports Mums and Gatorade

2011-03-31T10:00:00.003-06:00

This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and GATORADE.

If you are a sports mum, have you ever wondered if you are providing your young athletes with the proper nutrition they need to perform their best in practices and games? I thought I had it all figured out. That is, until I was given some key information that all sports mums should know.

When my eldest son first started playing organized sports at age four, it was all about participation and fun. If he happened to learn a few skills along the way, then we felt as though we received more than our money's worth. For many kids, the highlight of the practices and games was the snacks, which typically comprised of some type of packaged sweet treat and a juice box.

Times have changed. Soccer practices are no longer just about dribbling and kicking as hard as you can. Rather, practices are a straight hour and a half of technical ball-handling, conditioning, strategy and play-your-heart-out scrimmages. After 90 minutes of intense exercise, my son's face is bright red (an exercise side-effect the poor kid inherited from me) and he is positively famished.

As a sports mum, my role has moved from cheerleader (though I still relish that part) to food and beverage supplier. Considering that 70 percent of mothers have teens and tweens in competitive sports (that's 13 million of us in the United States), I am certainly not alone in wondering what types of fuel I should be providing to my young athletes. Gatorade, the leading sports drink maker, surveyed 900 mums to come up with some areas where we need guidance when it comes to our kids' nutrition.

For example, did you know:

athletes should re-fuel with protein in 30 to 60 minutes following exercise to promote muscle recovery,
seventy percent of teen athletes arrive at sporting events dehydrated, and
more than half of sports mums say that their kids are not properly fueled pre-practice or game.

As a result of this survey, Gatorade has set up a special site devoted to sports mums. In conjunction with the scientist at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI), the people at Gatorade are offering sports nutrition information and training tips to assist sports mums with the daily challenge of properly fueling their young athletes.

In addition, take the time to watch some Gatorade Videos, which include stories of mums who made sacrifices to help their children (some now professional athletes) perform to their full potential in the sporting arena.

To stay updated on further research and helpful tips from Gatorade, be sure to Visit the Official site .

For a chance to win a $100 gift to Dick's Sporting Goods, please answer the following questions in the comment section:

"As a sports mum (or dad), what information would you find most helpful to aid you in properly fueling your kids before and after sporting events?"

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment
on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on
this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about
an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be
selected.

The Official Rules are available here
For additional chances to win, please head to the Prizes & Promotions section on BlogHer.

Visit the Official Rules.

This giveaway runs from 3/31-4/30/2010.

Cache Valley Cheese Giveaway

2011-02-23T23:03:00.004-07:00

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Shulie for winning the Cache Valley Cook Pack.

Cache Valley has been home to Cache Valley Dairy since 1937. Their cheeses can be found in the dairy section of almost every grocery store in Utah and beyond. The people of Cache Valley are kindly giving the prize pack you see below, which consists of a Dutch oven, various cooking supplies, and Cache Valley Cheese's cookbook.

To enter, leave a comment telling me your favorite way to use cheddar or Swiss cheese. Please remember to leave your email address with the comment.

Please, no duplicate comments.

This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The deadline for this giveaway is Tuesday, March 1st at 5pm PST.

This giveaway is sponsored by Cache Valley Cheese.

GE Ecomagination Program & A Giveaway

2011-02-15T07:00:00.002-07:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and GE.

Ever since my kids were very young, we have recited Robert Frost's famous poem, The Road Not Taken, to them each night. When we first started, they simply thought it was a nice story about a trail through a pretty woods. Now they understand that Frost's decision to take the road "less traveled by" refers to the decisions, big and small, that we are faced with in our lives each day. When thinking about global issues that appear to be beyond our power as individuals, it is awfully tempting to tromp down that well-worn trail. Really, what can one person do to help with an enormous problem such as energy consumption and its consequences? I'll get to my kids' solution a little later.

With the introduction of the ecomagination Challenge, that is just what GE is urging each of us to think about. The Challenge is an open call for ideas for home energy creation, management, and use. They are not just asking the scientists, the engineers, and large corporations. They want to hear from mothers, fathers, and children about your ideas to reduce energy use. Big ideas. Ideas that can lead to significant changes in your community.

While putting our thinking caps on to come up with some ideas to submit to GE, we are doing our best to make small changes at home. These are small actions that have helped to significantly reduce our energy-related bills, not to mention reducing our carbon footprint. Here are just a few of those ideas:

1) Replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) or GE energy smart LED light bulbs.

2) Wash clothes in cold water.

3) In rooms that are not in use during the day, close curtains and blinds to reduce heat loss in the winter and to stop the rooms from heating up in the summer.

4) Unplug appliances (e.g., toaster oven, laptop computers) when not in use.

5) Pre-program thermostats to turn down heat or air-conditioning at night time or when no one is going to be home.

6) Use the Smart Wash cycle on Energy Star dishwashers.

Last spring, my boys watched several news stories and videos about global warming and how the melting polar caps are effecting the polar bears. They decided that they would like to do an environmentally-minded project. One of the concerns that we have with our city's recycling program is that they do not accept glass products. Instead, we have to collect the glass containers and drive them to a recycling bin that is about 25 minutes from our home. Not only does this negate the purpose of helping the environment (think: gas consumption), but most people will not bother to make the drive and, instead, throw the glass into the garbage.

Clipboard and fliers in hand, the boys approached a number of families in our neighborhood to sign them up for their own brand of recycling. Within 45 minutes, more than a dozen names were added to the list. These willing neighbors pledged to save their glass and put it on their front porch for pick-up each Monday morning. Every Monday, the boys walk to each house, pulling their Radio Flyer wagon behind them and load up the glass to take down to the recycling bin. To date, they have collected over 2000 glass containers and hope to convince our mayor to provide several recycling bins for our city.

My boys are proud that they took the road less traveled by and have made a difference for our neighborhood. It certainly inspires me to make changes of my own, such as turning down the air-conditioning a couple of notches during the summer or remembering to turn off the lights each time I leave the room. It's the little things that count.

Share with me what your energy use challenges at home are, for a chance to win a $50 GE energy smart light bulbs that lives 20 years and saves you $85 in energy costs.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Visit the Official Rules

This giveaway runs from February 15 - March 15, 2011.

Visit the Exclusive Offers section

Tackling the Fitness Giant

2011-01-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Reebok.

There is something a little different about my New Year's resolutions this year. Six days after all of the New Year's revelers have stumbled over the words of Auld Lang Syne and the calendar has flipped to 2011, I will be reaching a milestone of my own. The big 4-0! In past years, my resolutions involved exercising more and eating healthfully for the purpose of fitting into my old jeans or being beach-ready by the time summer rolled around. While those end goals are still at the back of my mind, my objectives are now coming from a different perspective.

Over the years, adjusting from the single life to the satisfying life of being a wife, mother to young boys, and a professional, I had several epiphanies. First, it is necessary to stay in shape simply for the purpose of keeping up with two boys. There is not a lot of sitting down and playing quietly in our house. On any single day, we may wrestle in the family room, shoot hoops in the driveway, practice game-winning touchdown throws, and pull a wagon around the neighborhood to collect glass bottles from 20 to 25 homes. Sitting still is not an option.

Second, I know that I want to be around for many years to come. My boys will be hitting milestones of their own, my husband and I have places in the world we want to explore and, someday, there will be grandchildren and even great-grandchildren to enjoy. I don't want to miss a moment of that. While exercise and healthful eating does not guarantee that I will live a long and healthy life, research shows that engaging in these habits can help ward off certain diseases and live with general good health.

Lastly, the frequency I exercise and the way I eat effects how I feel, the amount of patience I have, and how mentally sharp I am during the day. Believe me, there have been many times that I have fallen off the exercise wagon. The effect on my mental focus and my self-confidence is profound. It is a struggle to start up again, but the rewards are instantaneous and always positive.

So, what are my New Year's resolutions? My running partner and I are going to work on increasing our mileage, with the goal of running a half-marathon in the spring. With my increasing age (ahem) and the issues of decreasing bone-density, it is time to get serious about strength training. As for eating - well, that's a tougher one. You see, I am a food blogger, which means that I cook ALOT. Of course, that also means that I have more control over how I eat. I resolve to work in more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains - in snacks, as well as at mealtime.

Along with the a regular exercise program, I am interested in trying some of those cute, comfy-looking shoes, such as Reebok EasyTones, that promise toning benefits. Really, who doesn't want to tighten their thighs and butt while just doing daily errands and running after the kids? To learn more about Reebok EasyTones, visit the Official site.

Whether or not I fit into my skinny jeans by the end of 2011, I am looking forward to claiming that I embraced turning 40 and enjoyed becoming strong and healthy, both mentally and physically.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following questions in the comment section:

"What are your physical and mental wellness resolutions for 2011?"

Please, no duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

For more chances to win, visit the Exclusive Offers section on the BlogHer round-up page.

This giveaway runs from January 4, 2011 to 5pm PST on January 16, 2011.

Visit the Official Rules.

McCormick Cookie Swap Giveaway & Recipe

2010-12-03T16:30:00.006-07:00

(This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all of you who commented.)

McCormick, who make many of the spices and extracts that you find on your grocery store shelves, are getting into the holiday spirit with a virtual cookie swap. Simply "like" their Facebook page and then start baking. Share your recipes and photos and find inspiration in all of the cookie recipes posted by others. What better way to kick off the holiday baking season?

In addition to the cookie swap, McCormick is teaming up with baker and cookbook author, Lauren Chattman (see the giveaway information below to win her book and other great prizes). On Monday, December 6th at 8:00 pm EST/7:00 pm CST, Chattman will be conducting live cookie demonstration. She will provide invaluable baking tips that will help you put out batch after batch of holiday cookies. Plus, she will choose one recipe from McCormick's Facebook fans to feature and demonstrate. That means one of you!

Be sure to check out the Double Chocolate Ginger & Hazelnut Cookies I made with McCormick spices.

Here's all you have to do:

1. Like the McCormick Spice Facebook page page and connect with a community of fellow flavor fanatics.

2. Swap recipes on the wall as part of the McCormick Virtual Cookie Swap. Share your cookie ideas, draw inspiration from others, post photos and try something new in the kitchen.

3. Watch the live Webcast hosted by Lauren Chattman on December 6, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. EST/7:00 p.m. CST. She’ll offer her “trade” secrets for a successful swap, demonstrate tasty new recipes and highlight one lucky fan’s cookie from those posted to Facebook as part of the McCormick Virtual Cookie Swap.

Plus, McCormick has been kind enough to provide a special gift package for one of you.

The gift package includes:

* A special holiday selection of McCormick extracts and spices
* Martha Stewart collection holiday cookie cutters
* Crate & Barrel mini spatulas
* Red mixing bowl
* Cookie Swap! book by Lauren Chattman

For a chance to win the gift package:

Leave a comment, telling me about your favorite holiday cookie recipe.

For additional chances to win:

1) "Like" McCormick Spice on Facebook. Leave a comment here to let me know you did so.

2) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway, using this message, "Enter to win a McCormick cookie swap gift package on @cookincanuck's site. http://bit.ly/e76vid" Then, come back and leave a comment to let me know you did so.

3) "Like" Cookin' Canuck on Facebook. Leave a comment here to let me know you did so.

4) Subscribe to Cookin' Canuck's RSS feed or subscribe via email (left sidebar under Recipe Index). Leave a comment here to let me know you did so.

Please, no duplicate comments.

This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The deadline for this giveaway is Friday, December 10th at 5pm PST.

Good luck and happy baking!

Disclaimer: This giveaway is being provided by McCormick spices. I am not being compensated for this review and believe in the quality of the McCormick products.

Thanksgiving Memories & Tips, Plus a Giveaway

2010-11-17T07:30:00.005-07:00

This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and Welch's.

Growing up in Canada, we celebrated Thanksgiving near the beginning of October. Unlike the American version, Canadian Thanksgiving has nothing to do with the arrival of the Pilgrims to the new world. Rather, it is a celebration of a successful harvest. Since Canada is further north than the United States, harvest season takes place at an earlier time, which explains the timing of the holiday. Since moving to the United States 15 years ago, I have come to appreciate the timing of American Thanksgiving. Landing mere weeks before Christmas, Thanksgiving is the window into the joy, chaos and merriment of the holiday season. With a full day of cooking and eating and three days of quiet family time, Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite holidays.

For us, as for many families, Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for the big and little gifts in our lives and a time to enjoy the company of family and friends. However, you are reading the words of a food blogger, which means that this holiday also has to be about the food. And a little more food. Oh, and a little more. Preparations start well before feast day - ideas for menus, table settings, and decorations swirl in my head for weeks. Over the years, there have been very successful feasts and some that are, well, less than ideal. However, at the end of the day, when leftovers are wrapped up and guests are sitting in front of the football games in their tryptophan trances, all that really matters is that we did it together.

That being said, there are a few tips and tricks that I have learned over the years to make Thanksgiving day go as smoothly as possible.

Make ahead:
If you leave all of the cooking until Thanksgiving Thursday, you will spend a very long day in the kitchen and emerge with aching feet and a feast that you are too tired to eat. Prepare as many dishes as you can the day before, such as cranberry sauce, pumpkin pies, and even the turkey. Gasp! Yes, the turkey. Years ago, we learned that making the turkey the day ahead for both Thanksgiving and Christmas makes the holiday far less stressful. When the turkey is doused in hot gravy, your guests will never know the difference.

Set the table:
Arrange the table the day before. Put on the tablecloth, lay out the napkins, set out the silverware and glassware, and arrange the centerpiece. Collect all of the serving dishes and utensils you will need so that you are not scrambling at the last minute.

Delegate:
There is no need to be the hero in the kitchen. When your guests ask if there is anything you can bring or if they can help in the kitchen, say "Yes"! Not only does it give your guests warm, fuzzy feelings about contributing to the meal, but also it will take a lot of pressure off of you. Besides, the party always ends up in the kitchen anyways. You might as well put all of those party-goers to work.

Consider rentals:
Most rental places have very reasonable rates for two-day rentals of plates, silverware, and glasses. We have not done this often but, let me tell you, there is nothing better than piling most of the dirty dishes in big containers and sending them back to the rental company to deal with.

Our feast this year will include all of the traditional favorite dishes, along with one of Welch's holiday drink recipes. The choices are all appealing - Holiday Toasting Cup, Sparkling Holiday Punch, Spiced Grape Punch, Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer, and Sparkling Cranberry Punch - and I will likely try all of them over the holiday season, but it will be the Sparkling Holiday Punch that graces our Thanksgiving table this year.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"Which Welch's holiday drink recipe would you like to try?"

Please, no duplicate comments.

For a second entry, you can:

Tweet about this post with a link to it (and put your tweet URL in a separate comment below)
Blog about this post with a link to it (and put your blog post URL in a separate comment below)

This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

For Official Rules click here.

Please head to the BlogHer.com exclusive offers page for 11 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Sweepstakes ends 5pm EST on December 31, 2010.

For more information on Welch's, head to their official site.

Welch's Sparkling Juice cocktails are the perfect choice for happy family celebrations
* Non-alcoholic, so they’re perfect for the entire family.
* Deliciously refreshing with a light, bubbly sensation.
* Upscale package perfect for special celebrations.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Recipes & A Giveaway

2010-11-15T09:00:00.002-07:00

This is a sponsored review by BlogHer and Ghirardelli.

With the holidays just around the corner, visions of sugarplums begin to dance through our heads. Once the sugarplums have been swept aside, peppermint bark and creamy caramel sidle in. Do not miss out on Ghirardelli's versions of these two treats. While all of the traditional treats are highly coveted in our home, there are two non-traditional ones that take top honors - chocolate mousse and chocolate meringue peppermint cookies.

This version of chocolate mousse comes from The Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookbook, which is packed with recipes highlighting the San Franciscan chocolate company's confections. This creamy, decadent mousse comes together very quickly and works beautifully as a make-ahead dessert.

The meringue recipe is inspired by my grandmother, who used to make meringues by the hundred year-round. Ghirardelli chocolate is gently folded into the meringue and each cookie is topped with crushed candy cane pieces. If you are not going to eat dozens of meringue cookies within a few days (we have been known to do so - many times), they freeze very well. Just put them in an airtight container and slip the container into the freezer. To defrost, leave the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Chocolate Mousse:

Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tbsp granulated white sugar
1/4 cup hot brewed coffee

In a large bowl, whip heavy cream on medium-high speed to form light peaks. Set aside in the refrigerator.

Place bittersweet chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water. Heat until the chocolate is melted and smooth, stirring occasionally.

While the chocolate is melting, whip the eggs in a large bowl at medium-high speed until the eggs are very fluffy and thick, about 10 minutes.

Now, prepare to be work quickly. Stir coffee into melted chocolate chips. The mixture will start to thicken. Quickly stir in the beaten eggs, and then fold in the whipped cream. Spoon the mixture into glasses or bowls.

Chill until firm, about 2 hours. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired, and serve.

Serves 8 to 10.

Chocolate Meringue & Peppermint Cookies

3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
4 large egg whites
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/3 cup finely chopped Ghirardelli 60% Bittersweet Chocolate
2 candy canes, finely crushed

Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Place one rack in the upper-middle and one in the lower-middle position of the oven. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. In a large bowl, combine egg whites, vanilla extract, and cream of tartar. Using an electric mixer on medium-low setting, whip the mixture until foamy, about 1 minute. While continuing to whip, gradually add the sugar mixture. Continue to whip the whites until they hold stiff peaks, 4 to 5 minutes.

This may take less or more time depending on the humidity. Make sure that stiff peaks do form, but do not overwhip or they will become dry. Gently fold in chocolate.

Using a spoon or a pastry bag fitted with a plain tip, form meringues on the prepared baking sheets. They should have a little peak and should each be about 1 1/4-inches wide. Sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces on the top of each cookie.

Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 1 hour, switching the placement of the baking sheets and from front to back halfway through baking. Turn off the oven and let the meringues rest in the oven until cooled, about 1 hour (more time may be necessary in humid weather). Remove the meringues from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.

Makes approximately 4 dozen small meringue cookies.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"What are your favorite chocolate holiday desserts or treats?"

Rules:
No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post.

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.

d) Follow this link and provide your email address and your response to the sweepstakes prompt.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.

Please head to the BlogHer.com exclusive offers page for 9 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Please see the BlogHer.com Ghirardelli official rules for this giveaway.

The giveaway runs from 11/15 - 12/15/2010.

Head to the Ghirardelli site for more information on their products.

NFL Game Day Preparations, Plus NFL contests

2010-11-15T07:15:00.002-07:00

This is a sponsored post by BlogHer and P&G.

"Hey, Jack - it's a fact. Game's back in town...I've been waiting all day for Sunday night." That is the first thing I hear when my boys spring out of bed on Sunday morning...and then at least a dozen times throughout the rest of the day. I have never seen my boys (and I am including my husband in this) move so fast as when they hear the opening line of Faith Hill's Sunday Night Football opener. Whether it is the song itself, the promise of a football game, or the little black dress worn by the sultry songstress, they are there in a flash, ready for a knock-down, bone-crunching game of football.

Now, you may wonder what a Canadian wife and mother does while her American boys are watching football on Sunday. Do I slink off to read a book? Do I look for updates of my beloved NHL team online? Nope, I have come to appreciate the game of football during the 15 years I have lived in the United States and can talk West Coast offense, quarterback sacks, and zone defense with the best of them.

Living in Utah, there is not a hometown NFL team to root for, but that does not stop us from having our favorites. My husband has been a Denver Broncos fan for years and so we are all fans by default. My 9-year old, however, pledges his devotion to Eli Manning and the New York Giants, which pleases to me to no end because I see both Manning brothers as well-spoken, classy, hard-working role models for any sports-loving kid. Which leads to my favorite team - the Indianapolis Colts. I have never actually been to Indianapolis, but hold a soft spot for this team, primarily due to the work ethic of Peyton Manning. That leaves my 6-year old son, who is an easy sell right now. At the beginning of the game he asks, "Who are we cheering for?", watches and cheers for a few plays, then heads off to play with his Lego toys.

During time-outs, the boys run outside for a few minutes of punting practice and Hail Mary passes. Once the game is back on, they run back inside to watch the next part of the game. They particularly like to call the penalties before the referees have a chance to announce their decisions. "Holding. Number 91. Defense. 15 yard penalty. Automatic first down." - complete with hand gestures.

As much as game day is about the games themselves, it simply would not be the same without the snacks. Chips and salsa, sweet and spicy chicken wings, mini quiches, beer (for the big "kids"), and root beer (for the little kids). If game day just involves the four of us, a couple of snacks will do. If we are watching a game with friends, we pull out the food stops. Along with the standard finger foods, we turn on the crockpot for a hefty meal of shredded pork tacos or chili.

Whether it is the food, the touchdown passes, or Faith Hill that attracts you, Sunday afternoon and evening football are the perfect excuses to gather with family and friends.

Please head to the BlogHer.com exclusive offers page to read 19 other bloggers' game day stories.

1. Here’s a great opportunity to get some great prizes from one of the NFL’s sponsors, Procter & Gamble. Check out their “Take it to the House” program and photo contest, where prizes include a $10,000 community donation to support NFL PLAY 60 and an at-home visit from a local NFL legend! One lucky Grand Prize Winner will even win a trip to the 2011 Pro Bowl in Hawaii. Show us how you and your football family bring NFL game day to life at home at www.facebook.com/TakeItToTheHouse (click on the contest tab)!

Take it to the House

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2. Facebook contest info:
This football season, YOU have a chance to win some amazing prizes! In football speak, “Taking it to the House” means scoring a long touchdown, but this season, Procter & Gamble, one of NFL’s sponsors, wants to help you take it to the house as part of their Facebook photo contest. Prizes include an at-home visit from a local team legend, a $10,000 community donation in support of NFL PLAY 60 and P&G products.

Show P&G how you bring NFL game day to life at home with your football family for an opportunity to meet an NFL legend, win awesome P&G products and get a $10,000 donation for a children’s health and wellness organization in your community in support of NFL PLAY 60. One lucky Grand Prize Winner will even win a trip to the 2011 Pro Bowl in Hawaii!

It’s easy, moms! Just submit a photo of your “football family” on NFL game day. For more information on “Take it to the House” and to enter the photo contest, visit www.facebook.com/TakeItToTheHouse and click the contest tab.

Family & Holiday Traditions

2010-11-03T11:30:00.001-06:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Folgers.

Christmas is a time when I feel like I am walking on a cloud filled with holiday snow. I love everything about it (well, okay, I could do without the holiday shopping crowds) - the carols, the snow, the treats. Most of all, I revel in the anticipation of spending time with family. Not just a quick weekend visit, but heavy-duty holiday bonding time. Since we don't live in the same state (or country, for that matter) as our families, these extended visits are our opportunity to make up for lost time, to soak in the laughter and find peace in being in each other's company.

When I was a kid, part of the excitement of Christmas lay in the anticipation of the "big day". Each year, my mum bought me an advent calendar and the first thing I would do every morning, from December first through Christmas Eve, was to open the little numbered cardboard door hidden amongst the glitter-filled Christmas scene. Behind that door lay a picture, usually an old-fashioned drawing of a Christmas trinket or activity. Toy soldiers, snowmen, white bunnies, carolers, ice-skaters...each was enchanting in its own way.

To this day, even with my fortieth birthday right around the corner, my mum still sends me an advent calendar each year, along with calendars for my husband and two boys. Each morning, we crowd around our calendars and take turns opening those little doors and exclaiming over the treasure underneath. It is a touchstone moment, one in which we can rejoice in the excitement of the season and, most of all, the promise of spending time with loved ones.

Holidays and traditions mean different things to different people. Please leave a comment and tell me what your favorite holiday traditions is.

Please head to the BlogHer.com exclusive offers page to read the holiday stories by 9 other bloggers.

Head to the Folgers site to enter their essay contest.

Holiday Morning Traditions & A Giveaway

2010-10-26T09:00:00.003-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

It is safe to say we are traditionalists - to the extreme. Each year, Christmas morning proceeds in the same manner, without a single deviation to the routine. After breakfast, which always includes cinnamon rolls drizzled in a maple glaze, we move onto stockings, presents, and one very unusual family tradition, which I will tell you about a little later.

My husband and I are lucky to have families that actually like each other. Every since we married, 11 years ago, we have spent Christmas altogether. That's right - my family, his family, altogether. Since we all live in different cities (or countries, for that matter), we rotate between three cities - Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and Victoria, Canada. It is fun, it is joyful, and it teaches our two boys to really appreciate the best part of Christmas - family and friends. We realize how lucky we are and we treasure each year that we are able to continue the tradition.

During the second Christmas that we spent together, the two grandmothers (my mum and my husband's mum) disappeared into the guest room for about 15 minutes. There was plenty of giggling from behind the closed door and we were instructed to have our cameras at the ready. Finally, the door opened to the sound of jingle bells ringing and out came the two cutest reindeer you ever will see, shaking their little red tails at us. Dressed in matching white fleece jumpsuits, antlers, and red noses, the grandmothers were the spitting images of that famous red-nosed reindeer. The performance was such a hit that it was declared an instant tradition. Now the kids are in on the act and, occasionally, an unsuspecting dog or two.

Since that first reindeer Christmas, the reindeer costume has gone through several changes. One year, we were surprised with cheerleading reindeer, another year the theme was "Christmas hits Hawaii" and included bikini tops (over the fleece jumpsuits), leis, and a rousing rendition of the hula. We always look forward to the next incarnation of Rudolph-in-drag.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"What is one of the holiday traditions that your family participates in (can be Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc.)?"

Please, no duplicate comments.

For a second entry, you can:

Tweet about this post with a link to it (and put your tweet URL in a separate comment below)
Blog about this post with a link to it (and put your blog post URL in a separate comment below)

This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page for 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Sweepstakes ends 5pm EST on November 1, 2010.

For more information on Kellogg's, head to www.loveyourcereal.com.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Halloween Dress-Up & A Giveaway

2010-10-25T08:00:00.002-06:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop-Tarts.

A couple of years ago, I decided to re-embrace my childhood. Halloween had become about the kids, as it should be - finding the perfect costumes, hosting Halloween parties, carving pumpkins, and toasting pumpkin seeds. I decided it would be even more fun for them if my husband and I surprised them on Halloween night with costumes of our own. Yes, it was a completely selfless act, done purely for the kids' entertainment. Right.

My boys were practicing their light saber skills in the family room, decked out in their Obi-Wan and Anakin costumes, when my husband and I appeared as Darth Vader and Queen Amidala. Yes indeed, we were ready for any Star Wars convention that might come to town. My parents were in town for the holiday and decided to get into the act in their clown and Mrs. Doubtfire costumes.

This year, the kids are turning to the dark side of Halloween. They decided it might be fun to be the ones doing the scaring, rather than the other way around. My youngest will be a ninja and my older son is going for the classic Dracula look. My husband and I are still deciding on our costumes, but Herman Munster and Elvira come to mind. I'm going to have to plaster the lot of us with reflectors and flashing lights so we can find each other on Halloween.

Whatever costumes we decide to wear, we will be certain to have plenty of treats on hand. Caramel apples and popcorn will adorn the table, alongside the mini chocolate bars and my kids' new favorite treat, Pop-Tarts® Choc-o-Lantern Chocolate Fudge toaster pastries. For their own health and welfare, I will have to take some of that candy of their hands and eat it myself. That is what dedicated parenting is all about - taking one for the team.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"How will you and your kids be dressing up on Halloween?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com exclusive offers page for 9 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

This giveaway will run from 10/18 - 10/31/2010.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Click here for more information on Pop-Tarts.

Bowl of Goodness & A Giveaway

2010-10-19T08:30:00.002-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

When the snow starts to fall, I yearn to fold myself into a blanket and wrap my hands around a hot bowl of soup. This is the time of year when I pull out the stockpot and start to make batch upon batch of soups and chilies. We have a large standing freezer in our garage and, each year, we fill it with family-sized portions of these comforting dishes to see us through the cold winter months. Broth-based soups tend to freeze the best, but that does not stop us from making fresh batches of chicken and corn chowder or creamy roasted mushroom soup.

Not only are most soups healthy and hearty, but they are relatively quick and easy to make. For broth soups, the formula is an easy one. Saute aromatics, such as onions, garlic, and shallots, in some olive oil. Add the protein (e.g., chicken) and other vegetables until almost cooked through. Then, pour in the broth and fresh herbs, and simmer until the flavors are blended, about 30 minutes. If you are adding pasta to the soup, do so in the last 10 minutes or so of cooking so that the noodles do not become overcooked and limp. It is easy to double, or even triple, soup recipes. Make extra portions so you can freeze and store them for easy, quick meals.

If you are looking for a quick breakfast meal, consider pulling that bowl out of the cupboard and filling it with high-fiber foods, such as oatmeal and cereal. Nothing can be easier or more satisfying in the morning than a bowlful of your favorite cereal, topped with fresh fruit and milk. Our personal favorites are Raisin Bran and Smart Start because they are high in fiber and nutrients, and low in sugar compared to many other cereals found on the supermarket shelves.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"What is your favorite meal in a bowl?"

Please, no duplicate comments.

For a second entry, you can:

Tweet about this post with a link to it (and put your tweet URL in a separate comment below)
Blog about this post with a link to it (and put your blog post URL in a separate comment below)

This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page for 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Sweepstakes ends 5pm EST on September 25, 2010.

For more information on Kellogg's, head to www.loveyourcereal.com.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Pop-Tarts Halloween Sour Cream Coffee Cake & A Giveaway

2010-10-18T10:55:00.008-06:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop-Tarts.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. When I was a kid, the excitement started with dreaming up a costume. It is the one time of year when you can turn into anything you want to be. The sweetest girl can dress up as an ugly, cackling witch or her favorite Disney princess. Little boys can turn into their sports heroes. Anything goes. And then comes the treats...oh, the treats! While I coveted the little candy bars that filled my plastic pumpkin, what I really looked forward to were homemade popcorn balls and caramel apples.

When the box of Pop-Tarts Limited Edition flavor, Choc-o-Lantern arrived on my doorstep, I started to think about what new Halloween treat I could make with them. My boys and I brainstormed some ideas, and finally came up with a Pop-Tarts coffee cake. My kids simply cannot let any good piece of cake go to waste. They enjoy everything about them - the moist texture, the icing, and the surprise layer of flavor inside. We decided to make a Bundt cake, drizzled with an orange glaze, in the hopes of making it look like the top of a pumpkin. The Pop-Tarts became the surprise filling and provided a welcome hit of chocolate amidst the tender coffee cake.

What the kids think? Well, I got two big thumb-ups and they requested that we make the cake every year at Halloween.

Pop-Tarts Halloween Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Basic coffee cake recipe adapted from Cooking Light

3 Choc-o-Lantern (Frosted Chocolate Fudge) Pop-Tarts

Cake:
2 cups granulated sugar
10 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (4 oz.) block-style cream cheese
2 large egg white
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Orange gel icing color or food coloring

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray.

Cake:
Roughly chop the Pop-Tarts and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl, using a hand mixer), beat granulated sugar, softened butter, and cream cheese at medium until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add egg whites and whole egg, one a time, mixing after each addition.

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer set to low, spoon in the flour mixture and sour cream, alternating, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix in pure vanilla extract.

Spoon half of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Sprinkle the chopped Pop-Tarts evenly over the batter. Spoon the remaining batter over the Pop-Tarts and spread evenly to cover the Pop-Tarts.

Bake until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, sitting on a wire rack. Invert the pan onto the wire rack and cool cake completely.

Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Add orange food coloring or gel icing color.

Place cake on serving platter and evenly pour the glaze over the cake. Lightly sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve.

Serves 16.

Printable recipe

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card from BlogHer, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"What treats do you and your kids like to make for Halloween?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.

This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com exclusive offers page for 9 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

This giveaway will run from 10/18 - 10/31/2010.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Click here for more information on Pop-Tarts.

The Go-To Breakfast & A Giveaway

2010-10-12T08:15:00.003-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

For several years, we bought pre-made waffles at our local warehouse store as a breakfast treat for our kids. The kids enjoyed them so much that they became a regular breakfast item served during the week. In the back of my mind, I knew that these waffles were providing very little nutritional value for my boys, but I was in a lazy mode and told myself that it was okay because I served them healthy meals throughout the rest of the day. When I finally sat down to read the nutritional content, I was less than happy about the amount of sodium in each waffle, plus the fact that the first ingredient listed is “enriched flour” (i.e., all the goodness is taken out in processing and then a little bit is put back in). I researched frozen whole-wheat waffles, but soon realized that the price over the long term would be prohibitive.

Last year, we invested in a waffle maker. It is nothing fancy, but can spit out a batch of waffles like nobody’s business. We also pulled our pancake grill out of the basement and dusted it off. We tried several whole-wheat waffle and pancake recipes and soon found ones that have both great taste and texture. These basic recipes took on lives of their own and are morphed into many different versions, depending on the whim of the cook. We rotate between a variety of spices - cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – and frozen fruits – blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

No matter what form the waffles and pancakes take on, the whole family enjoys them. We typically make double, or even triple, batches and freeze the extras. On a busy weeknight morning, we pop them in the toaster oven for a quick, healthy meal. We pile on fresh fruit and just a touch of syrup. Not only do our boys enjoy every bite, but we feel confident knowing they are starting the day with a meal that is high in fiber and vitamins.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"What is your go-to breakfast item, the one thing your family will always eat?"

Please, no duplicate comments.

For a second entry, you can:

Tweet about this post with a link to it (and put your tweet URL in a separate comment below)
Blog about this post with a link to it (and put your blog post URL in a separate comment below)

This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page for 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Sweepstakes ends 5pm EST on October 18, 2010.

For more information on Kellogg's, head to www.loveyourcereal.com.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Incredible Egg Tour & A Giveaway

2010-10-10T16:30:00.011-06:00

(Congratulations to Donna - comment #19 - for winning the giveaway!)

Flimsy jumpsuits, hair nets, and booties are not really my thing. Well, that is if you discount those unfortunate days of high school dances in the 80s when DEVO fans liked to “whip it” all over the dance floor. However, I was happy to don the requisite garb last week as I traipsed through the hen houses at the Willamette Egg Farm in Oregon with a group of fellow food bloggers.

Unless you live in a cave on a remote mountaintop, you are aware that the egg industry has taken some heat over the past several months. Fear of salmonella poisoning resulted in one of the country’s largest egg recalls and prompted many families to dump cartons of eggs into the garbage. Fear of this type of poisoning is not unwarranted but, unfortunately, the media often takes a rather one-sided view in this type of situation.

When I was invited by the American Egg Board to learn about the process of bringing eggs to the table, from raising chicks to packaging eggs, I was intrigued. Here was an opportunity to witness sanitation conditions first hand and ask questions that are on many people’s minds.

Now, this trip was not all about chicken and eggs. We were treated to a tour of the vineyards at Domaine Margelle, owned and run by our gracious hosts, Steve and Marci Taylor. Dinner was cooked and served in the chateau by a local chef from Silverton, Oregon.

The next morning, wining and dining behind us, we got straight down to business. The bus drove us to the buildings owned by the Satrum family, who founded Willamette Egg Farms in 1934. They currently have approximately 2 million chickens and the operation, spread across a few locations, produces 1.6 million eggs per day. Now those are some prolific chickens.

The first building we visited housed the cage-free chickens in a large open space, outfitted with a variety of floor, roosting, and nesting areas. In addition, there were doorways to the outside pen through which the most adventurous chickens wandered for a change of scene.

Clearly fascinated by us, the chickens perched on our feet, pecking at our pant legs and investigating our cameras with their bright eyes and curious beaks. And what a noisy lot they were. One rather bold bird flew up and landed on Jennifer’s (see blogger list below) shoulder, from which she earned the name “Triple C” for her calm, cool, and collected demeanor throughout the experience.

In addition to the cage-free areas, we observed two other housing systems – aviary and conventional. In the aviary system, the birds are in cages for four hours in the morning, when they lay their eggs. The distinct advantage to this system is that the eggs are laid on a litter (manure)-free surface, which is in contrast to the eggs laid in a cage-free system. After the productive morning hours are over, the chickens have the chance to roam out of the cages.

The conventional system is a much more confined environment for the chickens. Six to eight chickens are housed in each cage. While the chickens are at a disadvantage in terms of roaming space, it was evident that this system is very sanitary. The air in these houses was much clearer than that in the cage-free areas.

When I asked Greg Satrum which housing system he prefers, putting all economic considerations aside, he referenced a system recently put into place in the European Union. It is a caged system that allows for roosting areas and increased square footage for each chicken. While this system is not yet approved for the United States, Greg hopes that it will become the standard in several years, assuming the necessary studies prove that it is in fact a viable system.

We spent the afternoon with Howard Helmer, the world’s fastest omelet maker (making an astonishing 427 omelets in 30 minutes gives him this title) and chef Jeffrey Saad, host of The Cooking Channel’s upcoming show, United Tastes of America (debuts November 16th) and runner-up on The Next Food Network Star.

Both men are enthusiastic and passionate about eggs and teaching others to cook them properly. Moving between our cooking stations, they offered tips, humor, and patience as we worked to improve our omelet-making, poaching, and scrambling skills.

Mary Donkersloot, RD, Los Angeles-based nutritionist, offered some interesting nutritional facts about eggs. Eggs, which store half of their protein in the yolk, offer heme protein, which is easier for the body to absorb than the iron found in spinach. They are also high in lutein, selenium, zinc, and zeaxanthin, which are key ingredients in preventing macular degeneration.

While I came away with some newly found egg preparation skills and many new friendships, the most important take-home message was regarding egg farming. Like any other section of the food industry, there are many egg farmers who are diligent about following the necessary sanitation and safety practices to insure the quality and safety of their product. These farmers should not be vilified because of a few of their farming brethren who do not take the necessary precautions. I, for one, will continue to serve eggs to my family on a regular basis. For a quick, healthy, and tasty meal, they simply cannot be beat.

Here are some of my favorite egg recipes:

Asparagus Frittata with Smoked Paprika, Thyme & Feta Cheese
Baked Eggs with Summer Vegetables & Capers
Caprese Frittata with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella & Basil
Greek Baked Eggs with Leeks, Kalamata Olives & Goat Cheese
Potato-Crusted Quiche with Pancetta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach

The giveaway:

The lucky winner will win these three items:

1 Simply Calphalon Enamel 8-inch Covered Omelet Pan
1 Cuisipro Silicone 8-Inch Egg Whisk
1 OXO Good Grips Silicone Flexible Omelet Turner

To enter, please respond to the following question in the comments section:

"What is your favorite egg dish?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Entries will be accepted until Saturday, October 16, 2010, 9pm PST.

Bloggers who attended this event:

Amy of She Wears Many Hats
Susan of She’s Becoming Doughmesstic
Jennifer of Savor the Thyme
Michelle, standing in for Mandy of Gourmet Mom on the Go
Lynn of Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures
Kelsey of The Naptime Chef
Erin of Prudence Pennywise
Kristy of The Wicked Noodle

Disclosure: This trip and giveaway items were paid for by the American Egg Board.

The Morning Rush & A Giveaway

2010-10-05T06:49:00.007-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

I always say that if I accomplished as much during the remainder of the day as I do between the hours of 5:45 and 8:15 in the morning, I could rule the world. Mornings are notoriously busy around our house and I am certain that many other people can claim the same. My husband, the trooper that he is, typically crawls out of bed first so that he can fit his run in before I head out to meet my running partner. Starting the day with a vigorous run, and being outside in the cool air just as the sun starts to rise over the mountains and the birds begin their daily activities, keeps me sane. It is a time for gratitude, reflection, and some good old-fashioned chit-chat with my running buddy.

Then I step from the peaceful outdoors into a house full of crazy morning antics. I am certain this is where the term “calm before the storm” originated. Morning showers; kids getting dressed, making bed, and brushing their teeth; lunch boxes and backpacks being packed; pets being fed – these are just a few of the activities we attempt to jam into a period of time that seems to go by at warp speed.

While it may seem that there is an inane amount of craziness that takes place at our house, I can tell you that it is a lot better than it used to be. We now successfully get out the door each morning and still like each other by the end of it. How do we do it? One word: preparation.

The night before we organize as much as can. Lunches are made and stored in the fridge, lunch boxes are at the ready on the kitchen counter, breakfast dishes and utensils are set on the table, and cereal, bagel, and fruit choices are organized.

One of the keys to accomplishing everything quickly is choosing breakfast items that are quick and convenient. It takes less than two minutes to pour cereal into a bowl, top it with some slices of fresh fruit, and douse it in cold milk. With the quick preparation out of the way, we have the opportunity to sit down and enjoy a nutritious, filling meal together. To keep us satisfied longer, we choose high-fiber cereal such as Raisin Bran and Smart Start.

Morning tasks are wrapped up and we head off to enjoy the day and conquer the world.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"What types of food do you prepare in the morning to make this busy time simpler?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page for 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

This giveaway will run from 9/28 - 10/4/2010.

For more information on Kellogg's, head to www.loveyourcereal.com.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Ragu, Feeding Kids on Busy Nights & A Giveaway

2010-10-04T08:15:00.003-06:00

This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Ragú.

As the school year gets into full swing, so do all of the extra activities that come with the season. There are some days when the kids have to power through their homework so that they can pull on their shin guards and cleats to get to soccer practice on time. My husband and I try our best not to over-schedule our kids because we believe that playing tag in the backyard and building with Legos are very worthy activities. We also make an effort to sit down to dinner together every night. It is our time to re-hash the day's events, tell silly stories, and reconnect as a family. That being said, there are days when putting a healthy, satisfying meal on the table is a challenge. Over the years, I have come up with a few tricks to help us avoid the fast food trap. It is our hope that, through healthy food and plenty of family time, we can raise confident, healthy, and happy children.

Convenience foods
As a food blogger, I tend to cook most of my meals from scratch, using the freshest ingredients I can find. However, on busy nights, I often rely on convenience foods so I can put a healthy meal on the table quickly. I always have canned beans, frozen potstickers, and jars of tomato sauce stocked and ready to go. When Ragu sent me some of their bottles of tomato sauce, I was very interested in sampling it. More on that later.

Freezer envy
One of the best purchases we ever made was a full-sized standing freezer, which is nestled into a corner of our garage. This allows us to take advantage of the great deals on chicken, fish, beef, and pork at the warehouse stores without worrying about the meat going bad before we have a chance to eat it. The night before or in the morning, I take something out of the freezer to defrost and it is ready to be cooked when dinnertime arrives.

Chopped vegetables
If I am prepping vegetables on a more leisurely night, I chop extra. Sliced red bell peppers, chopped carrots, and broccoli florets stay fresh when stored properly in the fridge. When the prep work is already done, the meal comes together a lot faster.

Make extras
During the cooler months, we eat significant amounts of chili, soup, and baked pasta dishes. It is very easy to double these recipes and freeze the extras for future meals.

The taste test
Ragu sent me two tomato sauces to try. Both were the Old World Style Traditional Pasta Sauce, but one was Ragu's old formula and the other was their new formulation of the same sauce. When I first opened the bottles, the first thing I noticed was that the new formula has a deeper, richer color. I took a spoonful of the old formula and, to be honest, I was not satisfied. In my opinion, the old formula had a slightly artificial taste. Next, I took a spoonful of the new formula. The deeper red color promised a richer taste and did not disappoint. Ragu states that there are 2 servings of vegetables in every half-cup of the sauce and I believe it. The fresh, slightly acidic taste of the tomatoes was prominent and the new formula had a thick, satisfying consistency.

Now, please remember that I write about and cook a lot of food as my part-time job, so I am rather picky. I will not lie and tell you that I would choose Ragu's sauce over one made from fresh tomatoes on my stovetop. However, when we have a busy night in front of us, I am looking for convenience and Ragu's sauce would fit the bill.

I visited Ragu's recipe page so that I could choose a recipe to make with the new formula sauce. I chose the lasagna recipe, which required two bottles of Ragu sauce, along with about 6 other ingredients. In other words, it was a quick and easy recipe to throw together. Now, it is not in my blood to follow any recipe to a tee, so I made a couple of simple changes. I substituted grated mozzarella cheese with fresh mozzarella, plus I added about 10 leaves of thinly sliced fresh basil. This was not the best lasagna I have had, but it was a satisfying meal for my family.

To be one of the first to taste Ragú® with two servings of veggies in every half-cup, visit Ragu at facebook.com/ragusauce.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, sponsored by BlogHer, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"What are your tips for feeding your kids on busy nights?"

For a second entry, you can:
· Tweet about this post with a link to it (and put your tweet URL in a separate comment below)
· Blog about this post with a link to it (and put your blog post URL in a separate comment below)
· Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please visit BlogHer.com special offers page for 10 more chances to win a Visa gift card.

This giveaway will run from 10/4 - 11/15/2010.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

There is also a chance to win a Meal Makeover kit (sponsored by Ragu). See Ragu's Facebook fan page for details.

Weekend Mornings & A Giveaway

2010-09-28T07:30:00.003-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

Looking back 10 years, weekend mornings meant waking up whenever my body was ready, nursing a cup of tea while lying in bed and reading the morning paper, and wandering up the street to our favorite bagel spot. Fast forward to present day...these mornings have changed radically. Each Saturday morning, I wake up before 6 am to meet my friend for our long run of the week. While stumbling out of bed, shoving half a banana into my mouth, and chugging down a glass of water is not what I would call relaxing, I always feel fantastic once the run is over. It makes me feel good physically and curbs the need to do something for myself.

The rest of Saturday is spent getting the kids ready for their soccer games. My husband and I make sure that they eat a healthy breakfast, such as cereal or a whole wheat bagel and fresh fruit. Off we go to the soccer fields to spend 3 to 4 hours cheering, running, kicking, and enjoying the time together. Really, it just does not get any better than watching our two boys run up and down the field, with huge smiles plastered to their faces. Pure joy.

Sunday is a little different. This is the day that my husband wakes up early for his long run. Since he is a marathoner, a long run means 20 to 23 miles. I'll stick with my 6 to 8 miles, thank you very much. While he is out knocking out the miles, the boys and I snuggle on the couch, watching cartoons and cruising my favorite food blogs. As you might imagine, my husband is famished when he returns from his run, so Sunday mornings are a day when we sit down to enjoy a hearty breakfast. Some of our favorites are Caprese Frittatas, Baked German Apple Pancakes, and Potato-Crusted Quiche.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"What do you and your family like to eat for breakfast on weekend mornings?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page for 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

This giveaway will run from 9/28 - 10/4/2010.

For more information on Kellogg's, head to www.loveyourcereal.com.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Laundry Tips

2010-09-21T15:15:00.001-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Samsung.

I have been tempted many times to add up the number of hours that I spend doing laundry each week, but have decided that ignorance is bliss in this situation. With two very active boys, who like to jump in muddy puddles and play hard, and a husband who runs 70 miles per week, we never seem to be able to get ahead of the laundry pile. Along with the inordinate amount of time spent washing and folding soccer socks and running shorts, we are aware of the environmental impact washing and drying can have. Oh yeah, our bank account is not terribly appreciate either.

I will assume that all of you reading this know not to wash red socks with white pants, so I will stick to less known tips that either my mum taught me or I picked up through trial and error.

Turning and zipping
While it takes a little bit of extra time, turning clothes (not underwear and socks) inside out before washing helps to prevent fading and wear and tear on the fabric. Do up any zippers or hooks to prevent them from catching on other clothes in the washer.

Turn down the temperature
Use the coolest water possible to wash your clothes. Not only will this prevent clothes from fading and quickly (not to mention unwanted shrinking), but it will do wonders for your electric bill. Turning the dryer to low heat will give you the same benefits.

Dryer balls
We used to throw a dryer sheet in with every load. That is, until we discovered dryer balls. These little miracles are allergy-free, will help to reduce drying time, and are far better for the environment than dryer sheets. Each pair lasts for a couple of years.

Baby your delicates
Delicates, such as lingerie, can be protected by placing them in a mesh wash bag before being thrown in with the rest of the laundry. These bags will help to protect your bras and underwear from wearing out too quickly (saggy elastic is never a good thing) and being damaged in the wash.

Clean your washer
It is never good news when your son is yelling, "Mum, come quick. There's a flood!" That is what happened to us a couple of months ago when our washing machine overflowed, spilling gallons of water over our laundry room floor. When the repairman came, he discovered that the tube that clears the dirty water out of the washer was blocked. He was able to just blow the blockage out, but also gave me an invaluable tip. One time per month, use a washing machine cleaner, such as the ones made by Tide or Affresh. They can be found beside the detergents in your local supermarket. Of course, you could use vinegar to do the same job, but be prepared for a laundry room that smells like a pickling factory.
After using the washing machine cleaner, we noticed that our clothes smelled significantly fresher.

What are your tried and true laundry tips?

For laundry tips from 6 other bloggers, head to the BlogHer round-up page.

Check out some of Samsung household products:

Samsung Washers & Dryers
Samsung Refrigerators

Quality Mornings & A Giveaway

2010-09-21T06:30:00.001-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

If Mary Poppins had paid a visit to our home during the last school year, she would have declared us "an abomination". Each morning, we tore around the house at full speed, throwing supplies into our kids' backpacks, and urging them to eat faster. What a way to start the day! We would all walk...okay, run...out of the door in foul moods and try to mend the parent-child bond on the way to school.

This school year, I was determined to make a change. The key is simple, something I always knew, but did not put into practice. Organization. Every night before school, the boys and I make their lunches and set them neatly in the fridge so that can easily be placed into the waiting lunch boxes in the morning. The boys are also responsible for organizing their desks and insuring that all of their homework makes its way into the appropriate folders and backpacks.

When we wake up in the morning, leaving ourselves plenty of time, the boys get dressed, make their beds, and brush their teeth before heading downstairs for breakfast. By the time they appear, my husband and I have started making breakfast, which typically consists of cereal, bagels or waffles, and fresh fruit. Whole grain, high-fiber foods are a focus at our breakfast table since research shows that diets high in fiber help to address issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. For this reason, we choose cereals such as Raisin Bran and Smart Start.

With a hearty breakfast giving us the proper nutrients and energy for the day ahead, we spend our last few minutes together playing on the swings, shooting hoops, or kicking the soccer ball back and forth. The result? Happy, healthy kids and relaxed, stress-free (well, almost) parents. I think Mary Poppins would approve.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"How do you start the day on a positive note?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page for 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

This giveaway will run from 9/21 - 9/27/2010.

For more information on Kellogg's, head to www.loveyourcereal.com.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Back-to-School & A Giveaway

2010-09-14T06:45:00.002-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

One of the hardest things about bidding farewell to summer is the necessity of fitting life into a succinct schedule. Gone are the mornings of eating breakfast in pajamas, showering late in the day, and lingering at the breakfast table to chat. Rather, the morning routine is compressed into one short hour before leaping into the car, Dukes of Hazards-style (well, almost), and rolling off out of the garage on time. Last year, we always seemed to be in a rush and tempers flared as the minutes ticked by. I am determined to change that this year.

The last thing my kids need is a mum and dad yelling at them to "Hurry up!" as they prepare for a day at school. To avoid the inevitable rush, I now attempt to have as many of the morning to-do items checked off the night before. Here are some tips that make our morning routine go smoothly (relatively-speaking):

1) Each night, I make sandwiches for the boys, wrap up some carrot sticks and a snack, and place them in the fridge - one pile for each boy. Lunch bags are placed on the counter so that we just have to place the lunches inside in the morning before the bags are tucked away in backpacks.

2) The boys are responsible for placing completed homework in their backpacks, along with anything else they would like to take (e.g., soccer or football).

3) The breakfast table is set with place mats, napkins, bowls, and utensils.

4) On the kitchen counter, we lay out the breakfast choices which are usually a whole wheat bagel, whole wheat muffins, or cereal. My husband and I typically eat Kellogg's Raisin Bran or Smart Start, while our eldest son chooses Rice Krispies. All that is left to do in the morning is pour the cereal, chop some fresh fruit, and pour the milk. We are adamant about eating a good breakfast each morning to insure a healthy start to the day. From research, we know that children that skip breakfast miss out on more than one-third of the day's recommended vitamins and minerals.

5) Each morning, the boys hope for a few minutes of playtime before heading off to school. They know, however, that there are certain things that they must complete in time for that happen - get dressed, brush hair and teeth, and put on shoes. The promise of playtime is a very effective motivator for completing these tasks.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"What are your tips for making your mornings go smoothly?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page for 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

This giveaway will run from 9/14 - 9/20/2010.

For more information on Kellogg's, head to www.loveyourcereal.com.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Tips on Organizing Your Kitchen

2010-09-13T10:00:00.002-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Samsung.

Asking me for organization tips is a bit like asking Bernie Madoff to lecture on the ethics of business. There is some basic understanding of how things work, but the principles are rarely put into practice. That being said, I spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, developing recipes for my blog and cooking meals for my family. Even though I am not the tidiest person - just ask my husband about the little piles of paper on various countertops - I am rather picky about the set-up of my kitchen.

For me, the ability to reach necessary kitchen utensils and pans quickly is essential. The time it takes to walk to the other side of the kitchen to reach the tongs, for example, can make the difference between a perfectly seared shrimp and a rubbery, inedible specimen.

The tools that are used the most - tongs, wooden spoons, spatulas, knives - stand proudly in ceramic containers immediately to the right of my stove. I am right-handed, so this makes reaching as convenient as possible. Likewise, my saucepans and skillets are in a drawer on the other side of the stove.

Yes, I still cook on electric. How I yearn for a proper gas stove! Someday.

A couple of years ago, when my mum was here for a visit, she decided to tackle the job of organizing my pantry. Believe me, she deserved a gold star for this! Using a mixture of wicker baskets and plastic containers, she divided my (very large) collection of condiments into manageable sections - oils, vinegars, mustards and so on. Baking ingredients were nestled together in two boxes with pull-out drawers, and dried pasta was neatly arranged in one small section. When she was done with it, I almost felt like I was living a scene out of Sleeping with the Enemy. Now that guy knew how to organize a pantry. Too bad he was completely off his rocker.

One of my friends owns a label maker and puts that little machine to very good use. I tease her that her kids are going to have labels on them if they don't run from her quickly enough. I borrowed the handy little tool one day and had a ball labeling all of my dried grains containers. Alongside the name of the grain are the cooking instructions. If I am running late, my husband can get dinner started without calling to ask me how much water gets added to the brown rice.

While I am on my way to better kitchen organization, I would really like to hear your tips.

How do you keep your pantry organized? Do you have any tips on making your kitchen function more efficiently?

For tips from 6 other bloggers on organizing your kitchen, head to the BlogHer round-up page.

Check out some of Samsung household products:

Samsung Washers & Dryers
Samsung Refrigerators

Summertime Wrap-Up & A Giveaway

2010-09-07T07:45:00.001-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

The thunderstorm that blew through this morning, leaving 60 degree temperatures in its wake, let us know, in no uncertain terms, that summer is coming to a close. While I welcome the crisp air of fall and the comfort of falling back into a regular routine, I already miss the carefree days of summer and hearing the kids' voices around the house during the day. While we did not go on any big trips this year, we enjoyed several camping trips, hours at the pool, fabulous fireworks displays, and plenty of time on our backyard swings.

One of the greatest joys my husband and I experienced this summer was watching our two boys become more independent and self-assured. They spent hours at the side of the lake, fishing rods in hand, practicing their casts until their lines fell just right.

Our eldest son decided to set a personal goal of increasing his cycling mileage each week. He now straps my husband's GPS running watch on his wrist and rides a loop around our neighborhood, clocking anywhere from 5 to 13 miles each time.

There were several days that we headed to the park, picnic in hand, and spent several hours lying on the blanket, climbing trees, and rolling down grassy hills.

That's right, there is not a lot of sitting around when two active boys are around. With all of the energy they burn, we are sure to feed them a hearty breakfast each morning. We have read many times that important nutrients are consumed during breakfast and are essential to maintaining a healthy body. While we do enjoy breakfasts of waffles, eggs and bacon, or breakfast burritos about once per week, our day typically starts with cereal, fresh fruit, and low-fat milk.

While camping, we usually indulge in one breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla. On the other mornings, however, cereal is our go-to meal. It is easy, quick, and allows the boys to get down to the lake as quickly as possible. Those are the mornings my husband and I love. We get to sit at the campsite, coffee and tea in hand, and watch the boys work diligently to catch our dinner.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comment section:

"What is your favorite memory from this summer?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

For 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card, please visit the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page.

This giveaway will be running from 9/7 to 9/13/2010.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

For more information on Kellogg's, please visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Breakfast in a Hurry & A Giveaway

2010-08-31T07:45:00.003-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

Try as I might to get everything organized on a school night, some unexpected incident often throws a wrench in the plan - a glass of juice spills down the front of one kid's shirt, the other kid steps in dog poop in the backyard, or the treasured soccer ball that is to be taken to school needs to be pumped up. It is mornings such as these when any pre-conceived notions of "fancy" breakfasts fly out the window.

I am happy to report that we never steer towards the fast food restaurants. This makes me feel slightly better about being that mum dropping her kids off at school while wearing stained sweats, a baseball cap pulled over my matted hair, and teeth less than pristinely brushed. I am surprised that my kids do not ask to be dropped off a block away from school so that they can deny all knowledge of my existence.

Despite the manic pace and my disheveled appearance on these mornings, my husband and I are able pull ourselves together long enough to grab a box of healthy cereal, pour it into bowls with some fruit thrown on top, and place these a healthy breakfast in front of our eldest son (and us). Raisin Bran, Smart Start, and Rice Krispies are typically the cereals of choice, but occasionally some form of toasted Os makes an appearance. As I mentioned previously, my typically adventurous younger son can barely deign to sit at the same table where cereal is being eaten, so he eats a whole-wheat bagel with cream cheese or peanut butter, and plenty of fruit.

The whole morning scene is not pretty, but we get the job done and everyone is fed a morning meal that will keep them energized for several hours.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"What do you eat/serve for breakfast when you are in a hurry?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page for 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

This giveaway will run from 8/31 - 9/6/2010.

For more information on Kellogg's, head to www.loveyourcereal.com.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Favorite Kellogg's Cereals & A Giveaway

2010-08-24T06:45:00.005-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

This giveaway is now closed. Please head to the next post in this series for another chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

If you asked each member of my family to name their favorite Kellogg's breakfast cereal, you would get different answers from everyone. Of course, you will also get a different if you ask my eldest son what his favorite cereal is and what cereal he eats the most. You see, my husband and I are sticklers about making sure our kids eat a healthy breakfast. We do our best to incorporate as many whole grains, low-fat milk products, and fresh fruits as possible to help our kids sustain their energy throughout the morning. I must say that sustainable energy is not a problem at all for our boys...to the point of exhaustion for the adults in the house. Maybe we better re-think this healthy eating thing.

I grew up eating whole grain cereals. My day often started with Raisin Bran or Corn Flakes and our pantry never housed a single box of sugared breakfast cereal. How I looked forward to trips to visit my grandparents, who liked to indulge me with bowls of Frosted Flakes. Camping trips with friends were also a time to dive into the mini-sized cereal boxes of Corn Pops. You know, the ones where you pull back the cardboard and pour the milk directly into the box.

To this day, Raisin Bran holds a spot of honor in my pantry. It is my husband's go-to cereal and the one the I also eat on most mornings, though I prefer Smart Start. There is something about those crunchy rice and oat clusters that strikes my fancy. Both of these cereals, high in fiber and protein, fuel us for our morning runs.

My eldest son is a Snap, Crackle, and Pop fan through and through. If given a choice between a big plate of waffles, doused in syrup, and a bowl of Rice Krispies, he will hold out a bowl and spoon every time. Ironically, when he visits my parents, there is always a big box of Corn Pops waiting for him. Those crunchy, sugary morsels would never have been allowed across the doorstep when I was a kid. Grandparents' prerogative, I suppose.

We won't even include my younger son in this conversation because, as I mentioned before, he will eat everything put in front of him - except cereal. I have no explanation.

This giveaway is now closed. Please head to the next post in this series for another chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comment section:

"What is your favorite Kellogg's breakfast cereal?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

For 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card, please visit the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page.

This giveaway will be running from 8/24 to 8/30/2010.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

For more information on Kellogg's, please visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Emotional & Physical Health, Plus A Giveaway

2010-08-23T09:15:00.002-06:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Crystal Light.

This giveaway is now closed.

We all have those days, when we wake up cranky and disgruntled. Not only do our families try to avoid the resident black cloud, but our own bodies seem to rebel against the dark mood. Everyone seems to deal with some level of stress in their lives. Some people just do this better than others.

For me, stress and anxiety manifest themselves as a tight neck and shoulders, and a raging headache. It is as though someone turned a key to tighten all of the muscles in my upper body and then put a vise on my head. At that point, all I want to do is crawl back in bed and pull the covers over my head, which is rarely an option. Of course, others suffer from far worse ailments related to stress, such as ulcers, depression, and chronic pain. I can consider myself lucky.

While my emotional health certainly affects my physical health, I also find the reverse to be true. At times, when I my emotional reserves are low, all I want to do is sit in front of the TV and spoon my way through a pint of ice cream. This usually makes me feel worse in the end. I have found that I need a different strategy. Although it is the last thing I feel like doing when I am down in the dumps, I often strap on my running shoes and head outside for a little physical exertion and fresh air. There is something about breathing in mountain air, being outside when the streets are still quiet, and pumping my arms as I run that lifts my spirits. I could chalk it up to endorphins, but I give most of the credit to the overwhelming feeling of gratitude that washes over me.

When I return from my run, my to-do list has not disappeared, but I feel much more capable of dealing with it in a calm, rational manner. Now, that beats sitting on the couch and eating a pint of ice cream any day.

This giveaway is now closed.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

How do you boost your emotional health?

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com CLB exclusive offers page for 6 more chances to win $100 and a chance to win $1000.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

For more information on Crystal Light, head to their site.

Wind-Down Summertime Activities & A Giveaway

2010-08-17T07:15:00.004-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

This giveaway is now closed. Please head to the next post in this series for another chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Summertime is drawing to a close, which triggers a wave of emotions for me. As much as I appreciate the extra time I am afforded during the school year to get my work done and keep the house in order, I know how much I will miss my boys once they return to school. As the early, frantic mornings of the school year move closer, we are trying our best to capture every magical moment of summer.

Memories are created in the simplest moments - kicking the soccer ball around in the backyard, frolicking in the water at the local pool, or eating on a popsicle on the front stoop. Our boys are full of boundless energy and they enjoy being outside and testing their physical capabilities. This summer, we fit in a couple of camping trips and hope to squeeze in one more before the sunny weather fades.

While our boys like to spend a good deal of time exploring the campsite, walkie-talkies in hand to report back to us, this is the year of the fishing rods. From the time they emerge from their sleeping bags to the first flicker of the evening fire, they spend every minute possible at the lakeshore or in the canoe, perfecting their spin casting and watching for tell-tale flashes of silver in the water.

Two to three times a day, we pull out the canoe and take a paddle across the clear lake, just enjoying the peace and the opportunity to be together.

Of course, there is always time for a little bit of silliness, 8- and 6-year old boy-style.

Camping is a time for us just to be together, without any of the distractions of everyday life. We have a strict "no electronics" policy while out in the wilderness and, as a result, the boys have come to appreciate the sounds of the wind whistling, blowing from one end of the lake to the other, and have learned how to listen for the tell-tale sounds of a nearby woodland creature.

We will re-create this magical cocoon one more time before the summer closes. From there, we will cover the canoe for the winter, put the sleeping bags back into storage, and turn our minds to the school year ahead. We will create memories there, too, because life at home really is not too shabby.

This giveaway is now closed. Please head to the next post in this series for another chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

"What activities do you want to do with your kids or grandkids before summer ends?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page for 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

This giveaway will run from 8/17 - 8/23/2010.

For more information on Kellogg's, head to www.loveyourcereal.com.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Body Image & A Giveaway

2010-08-16T07:30:00.005-06:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Crystal Light.

This giveaway is now closed.

Climbing out of the shower each morning is a bit of a challenge. As I clamber out, reaching for my towel, I do everything in my power not to look to the right, towards the end of the bathroom...towards the large sliding mirrored doors that hide our closet. If I do happen to glance in that direction, I am greeted with a full-frontal view of myself. (Cue slasher movie scream.) I quickly look away in frustration and start on a long barrage of reprimands and promises to lock the pantry door and throw away the key.

Despite all of these dramatics, I am a very healthy person. I run four days per week and am training for a half-marathon, I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and I am doing everything but sticking an IV in my arm to increase my fluid intake. Yet, still, my body is far from the perfect specimen I yearn for. During that brief glance into the mirror, my eyes and brain refuse to see the legs that are becoming stronger or the arms that are getting a little bit slimmer with each run. Rather, they focus on the imperfections. Why are we so hard on ourselves?

While the media's glorification of skinny celebrities is partly to blame, I think we need to look a little deeper than that. While none of us have perfect lives, I will bet that the majority could list several things that are pretty darned good in their lives - kids that are active and happy, a supportive spouse, healthy parents, or a satisfying job. I am lucky enough to be able to check all of these off my list. These are the things that I should be focusing on, not the fact that my skinny jeans have been relegated to the back of the closet.

Right here, right now, I vow to be grateful for friends and my family, to be present in the moment. Do my kids care that my muffin top is popping over the waistband of my shorts while I am kicking the soccer ball with them in the backyard? Of course not. They are just happy that we are spending time together.

Each morning, I will continue to crawl out of bed, strap on my running shoes, and let myself enjoy the exertion as my friend and I run our regular loop. We are getting stronger, we are running faster and - darn it - we look good doing it.

This giveaway is now closed.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

What do you do to boost your body image?

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Please head to the BlogHer.com CLB exclusive offers page for 6 more chances to win $100 and a chance to win $1000.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

For more information on Crystal Light, head to their site.

The Breakfast Routine & A Giveaway

2010-08-11T10:00:00.008-06:00

This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

This giveaway is now closed. Please go to my second Kellogg's post for a chance to win another $100 Visa gift card.

We had a bit of a shock when my youngest son was a toddler. It was time to move from rice cereal and mashed bananas to something more substantial. I carefully broke a little cereal piece into small crumbs and placed them in front of him, with anticipation of seeing a big smile appear as soon as the toasted grains hit his tongue. Instead, a look of disgust and accusation crossed his little face and he promptly spit out the cereal. This was in direct contrast to my eldest son's reaction, who took one bite of cereal and never looked back at the start of his cereal infatuation.

Now, the cereal rejection might not seem like such a big deal, except for the fact that my youngest son now wolfs down eel and octopus whenever we go to a Japanese restaurant. And yet, he still will not try another bite of cereal.

So, what does our esoteric eater crave for breakfast? Well, luckily it doesn't involve any unusual international fare. We are able to get away with half a bagel with cream cheese, a soft boiled egg with toast strips for dipping, or an egg fried sunnyside up. For the last option, he eats all of the egg white first, then pops the entire yolk in his mouth at one time so it can burst in his mouth. I take the credit (or the blame, depending on how you look at it) for that little habit.

As far as the breakfast routine for the rest of the family, we are creatures of habit. Every weekend, my husband and I mix up a double batch of whole wheat waffles, spiked with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or ground ginger and blueberries. After eating one batch for breakfast, we slide the rest of the waffles into a ziploc bag and freeze them for breakfasts during the week. All it takes is a quick pass through the toaster oven to return them to their former fresh-cooked selves.

On mornings when the waffles stay nestled away safely in the freezer, my husband, our eldest son and I indulge our love for cereal. The two adult cereal bowls are filled with Raisin Bran, while our son switches between his two favorites, Rice Krispies and Cheerios. Whatever the choice, all of our bowls are topped off with whatever fresh fruit happens to be available.

Whatever ends up on our plates or in our bowls, however, one thing remains the same. We always sit down altogether to enjoy the first meal of the day. The table is set with place mats and napkins and we take time to find out what each person's day holds. Even if we have busy days in front of us, at least we enjoyed a few minutes chatting and enjoying each other's company.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comment section:

"What is your breakfast routine?"

This giveaway is now closed. Please go to my second Kellogg's post for a chance to win another $100 Visa gift card.

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

For 24 additional chances to win a $100 Visa gift card, please visit the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page.

This giveaway will be running from 8/11 to 8/16/2010.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

For more information on Kellogg's, please visit www.loveyourcereal.com.

Mom’s Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids’ cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. To learn more about the program, visit www.betterbythebowl.com.

Staying Hydrated

2010-08-09T09:45:00.009-06:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Crystal Light.

This giveaway is now closed.

Whether it is the middle of the summer, with the temperatures spiking to stratospheric heights, or the dead of winter, our bodies need to stay hydrated to operate efficiently. I am the first to admit that I do a lousy job of reaching the daily intake recommended by the experts. However, on days when I am a good guzzler, several things seem to happen to my body. No, I'm not talking about extra trips to the bathroom. Instead, I tend to crave healthier foods, and am satisfied with smaller portion sizes. Also, my energy level goes through the roof, which is great for productivity but drives my family nuts at times.

When I consistently drink my daily allowance across several weeks, miraculous things tend to happen. First, I lose weight, which of course is helped by the smaller meal portions and random bursts of energy, which lead to even more random sets of push-ups an sit-ups in the middle of the family room floor. Seriously. That is where the "drive the family nuts" part comes in. Second, my hair becomes glossy and my skin smooth as silk. That is when I like to pretend I am sixteen again. I stop just short of singing along to the radio, using my hairbrush as a microphone. Come on, you all did it at one time, too.

So, what is the best way to stay hydrated? Each person seems to do this a little differently. More often than not, I am a plain water kind of girl. When my friend and I head out for our runs several mornings each week, I strap a bottle of good ol' H2O around my waist. As we increase our mileage, however, some energy drink powder usually finds it way into the bottle.

When I am not running, I like to mix things up a bit. Sometimes you will find my glass filled with plain water, while other times I like to squeeze a little lime into a glass of sparkling water. If I am really feeling adventurous, a pitcher of water will be dressed up with slices of cucumber, chunks of fresh citrus fruits, or a package or two of Crystal Light. However it happens, I am bound and determined to keep myself hydrated. Feeling sixteen again definitely has its perks.

This giveaway is now closed.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

What is your favorite way to stay hydrated?

Lunchtime Fun & Rituals with Kids

2010-08-05T07:00:00.004-06:00

This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and Smuckers.

This giveaway is now closed.

Camping trips, lazy days at the pool, backyard water fights, and picnics at the park - these are the activities that a good summertime story is made of. As much as my kids enjoy the carefree days of summer (they even managed to lose track of the days within the first two weeks), they are also excited to start back to school. While I relish the thought of having some time to myself again, I already feel nostalgic about the memories we create together in the summer.

Lunchtime during the summer holidays takes place according to our bodies' schedules rather than the clock's. Two little heads appear beside me as I start pulling lunch meat and slices of watermelon out of the fridge. Four willing hands start to spread mayonnaise and mustard on slices of bread and set the patio table with place mats and napkins. My 6-year old son has claimed the job of "Official Cucumber Slicer". He sits carefully on a chair, pulled up to the counter, and slowly saws away at a cucumber until we have enough slices to fill everyone's sandwiches.

With my husband and I both working from home on many days, we have ample opportunities to eat together. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I would not have it any other way. It gives us the opportunity to chat about our day so far and to enjoy each other's company. How I am going to miss our midday chats when summer is over. Lunchtime will be far too quiet.

With my boys gone all day at school in the fall, I have an overwhelming need to stay connected to them even while we are apart. When I make their lunch each morning (they will be eating corn dogs and waffles on a stick - seriously - over my dead body), I tuck a note in each of their lunches. While the notes always include some sort of motherly sentiment, I also include either a fill-in-the-blanks secret message or a joke they can share with their friends. This small gesture lets them know that I am thinking of them, even though we are not together. After school, they often can not wait to tell me that they solved the puzzle or which of their friends had a joke to tell in response.

There are only a few weeks of summer holidays left and I plan to enjoy every moment we spend preparing and eating lunch together. For more great ideas on fun ways to spend time with your kids, check out Smucker's Kidvitations.

This giveaway is now closed.

For a chance to win a $200 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comment section:

"What were your favorite lunchtime rituals when you were a kid?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

This giveaway will be running from August 5 to August 25, 2010.

For 9 other chances to win a $200 VIsa gift card and an opportunity to win the sweepstakes for a $400 Visa gift card, please visit the BlogHer.com Smuckers roundup page.

Please see the BlogHer.com Smuckers official rules for this giveaway.

http://www.smuckers.com/promotions/kidvitations/Default.aspx

Create a Kidvitation!

Home can be a busy place with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. That’s why it’s important to set time aside to spend with your kids. Use Smuckers® Kidvitations to invite your kids to share a moment with you over a perfect PB&J. Check it out. > http://www.smuckers.com/promotions/kidvitations/Default.aspx

Eating Healthy While on Vacation

2010-08-02T08:20:00.002-06:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Crystal Light.

This giveaway is now closed.

While on vacation, it is tempting to throw all restraint aside. Huge portions seem to be the norm at many restaurants and it is tempting to throw caution to the wind by ordering butter-laden sauces and full-fat salad dressings that might rarely cross your dinner table at home. Most of us have experienced those post-vacation blues when we step on the scale and cringe as the number flashes on the screen.

So, how do we avoid these inevitable pitfalls while still enjoying our vacation? Here are a few tips and tricks that have kept us on the straight and narrow while traveling.

Do it yourself:
We often try to stay in places that offer a kitchen, or at least a fridge, so that we can make several of our meals. With a couple of bags of cereal, a selection of fresh fruit, and a gallon of milk, breakfasts are taken care of for the trip. Pop out to the grocery store and pick up a loaf of bread, some deli meats and cheeses, a couple of condiments, and some lettuce and cucumber. You will have sandwiches perfect for packing to the beach or on a hike. Cooking for yourself gives you more control over what goes into your food than eating out meal after meal. It's a lot easier on the pocket book, too.

Snack bags:
While you're at the grocery store or the nearest warehouse store, such as Costco, pick up some healthy snacks, such as baby carrots, granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Divide them into resealable kitchen bags and pack a few them along on your day trips. Having healthy snacks close at hand help curb those impulse buys of French fries and candy bars.

Hydrate:
When my kids start to feel hungry within an hour of our last meal, I hand them the water bottle. I find that, often, thirst can disguise itself as hunger and a quick hydration stop can do the trick. Carry along water and low-calorie drinks without caffeine, such as Crystal Light. Check out Crystal Light's variety of flavors that are sure to appeal to your family.

Indulge a little:
You're on vacation! A little bit of indulgence is in order. If you allow yourself and your family to snack on the occasional treat, no one will feel deprived (and cranky). You are far more likely to be content with healthy snacks if you know there is an ice cream cone in your near future.

This giveaway is now closed.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:

What is your best tip for eating healthy while on vacation or away from home?

Crystal Light Homepage

2010-08-02T08:15:00.006-06:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Crystal Light.

This giveaway is now closed.

For the next month, I will be writing various Crystal Light posts related to healthy eating and living. At the end of the month, I will randomly choose one winner from those who commented on these posts. The winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card!

Please check back here for updates on my Crystal Light posts.

Post #1: Eating Healthy While on Vacation Comment for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Post #2: Staying Hydrated Comment for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Post #3: Body Image Comment for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Post #4: Emotional & Physical Health Comment for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

This giveaway is now closed.

For 6 other chances to win a $100 Visa gift card, plus the opportunity to enter the $1000 sweepstakes, please visit the BlogHer.com CLB exclusive offers page.

Official rules

For more information on Crystal Light, please visit their website.

Pop-Tarts Summertime Activity for Kids

2010-06-28T07:15:00.006-06:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop-Tarts.

This contest is now closed. Thanks to all who participated.

As school was winding down for the year, my two boys began to plan their activity wish list for the summer. Swimming, camping, hiking, and fishing were all at the top of the list, and my husband and I were excited to be invited along for the ride. However, we were also faced with the reality that we would not be able to fill each and every day with a novel activity. We suggested to the boys that they think of a project that they could do over the summer, preferably something that would help an individual or the community.

Over the past several months, the boys watched several news stories and videos about global warming, how the melting polar caps are effecting the polar bears, and what we can do to help. From this, they decided that they would like to do an environmentally-minded project. One of the concerns that we have with our city's recycling program is that they do not accept glass products. Instead, we have to collect the glass containers and drive them to a recycling bin that is about 25 minutes from our home. Not only does this negate the purpose of helping the environment (think: gas consumption), but most people will not bother to make the drive and, instead, throw the glass into the garbage.

Clipboard and fliers in hand, the boys approached a number of families in our neighborhood to sign them up for their own brand of recycling. Within 45 minutes, a dozen names were added to the list. These willing neighbors pledged to save their glass and put it on their front porch for pick-up each Monday morning. This Monday, the boys walked to each house, pulling their Radio Flyer wagon behind them and loaded up the glass to take down to the recycling bin.

After collecting 50 glass containers, the boys were bursting with pride and could not stop smiling at their accomplishment.

After a morning of hard work, they had earned some time to burn off energy at the park and a chance to sit down for a tasty treat. My younger son excitedly opened his box of Chocolate Banana Split Pop-Tarts...

while my older son couldn't wait to sink his teeth into his Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tarts.

And, of course, there was some sharing.

They would be happy to make a Pop-Tarts snack a weekly event following their recycling efforts.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card from BlogHer, please answer the following question in the comment section:

"What was your favorite summertime activity when you were a kid?"

Pop-Tarts Fourth of July Ice Cream Pie Recipe & a Visa Gift Card Giveaway

2010-06-21T08:45:00.008-06:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop-Tarts.

This contest is now closed. Thanks to all who participated.

After weeks of indecisive spring weather, summer is finally upon us. For my kids, that means a few key things: sprinklers should be in working order, the slip 'n slide is fixed in its permanent summertime location in our backyard, and the freezer is continuously stocked with ice cream and popsicles. On days when they are feeling water-logged and they have wiped out on the slip 'n slide one too many times while "surfing" their way down the glistening surface, we pull out the big guns. For the past several summers, one of their favorite activities involved placing small plastic or rubber toys, such as knights and sea creatures, into a plastic container, filling it with water, and freezing until solid. When boredom is about to set in, we unmold the ice block form the container, place it on a baking sheet and send them into the backyard with toy hammers to chisel their toys from their icy resting places. Works like a charm!

After working so diligently at their toy rescue efforts, my boys are usually ready for some sort of frozen treat. While otter pops and popsicles usually do the trick, I wanted to try something a little different. When I received several boxes of Pop-Tarts® Ice Cream Shoppe™ Frosted Vanilla Milkshake pop-tarts, I knew just what to do with them. With July 4th just around the corner, I wanted to put together a special dessert fit for the occasion. Pop-Tarts featured a special treat for Easter, so why not something to celebrate the day of red, white, and blue?

Ground Pop-Tarts were used as the crust and sprinkled on top of a vanilla ice cream center. Just before serving, I decorated the top of the ice cream pie with fresh strawberries and blueberries. What did my kids think? Well, let's just say that they would like Pop-Tarts ice cream pies to become a new tradition after a long day of frolicking. I am more than happy to oblige.

The recipe:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Cut 6 Pop-Tarts® Ice Cream Shoppe™ Frosted Vanilla Milkshake Pop-Tarts into 1-inch pieces and place in the bowl of a food processor.

Pulse until the Pop-Tarts are coarse crumbs.

Place 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter in a microwave-proof bowl and melt in the microwave. Pour the butter into the processor and briefly pulse until the crumbs are moistened.

Lightly spray a 9-inch glass pie dish with cooking spray and press the moistened crumbs evenly on the bottom and up the sides.

Bake in the oven until the crust is light golden brown, about 10 minutes. Place on a wire rack and cool completely.

Spread 2 pints (1/4 gallon) softened ice cream into the crust.

Coarsely chop 2 Pop-Tarts® Ice Cream Shoppe™ Frosted Vanilla Milkshake Pop-Tarts and sprinkle over top of the ice cream. Cover and freeze until ready to eat.

About 10 minutes before serving, remove the ice cream pie from the freezer to soften slightly. Using 1/2 cup strawberry wedges and 1/2 cup blueberries, decorate the top of the pie. Cut into wedges and serve.

Printable recipe

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card from BlogHer, please answer the following question in the comment section:

"What are your kids' or grandkids' favorite summertime activities?"

Review of Carrabba's Italian Grill

2010-05-10T08:30:00.008-06:00

This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Carrabba's.

This contest is now closed. Thanks to all of you who entered!

When I was first contacted about conducting a review for Carrabba's Italian Grill, I jumped at the chance. I mean, really, who doesn't appreciate date night on someone else's dime? I will admit, however, that I was hesitant about dining at Carrabba's. Would it be like any other Italian chain restaurant, with mediocre food, indifferent servers, and a penchant for turning tables faster than McDonald's?

When my husband and I first arrived at Carrabba's in Orem, Utah with our friends, we realized that we unwittingly visited on high school prom night. This had two effects on me - I felt very old and exceedingly underdressed all in one fell swoop. After adjusting my taffeta-less blouse and decidedly uncoiffed hair, and doing my best to raise my head high to smooth out any wrinkles threatening to form on my neck, I was set to enjoy the evening.

Once seated, we were promptly greeted by our server, Steve, who was pleasantly enthusiastic, professional, and attentive throughout the evening. As Steve left to fill our drink orders, the manager of the restaurant presented us with a plate of appetizers, on the house, as an apology for our wait. Now, I do not think this is standard restaurant policy. By this point, the manager realized that I was there to conduct a review and was hoping to make us as comfortable as possible. Regardless, we enjoyed being able to whet our appetites with the items on the plate.

Often, I find that restaurants serve calamari that is covered in a batter so thick that the squid is unrecognizable. Carrabba's calamari, which is available in two sizes, was lightly battered and served with a fantastic marinara sauce. Even though I was trying to save room for the rest of the meal, I had a difficult time not polishing off the tender squid on my own. Alongside the calamari Mozzarella Marinara, Carrabba's version of the popular breaded appetizer. While the breading was tasty with the addition of herbs, we found the pieces of mozzarella to be rather thin, thus being overwhelmed by the crust.

One of the things that impressed me the most about Carrabba's menu was that many of the dishes are available in two sizes, small and regular. Often I find myself ordering an appetizer and salad for dinner because I know that many restaurants serve entree sizes that could feed an army platoon. With the option to order small portions at Carrabba's, you do not have to order more than you can eat or, in these lean economic times, more than you can afford. Many of the entrees, which are served with a choice of soup or salad, start at $12.

To sample as many of the menu items as possible, we each ordered a different dish, sticking with the small portion sizes. Our choices ranged from classic Italian dishes such as Chicken Parmesan and Veal Piccata to wood-burning grill specialties, such as Pollo Rosa Maria and Filet Florentina.

One of our friends ordered the Pollo Rosa Maria, which is a grilled chicken breast stuffed with fontina and prosciutto and topped with mushrooms and a basil lemon butter sauce. Well, you simply can't go wrong with melted cheese and salty prosciutto. Topped with the tangy, smooth sauce, this chicken breast was both luxurious and satisfying.

Our other friend chose the Chicken Bryan, which is another entree prepared on Carrabba's wood burning grill. The grill imparts a pleasant smoky flavor that does not overwhelm the food. Topped with a round of goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, and the basil lemon butter sauce, this dish promises great flavor. While the texture of the tomatoes and goat cheese were complimentary to the moist chicken, the acid in the lemon butter sauce was a bit overwhelming when paired with the tang of the goat cheese.

You never know what you are going to get when you order salmon in a restaurant. Will it be dry and dense, or moist and tender? We were impressed by the preparation of the Grilled Norweigan Salmon that my husband ordered. The moist fish was topped with a mint and tomato salsa which, appropriately light-handed with the mint, was a fresh accompaniment. While the salmon was a good dish overall, it could have benefited from an extra dollop of salsa.

For my entree, I decided to go for the gusto and ordered the Filet Marsala. I was presented with a very generous filet, topped with sauteed mushrooms and a marsala wine sauce. In my opinion, there is no point in ordering a good piece of beef if you are going to ask for it to be cooked beyond medium-rare. I went one step further and ordered mine rare. The kitchen did not disappoint. My filet was tender, juicy, and beautifully pink inside. Paired with the rich, flavorful sauce, this dish was my personal favorite of the evening.

At Carrabba's, each entree is served with garlic mashed potatoes, cavatappi, or the vegetable of the day, which was a choice of broccoli or spinach. Two of us chose spinach and the other two chose broccoli. Those who chose spinach definitely came out with the better end of the deal. The spinach, sauteed to perfection with olive oil and slivers of garlic, was a light, fresh side dish. Unfortunately, the broccoli was overdone and lacked the fresh taste of the spinach.

Even though we each ordered the small portion sizes, we left feeling satisfied. In fact, I would even say that we felt relatively guilt-free, both nutritionally and monetarily. Good food, good wine, and good friends all add up to one very pleasant evening.

The generous people at Carrabba's are offering a $100 Carrabba's gift card to one lucky commenter. All you have to do is answer this question.

"What great things come in small packages?"

This giveaway runs from May 10 - June 10, 2010.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway here: Official Rules

To read the other bloggers' reviews of Carrabba's and for 9 more chances to win, please check out the BlogHer review/giveaway round-up page.

BlogHer.com special offers page

For more information on the menu or to find the location near you, please visit Carrabba's site.

Adding Flavor to Your Life (Plus a Visa Gift Card Giveaway)

2010-05-03T11:45:00.008-06:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Coffee-mate.

This contest is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Congratulations to Mari, winner of the $100 Visa gift card! Thanks to Coffee-mate and BlogHer for sponsoring this giveaway. I hope all of you continue to add flavor to your lives in as many varied ways as you wrote in the comments.

At least one time per day, I am beckoned by one of my two boys to admire their growing bicep muscles, or their "pythons" as they like to call them. This morning, my husband and I described to them how the process of building muscles works. When you exercise, tiny tears occur in your muscles. As these tears repair themselves, your muscles become larger and stronger. As my boys ran off to start their daily regiment of shooting hoops and swinging like monkeys on our outdoor playset, I began to think about the process that our bodies go through each time we step out the door to exercise, and how it relates to life and experience in a more general sense. We are faced with hundreds of choices each day, some more mundane than others. These choices can range from, "Should I make a sandwich or a salad for lunch?" to "Should I move my family to a new city to take that job offer?"

Taking risks can be terrifying, but when the risks pan out, the rewards can be plentiful. Perhaps we can liken our minds and hearts to our muscles - when we take risks, we break ourselves down with anxiety, but the changes ultimately make us stronger. There have been many instances in my life where I have chosen to walk close to the proverbial cliff edge and, most of the time, have been reinforced for taking the gamble. While the decision to walk away from the safe side is not always easy, this is one way in which I add flavor to my life. My attitude has always been that if I think things through logically, have confidence in my common sense, and lay a little faith in the great unknown, things tend to turn out okay.

Well, maybe my common sense wasn't on full power as I stood 350 feet above the Zambezi River that separates Zimbabwe and Zambia, on the side of a bridge, with nothing but a large elastic band attached to my ankles. However, as my companions called "3...2...1...Bungee!" and I hurled myself out into nothingness, I knew this was a sensation that would be locked in my mind forever.

At the age of 21, when I headed off on a solo backpacking adventure through Europe, with all of the belongings I would need for the next 6 months strapped to my back, I felt deeply that I was about to embark on a trip that would shape my life. If I could make my way through nine countries by train and on foot, find the youth hostels hidden amongst the curving streets and directed by signs written in unfamiliar languages, and manage to keep myself safe and fed, then I could handle most situations that I would encounter later in life.

As I moved into my thirties, got married, and brought kids into this world, my risks changed in nature. My penchant for cooking led to experimentation with unfamiliar ingredients and techniques, adding flavor to my life in a literal way. These experimentations eventually led to a cooking blog, which became an important part of my life. When my husband, a talented athlete, took up marathon running, I decided it was time to put aside the trepidation I always felt when faced with a run longer than a couple of blocks. This change of heart led to the completion of several half-marathons (at a snail's pace, mind you) and a strong feeling of self-accomplishment.

Of course, there have been many instances when the risks did not pay off and even led to great disappointment or heartbreak. After wallowing in the wake of failure for awhile, I would slowly pick myself up, dust myself off, and head off down a different road. While the results were not what I hoped for, I could always say that I learned something from the experience.

As our children grown older, my husband and I hope to instill a sense of self-confidence and adventure them. We try to teach them that unexpected blessings can come from stepping outside of their comfort zones. The benefits may not always be obvious or earth-shattering, but the process of taking risks can be incredibly gratifying and always provide valuable learning experiences. In the meantime, we will continue to ooo and ahh over their "pythons" and hope that life will kindly provide them with opportunities to take risks and learn from their successes and failures.

For a chance to win a Visa gift card in the amount of $100, please answer the following question in the comment section:

"How do you add flavor to your life?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Head to the BlogHer round-up page for a chance to win $500, plus 9 other chances to win $100.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway here: Official rules

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Holiday Road Trip Story & Gift Card Giveaway

2009-12-08T13:15:00.006-07:00

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Sprint

Update: Thanks for everyone's participation and your great stories. The lucky winner is #63 "Miss" Anita! I will be emailing you with the details.

It sounds like something out of The Amazing Race. The mission: Put two harassed adults, two energetic young boys, and one dog in a car packed to the hilt with Christmas presents and vacation necessities. Then - and this is the kicker - send them off on an 18-hour road trip in the middle of winter. When it's put that way, I wonder why our families haven't arranged for straight-jackets and heavy medication. Despite the apparent insanity of the plan, we embark on one of these road trips at least once per year. It's kind of like labor: the pain is forgotten quickly and plans are enthusiastically made to do it all again.

So was the case when we packed the car on a cold December morning and set off from our Salt Lake City home, heading for Victoria, Canada. Not only did the trip involve a decidedly long drive, spanning 1000 miles, several treacherous mountain passes, and a 1 1/2 hour ferry ride, but it was done in a pummeling snowstorm. Snow doesn't make those treacherous mountain passes seem any more benevolent. Some jokester actually named one of them "Dead Man's Pass". Funny. To put the cherry on top of the proverbial sundae, our youngest son, who was 2 years old at the time, started making suspicious heaving sounds just south of Seattle, which lasted all the way to Victoria. I'll spare you the gory details, but suffice it to say that the heaving sounds transformed into something far less pleasant.

On the first night of this auspicious road trip, we stopped for the night somewhere in Oregon. The night was thankfully uneventful and we woke up at the crack of dawn to start on the final leg of the trip. As I was getting two bleary-eyed boys dressed for the day, my husband took our dog, a sweet black lab named Tiana, out of the hotel for her morning constitution.

It was a cold, dark winter's morning and the clouds from the passing snowstorm were still laying low to the ground. No one else was outside, except for one man who was bent over into the trunk of his car, diligently packing for his own road trip. Once Tiana had finished her business on the hotel's patch of grass, she enthusiastically bounded into the parking lot. Before my husband could stop her, Tiana ran over to greet the man who was still leaning into his trunk. Since there wasn't a hand available to rub against, Tiana vigorously goosed the unsuspecting man. Apparently, he jumped higher than an Enron executive at the sound of a whistle and let out a yelp that would have made Tarzan proud. My husband managed to hold in his laughter long enough to apologize to the very forgiving gentleman. How we needed that comic relief in the midst of our memorable journey!

And now it's your turn to tell your own funny holiday road trip tale for a chance to win a $200 Visa gift card. To enter, leave me a comment below and tell me your funniest road trip story - or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. The contest will begin at Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 9 am and will end Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 5:00 pm. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Please see the official rules here: Official rules

For more funny road trip stories, and 8 more chances to win, please check out the BlogHer review/giveaway round-up page.

Visit the BlogHer.com special offers page - you've got 9 chances to win a $200 Visa Gift Card!

Winners will be chosen using a random number generator.

About Me

2009-11-30T13:00:00.001-07:00

Please check out my recipe blog, Cookin' Canuck.

My name is Dara and I am a wife of a supportive husband and mother of 2 young, energetic boys. I have been interested in food and cooking as long as I can remember. My mum is a fabulous, instinctual cook and I like to think that I picked up some of that from her. She grew up in Jamaica, plus my parents spent the first two years of their marriage living in Malaysia. As a result, she often used (and still does use) spices and flavors in her cooking that were rather unusual at that time. My dad, who has always been our Sandwich King and can make a mean batch of scrambled eggs, took a series of cooking classes several years ago, which spurred on a baking streak that we all appreciated.

I am a Canadian by birth and in my heart (yes, I'm a Canuck), but have lived happily in the United States for the past 15 years, and in Utah for the past 10 years. I was born in eastern Canada, but spent most of my childhood and early twenties in Vancouver. It is a city graced with the beauty of the mountains and ocean. Vancouver has an inspiring food and restaurant scene that is stimulated, in part, by the melting pot of cultures.

Although I tend to think about food and cooking a lot, it is not related to my job. My husband and I are consultants for families who wish to set up intensive behavioral programs for their children with autism. We are dedicated to making these amazing children reach their full potential.

I hope you enjoy the recipes on Cookin' Canuck and are able to use them when cooking for your family and entertaining friends. I aspire to give you recipes that make you think, "This isn't so hard after all!" I hope the reviews on Points of Review are helpful to you.