Jamie Cooks It Up Review

Subway and Little League Baseball

2011-08-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

SUBWAY® restaurants, the world’s largest restaurant chain is doing a wonderful thing! For the third year in a row this great sandwich loving company has sponsored what they call The SUBWAY® Baseball DeSIGNS Tour. What kind of tour is that....you might be thinking.

The SUBWAY® Baseball DeSIGNS Tour includes more than 40 baseballs designed by young artists and signed by celebrities and athletes including: musician Katy Perry, actor Zac Efron, rock band Maroon 5, gold medal-winning swimmer Michael Phelps, pro football’s Drew Brees, and baseball star Ryan Howard. For a complete list of celebrities click here.

The tour will visit four U.S. cities concluding with a final stop at the Little League® Baseball World Series (LLBWS) from Aug. 19-28, where the baseballs will then be auctioned off to the general public with all proceeds benefiting the Little League® Baseball Urban Initiative program which helps fund start-ups, developments, equipment, clinics and field maintenance for inner-city youth leagues and teams.

Sounds pretty great, doesn't it! A baseball signed by Zac Efron? He's pretty cute, you know. If you are interested in bidding on any of these fun baseballs you can do so on Ebay.

You can learn more about the baseballs on Facebook.

Samsung 4-Door LCD Refrigerator with Apps and $100 Best Buy Giveaway

2011-07-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

We live in a wild world, you know. Technology in all it's different forms has plowed its way into our lives reshaping the way the whole world operates. A short 55 years ago, my mother was a small girl and can remember her parents buying their very first television set.

What a wonderment! It must have been very exciting. New technology at it's finest.

Now years later, most of us carry a phone around 24/7 that will make calls, text, log on to the Internet, hold games, tv shows, movies, pictures and all kinds of apps.

What an amazement! It is very exciting. New technology at it's finest!

Life is fast paced in this new high tech world! Being efficient with the wonderful technology available is certainly key. I am often saying to MyHandsomeHusband....just imagine what life will be like 10 years from now. At the rate technology is changing and advancing who knows what kind of things will be available to us.

Things like the new Samsung 4-door LCD Refrigerator with Apps. Visit the Official site

Yes, you read it correctly. A refrigerator that has Internet capability.

What an amazement! It is very exciting. New technology at it's finest!

This cutting edge refrigerator has a lot of great features. For example, with the new refrigerator, owners are able to view recipes, read the tweets of those they follow, review the family Google calendar, listen to music while cooking or cleaning, check out the weather report and leave notes for their family members with the post-it functionality. Efficiency at it's best.

Amazing!!!! Exciting!!!! Technology is out doing itself.

What do you suppose could be next? How about a washer and dryer that folds clothes neatly and then puts them away in the correct drawer. Imagine all of the time that would save!

Love it!

Do you have any brilliant ideas for a cutting edge appliance?

For a chance to win

$100 Best Buy Gift Certificate

leave me a comment telling me what your dream appliance is, and how it could help you to solve a vexing problem.

Be creative!

It can be as wild as your imagination.

Good luck, everyone!
The Sweepstakes will run from

7/25-8/15.

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.

For more opportunities to win Visit the Prizes & Promotions section.

To read up on the official contest rules click here. Visit the Official Rules

Fruits and Veggies and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

2011-04-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and Tropicana.

Pledge to squeeze more fruits and veggies into your day & Tropicana will help kids in need. Tropicana will donate one 8-oz glass of orange juice to the USDA School Breakfast and Summer Food Service programs, up to 184,375 8-oz glasses. Please pledge by going to http://bit.ly/gAU7Eq . Promo will end 12/31/11.

"Can I have a treat?"
"Can I have a piece of candy?"
"Can I have a cookie?"
"Can I have something to eat that will give me lots of cavities and make my blood sugar level sky rocket?"

These are some of the repeater questions I loath. It seems they frequent the halls of this home on a regular basis. What to do with all of these treat hounds around here?

Slice it up nice....

Serve it up twice, or thrice (is that a word?)

Fresh fruits and vegetables. That's what I'm talking about! We like treats around here, it's no secret. But having fresh fruits and veggies around the house at all times makes me feel a lot better about the nutrition of my kidlets. I offer fruit and veggies a lot...a real lot....and am finding my kids are developing a love for them. Few. What a relief.

I don't try and sneak artichokes into cookies dough...
I don't blend up spinach with chocolate sauce and pour it over ice cream.
I don't pour tomato juice over the top of rice crispy treats.

I just chop up carrots sticks for their lunch, and bring apples to the park, and steam up frozen peas with dinner, and slice up oranges after school.

You know. We try and eat the good for you stuff. I offer it. Serve it. Place it in front of their cute faces.
Then after the carrot sticks we have a cookie. I can not tell a lie.

How about you?

To enter the to win the $100 Visa Gift Card from BlogHer leave me a comment below telling me how you serve up fruits and veggies to your kids. Please, pretty please.... leave your email address in your comment. This giveaway will run from April 11th-May 9th.

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, Visit 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.

For other opportunities to win click here.

The Offical Website

Twitter

the official Facebook page

Visit the Official Rules

I wrote this post while participating in the Tropicana Pure Premium/BlogHer program on behalf of Tropicana Pure Premium. I received product information to facilitate my post and monetary compensation for the time to write my post.

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway

2011-03-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

This Giveaway is now closed

I'm happy to be partnering with Shabby Apple, an online dress boutique selling women’s dresses, casual dresses, skirts, and women’s apparel. They have so many beautiful dresses to choose from! Click on over and take a little peek. It's a wonderful site, indeed. I would bet you'll find something you love over there.

Shabby Apple would like to giveaway a dress to one of you lucky readers. Isn't that great news! I sure think so. The lucky winner will be able to choose from the following five dresses.

Happy Talk

Spanish Steps

Cider

Azure Coast

Creamsicle

All very lovely, wouldn't you say?

If you would like to enter to win, leave me a comment telling me your favorite spring time activity. (It's going to be spring soon, isn't it? Please! Someone make it be spring.) Be sure and leave your email address in your comment.

For a second entry "Like" me on Facebook, by clicking here. Then leave a comment telling me you did so.

You have until Sunday night at midnight to enter. The winner will be announced on Monday morning.

Good luck everyone!

Tropicana Orange Juice and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

2011-03-14T05:23:00.000-07:00

This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and Tropicana.

This giveaway is now closed.

Fresh Oranges in the winter. Yum. We can't get enough of them around here! There's not a kid walking these halls of mine that doesn't love a good orange. That is a relief! Kids with a love for a good healthy orange.

Orange Juice...? They love it just as much! (If given the opportunity, the two children pictured above would drink OJ at every meal and three times between each meal.)

I was very happy to discover that Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice contains 16 picked fresh oranges in each 59 oz container. That's not too shabby! I was equally excited to learn this wonderful juice has no added sugar, artificial flavors, sweetener or water. Amazing. They don't even add water? That is a lot of orange!

One 8 ounce glass of Tropicana Orange Juice has a fulls day's supply of vitamin C, as much potassium as a banana and is a natural source of the vitamin B foliate. That is something I can feel good about! We all want to feel good about the food we are supplying for our little ones. I have been pleased to learn that Tropicana Orange Juice is good through and through. Think of it as handing your kidlets an orange in the liquid form. A fantastic way to put a little bit of "good" in your morning.

To enter the to win the $100 Visa Gift Card from BlogHer leave me a comment below telling me how you include good nutrition in your daily breakfast routine. And please, oh please leave your email address in your comment. This giveaway will run from 3/14-4/11. Winner will be informed by email. Check back in a couple of weeks for second chance to win $100 Visa Gift Card.

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

The Offical Website

Twitter

the official Facebook page

I wrote this post while participating in the Tropicana Pure Premium/BlogHer program on behalf of Tropicana Pure Premium. I received product information to facilitate my post and monetary compensation for the time to write my post.

$25 Kroger Gift Card Giveaway

2011-02-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hello there! I wanted to let you know about a great sale that is coming up! Kroger (otherwise known as Smiths Grocery Store for those of you living in Utah) is having a great sale starting

Sunday February 27th.

If you would like to enter to win a $25 Kroger Gift Card leave me a comment telling me the item you purchase most regularly at the grocery store. Milk.....eggs.....cheese.....diet coke.......~~chocolate~~......healthy vegetables! What do you buy the most, my friends. That is what I would like to know! You may enter from now until Thursday March 3rd. I will announce the winner on Friday morning March 4th. Please, oh please leave your email address in your comment. Good luck!

Details about the sale are below!

Instead of breaking your piggy bank, shop and save with the Cart Buster Savings Event exclusively at Kroger and the Kroger Family of Stores. You´ll see Big Savings Storewide!

From February 27th through March 12th, shop Kroger´s biggest-ever promotion and find the hottest prices around on more than 35 brands, across more than 60 categories from General Mills, P & G, Nestle, Pepsi and Kroger Banner Brands. During the Cart Buster Savings Event, you´ll find great savings in almost every department at the Kroger Family of Stores, which includes Kroger, Ralph´s, King Soopers, City Market, Dillons, Smith´s, Fry´s, QFC, Baker´s, Owen´s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Pay Less Super Markets and Scott´s Food & Pharmacy.

Here are just a handful of the great brands participating in the event: Multigrain Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Hamburger Helper, Yoplait, Progresso, Totino´s, Green Giant, Cascadian Farm, Tide, Charmin, Bounty, Pampers, Pantene, Crest, Iams, Febreze, Old Spice, Bounce, DiGiorno´s, Nestle Toll House, Juicy Juice, Coffee-Mate, Edy´s, Stouffer´s, Lean Cuisine, Hot Pockets, Nestle Candy, Purina and many more!

Looking for even more ways to add money to your pocket? Visit Facebook.com/Kroger to participate in their "Deal of the Day" promotion! During each day of Kroger´s Cart Buster Savings Event, be one of the first 1000 people to click on the deal link and receive a free load-to-card coupon for the featured daily item.

Jimmy Dean Better Breakfast Better You! and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

2010-12-28T05:56:00.000-08:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Jimmy Dean.

However the opinions and feelings expressed here are my own.

The holiday season is nearing an end my friends. Unless you count Valentines day...and in that case the holiday season is just 3/4 of the way through! Let that put a little sparkle in your eye, now. However whether you count it or not, January is staring us right in the face.

January. The old girl is usually pretty cold in my neck of the woods. Also a bit boring. No one wants to make anything with butter and sugar anymore, holiday parties are over, and my pants are too tight. Not really my favorite month...if you catch my drift.

But with January also comes the opportunity for change. A fresh start, if you will. That is something to smile about. While I love (and have a serious addiction) to butter and sugar...it is bit refreshing to take a break from them for a spell. I cannot deny it. I often tend to get in a butter/sugar frenzy by the end of December. Come January I am ready to bring in a replacement! Something that is a little bit better for you!

A couple of weeks ago I was given some samples of Jimmy Dean Delights breakfast sandwiches.

Jimmy Dean has come out with several options for breakfast that have less fat, while still tasting great. I have to say I was a bit skeptical of these breakfast sandwiches at first. I'm more of a grind-the-wheat-make-the-bread-from-scratch kind of chic. However I am finding in my ever increasing busy life...I make better choices when there are "better choices" available quickly.

I was pleasantly surprised by the taste of these products! They are really good. They have a lot of protein and much less fat than Jimmy Dean's regular product. Two things that are a great bonus. I have found (in my many years battling the bulge) that eating more protein really helps a lot. Protein combined with whole grains is a magical potion. I am looking forward to hanging out with both of these two. More of these, less of the butter/sugar combo we discussed earlier. The new Jimmy Dean products will be a great addition to my routine. I look forward to having them as an option on a busy morning. Ok...let's be honest. I can count on one very tiny finger the mornings that aren't super busy around here. Must be the mother-of-five gig I'm trying to pull off.

If you would like to enter to win the $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway leave me a comment telling me one choice you are going to make this January to improve your self. One simple way you plan to make a better you.

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.This giveaway will run from December 28th to January 30th
.

The official rules can be found here.

To visit the other bloggers participating in this giveaway click here.

Snowman Pop-Tarts Sled and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

2010-12-13T06:27:00.000-08:00

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

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

If you are looking for a fun little kitchen project,
give these Snowman Pop-Tarts a go!
I had a fun time with my kids while we put them together.

If you would like to enter to win the $100 Visa Gift Card from BlogHer leave me a comment below telling me the thing you love most about Christmas! Be sure to leave me your email address as well. You have until December 25th to enter.

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 can be found here.

There will also be a second opportunity to enter next week. Watch for another Pop-Tarts post that will include a video my family and I put together.
Click here to see the other 9 bloggers participating in this campaign.

Snowman Pop-Tarts Sled

Time: 1 hour

Yield: 12 sleds

Recipe from Jamie Cooks It Up!

PRINT RECIPE

Royal Icing:

4 C powdered sugar

3 large egg whites

1/2 t cream of tartar

Sleds:

12 Pop-Tarts

1 bag extra large marshmallows

1 bag regular marshmallows

24 candy canes

assorted candy....red hots, hard cinnamon candies, mini chocolate chips...what ever suits your fancy!

Big Red Gum

Edible Color Markers (totally optional...but fun!)

1. To make the Royal Icing put all ingredients in a mixing bowl, or a stand mixer. Beat on medium high speed for at least 7 minutes. You want it to hold a peak.

2. Leave the icing white, or add food coloring if you choose. I opted to turn a bit of it red.

3. Glue the candy canes to the top of the Pop-Tarts with the Royal Icing.

4. Build your self a little snowman with the marshmallow. Use the Royal Icing to stick each part together.

5. I used these fun Edible Markers to draw faces on the snowmen, and to add little details to the scarfs. (made from Big Red gum)I got the markers at my local WalMart.

Use your imagination! Have FUN!!!!!

Weebles Prize Pack and $100 HasbroToyShop.com Gift Card Giveaway

2010-11-24T05:16:00.000-08:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Weebles.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Just the other day we got a big fat package on the doorstep.

It had been one of those days.

You know the kind.

Everyone was bored.

There was "nothing to do, Mom!"

It was the kind of day when the

WhiningFightingCrying level FAR exceeded the....

CooperativeLovingFamily level.

I'm sure that doesn't happen very often at your house. You'll just have to use your imagination and trust me when I say...

those kind of days really stink.

Inside the package was a whole collection of Weebles from Playskool. Included were the Weebles Musical TreeHouse, Weeble Wobble-Go-Round, Weebles Wobblin' Go-Carts, and a Weebles Figure Assortment.

Can I just tell you honestly.

There were smiles all around.

They really added a lot of fun to our day!

My LittleTwinBoys loved them. They seriously played for hours with them that afternoon, and have been

enjoying them ever since.

A certain daughter who is eight years old,

and will remain nameless

also played with them for hours.....

just between you and I.

Weebles , you really saved the day.

And the night.

And the next morning, and afternoon as well.

If you would like a chance to win a fun Weebles Prize Package and $100 HasbroToyShop.com gift card you may enter below! Leave me a comment telling me your favorite RainyDayHaveFunWithYourKids Activity.
Be sure to leave your email address with your comment.

This giveaway will run from today to December 24th. The winner will be announced on Monday December 27.

The Rules of the Giveaway are....
No duplicate comments.
You may receive 2 total entries by selecting from any of the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt above.
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) No-effort entry: Follow this link and provide your email address.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winner 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.

Here is a short video of my LittleTwinBoys hanging out with their new Weebles.

You can check out 9 other bloggers sites with more videos, and of course more opportunities to enter and win.

Pop -Tarts Video and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

2010-11-17T04:37:00.000-08:00

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

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Well hold on to your hats.

I have made a video for you!
Just for you....
to laugh at,
to chuckle at,
to grin at.

And hopefully you will be laughing,
and chuckling,
and grinning
WITH us....more than AT us.
Here's to hoping!!

***If you would like to enter to win $100 Visa Gift Card leave me a comment below telling me what dish....or dishes you will be making this Thanksgiving. Entry comments left here will be combined with the entry comments from the Pop-Tarts Thankful House Post. If you entered at end of that post, you are welcome to enter here as well.

For a second entry (on this post)...
1. Tweet about this post with a link to it (and put your tweet URL in a separate comment below)
2. Blog about this post with a link to it (and put your blog post URL in a separate comment below)
3. Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

Click here to see the 9 other bloggers participating in this review program. They are each giving away a $100 Visa gift card as well.

To link to the official sweepstakes rules, you can click here.

Have a great day everyone!

$100 Visa Gift Card, Ghirardelli Chocolate Waffles, and Chocolate Toffe Cheesecake

2010-11-15T05:05:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored review by BlogHer and Ghirardelli.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

All right guys and gals, I'm going to give it to you strait. This post has a whole lot to offer you. Two fabulous recipes using Ghirardelli Chocolate..... and a chance to win $100 Visa Gift Card courtesy of BlogHer . Hot diggidy dog. What a great day.

I will give a small warning. If you don't like chocolate...please avert your eyes. Chocolate is the topic of discussion today, and it's going to be laid on thick. Thick and rich and luscious and delectable and down right fabulous. If those words don't entice you...well then. I'll have to see you another day with some sort of tasty vegetable recipe in tow. I'll be up nights trying to figure how to make it luscious and delectable. But you are worth it...I'll give it my best shot.

As for the rest of you chocolate lovin' readers...we are in for a treat!

If you would like to enter for a chance to win $100 Visa Gift Card then leave me a comment below telling me your favorite way to eat chocolate! Be sure to leave your email address. The winner will be announced on December 16th.

For a second opportunity to win...
1. Tweet about this post with a link to it (and put your tweet URL in a separate comment below)
2. Blog about this post with a link to it (and put your blog post URL in a separate comment below)
3. Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

If you would like to view some Chocolate Waffles and a delectable Chocolate Toffee Cheesecake.....well then keep on a scrollin' down. You won't be disappointed!

Chocolate Waffles, dripping with homemade strawberry jam and adorned with a dollop of whip cream. Chocolaty richness in every bite. This recipe comes from The Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookbook.
These Chocolate Waffles are WONDERFUL!!!! My family was thrilled beyond belief when I served them up for breakfast. Some ate them with maple syrup, some with strawberry jam, some just ate them plain. Take your pick. They are good as can be and would make a wonderful holiday breakfast.

Chocolate Waffles

Time: 30 minutes

Yeild: 14 waffles

Recipe from The Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookbook

PRINT RECIPE

2 C flour

1 C Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

1 T baking powder

2 T sugar

1/2 t salt

2 C milk

4 large eggs, separated

4 T canola oil

1 C Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

1. Combine the baking powder, flour and cocoa in a mixing bowl.

2. In a separate bowl whisk together the milk, egg yolks and oil. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients.

3. In another bowl beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. It shouldn't take long, only about 3 minutes.

4. Fold the egg whites into your chocolaty batter.

5. Stir in your chocolate chips and you are ready to roll.

6. Spray your waffle iron with cooking spray and cook until done.

Serve with maple syrup, or strawberry jam.

CHOCOLATE TOFFEE CHEESECAKE

Chocolate Toffee Cheesecake. Need I say more. This heavenly dessert would make a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving Holiday Feast. I for one, am planning on making it...just so I have another chance to eat it. It really is down right SCRUMPTIOUS!!!!
If you are a Cheesecake fan, this dessert it for you.

Chocolate Toffee Cheesecake

Time: 90 minutes + time 3 hours refrigeration

Yield: 12 servings

Recipe from Jamie Cooks It Up!

PRINT RECIPE

Crust:

30 Oreos

1/3 C melted butter

Filling:

4 8 oz packages cream cheese

1 C sugar

2 t vanilla

1 C sour cream

4 eggs

Topping:

8 oz Ghirardelli Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (2/3 of a 12 oz bag)

8 oz whipping cream

dash salt

1/2 t vanilla

1 12 oz bag health toffee pieces

1. For the crust, grind your Oreos in a small food processor. Place the crumbs in a small mixing bowl.

2. Pour the melted butter over the crumbs and mix to combine well.

3. Get out your handy 10 inch spring form pan. Press the crust crumbs over the bottom of the pan and up 1 inch of the sides. It works well to use the a small measuring cup to help form the crust to the pan.

4. Beat the cream cheese in your stand mixer, or with hand held beaters for about 2 minutes, until smooth.

5. Add the sugar and vanilla and mix until well combined.

6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each egg.

7. Stir the sour cream into the mixture, just until incorporated.

8. Place a 9x13 pan of water on the lower rack of your oven.

9. Pour your cheesecake filling over the chocolate crust.

10. Put the cheesecake into a 350 degree oven and bake for 60-70 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cheesecake comes out clean.

11. Cool completely on a wire rack and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

12. Put all topping ingredients (but the toffee chips) into a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, and then stir. Keep heating in 30 second increments until the chocolate melts and can easily be incorporated into the cream. Whisk it together well.

13. Set the chocolate topping on the counter and let it set up for about 15 minutes, or until it begins to thicken a bit. You need to be careful here. If you pour it over the top of your cheesecake when it's too thin you'll have a real mess on your hands. You want it thick enough that once you put it on the top of the cheesecake, you can gently push it over the side and it will set nicely. The longer you let it sit, the thicker it will become.

14. When the topping is the right consistency pour it on top of the cheesecake. Gently push it over the sides in several areas with a spoon.

15. Cover with toffee chips and return to the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

To see BlogHers Official Rules Page click here.
You can also see 9 other bloggers Ghirardelli Recipes, and enter to win their $100 Giveaway. Just click here.

Pop Tarts Thankful House and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

2010-11-11T04:42:00.000-08:00

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

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

When Pop-Tarts® so graciously sent me some samples of their limited edition Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts I knew my kids would enjoy making something fun with them.

Actually....I think my kids would have been pleased as punch if I would have agreed to let them eat these Pop-Tarts® round the clock until

each

box

was

gone.

They're funny that way.

When they know what they like,

they just want it...

and want it....

and want it!

Does anyone else have that problem?

Your kids never do that!!!!????

Well my goodness,

sounds like you better give me some advice then,

won't you?

I was asked by the good folks at Pop-Tarts®

to create a recipe using these very Pop-Tarts®.

I was in the mood for a little crafty cooking fun so my kids and I made these cute little.....

Thankful Houses.

What makes them thankful?

Well, while we were building and constructing and candy sampling and decorating, we chatted about the things we were thankful for.

Then we wrote the things down on some little tags, put the tags on some toothpicks and stuck them all around the little houses.

It was pretty cute to see the things they came up with.

"Light Saber"

and

"Candy"

were both represented.

(both extremely loved and extremely important...)

We had a fun time!

I think you will too!

If you would like a chance to win
$100 Visa Gift Card from BlogHer,
leave me a comment below telling me the thing you are

most grateful for this November.
Be sure to leave your email address as well.

For a second opportunity to win...
1. Tweet about this post with a link to it (and put your tweet URL in a separate comment below)
2. Blog about this post with a link to it (and put your blog post URL in a separate comment below)
3. Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

There will also be a second opportunity to enter next week. Watch for another Pop-Tarts post that will include a video my family and I put together.

Pop-Tarts® Thankful House

Time: 2 hours

Yield: 2 houses

Recipe from Jamie Cooks It Up!
PRINT RECIPE

Royal Icing:

4 C powdered sugar

3 large egg whites

1/2 t cream of tartar

16 Pop-Tarts®

candy for decorating

toothpick

labels

mini marshmallows

1. Place all ingredients for the Royal Icing in your stand mixer or in a large mixing bowl.

2. Stir the mixture around just a bit to incorporate.

3. Mix on medium high, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally to be sure all of the powdered sugar gets incorporated.

4. Continue to mix on high for 7 - 10 minutes. The icing should hold a peak when it is ready.

5. Put the icing into 3 quart sized Ziploc bags. Tie the top with a twist tie, clip a little hole in one of the corners and you are good to go. Keeping the icing in a ziploc bag really helps to keep it moist.

6. Assemble the walls of your house as pictured above.

7. Cut 2 triangles out to help hold your pitched roof.

8. Carefully place the triangles and the roof on. Slather the edges up with icing. You will need some extra hands to help you hold it up for a couple of minutes, until the icing sets. This icing is really quite magical and sets up very quickly. If your roof doesn't meet at the top, just put pipe some icing in the crack to help seal it up.

9. Decorate your house as desired.

10. Write little thankful tags, stick them on a toothpick and place them around your house. The toothpicks need to be stuck into a marshmallow, or candy pumpkin. Then secure the marshmallow, or pumpkin with some icing.

Enjoy!

Click here to see the 9 other bloggers participating in this review program. They are each giving away a $100 Visa gift card as well.

Lawry's Seasoning and Bakeware Giveaway

2010-10-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

I recently received the above gift from Lawry's and MyBlogSpark. As you can see there are four different seasoning packets included, as well as a large baking dish.

I have really enjoyed these products.

The seasoning packets are remarkably good!

A good seasoning packet can really make dinner

time a lot easier, can't it?

This girl is not opposed to a good collection of seasonings

all brought together in one little pouch.

Watch for tomorrows post,

I'll be using one of the above packets to

make a great, easy dinner.

Lawry's and MyBlogSpark have agreed to send the above package to one of you fine readers.

To enter the give away leave me a comment at the bottom of this post telling me your family's favorite QUICK meal.

Be sure to leave me your email address within your comment,

so I have a way to track you down.

The Giveaway will close at

midnight on Thursday November 4th.

I'll announce the winner on the

morning of Friday November 5th.

Thanks and have a great day!

My Ultimate Family Vacation

2010-10-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

Kraft and Sears in Chicago

2010-09-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

This is not a paid post. The Kraft products pictured below were given to me as a gift. I am receiving no payment for this post. Just passing along some opinions.

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to travel to Chicago with some of the Blogher team and a hand full of very fabulous bloggers. We met with Kraft and Sears to discuss our blogs, and how Blogher works in general. It was a lot of fun! I was thrilled to be able to meet Lisa Stone, CEO and Co-Founder of Blogher. Also pictured above are David from Leite's Culinaria, Claire from Life in Chicago and Courtney from CJane Enjoy It. There is really something wonderful about being with fellow bloggers. Let's just say, there was never a lack of conversation! I felt privileged to be among these fine people. They are real veterans in the blogging world (and I am just barely stepping off my front porch) so I felt very blessed to rub elbows with these talented and knowledgeable folks.

Kraft sent us home with some of their great products. Look at this fun Halloween Mac and Cheese! My boys were loving it for lunch today. I have to admit, I am guilty of buying the generic brand of mac and cheese. You know how it goes, my friends. Every penny counts these days, doesn't it?

However....this Kraft Mac and Cheese puts my cheap no name brand to shame.

Serious shame.

It was so much better, I ate a bowl full myself.

After a small bowl of the "Cheesiest" I gave this new Kraft Chipolte Mayo a try. It is a light Mayo with only 40 calories per serving. Wow! It was full of great flavor. Loved it. Loved it.

Here is a sampling of the other things they sent home with me. Zero yourself in on the Mint Oreo Fudge Creams. Oh my. I would definitely be embarrassed if you were to look in my pantry and see just how many of those cookies are left.
It's down right shameful.
Lucky thing the Kraft Chipolte Mayo was light.
Thanks Kraft. It will be fun to try more of your great products!

The view from my Hotel window.

What a beautiful city.

Hello Mr. Trump. Please don't fire me.

Who would have thought a little (well, a kind of chubby) gal like myself would be heading off to Chicago to meet with these amazing brands. It was a real honor.

An honor in deed.

No Ordinary Family

2010-09-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and ABC's No Ordinary Family.

This fall ABC has a new show coming out called No Ordinary Family. You can watch a video trailer of the show at the bottom of this post, or like it on facebook!

Are we a Super-Hero Type family? Well no. I have to admit….when I was asked to write about my family of 7 being extraordinary, I was at a bit of a loss. Sure, I think we are pretty great!

But, pretty normal.

Nothing too extra-ordinary really.

So, I had to put my thinking cap on.

Really tight.

I thought about the extraordinary things a person might see if they peeked into my kitchen window between the hours of 3:30 and 7:00. They might see things like a teasing-happy teenage son, two daughters in tears (girls can only take so much teasing), two daughters arguing with each other, one twin boy spilling red punch and crackers on the kitchen floor, and another twin boy tracking muddy shoes onto the kitchen floor. All of this while a mother tries to help with homework, make a little dinner, ask kids to practice the piano, pile kids in the car to run to different activities,while she asks “how was your day, and your day, and your day too dear?”

Someone stealing a look through the window might think…

“Why. In. The. World. Would someone CHOOSE this! The chaos! How can one stand it? Seems extraordinarily crazy to me!”

They would be right. It does seem crazy! It is crazy!

But just you wait now.

It just so happens that the chaos is a small price to pay. Small,indeed. It’s the price I pay for….

A teen son who comes through the door after school saying “Are the twins having a nap? Could I wake them up early so I can wrestle with them?” A daughter who’s willing to look around the school cafeteria and sit by the underdog. Little twin boys who want to cuddle and read stories at any given moment. A young daughter consumed with looking after her dear friend that has Leukemia. A Teen Son who offers to accept his younger sisters punishment. A bunch of kids dancing around the living room while their Dad plays a fast jig on the piano. A whole slew of kids standing along the sidewalk cheering and clapping while one of their siblings learns to ride a bike.

It’s the love. Plain and simple.

The love of a family is hands down, fabulously, exceptionally, out of this world……extraordinary.

I have a sneaking suspicion that your family is just as extraordinary. I would love to hear some of the sweet things that happen in your “pretty normal” lives. Get your thinking cap on, and leave me a comment. Can’t wait to hear what kind of love is buzzing around your house. Now don’t go thinking things like “there isn’t any love around here”. Put your thinking cap on tight. Really tight. I think you’ll be surprised what you can come up with.

ABC’s No Ordinary Family hosted a video contest to find the most EXTRADORDINARY family in America and starting September 27th you can help vote for the winner! Between September 27 and October 1, watch the top 5 video submissions and vote for your favorite. Click here for details and be sure to vote!

Baking with Betty 2010

2010-08-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

This past week I was super fortunate to be in attendance at the Baking with Betty event, sponsored by General Mills in Minneapolis. It was so very wonderful!

My entire trip was paid for by General Mills...how thoughtful!

I was one of 30 bloggers invited to the event. It was so fun to be able to chat with other blogging gals. Let me just say...there was never a lack of conversation. We had a lot to say to each other. There were four bloggers from Utah invited including Laura from RealMomKitchen, Jessica from UtahDealDiva, and Deborah from Taste and Tell. Other bloggers include Megan from MegansMunchies, Amanda from I Am Baker, and Julie from Joy's Hope. It was a fabulous group of gals. Really inspiring. I felt very honored to have been chosen.

Monday night we went on a fun boat cruise. They served dinner right on the boat and we got to see some beautiful,

BEA.U.TI.FUL.

real estate along the lake.

The next day was spent at the General Mills Headquarters...were a lot of fun art can be seen. Check out these Cheerios! Right in the middle of a little rock garden. Wow, who would have thought.

I thought this quote was especially insightful.

These are they.

The fine, famous, well thought of....

Betty Crocker Test Kitchens!

Wow. Seriously. I had to keep pinching myself.

The fine folks at General Mills had a full day planned for us. They told us a lot of fun background,

history if you will,

about good old Betty Crocker.

It turns out that she is a business...not a real person.

I know, I know. Try and hold your tears in. It's true.

Back in the early 1900's General Mills developed her persona to answer the questions homemakers were sending in to their company.

She became a way for the company to help homemakers learn to cook, and cook WELL.

Back in the 1930's and 40's Betty Crocker had her own radio program. When I mentioned this to my own dear Grandma she said that she can remember her own mother talking about Betty Crocker and the great advice she gave about cooking.

Pretty fun!

General Mills is still very interested in helping homemakers learn more about cooking. We spent the day in the Betty Crocker Test Kitchens making all kinds of yummy things.

Yummy, EASY (so easy) recipes that I will be sharing with you very soon. If you have read my blog for any amount of time at all, you know I am a huge fan of a good cake mix. The possibilities are really endless. With just a few added ingredients you can have something FABULOUS in a short amount of time.

Just look at a few of the fabulous things we made!

In the process of fabulousness....

Considering the fabulous....

Look no further....these are the fabulous.

...and the CUTE fabulous.....

...and the beautiful fabulous!

We made all of these recipes with Betty Crocker Products.

The 8 different pictures of Betty Crocker. Is it just me, or does she get younger looking the older she gets?

Betty Crocker wanna-be.
Thanks for the fun trip General Mills. I loved it a lot!

Sassy Apron Giveaway

2010-07-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
The fine people at CSN stores recently sent me this lovely apron!

Wasn't that a nice how do you do.

I am in love with the darling, cheerfully red color and the fun polka dot print. They have many aprons to choose from at www.cookware.com. All kinds of darling prints and styles.

Cookware.com carries just about anything your little cooking heart desires. They sent me a couple of Ramekin sets a few months ago that I am in love with.

The quality of their products is really exceptional.

CSN Stores has agreed to send one of you lovely readers a darling Sassy Apron. How kind and thoughtful!

To enter the giveaway

leave me a comment at the bottom of this post telling me your favorite summertime meal,

something you might cook up in a lovely new apron.

You have until Sunday Night (August 1st) at midnight to enter. I will choose a winner at random and announce the lucky gal

on Monday morning.

Good Luck everyone!

Click here to get back to the recipes.

I can see clearly now the rain is gone!

2010-06-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

I'd like to give a special-shout-out-thanks-a-million to Quaker who sponsored me this past weekend at the Evolution of Women in Social Media Conference. It was held at The Canyons Resort in Park City, and organized by TodaysMama and Mom It Forward. I feel super lucky to have been able to attend, as I am very new to the blogging world and let's face it....

I need all the help I can get.

(Would it be too embarrassing if I admitted that last year I didn't even know how to right click?)

I had a phenomenal time to say the least and soaked up every word that was uttered.

I was thrilled to be able to spend some time with these great ladies. Tina from Mommy's Kitchen and Laura from Real Mom Kitchen.

These gals have given me a lot of blogging advise, which I appreciate so much. It was fun to be able to know them in person!

In addition to all of the wonderful classes on running a successful blog, they really pampered us well! Just look at these beautiful desserts! You know how desserts are my favorite.

These were all totally to die for.

A fun candy bar!

A fancy bottle of Diet Coke.

Thanks again to Quaker, and all of the fabulous speakers. It was a weekend very well spent

Flirty Apron from www.cookware.com

2010-06-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

The fabulous folks at www.cookware.com are going to send one of these cute aprons to me.

Looks like we could do some really fine cooking

in one of these beauties.

Some cooking,

or just hanging out on the sofa.

www.cookware.com is going to send an apron to one of you fine readers as well.

Look for a giveaway post coming soon!

Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill Review

2010-06-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago I was invited by Mr. Rubio, owner and founder of Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, to come to a bloggers round-table luncheon. I am pictured here with Mr. Rubio

and Anne from The Changable Table.

Mr. Rubio showed us some real hospitality!

We were served 7 of the restaurants most popular dishes. He was very kind and chatted with us freely about the wonderful ingredients that go into the food there.

It was EXCPETIONAL!

I loved learning more about Mexican flavors and the different spices and cooking techniques that make the food

so popular and delicious.

I would recommend this restaurant to anyone

who enjoys Mexican Grill.

It very

fresh,

flavorful,

original

and down right tasty.

Read on to hear what I have to say about some of the

dishes I got to sample.

The Carnitas Rajas Burrito was one of my favorites. Inside the burrito is sweet pork, grilled onions and peppers, cheddar, jack and mozzarella cheeses, black beans, rice, sour cream, cilantro and chimichurri sauce. The sweet pork was not overly sweet which I really liked a lot.

This Balsamic and Roasted Veggie Salad is said to be only 340 calories! If you don't think I haven't been dreaming about how I can make that at home, you are mistaken. Stay tuned for an up coming recipe

post at Jamie Cooks It Up!

It was very good.

Mr. Rubio calls these Street Tacos. They are snack sized tacos with pork, chicken and steak, guacamole, cilantro and onion. Really tasty!

This is a Grilled Gourmet Taco. This dish was my very favorite.

Did it ever taste gourmet! Mr. Rubio has added a lot of pizzazz to this fabulous Taco. It has a very original cheese that has been fried.

Yes. I said fried.

Then a succulent helping of grilled shrimp, bacon, cream sauce, cilantro and avocado. It was absolutely to die for.

Rubios is known for their World Famous Fish Taco....I thought these Grilled Gourmet Tacos beat the Fish Taco hands down.

Absolute heaven in every bite.

Rubios has a fresh salsa bar as well. All of the salsas were wonderful.

Thanks Mr. Rubio for having me!

I give your restaurant two thumbs up!

Gogurt Giveaway 30 boxes for free and May Menu Plan

2010-05-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark with a fun giveaway opportunity.

They would like to send one of you wonderful folks a free sample of Simply... Go-Gurt as well as a Go-Gurt "Simplify Your Life" prize pack that includes a pocket Etch a Sketch, weekly planner and a seat back organizer.

There are also 30 coupons for a free box of Simply...Go-Gurt available. How nice of them! Just click on the Free Yogurt button in the picture above to print your coupon. After the 30 coupons are gone you may still access high value coupons from the picture.

New Simply... Go-Gurt is made from simple ingredients moms look for and contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors or flavors. Each convenient portable yogurt tube contains a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Simply stated, Simply... Go-Gurt is a good-for-you, low fat yogurt snack that you can feel good about giving to your kids.

Isn't that great!

I have been enjoying this fun prize package from MyBlogSpark and Yoplait. I picked up a box of Simply...Go-Gurt this past week and my kids gobbled them all right up. I really loved the fact that there is no high fructose corn syrup added.

To enter the giveaway leave me a comment telling me your kids favorite "healthy" snack. You may comment until Friday May 7th at midnight. I will announce the winner on Saturday morning. Good Luck!

May Menu Plan

I do realize that it's the 5th of May today.

I'm a little late getting this posted.

The meals in red are back links to previous posts. The meals in black are things I am planning to post in the near future.

Enjoy your day!

Luscious Lasagna with Macaroni Grill Bread

Penne Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach

Southwest Chicken

Rumbi Mango Chicken Salad

White Chicken Chili with Quick and Easy Breadsticks

Pan Fried Fish with Saucy Green Beans

Taco Soup with Healthy Corn Bread Muffins

Asian Lettuce Wraps and Egg Drop Soup

Teriaki Chicken with Ham Fried Rice

Mexican Rice Salad

Lentil Soup with Bacon and Fabulous French Bread

Stuffing Chicken and Spinach and Fruit Salad

Healthy Spinach and Feta Pizza

Asian Chicken Salad

Bruschetta Chicken

Personal Pizzas

Grilled Chicken and Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Chicken Pesto Sandwiches

Snicker-doodle Bundt Cake

Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Fruit Juice Jigglers

Oatmeal Pancakes

Banana Pops

Sugar Popcorn

Molten Lava Cake and Ramekin Giveaway

2010-04-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Wow! That picture's bright enough to knock your socks off, isn't it!

It just shouts out....

Eat me!

Rah Rah!

Eat me!

No, I wasn't a cheer leader in high school.

Those of you who know me from high school are nodding your head and thinking...

"Nope, no way (chuckle, chortle) that girl is not coordinated. Isn't she the one with the husky male singing voice and really big feet?"

Those two qualities alone do not a cheer leader make.

But if I could cheer for this fabulous Molten Lava Cake, I would!

It is seriously like a party in your mouth my friends.

A fun old party.

This recipe makes 8 ramekins full of heavenly chocolate bliss.

(You could easily 1/2 the recipe if you only want 4 ramekins full of chocolate bliss.)

When your fork hits the center of the cake it just oozes out all over your plate....

I told you it was going to be a party in your mouth.

And that's not the best part.

Cookware.com would like to send a lovely set of Ramekin dishes to one of you.

Now, aren't you so glad you dropped by today?

Cookware.com sent me two sets of these beautiful Ramekins and I have been thoroughly enjoying them. The pattern on the outside is just darling, and they are very well made. They bake well in the oven and are the perfect size for using as an ice cream dish as well.

To enter the giveaway leave me a comment telling me how you would use these Ramekin dishes. Leave your comment by Wednesday Night at midnight, I will choose a winner at random and announce he or she on Thursday morning.

Molten Lava Cake

Yield: 8 Servings

Time: 40 minutes

recipe adapted from: Kraft Foods

8 squares Baker's Semi Sweet Chocolate
1 C butter (2 sticks)
2 C + 2 T powdered sugar
4 eggs
4 egg yolks
1 t vanilla
dash salt
12 T flour

1. In a medium sized microwaveable dish melt your chocolate and butter. Heat it up in 1 minute intervals, taking it out and stirring between each interval.
2. When it's nice and melted stir it all around to incorporate the butter into the chocolate.
3. Add the powdered sugar and stir to incorporate.
4. Add the eggs and egg yolks and blend them in with a wire whisk. Add the vanilla and salt and stir.
5. Stir in the flour.

6. Generously butter the insides of the Ramekins.

7. Pour the batter into the cups.

8. Bake at 425 degrees for 13 to 14 minutes. You want the out sides to be firm, but the center to be soft. Take them out of the oven and let the cute little darlings just sit there for a minute or two.

9. Run a knife around the edge of the dish and turn it upside down on your serving plate. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy the party!

Betty Crocker Giveaway and Emily's Birthday Cake

2010-04-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I was contacted by Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark about a great giveaway opportunity. They sent me a wonderful Flip Video Camera, some coupons for a free cake mix and tub of frosting, and $100 gift card. All for the planning of my daughter Emily's birthday party! Isn't that fun!

If you haven't looked at the Betty Crocker website it is a must see! There are all kinds of fabulous birthday cake ideas. They also have great ideas for party planning and hosting your child's dream party. I have added some of Betty Crockers Birthday Cake pictures and links for your easy access. Keep on a scrolling down.

The cake I made for Emily's birthday/baptism celebration is the cake pictured above. You can access the recipe complete with step by step instructions and pictures by clicking here, or just scroll down a bit and you will see it. I used three wonderful Betty Crocker Cake mixes to make this Tiered Cake with Raspberry Filling. Thanks Betty Crocker!

Betty Crocker is offering this fabulous gift package to one of you lucky readers! Included are a cake decorating kit, oven mitt, coupons for cake mix and frosting, large spoon and serving spatula. To enter leave me a comment telling me why you love a good cake mix. The giveaway deadline will be Thursday April 15th at midnight. I'll announce the winner on Friday morning. Good Luck everyone and thanks to Betty Crocker.

Building Blocks Birthday

Firetruck Birthday Cake

Zoo-rific Kids Birthday Party

Pop Star Diva Party

Charles Ingalls, and his muddy boots!

2010-03-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

A few mornings ago I was feeding my children breakfast. There they were, all lined up on 5 soft and cushy bar stools....just waiting for their grub. Grub? Where did that word come from? I try not to make anything that might be labeled as "grub". When you hear the word "grub" do you automatically envision Charles Ingalls leaning over a camp fire cooking rabbit?

I do.

Wonder if it was good?

Anyhow, while I was making breakfast I was thinking about a message I received from a great online store called COOKWARE.com. They offered me the opportunity to review a fine set of Ramekins.

"What is a Ramekin?" you might be wondering!

"Is that the fat rabbit Charles Ingalls was cooking for dinner?"

No, my friends. A Ramekin is a small individual sized baking dish. I have been hearing all kinds of wonderful things about them and have been eager to try them out. Cookware.com has agreed to send me 2 sets of these Ramekins...and they will also graciously be sending a set to one of you lucky readers. That is something to smile about! I am eager to receive mine. After I have tried them out I'll post a recipe that makes good use of these Ramekin dishes and give you a chance to enter the giveaway.

Next week I am planning to post every day for 7 days in a row.

What is the occasion?

Think Spring! Think delicious luncheon type food! Think baby shower, wedding shower....

Please.

Do not prepare your food in the shower.

I've got a wonderful "girl food" recipe line up that includes food perfect for any kind of brunch, shower, luncheon, or Spring holiday get together. Hope to see you next week! I've got some great things in store!

(We will not be discussing Ramekin Rabbit Stew....let's leave that for Charles and his muddy boots.)

$25 Target Card and Wanchai Ferry Giveaway!

2010-02-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a craving for Chinese food but didn´t feel like dealing with the hassle of going out? Next time, why not stay at home and satisfy your craving with Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken? This Wanchai Ferry "Perfect Night In" prize pack that includes one VIP coupon valid for a free package of any of the Wanchai Ferry frozen entrees, in addition to a set of great Asian-inspired rice bowls, chopsticks, bamboo place mats, flavored fortune cookies, and a $25 Target gift card.

I received this fun package last week from Wanchai Ferry through My Blog Spark. I whipped up the Wanchai Ferry meal for my husband. It was very quick and easy to put together. We were also thrilled to get some more chop sticks and serving dishes!

You know I used my gift card to buy some fancy dancy gear for my kitchen. I bought some great stack-able wire racks (I have been using some I got at the dollar store!) and a bunt pan. I am ashamed to say, I have never owned one before. Yes. It's true. I'm excited to try out several great recipes.

MyBlogSpark would like to send one of these gifts packages to one of my readers. Hooray!

TO ENTER:

Leave me a comment telling me

your favorite Asian dish or why you like to shop at Target.

TO EARN EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Follow my blog through the Google Friend Follower. (must be a new follower)

2. Join my Facebook Group. (must be a new member)

3. Follow me on Twitter.

You have until Thursday night at midnight to enter. I will choose a winner randomly, and post the name of the lucky guy or gal on Friday morning. Good luck everyone and thanks to Wanchai Ferry and MyBlogSpark for this opportunity.

Progresso Soup Giveaway and a winter WATERMELON BOUQUET!

2010-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Progresso Soup sent me a fun package the other day. There were 15 cans of soup, this great jump rope and handy soup mug. I've been skipping around the house with this jump rope for a couple of days now. I haven't taken out any lamp shades yet, thanks for asking. The nice folks at Progresso Soup would like to send this gift package to one of you as well!

To enter...

leave me a comment at the bottom of this post telling me why you like canned soup! I will take comments until Sunday January 24th. I'll announce the winner on Monday January 25th. Thank you Progresso Soup and My Blog Spark! On to a sunny recipe!

A fellow blogger left me a comment the other day asking me to please post about the watermelon bouquet pictured at the top of my blog. I know that it is WINTER....and where I live here in chilly Utah you would be hard pressed to find a watermelon that tasted good and cost less that $7. However, some people are not drenched in chilly weather, and to you fine folks I say congratulations! I hope you are eating watermelon until your heart is content. I know I sure wish I was! Good luck to Shelly in sunny Floriday. I hope you get to make it this week!

Watermelon Bouquet

1 watermelon

1 cantaloupe

1 pineapple

1-2 pounds grapes

2 pounds of strawberries

shish kabob skewers (usually found in the produce section)

green or red leaf lettuce

You can really use many combinations of fruit. Apples, bananas and pears will all turn brown after about 1/2 an hour, so I would leave them out!

1. Cut the watermelon in half, width wise. (across the longest side)

2. On a pretty platter, lay out the leaf lettuce so that the ruffly edges of the lettuce run along the edges of your platter. Place one of the watermelon halves red side down onto the platter and lettuce.

2. Take the other watermelon half, carefully cut the rind off and chop the melon into 2 inch pieces. They don't have to be exact, just approximately 2 inches.

3. Cut the rind off of the cantaloupe and pineapple. Cut into 2 inch pieces.

4. Wash the strawberries and cut the tops off. Slice each strawberry in half.

5. Slide the fruit pieces on to the skewers. Leave about 3 inches at the sharp end with out any fruit.

6. Stick the loaded skewers into the watermelon you have placed on the platter.

7. Serve with in an hour or two. If you leave it too long the fruit will get drippy.

Progresso Soup is having a great contest right now! Read on for more details!

Celebrate the New Year and a new you with Progresso Light and 100 Calorie Soups because from January 4 through March 15th, you can visit www.Progresso.com/SouperYou to enter the Progresso "Souper You Debut" contest for the chance to win a full makeover in New York City.

Three grand prize winners will be awarded a trip for two to New York City from May 21st-23rd. The prize includes round trip airfare, a two-night stay in a NYC hotel, a full makeover, a $1,000 wardrobe shopping spree and personal consultation at a New York department store.
To enter, you´ll need to do the following:
Go to www.Progresso.com/SouperYou to learn more and enter the contest

Submit your essay (200 characters or less) telling Progresso why you love Progresso Light or 100 Calorie Soups and why you would like a makeover

In addition, please submit a photo of yourself that visually reinforces the theme of your essay

Once you enter, you´ll have the chance for your photo and/or an excerpt from your essay to appear on www.Progresso.com/SouperYou, so be sure to check back frequently! Once the 10 finalists are announced, you can visit www.Progresso.com/SouperYou from March 29 through April 12 to vote for your favorite.

In addition, throughout the duration of the contest you can visit www.Progresso.com/SouperYou to download a coupon for $1 off any three varieties of Progresso Soup!

*GIVEAWAYand a cookbook review!

2010-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Today I am reviewing this great cookbook. You can purchase the book at Amazon.com at this link. Jane Dorian, the author is also giving away a copy to one of you! I have really enjoyed reading it and trying some of the recipes! Jane gives wonderful tips for freezing, storing and making portions of recipes in advance, so when you are home and ready to cook, your meal will come together in a snap. She has some great advice about freezing marinated meat, right along with the marinade. I did NOT know you could do that. What a great idea! Her recipes are very family friendly and use ingredients that most of us keep on hand regularly. I am eager to try more of her great recipes.

*****GIVEAWAY*****

Jane would like to give one of her helpful books to one of you lucky guys or gals! Thanks to you Jane. Dinner time can often be quite a challenge. I don't know about you, but around here I am always grateful when I've had the forethought to plan ahead and have something prepared (or at least MOSTLY prepared) before my crew comes home from school. Then my time is available for all those crazy things that go on between 4:00 and 7:00. Jane's book is all about planning ahead. I have already put to use some of the great tips she gives.

******TO ENTER******

This giveaway is only open to residents of the USA. To enter leave me a comment telling me why you would love this book. Also, be sure to leave your email address in your comment, so I know how to reach you. The giveaway will close on Saturday, January 16th at midnight. I will post the winner on Sunday January 17th.

Earn three extra entries by doing the following...

1)Sign up for Jane's Newsletter. Let me know you have done so in your comment. Please use the same email you sign up with as the one you use for your comment here.

2)Follow Jane's Make-Ahead Meals Blog. In your original comment tell me how you are following....subscriber or Google Friend.

3) Grab Jane's button from her site and place it own your site. Please leave a link to where her button can be found in your comment.

Good Luck everyone!

A giveaway! Hooray!

2009-12-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

This givaway is now closed. The winner is LYNN. If you would like a second chance at this prize head over to LOVIN FROM THE OVEN. Her giveaway will end on friday.

I have been contacted by Pillsbury and MyBlogSpark! They would like me to make one of the following three appetizers using Pillsbury Crescent Rolls....however, they have asked me to put my own unique spin on the recipe. These great companies have sent me a fun gift pack with 3 pretty serving platters and two coupons for free Pillsbury Crescent Rolls. They would like to send this same gift pack to ONE OF YOU! All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment at the end of this post, saying which of these three recipes you would like to see me experiment with. Sounds like a lot of FUN to me! Can't wait to get started. If they like my recipe it could be featured on the Pillsbury's Web Site. We are just having a whole chunk of fun around here, now aren't we? Leave me a comment by Sunday night at 12:00 PM....I'll announce the winner on Monday morning. Be sure to leave your email address in your comment, so we have a way of contacting you and getting your gift sent out pronto. Good Luck everyone!

Crescent Bacon-Cheese Tart-lets

Crescent Holiday Tree

Crescent-Wrapped Brie

Jamie Cooks It Up Review

Subway and Little League Baseball

Samsung 4-Door LCD Refrigerator with Apps and $100 Best Buy Giveaway

Fruits and Veggies and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway

Tropicana Orange Juice and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

$25 Kroger Gift Card Giveaway

Jimmy Dean Better Breakfast Better You! and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Snowman Pop-Tarts Sled and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Weebles Prize Pack and $100 HasbroToyShop.com Gift Card Giveaway

Pop -Tarts Video and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

$100 Visa Gift Card, Ghirardelli Chocolate Waffles, and Chocolate Toffe Cheesecake

Pop Tarts Thankful House and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Lawry's Seasoning and Bakeware Giveaway

My Ultimate Family Vacation

Kraft and Sears in Chicago

No Ordinary Family

Baking with Betty 2010

Sassy Apron Giveaway

I can see clearly now the rain is gone!

Flirty Apron from www.cookware.com

Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill Review

***Gogurt Giveaway 30 boxes for free*** and May Menu Plan

Molten Lava Cake and ***Ramekin Giveaway***

***Betty Crocker Giveaway*** and Emily's Birthday Cake

Charles Ingalls, and his muddy boots!

$25 Target Card and Wanchai Ferry Giveaway!

Progresso Soup Giveaway and a winter WATERMELON BOUQUET!

***GIVEAWAY**and a cookbook review!

A giveaway! Hooray!

Gogurt Giveaway 30 boxes for free and May Menu Plan

Molten Lava Cake and Ramekin Giveaway

Betty Crocker Giveaway and Emily's Birthday Cake

*GIVEAWAYand a cookbook review!