Biscoff Spread: The Lunch Envy Challenge Parent Blogger Recipe Contest 10/31

Have you heard of Biscoff Spread?  I'm sure you have heard of Biscoff cookies which I love!  I used to love flying on what was then ATA Airlines because they served Biscoff cookies but now, I'm in love with a new Biscoff product.  The Biscoff Spread is heavenly!  It is like eating a creamy version of the Biscoff cookies and if you have ate those, you know how amazing that must taste!  I received a complimentary jar to come up with a super cool recipe in the Lunch Envy Challenge Parent Blogger Recipe Contest.

You can win some really cool prizes and luckily, you still have time to create something fun with your little one as the deadline is October 31st.  If you need some inspiration, check out Biscoff Recipes here.

I need to hurry up and think of something before I eat it all.  I'm loving it and one tablespoon is only 80 calories!  I'm watching my calories and this tablespoon delivers quite the punch for my cravings.  It's smooth, creamy and dreamy.   Johnny Depp almost doesn't measure up to the wow of Biscoff.

With Christmas approaching, they have wonderful gift ideas too that are sure to impress.

Stay up to date with the following from Biscoff:

• Twitter
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• Biscoff Blog

• News
• Press Room

Christmas Gift Guide 2011

Coming Soon!

Looking for sponsors to be included!


Gifts for Women

                                         Avon Floralie Necklace                   Avon Born Beautiful 2-in-1
                                             & Earrings Gift Set                             Birthstone Earrings
                                   Get More Info/Buy It                      Get More Info/Buy It

                  

                                       Thirty-One Bags and More              Thirty-One Bags and More

                                     Get More Info/Buy It                   Get More Info/Buy It

chicBuds: Cool, Fashionable and Fun

Heard of chicBuds?  If you haven't and you listen to music, books or more, you are missing out on something really cool and fun.  I've been a chicBuds customer and love the little speakers that are fashionable and full of life.  They are cute.  They are fun.  They are playful.  They are so much and yet the most important aspect, they are functional.  They work great and are portable so they can go with you and since they plug into your computer, they get recharged with ease.  We have three varieties now and love every one of them.

Our newest edition to the family are the Blue Leopard chicBuds chicBoom Keychain Speakers.  The stylish leopard print also has a sparkling crystal heart to appeal to us blingy girls.  They have a 2 watt amplified speaker that gives four hours of sound on a full rechargeable battery.  It's great on trips or anytime you just want a break from headphones.

Here is an example of the sound:

See?  They have great sound!  We just returned from a trip to the Grand Canyon and I was able to just place it in our bag:

These really are great speakers!  Stay tuned for a giveaway on November 1st!

For more free products and giveaways, go to http://www.facebook.com/chicbuds.

*Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary sample but the opinions are of my own.

Arnold & Oroweat: National Sandwich Day 11/3

Sandwiches are something I forget about from time to time but they are really good if made right.  I made the switch from white bread to the Arnold and the Oroweat brands of bread products about a year or more ago.  I liked them because the calorie count was low but also because I enjoyed the taste and felt they were better for me than processed, refined bread products.  I have been buying the Sandwich Thins for some time but was introduced to the Health-Full Bread brand and love them too!  I received free product and information but I chose to write this post because I am a brand loyalists and absolutely love the Arnold/Oroweat products in case you missed that (smile).

On November 3rd, four bloggers will show off their creativity with the sandwich recipe of their choice on Arnold and Oroweat's Facebook page.  You can also join in on the fun by creating your own recipe with Arnold and Oroweat Bread.  I made my own sandwich but didn't name it and it was surprisingly delicious.

Here is how I made it:

• One Arnold Sandwich Thin
• One Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons of The Gracious Gourmet Spiced Sour Cherry Spread
• One Buddig Honey Ham Package
• Shredded Lettuce

It really tasted good but I suspect it would be amazing with turkey.

In case you weren't familiar with Arnold and Oroweat Bread, it comes in many varieties and the Health-Full Breads contain protein and fiber at only 80 calories a slice!  If you are in the northeast and southwest, it's available under the Arnold name.  In the midwest, it's available under the Brownberry name and in the west, under Oroweat.  

Health-ful 10 Grain Bread - made with whole grains, no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, it's a great tasting bread.  Many people don't like the whole grain types of bread but this one tastes great and I love it toasted or on a sandwich.

Health-ful Hearty Wheat Bread is also made with whole grains, has only 80 calories and has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.  I have not tried this variety.

Health-ful Nutty Grain Bread is just like the other two relative to calories and being healthy.  It's great  tasting too and I enjoy it toasted or with sandwiches.  

Health-ful Flax & Fiber Bread is new and is a good source of Omega-3 ALA.  It also has the same benefits of being natural and only 80 calories per slice.  It's not available in Texas so I was lucky to receive a sample loaf and it's delicious!  

If you haven't tried it yet, you should!  I love the tastes and the fact it has no artificial coloring, flavors or preservatives and is lower in calories.

Don't forget to check out National Sandwich Day on November 3rd and vote for your favorite creation!

*Disclaimer:  I did not receive financial compensation for this post.  I did try the product but the opinions are of my own.

The Replacements: Chuck the Complete Fourth Season

Chuck fan?  Did you watch episode 18?  If you did or didn't, in episode 18, Sarah worries that the CIA is replacing them with Casey's extremely efficient team, but Chuck considers himself irreplaceable with the Intersect.  Did that episode make you think that you might be replaced in some situation?  Watching some shows can make you wonder about yourself being in the same situation.  Sometimes it allows us to go back to those memories where you may have felt outdated or replaceable.  Probably for most, that would be in school or perhaps a work situation.


The funny thing is, even outside of school, there are still the clicks or groups and the ability to make others feel that way.  I don't remember a time outside of school where I felt those emotions or was made to feel that way.  Of course, Chuck, is one step ahead and can easily remedy what is about to happen.  For those Chuck fans, good news as Chuck: The Complete Fourth Season is available on DVD/Blu-Ray.


In season four, the geek gone spy is putting everything on the line, available for pre-order here: http://bit.ly/r3n2er






Disclosure: I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for Chuck: The Complete Fourth Season on DVD/Blu-Ray.

Our Grand Canyon, Sedona & Tombstone Homeschool Field Trip

We just returned from a whirlwind trip starting in Phoenix to pick up my oldest and her baby at the airport and drifting north to Sedona and the Grand Canyon stopping along the way to some beautiful views and educational opportunities.  Since I started home schooling, I look for opportunities to throw in some fun educational lessons along the way and this trip was ideal.  Our first excursion was the beautiful Sedona with breathtaking views of the most amazing red rock scenes right out of the book but of course, better.  We stopped at a church that was built high up to see something amazing and to have a feeling of serenity.

I took my oldest there many years ago and when we visited, there was music and singing which elevated the level of being at one with the environment.  It might sound corny but there is just something majestic listening to a chant while overlooking God's work in all it's beauty.  After letting the girls experience that, we moved forward through a lava enriched forest area onward to the Grand Canyon.  The beauty with the Grand Canyon is you can see so much via your car or you can walk the trials.  Given that I had a one year old, a four year old and an eight year old, hiking was not in the works.  We were able to drive and stop at each area to enjoy the magic of each view.  Each offered it's own story to see.  The girls were ready to go after taking in about six stops so onward we went.

The reverse trip was to head back south and hit Tombstone but along the way, we stopped at Montezuma Castle, Wupatki National Park, Sunset Crater National Park and many other places along the way.   The Wupatki Pueblo was the largest of its kind less than 800 years ago.  It was a large place at one time and today, members of various Indian tribes return to enrich their personal clan history.  There is a blow hole that is a cool feature of Wupatki as well.

Montezuma Castle was a 20 room high rise built up high in the cliffs.  It tells of a story that started over 1000 years ago.  It's a site to take in if you are in the Arizona are to see a bit of history.  You don't get to take in much but the $5 fee per adult is worth the piece of history you get to leave with.  The Park Rangers were exceptionally nice and helpful. This was enjoyable even though short and another spot I took my oldest to when she was a child.

Next on our drive was Sunset Crater National Park which is an amazing place to visit and reminded me of Hawaii.  Where can you visit a lava field that from an explosion that occurred somewhere between 1040 and 1000 and it still looks like it just happened?  It's incredible to see such variety of land formations across Arizona and we hit this right around sunset so we ran out of time to really take in everything but it was an experience.

On our way down to the Grand Canyon, we visited Sedona but didn't stop except for the church.  The area reminded me of a place in Indianapolis called Broad Ripple due to all the artsy artisian shops.  It's a mecca for artists and those who want beautiful portraits and handmade jewelry and other works of art.  It's breathtaking to say the least to see the landscape along with the Canyon.

Our final trip concluded with a visit to Tombstone and the OK Corral.  Being a big Tombstone fan or is that a BIG Val Kilmer in his finer days fan?  Either way, it was an experience to see all those people dressed up in their timeless garb reenacting history.  I was disappointed to see a cellular shop tent smack dab in the middle of the old timey street ruining the decor of the time.  The shops were all filled with the same merchandise with little authenticity minus a couple of shops that did.  All the shop owners were extremely friendly along with the real people props playing their roles.  Many of the tourists also took the opportunity to dress up too and can't blame them as that looked fun.  The gun shooting was too loud for my girls so the visit was short but there is plenty to do.

Happy Halloween Giveaway Blog Hop $25 Macy's GC 10/31

 This Halloween is going to be fun when you enter the great giveaways in the blogs linked below.  It's quick and easy and what better way to get some early Christmas presents out of the way?  I'm using a Perk award I received from Klout and passing it on to one lucky winner.  The $25 Macy's Gift Card is a physical card that will be mailed to the winner.

Use the Rafflecopter entry to enter and when you are done, don't forget to enter the other great giveaways below.

My Family Weight Loss/Get Healthy Challenge & New Slim-Fast® Shakes Plan

This Monday, myself and five family members will start a new journey with losing weight and getting healthier.  The plan is to encourage and motivate one another with a targeted date of July 1st.  Between us, we have a range of weight we want to lose and I feel we can get there.  It's not the first time we did this as we did at the beginning of the year and together, we love over 60 pounds.  I tried a variety of methods to lose weight but when I was contacted to try the new Slim-Fast® Shakes, I thought this was an ideal time to try out the new shakes and incorporate it into our plan.  It will be strictly volunteer if my other family members want to go on the Slim-Fast® plan but myself and my oldest daughter will.

I'm going to start out with the Creamy Milk Chocolate Slim-Fast® Shake and will see if my grocery store carries the other flavors:

• Cappuccino Delight
• French Vanilla
• Rich Chocolate Royale
• Strawberries N' Cream
• Lower Carb Creamy Chocolate
• Lower Carb Creamy Vanilla

The Creamy Milk Chocolate shake has only 190 calories and 25 grams of carbs.  I'm a carb watcher so finding the lower carb versions will be paramount for my plan.  The actual plan I'm using is the Slim-Fast® 3•2•1 which is a simple plan and you eat six times a day:  three snacks, two shakes or meal bars and one balanced meal.  The plan includes online tools to track your progress and it's FREE!  Yes, FREE!  I love anything that is free.  

The new shakes are convenient in that you can take them with you and have a lid.  I liked the shakes in the can but I do like having a bottle that I can take and save if needed.  It has 10 grams of protein and helps to curb your appetite for up to four hours.  The entire plan is something that is appealing to me since it's online, free and has products that can help me stay on track not to mention, tastes great.

In case you are wondering what is a balanced meal, it averages around 500 calories and has a general rule to fill 1/2 your plate with vegetables, 1/4 of lean protein like chicken and 1/4 with starch (preferably whole grain).  They also provide examples of ideal types of vegetables, lean protein and starch to avoid confusion and sabotaging your plan.  Some other benefits to the Slim-Fast® 3•2•1 plan include:

• Online store to purchase your favorite products
• Connect with friends and groups to further help you stay motivated
• Ask a registered dietician

It's a perfect set up for success so stay tuned for updates as we are officially starting 10/24!

*Disclaimer:  I received complimentary product but the opinions are of my own and the idea to include Slim-Fast with my family's challenge was my own.

LeapFrog “Learn, Create & Share” Party

I am homeschooling this year so anything I can find to interject some additional fun into learning is a big plus for me and most likely, my children.  I love the LeapFrog line of products as I already have many of their learning toys such as two Leapsters (I have two children and you know how bad kids share at times), a Tag and DVDs.  LeapFrog is a name I trust and as a repeat customer, I definitely wanted to take part in the opportunity I received as a member of MomSelect to host a LeapFrog Learn, Create & Share Party.  We received an amazing kit to host this party which included:

• A LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet with a pre-loaded book and game
• A Tag Reading System with a Read to Learn Series
• Interactive map
• Download Card
• Coloring and activity sheets
• Coupons for our guests

The host pack was so complete and full of great items that we took the time to go through each learning activity to ensure we were able to explain and show our guests all that each one provided.  My girls thought it was Christmas when we opened the box but then again, I was pretty excited to learn more about the LeapPad Learning Tablets and the Interactive Map.  We already have a Tag Reading System but the books were perfect for what we have been learning which are vowels.  I'm going to first provide what I thought of each one.

LeapPad Explorere Learning Tablet

The LeapPad Explorere Learning Tablet is an amazing learning tool that offers your children an incredible array of things to do from downloading applications from LeapFrog and taking pictures and recording videos.  My girls are having so much fun taking pictures and using the drawing tool to change and add to the pictures.  The video component is also something they are having quite a bit of fun.  We used our download card to purchase more fun.  It operates like our gadgets do with a touch on the screen to tilting the tablet to using the buttons.  It's a really great way to introduce children to technology as it's not going away!  It's also ideal for traveling given the library of 100+ cartridge games and activities available.  

The set up was very easy with hooking it up to the computer, signing up for LeapFrog and downloading the applicable program to connect to LeapFrog.  It was quick and that was good because the testers were ready to go.  I love that that you can use cartridges or buy online and download directly on to the LeapFrog Explorer Learning Tablet. 

Tag with Learn to Read Books

The Tag with Learn to Read Books were equally excellent.  The Tag is set up to allow children to touch different areas on the book for sound or dialogue.  The child can choose to read along with the Tag as it slowly reads with the speed of them moving the Tag along each word or with the touch of the Tag to the dot on the page, it automatically reads the passage to the child to follow along.  The books are full of great opportunities to help teach them about the vowels and there are additional books available to buy and to expand your library.  This is a must have for encouraging your child to read and learn in my opinion.

Tag Globe Trotter Map

The Tag Globe Trotter Map is another great tool for teaching while having fun.  With the help of their Tag, they can play games, learn fast facts that teaches about the United States, landmarks, famous places and animals.  There are 10 interactive games for them to choose from and it's as easy as click and tag on what they want to do.  Another bonus is parents can track their learning progress with the LeapFrog Learning Path.  On the other side is the world map where they get to meet different kid characters from different countries that include the country they are from, what they eat, how they play and how they say hello in their native language.  I absolutely love this and can't wait for my girls to keep learning from it.  I had just purchased an inexpensive globe but that doesn't compare to what both sides of the maps can teach and this is something that will grow with them over the years.  It's fun, it's interactive and most of all, it's educational.

Activity Sheets

This was a big hit among my girls.  The sheets were excellent in offering more fun yet learning activities and kept the party moving in between the children taking turns at playing with the LeapFrog Tag and the LeapFrog Explorer Learning Tablet.  The Learning Tablet was the big hit of course but they all had fun with the tag.

The kids were excited about the party and we were able to tie it in with a birthday party.

To purchase LeapFrog products online, click here for the LeapFrog online shop and to stay up to date, "like" LeapFrog on Facebook and follow LeapFrog on Twitter.




*Disclosure:  I received a party pack with LeapFrog products.  The opinions are of my own.

Poise® Pads & Extra Security for Women

I remember an episode on Hot in Cleveland where one of the stars endorsed a product for women for leak control.  It was a funny episode but not when you are the woman enduring this.  Light bladder leakage is something that affects 1 in 3 women so if you are one of those three, you are not alone.  I have a young friend who is experiencing light leakage post pregnancy so it can hit young or old.  Poise® Pads are perfect for having that extra security without the worry.  One of my older friends use Poise® Pads and swears by them.  Before discovering them, she was always on edge and worried if an incident would occur during an event so she stayed clear of most.  Poise® Pads allowed her to have her life back.

During the month of October for Women's Health Month, Poise® Pads will be available at Sam's Club and in case you didn't know, Sam's Members save $11.72 per box when purchased at Sam's Club.  If you are enduring this condition and are not sure about how they feel or effectiveness, you can get a free sample.  Some of the benefits of Poise® Pads include:

• Locks away wetness and odor
• Contours to fit your body so no bulky feel
• Helps to keep you fresh

Click below to get your free sample:






 Disclosure: I will be compensated for this post. I do not use Poise Pads but my opinions were based on two friends that I know and the opinions are of my own.

Disney's Winnie the Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray Widget & Giveaway - 10/28

Isn't it Tiggerific? All of your favorite characters are returning to Hundred Acre Wood for the latest adventure featuring everybody's favorite bear, Winnie the Pooh. Join Pooh, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Rabbit, and Eeyore when Walt Disney Pictures releases Winnie the Pooh on DVD & Blu-Ray October 25. 


Use the widget below to take the personality quiz, download coloring pages, games & more, and watch a sneak peak of the movie. 


One lucky winner will receive their own copy of Disney's Winnie the Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack by entering the giveaway on the Rafflecopter form below. 


*Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by PartnersHub. I received no compensation for this post.

Wordless Wednesday

My morning sunrise.

Homeschool Trip to the Grand Canyon & More

Tomorrow we are embarking on a trip to Arizona.  First to pick up my oldest and her baby and then we will head to Sedona, Montezuma Castle, Flagstaff, a natural blow hole and then on to the Grand Canyon.  On our return trip back, we are going to visit Tombstone too.  This will be an action pack weekend but I hope the girls learn a lot.  This is my first year homeschooling and it's frightening at times.  I am taking it on as much as I can as I will be returning to work and moving so I need to get in as much as I can to ensure no one is behind.

My cousin, who also homeschools, told me about making binders.  It was a great idea and I recreated one with material I gathered off the net.  I think they will have a lot of fun playing car bingo and other activities along the away while learning about the attractions we will visit.  Thank you, Ruthie for the great idea!

Christmas Cards by Taylor Swift!

My children are BIG Taylor Swift fans ... I mean BIG fans so when I received an e-mail about new Taylor Swift Christmas cards at CardStore (link below), I had to take a look!

Here is what some look like:

  

Delicious Santé Nuts: Celebrating Life Every Day & 25% Discount Code

I'm a person who loves nuts: peanuts, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and so on.  Many nuts are not only tasty but they are good for you.  I have been learning more and more about what is good and what is not and have definitely found that certain nuts like almonds are good for you.  I try to consume 10 a day as that is what I've read from many sources stating they are good for you.  I had never heard of Santé Nuts until recently when I was able to sample the different varieties they have.  I was not required to write this post but opted to because I really like some of them.  You are probably wondering 'so what makes the Santé Nuts different?  I was too and here is the difference from regular nuts:

• Nuts with a spice recipe consists of all natural ingredients.
• The nuts are roasted by hand in small batches.
• A secret technique that minimizes the amount of oil the nuts absorb during the roasting process.

The oil aspect is important if you are wanting to eat healthier as less oil means less fat, more crunch and more nuts.  Who wants a soggy nut other than those southern boiled peanut fans?  Nothing against those that do but I prefer mine crunchy.  The other thing that I like about Santé Nuts are the variations available that creator, Sara Tidar, started in the kitchen.  Her secret roasting technique passed on by her grandmother started it all.  When Sara became a single mom six year's ago, she started on her journey in being an entrepreneur which I love being a former single mother too.

The Review

Candied Pecans Santé Nuts:  I love pecans .. I mean, I really love pecans.  Almost as much as I love Johnny Depp but not quite.  Pecans are delicious and wonderful alone or in recipes.  Pecans can be jazzed up or ate plain.  These candied pecans were slightly sweet but just enough to keep you eating like there was no tomorrow.  They were crispy yet lightly touched with pure cane sugar which means natural sugar and I'm all for that.  They are gluten free and carry the kosher seal.  I really liked them and would have liked to have tried one of the recipes but I ate them all (smile).  Not only does Santé Nuts provide recipe suggestions but they also give a beer and wine pairing suggestion.  1/4 of a cup is only 190 calories and only 10 grams of carbs.  This is perfect for me since I'm always watching my food intake.  They are also reasonably priced and in comparison to other brands at $5.29 a package.

Candied Walnuts also have the light jazzing up of pure cane sugar.  I really enjoy walnuts and try to eat them daily too.  Having a light sugar taste is always good for me!  Out of the four nuts I tried, this was my least favorite.  The walnuts left an after taste that I didn't care for.  It wasn't so bad that I didn't eat them because I did eat every last one of the walnuts but I can state that I wasn't a big fan of this variety.  

They are also gluten free and have the kosher seal.  I still like the fact they are all natural  and that is a huge pro for me.  

Garlic Almonds had me a bit worried as I opened the bag.  I didn't think garlic and almonds would go together but I was wrong.  What I love about these are, garlic and almonds are so good for you!  If you are not a garlic fan, stay away from these.  The garlic is pretty strong but I found them addicting.  I love them and I think they became my favorite out of all of them.  They were crunchy yet light and I just loved the garlic flavor.  They are described as "peppy as a sportscar" and that is a perfect analogy!  

They, just like the others, are all natural, gluten free and have the kosher seal.  

The Roasted Salted Pecans were my second favorite.  They were light, crunchy and had a slight salt taste. It was not overpowering but just the right amount.  They are perfect out of the bag or in a recipe but I ate all mine before I could check out the recipes.  Each variety has recipes and pairings on their respective web location.  These were perfect for a quick snack and again, were my second favorite.

Overall, I really like Santé Nuts and although I didn't care as much for the Candied Walnuts, I love the concept of all natural ingredients and less oil.  I would recommend Santé Nuts for all those who enjoy nuts and want to enjoy them straight out of the bag or in a recipe.  


If you want to try Santé Nuts, you can save 25% off with code 2011-Blog-187 on any order at www.SanteNuts.com until December 16, 2011.  <-- Would make a great Christmas present in the bag or in a delicious box of Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies!


Check out Santé Nuts on Facebook.





Santé provided free samples of their nuts so I could review them. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.