Embracing a Healthy Family

Linguine with Gremolata Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Devo Olive Oil Co.


I am a huge fan of olive oil and made the switch to cook with it years ago.  I was introduced to flavored olive oil thanks to Devo Olive Oil Co. many month's ago.  I love the variety of recipes you can use Devo in and how the taste is just tantalizing ... if you are a food lover like me at least!  I received Gremolata Extra Virgin Olive Oil and had fun trying to determine what recipe I would use it in and decided on a linguine.




Linguine with Gremolata Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • Linguine (dried) but I used homemade from my oldest daughter
  • 1/3 cup Gremolata Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Devo
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
  • 1 tbs ginger, finely grated
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • Pepper
In a small pan, combine oil, garlic, ginger and chili flakes and warm over a low heat.  Do not overcook to where the color turns.

Cook linguine until al dente and drain.  

Pour the oil mix into the linguine and stir to coat.

Gremolata topping:

1 slice of bread toasted
1 lemon, zested
2 tbs parsley, finely chopped

Combine in a processor to make a crumbly mixture and sprinkled on top of the linguine.

We loved this recipe and the Gremolata provided the perfect taste.  It wasn't too heavy or oily.  

My youngest loves a recipe I have for French Beignets with Aged Blackberry-Ginger Balsamic.  Stay tuned for a Valentine's Day inspired recipe.

*Disclosure:  I was provided product sample for the purposes of this post.  The opinions are of my own.

Check out my giveaways here.

French Beignets with the Strawberry Balsamic Devo Olive Oil Co


I tried this recipe for French Beignets with the Strawberry Balsamic instead of the Blackberry Baslamic from Devo Olive Oil Co. and loved them.

My girls were huge fans of these.  They are a bit cumbersome to make but they make a ton!

I love Devo Olive Oil Co because they have a huge selection of olive oil to choose from.  If you like to cook, you will love the selection, quality and taste.  The site offers an array of products to choose from along with recipes and more.






Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off Pinterest Contest & Gift Pack Giveaway 2/18


The Super Bowl is coming and I'm hoping to have some great recipes to hit off the big day.  I'm a bit bummed that my team, Broncos, didn't make it but I'm a Jim Harbaugh fan so I'm okay with the 49'ers going forward.  Not only is the Super Bowl a great time to cook wonderful recipes but winter also inspires many dishes that use tomatoes.  Del Monte has a great line of southwestern tomatoes that can be used in just about recipe that calls for tomatoes.  I like a tangy tomato taste with a kick and that's where Del Monte Southwester tomatoes are golden.

I love the Del Monte Southwestern-Style Petite Cut® Diced tomatoes so much, I even participated in Del Monte's Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off contest on Pinterest.  Check out my board here.  You can also participate by:

  1. Creating a Pinterest board and name it Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off.
  2. Pin at least two of the Del Monte recipes from the Del Monte Pinterest board here along with two Super Bowl entertaining ideas.
  3. Register your board between January 21st through February 15th to be entered to win some really great prizes.

Del Monte canned tomatoes, fruits and vegetables have the same essential nutrients as fresh varieties and the majority of Del Monte products are picked at their peak of ripeness and canned on the same day according to Del Monte.  I've already tried my Del Monte tomatoes in chili, spaghetti sauce and bruchetta bread.

Stay up to date with Del Monte on their social media links:

DelMonte.com – http://bit.ly/8AMAmK
Pinterest – http://bit.ly/ShTQL6
Facebook – http://on.fb.me/IYzXOV
Twitter – www.twitter.com/DelMonteFoods


To learn more about the sweepstakes, click here.

The Giveaway:

One reader will win:
  • (1) Del Monte® Petite Cut® Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
  • (1) Del Monte® Petite Cut® Diced Tomatoes with Chipotle Chilies
  • $25 Visa gift card
To Enter:

Please use the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  *Disclosure:  The Del Monte products, information and two gift packs have been provided by Del Monte.

Check out my other giveaways here.

Baby Stroller of Choice from Toys R Us - $300 Value - US - 2/28

Welcome to the baby stroller of your choice giveaway - up to $300 value!




(The picture is only an example)


Hosted:

NYSavingSpecials, Your Fashion Resource, My Four Littles, Barbara's Beat, Libby's Library, Spend With Pennies, Jenny at Dapperhouse, Sweet n Sour Deals, Oh! My Heartsie, Capri's Coupons, Swank Savings, Stay a Stay at Home Mom, Mommy and 4 Peas, A Little Bit of Everything and Eco-Crazy Mom
One lucky winner will win a stroller from any brand they like, it can be with car seat included or just the stroller.
The winner will pick up the stroller from Toysrus.com and will be sent directly from their website.  Details:
  • The stroller can be up to $300 including shipping charges. 
  • US ONLY
  • 18 Years or older to participate 
  • 2/1 to 2/28
Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Health, Beauty, Children and Family is not responsible for prize. If the winner picks up a stroller with a lower value, the winner will not get the remaining value of the prize. The prize can't be changed from any other prize than the stroller.

Check out my other giveaways here.

The Money Code Book Giveaway - US - 2/11

Welcome to The Money Code Book Giveaway

Money Code

Does it seem as if there's never enough money to do everything you want?
Do you want to feel confident about the financial decisions you make?
Have you ever felt frustrated talking about money with your loved ones?

Health, Beauty, Children and Family has joined up with Xtreme Qpon to bring you this incredibly awesome giveaway! The Money Code is an informative and fun to read book. It will help you learn how to feel confident about your financial decisions and help you talk with your loved ones about money. You can read the full review at Xtreme Qpon

Enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win a copy of The Money Code. You do not have to complete all entries to be chosen, but the more you do complete, then better your chances are of winning! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclaimer: No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook and is Facebook-compliant. Winners will be notified by email from Xtreme Qpon. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiting their prize. Prize fulfillment is the sole responsibility of the sponsor. The blogs participating may not be held liable for Sponsors who do not fulfill prize shipments. 

Check out my other giveaways here.

Devo Olive Oil Flash Sale - 25% Off - 1/29 Only

Click on Picture to Open Link

Due to seasonal availability, their full catalog of products may not be available for the Flash Sale. Buy early before stock runs out!

Check out my giveaways here.

Fun Fun Fun with Peppa Pig Happy Mrs. Chicken App for Preschoolers



As parents, we are in the internet and digital age.  We are a techy group of sophisticated parents entertaining and teaching our children in many ways.  I know that I'm still a big supporter of books and encourage my children to read and have a huge library to choose from.  I also like to find other ways to stimulate, entertain and education.  My girls and grandchild adore Peppa Pig and everything to do with her and her family.  When I learned about the Peppa Pig Happy Mrs. Chicken app for preschoolers, I had to let the girls give it a try.  My girls have watched Peppa, George, Mommy Pig, Daddy Pig, Suzy Sheep and Rebecca Rabbit for quite some time now.  I will honestly admit, I am not a fan of the enormous snort from Daddy Pig but the girls laugh each time so it's worth it!



My two year grandchild loved it the most and was able to play in an instant.  It provided an hour of immediate fun as she plays among five interactive games that provides the rewards of stickers for the sticker book.  The app is geared for children ages two to five and is very intuitive which makes it easy yet fun to play.  My five year old  loved it too and immediately grabbed it up to play.  What is nice are the audio instructions that are simple to follow and allows them up to six options to choose from.  The games are all fun, interactive and easy to learn:

  1. Maze provides six different mazes to play with guiding the little chicks to the exit by providing feed.  If one maze is too tough, they can start at a lower level and build themselves up higher.  It's a great way to build that hand to eye coordination as they maneuver around the corners.
  2. Chicken Coop has four different levels with times to guide the chicks to their proper homes.  This helps to increase awareness and to learn to understand details.
  3. Muddle Puddles is another timed game that has your child jumping over as many puddles as possibles.  When they win, they win more stickers!
  4. Happy Mrs. Chicken has the child tapping the screen to get Mrs. Chicken to lay as many eggs as possible.  This gives them a goal to beat by laying more eggs in the next round as well as learning how to lay them in a pattern which is a skill taught in kindergarten.
  5. Jigsaw Puzzle has three different puzzles with the choice of either two, nine or sixteen puzzle pieces.  This is another great game for hand eye coordination as well as problem solving.
  6. Sticker Book is where even more fun begins!  Eight different backgrounds allows the child to have fun with the stickers they earned by making new scenes.  It's easy to use with just tap and slide.

Happy Mrs. Chicken is a fun, interactive and intuitive app that will keep children ages two to five busy, happy and motivated to earn the next sticker.  Both my two year old grand daughter and my five year old daughter loved it!  Neither required instruction as it's easy to play and it's fun.  It's inexpensive and worth the $2.99 for downloading at iTunes.  It is compatable with iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Nokia E7, N8, C7 and C6-01 Android operating system 2.1 and above.


*Disclosure:  I did receive this app in exchange for the review.  The opinions are of my own.

Check out my other giveaways here.

Free Blogger Opportunity: Amazon Kindle Fire

My Four Littles is excited to bring you a Kindle Fire Giveaway!
Event Dates: March 1-31, 2013
One FREE link with announcement.
You can write your own announcement or use the text HERE.
Co-host (host page and up to four links): $15
Host Pages: $10
Additional Links: $2
Daily Votes: $4
Referral Prize: Free Co-host.
Limited to the first 100 bloggers.

Click here to sign up.

Check out my giveaways here.

Destressing with Far Cry 3 - Amazon Gold Box - $35 Today! #FarCryGold #spon


Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please visit Amazon.com to get your own copy of Far Cry 3, today's Gold Box Deal of the Day! I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

How do you de-stress or unwind?  Many people have a variety of great ways to de-stress after a long day or week.  In my house, it seems playing video games is the go to for releasing some anxiety, stress or maybe even anger.  It's also a great way to have some fun and if you have family members who like to play, it also equates to family fun time.  My oldest has played games for as long as I can remember and now my two younger ones have games they like to play too just as any kid does.  My son-in-law loves the shooter type games and Far Cry 3 is right up his alley.




I do know that after a long week at work, he looks forward to the weekend and coordinates "play" time with his buddies.  Although he has not played Far Cry 3, he's very excited about it and already has looked it up.  Since Far Cry 3 is being developed by the same world-class designers that brought Assassin's Creed 2, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, he is even more interested in the game.  What also appeals to him are:

  • The cache of weapons and explosives that allows a choice to shoot up close or from a distance via sniping.  
  • I'm not sure if he's big into the environment but I do know many, many gamers take in the beauty of these virtual worlds.  Far Cry 3 claims to have an "island playground as stunningly beautiful as it is diverse from mountain ranges to swampy grasslands and white sandy beaches."  You also have the choice to fight through the towns too.
  • Far Cry 3 also has a story line to fight through and a choice of a variety cast of characters.
  • The ability to play in multiplayer modes for individual and team play.  Not to mention that after the match, you get to punish your opponent.

Playing games is an easy way to release stress and it's cheaper than going out.  If you are not a gamer, you would be surprised at how much fun playing games are especially with others.  It's a great way to get together with friends and family. Shoot 'em up games also provide a challenge to learn the skillset to beat the game or at least your friends.  How do you de-stress?


Tweet the following for a chance to win your own copy:

Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day: Far Cry 3! To buy: http://clvr.li/FC3Gold - RT to enter to win a copy! #FarCryGold 




Check out my other giveaways here.

$50 Amazon Gift Card - 1/28 - US



Welcome to the Amazon Gift Card Giveaway sponsored by Discount Queens! One lucky reader will win a $50 Amazon gift card - will it be you? Giveaway is open US only and ends January 28th at 11:59 PM EST. Discount Queens is responsible for prize fulfillment. 

Good luck and if you win from my blog, let me know!

Check out my other giveaways here.

Melissa and Doug Deluxe Kitchen Giveaway 2/10 - US/Canada

   
 
Welcome to the Melissa and Doug Deluxe Kitchen Giveaway and two runner up winners of $50 worth of products sponsored by Melissa and Doug,
A special thank you to all the participating blogs.
 

American Girl Giveaway - 2 Winners 2/19 - US

Welcome to the American Girl Giveaway!



Hosted by:


We are happy to bring you this great giveaway.

The American Girl Doll giveaway.

Jan 20 to Feb. 19, 2013

We will have two winners.

Winner number one will get:

Doll + Starter Collection.  
Winner gets to choose skin color, hair color and eye color.  
Value $120.

Winner number two will get:



One American Girl Doll with the box.  
Winner gets to choose which doll they want.


Value $105.

Winners will need to choose their prizes from American Girl Doll website.

Winner can not change prize for any other American Girl Product.

To be part of this giveaway you need to be 18 years or older.

This giveaway is only for US residents.

To gain entries to win, fill out the form below. 

All entries are optional.

Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NYSavingSpecials is responsible for prize.   

  Check out my other giveaways here.

Free Blogger Opportunity: Dyson




Looking for bloggers to help promote a blogger sponsored Dyson DC24 Animal Vacuum Giveaway, a $449 Value. 

The giveaway dates will be 2/3 through 3/2. You will receive either Facebook or Twitter link for free (with announcement post HERE) for helping me with this awesome giveaway. 

NO Google + 

Additional links $3 

Host pages available for $12 (4 links and follow page) 

Co-Hosts available for $15 (5 Links, follow page and Blog's Name on Banner) All money raised will go for the cost of the Dyson. (Over half of the funds are already raised)

Go HERE to sign up!!

There is a referral prize of $25 Paypal!



Check out my other giveaways here.

Coach Madison Dotted Op Art Small Wristlet Giveaway 2/13 - US

Welcome to the Coach Madison Dotted Op Art Small Wristlet Giveaway!






One lucky winner will win




COACH MADISON DOTTED OP ART SMALL WRISTLET
Value $ 48.00

This giveaway will be from:
Jan 15 to Feb. 14, 2013

US Only

18+ years or older.









NYSavingSpecials is not responsible for prizes.  Every entry on this giveaways is optional.

Check out my other giveaways here.

Free Blogger Opportunity for Melissa and Doug Deluxe Kitchen Play Center Giveaway

Free Blogger Opportunity for Melissa and Doug Deluxe Kitchen Play Center Giveaway. Hosted by Plum Crazy About Coupons and running from 1/20 - 2/10.

Retail Value - $249.99. Sure to increase your numbers. Free Facebook or Twitter with announcement post found here or pay $5 fee.

Free Facebook Links will be on Rafflecopter Host Pages (so no farm pages) Host pages $10 for Facebook Rafflecopter and Twitter pages.

Payments sent to xplumcrazeex2003@yahoo.com as a gift!

   

Referral prize of $25 Paypal to the blogger who refers the most bloggers.

Check out my other giveaways here.

Mobile Rewards $200 PayPal Giveaway - Worldwide 2/14

Welcome to the Mobile Rewards $200 Giveaway that is Open Worldwide

Hosted by
Co-Hosts

About our Sponsor:

Mobile Rewards is a FREE Smartphone app that rewards users with credits for completing offers, which is redeemable for cash. Get Mobile Rewards for any android or iOS device, so that includes iPhones, iPods, iPads, and any android smartphones or tablets. People can download the app for free from the Apple App Store or from Google Play store. Once you log in, watch videos or complete the offers (like free trials and visiting websites) to earn credits. Once memebers reach 1,000 credits they can cash out through Paypal There are a whole range of offers on there, from 1 credit up to 795 credits, so it’s not too difficult to reach the payout amount! Mobile Rewards is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Really - 1) Download + Join, 2) Earn Credits, and 3) Cash Out! Once you reach 1000 credits you can turn your credit to cash quick and easy! You can now make money from your mobile phone! Where do you go to download Mobile Rewards? Head over to Google Play and get My Rewards for Android users, or head over to the Apps Store and download Mobile Rewards for iPhones! You can also create your account online RIGHT HERE

About the prize:


One lucky winner will receive 20,000 credits which is worth $200 in cash when they claim their reward through Paypal – then spend it however they like! Redeeming the credits is fast and easy! Simply log-in to your Mobile Rewards from your Android or iOS device, and redeem! You can also take advantage of Mobile Rewards and earn points until you're ready to trade in your points for cash! Either way, you do whatever you want if you win.

Event is open Worldwide and will end on February 15, 2012 at 11:59pm EST.

One lucky winner will receive 20,000 credits to Mobile Rewards, which can be redeemed for $200 Paypal Cash! 

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Health, Beauty, Children and Family is not responsible for shipment of prize, nor did I accept any compensation for this promotion. Must be 18 years or older to enter. This event is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. For full disclosure see Rafflecopter, for questions contact Pink Ninja Media at info@pinkninjamedia.com.

Check out my other giveaways here.

Amazing: Cascade Complete Pacs #CascadeComplete


I dislike washing dishes probably as much as everyone else. I used to prefer hand washing because I didn't like the built up film or how some times, the dishes were still dirty.  I've been using Cascade products for ever a year so I'm a self-proclaimed loyal brand user of Cascade.  I recently reviewed Cascade Complete Pacs and as always, they have not failed me. Who has time to re-wash dishes or wash them before you put them in a dishwasher?  I certainly don't so I want the convenience of washing dishes right the first time and the luxury of not having to immediately wash them due to fear of an incomplete clean cycle.  Cascade Complete Pacs deliver.

Cascade Complete Pacs combine the best of powder and gel into one powerhouse that can get even the toughest food left on for 24 hours.  Since we don't use many dishes some days, they will sit in the dishwasher until the next day to not waste water or Cascade.  The best part, they come out just as clean as if I had washed them immediately.

They are also nice in that they come in Fresh, Lemon Burst and Citrus Breeze scents.  To date, since using the Complete Pacs, I haven't been disappointed.  I like that when I put the dishes away, there is no film, no strong lingering scent and the inside of the dishwasher looks just as clean as the dishes.  Overall, it saves money since you don't have to pre-wash or use more than one pac to re-wash those stubborn left overs.  Cascade will definitely help me stay sparkling clean in 2013

About Cascade:


About Cascade: In 1953, Cascade entered the automatic dishwashing market with claims of “spotless dishes” to the 4% of households with dishwashers. This fast-moving world of household innovations was just in its beginning stages, and Cascade stayed at the forefront for the next 50 years by developing a range of automatic dishwashing products perfect for a variety of families, needs, and lifestyles. Today, with decades of experience and dishwashers in more than 60% of households, Cascade continues to grow, striving for immaculate dishes every time with its brilliant automatic dishwashing powders, gels, pacs, and additives.
More info on Cascade: http://www.cascadeclean.com/ 


*Disclaimer:  This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and Cascade blogging program, and I received free product from P&G for participating. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.




  Check out my other giveaways here.

Fun Times with Just Dance Disney Party #JDDisney #spon


Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. #UbiChamps


Just Dance: Disney Party is a must have if you have children.  With 25 of some of Disney's favorites, your child will most likely know the songs and enjoy the dancing with each other or by themselves.  It's a great way to have family time with fun dances and game play.  The best part for me is it's the actual songs as I don't really care for the children dubbed over versions.  I think it's a great way to incorporate physical activity without them even knowing it.  If they like video games, might as well encourage some activity too!

Songs include:

Disney Favorites

  • The Aristocats - "Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat"
  • Beauty and the Beast - "Be Our Guest"
  • Bolt - "I Thought I Lost You"
  • Cinderella – "Bibbidi-Bobbidi–Boo"
  • Enchanted - "That's How You Know"
  • The Jungle Book - "The Bare Necessities"
  • Lilo & Stitch - "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride"
  • The Little Mermaid - "Under the Sea"
  • Mary Poppins - "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"
  • The Muppets – "The Muppet Show Theme"
  • Peter Pan - "Following the Leader"
  • Tangled - "Something That I Want"
  • Tangled - "I've Got a Dream"
  • Tinker Bell - "Fly To Your Heart"

Disney Channel Original Series and Movies

  • A.N.T. Farm - "Calling All the Monsters"
  • Camp Rock - "This Is Me"
  • Good Luck Charlie - "Hang In There Baby"
  • Hannah Montana - "Hoedown Throwdown"
  • High School Musical - "We're All In This Together"
  • Jessie - "Jessie Theme Song"
  • Phineas and Ferb - "S.I.M.P. (Squirrels In My Pants)"
  • Shake It Up - "Shake It Up"
  • Shake It Up - "Twist My Hips"
  • Wizards of Waverly Place - "Everything Is Not As It Seems"

Disney Parks

  • The iconic Disney Parks song "It's A Small World"
Since my girls are big Disney fans, they knew most of the songs and particularly loved the Tangled songs.  They were definitely challenged and did get a nice workout. Even my two year old granddaughter enjoyed it and was able to keep up with her five and nine year old aunts.  The choice of dance is also appealing to all kids from ballet to hip hop so it holds something fun for all.  My nine year old liked the lyrics on the screen since she can read.

Overall, my girls loved it due to the familiarity with the songs, the ease of playing and the ability to play solo or with more than one.  I loved it because it was nice clean fun that promoted some movement.  Disney did a great job with Just Dance Disney Party.  I would recommend this to parents with both young and older children as a great way to have some fun without worrying about violence or other things we try to shield our little one's from.  The music might even bring back some memories for us more seasoned folks.



Check out my other giveaways here.

It Works! Ultimate Body Applicator & Yurbuds Inspire Earphones Giveaway 2/3 - US


Statistically, many people already let go of their New Year's resolutions for whatever reason.  It's hard to keep that all important get healthier resolution for a host of reasons.  I start, restart and start all over again throughout the year.  I find that I have to have good music to want to run and the sound has to be excellent as well as I have to have earphones that actually work well and will stay in my ears.  I hate trying to run while continually losing them.  I also like to use It Works!  Ultimate Body Application wraps to smooth out the cellulite.  I do think they work as long as you use them as directed.

This giveaway includes an aqua Yurbuds Inspire earphones, an Ultimate Body Applicator, a Yurbuds headband and an Inspire workout towel.

There are no mandatory entry requirements as  you can choose to do one or as many as you want.

The giveaway ends 2/3 and is open for those in the contiguous US.

To Enter:

Please use the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out my other giveaways here.
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