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Wednesday, February 6, 2013
General Mills Free Movie Night
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Contessa World Cuisine and a Giveaway - 50 Winners
Contessa World Cuisine is a line of delicious frozen skillet meals, ready in ten minutes and made with high quality and wholesome ingredients, with no msg, no trans-fat, no artificial colors or flavors, no preservatives and even multiple Gluten-Free (GF) options. The meals come with individually packaged sauce packets to allow for freshness, recipe variation and special dietary needs.
What makes Contessa meals different?
- 18 unique, world cuisine-inspired flavors
- Simple to prepare in ten minutes at home
- No msg
- No trans-fat
- No artificial colors or flavors
- No preservatives
- Minimally processed
- Multiple gluten-free options
- Individually packaged sauce packets to allow for freshness, recipe variation and special dietary needs
I received four varieties to try at home: Sesame Chicken, Italian Sausage Rigatoni, Shrimp Alfredo and Beef Mongolian. I was surprised that each was very well seasoned and quite flavorful which, I think most of us know, is not always the case when you purchase prepackaged, frozen meals. These meals taste fresh. The ingredients are similar to what we would use to cook with: normal size cuts of meat, pastas, vegetables and other ingredients. The sauces taste good and there's enough to cover the meal. I do sometimes add more sauce or vegetables but not because they're needed, just because I wanted more vegetables or I want to stretch the meal just a little further.
Most days, it's just me at home so these meals are a good size, without needing sides and I can generally have enough for my lunch the next day. This works great for me! Besides the obvious of getting to skip cooking... with me being disabled from a neurological disorder, there are days when I just don't feel well and something as simple as cooking can be painful or even awkward when I'm dealing with tremors. They give me a chance to have a healthier choice for lunch or dinner, regardless of how I'm feeling, because they are fast and easy to put together. And, with the individually packaged sauces, I can even separate the meals into two individual servings and add a side of vegetables or maybe a bread to my meal.
We all like to have a selection when choosing our meals. There's nothing like going to the store and not being able to find what you're looking for or you find a brand you like but they limit your options to maybe one or two dishes. Not with Contessa, that's for sure. Contessa World Cuisine brings the flair of authentic international flavors to 18 meal varieties representing cultures from around the world, including Asian, Italian and Latin, as well as, various seafood dishes. These include:
Beef Mongolian
Broccoli Beef
Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Chow Mein
Florentine
Chicken Friend Rice (GF)
Chicken Stir-Fry
Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Jambalaya (GF)
Orange Chicken
Paellla (GF)
Sesame Chicken
Shrimp Alfredo (New)
Shrimp Fried Rice (New/GF)
Shrimp Primavera
Shrimp Scampi and Linguini Chicken
Shrimp Stir-Fry
Vodka Chicken Penne
Contessa World Cuisine skillet meals for two are available in the frozen meals section at retailers nationwide including Wal-Mart, Meijer, Publix, Food Lion, Giant Eagle, Schnuck's, Hannaford Bros. and others. Depending on the retailer, you will find them for around $7.99 - $8.99
Now, for the best part, Contessa World Cuisine would like to give you an opportunity to try their meals for yourself. I will be giving four people 2 coupons, each for $2.00 off their purchase of Contessa World Cusine frozen skillet meals.
The entries are simple and easy. Just follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form. Giveaway will begin at 12:01am on 1/31/20123 CST and end at midnight CST on 2/17/2013. Thank you and Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
UNREAL Candies are the Life of the Party
I had the wonderful opportunity to try a new candy product just before Halloween as part of my membership in The Global Influence Network. The candies are from a company called UNREAL. Their message: UNJUNK your Halloween with UNREAL candy!
UNREAL™ exists because a thirteen year old boy asked one Halloween why candy needs to be so unhealthy. After an argument with his father, he did a bit of research only to find that candy is filled with bad things like hydrogenated oils and artificial colors and flavors. And what’s worse, he found out that those ingredients don’t make candy taste better, they simply make it cheaper to produce.
Nicky believed that candy without the junk could be made and that it would taste better. And he and his father and brother decided to prove it.
And they did.
UNREAL™ provides many of the great flavor combinations we love in our treats, but without the corn syrup, without the partially hydrogenated oils, without the GMOs, without the artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and with 40% less sugar per serving on average. The key ingredients are responsibly sourced, and the candy is available in the stores we all shop, at a price point we can all afford.
UNREAL uses real cane sugar, real milk, more cacao and more protein and fiber. This leaves you with a great tasting, unjunked candy that you can feel good about giving your kids... or yourself.
Now, I know you're asking, "But how do they really taste?". Right? As part of the review process, I invited over friends and family for a little gathering and taste test. What did they have to say?
"Much better than I was expecting."
"I love the peanut butter cups." (Actually heard this quite a bit. They seemed to be the favorite.)
"Definitely have a different taste but you get used to it."
"That's really different."
Everyone had their favorites. Again, the peanut butter cups seemed to be the most liked. Definitely my favorite. There was a little hesitation and uncertainty, at first. With some of the candies, they weren't as happy with the flavor of the sweetening but most either ended up liking it after a few tastes or liked certain candies over others.
It seemed, overall, they all agreed that their children would approve. Most importantly, the parents were approving! Who can argue with UNREAL's "treats, but without the corn syrup, without the partially hydrogenated oils, without the GMOs, without the artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and with 40% less sugar per serving on average"?
For me, I'll be purchasing these for my Halloween but I'll also be using them for birthday parties and definitely in the stockings this Christmas.
UNREAL is available as Peanut Butter Cups, Chocolate Caramel Nougat Bars, Chocolate Peanut Caramel Nougat Bars, Candy Coated Chocolates and Candy Coated Chocolates with Peanuts. They're similar to other candies on the market.
Find UNREAL candies at Target, CVS, Kroger, Fred Meyers, BJs, Staples.. 30,000+ UNJUNKED stores coming soon.
UNREAL™ exists because a thirteen year old boy asked one Halloween why candy needs to be so unhealthy. After an argument with his father, he did a bit of research only to find that candy is filled with bad things like hydrogenated oils and artificial colors and flavors. And what’s worse, he found out that those ingredients don’t make candy taste better, they simply make it cheaper to produce.
Nicky believed that candy without the junk could be made and that it would taste better. And he and his father and brother decided to prove it.
And they did.
UNREAL™ provides many of the great flavor combinations we love in our treats, but without the corn syrup, without the partially hydrogenated oils, without the GMOs, without the artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and with 40% less sugar per serving on average. The key ingredients are responsibly sourced, and the candy is available in the stores we all shop, at a price point we can all afford.
UNREAL uses real cane sugar, real milk, more cacao and more protein and fiber. This leaves you with a great tasting, unjunked candy that you can feel good about giving your kids... or yourself.
Now, I know you're asking, "But how do they really taste?". Right? As part of the review process, I invited over friends and family for a little gathering and taste test. What did they have to say?
"Much better than I was expecting."
"I love the peanut butter cups." (Actually heard this quite a bit. They seemed to be the favorite.)
"Definitely have a different taste but you get used to it."
"That's really different."
Everyone had their favorites. Again, the peanut butter cups seemed to be the most liked. Definitely my favorite. There was a little hesitation and uncertainty, at first. With some of the candies, they weren't as happy with the flavor of the sweetening but most either ended up liking it after a few tastes or liked certain candies over others.
It seemed, overall, they all agreed that their children would approve. Most importantly, the parents were approving! Who can argue with UNREAL's "treats, but without the corn syrup, without the partially hydrogenated oils, without the GMOs, without the artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and with 40% less sugar per serving on average"?
For me, I'll be purchasing these for my Halloween but I'll also be using them for birthday parties and definitely in the stockings this Christmas.
UNREAL is available as Peanut Butter Cups, Chocolate Caramel Nougat Bars, Chocolate Peanut Caramel Nougat Bars, Candy Coated Chocolates and Candy Coated Chocolates with Peanuts. They're similar to other candies on the market.
Find UNREAL candies at Target, CVS, Kroger, Fred Meyers, BJs, Staples.. 30,000+ UNJUNKED stores coming soon.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
7 Reasons To Steal Baby Powder from Your Diaper Bag
Baby powder does the hard work of protecting little bottoms from diaper rash but did you know it’s even more useful than you thought? Here are 7 ways to use it around the house
Grease Removal: Use a sponge to rub the powder on a stain until it’s gone.
Stinky Shoes: A hard days work sometimes results in a stinky pair of shoes at the end of the day. Get rid of the odor (and have less sweaty shoes tomorrow) by coating the inside of shoes with a thin coat of baby powder.
Stop creaks: Shake powder in between wooden floorboards to keep them quiet.
Fend off Ants: Sprinkle powder around their hideouts and they’ll be history.
Give Your Garden a Fighting Chance: Want a greener thumb? The medicated-powder coating in baby powder (who knew?!) and helps reduce the chance of rot while warding off moles, voles, grubs and other pests. To give your plants a leg up, place 5-6 flower bulbs and about 3 tablespoons baby powder in a sealed plastic bag and give it a few gentle shakes. (Thanks FabulesslyFrugal - she’s got about 15 more too!)
Spruce up Your ‘Do: Dry shampoo is great (especially for its root-lifting capabilities) but in a pinch, a little baby powder on your roots will sap up any grease hanging onto your strands. Just be sure to brush it out well, especially if you have dark hair.
Give Your Pup a Quick Dry-Bath: Have company coming over? Give your dog a dry-shampoo bath with baby powder. Rub one or two handfuls of baby powder into their coat and let sit for a few minutes before thoroughly brushing it out. Just like it does with your hair, the baby powder will grab up any grease and have your dog smelling baby fresh.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Free Milk and a Kroger GC Giveaway
Giveaway is closed and winner has been notified. Thank you for entering. Please join me again soon!
I just love milk, don't you? I especially like drinking milk when it's really cold. But, there's one thing that's nearly as good as drinking milk.... drinking FREE MILK! Oh, yes! Let me tell you how:
It's that easy! With my gift card, I stocked up on my favorite General Mills product: Honey Nut Cheerios! I eat them about every day. But, you can check with your local store and find their participating General Mills products.
GIVEAWAY
Kroger Co. Family of Stores doesn't want to forget my readers! They want to give one of you a $25 GC to use at your choice of the Kroger Co. Family of Stores! Isn't that exciting? What better time of year to get a FREE gift card?!
I'm going to make it easy for you to enter. First, let me ask you to please complete the mandatory entry, that way you'll be eligible to get the extra entries as well. Make sure you leave a seperate comment for each entry. I will close the giveaway on Wednesday, November 30th, at 11:59 pm CST.
Mandatory Entry
Leave a comment telling me which General Mills product(s) is your favorite to stock up on.
Extra Entries
Follow Kroger on twitter: @KrogerCo - 2 entries
Follow Kroger on Facebook - 2 entries
Be a public follower of my blog - 1 entry
Subscribe to my email updates - 5 entries (Make sure you confirm subscription)
Follow me on twitter: @SereneMoments
Thank you for entering and GOOD LUCK!
Disclosure:A gift card, included information, and giveaway have all been provided by Kroger brand through MyBlogSpark.
*Excludes General Mills meal and baking products including; Betty Crocker, Old El Paso, Progresso, Hamburger Helper, Macaroni Grill, Wanchai Ferry, Yoplait
**Promotion varies based on store location; check your local Kroger store for details (Cash Offer: Mid South, Delta, Mid Atlantic, SW Louisiana stores, Central Missouri stores and Dillons Missouri stores)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Sad Truth About Kids and Cancer | Healthy Child Healthy World
The Sad Truth About Kids and Cancer
Necessary News
Monday, September 19, 2011
“Kiwi had only been sick once; never on any sort of medication, not even Tylenol. All of that changed on Friday, July 31st, 2010 when we found ourselves in the Emergency Room because Kiwi’s left hand had begun to spasm periodically all that day. Our lives went from Kiwi never being in the hospital and only at the doctors once (but never on any medications), to being poked and prodded for hours in the ER. I had a very difficult time comprehending the next few days of my life. It started in the ER on a Friday night and moved slowly through the weekend, to an MRI on Sunday showing that my darling 22 month old daughter had a large tumor on the right side of her brain.” (Read the rest of Kiwi’s story.)
Your daughter has cancer.
They are words no parent ever wants to hear, yet the sad fact is that every sixty minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer and every six hours, a child will lose her battle to cancer. Cases of pediatric cancer have increased 30% over the last 30 years, to the point that cancer is now the nation’s leading cause of death by disease in children.
Meanwhile, little action is being taken to prevent exposures to carcinogens, the substances which are proven to cause cancer. Even dioxin, the single most potent carcinogen identified by scientists, is still not being addressed in the United States. Dioxin has been targeted for international phase-out by a treaty signed by over 170 nations across the world—but not us.
The Environmental Protection Agency is supposedly on the verge of taking action, but the way things are going in Washington, I’m not holding my breath.
According to the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice, “For over 20 years, EPA’s study on dioxin has been delayed time after time. American families have been exposed to this poisonous chemical for far too long. Every American eats dioxins when they consume fatty foods, and every American has measurable levels of this chemical in their body.”
And, dioxin is just one of 240 substances currently recognized as “reasonably anticipated to cause cancer” by a report released in June by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
At Healthy Child Healthy World, we believe it’s well beyond time to put our collective foot down and take aggressive action to prevent cancer. Throughout 2012, which is the 20th anniversary of our organization, we’ll be turning up the volume on this increasingly common—and tragic—issue.
Healthy Child began after five-year-old Colette Chuda died of a rare form of non-hereditary cancer linked to environmental factors; her parents, Jim and Nancy Chuda, turned their grief into action and formed Healthy Child Healthy World (formerly the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition) in 1992.
It's been 20 years and we've seen little change. Now, we're ready for a revolution.
We're inspired by the 46 mothers from across the country who will gather in Washington DC this week to shave their heads to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. By shaving their heads in solidarity with not only their children who have been diagnosed with cancer, but every child affected by cancer, the 46 Mommas hope to raise $1 million. (To locate ororganize an event in your community, sign-up to shave, donate or volunteer, visit www.StBaldricks.org.) Here’s a video from last year’s Shave for the Brave event in Los Angeles.
To the 46 Mommas: We are humbled by your action, and honor your commitment.
To mothers everywhere: It’s time to stand up, get mad, and stop pediatric cancer in its tracks. Please join us in this fight, as we gear up for 2012.
Together, we can create a better world.
Read more: http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/the_sad_truth_about_kids_and_cancer/#ixzz1YqQTr8Bv
The Sad Truth About Kids and Cancer | Healthy Child Healthy World
The Sad Truth About Kids and Cancer
Necessary News
Monday, September 19, 2011
“Kiwi had only been sick once; never on any sort of medication, not even Tylenol. All of that changed on Friday, July 31st, 2010 when we found ourselves in the Emergency Room because Kiwi’s left hand had begun to spasm periodically all that day. Our lives went from Kiwi never being in the hospital and only at the doctors once (but never on any medications), to being poked and prodded for hours in the ER. I had a very difficult time comprehending the next few days of my life. It started in the ER on a Friday night and moved slowly through the weekend, to an MRI on Sunday showing that my darling 22 month old daughter had a large tumor on the right side of her brain.” (Read the rest of Kiwi’s story.)
Your daughter has cancer.
They are words no parent ever wants to hear, yet the sad fact is that every sixty minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer and every six hours, a child will lose her battle to cancer. Cases of pediatric cancer have increased 30% over the last 30 years, to the point that cancer is now the nation’s leading cause of death by disease in children.
Meanwhile, little action is being taken to prevent exposures to carcinogens, the substances which are proven to cause cancer. Even dioxin, the single most potent carcinogen identified by scientists, is still not being addressed in the United States. Dioxin has been targeted for international phase-out by a treaty signed by over 170 nations across the world—but not us.
The Environmental Protection Agency is supposedly on the verge of taking action, but the way things are going in Washington, I’m not holding my breath.
According to the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice, “For over 20 years, EPA’s study on dioxin has been delayed time after time. American families have been exposed to this poisonous chemical for far too long. Every American eats dioxins when they consume fatty foods, and every American has measurable levels of this chemical in their body.”
And, dioxin is just one of 240 substances currently recognized as “reasonably anticipated to cause cancer” by a report released in June by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
At Healthy Child Healthy World, we believe it’s well beyond time to put our collective foot down and take aggressive action to prevent cancer. Throughout 2012, which is the 20th anniversary of our organization, we’ll be turning up the volume on this increasingly common—and tragic—issue.
Healthy Child began after five-year-old Colette Chuda died of a rare form of non-hereditary cancer linked to environmental factors; her parents, Jim and Nancy Chuda, turned their grief into action and formed Healthy Child Healthy World (formerly the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition) in 1992.
It's been 20 years and we've seen little change. Now, we're ready for a revolution.
We're inspired by the 46 mothers from across the country who will gather in Washington DC this week to shave their heads to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. By shaving their heads in solidarity with not only their children who have been diagnosed with cancer, but every child affected by cancer, the 46 Mommas hope to raise $1 million. (To locate ororganize an event in your community, sign-up to shave, donate or volunteer, visit www.StBaldricks.org.) Here’s a video from last year’s Shave for the Brave event in Los Angeles.
To the 46 Mommas: We are humbled by your action, and honor your commitment.
To mothers everywhere: It’s time to stand up, get mad, and stop pediatric cancer in its tracks. Please join us in this fight, as we gear up for 2012.
Together, we can create a better world.
Read more: http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/the_sad_truth_about_kids_and_cancer/#ixzz1YqQTr8Bv
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Bounce It Off Millions
Are you a Bounce fan? Did you participate by letting Bounce know if you like the sheets or bar for your laundry? Well, Bounce isn't done with you yet! Introducing.... Bounce It Off Millions!
Bounce wants to help you with those big decisions in life....
Should I vacation in Hawaii or Jamaica?
What's a good name for my new puppy?
Which dress should I wear to the prom?
There's no end to the decisions Bounce can help you with.
How's it work? Simple! Just go to Bounce's Facebook page, click on "Bounce It Off Millions" and post your question or dilemma. Bounce will turn your post into a poll. Then, just sit back and wait while tens of thousands of Bounce fans weigh-in on your question.
Bounce will choose the 4 most interesting polls to be featured in a facebook ad. Imagine, your question or dilemma going out to the entire facebook world. That's 150 million+ Facebook users helping YOU.
Bounce fans can also enter a sweepstakes for the chance to win two (2) Bounce Dryer Bars—one to keep, and one for a friend of your choice. 5,000 winners will be chosen.
What? You're still here?
Head on over to Bounce's Facebook page and submit your question or dilemma that you need help with! You just might be the lucky winner of that Facebook ad.... or, at the least, get that important answer that you just can't make on your own!
Hmm... contacts or glasses? Dress or pant suit? What am I going to name my new blog? Oh, my... so many questions.......
Contest Rules
I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in the post are my own.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Mompact Blog Hop - Bunchee Giveaway
The #Mompact Blog Hop has come to an end. The WINNER is Christyn McKenna. Thanks to everyone who entered. Please Visit again, Read some posts and try your Luck at other Giveaways! - Gena
I am so excited to be taking part in the Mompact Blog Hop with 120 other blogs. Isn't that amazing? Well, it gets better. This fabulous blog hop consists of 150 prizes and a GRAND PRIZE that will be given away by Mompact. Even better is that each product was invented by a Mompreneur:
MOMS SUPPORTING MOMS
YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!
Invented (patent pending) by Ritzy Bitzy's founder, Monica Jones, BUNCHEES Baby Bottle Bibs are a new, convenient and innovative way to keep your baby comfy and dry during bottle feedings. Having given birth to two messy yet adorable eaters, Monica decided to take action on her big idea and the Baby Bottle Bibs were born. Way better than the standard bib, they were created to absorb dribble that trickles out of babies’ mouths while they are feeding from a bottle. They are made with ultra soft and highly absorbent plush microfiber and the absorbent collar not only holds it in place, it soaks up bottle leaks too! The Baby Bottle Bibs™ fit on baby bottles of all brands and shapes, they can even be used to keep the mess away when your baby learns how to drink from sippy cups. Their compact size allows for easy transport--just toss them in your diaper bag and go! Most importantly, they keep you and your baby dry!
Hey, you're not done yet. You are just getting started! Head on over to Eco Baby Mama Drama and check out her review of Zatswho.
This blog post is part of the Mompact Blog Hop. Make sure you visit all 120 blogs and Enter to Win. You can find the entire list of giveaways at Mompact
Friday, August 12, 2011
Smiley360.com—Be Heard. Be Happy.
Join me at Smiley360.com
Why smiley360.com? Of course, our answer to this question is, "Why NOT smiley360.com?" But you probably want to hear a bit more. No problem :-)
smiley360.com powers your social media networks.
And it empowers you, too. Joining the smiley360.com community gives you something to talk about. It gives you more to share with your network—online AND face-to-face. smiley360.com members get inside and exclusive looks at new brands, new products, and new online content—how cool is that?
Be a Part of Something Big.
The smiley360.com community is 300,000 strong, and growing. That's a lot of consumer power, all in one place. In today's marketplace, brands need—and want —to know your opinion. smiley360.com members provide valuable feedback about popular brands, and that feedback can actually collectively drive the market.
We matter.
We matter.
Be Heard. Be Happy.
Do you love to try new things? Haven't you ever tried a new product and thought, "This would be so much better if…" Well, as a smiley360.com member, you can provide that kind of feedback directly to the source. Your opinion matters. And as a fringe benefit, you'll earn status in the smiley360.com community, which has its own perks, rewards, and opportunities. It's a win-win situation, really.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
No Ordinary Burger Contest
The burger got a makeover, and pork lovers are celebrating!
Build your best burger using Johnsonville Brat or Italian Sausage Patties, and you could win a year’s worth of groceries from WalMart in the “No Ordinary Burger Contest!”
Ignite your inspiration with pork and get grilling!
Thanks to the first-ever “No Ordinary Burger Recipe Contest,” sponsored by the National Pork Board and Johnsonville Sausage, backyard chefs can share their spin on the traditional burger using new Johnsonville Brat and Italian Sausage Patties – for a chance to win big!
Now through September 6th, log on to www.johnsonville.com/burgercontest to submit your recipe and vote for your favorite pork burger. Two grand prize winners will be awarded a year’s worth of groceries from Walmart and have their recipes featured on Johnsonville Brat and Italian Sausage Patty boxes.- Make It Tropical: So many delicious fruits are in season during the summer months. Top your pork burger with one of the season’s sweets like pineapple, peaches or mangoes.
- Double Up The Pork: Everyone knows bacon makes everything better but the possibilities are endless with pork burger toppers. Mimic your favorite pizza with pepperoni or top it with a classic cold cut like ham to give your taste buds a treat.
- Be Cheesy: A good piece of cheese can make or break a burger. Pick your favorite and remember to trap the heat by closing the grill to ensure for fully melted cheese.
- Play Up Your Family’s Favorite Flavors: Love the spicy kick of jalapenos or the smoothness of good old fashion yellow mustard? Let your favorite toppings do the talking.
- Elevate Your Sides: Try piling your go-to side dish onto the pork burger in order to create a two-in-one meal.
- Think Beyond The Bun: Just because it’s a burger doesn’t mean it needs a hamburger bun. Try using a lettuce wrap or pita bread for a tasty twist on the classic.
Connect with the National Pork Board
For more inspirational ideas and pork recipes and information on how you can enter the “No Ordinary Burger Recipe Contest”, visit the PorkBeinspired.com. Also, be sure to “like” us at Facebook.com/PorkBeInspired and follow @AllAboutPork on Twitter.
Please read and follow all Contest Rules established for this contest. I am able to bring you this contest due to my membership with the One2One Network. No compensation has been given. All elements of the post were provided thru the contest sponsors.
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