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What’s For Dinner? – I Need You Help!

February 4, 2011 by

These are words that I ask every single night and Melinda is great with giving me an answer but lately nothing sounds good.  In our house we eat a lot of chicken, ground turkey, pasta and occasionally pork.  Over time there are only so many things you can make from these items.  Melinda had told me numerous times to come up with ideas if I don’t like the ones she has and I have tried but I come up empty. 

So that is the reason for this post.  I need your help.  If you have a recipe or idea on what we could have for dinner using the meats above let me know.  What the heck if you have a great recipe that doesn’t use the meats above let me know.  We are open to trying new things.  I want to thank you in advance for your help and I can’t wait to see what you have for me/us.




Eat your Veggies and #Win $100 AMEX GC

January 14, 2011 by

One of my 2011 goals was to incorporate better eating. We’ve been slacking the past couple months and now is the time to kick start the healthier habits. Bird’s wants to help us AND YOU through the “Feed Kids Better” campaign. Bird’s Eye is encouraging all generations to discover the virtues of vegetables and make vegetables the centerpieces of our meals.

Statistics say that only 6% of Americans get the recommended daily servings of veggies each day. Not a good number. With some Meal Makeover help from No Whine With Dinner: 150 healthy, kid-tested recipes we’ve been able to update our meal plans with tasty changes.

As a family we’ve had the chance to try out Simply Delicious Shepherd’s Pie, Grilled Pork with Pineapple Pizazz and Buffalo Chicken Pizza. All of these recipes can be found in No Whine with Dinner. All of these recipes also include generous helping of veggies and nutrition. With a little tweak here and there you can turn any family favorite into a healthier version that will still please but that you won’t feel guilty about serving.Feed your kids and the rest of your family better starting today with the help of Birds Eye veggies. Share your favorite sneak in a veggie tip or kid & veggie friendly recipe idea for your chance to win the “Virtuous Veggie Giveaway”. This prize pack includes; an apron, No Whine with Dinner cookbook, Birds Eye Recipe Cards and $100 AMEX GiftCard.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Publicly follow this blog of Google Friend Connect, bottom of page
  • Follow Mom and Dad on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Feed Kids Better with Birds Eye & #win $100 AMEX GC #giveaway from @lkwhtmomfound…@anddadtoo! http://bit.ly/huMvVT
  • Like Birds Eye and LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! on Facebook AND like this giveaway.
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, February 4, 2011. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




The Dirty Dozen

January 3, 2011 by

A goal of the new year is to get back to healthier eating. We’ve always done pretty good but I’ve gotten lazy and also bored with our tried and true recipes. Nothing sounds appealing anymore. My mission is to come up with some new recipes or revamp our existing goodies.

To start I researched the foods we should and shouldn’t be eating. We’ve never fully gone organic but I need to be more conscious of what goes into our bodies. Below is a list of the Dirty Dozen; the list of produce that should be avoided unless grown organically. Pesticides and herbicides are toxic and can’t just be rinsed off.
fruits
• Celery- with no skin to protect it, celery is one of the most contaminated veggies out there
• Peaches- it’s skin get sprayed with pesticides to keep insects away
• Strawberries
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Nectarines
• Bell Peppers
• Spinach
• Kale
• Cherries
• Potatoes
• Grapes (Imported)

Local farms, farm stands, farmers markets and things like that are your best bet. While most farms and orchards are certified organic many of them utilize the same practices. The certification process is expensive but just ask questions. Farm to table is the healthiest, freshest and usually tastiest way to eat.
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Smores without the Fire-Recipe

July 19, 2010 by

We camp, not tent camp but air-conditioned, running water, olympic sized pool included camper camping. Aside from the water park our favorite part about camping is a glowing fire with S’mores!  Since camping only comes around a couple times a year I had to figure out a way to bring s’mores to the table more often.

Grilled S’mores! That’s right, Grilled S’mores. Here’s what you’ll need.

graham crackers
marshmallows
chocolate bars
bbq grill (or oven)

heat up grill or oven to a low temperature (around 225), I turn the gas on a little bit and just turn on the burner in the back.  this makes the inside warm but not HOT

Break graham crackers in half (2 squares each) and place on grill or cookie sheet. Top half of the crackers with marshmallows, close cover or place in oven until marshmallow is soft.  Check the marshmallow progress after 3-4 minutes.  Once the marshmallows have puffed it’s time to remove from heat and assemble.  The heat from the marshmallow and graham cracker is enough to soften the chocolate. While you don’t get that real campfire char on the marshmallows these are a great alternative when a roaring fire is nowhere to be found.

This isn’t an exact recipe just a guideline, amounts,timing, temperatures and textures may vary.




[me] and goji Custom Cereal Recap

April 19, 2010 by

Breakfast is supposed to be the fuel to start your day. But today’s top breakfast cereal brands fail at providing quality nutrition, proper vitamins and minerals and adequate fiber and ingredients especially for those with special dietary needs and restrictions. A group of young men; Adam, Carl and Alexander dreamed up the solution; [me] & goji.
[me] & goji is simply a custom cereal & granola company. I say simply because when you start looking through the ingredients it really is a simple and healthy and unique idea that should’ve been obvious to cereal makers all along. With over 60 all-natural and organic ingredients to choose from the mixes are endless. If you aren’t too creative or aren’t too sure what flavors will match well you can select from one of their own favorite blends.

The process is easy though to choose your own mix. Start with your base (flakes, hoops, granola, etc) add your dried fruits and nuts and then the best part, customize your box. I was able to get 3 customized containers of cereal for the kids. For Shaun’s and Shae’s I added super cute pictures of them and fun titles. My kids reach for [me] & goji as an afternoon snack and yogurt mix-in.

What I really appreciate about [me] & goji is it offers so many options. Whether you’re a health nut or wanna be you can mix a nutritious and tasty meal while feeling good about putting good stuff into your body. [me] & goji offers options for those who suffer from Celiac Disease, IBS and other digestive and diet needs. You don’t need to have a medical reason to enjoy a quality, healthy, green cereal.

Visit [me] & goji to learn about the efforts they are putting forth to create a healthier workplace, a sustainable business and a greener environment. Win your own customize cereal from [me] & goji by telling me what ingredients you would choose.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad and [me] & goji on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway unlimited times per day, please leave your twitter link each time, copy and paste this message: Breakfast can be healthy and tasty with @meandgoji #giveaway @lkwhtmomfound @and_dad_too http://bit.ly/9SliCg
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and [me] & goji on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Monday,  May 10, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.
This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk, a healthy snack alternative GIVEAWAY-CLOSED

March 23, 2010 by

Remember when you were a kid and your parents would let you get the milk and that chocolate powder to make a yummy glass of chocolate milk. I do but can’t imagine these days chocolate flavored powder being the best choice for my children. With Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk Plus DHA Omega-3 my problems are solved.  Not only is the Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk Plus DHA Omega-3 premade for me but it is also a simple way to add calcium and DHA to my and my family’s diet. DHA Omega-3 is an important nutrient that helps support heart, brain and eye health which is not only beneficial but crucial to children.

The first night my kids had the Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk their first comment was how chocolaty the milk was over our homemade chocolate milk. They liked how rich and creamy it tasted. My kids tend to be a pain in the neck when it comes to change so for them to enjoy this tells me that it’s a quality product. An added bonus it that it is organic which is something me and Melinda really like and try to look for when buying products. The one downside for me is that Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk Plus DHA Omega-3 is not offered in a fat-free version. I know it is 1% already but for me I can taste the difference between 1% and fat-free milk but all in all it tastes really good. We have already went through three half gallons in the last few weeks.

Horizon offers a ton of products other then chocolate milk like regular milk, yogurt, cheese, cream, eggs, ice cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese and butter. With such a huge select of organic dairy products you can’t go wrong with Horizon. Next time you are at your local grocery store give the Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk Plus DHA Omega-3 a try.

Win your own Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk here at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!  2 winners will receive 4 coupons (2-free half gallons & 2-$1 off) each.  Visit Horizon Dairy and tell me another product you would like to try.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Review, Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway unlimited times per day, please leave your twitter link each time, copy and paste this message: Drink Milk? #giveaway for Horizon Organic Lowfat Choc Milk @lkwhtmomfound @and_dad_too http://bit.ly/cufvgo
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Horizon Dairy on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Tuesday, April 13, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! We were contacted by Horizon/spokesperson for participation in this review/giveaway.  Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Child Hunger Ends Here with ConAgra Foods

March 15, 2010 by

Child Hunger is a harsh reality in America. Nearly 1 in 4 kids don’t know where there next meal is coming from. Children who are hungry may develop physical problems, such as slower growth and inhibited brain development; and illnesses including stomach aches, headaches, colds, ear infections, and fatigue. Lack of proper nourishment during significant periods of growth can impact a child’s behavior, cognitive skills and their ability to learn at the proper level.

Feeding America is the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Their mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger. Each year, the Feeding America network provides food to more than 37 million low-income people facing hunger in the United States, including more than 14 million children and nearly 3 million seniors.
Their network of more than 200 food banks serves all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, securing and distributing more than 2.5 billion pounds of food and grocery products annually. Those member food banks support approximately 63,000 local charitable agencies and 70,000 programs, which provide food directly to individuals and families in need.

I’m teaming up with ConAgra to host a Child Hunger Ends Here Neighborhood Rally this spring to raise money for Feeding America, which provides food to 37 million people every year. These rallies are being held all across America to help feed kids at risk of hunger and you can join or organize something for your own community.

Visit Child Hunger Ends Here for details and directions and help to turn a bake sale, church rummage sale, food drive, yard sale, school carnival, neighborhood picnic or other existing community event into a CHEH Neighborhood Rally.
Stay tuned over the next few weeks to find out how you can do more to help feed kids throughout America and in your own neighborhood.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! This is an ongoing partnership with ConAgra Foods. Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.





Easylunchbox Recap and Giveaway-CLOSED

March 5, 2010 by

Lunch time for me is very important but with me living and working in Delaware during the week it is essential that I pack my lunches when I am home on the weekend. In the past I would make my lunch and pack it in plastic bags that I would throw away after I was done eating. Over time I realized how many plastic bags I was wasting and how harmful it was to the environment and realized I needed to make a change. My change was Easylunchbox.

Easylunchboxes are really cool three compartment containers. Think of Easylunchboxes as a modern day T.V. dinner that you put together yourself so you can make healthy choices. The largest compartment would be used for your main part of the meal then two smaller compartments for sides. Easylunchboxes are made with the highest grade polypropylene plastic (#5), a plastic that does not leach any BPA or Phthalates when heated or cooled. They are dishwasher safe and space savers as they take up very little space in the fridge as well as they can be stored inside one another when not in use.

Easylunchboxes.com was born out of Kelly’s innate ability to do things efficiently while on a shoestring budget, and her desire to send her daughters to school with simple, healthy food, with little to no extra packaging or ingredients. Her past struggle with weight control inspires her to teach and model healthy eating habits for her children, and has fueled her dedication to always send them off to school with a great lunch.

Easylunchboxes has allowed me not only to be efficient when packing my lunch but allows me to eat healthier while at work. I love the three compartments as I usually use the main compartment for my chicken or pasta and the two smaller ones for vegetables. When I was using plastic bags I never packed vegetables for lunch. Easylunchboxes fit perfectly in the lunch bag cooler and still allows enough extra room for an apple and a snack. Easylunchboxes are pretty cheap and you will use them over and over again so no more wasted plastic bags. A set of 4 Containers (4 Lids, 4 Bottoms) are only $13.95 and Colorful Carrying Bag available in black, red, green, purple and light blue are only $7.95.

I am glad that I got the opportunity to analyse Easylunchboxes because they have changed the way I pack and eat lunch.

Now you have a chance to win a container set and one lunch bag (winner can choose color) of your own from Easylunchboxes.  All you have to do is head over to Easylunchbox and tell me one thing that was not mentioned in my article.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway  Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad and Easylunchboxes on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link, copy and paste this message: Win a cool lunchbox and Easylunchboxes from @easylunchboxes and @lkwhtmomfound…@and_dad_too! http://bit.ly/9Be2gI
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Easylunchboxes on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, March 26, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: DUNKIN’ DONUTS’ WAFFLE BREAKFAST SANDWICH

March 3, 2010 by

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: DUNKIN’ DONUTS’ WAFFLE BREAKFAST SANDWICH

New Dunkin’ Donuts survey asks what else Americans want to “bring back” with Polaroid pictures and pay phones topping the list

There’s no “waffling” amongst Dunkin’ Donuts guests – they want the Waffle Breakfast Sandwich back and beginning today, they get their wish. Following strong customer feedback, Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, has reintroduced the Waffle Breakfast Sandwich.

Back by popular demand, the Waffle Breakfast Sandwich is a sweet and savory, Oven-Toasted sandwich featuring scrambled eggs, sausage and American cheese between two maple-infused waffles. The Waffle Breakfast Sandwich is available for a limited time at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants throughout the country and has a suggested retail price of $2.99. Dunkin’ Donuts became the first national quick service restaurant chain to serve a breakfast sandwich featuring waffles when the Waffle Breakfast Sandwich was introduced last spring.

To celebrate the return of the Waffle Breakfast Sandwich, in February, Dunkin’ Donuts conducted a survey* of more than 500 people to find out what other popular cultural items people would be excited to see come back. According to the results:

  • Not everyone is going digital. 33% of Americans miss Polaroid pictures; while 26% of Americans long for the days of pay phones, once ubiquitous in cities and towns.
  • Rachel and Ross or Sam and Diane? 27% of those surveyed wish their ‘Friends’ would order up another cup of coffee at Central Perk, while 21% would rather watch the cast of ‘Cheers’ meet up at the bar.
  • Sorry to those of you who still cruise around in your AMC Pacer. The Pontiac GTO and Chevrolet El Camino are the top two cars Americans wish to see on the market again at 32% and 26% respectively.
  • And of all the outdated fashion trends, only 2% of those surveyed were interested in bringing back balloon pants. However, 20% still long for the 70s and the days of bell bottom pants.

To support the return of the Waffle Breakfast Sandwich, Dunkin’ Donuts will celebrate “Waffle WeDDnesdays” on Twitter (www.twitter.com/dunkindonuts). Each Wednesday the company will ask followers what they are waffling about. Customers who tag their response “#WaffleWeDDs” and tweet it to @DunkinDonuts have a chance to win a $60 Dunkin’ Donuts Card.

The Waffle Breakfast Sandwich isn’t the only item the company is bringing back this month. To help Americans celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Dunkin’ Donuts is once again serving the “Lucky Dozen” donut, a raised yeast ring with chocolate icing topped with white and yellow sprinkles and green clovers for the suggested retail price of 89 cents. Dunkin’ Donuts will also offer a “Spring Showers” donut, a raised yeast ring with chocolate icing topped with rainbow nonpareils for the suggested retail price of 89 cents and Munchkins® donut hole treats topped with rainbow nonpareils for the suggested retail price of $4.49 for a 25 count box. Participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide are also offering two Bacon, Egg & Cheese Wake-Up Wraps with a medium coffee for the special value price of $3.99.

Finally, last month Dunkin’ Donuts brought back its “Create Dunkin’s Next Donut” contest, offering people the chance to create their own donut masterpiece for the chance to win $12,000 and have their donut creation sold at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide. Submissions will be accepted through March 8 at www.DunkinDonuts.com/donut.

This is a press post provided to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! by Dunkin Donuts.




Alouette Cheese, Transform Dinner With Cheese Ingredient

February 20, 2010 by

Valentine’s weekend was last week but Rob and I celebrated a couple nights in advance. We went to a local restaurant for prime rib and crabcakes where the portions are HUGE. With the help of Alouette we were able to turn cold leftovers into something decadent and inviting.

Alouette is a soft spreadable cheese with added flavors and ingredients like Creamy Onion and Shallot or Garlic and Herbs. The cheese is fantatic just dipped with crackers (I prefer Wheat Thins) and even better slightly melted over a juicy hunk of prime rib or steak. A quick hot sear of our leftover prime rib and a dollop of Alouette Spinach Artichoke spread and the meal was transformed into something completely new.

Don’t be fooled into thinking leftovers is all Alouette is good for. Try any of these unique recipes for a fantastic spin on everyday ingredients.

Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Alouette® Mushroom Sauce
Serves: 2
Ingredients
2 beef tenderloin steaks, 1½ inches thick (6 to 8 oz. each)
3 tsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 tsp. butter
½ large shallot, thinly slivered
2 cups sliced baby Portobello mushrooms
¼ cup Alouette® Garlic and Herbs, or Alouette® Savory Vegetable Spreadable Cheese, or Alouette® Creamy Onion and Shallots Spreadable Cheese
½ cup milk
1 tsp. minced fresh parsley, if desired


Directions
Heat broiler.
Coat all sides of tenderloin with 1 tsp. of the olive oil. Place on broiler pan. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Broil 4 inches from heat for 6 minutes or until well-browned. Turn. Broil 6 to 8 minutes or until desired doneness.
Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil and the butter in small skillet over medium heat.
Add shallot; cook 1 minute.
Add mushrooms. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently.
Stir in Alouette®, adding milk to desired consistency. Heat just until warm.
Spoon sauce over tenderloins. Sprinkle with parsley.

As you can see many of the flavors complement some of the same ingredients. Don’t be scared to switch beef for chicken and mushrooms for asparagus, adding just a bit of Alouette in any flavor will brighten up any meal.

Alouette makes more than just soft spreadable cheese; check your local grocers for Baby Brie, Crumbled Cheese and others styles of cheese.

Want a chance to try Alouette for yourself? 2 winners will each receive 3 coupons to try FREE Alouette products just visit Alouette and tell me what recipe you would like to experiment with.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link, copy and paste this message: try Alouette cheeses for snacks or dinner, win 3 coupons for free products @lkwhtmomfound…@and_dad_too http://bit.ly/dtHEAc
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Alouette Cheese on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)
  • Come up with your own recipe that you think would go perfectly with any of the Alouette products, must be more than ‘roasted chicken and garlic and herb spreadable”. This is worth 5 extra entries, show me your creativity!

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Saturday, March 13, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.
This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




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