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Winner Chosen…VIVABOX Father’s Day Giveaway

May 21, 2009 by

68 5/22/2009 12:07:32 Joanna Smith
I would choose the Coffee Talk Vivabox for Father’s Day ~ I think both my husband and father would love, love this because they both are passionate coffee fantatics! Thanks so much for the chance to enter.

What’s a Vivabox? In short, it is the perfect gift for Father’s Day. No more tacky ties, handmade frames, golf tees or novelty boxer shorts. A Vivabox is a fabulous new gift giving process that allows you to choose the theme but allows the receiver to choose the gift. This allows for a completely customized gift that anyone will love to receive. No more returns, exchanges or re-gifting.

We were able to try out the Bar-b-que Vivabox.

First we chose the theme, Bar-b-que. Then in the mail came 3 full size bottles of tasty spice blends from Urban Accents that we tried with that night’s dinner. Along with the spices came a gift card to redeem for more goodies. With the gift card in hand we went to the Vivabox site and realized we had to choose from about 8 different packages from Omaha Steaks. We picked the combo of filets and burgers but the choices varied from chicken to pork to New York strips to an even BIGGER spice blend kit from Urban Accents. Omaha Steaks came in about a week; we are set for Memorial Day.
There is nothing more exciting than getting someone the perfect gift. Vivabox lets you do that with categories such as Wine, Spa Massage, Gourmet to Your Door and more. You pick the theme they pick the gift. It’s so much better than a gift card but no more worrying about the right fit, flavor or color.
Vivabox is giving LookWhatMomFound readers the chance to win the perfect Father’s Day gift.
WIN a Coffee Talk, Bar-b-que or Wine Vivabox for that special dad in your life.
VISIT VIVABOX and tell me which gift box you would choose. Don’t forget to leave your email address so that Vivabox can send you information about the products and upcoming promotions! I promise NO SPAM.
EXTRA ENTRIES: To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure I have a way to contact you.
• Follow ME and Vivabox on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway daily for an additional entry each day, copy and paste this message: Vivabox Father’s Day giveaway coffee, wine or bbq, @lkwhtmomfound http://bit.ly/NfY7D
• Grab my LookWhatMomFound button or add LookWhatMomFound to your blogroll, leave site link
• Follow this blog
• Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound on Facebook
• Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Article or Review, let me know which post you chose
• Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound via email, see sidebar
• Enter another LookWhatMomFound giveaway, leave a comment for each one you enter 

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Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Tuesday, June 9, 2009. Winners will be announced on this post and emailed and have 48 hours to claim prize. This contest is open to US residents only.




Help Fight Childhood Obesity

May 19, 2009 by

It’s Up To You to keep our kids healthy and fit now so that they have a better chance for a healthy and fit future.
IU2U.org is dedicated to fighting childhood obesity by helping families keep fit, stay active and have FUN achieving healthier goals together. The goal of IU2U.org is to get the word out on the Fit Kids Act to get healthier food options in schools nationwide and giving families options in collecting healthy lifestyle tips.
Right now 12.5 million children are overweight. By 2010, 20% of our kids will be obese. Isn’t it time we make a change? Get on board with the Fit Kids Act today at http://iu2u.org/sign.php

Join the cause on Facebook. Just by joining you will be entered into a giveaway for a $100 prepaid shopping card. You’ll also be helping to create awareness for the effects of childhood obesity. Challenge families to a healthier lifestyle. Join the Fit Kids Act http://iu2u.org/sign.php .
The goal is 500 members, we are almost there, join now.




My Plate-Mate Kitchen Gadget

April 21, 2009 by

I’ve found a cool kitchen gadget but it’s not for me. My Plate-Mate is a unique spill guard to aid in children’s self-feeding and independence. It’s intended to prevent messy spills on the table and on children making meal-time clean-up a cinch. With a gentle stretch this rigid rim fit right on her favorite character plate. Shae is wonderful at eating yogurt on her own and stabbing chicken chunks with her fork but she still has troubles with things like rice, veggies and beans. She also hates messes so when food ends up on her hands and clothes she has a little fit. My Plate-Mate allowed her to scoop up cheese raviolis and green beans and eat completely on her own. She ate a bit quicker than usual also, I’m guessing because she didn’t struggle the way she normally does at meal time.

My Plate-Mate is made in the USA and free of lead, phthalates, PVC, polycarbonates and BPA. Additional features include compact size for easy transporting and dishwasher safe for simple clean-up. Created by moms, Michele and Paige, My Plate-Mate was designed with their children in mind. After many years in the workforce and mommyhood they found themselves wanting more. My Plate-Mate was the result of the desire to make their lives and the lives of parents around the world easier. Within 6 months of introduction My Plate-Mate was being sold in nearly 100 retailers across the country and can now be found in Australia, UK and Canada. My Plate-Mate has filled an unmet market and continues to grow and be recognized as a unique and successful design.

Do you want to win your own My Plate-Mate? LookWhatMomFound readers can enter to win a white one for their own kiddos.

Mandatory Entry: Visit My Plate-Mate and come back and let me know who would benefit from My Plate-Mate.

Extra Entries: the Mandatory entry must be followed first

Contest ends 11:59 EST, Thursday May 7, 2009. If your entries do not follow the rules they will not be eligible to win. This contest is open to US and Canada. The winner will be chosen using Random.com. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize, after that a new winner will be selected.




Make Something Monday-Corn Black Bean Salad

April 20, 2009 by

This is super easy and super delicious. This is usually our summer go to side dish with burgers and grilled chicken.

1 can black beans rinsed & drained well
1/2 bag frozen corn (we used Trader Joes Roasted corn and lightly rinsed it)
1 pint of grape tomatoes quartered and smooshed
4 tbls red wine vinegar
2 tbls olive oil
salt and lots of pepper
1/2 tsp dried basil (fresh is better but my plant isn’t doing well)
1/2 tsp dried oregano (again fresh is better)

Add all ingredients in a bowl and let sit for 1/2 hour, mix lightly every few minutes to blend flavors




Week of 3/8/09 Menu Plan

March 9, 2009 by

I’m slacking in the meal planning department. So I’m going to post my menu for the week in hopes I get some inspiration from my readers. Leave me some feedback, tell me what’s for dinner at your house.

Sunday
Grilled chicken breast (marinated in herb flavored vinegar, lemon juice, Thyme, salt and pepper) baked sweet potatoes and sauted brussel sprouts

Monday
Leftover Spinach Lasagna, steamed grean beens with garlic and lemon juice

Tuesday
Sesame Ginger chicken stirfry with red pepper strips and Veggie fried rice

Wednesday
Pork Roast with garlic, sazon, onion, Rice and black beans

Thursday
Turkey Patties (think mini meatloaf) with stuffing and thyme and rosemary with Mashed potatoes and corn

Friday
Pizza




Make Something Monday

March 2, 2009 by
yum yum yum, guess what I’m eating for lunch



Foodie Friday-Substitutes for Picky Eater

February 27, 2009 by
We all know that veggies are known for their high content of Vitamins and Minerals. Everything from Vitamins A & C and Folate to Potassium and Iron; all of these nutrients are key components to a growing child. What happens when your little one won’t eat veggies though?

Fruit is usually a favorite, its sweet and colorful not leafy and green. Below you’ll find awesome alternatives to get the goodstuff in without going through mealtime meltdowns.
Vitamin A helps with cell reproduction, boosts immunity, promotes bone growth and helps maintain healthy skin and hair.
Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Tomato and Mango

Niacin assists in a a properly functioning digestive and nerve system and healthy skin.
Avocado, Peaches, Tomatoes, Bananas

Vitamin C plays an important role as antioxidant, which protect the body’s tissues from damage of oxidation.
Orange, Kiwi, Strawberry, Blackberry

Folate is important for red blood cell production.
Kiwi, Banana, Mango, Orange

Calcium we all know is needed for bone growth and strength.
Orange, Blackberry, Kiwi

Iron deficiency can adversely affect the immune system and result in impaired learning ability and behavioral problems in children.
Raisins, Prunes, Dried Apricots, Watermelon

Magnesium is used for building bones, manufacturing proteins, releasing energy from muscle storage and regulating body temperature.
Watermelon, Tomato, Avocado

Potassium is essential for the body’s water balance and proper heart function.
Banana, Mango, Kiwi

I am NOT a medical professional and I do not state the above to replace yours or your child’s diet. This article is based on my research and personal experience and my opinion about getting kids to eat healthy.




Fondue for Two

February 12, 2009 by
or 3 or 4. My kids love fondue so its a family thing rather than a romantic thing. But I must say that fondue makes an ordinary night extraordinary. We do fondue pretty often in my house so I’ll share tips and recipes to get you starting your own family or romantic nights.
I recommend a basic inexpensive Fondue Pot (they come electric too) but this can be made in a double boiler then the bowl brought to the table.
Basic Cheese Fondue
8 oz of shredded chedder cheese
8 oz shredded emmental chesse
1 garlic clove splash of lemon juice
2 cups beer or dry white wine
2 tablespoons of flour
1 teaspoon of Salt
Pinch of pepper
Rub your Fondue Pot or bowl with a cut garlic clove, this leaves the wonderful flavor but without bits of garlic in your creamy cheese sauce. Turn on heat add wine/beer and lemon juice, heat till slightly simmering. Slowly add cheese, stirring the entire time, add flour, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy and heated through.
Enjoy with bread cubes, apple slices, broccoli florets, carrot sticks, slices of chicken, steamed shrimp or anything you desire.
If the sauce is too thick, add more wine. If sauce is too thin, add more cheese.
Basic Chocolate Fondue
16 oz chocolate of your choice or blend of your choice
1 cup of heavy cream
2 tbls brandy, kirsch or cointreau (optional)
Heat cream in Fondue pot or bowl, do not boil. Slowly stir in chocolate and liquer till melted and warmed through. Additional ingredients such as mini marshmallows, crushed nuts or graham crackers or caramel can be added at this point.
Enjoy with large marshmallows, brownies, fresh fruit, pound cake and cheesecake.
With just a few ingredients you can make tonight special.




Make Something Monday-Brownies

February 9, 2009 by

Not just any brownies-Rocky Road Brownies

I’m sharing my favorite recipe, I think its a Martha Stewart recipe. The best thing about it is there no NO need for a mixer, so that means less clean up.

lets begin!
preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter up an 8-inch square pan and line with parchment with a couple inches overhang on 2 sides, butter the parchment paper.

1/2 cup butter, cut into cubes
1 cup chocolate chips, semisweet
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
3/4 cup all purpose flour, spooned and leveled

toppings, mix and match to your preference
1 cup mini-marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped nuts, your choice
1/2 cup chocolate chips, your choice of flavor
1/2 cup fudge topping
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1 cup broken Oreos or other cookie of choice
*1/2 cup of caramel ice cream topping (add when brownies are done baking)

In a double boler or heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water add butter and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Mix until completely melted, remove from heat. Add sugars and salt, mix until combined. Mix in eggs then flour until just combined. Spread batter into prepared pan.

Bake 30-35 minutes until inserted toothpicks come out with sticky crumbs attached.
Remove from oven and start adding your toppings. Start with something sticky or melty, then add dry toppings then finish with sticky melty topping. Example, sprinkle chocolate chips then nuts then marshmallows.

Bake an additional 3-5 minutes until chocolate chips just start to melt or marshmallows start to puff.

Remove from oven, *if desired add caramel topping now. Let brownies cool completely in pan. Using parchment handles, remove brownies from pan and cut into squares. These will keep in a sealed tupperware like container for about a week but they don’t last that long in this house.
I make these about once a week and vary the toppings to whatever we have in the house.




Foodie Friday- Kinda food related

February 6, 2009 by

One Word- AMAZING. This behemoth of a toy takes up a large amount of space but it is the greatest thing that was ever brought into this house. The Step 2 Grand Walk-in Kitchen has been the #1 toy for my family since the day it arrived.

Our playroom is filled floor to ceiling with everything play related imaginable; toys, games, puzzles, crafts, legos, and much more. But when I put my youngest on the floor after coming down the stairs in the morning the first thing she does is grab a fork and starts stirring a pot. There are jars of spices and metal utensils and even a pepper grinder that makes a cracking noise when turned. The one thing she likes best is the boiling and sizzling sounds that come from the burner when it comes in contact with a certain pot. There aren’t a ton of electronic features in this kitchen so it does encourage children to use their own imagination and their own sounds while playing.

The breakfast bar is a fun feature also. I like to pull up a stool while my daughter serves up a pot of pizza slices, grapes and fried chicken and hands me a fork to eat it. She’ll even pour me a cup of coffee from the included coffee pot. This is definitely a toy where the whole family can get involved.

We’ve collected lots of kitchen stuff over the years such as food and bowls and most of those things fit in nicely with the new kitchen. We also have an older kitchen that my older kids refused to get rid of when the Grand Kitchen came. So now we have 2 kitchens side by side, they call it the restaurant kitchen and that’s how they play. They have made up menus and recipe cards and work together to serve up mommy and daddy full meals.
If you have the space this is an awesome buy that will last YEARS.

This is the Restaurant, you can see my son standing there and my oldest daughter’s feet sticking out of the new kitchen.




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