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You’ve got a giveaway, I want to know about it! Oh, and if you list your giveaway on Mom Start facebook page then I will tweet it out to all of my twitter followers. At 8500 followers and growing all the time! Cool? I hope so!
I’ve got a few giveaways you might want to check out too!
We don’t have Carrabba’s Italian Grill in the Seattle area, not even in the Washington state area so I can’t tell you first hand what their food is like. Although, I’m pretty sure that I’ve been to one while I lived in the South, it seems so familiar. And I do have quite a taste for good Italian Food and that’s what you’ll find at Carrabba’s. At least my mouth is just watering looking at the Carrabba’s Italian Grill menu on-line.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill sent me their very valuable postcards coupon booklet, so I could see just how good the discounts are. There is a 5.00 off coupon, and a 20% off when you order car side carry-out only or by phone. Also, you’ll find a complimentary appetizer with an entrée purchase and a free dessert coupon. Hello, you had me at the word dessert? How about you? Are you ready to try Carrabba’s Italian Grill?
Would you like to get your hands on a coupon booklet?
Carrabba’s Italian Grill is pleased to announce Postcards from Italy– a variety of special offers inspired by their travels through Italy. Offers in the program are like what I described above:
· Complimentary appetizers and desserts
· Themed wine and cocktail pairings
· Discounts on Carrabba’s signature dishes and seasonal specials
· And more for you to enjoy at your local Carrabba’s!
If that isn’t tempting enough, they also are offering you guys the chance to win a classic Vespa from Italy. For more information and to enter, visit www.Carrabbas.com/PostcardsfromItaly.
25.00 Gift Card to Carrabba’s Italian Grill. (also good at Outback steakhouse, Bonefish grill, Roy’s and Fleming’s)
2 winners
Tell me what your favorite Italian dish is.
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This giveaway ends April 4th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.
Disclosure – The product featured, and photos in this review were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
I love eating soup. I’m not a fan of sandwiches, unless they are hot and let me tell you I’m lazy when it comes to getting out the griddle or a pan to heat up my turkey and cheese. So I usually go with leftovers or soup. YUMM, a bowl of hot soup on a cool day, and every day here in the Pacific Northwest is a soup day to me. Would you be surprised if I told you my favorite soup brand is Campbell’s? Well, it is. I’ll buy other brands when I can get them next to nothing on sale, but for all other reasons I go with Campbell’s.
Campbell’s contacted me about two weeks ago asking me to try out Campbell’s Select Harvest Light soups. Usually, I shy away from things that say “light” “low fat” “diet” because they lack the flavor right? Well, I learned something new today. With 11 different Select Harvest Light varieties, I found quite a bit of flavor and enjoyed my “light” soup today.
Campbell’s Select Harvest soups are 100% natural, meaning they contain no artificial flavors, color or preservatives, do contain real ingredients and no MSG. Varieties like Minestrone with Whole Grain Pasta and Savory Chicken with Vegetables that have 80 calories or less, you can enjoy a great tasting bowl of soup that is also a smart decision for your waistline.
Research has shown that when people eat soup before a meal they are more likely to eat less at that meal overall, and helps you feel full longer because of the higher water content. Now, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the new government recommendations on what people should eat, recognize the power of soup as well! The report states that “soup, particularly broth or water-based soups, may lead to decreased calorie intake and body weight over time.”
So enjoy a bowl of soup with me.
2 winners
Leave a comment telling me which would be your favorite Select Harvest Soup variety
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Campbell’s Select Harvest Soup Gift Basket #Giveaway (2 winners) @momstart http://bit.ly/f91sRp
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This giveaway ends April 4th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.
Disclosure – The product featured, and photos in this review were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
I’m a meal planner! Big Time Meal planner and I plan out everything. I do this so I can find coupons and save money while I’m doing the grocery shopping and there is nothing worse than getting to the grocery store without my list. I know I still need to find something for dinner and hate thinking about it at the store. I’m hungry everything looks good and I get easily distracted. For Example, I’m in the store thinking about these Hormel Pork Tenderloin BBQ Cheese Quesadillas that I made …mmmmm How can I possible concentrate on something new?
If you’re just like me I have a solution. Pick the type of Hormel meat that’s on sale, and use the EZ Cook application to help you come up with what you need to make dinner. When you get to the website, using your smart phone then type in the EZ Cook Code. Then a recipe will come up telling you what all you need to purchase to make your meal. That is, you have to remember what you do have left at home.
The EZ Cook program is quite new so if you find that you have some meat without the EZ Cook codes then just use the drop down menu.
We are always using the Hormel Always Tender Pork Tenderloin and I could not find it in the drop down box. I then went to find a recipe for a similar product and there were no recipes for it. In fact, I had a hard time finding a recipe for pork tenderloin period so this is what I suggest. I find that Beef and Chicken are interchangeable in certain recipes as long as you are using the same cut of meat. So use the recipe for Classic Roasted Beef Tenderloin, but call it Classic Roasted Pork Tenderloin!
1 package Sutton & Dodge® Beef Tenderloin (switch to pork) 
1 tablespoon Carapelli Mild Olive Oil
2 teaspoons coarsely cracked pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups dry red wine
2 cups water, divided
1 tablespoon Herb-Ox® Beef Instant Powder (use chicken bouillon)
1 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons butter
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Coat large roasting pan with non-stick cooking spray. If you are using beef you will want to trim the meat. The Pork I use doesn’t need to be trimmed. Rub the meat with oil, 2 teaspoons pepper and the salt. Place tenderloin in roasting pan; tuck thinner end (tail) underneath to make it more even in thickness. Roast for an hour or until your meat thermometer says that the pork has reached the proper temperature. Place roasting pan on stovetop. Pour wine and 1 3/4 cups water into pan. Stir in bouillon and 1 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring and scraping browned bits from bottom of pan. Boil, stirring frequently, 10 minutes or until reduced by half. In small bowl, stir together remaining 1/4 cup water and the cornstarch; whisk into wine mixture. Bring to a boil; boil 1 minute, whisking constantly. Whisk in butter until melted. Slice beef tenderloin; serve with wine sauce.
Oh and don’t forget to look for coupons for Hormel in your newspaper inserts and print your Hormel coupons before you go to the store! I try to buy meat when it is buy one get one free and use coupons for each one saving lots of money!
Save $1.00 on any three (3) HORMEL® COMPLEATS® microwave meals. Any variety.
Save 50¢ on one (1) HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® Deli Sandwich Meat. Any variety.
Save $.55 on any two (2) HORMEL® Pepperoni products. Any variety
I received a $100 stipend and product coupons from Hormel Foods to cover the cost of my groceries for my EZ Cook inspired meal. I am also entered to win a $500 gift card for writing this post.
I have always loved mixing beverage flavors, and sitting next to my husband he describes the same experience. I remember in college the guys would have a great time just mixing every single flavor until they created the perfect concoction of high fructose corn syrup. You know what I mean?
My favorite flavor has always been vanilla coke. With over 106 flavors you can get Vanilla Coke, Vanilla Coke Zero, Diet Vanilla Coke, and Caffeine-free Diet Vanilla Coke. I know with all of the possibilities limiting myself to vanilla coke is pretty vanilla! BORING!
Photo Caption: Coca-Cola Freestyle®is a slick, high-tech fountain that features a touchscreen interface and dispenses 106 drinks, including products that have never before been offered in the U.S., like Raspberry Coke and Peach Sparkling Dasani.
While I was on the Johnsonville Blog trip last week, I was also invited to attend Coca Cola’s unveiling of the Fountain of the Future at Taco Time. Since I was out of town, I missed the event, but I’m quite excited to step into Taco Time and check out the new Fountain of the Future for myself and I have the ability to send you there too! If you live near one. I have gift cards to giveaway. But first, let’s explore the Fountain of the Future unveiling in Seattle at Taco Time:
Left Photo caption: Robby Tonkin, President, Taco Time NW and Gene Farrell, Vice President & General Manager, Coca-Cola Freestyle®, celebrate the Seattle-area launch of the "fountain of the future." Coca-Cola Freestyle®, 
which features 106 different beverages, will debut at 15 Seattle-area Taco Time NW locations by the end of March.
Right Photo caption: A Taco Time NW guest tries Coca-Cola Freestyle® for the first time. There will be 15 Coca-Cola Freestyle® fountains at Taco Time restaurants around the city.
Coca-Cola Freestyle® creates branded beverages by blending concentrated ingredients with water and sweetener at the point where the beverage is dispensed via proprietary PurePour Technology™. It does not require syrup, but instead uses concentrated ingredients stored in cartridges in the fountain cabinet. The Freestyle machine also dispenses numerous brands that have never been marketed in the country prior to the introduction of Coca-Cola Freestyle®. You Select brands such as caffeine-free Diet Coke® with Lime, Fanta® Peach, Grape Vault®, Minute Maid® Light Orange Lemonade and more via an interactive touch-screen on the front of the fountain.
• There are 60 diet and low-calorie beverages and more than 65 caffeine-free beverages – choices to fit every lifestyle.
• A Coca-Cola Freestyle® requires approximately the same amount of space as today’s six-or eight-valve fountains.
10.00 Taco Time Gift Card (2 winners)
Leave me a comment telling me what your dream flavor of soda is.
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Fountain of the Future Taco Time Coca Cola #Giveaway @MomStart http://bit.ly/f0ESei 2 winners
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This giveaway ends April 4th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.
Disclosure – The product featured, and photos in this review was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
Whether you’re thinking inside to box or outside there isn’t anything more creative or cute than the products offered by The Baby Bunch. The Baby Bunch offers unisex and baby gender specific gifts which make the most wonderful baby shower gifts as they’re very showy. You’ll love them and love to give them as your gift will always be remembered. You can choose from baby gifts that look like flower bouquets or baskets, cupcakes, lollipops or a pack of crayons. Then you can make your way to their mom’s gift section for treating her with a kitchen (for the hostess with the moistest) or garden (for those who love to stop and smell the roses) bunch. These each make not just great gifts but great memories!
The Baby Bunch offers a quick gift giving price table for convenience. You can pick gifts in the price ranges of under $35, between $35-$60, and $60 and over. Right now if you spend $60 or more you can enjoy FREE SHIPPING with promo code WINTER at checkout. So if your cart isn’t quite there with one gift find something else for the next baby shower or sprinkling you’re attending.
If you happen to be the friend in charge of the party you’re in luck (or pass on this information, the hostess will thank you), as The Baby Bunch offers a full Guide to Modern Baby Shower Planning right on their site. The guide covers the common worries: themes, locations, invitations, games, food, gifts and favors. The guide also offers help for planning kid-friendly, co-ed, gay and lesbian, and adoption baby showers.
Mosey on over to The Baby Bunch to find your next baby or mom gift. You can also track The Baby Bunch on Twitter @BabyBunch or Like Baby Bunch on Facebook.
In fact on Facebook right now The Baby Bunch is holding a contest. All you have to do is tell them what was their favorite childhood toy, and five winners get a brand new Birdhouse PJ baby/toddler gift: super-soft pajamas AND a fun toy, and comes in sizes 0-6, 12-18, 2T or 3T for either a boy or girl.
Disclosure – A product will be provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
1 Purple Princess – My Purple princess is so excited that one of the Disney Princesses wears a purple dress. She has put a purple Rapunzel dress on her Christmas list already.
2 Beautiful Artwork –
3 Pub Thugs
4 Singing Pub Thugs that have a dream – Zoe’s favorite part is the bar scene.
5 Tangled Activity Sheets
6 A Green Chameleon named Pascal as a best friend to Rapunzel
7 A Horse, named Maximus with attitude. Maximus doesn’t like Flynn at first glance because Maximus believes in upholding the law.
8 Beautiful Lanterns
9 Songs about Hair
10 And a prince named Eugene!
If you haven’t seen Tangled yet, you really should. Mandy Moore sang beautifully and the artwork really is amazing. The heart-warming and hilarious hijinks of Rapunzel and her unlikely hero, Flynn Rider, aka Eugene, are brought to life by a stellar vocal cast including Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi. Bonus material includes an extensive behind-the-scenes making of featurette, deleted scenes, alternate openings, and more!
TANGLED on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and
an Adult Size Large Green T-Shirt featuring Pascal the chameleon, an Adult Size Large Blue T-Shirt featuring Maximus the police horse, and a do-it-yourself paper lantern!
Leave a comment telling us why you liked or think you will like Tangled.
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Win A Copy of Tangled Blu-ray DVD Combo Pack, Two Adult Shirts, and a do-it-yourself paper lantern http://bit.ly/eTcu9G #Giveaway @MomStart
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This giveaway ends April 4th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.
Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
Tasty Treat Thursday: Irish Chocolate Mint Custard By Summer
This is a recipe I picked up from Paula Deen’s show when I was watching her and her son Bobby on The Food Network while working out on my elliptical … granted it wasn’t “Irish whipped cream” or a custard with mint, but that base recipe gave me the idea for this one. (I know masochistic right? Watching The Food Network while working out; well, I work out to be able to eat for pleasure.)
So this is my promised adult St. Patrick’s Day recipe from last week’s post. The recipe is super easy, you just need to be willing to take the time to properly make it.
INGREDIENTS for Chocolate Mint Custard
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Nestle Toll House Dark Chocolate & Mint Morsels
4 egg yolks
3 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 300oF. Also set a kettle of water to boil.
2. In a saucepan scold milk and cream, but don’t boil.
3. In a double boiler (or in the microwave) melt morsels. Stir until chocolate is smooth. Remove from heat if on a double boiler. Slowly stir in milk mixture.
4. In a large mixing bowl combine yolks, sugar, and salt. Blend well. Temper eggs by very slowly mixing in the milk chocolate mixture. Stir constantly and until combined.
5. Pour even amount of mixture into 4-6 ramekins depending upon size.
6. Place ramekins into a cake pan. Carefully create a water bath by pour water into the cake pan but not into any of the custard cups.
7. Place cake pan in preheated oven for 35 minutes or until custard is not outwardly runny and is gelatin-like to the touch.
8. Cool custards at room temperature for 40 minutes. Then continue to cool custards in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours. Keep refrigerated until serving.
INGREDIENTS for Irish Whipped Cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine ingredients and beat until stiff. Peaks will begin to form. Keep refrigerated!
TIPS
- The Nestle Toll House Dark Chocolate & Mint Morsels are a limited time product for the winter season. If you can no longer find them in a store near you, take the same amount of morsels in dark chocolate with 1 teaspoon mint extract (or flavoring as desired). You can also try making this recipe with your favorite flavor of chocolate chips.
- I needed more ramekins in order to have enough custard dishes. So I ran to Cost Plus World Market and got a pack of 4 green ramekins for only $2.99! GREAT DEAL! They also offer the sets in yellow, blue, orange, and red; green was just too perfect with St. Patrick’s Day!
About Summer:
Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living.
I’ve been very fortunate over the last four years. My children’s only form of throwing up was when they were nursing. Zoe would spit up on me all the time. ALL THE TIME. But after all of that was taken care of we’ve been very healthy when it comes to stomach things!
Until today!
I was driving home from taking my husband to the bus stop at the butt crack of dawn. You know, while all our neighbors are just thinking of getting up, and I hear my son choking. I yelled back to him, Miles are you ok?
No response…
I yelled again
No response…
I turned around to look at him and his mouth was open, nothing coming out, no sound nothing but a look of total fear on his face. I almost pulled over.
I was driving so I had to put my eyes back on the road as I decided where I was going to pull over (we’re only a block from home) and then I hear him say,
“Not OK”
Then I look behind me again and see the puke just pour out of his mouth.
Oh Yuck!
Throwing up is the worst for me, I’ve never been able to handle seeing someone throw up. When my husband has been sick in the past, I hide. I think that’s the only reason God has kept the kids so healthy for me is because I have such a weak stomach.
I realize he’s fine and didn’t pull over after all and hurried to get us all home. Zoe wanted breakfast and I had to tell her, her brother just threw up, it’s going to have to wait. Now, I’m quite ashamed to admit this next part to you all, but when I got him out of his seat, he wanted to be held and comforted, but he was covered in puke and I didn’t want to get anymore on me than was necessary. So I held him away from me and this made him cry even harder. As soon as I got his clothing off, I gave him a hug and helped him calm down.
It happened two more times in the house and every time he got it all over his clothing and wanted to hug me. The last time it was everywhere and I had a terrible time not losing my own breakfast and yet again, I refused to hug him covered in puke. Did I do the wrong thing by not just giving him a hug and embracing the puke?
I’ve been beginning to feel the healthiest I have in a long time. One of the reasons is that my face feels very young and hydrated. I began using the Icelandic Skin Care Blue Lagoon Anti-aging day serum, which you can order for a limited time with free 15ml day cream.
The Blue Lagoon secret is their patent-pending natural bl_m3 deep penetrating complex and Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater. It makes a difference! My skin looks smooth and glowing like younger skin which is probably because Blue Lagoon’s anti-aging day serum helps boost skin’s natural defense system. I also love that my skin is protected against UV-induced collagen breakdown which is like having a face life from within. If your skin is young then prevent premature skin aging and if your skin is more mature than reduce and prevent the appearance of wrinkles.
The Icelandic Skin Care Blue Lagoon anti-aging day serum is for daily use. Every morning the anti-aging serum should be used after cleaning but before the use of day cream. The Blue Lagoon anti-aging serum is dermatologically tested and is a thick for true protection. I have to admit at first it felt heavy on my face; however I’ve noticed I don’t notice the weight of the serum but I have noticed my skin feels and looks younger especially around my eye areas where I felt I needed the most help in my face.
I know you’re thinking, where can I get my own? So I won’t keep my secret any longer, you can shop Icelandic Blue Lagoon unless you’re fortunate enough to live in Iceland and stop by one of their shops. But then I’m sure you’re been in the know before now; this stuff is great! Blue Lagoon International ehf. is located in Iceland, though the product itself is made in France and imported to the US by Blue Lagoon USA Inc. in New York City.
Keep up with Blue Lagoon Iceland on their blog, Like Blue Lagoon Iceland on Facebook, and track them on Twitter @BlueLagoonIS.
Icelandic Skin Care Blue Lagoon Anti-aging day serum (Value 175.00)
Visit Blue Lagoon Iceland and tell us what other product you are interested in and why in the comments section.
Like Blue Lagoon Iceland on Facebook and leave a message on their board with an @MomStart and the link to this giveaway.
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RT @MomStart: Blue Lagoon Iceland Anti-Aging Day Serum Review & #Giveaway (Value 175) http://bit.ly/etzx01
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Comment on any non-giveaway post
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig, stumble, like or share on Facebook (or use any of the share options listed below)
Blog About this Giveaway (10 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow/Like Mom Start on Facebook
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
This giveaway ends April 4th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.
Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
About Summer:
Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living.
