This Full House Reviews

Nestle Family Best Summer Ever Blogger: Wrap Up and Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: I am SO EXCITED to be able to share this awesome prize package with you Geoff K. (comment #144) please check your email for further instructions, thanks!!!

I was very excited to announce the launch of the Best Summer Ever by Nestle Family program, where I, along with some fellow bloggers, were given the opportunity to contribute to a huge list of summer challenges for your family.

It was fun sharing ideas and some of our favorite stuff in celebrating summer with our online friends.

My kids are mentally (and physically) getting ready to get back-to-school after Labor Day (parenting equivalent of bittersweet, no?)

My oldest is graduating high school, this year (SOB!) so, my husband and I were super thankful for our awesome trip to Cape Cod, MA considering it may be the last summer vacation we'll be able to spend together, as a family.

[insert major heart squeeze, here]

My partnership with this awesome program is also coming to a close (thank you, Nestle) so, let's celebrate EVERYTHING summer and spending quality time with family and friends, with an awesome giveaway, including a $100 Visa Gift Card, right here, right now, what do you say, you with me?

Smoothing Our Way into Chillaxing Summertime Snacks

Now that my kids are older (me, too) we try to keep healthy snacks in the house -- especially, in the summertime -- and I absolutely love a super easy smoothie recipe!

I'm sharing it, right here.  Know any?

Join me over at BlogFrog, where we’re discussing healthy snacks at the Horizon Milk Community:

Shop Once, Give Twice

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So happy to be sharing this with you, Rebecca L. (comment #45) please check your email for further instructions, thanks!

Thanks to ShopRite and General Mills for sponsoring my writing about giving back to schools and those in need in my community. Add your comment below to be entered for a chance to win a $25.00 gift card to help you give back to your community, too.

If you were to ask me, a few years ago, with 4 kids home under the age of 10, to name my least favorite household chore, I would have answered, without the least bit of hesitation, "FOOD SHOPPING!"

If you've ever shopped with kids, then you know.

These days, I look forward to food shopping -- it's date night!  Nearly every Sunday night, after dinner, my husband Garth (not his real name) and I head over to Shoprite and food shop to our hearts content.

It's one of the few times that we can actually catch up with each other and, you know,  talk...uninterrupted.

I was happy to have recently learned of ShopRite’s “Shop Once, Give Twice” program to help customers (like me!) give back to local participating schools through Box Tops for Education and ShopRite’s Partners in Caring, a community-based, hunger fighting initiative that works to provide $2 million annually to charities that aid those in need.

Why?

Because, nice matters and hunger sucks a big, wet, terribly overcooked noodle!

How does Shop Once, Give Twice work?

Sharing NEW Kellogg's FiberPlus Flavor Caramel Coconut Fudge - Yes, Please!

COMMENTS CLOSED: So happy to be sharing with Sue E (comment #14) Tamara B (comment #32) Erin E (comment #127) brittany (comment #120) Janet F (comment #51) DEBIJOT (comment #25) Jayne B (comment #98) ria (comment #63) Cindy (comment #42) Kristie (comment #48) PHEW!!! Please, check your emails for further instruction, thanks!!!

It's no secret, we are BIG fans of Kellogg's FiberPlus brand -- it is one of a few snacks each of my kids ask for in their lunch bags and will, you know, actually eat.

So, I was excited to learn that they have a new flavor hitting store shelves this month!!!

We received a box of Kellogg's FiberPlus Caramel Coconut Fudge bars to try and, well, I was lucky enough to grab one for myself before, you know, the kids got to them.

Coconut (+) Caramel (=) oh my, there seems to be none left.

Luckily, we've got some FREE coupons put aside and ready to share with you (yes, maybe even YOU!) want some?

Baking For GoodGet Your FREE Shipping Here, Too!

TFH Holiday Picks 2010

We just got back from spending a terrific weekend with friends in Cape May, NJ and -- regardless of what you may or may not have heard about Jersey being, you know, just one big exit between New York and Delaware -- the Jersey shore IS beautiful in wintertime, too!

The kids and I get so FIRED UP this time of year -- especially, when it comes to homemade treats -- we ALL have such GRAND plans about baking just about every cookie imaginable and gifting them to family and friends.

Then, before we know it, it's Christmas Eve and, well, you know.

Then again, that's what attending church bake sales and those last minute Hail Mary runs to our/your favorite local bakery, are for, right?

Baking for Good is an online bakery inspired by the idea of the bake sale AND (like us) committed to helping great causes (like, the New Jersey SEEDS scholars program) raise money for things that matter:

Kellogg's FiberPlus Wellness Ambassador Program & Giveaway

Thanks to Kellogg's FiberPlus for sponsoring my writing today about their Wellness Ambassador program.  They asked me to write about someone who inspires me to live a healthier lifestyle.  I chose my sister-in-law Pat as my Wellness Ambassador, so she and I will get to spend some quality time together, next month, courtesy of the generous folks at Kellogg's.  Add your comment below to be entered for a chance to win a free sample to help add a little more wellness into your snack time, too!

My sister-in-law (husband's oldest sister) went through extensive preventative surgery to battle breast cancer in October. 

I took her to the hospital, sat with her before/after the surgery and am still SO amazed at how brave she was during the entire emotional AND painful ordeal. 

Still, Pat made a committment to take better care of herself and, although it isn't always easy, she is finally finding peace...within herself.

She has gone through SO much in her life (putting her child through college as a single parent, job loss, relocation, etc...) and it was her strength that inspired me to start taking better care of myself, as well.

After 5 years, I finally made an appointment with a new doctor and am currently recovering from MY surgery, last week, addressing a health issue that could NOT have waited any longer.

[cue deep sigh of relief]

Okay, now it's your turn.

Want to add a little more wellness into your snack time? Print yourself a $1 off coupon from Kellogg's FiberPlus website. 

Got a wellness ambassador in your life; someone who inspires you to take better care of yourself? 

Virtual Halloween Party Day 3 Easy Homemade Costumes To Sew or No Sew?

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: LOOKING FORWARD TO SHARING A FABULOUS DOOR PRIZE WITH ONE OF YOU, REAL SOON!!!

I'm throwing a Virtual Halloween Party and you (yes, YOU!) are invited AND (along with these bloggers) I'm sharing a little something, something, ALL WEEK, with online friends, courtesy of Nestle Family.

Check out Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 and Day 5 for a chance at some pretty awesome door prizes!

Today's theme is easy homemade costumes.  Because, I am ALL about easy (and mostly homemade) and my kids (16, 14, 11 and 9) already know that we are NOT buying Halloween costumes, this year.

At $30.00 a pop, I simply pointed out the fact that they have all proven themselves to be very creative (I've got a closetful of school projects to prove it) and further explained how investing in homemade costumes also means more Christmas money, this year.

I kid (sort of!)

So, today I'm sharing a couple of my favorite ideas, along with my favorite "last minute" costume held together literally with paper and string.

Kelloggs Mom's Breakfast Club: Corn Pops Frittata Recipe

I had the pleasure of attending a beautiful breakfast (in the same building Nate Berkus lives in!) hosted by the Kellogg's brand during BlogHer '10 in New York City and got the chance to greet (and eat!) with many of my fellow Mom's Breakfast Club bloggers.

In a couple of weeks, I’ll have the privilege of hosting a group of friends over to my house for a back-to-school brunch. We’ll be able to enjoy a nice meal and Skype with a Kellogg’s representative to share more about what breakfast means to our family.

Should be fun, right?  In the meantime, I'm really looking forward to making my FAVORITE item from the Kellogg's breakfast -- Corn Pops Frittata -- want to see?

The Divvies Bakery Cookbook: No Nuts, No Eggs, No Dairy Fudge Recipe AND Giveaway!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: YAY, we're sharing with Julie L (comment #27) please check your email for further instructions!

My middle girl and I are allergic to mango and, cooking for 6 people, I feel pretty lucky that's pretty much the extent of the food allergies we're dealing with at our house.

Still, their schools have become vigilant in monitoring the snacks that they share with their classmates and I can only imagine how hard it must be for those families with children suffering from severe food allergies.

I received a copy of The Divvies Bakery Cookbook and was very happy to learn that there are plenty of yummy treats with no nuts, no eggs, no dairy.

Like, author Lori Sandler's famous fudge recipe -- which, I am VERY happy to have been given permission to share with you -- first, a little more about the author:

Milky Way Simply Caramel Relax and Enjoy Gift Pack!

Comments are Closed: Sharing with Mitch J (comment #45) and Kristie (comment #23) please check your email!!!

Having spent 4 days away from home and saving a fellow BlogHer in NYC (read about my ambulance ride with BusyMom, yet?) I feel it pretty safe to say that re-entry into the real world can be, you know, REAL rough!

In fact, I'm STILL trying to recover!

So, to help celebrate Hump Day (seriously, where IS the week going?) I thought it would be fun to take a break, kick back and share a little treat with you (yes, maybe even YOU!) how about a couple of the new Milky Way Simply Caramel bars and a trip to the spa, sound good?

V8 V-Fusion in Single Serving Cans? Time for a Picnic at the Beach Giveaway!

[YAY! SHARING WITH MATT -- COMMENT #6 -- PLEASE SEE YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS]

Campbell's was one of the first companies to open their doors and reach out to moms (and dads) like me, in asking them about their families' nutritional and fundamental needs.

My favorite part of visiting with the folks at Campbells Soup Company -- besides, the food...I mean -- was learning about all the great stuff they make; a lot of which I happened to have, in my cupboard, right now. 

Wanna know what really goes into their Campbells Chicken Soup?

One of the challenges discussed at the event was how many families today are taking their meals on-the-go (be it baseball, soccer practice, dance, whatever) so, finding foods that are both travel-friendly AND nutritionally-better can be real tough.

So, when I found out that V8 V-Fusion (one of our favorite drinks, btw) is now available in single serving cans, well, you know I had to hold it, right?

We received a 6 pack of Pomegranite Blueberry and Strawberry Banana -- so, what's really in it and, like, do you want some?

Printable Coupons: Save 75 cents on Wish-Bone Salad Dressing

One of the great things about traveling the world wide web is finding cool stuff about all our family's favorite brands.

Especially, if it's a brand, or product that we currently use...a lot...like, salad dressing...aaaand there's probably a coupon for it, too.

Do you like, or want to try Wish-Bone salad dressing?

• Click here to visit their website:  [http://www.wish-bone.com]

• Click here for a printable coupon

• Click here and sign up for their newsletter (like I did) and get more coupons (like this) and recipes from Wish-Bone

Yours in savings and salad-making,

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

DISCLOSURE:  NO PAYMENT OR CONSIDERATION, BESIDES A CHANCE TO HELP FAMILIES (LIKE MINE) SAVE A LITTLE MONEY AT THE GROCERY STORE, WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST.

Get Healthy Gift Pack from YoPlus Light Yogurt

[COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: WE'LL BE SHARING SOME REALLY GREAT STUFF WITH ONE OF YOU GUYS, REAL SOON!!!]

This time of year, without fail, I make the same old promise.

[closes eyes]

"I want to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle."

[clicks heels 3 times; opens eyes]

EPIC FAIL.

Raising 4 kids (not to mention, killer dust bunnies) I just can't seem to ever find the time to get to the gym; let alone, cook a hot meal.

[hides pizza boxes]

Recently, I began working part-time (yes, at night and NOT in my pajamas) for an all women's fitness center and, well, there goes THAT excuse, right?

Still.

It's real hard NOT to grab that quick slice of cold pizza for lunch, right?

I recently received a "Get Healthy Gift Pack" from my friends at Yo Plus Light and, well, with only 70 calories (and something like 3 grams of natural dietary fiber) it's become my "go to lunch."

Want some?

Free Cookies from Cheryl&Co.

Family and friends have been sending us holiday gifts from Cheryl&Co. for years (I know, I'm keeping ALL of them, friends who send us gifts, I mean) and I can honestly say that we have never been disappointed by their cookies, DARNIT!

Guess what?  They are offering customers a chance to sample their cookies for FREE (you only pay for shipping) so, here's what you get:

• You will receive a gift box of 6 cookies, including their most popular flavors: chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, sugar, snickerdoodle, chocolate chocolate chip, and their FAMOUS buttercream frosted cookie.
• PLUS, you’ll also receive a $10 Reward Card to use on their next purchase!
• The only thing you pay is shipping and handling charges of $6.95. (Total value is $21.99)
• There is a limit of 1 free sample per customer and this offer will only be good through November 20th.

You can go to www.cherylandco.com/free to buy the gift or go to www.cherylandco.com and search for free cookies.

DARNIT!

DISCLOSURE:  NO PAYMENT, PRODUCT OR CONSIDERATION, BESIDES A CHANCE TO HELP FAMILIES (LIKE MINE) SAVE A LITTLE MONEY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST, COURTESY OF CHERYLANDCO.COM.

[Please, clean off a chair and stay a while - subscribe to our feed or, if you really, really like me, then feel free to stop by my parenting blog and I'll love you forever!]

© 2009 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

Printable Pillsbury Simply Peanut Butter Cookie Coupon

November is National Peanut Butter Lovers Month (who comes up with this stuff, anyways?) and, seeing as my youngest (she's 8) takes a PB&J sandwich to lunch, every day (except when they're serving Macho Nachos, I mean) I'm excited to tell you that Pillsbury is offering a printable coupon for one of our new favorite finds!

 

Why?  Well, they contain zero grams of trans fat; no high-fructose corn syrup; and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Aaaand, they STILL taste good.

Seriously, I can't a chance to sample these puppies at the General Mills Eat & Greet event this passed summer and they ARE simply delicious!

FIND IT HERE:  Print your $1.50 off Simply Cookies here!

DISCLOSURE:  NO PAYMENT OR CONSIDERATION, BESIDES A CHANCE TO HELP FAMILIES (LIKE MINE) SAVE A LITTLE MONEY AT THE GROCERY STORE, WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST.

[Please, clean off a chair and stay a while - subscribe to our feed or, if you really, really like me, then feel free to stop by my parenting blog and I'll love you forever!]

© 2009 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.