Cooking with SPLENDA ESSENTIALS & Kitchen Accessories Giveaway

Recently, I had a fun opportunity to review the SPLENDA ESSENTIALS No Calorie Sweetener. 

Since I have been making delicious recipes on "It's Snack Time" with Isabella on YouTube this year, I decided it would be a perfect time to use the sweetener in one of the recipes that she is able to make herself.

I was really excited about this opportunity, because I received the newly published Diabetic: 4 Cookbooks in 1 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Desserts) cookbook last month and couldn't wait to use it.

I am not a diabetic, but I have close family members who are and I've been wanting to try some recipes to serve at family gatherings for them. This turned out to be a perfect opportunity to use SPLENDA ESSENTIALS in my recipes and enjoy time in the kitchen with Bella.

Using the SPLENDA ESSENTIALS No Calorie Sweetener with B Vitamins, we made:

Cinnamon Tortillas with Cream Cheese & Strawberries

(on page 304 of my cookbook)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 packet sugar substitute (SPLENDA ESSENTIALS)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 (6-inch) fat-free flour tortilla
• 1 tablespoon reduced-fat soft cream cheese
• ⅓ cup fresh strawberry slices

PREPARATION:

1. Combine sugar substitute and cinnamon in cup; mix well. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Lightly spray one side of tortilla with cooking spray; sprinkle with cinnamon mixture.
3. Place tortilla, cinnamon side down, in hot skillet. Cook 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from skillet.
4. Spread uncooked side of tortilla with cream cheese; arrange strawberries down center of tortilla. Roll up tortilla, or fold, to serve.

The recipe turned out so well. The mixture of cinnamon and SPLENDA ESSENTIALS was so delicious. It added the perfect amount of sweetness to the tortillas. 

Fast Facts about the Spenda Essentials you should know:

• SPLENDA ESSENTIALS No Calorie Sweetener with B Vitamins provides 20 percent of the Daily Value of vitamins B1, B5, and B6, per packet, to support healthy metabolism.
• SPLENDA ESSENTIALS No Calorie Sweetener with Antioxidants has 20 percent of the Daily Value of antioxidant vitamins C and E, per packet, like those found in fruits and vegetables.
• SPLENDA ESSENTIALS No Calorie Sweetener, 1 gram of Fiber, contains 1 gram of healthy fiber per packet and tablespoon.

TIP: Healthier cooking is essential to a better quality of life. Substituting sugar with a product such as Splenda is great way to accomplish that goal in the kitchen. 

What are some of the tips you are using that are essential to healthy living?

Enter my "SPLENDA ESSENTIALS" Giveaway

(ARV $75.00, pictured above)

Starts: September 30

Ends: October 7

One winner will receive the following:

• One (1) SPLENDA® ESSENTIALSTM No Calorie Sweetener with B Vitamins
• One (1) SPLENDA® ESSENTIALSTM No Calorie Sweetener, 1 gram of Fiber packets
• One (1) SPLENDA® ESSENTIALSTM No Calorie Sweetener, 1 gram of Fiber granulated
• One (1) SPLENDA® ESSENTIALSTM No Calorie Sweetener to-go mug
• One (1) Splenda-yellow blender
• Two (2) Splenda-yellow bowls
• One (1) Splenda-yellow fruit juicer  

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This post is sponsored by SPLENDA. I  received one or more of the products mentioned above for free, for the purpose of doing this review or giveaway. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

National Coffee Day: Organo Gold Latte & Unique Mugs Obsession

It's National Coffee Day! 

What's is in your mug?

Recently, I tasted the Gourmet Latte from Organo Gold and I loved it. I had to have more. So far I've had four cups this week, which is unheard of for me since I always drink Starbucks lattes. I'd be crazy to spend that much money on drinks alone.

I like the Organo Gold latte, because not only was it delicious, it was inexpensive too. It's also a healthy drink and contains Ganoderma Extract. It felt a little weird drinking it out of my Starbucks mug above, but it worked.

Speaking of mugs...here are some really unique mugs I found online to satisfy any mug obsessions.  

These are all perfect for any cup of coffee:

The Barcode Mug

The Mr. & Mrs. Mug

The Locked Mug

The Sweater Mug

The Postcard

The Checklist Mug

The Moustache Mug

The Photographer Mug,

Cheers!

Wordless Wednesday "Pumpkin Carving 2010 Flashback"

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National Coffee Week: Coffee-Mate Review & Giveaway (5 Winners)

In honor of National Coffee Week 2011 (September 26-30), there isn't a better time than right now to give away a few of my latest, greatest, and most favorite additions to my kitchen.

Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss Creamers

Last month in San Diego, I had the pleasure of meeting with the folks from Coffee-Mate and sampling their recently introduced creamers. I am so glad that I did.

My tastebuds have experienced heaven!

Normally, I haul tail to Starbucks with hubs to pick up my very own specialty drink (of 6 years).


Mommy HAS to have her latte!

Yes...that's MY specialty!

And believe me, I know when it is even one vanilla pump or a spray short of whipped cream. How? The taste.

I require my drink to have a very distinctive flavor of deliciously sweet goodness...vanilla, vanilla, and more vanilla!

So, it probably doesn't surprise you that the Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss in Vanilla is my favorite choice of the three flavors available.

The sweet cream comes in at a close second for me, because it tastes very similar to the overly doctored drink I love the most from Starbucks too.

Surprised I called my own specialty drink overly doctored? Well, it's no secret it takes a lot to achieve the taste I crave.

That's why I immediately fell in love with the Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss creamers as soon as I tried them. I actually had more than one sample, because they are just THAT good.

We have a Tassimo Brewbot (which I love) and hubby was getting low on his coffee, so when I purchased more, I made sure to have some of the Vanilla Natural Bliss Creamer for him to try when he whipped up his favorite cup of Joe.

He loved it.

As I mentioned before, I enjoy my very own specialty drink at Starbucks and I don't ever sway from it, but when I used the Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss creamer with my coffee, I was equally pleased.

My coffee tasted great!

It was different of course, because it was coffee and not a latte, but very good nevertheless.

The nice thing about the new Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss creamers is that the flavors are so delicious with just the right amount of sweetness.

They are perfect to use for cooking.

Check out this French Toast recipe from Claire Robinson:

French Toast with Strawberries and Cream
4 -­‐ 6 servings

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled, sliced and divided
  
• 2 tablespoons water
  
• 6 large eggs
  
• Table salt
  
• 1 1⁄4 cup NESTLÉ COFFEE-­‐MATE Natural Bliss Sweet Cream, divided
  
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  
• (8) 1-­‐inch-­‐thick slices brioche (from day old loaf)
  
• 1 cup heavy cream 

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and place an ovenproof serving platter in oven.
In a medium saucepan over moderate heat add 2 cups berries and water. Bring to a simmer and cook until berries are softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
In a large shallow bowl whisk together eggs, 1 cup Natural Bliss Sweet Cream and a pinch of table salt.
Place a large non-­‐stick griddle or non-­‐stick skillet over medium heat and melt half the butter. Working in batches dip half the bread quickly in egg mixture until lightly soaked, turning over to coat both sides of bread.


Transfer bread to skillet and cook until golden brown and slightly crisp, about 3 minutes per side. Place French Toast on platter in oven and cover loosely with foil. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Whip 1 cup cream to soft peaks and slowly whisk in the remaining 1/4 cup Natural Bliss Sweet Cream.
Serve French Toast with warm strawberries, reserved fresh strawberries and top off with freshly whipped cream. 

Is your mouth watering yet? I can't imagine it's not.

Even if you're not quite a cooking sensation making magic on the stovetop, you can whip out your blender for this yummy ice cold beverage to serve or enjoy for yourself.

Orange Vanilla Bliss

Ingredients:
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup Vanilla Flavor NESTLÉ COFFEE-MATE NATURAL BLISS All-Natural Coffee Creamer
1/2 frozen or room temperature banana
1/2 cup ice cubes 

Click here for instructions.

Simple Ingredients: Nonfat milk Heavy cream Sugar, All-­‐natural flavor 

Nutrition: Serving Size: 1 tbsp. (15ml), Calories: 35, Fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 5g, Protein: 0g 

Are you ready to run out and start grabbing the new Coffee-Mate creamers off the shelves?




Win them here now!

Enter my "Coffee-Mate Creamer" Giveaway

Starts September 28
Ends October 5

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I  received one or more of the products mentioned above for free, for the purpose of doing this review or giveaway. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Fun with Daddy [Video]

Enjoy Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play Live in Washington, DC Today!

Many Nickelodeon stars will be there!

Appearances by:

• Jennette McCurdy, Nathan Kress, Noah Munck, and Jerry Trainor from iCarly!
  
• Victoria Justice, Liz Gillies, Ariana Grande, Avan Jogia, Leon Thomas, Matt Bennett and
  
• Daniella Monet from Victorious!
  
• James Maslow, Kendall Schmidt, Logan Henderson, and Carlos Pena from BTR!
  
• Taylor Gray, Dillon Lane and Ashley Argota from Bucket and Skinner!
  
• Ryan Potter, Gracie Dzienny and Carlos Knight from Supah Ninjas!
  
• Keke Palmer from True Jackson, VP!
  
• Jeff Sutphen from Family BrainSurge!
  
• Cymphonique Miller and Max Schneider from How to Rock!
  The Power Rangers!
  
• The Fresh Beat Band and Big Time Rush!
  

Visit Nickelodeon's TheBigHelp.com for more info or to watch the event live!

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Taste of Home Magazine $3.99 Today!

This magazine is a favorite of mine. For $3.99*, you can start a one year subscription (8 issues) today.

I couldn't pass this offer up!

To get this deal for yourself or a friend, head over to Tanga. Be sure to use the discount code "TASTE."

*3 year maximum order

Introducing the NEW My Little Pony App & Giveaway

"My Little Pony, My Little Pony,
ah ah ah ah...My Little Pony,
I used to wonder what friendship could be,
Until you shared it's magic with me..."


Do you know THAT song? 


In my house we sing it one hundred times a day (maybe more, my girls like to record it in autotune too...LOL).


My girls are the biggest My Little Pony fans!


They watch the television show with their little ponies daily.

So, you can imagine my excitement a few weeks ago when I received word about the My Little Pony app being released from Ruckus Media Group.

COME CELEBRATE:

My Little Pony Twitter Party

September 27th, 9-10pm, EST

#RuckusMLP

Click to RSVP here NOW!

At last, it is here!

"Twilight Sparkle: Teacher for a Day," is the second Hasbro interactive storybook created by Ruckus Media Group and the first of the My Little Pony franchise.

Its features include:

• Read from pages of an interactive storybook, designed to help develop vocabulary, reading and motor skills
• Stimulating in-app activity moments: The adventure progresses through narrative-driven activities (including mazes and “spot the difference”), culminating in an exciting customizable story activity at the end
• Flexible formats - Read together with your child; or let them explore on their own
• Touch-driven animations within the story add another layer of excitement
• “Read Me” option:  Listen as Twilight Sparkle’s voice reads aloud to your child
• “Meet the Ponies” features provides background info on each of the story’s characters
• Read along, play along, and record your voice. For a personalized reading experience, “My Little Pony: "Twilight Sparkle: Teacher for a Day” invites children and their friends and parents to record their voices as they read
• Absorbing entertainment to capture and enchant, perfect for travel and families on the go
• Words illuminate when story is read for basic word recognition
• Activities teach letter recognition, picture/word association and basic problem solving
• Randomization of activity content and difficulty level provides new experiences for repeated play

My girls love the app so much. We couldn't wait to download and play with it! It was like the new Twilight movies. Exciting! We were downloading the app just after midnight.

What I really loved about the app was the animated interactive storybook, the many kinds of activities to do, and the option to have Twilight Sparkle read the book to my kids, have the kids read the story, or let anyone record their own voice reading the story.


The artwork is gorgeous and the app is very easy and fun to use.

Every My Little Pony fan will love this app!

GET YOURS FREE

Enter my "My Little Pony App" Giveaway!

Starts: September 22

Ends: September 29

The app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch are available on iTunes for $0.99! My Little Pony fans can also tune in to the animated series “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM EST and Fridays and Mondays at 1:30 PM on The Hub TV network.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free, for the purpose of doing this review or giveaway. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Wordless Wednesday: "Scenes from Reviewer's Retreat 2011" #RevRet11 at Great Wolf Lodge

@xiolinmama, @coolbabykids

Pampers Swag Pack

@thechattymomma, @mommybknowsbest, Abbe Lunger

@blueviolet

Paying for food...super cool!

@ahhnalin, @fi_shespeaks, @dearbadkitty, @kbrownsberger

@mommyniri, @classymommy, @mizzjenny, @gograhmgo

Hubby loved the food at Great Wolf Lodge!

One of my favorite fellas, @tedrubin

Scavenger Hunt Results (we almost won!)

Relaxing

My girls enjoying the indoor waterpark

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