Blog Tour and Review: Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice

We eat a lot of rice in our house. This is because my five year old son takes being a picky eater to the extreme! And now his little brother seems to be following in his footsteps. I can just about count on one hand the only meals this boy will eat at dinner time : mac'n cheese, veggie hot dogs, spaghetti, pizza and rice! He loves rice with black beans, and I make this for him about three nights a week. I know the black beans have a lot of protein and fiber, but I worry about feeding him so much white rice, and there is no way he will touch the healthier brown rice.

 Needless to say I was thrilled and eager to try out  Uncle Ben's New Whole Grain White Rice when I was asked to participate in this blog tour! Finally I had the chance to make my little guy his favorite dinner, and make it healthier for him.

The night I made the Uncle Ben's whole grain white rice, I must confess I was nervous. He is sooo picky that any little difference in his food can make him not want to eat it. Seriously, the rice has to be separate from the beans even.....no mixing of the food at all. So when he went to take his first bite, I think I literally held my breath, Thankfully, he did not seem to notice any difference and he ate all of it. Thank-you Uncle Ben!!

Now the hubby and my daughter were sternly forewarned that in the event they noticed a difference, they were to say NOTHING in front of my son, and to tell me their opinions later. The hubby said it was delicious and thought it even better than the regular white rice I usually make. My daughter, being 13, said it tasted a little different and too "healthy-like," whatever that means to a 13 year old. However, I must note here that she ate every bite as well.

About Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice:

Uncle Ben’s whole grain white rice is packed with whole grains (almost a full day's worth in one serving). It provides a good source of fiber, Niacin, Thiamin and Folic Acid. It is also is low in fat and saturated fat, 0g Trans Fat, and is cholesterol free.

The rice comes in a variety of flavors from traditional Long Grain to Chicken, Broccoli Cheddar, Taco Style and Sweet Tomato, so you can easily make some delicious meals with it! You can find some delicious recipes on the Uncle Ben's website, btw.

Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice will be in grocery stores nationwide starting July 2010.

“I wrote  this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Uncle Ben’s and received samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
 

Vistaprint Giveaway: Beautiful Leather, Hardback or Linen Covered Photo Album

I have most of my pictures in one of two places: stashed in several cardboard boxes or on my computer. Try as I might, I just cannot seem to get myself to organize the tons of pictures hanging around in those boxes, waiting so patiently to be brought out and enjoyed. Vistaprint must know this about me, because they have come up with a perfect giveaway for any other moms like me.



A 12x12 Photo Book with your choice of a leather, linen or hardback cover (over $50 value!). This could also make a great Father's Day gift if you fill all 26 pages of special photos of your hubby or dad with special pictures. Keep in mind that Vistaprint also offers great gift items such as Custom T-Shirts and Personalized Mugs, and of course their wonderful selection of birthday invitations!


To enter this giveaway, visit Vistaprint and check out all their great products. Then come back here and leave me a comment  telling me which product you would love to have. Please remember to leave a valid email address with your comment. That's it!

For extra entires:

1. Tweet this giveaway and get an extra entry for each daily tweet.

2. Follow Happy Healthy Families on Twitter. 5 Extra Entries

3. "Like" Happy Healthy Families on Facebook. 5 Extra Entries

4. Follow HHF on Google Friend Connect. 5 Extra Entries

5. Blog about this giveaway (leave me the url in your comment) 3 Extra Entries

6 Share this giveaway on Facebook. 3 Extra Entries

7. Follow @vistaprint on Twitter 5 Extra Entries

8. Subscribe to Happy Healthy Families 5 Extra Entries

9. Comment on another HHF post. 5 Extra Entries.

Giveaway will end June 10th, 11:59 EST. Winner will be posted here and notified by email on June 11th. 
Giveaway open to US addresses only.
Must leave valid email address or entries will not be counted.
Winner will have 24 hours to confirm, or new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I love Vistaprint, but this is only my opinion, others may have different opinions.  I am offering this giveaway post on behalf of Team Mom and Vistaprint. I did not receive ant compensation of any kind for this review/giveaway.

5 Must Have Fashionable Pieces To Pack For Every Weekend Trip

Twitter Moms and Gap Outlet want to know what women consider their 5 "must have fashionable pieces" that they pack for weekend trips. You know, the 5 clothing items you just cannot survive a weekend getaway without. We do love to get away from time to time, and I know when I go to pack, there are a few things I always make sure to have in my case, The top 5 must haves for me would be:

1. My jeans. I live in comfy worn blue jeans most of the time. I cannot even imagine not having at least one pair with me on a weekend trip.

2. My summer casual dress. Loose and goes to about my knees, this dress and some sandals always make me feel good to go, even on days when I feel bloated! Must have this dress with me. Always

3. My shorts. I prefer khaki-style shorts (my "short short days are a thing of the past!) that I can chase after the kiddos in.

4. My sandals. Have to have a pair of easy to slip on and comfortable to wear sandals in my bag.

5. A cute dressy shirt. I pack one of my favorite dressy shirts to go with my jeans and help dress them up if needed. Otherwise, I wear one of the many T-shirts I also bring.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Gap Outlet blogging program to be eligible to win a $20 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Dove's My Mini Moment Contest



This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dove Ice Cream. All opinions are 100% mine.

DOVE® Ice Cream Miniatures conducted a survey of over 400 mothers and an astonishing 70 percent of these ultimate multi-taskers are taking time for themselves each day.  Dove Ice Cream has launched a "My Mini Moment" contest contest to celebrate these cherished moments. By sharing your perfect  "mini moments"  of escape, you can enter to win one of three fantastic prizes: A mini getaway to Napa Valley, A mini-home makeover, or Spa Services for a year (yes, a whole year!) To enter,you need to submit a photo and short essay at DoveIceCream.com/myminimoment by June 7, 2010--so hurry!!

At only 70 calories each, DOVE® Ice Cream Miniatures feature full indulgent ice cream wrapped in real Dove chocolate making them the perfect treat. Their new decadent Café Collection which features Java Chip and Cappuccino Flavors. Sounds like a moment of pure heaven if you ask me!

My mini moments of escape usually come in the early morning before anyone else is awake, or late at night, when all the kiddos are finally asleep. It's hard to get a moment to myself during the day, but once in a while I may hide out in my room under the pretense of talking on the phone (do 3o seconds count as an escape???)

But I love the idea of moms sharing how they get a moment or two all to themselves. I am hoping a might get a tip or two, and of course I am hoping for that year of spa treatments!!

Visit my sponsor: “My Mini Moment” contest

Got Stress?

Eat your green beans! Yep, green beans can actually help relax you and ease tense muscles. How, you say? Researchers say that the magnesium in the green beans is what melts away the stress. Cool, uh? But there is one little catch: you need to add calcium to your green beans in order for the magnesium to do it's job. So simply add around 1 oz. of Parmesan Cheese (same amount of calcium as in a glass of milk) to those veggies to get the best stress relief!

Review: Wow! Imports Name Necklaces


I was recently given the opportunity to review Wow! Imports Name Necklaces, and I am thrilled that I was asked to do so. I ordered a name necklace for my daughter, and we both love it.

About The Company:

Wow! Imports has become the largest retailer of African bead & wire art and recycled plastic bag animals and is also among the top retailers of personalized jewelry including sterling silver and 14k gold nameplate necklaces, name rings, name earrings and name bracelets. They offer the widest selection of styles and languages of handmade sterling silver and 14k gold personalized name jewelry. This includes Carrie necklaces, name necklaces, name rings, name earrings, name bracelets, name anklets, personalized key chains & zipper pulls and personalized cufflinks.

The selection of name necklaces available made it a fun but somewhat tough decision when it came to picking one. Surprisingly enough, my daughter and I both chose the same style, the Morgan necklace. I thought the whimsical lettering style just fit perfectly with my daughter's personality.



My daughter is delighted with her new name necklace, and I am just as pleased with the service and quality of the Wow!Imports and the necklace!

I received the name necklace as a part of a blog tour with Parent Reviewers. The opinions expressed here are my own (and my daughter's) and may not be the same as others. No monetary compensation was received for this review.

A Bit Confused Here After Watching Lost Last Night

So I watched the long awaited finale of Lost last night. And I am confused. I need some LOST guidance asap, please.

My first thought after the ending was...."oh, so they have all been dead the whole time."

My second thought was....."then what was all that stuff they supposedly went through....purgatory or something like it?"

My third thought was..."wait, maybe they really did crash and spent all that time on the Island, and as each one died at different times, they had to wait for everyone else before they could move on."

So I need help here. Were they all dead from the beginning? Was the island not real at all? Was the plane debris on the beach supposed to be from the plane crash from the very first episode, or the plane that took off towards the end of last night's show?

Anyone????

Medic Alert Systems

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Medical Guardian. All opinions are 100% mine.

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My mother-in-law has been having health issues for about a year and a half now. It is stressful for everyone in the family watching her lose more of her independence, and is making everyone sad as we know she is going to need full time supervision and assistance at some point soon. But  for right now my mother-in-law is still in her home that she shared with her husband, and in which they raised their children, including the hubbs, and I know she is so grateful and happy to be there. But changes have been made, including bringing in someone to help her during the day, and moving things around to help prevent accidents such as falls, putting things in easier reach for her, etc.  But we all know that with even with the best prevention steps taken, accidents and falls can happen, especially with elderly parents. So it was interesting to me today to have this opportunity to check out the  Medical Guardian  alert system.  In case of an accident, my mother-in-law can get help quickly, which would definitely give her and everyone in the family more peace of mind. It is worth checking out the website if you are interested in more information about their medical alert system, and/or getting tips on helping people getting older stay safe  and independent in their homes.

Visit my sponsor: Medical Alert System

Winner of Kung Foo Magoo DVD!

I have a winner for the Kung Foo Magoo DVD!

Congratulations to #7: Amber! A confirmation email will arrive shortly Amy, please look out for it (keep on eye on your spam folder as well....some emails seem to end up there!)

Thanks to all who entered!

I have more giveaways coming up, check back soon!!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
7
54
45
11

Linens 'N' Things: Special Discount For Bloggers!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Linens 'N Things. All opinions are 100% mine.
If you ever shop online at the new Linen 'N' Things, you are going to love this deal: free shipping on orders over $26. And it's for bloggers only! Pretty cool, right? Although I was disappointed a few years back when Linens 'N Things had to close their stores, I do love the new online store because there there are so many goodies to browse through now.

Since launching their new website, they have expanded their line with a wider range of products including things for babies, kids, electronics, even pets. And if you know any brides to be this summer, let them know Linens 'N' Things has a bridal registry!

Since I am shopping now for a new tea kettle (as my old one met an untimely demise recently. yea, put on the kettle for tea and uh, forgot to add water. I am not a distracted mom. Me? No way.) I am going to check out the selection and maybe use this coupon.

If you decide to use the coupon, the code is "MomBlog" and it is good until June 1st. Happy shopping.

Visit my sponsor: Linens 'N Things

Aloha Friday!

It's been a while since I participated in Aloha Friday (life just has a way of  changing my best laid plans....) but today I am going to jump back in with both feet!!

Aloha Friday is a fun meme started by Kailani from An Island Life: Friday is the day we take it easy and look forward to the weekend......so to join in, answer my question below, then post a question of your own on your blog, and link up over at Kailani's so others can visit your blog too!

So here is my question:

"  Are you planning a summer vacation this year, and if so , where?"

Don't forget to add you link below, then post your own question and head over to An Island Life to link up!

Happy Friday!

Boudreaux's Butt Paste ; Get a Free Sample

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.


 We are nearing the end of all things diapers and diaper rash lotions.Once in a while my littlest guy will have a diaper rash, but not so much anymore. So I never really had he chance to try out the oh-so-cute Boudreaux's Butt Paste, but every time I see it in the store, I feel like grabbing a jar because I love the name!

About Boudreaux:

"Boudreaux’s Butt Paste® was specifically formulated by a pharmacist with direction from a respected pediatrician to provide effective diaper rash care."

  • Goes on and cleans off easily
  • Available in convenient sizes
  • Flip top cap (tubes)
  • Handy travel size
  • Pleasant scent
  • 16% Zinc Oxide
  • Peruvian Balsam
  • Treats diaper rash and soothes irritated skin 
Boudreaux has been featured on :

  • Oprah Show
  • Tonight Show
  • Today Show
  • People Magazine
  • ESPN
  • While You Were Out TLC
To try out Boudreaux’s Butt paste, visit here for a free sample.

Visit my sponsor: Boudreaux's Butt Paste

Misty-Eyed Monday

I am finding myself misty-eyed this Monday. It takes very little for me to get emotional ( as the hubby can attest to!) and today was generous and brought me a couple of new reasons.

First, when I picked up my son from Kindergarten, he announces that today was the final library day at school. And so it starts......'the first of the lasts.' My kindergartner will soon be a first-grader. He is excited, nervous and ready. I am sad, proud and so not ready. 

Then I get an email from my daughter's junior high school. Seems her text books will need to be turned in very soon. Yes, her first year of junior high school is almost over. One more year remains until she starts....High School???

How does this happen so fast? Wasn't I just walking her to Kindergarten? Now high school is looming menacingly in front of me? 

And so I am misty-eyed this Monday. And I find myself wondering how I can stop time for a bit and keep my babies....my babies. Just a little longer.

As for my 3 year old, does he really need to go to school at all? I mean, really, what does he need an education for? He will be living with me. Forever.

Pringles Multigrain on a Mission to End Childhood Hunger


Ending childhood hunger is a must. The thought of children being hungry with little to no food to eat is hear-breaking beyond belief. We can all help, and I know we all want to help. Pringles is making it even easier than ever for everyone to get involved in this vital cause with their "U Taste. We Donate." campaign.

Initiated by Pringles Multigrain and supported by celebrity chef, Tyler Florence, the campaign seeks to aid Share Our Strength with its mission to end childhood hunger in America. For the 17 million children facing hunger in America, every dollar counts.

 All you need do is purchase one of Pringles new delicious Multigrain crisps products, and enter the UPC code at Pringlesmultigrain.com.  You can choose from any of the three New Pringles Multigrain flavors including, Truly Original, Cheesy Cheddar, and Creamy Ranch. They are all delicious...we were able to sample all and my personal favorite is the Cheesy Cheddar! When you do this, Pringles will donate $1 to Share Our Strength. This amazing campaign is running now through June 30, 2010.

This is such a simple way to help end childhood hunger. Go buy one of the Pringles Multigrain crisps, and enjoy them by themselves or check out the yummy recipes chef Tyler has created using the crisps, and know that you are helping this most important campaign. Your heart will feel good, and so will your tummy!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Pringles Multigrain and received a tote bag with samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Field Trips For Everyone

Click Here
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Lunchables. All opinions are 100% mine.



I remember when I was in elementary school going on what seemed like a gazillion field trips. There was nothing quite as exciting as getting on that big yellow school bus, lunch bag in hand, and heading off for a fun day away from the classroom. Even having a parent along as a chaperon didn't dampen the thrill of a trip to a far away museum or the zoo.

My daughter has been lucky enough to go on some field trips, but not nearly as many as I did. Schools are cutting field trips out of their budgets altogether, or allowing only one or two at most per class. According to a 2009 report from The American Association of School Administrators, it’s estimated that over the course of the current school year, the number of school districts eliminating field trips will increase by 56 percent. That’s more than 30,000 schools. I personally think that is a shame. Field trips add so much to the learning experience and have been such a staple of schools for so long. It makes me sad to think my two little ones may miss out on the excitement of boarding the school bus and heading off with classmates for a day of exploration and fun.

Field Trips For All is the first effort from the Lunchables Team’s new initiative called Project Potential. Aimed at empowering kids with opportunities to help them reach their full potential, Project Potential will provide enriching experiences kids might otherwise not have. I think this is such a great thing Lunchables is doing, and I hope everyone who hears about it participates!

Anyone 6 years of age or older can nominate a deserving classroom by going to http://www.lunchables.com/potential/ and submitting a nomination. From all nominations received, 50 classrooms will be selected to go on an inspiring, educational experience. Easy, right? So let's get voting and help send some lucky kids on  an exciting adventure aboard the big yellow school bus!

Visit my sponsor: Field Trips For All

What? Chocolate Milk as a New Dirt Drink?

is chocolate milk is good for diets

Finally, a diet I think I can live with. Chocolate milk as a diet drink.....who knew? Not me anyway. So here is the low down:

Drinking chocolate milk each day can help get rid of belly fat.

Yes. You read that right.

Apparently low-fat chocolate milk,has almost the ideal ratio of carbs to protein. And experiments have shown that people who drink chocolate milk after a workout recover better, lose more body fat, and gain more muscle than subjects who have a sports drink.

The bad news in that last paragraph (in case you missed it):  Milk does not magically melt the flab away all by itself.

We still need to exercise.

So drink your milk, do more sit ups.

So put down that coffee, tea or wine ladies, and pour yourself a cold glass of chocolate milk, and meet me by the mats for some sit ups!

Melba Toast : A Very Yummy Review!

You know those cravings we get sometimes for something crunchy and yummy and we  could care less  and forget to worry about eating healthy? All we want is to just satisfy that urge to munch? But if you can crunch on a healthy snack, isn't that even better?

I recently received two boxes of Old London Melba Snacks to try out, and I now have a new favorite munchy in my house! The melba toast snacks are satisfying in their crunchy tangy way, and they are a healthy snack as well, being made with whole grain and being low in calories, so you can let the kiddos munch a bunch too!

The samples we tested out were Sea Salt flavored and the Spicy 3 Pepper. The kids, all 3 of them, preferred the Sea Salt, while the hubby and I devoured the Spicy 3 Pepper (delicious with some salsa on op, btw!) But both flavors were delicious and crunchy and were gone the same day they arrived (yes, we eat a lot and fast here in our house. I cannot tell a lie.) There are some delicious-sounding recipes on the Melba Toast website, but as I admitted, our boxes did not last long enough to try any of the recipes out. But there is a certain Lemon Meringue calling my name (yes, Lemon Meringue using the Melba Toast!!)

And Old London is also having a fun contest: get your dancing shoes on for this one, ladies! Old London will send one winner and a guest to California for an all-expenses paid, dance-inspired getaway including private lessons at the 3rd Street Dance Studio and tickets to watch the taping of a popular television show. (The four-day, three-night, all-expense-paid trip will also include air travel and accommodations at a popular Hollywood hotel.) Moms can enter the sweepstakes now through June 30, 2010, at www.toastforeverydayhealth.com

“I wrote  this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Old London Melba Toast and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
 

Cardstore.com

I am in love with Cardstore.com! Seriously, I had so much fun doing a review for this company and can honestly tell you that this is a perfect place to get stationary, cards and even mommy cards. When I was asked to visit their website and choose a product for a review, I didn't realize what a treat I was in for.

The selection was fantastic, and  I had such a difficult time settling on a final choice. But after much deliberation, I chose the adorable note cards that are blank on the inside and personalized with my name on the front. It was a simple process to order the cards once I made my choice, and customizing with my choice of font made it even more fun.

My cards arrived within 3 days. How is that for service? They came pre-folded and printed on beautiful 100% post-consumer recycled paper that feels very strong and sturdy, along with a set of envelopes. I love them so much I may have to hang on to them instead of using them! This is what they look like, but with my name on them (sorry, my camera is broken, so I can't post a picture of my actual cards.)


Cardstore offers high quality photo cards, birth announcements (sooo cute!), special occasion cards, Christmas cards, Thank-you cards and of course the wonderful mommy cards (which I will be ordering very soon.....they were a close second to the note cards!)

And from now until June 30, you can get a 10% discount on your order using the code FAMILYREVIEW10.

Just be forewarned- there are so many cute choices, you may be shopping around for a while there!

This post was written as part of a program for Family Review Network and Cardstore.com, who provided a gift card for shopping for the product for this review"

Giveaway : Kung Fu Magoo!

Do  you remember Mr. Magoo? Please say you do if only to make me feel better, because I sure do! It has been a long time since I have watched any Mr. Magoo cartoons, but the funny little man with the huge glasses is back!

"Kung Fu Magoo" is the first animated Mr. Magoo production  in over 30 years! This title, and also another Magoo movie, Mr. Magoo in Sherwood Forest, will be available wherever DVDs are sold, and on iTunes starting May 11th.

"Join Mr. Magoo and his nephew, Justin, as they dodge giant robotic spiders and jet ski ninjas on a kung fu-style adventure! When supervillian, Tan-Gu, invites the world’s most notorious bad guys to compete in the “Evil-lympics,” there’s only one man who can put a stop to the evil and save mankind—Kung Fu Magoo! And it’s up to Justin to help his uncle stay in the competition...while avoiding danger at every turn"

"Kung Fu Magoo" features Dylan Sprouse (as Justin Magoo) ,Cole Sprouse (as Brad Landry), Alyson Stoner (as Lorelei Tan Gu), Chris Parnell (as Cole Fusion) and Kenny Mayne (as himself).

This was a family night movie for us, and all you need do is close your eyes for a moment and envision a 3 year old little boy and his 5 year old brother jumping all over the family room doing their very best imitations of ninjas. It was fun, noisy, and everything a family night should be (unless you ask my 12 year old daughter who will tell you that under extreme duress she joined us for movie night when she would much rather have been watching Justin Bieber videos in her room. So do not ask her.)

But this is a perfect summer movie if you have any little wannabe ninjas in your house. And you can win a copy right here!!


The Giveaway

One reader will win one free copy of  "Kung Fu Magoo."


To Enter:

Just leave me a comment on a summer activity you will do this summer with your kids. That's it! Please leave a valid  email with your comment.

Extra Entries:

1. Follow HHF  on Google Friend Connect.
2. Twitter this contest (get an extra entry for each daily twitter.)
3. Follow me on Twitter.
4. Subscribe to Happy Healthy Families.
5. Become a fan of Happy Healthy Families on Facebook.
6. Leave me a comment on another post.

Giveaway will end May 17th @11:59 EST
Open to US addresses.
Winner will be drawn by randon .org and notified here and by email.
Winner will have 3 days to confirm or new winner will be drawn.
Prize to be shipped directly from sponsor.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of  "Kung Fu Magoo" for review. All opinions expressed here are my own and may not be the same as others who view the movie. No monetary compensation was received.

Mother's Day Giveaways....I Have Winners!!

Yay to all my winners from my recent giveaways! Here we go:

Winner of Alexis Jewelry Giveaway : #7 Melanie

Winner of "It's Either Her or Me" Giveaway: #6 Kathy

Two Winners of "Three Cups" Giveaway: # 33 Major Mommy and #15 "Anonymous"

Thanks to everyone who entered. Winners will be receiving confirmation emails shortly. Please respond w/in 3 days or new winners will be drawn.

Congratulations!

@2023 HappyHealthyFamilies.com. All Rights Reserved.

@2023 HappyHealthyFamilies.com. All Rights Reserved.