Frito-Lay Perfect Pairing Party

 

 

After a FABULOUS weekend, I am SO excited to begin the week by telling you about the Frito-Lay perfect pairing party I attended. It was simply amazing to sit around the table with other mom bloggers feasting on tasty dips and crunchy Frito-Lay chips. It was truly the “perfect pairing.” This was especially true since Miss Bean had playmates to keep her entertained. That being said, here is the story behind my dip with the recipe included and some details from our wonderful adventure:

 

Origin of the Health, Happiness, Hamstrings Dip

When TheMotherhood approached me to create a dip for the Frito-Lay perfect pairing party my goal was to choose a recipe that had meaning. July has always been a special month for our family. Not only does it signify summer, but it is Mr. Man and my anniversary and my birthday. With that in mind, I decided to use a recipe from a “cookbook” that is truly an original. This book will some day go to Bean and was created around the time Mr. Man and I were getting married. At my bridal shower, I was given a book containing recipes from all the guests who attended my bridal shower. The recipe I am sharing is from that “book” and there is NO better chip to use as a vehicle to scoop the dip than Tostitos Scoops! tortilla chips and Frito Scoops. Not only are Tostitos Scoops! made with corn, healthier oils and salt, but one-ounce serving of tortilla chips have less sodium than a cup of plain yogurt. In my book that is ONE great chip!

 

Since Bean and I were also travelling a distance for the party creating something that was easy to transport was key. This dip had a Mexican theme and was colorful. With the different layers and vegetables on top it was very appealing to the eye. Another great place to find your own inspiration to create a perfect pairing is the Frito-Lay website. This is where I initially started to get ideas before for my final dip choice. I hope your family enjoys it as much as our.

 

 

Taco Dip

 

Ingredients

2 cans bean dip

Scallions, chopped

3 tomatoes, chopped

6 oz ripe black olives, chopped

8 oz shredded cheddar cheese

3 medium ripe avocados

1 cup sour cream (I use light)

½ cup mayo (I use light)

1 package Taco seasoning mix

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

 

Instructions

You will build this dip up in layers. I would suggest a trifle dish which would show off the layers the best.

1. At the base will be the bean dip.

2. Mash avocados with lemon juice salt and pepper.

3. Mix sour cream, mayo and taco seasoning.

4. Chop scallion, tomatoes and olives. Spread the veggies and shredded cheese.

Serve with Frito-Lay Fritos Scoops and Tostitos Scoops.

 

Details From The Adventure:

So Bean and I packed our bags and headed to the Bayside to meet several other mom bloggers 

including (right to left) Lisa from New York Chica, Suzanne from Mom Confessionals and Kimberly from Foodie City Mom. We ate chatted while feasting on burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, but most importantly fabulous dips.

 

These included (going clockwise): Mango Peach Salsa with a kick, Guacamole, Seven Layer Dip, Taco Dip, Mango Peach Salsa, and in the middle Spinach Dip. Of course we used Frito-Lay chips to scoop up these creations. As I said, above a highlight of our adventure was the kids to keep Bean entertained while I munched. She  played with the water tables as the older kids had a ball on the jumpy castle.

                     

Bean still talks about her new partner in crime:

Now for a giveaway. Frito-Lay is kind enough to give away three coupons for free Frito-Lay chips. Now you can either use my fabulous recipe OR go to the Frito-Lay website and try some of their awesome creations.

Thank you Frito-Lay and TheMotherhood for the wonderful opportunity. Bean and I had such a wonderful time.

 

Disclosure: Thus post was sponsored by Frito-Lay and TheMotherhood

Life Just Got Easier & Healthier Because Of Healthy Choice ~ So Can Yours

Health, Happiness, Hamstrings readers do I have a FABULOUS program to tell you about. Not only will this program make your life a little easier (at least in my opinion) and healthier, but the research findings are quite interesting.

As you know, from previous posts, I have been working with TheMotherhood and was thrilled to participate in a program with Healthy Choice. Healthy Choice has conducted a 30-day study where participants replaced 10 meals per week with a Healthy Choice meal for either lunch or dinner. They have found, as part of a reduced calorie diet, eating Healthy Choice prepared meals can lead to more energy and feeling healthier. Other findings from the study that peeked my interest include:

• Participants in the study lost an average of six pounds and trimmed their waistlines by about one inch. Improved the quality of their overall diets by increasing dietary fiber, reducing saturated fat intake by 50 percent and consuming 30 percent less cholesterol and sodium.
• As Americans look for ways to make simple, positive changes to their diets, incorporating a ready-to-eat, pre-portioned healthy option, such as Healthy Choice, is a simple way to be more healthy conscious, lose weight and improve quality of life.
• Portion control is key to successful weight loss. Healthy Choice takes the guess work out of this fundamental fact. With 70 varieties that are fewer than 400 calories you are provided with positive nutrients such as whole grains, fiber, protein and antioxidants.
• Brands with “healthy” in their name are held to a higher nutrition standard by the FDA. Healthy Choice is the only major brand in its category that can all 100% of its products “healthy” as defined by the FDA. This means each meal must be:
• Low in fat
• Low in saturated fat
• Controlled in sodium and cholesterol
• Supply at least 10% of the daily value for three beneficial nutrients (calcium, protein, fiber, iron, vitamin A or C)

We were then asked about three healthy choices our families have made for a healthy lifestyle. The three that we have implemented include:

1. One meatless meal a week: Every week we have one meal that is all vegetarian based. One thing that has been fun about this choice is the new things we have tried. I have come to love tofu and my daughter now adores beets. When we go to the famers market I challenge myself to try one new vegetable or use a vegetable in a different way. I love asking the farmer for suggestions.
2. Since the weather has finally nice my daughter and I take a walk, however long or short, after dinner. It has become a tradition and she runs to her car (the little push toy car) after she eats and chants “outside, outside” after she eats her dinner.
3. We are starting to bring lunch instead of getting it out. Thank goodness for Healthy Choice. This is where this study comes in and makes my life easier.

The review:

Healthy Choice gave us the opportunity to review two Healthy Choice meals. I tried the following meals:

        

Golden Roasted Turkey Breast:

The meal was VERY flavorful. How fun…..Thanksgiving in May. I really liked the green beans which were perfectly cooked. Kind of silly, but I was so happy to know I had the dessert waiting. LOVED the portion control aspect of the meal. The cranberries in stuffing made me smile. On to dessert, which was tasty. It was a nice compliment to the dish especially since there were cranberries in the stuffing. I actually went and got a spoon to finish the sides of the try for the dessert. My ONLY complaint was that there was less crumble than I hoped for, but I am a berry fan so it didn’t really bother me. Best of all……………..No guilt finishing and cleanup  was a BREEZE!!!!! For a busy mommy that is key.

Honey Balsamic Chicken:

I could smell the aroma immediately which made me excited to dig in. I was thrilled that ALL the veggies stayed whole including the asparagus and tomatoes. The tomatoes really impressed me that they kept their shape. The sauce was nice and thick and there was enough left to dip the potatoes in. This was a VERY flavorful dish.

I will be purchasing both of these again. Nice thing about these Healthy Choice meals is they are pretty accessible. Make sure you pick some up to day and get your self on track. I know you will be happy you did especially since Healthy Choice makes it so easy.

Enjoy this beautiful day!!!!!

~Lauren

****I was compensated by Healthy Choice and TheMotherhood to do this post****

Dr. Oetker Pizza Review and Giveaway

 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day. Mr. Man, Bean and I spent the day with my family and his parents attended the celebration. Mr. Man and I are very fortunate that are parents get along and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. More on Mother’s Day in another post.

Now on to the good stuff….. I don’t know if you remember, but back in February the TheMotherhood invited me to I participate in a virtual conversation sponsored by Dr. Oetker. As part of the discussion I was fortunate to test two of Dr. Oetker’s  Ristorante frozen Pizzas. Mr. Man and I decided to test Ristorante Pizza Spinaci (spinach pizza) and Ristorante Quattro Formaggi (four cheese).

From the very second I opened the packages I was impressed with both pizzas. The spinach pizza had spinach that was whole leaf, not chopped. The cheese looked like it was grated on with quality mozzarella. When I opened the four cheese I loved that I could actually tell that there was four different cheeses. On both pizzas the toppings where spread nicely and it looked like care was taken in putting the pizza together. It didn’t look like someone threw the ingredients on.

The instructions did tell you to put the pizza directly on the grates of the oven. At first I was a little nervous about the method, but it resulted in the most perfect crust. It was thin like the box indicated, but crunchy and delicious. Best part it was done in the EXACT amount of time they promised.

 

The Ristorante Pizza Spinaci ,also known as spinach pizza, had a lot of flavor. The great thing about it was how the spinach added flavor. Mr. Man , who tends to shy away from vegetables,  something we are working on in this house, he said this was his favorite part. The pizza also had the perfect amount of sauce and spinach. Although, if Mr. Man had his way, keep in mind he is a cheese man, he would have wanted more cheese. We will be having more Ristorante Pizza Spinaci in this house.

 

The cheese on the Ristorante Quattro Formaggi melted beautifully. Like I said above, I was thrilled with the fact that you could see the different cheeses. This pizza had the prefect amount of sauce and flavor. If you are looking for a cheesy pizza  this one is for you.

Now for the best news of all is Dr. Oetker is giving YOU a chance to try out their pizza. One lucky reader of Health, Happiness, Hamstrings has the chance to win the following prize pack:

• Cooler bag
• Pizza cutter
• Apron
• Dr. Oetker coupons.

All you have to do is go to their WEBSITE and tell me which pizza you would buy with the Dr. Oetker coupons. Comment and you will be entered in the giveaway.

Best of luck!!!!!!! Thank you Dr. Oetker for the wonderful opportunity.

 

 

***I was by Dr. Oetker and TheMotherhood to do this post*****

Recap On The Kellogg Virtual Breakfast

 

As detailed in this post, last week I had the unique opportunity to be a co-host of a virtual breakfast sponsored by Kellogg on TheMotherhood. With several other mother bloggers, we discussed the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines and the importance of a nutritious breakfast .

This talk featured, Sarah Woodside, registered dietitian for Kellogg and Liz Ward, registered dietitian, author and one of Kellogg’s Breakfast Council members. Through a live video feed (which you can view below) the conversation centered around what nutrients a good breakfast should provide, healthy options on the go breakfasts, and how to implement the new Dietary Guidelines into our menus, specifically when it comes to breakfast.

While a full summary is available here, I would like to provide you with some highlights of the discussion:

1. The importance of fiber was re-emphasized. While I always knew how important fiber was in our diet  learned that The Dietary Guidelines lists fiber as one of the nutrients adults and children aren’t eating enough of. According to Liz Ward, “a new study suggests that eating a high-fiber diet -  particularly fiber that comes from grain foods like breakfast cereals -  just may help you live a longer life.” She indicted that it reduces risk of death from cardiovascular disease. This disease runs in both lines of Mr. Man’s family which hit close to home.
2. Be aware of labels. Watch whole grain claims on the front and as a rule of thumb, check make sure an item has at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
• I was happy to hear that Kellogg has made the conscious effort to reduce the sugar and increase the fiber content on such cereals as Fruit Loops and Apple Jacks. They indicated these cereals now have 3 grams of fiber per serving. On a side note, when I told Mr. Man this he smiled ear to ear. He is a fan of both of these cereals.
3. The best nutrients in the morning would be a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and a healthy fat. In their (Kellogg’s) opinion an ideal breakfast could be Kellogg Mini Wheats, milk, and fruit.
• Also, think outside the box. It doesn’t have to be what we Americans define as traditional, but make sure it has a protein, carb, and health fat to keep you fuller for longer.
4. An interesting fact I learned was cereal and milk provided 10 key nutrients for those in the United States and cereal ranks most nutritious choices when it comes to snacks.
5. Some totally, and I mean TOTALLY awesome initiatives that Kellogg has been working on include the Kellogg “Fiber Tracker” (tells you how much fiber you should aim to eat each day based on gender and age), meal plans (which can be found here) and recipes.

While I ALWAYS knew that breakfast was the most important meal of the day, this virtual breakfast with Kellogg gave me a new focus. I realized the importance of fiber and why I should make good decisions first thing in the morning. By making small changes, like adding some high fiber cereal to my normal yogurt in the morning, I am not only benefiting my body by refueling it, but I may help to live a longer life. Amen to that!!!!!! No complaints here.

I would like to thank Kellogg and TheMotherhood for this wonderful opportunity. Readers, I hope you got as much out of this talk as I did.

As promised, here is the video of the breakfast that you can view again:

 

This video is provided by TheMotherhood and is the virtual breakfast sponsored by Kellogg.

 

Disclosure: I was compensated by Kellogg and TheMotherhood to write this post

An Aspiring Artist!!!!!!

 

One of Bean’s favorite activities is arts & crafts. Only problem is, I don’t always have the patience to deal with a toddler and her need to be an artist. But, on the days I have that extra cup of coffee the motivation seems to flow. In the end, it is such a pleasure to watch her explore and interact with the world around her. I forget that everything is new to her and it is so import to allow her to use all her senses.

I am so excited to share some pictures of our little Bean as she becomes an aspiring artist. Boy did this little girl LOVE watercolors.

Also, I participated in the Kellogg Virtual Breakfast at TheMotherhood yesterday. Hope all who attended enjoyed this informative and thought provoking session. Please watch for my recap blog post.

On that note, enjoy your day!!!!!!!!!!

Cuteness to Share!!!! Reminder of Kellogg Virtual Breakfast Tomorrow

 

Just a quick post……

 

Wanted to share a cute picture I received in my email this morning. This was taken at my Great Aunt’s house.

 

 

Also just a reminder tomorrow at 11am EST is the virtual Kellogg breakfast at TheMotherhood. Please visit this post for more details. You can join the breakfast tomorrow by going here.

 

Have a great rest of your day!!!!!!!

Mark Your Calendars' Kellogg Virtual Breakfast THIS Wednesday!!!!

sponsored by Kellogg.

 

HELLO readers and friends!!!!! I hope you are enjoying this dry day. Don’t know about you, but we have been having pretty wet days on and off the last week. I am happy camper that I am not using an umbrella and ditching my raincoat.

As the title of this post indicates PLEASE mark your calendars for THIS Wednesday, April 20th at 11am EST. I have been invited by TheMotherhood  to co-host a virtual breakfast. Please join me at this awesome online text based event where we will be discussing the nutrients that make up a good breakfast, on the go options, recent research finds to name a few. One of the best parts is is virtual you neither have to leave your house nor get out of pajamas. Should be LOTS AND LOTS of fun.

Here are the details:

 

What: You’re invited to a Kellogg virtual breakfast to discuss morning nutrition and the recently released 2010 Dietary Guidelines.

When: The virtual breakfast is happening on Wednesday, April 20, at 11 a.m. ET.
Where: In TheMotherhood

Who: Join Sarah Woodside, registered dietitian for Kellogg, and Liz Ward, registered dietitian, author and one of the Kellogg's Breakfast Council members, to discuss the nutrients a good breakfast should provide, options for healthy breakfasts on the go, recent research findings on nutrition, and more.  Sarah and Liz will speak to us via live streaming video, while we chat and ask questions through a real-time, text-based conversation.

 

Can’t wait to see you there!!!!!!!!!!!!

Said/Heard Mishaps Alka-Seltzer brand Contest on Facebook

 

 

Are there times when you have a conversation with your kids, husband, other family members, or friends and you say one thing, but they hear something totally different? I don’t know about you, but it tends to happen more than I would like to admit. Maybe it’s because my brain moves faster than my body, but it’s quite comical. Let’s blame it on balancing the demands of motherhood and being a support to Mr. Man. Either way, whoever thought this scenario could help someone win a trip to New York City AND $5,000.

Thanks to the Alka-Seltzer brand, which recently launched the Said/Heard Mishaps Contest on Facebook, by submitting humorous stories about these misunderstandings you enter to win:

• A trip to New York City to star in an Alka-Seltzer online video featuring the winning entry
• Whoever has the winning spot will premiere on the Alka-Seltzer Facebook page!
• AND $5,000 to spend toward whatever the winner wishes.

That being said, here is my said/heard mishap. While the story WASN’T funny, when it happened, we NOW find it humorous because of Mr. Man’s one track “hearing.” Mr. Man assisted in the narration of the story since he is the “reason” for the mishap.

 

So, have you seen “Meet the Fockers?” For those of you familiar with this movie, you’ll understand the reference. My family is a lot like the wife’s family – reserved and “refined.” Mr. Man’s family is a lot like the Fockers – outward displays of affection and not always attuned to my family’s quieter ways.

In my family, a person’s age isn’t discussed, especially when it comes to my mother. This rule was ironclad a couple of years ago when my mom was turning a “scary” round number. We weren’t even supposed to wish her a happy birthday. When I first met my husband, I told him about my mom’s little quirk and reminded him, AGAIN, before this particularly sensitive birthday. Her upcoming age WAS a family secret.

I guess my husband didn’t realize the seriousness of this because he subsequently told his parents. Lo and behold, my family and Mr. Man’s family were both invited to a black tie wedding in New York City a week or so before her birthday. Before the ceremony, as people were gathering for some champagne, Mr. Man’s mother said to my mom, “a little birdie told me that a really big birthday is coming up!”

World War III ensued. My normally quiet and VERY reserved mom started screaming at Mr. Man’s mom, and stormed off. The drama continued through the ceremony, I refused to sit with them and both families sat far apart. The drama continued through cocktail hour.

Eventually, there were apologies and explanations. Thankfully, it is all behind us now and in the end, it brought our families closer.

I guess that’s what happens when my husband has one track “hearing:” it causes said/heard mishaps.

 

Now it is your turn! What stories about misunderstanding do you have when what people hear is different than what was said. Please share these stories and enter the Alka-Seltzer Said/Heard Mishaps Contest. You can either comment below and share it on Health, Happiness, Hamstrings OR please visit the Alka-Seltzer Facebook page to submit your story as a contestant.

I can’t wait to hear your stories………

Abbreviated Contest Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 18 years or older. Contest ends 2/25/11. To enter and for Official Rules, including prize description, visit http://www.facebook.com/AlkaSeltzerOriginal?v=app_7146470109&ref=sgm.  Void where prohibited.

 

Disclaimer: I was compensated by TheMotherhood and the Alka-Seltzer brand to write this post.

77kids Gives Us a GREAT Reason to: Wish-4-Snow

In November, Bean and I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a charity initiative with both 77kids and TheMotherhood called Wish-4-Snow. Which is a cause that directly benefits local hospitals including one in a neighboring town to where we live.
At the 77kids store, located at the Danbury Fair Mall, we decorated snowflakes, viewed the Holiday Magical Window (which you can see part of above), and hung out with other bloggers--all in order to raise awareness for the Wish-4-Snow charity program. By visiting the Wish-4-Snow website site you can play the "catch the snowflake" game and most importantly, make your VERY OWN digital snowflake. By making a snowflake, and encouraging your friends and family to do the same, we will help 77kids reach their goal of 100,000 snowflakes. Once this goal is met, $25,000 will donated, to the Children's Health and Wellness Center at Danbury Hospital. Other hospitals that will benefit from similar initiatives throughout the country include:

• Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
• Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
• Children's Regional Hospital at Cooper
• University Hospital (Cherry Hill/Philadelphia)
• Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital (Syracuse)
• WakeMed Children's Hospital (Raleigh)
• Connecticut Children's Medical Center (Hartford)
• Children' Memorial Hospital (Chicago)

For those of you who have a 77kids store nearby, you can check the store locator by clicking here, you can also donate 77 cents when making holiday purchases to a participating hospital.


That being said, as a way of thanking you for your commitment in helping them with their mission 77kids has donated a $50 gift card to one lucky Health, Happiness, Hamstrings reader.
To be entered please follow these steps:
1) Visit Wishes-4-Snow and design a digital snowflake
2) Follow 77kids on Facebook
3) For an extra entry follow 77kids on Twitter and tweet why you love their store using the hashtag #77kids
4) Contest runs until Wednesday, December 15th at 11:59 pm ET

77kids Wish-4-Snow VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Disclaimer: I was compensated to attend this program by 77kids and The Motherhood

Hunt’s Tomatoes- - Providing The Ideal Everyday Superfood for Heart Health

As the saying goes, “an apple a day, keeps the doctor away.” Well, it seems that it’s also true about tomatoes. ConAgra Foods Inc., makers of Hunt’s, recently demonstrated that when eating tomatoes, you are directly benefiting your cardiovascular health.
“Beyond the widely recognized benefits of lycopene, recent studies have suggested that the distinct combination of nutrients found in tomatoes may have a measureable impact on heart prevention,” according to the company’s recent press release. “Lycopene absorption is two to three times greater in canned tomato products than raw tomatoes,” the company said.  
When I was asked by TheMotherhood to work with Hunt’s to discuss the importance of taking care of your heart and specifically the source of my inspiration, I was beyond excited. You can ask Mr. Man……cardiovascular health is something that has affected our lives greatly. First off, my husband, Mr. Man, was named after his grandfather, whom he never met due to the fact that his life was taken at the young age of 55 – the result of a massive heart attack. Next, Mr. Man’s maternal grandfather has suffered from more than one heart event. We are fortunate to have him here today, but it still serves as a reminder that we are not invincible. Finally, Mr. Man’s father, at the age of 56, had a heart attack. This is a day I wish I could forget. I thank every star in the sky that he survived this and it serves as a reminder that each day is a gift, one we should cherish.
With marriage, you ultimately take on one’s family history. Not to say this is a bad thing, but, when you say your wedding vows and commit “until death do us part,” this is included. Therefore, the person who inspires me to take care of my heart and most importantly his, is Mr. Man. So, the recipe I decided to make, with Hunt’s tomatoes, was created by his maternal grandmother (Bean’s Baba Ray) – Turkey Stuffed Cabbage.

Bean’s Baba Ray’s Turkey Stuffed Cabbage

With Mr. Man’s Great Aunt Hilda’s Enhancements to the recipe

We are divulging a secret family method in this recipe developed by Baba Ray and her sisters. Instead of sitting over a pot of boiling water and steaming the cabbage leaves, this recipe calls for you to put the whole cabbage in the freezer to completely freeze. Then, when you plan on making the dish, make sure you take the cabbage out AT LEAST 24 hours prior so it defrosts. The defrosting makes the leave pliable and you can roll them.

Ingredients:
1 Whole cabbage
1 pound chopped turkey
1/2 cup potato pancake mix
Garlic powder (to taste)
1 cup Hunt’s tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
2/3 of 28 ounce can Hunt’s tomato puree
1 15 ounce can Hunt’s tomato sauce
1 lemon juiced
1/2 cup yellow raisins
Honey to taste
1 onion sliced
Directions:
1) Take whole cabbage out of freezer AT LEAST 24 hours before making this dish.
2) Make rice according to direction ahead of time and let cool.
3) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
4) Mix 1 lb chopped turkey with 1/2 cup potato pancake mix and garlic powder to taste.
5) Add approximately 1 cup Hunt’s tomato sauce to moisten mixture.
6) Mix in enough rice to be even though out mixture (I added approximately  1 1/2 cup).
7) Carefully pull the cabbage leaves off of the cabbage and cut of hard stem part of leaf.
8) Put a heaping Tablespoon of turkey filling on cabbage and carefully roll bringing sides in and rolling to end. ^{(Below is a video demonstrating the method- - This is my first video so it isn’t perfect)}

Health, Happiness, Hamstrings demonstration of how to roll the stuffed cabbage- - please note I used a smaller sized cabbage in this video.

9) Next, prepare the sauce. Which is a mixture of 2/3 of a 28 oz can Hunt’s tomato puree and 1 15 oz can Hunt’s tomato sauce. Mix in honey and lemon to taste. The sauce needs to taste sweet and sour and depends on your own palette.
10) Put half sauce on bottom of a Pyrex pan with sliced onions and cut up inside section of the cabbage.
11) Put the stuffed cabbage on the sauce and cover with the remaining sauce.
12) Cover the pan and cook for 45 minutes. Remove cover and cook for another 15 minutes.
We hope you enjoy this family recipe as much as we do.

Bean’s Baba Ray’s Turkey Stuffed Cabbage Using Hunt’s Tomatoes VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Disclosure: I was compensated by TheMotherhood and Hunt’s to write this blog post.