Today we’re partnering up with Rentals.com to show you that even in the smallest space, leased or owned, you can embrace Spring!

For our Get Real series, we talked about starting your edible garden just a week ago with our blog partner Rachel Tayse of Hounds in the Kitchen. I know a bigger garden is in the plans for me this year; however starting small is good too. The challenge is to just start somewhere.

One of the ways that you can start small, especially if you have limited space, is to start a container garden. Starting a container garden can be very simple. Here are some easy steps for accomplishing one.

My small patio garden two years ago. It did fantastic!

Choose a Container

You can choose a simple urn or terra cotta pot, or go bigger to a square window box or even a pre-made raised bed. Assess your space and what you have available. You can usually find adequate containers at your local hardware store, dollar store, discount store, thrift store or by perusing garage sales. Make sure that you have enough containers for what you want to start but not too many that you can’t get around them to water them properly.

Seeds or Starter Plants

Next you can start your herbs or small plants from seeds, or get starter plants from your local nursery or farmer’s market. I like to get my starters from my farmer’s market because I know how they were started, the soil they grew in and if I have problems I can come back to them and ask the following week.

Choose Your Soil

Next choose your soil. This can be tricky because you want soil that will retain moisture and nourish the plant, but not smother it. There are potting mixes available for container gardens at nurseries and big box stores. Just be sure to pick the right one for plants or edible gardens. When transplanting your starters, it’s important to break up the bottom and give the roots space to grow in their new home.

Water and Watch Them Grow

Then simply water them and watch them blossom! Get your children involved too and make it a project for them to take care of and watch together. And who knows you may get them to eat more veggies and try out some new herbs!

Here are some other great links to help you get started:

1. Leave a Comment telling us what you’ll be planting in your garden this Spring.

2. Follow @Rentals_com on Twitter – leave a separate comment saying you did so.

3. Tweet this contest –  Follow @Rentals_com  and @onceamonthmom and don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

4. Pin this post and share the love with others! (Leave the link to your pin as proof of this step and entry).

This giveaway ends April 25 at 5 PM (EST).

As a special thank you to our sponsor be sure to “Like” Rentals.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Rentals.com or follow them on Twitter @Rentals_com to get their latest tips on making the most of your home this spring. When you’re ready for a new place to call home, Rentals.com has the information you’ll need to find the perfect property for your family – choose from rental houses, apartments, condos or townhouses.

With 4 more children to follow her footsteps over then next 10 years, we are now starting to think about their futures and trying to come up with a plan to put a little away for each of them, without sacrificing our budget at the present time.

What is College Advantage?  CollegeAdvantage is a tax-free and tax-deductible college savings option. It is a top-rated Morningstar 529 plan designed to provide families with an easy and affordable way to save for education expenses. Anyone can contribute to a fund or open one on behalf of a child, making an initial investment as low as $25 with no enrollment or annual maintenance fees.  Putting aside just $25 per month in a CollegeAdvantage account from the time a child is born can grow to nearly $11,000 by the time that child turns 18.

If you open an account with at least $500 balance by June 1, 2012, you will receive a $25 bonus contribution to the newly opened account. Enter promo code SAVINGS at sign up.

My first question after reading about this plan was “ Is CollegeAdvantage just for Ohio residents?”   The answer is “No.”  CollegeAdvantage is Ohio’s 529 college savings program featuring tax-free savings, however anyone can open a CollegeAdvantage plan nationwide through the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. Financial advisors can also help you invest in CollegeAdvantage, and it can be used at any accredited college nationwide.

A CollegeAdvantage 529 college savings account is the perfect gift for that college-bound young person or your own children of any age.  Enrolling online is the fastest and easiest way to enroll. You can open and fund an online account in about 10 minutes.  Don’t miss out on the $25 bonus offer when you open a new CollegeAdvantage direct account with a minimum of $500 initial contribution.  Offer runs from March 18, 2012 through June 1, 2012.  Note: The $25 bonus contribution will be applied on or about June 15, 2012. View $25 Bonus Offer Rules.

We will also be giving away 1 $100 CollegeAdvantage scholarship to get started. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LIVE IN OHIO, JUST THE CONTINENTAL US!

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment telling me whose college education is on your mind.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Follow @ohio529plan on Twitter. And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Tweet this contest – use @onceamonthmom & @ohio529plan. (Maybe something like: Get ahead on saving 4 college w/ @ohio529plan & @onceamonthmom – no you don’t have to live in Ohio! #Ohio529 http://ow.ly/9PnQK) And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Monday, March 26th at 5 PM (EST).

Disclosure: CollegeAdvantage compensated us for advertising on this site. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

Today, I know different.  I know the consequences to each action.  I’ll have more energy, be more focused, make better choices, be kinder to myself, and dream bigger dreams if I take that one tiny action each and every day – get moving and ditch the excuses.

What propels me to stick with exercise?  It’s the confidence I’ve gained in myself over the past few years after dropping the extra weight. It’s challenging myself with each next goal – half-marathon, marathon, ultra-marathon and realizing at each finish line that yes, truly anything is possible if you have a goal and work hard.  The mental challenge of pushing beyond what you think is imaginable is rewarding in a way difficult to put in words.

What propels me to make healthy eating choices?  It comes from the energy gained from fueling my body with healthy, whole foods.  It’s the clarity in my mind.  It’s the feeling at the end of the day when you know you treated yourself kindly.

Eight years ago, I decided enough was enough.  It was time to stop making excuses and start holding myself accountable for my life and actions.  It was time to learn how to eat healthy, learn to love exercise and live my life to the fullest.

I took count of what I was eating and learned what I should have been eating.  I started incorporating small, easy changes.  Pretty soon, it was my way of life.  Bags of chips and cookies no longer called my name but fruits and vegetables did.  I started to incorporate daily exercise.  Slowly, it became a routine and eventually it became a love when I found my way to long distance running.

This is the time of year where people may find themselves falling back into old habits with food and exercise.  New Years resolutions may be forgotten.  Daily stress may take over and lead to bad decisions, out of habit.  Take the time to think about what is important in your life.  Are you doing what you can to achieve it?  Are you propelling yourself forward in life?  Have you stopped the excuses?

Propel Zero – in bottles and convenient powder packs – gives you vitamins C & E, B vitamins, and antioxidants. So you can replenish, energize, and protect with zero calories and no added color.

It’s what keeps you going  – so you can do what moves you. Join the conversation about What Propels You on Facebook now.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Propel Zero via Glam Media. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

In case your mind needs a little refreshing (mine usually does), here are the outfits that I asked you to weigh in on for my attire. I needed to select 3 day-wear outfits, 1 evening out outfit and 1 girls night in outfit. You all voted, and for the most part, I took your advice (if it was available) and selected those outfits.

I thought it would be fun to share with you what you chose for me, what I ended up looking like in the outfit, what Land’s End items were involved and what I thought/felt about the outfit. I am also doing this because several of you were asking me about what items I was wearing as I was sharing with you my fashion on Facebook. Oh yea, and I have a $100 Land’s End gift cards to give to 2 lucky readers that care to weigh in at the end of this post on what they loved most!

Chosen Outfits (also linked below so that you can compare how they turned out on me):

Land’s End Blissdom Conference Attire Pinterest Board

So here we go:

Outfit #1 – Day Wear #1

Originally, I was thinking that I was going to be at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for the day and then into the evening reception and I needed something that I could wear all day. What I failed to remember is that the evening reception is a bit dressier than day wear so I felt a little under dressed for the evening gathering. Over all, it wasn’t a huge problem, just a bit of poor planning on my part.

I liked the outfit well enough but it wasn’t my favorite. I was super comfortable which was really important to me but I think that I am girl that needs to stay away from stripes. Several of you thought this didn’t show off my petite figure and I have to agree, especially after you see all the other outfits. Again, really comfortable and stylish but not 100% me.

Oh, and that tote! I got the small one thinking I would just carry the iPad around in it and leave my laptop in the room but I quickly discovered my 15 inch laptop fit in it as well! Actually, both devices fit in it. I loved the little pockets and plenty of places to keep my cards handy too. Definitely a fun spring/summer bag.

Items I am wearing:

• Women’s Regular Starfish Long Sleeve Stripe Cotton Modal Terry Drape Cardigan
• Women’s Regular Chambray Straight Leg Pants
• Women’s Regular Lightweight Jersey 3/4-sleeve Pleated Scoopneck Top
• Women’s Lila Piped Ballet Shoes
• Women’s Small Kinzie Linen Tote Bag
• Women’s Skinny Leather Belt

Outfit #2 – Day Wear #2

Oh yes, now we are talking! THIS my friends made me feel like I wanted to feel. Sassy, business-like without being too much business, sexy, confident and comfortable.

As I put on this outfit I was extremely concerned that the shoes were going to be too much for the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Have you been to that place? It is mammoth! Our room and the conference center were on different ends so I had reason to be concerned. I was pleasantly surprised that my feet didn’t object to wearing these gorgeously fabulous shoes all day. They were not only super cute they were comfortable as well. The wedged heel really helped.

And after my husband’s prompting this dress will be making frequent appearances in my wardrobe this spring.

Items I am wearing:

• Women’s Regular Short Sleeve Cotton Modal Wrap Dress
• Women’s Valerie Flat Two-piece Sandals
• Women’s Small Kinzie Linen Tote Bag

Outfit #3 – Evening Wear #1

The original dress that you picked wasn’t in season so we had to choose an alternative. I was going to get the teal version to be close to your choice BUT my friend Amy was going and had the teal version so I wanted to make sure we weren’t twinsies for the conference. Not that I would have minded.

Let’s just say, when I tried this outfit on at home my husband was quite skeptical about letting me out of the house in it. I loved the dress because it was super comfortable yet dressy. I can definitely say that I am also going to get a lot of use out of this dress this summer as well.

And the shoes? I was so worried about these shoes because I wore the other heels earlier in the day and I was worried about my feet. I was pleasantly surprised that these shoes were even more comfortable than the ones I wore during the day. Seriously. I am not lying! They were super comfortable.

Items I am wearing:

• Women’s Regular Sleeveless Solid Cotton Modal Fit and Flare Dress
• Women’s Elizabeth Buckle Sandal
• Women’s Regular Fine Gauge Supima Crew Cardigan

Outfit #4 – Day Wear #3

If I was happy with the outfits up until now, I was euphoric over this outfit. I was so skeptical because prior to this day I had NEVER put on a pair of skinny jeans. I also had NEVER worn a pair of boots OVER my jeans. This was all new territory for me. Oh my, I am so glad that I did!

I got so many compliments on this outfit. It was perfect and comfortable and one that I can’t wait to wear over and over. I loved the scarf they sent too, it is my favorite color to wear. And those skinny jeans? They are actually cropped skinny jeans so i am going to get to wear them all summer long too. I am super excited about that.

Items I am wearing:

• Women’s Regular Long Sleeve Cotton Drape Cardigan
• Women’s Regular Lightweight Jersey 3/4-sleeve Pleated Scoopneck Top
• Women’s Petite Colored Denim Ankle Pants
• Women’s Diana Low Heel Riding Boots
• Women’s Crinkle Scarf (Land’s End Canvas)

Outfit #5 – Girls Night In #1

Nothing beats the end of three days of fun like a Girls Night In. And I was DEFINITELY going for comfortable for this outfit. The thing is, I was comfortable the whole conference! My favorite part of this outfit was undoubtedly the Starfish pants. Who doesn’t love a pair of pants that you can wear in public that feel like pajama pants. A win/win. When I am feeling like I want a pajama day (ahem, ahem, every day) but still have errands to run I can have the best of both worlds in these pants.

Items I am wearing:

• Women’s Regular Half Sleeve Starfish Stripe Scoop Top
• Women’s Regular Starfish Refined Stretch Pants
• Women’s Regular Long Sleeve Cotton Drape Cardigan
• Women’s Gatas Canvas Slip-on Shoes

And now for the real reason you read this far, you want some Land’s End goodness for yourself! Here is how you enter to win:

CONTEST CLOSED – Winners – Sharon Rooney and Teresa (t.fetch)

1. Leave a Comment telling me which of the new Land’s End apparel items you most want for spring/summer.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Follow @landsend on twitter.

3. Tweet this contest – use @onceamonthmom & @landsend. (Maybe something like: I want to look as good as @onceamonthmom this spring/summer courtesy of @landsend - http://bit.ly/ysRaDN ) And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

4. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Monday, March 12th at 5 pm (EST).

Disclosure: Land’s End provided me with my attire and compensated me for my representation of them at Blissdom. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

College seems so incredibly expensive, and will probably only be getting more expensive in the future. Students aren’t the only ones who feel overwhelmed by applying to college, obtaining financial aid, and all the steps in between: many parents are intimidated by the lengthy and confusing process as well.  More and more parents are realizing that they should start saving for their children’s college educations as early as possible.  What do I know about this?  My son is a high school sophomore and my oldest daughter starts high school next year.  To say we are concerned about upcoming college payments is putting it lightly!

This year, resolve not to be intimidated. Instead, lay out a plan for how you and your child will tackle the process. Make time for research, college visits, applications, financial aid prep as needed, and discussions about the final big decision. Then break it down and take on only one project at a time.

My husband usually takes care of the investments and savings – but I have to admit this one caught my eye.  And, to help boost awareness and help parents and grandparents start tucking away money for college in this tough economy, CollegeAdvantage is offering a $100 CollegeAdvantage scholarship to a reader (child of any age) to get them started on saving. Who-hoo! That is free money for your child’s education and gives you an little help in getting into the habit of starting a college fund no matter what your child’s age.

What is CollegeAdvantage?  CollegeAdvantage is a tax-free and tax-deductible college savings option. It is a top-rated Morningstar 529 plan designed to provide families with an easy and affordable way to save for education expenses. Anyone can contribute to a fund or open one on behalf of a child, making an initial investment as low as $25 with no enrollment or annual maintenance fees.  Putting aside just $25 per month in a CollegeAdvantage account from the time a child is born can grow to nearly $11,000 by the time that child turns 18.   My favorite part is that families can enroll easily online, making an initial investment as low as $25.  The CollegeAdvantage website features a handy college cost calculator to help families determine college savings goals and how to meet them.

Is CollegeAdvantage just for Ohio residents?  That is what I was wondering, but the answer is “No.”  CollegeAdvantage is Ohio’s 529 college savings program featuring tax-free savings, however anyone can open a CollegeAdvantage plan nationwide through the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. Financial advisors can also help you invest in CollegeAdvantage, and it can be used at any accredited college nationwide.

A CollegeAdvantage 529 college savings account is the perfect gift for that college-bound young person on your shopping list this holiday season.  Enrolling online is the fastest and easiest way to enroll. You can open and fund an online account in about 10 minutes.  Don’t miss out on the $25 bonus offer when you open a new CollegeAdvantage direct account with a minimum $100 initial contribution. Promotion code PLAN will automatically populate the enrollment application when you click through here to begin the enrollment process. Offer ends December 31, 2011. Note: The $25 bonus contribution will be applied on or about March 15, 2012. View $25 Bonus Offer Rules.

Thinking about college and tuition can be scary, and not to mention paying for the books, dorms, and other expenses!  However, CollegeAdvantage is not just for tuition fees. It can also be used for room and board, books and other qualified college expenses.  And don’t worry- if your kid decides not to go to college, you can change beneficiary or withdraw the funds.

One thing we have done over the years to get our kids ready to leave the nest, is to take time to teach our kids about finances now while they are still at home.  This is a good idea, no matter how your old child is. Even if your child is young, you can can start to teach the basics of budgeting and saving, so he or she will be prepared to take on more and more financial responsibility as they get older.  Having a savings plan you can look at together and watch grow for their college education is a great teaching tool for your child while saving for their future education at the same time.

Here is how you enter to win the $100 CollegeAdvantage Scholarship (you do NOT have to live in Ohio or have an older child, any age child is eligible to receive this gift):

a Rafflecopter giveawayDisclosure: CollegeAdvantage compensated us for advertising on this site. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

Smart Sweets is another wonderful ebook from Kitchen Stewardship! If you’re looking to make a few holiday treats this season with a healthier and more whole twist, this is the book for you. There is a lot of content and plenty of recipes sure to please everyone in your house. There are helpful hints at the end of each recipe on how to cut corners if needed, easy indicators on what is refined sugar free, gluten free, grain free, nut free, dairy free and much more!

Another favorite part of mine are her indicators for time, real food rating and cost. This can help you decide which recipes are more complicated, what are healthier than the store bought versions, and how much money you’ll spend. Along with the great educational content there are a few pages of pictures to wet your palate as you peruse the pages.

One of the recipes that caught my eye for our enjoyment this season is the Whole Wheat Fruit Pizza. I am excited to try it out and see if I can even make it freezer friendly for us to enjoy for lunch dessert or snack!

Whole Wheat Fruit Pizza

Author/Source: Kitchen Stewardship Smart Sweets eBook

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar or sucanat
• 2 cups white whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup yogurt cheese or cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar or 4 Tablespoons real maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Variety of cut fruit (bananas, kiwi, strawberries, peaches, berries, whatever you like!)

Directions:

For the crust: Cream butter and sugar. Mix in the flour. Typically one stops mixing when the dough is uniform, but beat 30-60 seconds beyond that and it will get less crumbly and more creamy. You may need to finish by hand. Butter a small cookie sheet, 9×13” glass dish or my favorite, a baking stone. Aim for a thickness of about 1⁄4′′ and be careful to make the crust very even – thinner parts will burn. Press with fingers and palms, or if using a stone, you can roll it flat with a rolling pin (plus slices are easier to remove). Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Watch the edges; they can brown quickly. As soon as you see brown on the edges, it’s done! Cool on a rack. I do not recommend moving the pieces of crust before frosting, and definitely not before completely cooled.

For the frosting: Use an electric mixer or beaters to whip the yogurt or cream cheese into a frosting consistency. Add a bit of sweetener, taste, and repeat until sufficiently seasoned to taste or you’ve eaten it all.

Spread the frosting on the crust once it’s completely cooled, and arrange fresh fruit on top. Cut into 2×2” squares to serve.

Thanks to Kitchen Stewardship we are giving away TWO FREE COPIES of the Smart Sweets ebook! This ebook would be a wonderful addition to your collection and a great way to start your journey with us for our Get Real Series coming in January!

We would like to thank Kitchen Stewardship for putting together an amazing ebook and would encourage you to stop by and order yours! If you do happen to be a winner we will reimburse you your cost, so go ahead and buy today!

(And if you want to buy it but are afraid you may win it, no worries, if you purchase it and win the contest we will reimburse you the cost of the ebook or let you gift it to someone. Your choice! So no worries, don’t hesitate to buy it NOW!)

Here is how you enter to win:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway ends December 19th at MIDNIGHT (EST).

Disclosure: Kitchen Stewardship provided me with Smart Sweets ebook to review and to give to readers. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how we facilitate reviews, view our full disclosure policy!

• Crustless Zucchini and Pesto Mini-Quiches in muffin tins
• Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells in a glass baking pan

And I have to admit, since then I have tried the new improved PAM Cooking Spray on my cookie sheets, rice cooker and slow cooker and each time it has had perfect results. I’m hooked.

You shouldn’t just take my word for it, you should try it for yourself! You can with this coupon (downloadable until 11/15/11 and useable until 11/30/11)! And that is not all, PAM Cooking Spray would love to gift FIVE of you with this awesome prize pack filled with kitchen goodies: PAM Cooking Spray, spatula, oven mitt, Pyrex baking dish, Wilton muffin tin and some great recipes.

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment telling me what you are looking forward to cooking with the New Improved PAM Cooking Spray.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet this contest – use @onceamonthmom & #PamPerfection. (Maybe something like: I’m ready to get cooking with the new #PAMPerfection cooking spray courtesy of @onceamonthmom http://ow.ly/74bsl) And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 5 pm (EST).

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Disclosure: I received compensation, a toolkit and PAM promotional items from ConAgra Foods to conduct this review. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

In our house, the start of school/beginning of fall is both anticipated and dreaded by both kids and parents alike.  As a mother of 5, the beginning of school means a little more quiet time during the school day, and fewer hungry kids roaming the  pantry all day long.  However it also means that our after-school and evening times are very, very busy and don’t leave a lot of flexibility for cooking dinners.

So when the opportunity to write a review for Feast in 15 came across my computer, I jumped at the chance!  First because I would get a sneak peek at an eCookbook and also because I knew they would be quick easy meals that would still be tasty and satisfy my family’s nutritional needs.  And I wasn’t disappointed.

The book begins with a comprehensive listing of the Top 5 “Useful Tools for Quick Cooking”, followed by a section “Naturally Fast Foods” which gives you suggestion on pantry staples that are super quick to prep.

The recipes that follow are so simple, yet super tasty to satisfy all your hungry, picky eaters.  Open your pantry door and you are sure to find ingredients to make one or more of the meals without even going to the store! I found myself in quite a few “A Ha” moments as I read through the collection of recipes. So simple, why haven’t we thought of that before?

My favorite favorite recipe has to be that for the Nachos on page 30.  Anything with tortilla chips in the recipe will be on our table in a day or less..and this was no different.  I have made nachos in the past but always struggled on how to prep so they taste like that from your favorite restaurant.  In this recipe, the combination of diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, taco seasoning, cheese and beef atop the chips, then put in the oven to broil for just a bit …..it is well…perfection in my book!

Now that your taste buds are hopefully craving nachos….get your own copy of Feast in 15! Open the pantry and start cooking!

This Tuesday, October 18, 2011 starting at 7:00 am EST, a graduated pricing discount code based on this structure will be in effect:

• 50 books at $.49 cents
• 100 books at $.99 cents
• 200 books at $1.99
• 300 books at $2.99
• 400 books at $3.99

I will try my best to update you on the Once A Month Mom Facebook Page as well! I hope this helps you in the least little bit.

Disclosure: I was provided a free copy of the eCookbook to review, and the links are affiliate links. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

The truth of the matter is that he simple loves so many things about being in the kitchen. I suppose when you have a mom with a cooking blog you spend some time in the kitchen getting to know the art of the trade. He not only loves grocery shopping, he loves cooking too. It is a win/win for me. And as we approach our first year of “homeschooling” this year (I use quotes because we are just in preschool now) I have looked for ways to incorporate cooking into our curriculum, both inside and outside the kitchen.

I love teaching him hands on IN the kitchen, but sometimes, that just isn’t feasible. Or safe. So I have been looking for ways to teach him outside the kitchen as well. Several months ago when I began my research I asked YOU which play kitchen I should consider purchasing for him. When I read the comments, it was clear that Step2 was the way I wanted to go. So like any good blogger does, I contacted them.

After talking awhile about our upcoming homeschool and acknowledging that we had TWO children that were going to be using the kitchen at the same time, we decided that the Fresh Market Kitchen would be the best fit. And I am pleased to report it was a wise decision. My kids absolutely LOVE this kitchen! (And their friends keep asking if they can come over and play.)

I will be completely honest that I thought I could easily assemble this thing by myself one evening when the kids were in bed. I was wrong. It definitely took a drill and a muscled man to get it assembled. But the up side to that is that it is tremendously sturdy and a toy that my kids are not going to easily destroy. I will take that trade-off.

I “picked” this kitchen because not only did it have bubbling, boiling stove top. It had a farm market shopping area as well. I knew that my grocery shopping loving son would be in love with the cash register and selling items. I have not been disappointed. And as you can see, he is learning a lot already.

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The GREAT news is that Step2 wants to share with YOU to! This would be a great item to win and store away for the holidays for the kiddos! How fun would that be to have waiting in the living room on Christmas morning? One lucky Once A Month Mom reader (US only please) will win a Fresh Market Kitchen of their own.

And those homeschool plans. . .I will share more about WHAT we are doing with the kitchen and how we are incorporating it into our curriculum when I announce the winner. This post is getting WAY too long.

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment telling me your favorite Step2 product OR how you would use this product with the kid in your life.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Follow @thestep2company on Twitter. Comment below that you have done so.

3. Complete the OAMM Survey – please fill out the survey completely and leave a comment below that you have done so.

Tweet this contest – use @onceamonthmom & @thestep2company. (Maybe something like: My kids are going to cook it up if I win @thestep2company Fresh Market Kitchen from @onceamonthmom http://ow.ly/6vPFW) And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Sunday, October 2nd at 5 pm (EST).

Disclosure: Step2 provided me with a Fresh Market Kitchen and a Fresh Market Kitchen for giving to readers. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

When my second daughter was born 7 years later, we were using a digital camera.  I have to tell you, I love being able to tell if a shot I took of squirmy kids actually worked or if someone was busy looking off somewhere else.  It’s instant gratification if you like to share photos of the grandkids in an email, or like to show friends the pictures of a trip.  Love it!  The only thing I don’t like about digital, is that now I don’t seem to have photos laying around to scrapbook.  When I do have time to sit down and work on a scrapbook, it is usually a spur of the moment thing, a stolen moment in a day.  If I don’t have pictures already printed off, then no scrapbooking happens.  Again…  I think that Shutterfly just might have the solution for me, blending my love of digital picture taking and scrapbooking.

I recently had a chance to check out Shutterfly’s website. I really liked their new “Custom Path” photo book section.  It gives you the ability to build you photo book to match your style and personality.  The custom path books include a variety of photo layouts, unique backgrounds, text boxes, and plenty of embellishments.  My favorite element are all the idea pages.  Sometimes looking at so many options can be overwhelming, so using an idea page and simply insert your photos.  It is a great jumping off point for your own creativity!  Even though all the idea pages, embellishments and backgrounds are sorted by themes (baby, travels, family, seasons, etc.) be sure to look into other theme areas for possible embellishments to use.  I was really thrilled to find a theme called “My Recipes.”  I am using it to pull together all the wonderful recipes my Grandma Edith made and my adaptions to them (now that we have food allergies).  Don’t tell my mom, but I am putting it together for her as a gift.  :)  I can’t wait for her to have her mother’s recipes all made over so she can safely eat them.

The thing that took the longest was for me to scan in my Grandma’s recipes and crop them neatly in my photo program.  However, once that was finished it was really easy to import photos into Shutterfly’s program, them drag and drop the photo’s where I wanted them.  It was really easy to make changes, simply clicking to change background colors, or to move text boxes.

Here is how the page started:  

But after just a few clicks and a photo of Grandma, I ended up with this:

There is preset font in the text boxes, but that is easily changed while filling in your text.  

Not a great speller?  Photo resolution poor?  Shutterfly will let you know if there are potential problems with your text or photo by putting in a yellow warning triangle.  Don’t worry, it won’t print, but it gives you a good indication what you should check.  Apparently, the Swedish dinner prayer of my grandpa and grandma wan’t recognized.  :)  

There are several different layouts already set in the “My Recipes” book, so it was easy to find ones that fit my odd sized recipe scans.  The pages look really professional.  In the embellishments I founds “Family Favorite” sticker to mark the recipes everyone must have at all holiday gatherings.

Overall, I am really pleased with the tools that Shutterfly has to offer.  There is a lot of flexibility if you want to put together something unusual, yet a lot of really attractive preset photo books if you only have time to download pictures, in a really easy to use format.

I am working on a family recipe book, but at Shutterfly.com your photo options don’t stop at photo books.  They can also provide beautiful and unique announcements for a new baby, wedding or move.  When birthdays roll around,  Shutterfly can also assist with birthday invitations.  I am really excited about the options they have for Christmas Cards.  I think a memory photo book for my Boy Scout or my Girl Scouts or for graduation would be a wonderful gift to give.  Really, the only way for you to see all the great items Shutterfly can personalize with your photos is to click here and browse their site.

Shutterfly wants to help you get started on your scrapbooking Christmas projects too! We are giving away 10 8×8 Shutterfly books (like seen above) to 10 lucky readers. All you have to do is enter to win. Here is how you enter to win (remember to leave separate comments for each entry):

1. Leave a Comment telling me what you would create with your FREE Shutterfly Custom Path Photo Book.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – use @onceamonthmom & @shutterfly. (Maybe something like: I can FINALLY get my pictures together if I win an @shutterfly photo book from @onceamonthmom http://ow.ly/5ORJj) And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Follow @Shutterfly on Twitter. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

4. Become a Facebook Fan of Once A Month Mom Fan Page. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

5. Become a Facebook Fan of Shutterfly. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

6. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Tuesday, August 2nd at 5:00 PM (EST).

Disclosure: Shutterfly provided me with a photo book and 10 photo books for giving to readers. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

As I mentioned earlier in the week, living in Colorado is tough with the lack of seafood and the price tag for the options we do have. It’s wonderful to have a company such as Anderson Seafoods. Easy online ordering of fresh, frozen, specialty, smoked and entree seafood delivered right to your door. The packaging is incredible and the customer service was also just wonderful. To really get a grand idea of all Anderson Seafoods had to provide, I received fresh and frozen mahi mahi and halibut filets, ahi potstickers, and shrimp stuffed poblano pepper to try out.

I’m pretty famous around my house for my fish tacos. I’ve tried to perfect a local restaurant’s recipe for years and just cannot get it right. And I planned to share with you the recipe until we had a minor mishap this week and I couldn’t get to them to provide you with a great picture. Stay tuned though, I’ll share very soon!

I did however experiment with my Anderson Seafoods fresh halibut they sent me and came up with this recipe:

Halibut with Lemon Dijon Marinade

Author/Source:

Kelly @ Onceamonthmom.com

Ingredients:

• Two halibut filets
• Juice of one lemon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 Tablespoon rosemary
• 1/2 Tablespoon garlic, minced
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper

Directions:

Mix all marinade ingredients into a bowl and whisk until blended. Place in a freezer bag with halibut filets and let sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Preheat oven to 375. Place filets onto covered baking sheet and cook for about 15 minutes until firm to the touch. Serve over risotto rice.

Freezing Directions:

Combine all ingredients into a gallon freezer bag and freeze until ready to serve. To Serve: Thaw. Preheat oven to 375. Place filets onto covered baking sheet and cook for about 15-20 minutes until firm to the touch. Serve over risotto rice.

Servings: 2

Now what you all have been waiting for, the winner of the Anderson Seafoods $125 gift card!!

CONGRATULATIONS Maura – ahi potstickers sound great!!

Please email us at info@onceamonthmom.com by Monday June 20th to claim your prize!

Add more fish to your diet. If you are anything like me you hear that advice and simultaneously see dollar signs adding up in your head. Living in Colorado we don’t have the easiest access to the freshest seafood options. We lived in the Pacific Northwest for 18 months and enjoyed as much seafood as we could possibly stomach. It’s one of the biggest things I miss from being up there. But I figured I would take my 300 days of sunshine in Colorado and deal with the lack of seafood options.

That is until I heard about Anderson Seafoods. Easy online ordering of fresh, frozen, specialty, smoked and entree seafood delivered right to your door. The packaging is incredible and the customer service was also just wonderful. We had a slight mis-communication on delivery day schedules, however their customer service representative made sure that my package was delivered with care and the contents were what I had expected!

To really get a grand idea of all Anderson Seafoods had to provide, I received fresh and frozen mahi mahi and halibut filets, ahi potstickers, and shrimp stuffed poblano pepper to try out.

This week we tried out this delicious recipe Pan Roasted Halibut with marinated heirloom tomatoes (see picture above). Now because I’m the Whole Foods writer here I had to adjust a little according to what I had in season. My tomatoes are no where near ready so I picked up some cherry tomatoes from the farmer’s market as well as some herbs for the pasta we had as a side. This recipe was easy, fast and delicious! Even the little guy loved it. We’ll definitely try it again!

A few weeks ago we had a crazy Saturday and we needed a quick meal, it was fun to tune into my inner Cher (circa Mermaids) and we whipped up the ahi potstickers with some homemade dipping sauce and white rice. What a treat! I’ll definitely be ordering these again since they were just mouthwatering.

And Anderson Seafoods might just be what you need to treat dad to a wonderful Father’s Day. They have a special going on now through June 17th (Friday) that if you order $130 or more you get two free entrees. Ordering $130 worth also means that you get free shipping so this is an amazing deal. And on top of all that, Once A Month Mom has an Anderson Seafoods gift the dad in your life might like to receive from you. . .a $125 gift card!!

Perfect Potstickers for a fun Saturday night meal!

Enter to win $125 Gift Card from Anderson Seafoods:

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment telling me which items you would order fresh to your door from Anderson Seafoods.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – use @onceamonthmom, @WholeFoodsOAMM & @andersonseafood. (Maybe something like: Treat dad to some fresh @andersonseafood via @onceamonthmom this Father’s Day http://bit.ly/kfJLf7) And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Follow @andersonseafood on Twitter. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

4. Become a Facebook Fan of Once A Month Mom Fan Page. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

5. Become a Facebook Fan of Anderson Seafood. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

6. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Sunday, June 19th at 5 PM (EST).

Disclosure: I received the food listed above to review as a part of this giveaway. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how we facilitate reviews, view our full disclosure policy!
**And if you haven’t gotten your copy of the Survive Before 5: Toddler Meals for Your Busy Days eCookbook, be sure to get your copy now. It is on sale through July 1st for just $5.99 with the code OAMM599.

In celebration of the nearing spring as well as St. Patrick’s Day this month, I have a fun GREEN-themed Giveaway for you, sponsored by Green Giant and My Blog Spark.

One “lucky” winner will receive:

• a large funky lime-green lined bowl (Perfect for serving a green salad!)
• a lime-green silicone spoon (LOVE these because they don’t melt when I’m cooking!)
• a free coupon for Green Giant frozen veggies (Diet OAMMers, these are endorsed by Weight Watchers!)
• a pedometer
• a thermal-lined tote bag (Perfect for taking dishes to a potluck or picnic.)

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment telling us your favorite GREEN food.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Become a Facebook Fan of Once A Month Mom Fan Page. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

3. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Monday, March 14th at 8 pm (EST).

Disclosure: Green Giant & My Blog Spark provided me (Pam) with this prize package and one for giving to readers. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

One of their favorite activities they love to do together is to go see the latest kids movie. Have you seen the previews for the new 20th Century Fox movie Rio? It comes out April 15th so we already have our calendars marked.

Chiquita is partnering with 20thCentury Fox and the movie Rio to bring you some fun stuff in anticipation of the movie. They have a great website with interactive games, coloring pages, videos, easy Chiquita recipes and sweepstakes prizes that you and your family will enjoy together. Check it out.

I don’t know about you but I love sites like this one that bring real world entertainment to our home with helpful learning activities. These are the type of activities and interaction online that help my son to retain the lessons that he has learned through movies or the educational lessons we are working on.

Disclosure: Chiquita provided me with compensation and information for writing this post. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

For me one of the greatest obstacles to any cooking is my grocery list. I NEED to have a complete and thorough list BEFORE heading to the store. Otherwise, I am just plain lost. I end up forgetting key ingredients I need and therefore end up running to the store or scrapping the dinner plan altogether. Although, that is the benefit of freezer cooking, I make sure I have all the ingredients on hand.

But as some of you have indicated, sometimes you have a desire to just cook for a week or two weeks. You can fathom the idea of being in the kitchen for a whole day, maybe just half a day for you. Well, you need to organize your lists for that too. As you can see from the Once A Month Mom grocery lists, I believe in having your grocery list all set up and organized by area of the grocery store. This further insures (or at least prevents) me from missing necessary ingredients.

Sample Menu Plan

Well, there is a a FREE new resource that is being made available to you that might just help you with just that! I am excited to be a part of a multi-blog promotion to tell you about Say Mmm. Say Mmm is a new resource for helping you to create grocery shopping lists and organize your recipes into meal plans. In an effort to show you just how the system works, I, and some great blogging counterparts, have submitted some suggested recipes for you for a weekly meal plan, check them out! You will find 6 customized weekly meal plans for you and your family, all from your favorite bloggers.

Who are these other fabulous bloggers?

• Sara @ Finding Joy in My Kitchen - Organizing My Kitchen {and Yours Too!}
• Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers - Breakfast Organization (With Giveaways!)
• Heather @ Home Ec 101 – Getting Organized: Menu Planning
• Tricia @ Once a Month Mom – Say Goodbye to Disorganized Meal Planning
• Laura@ Organizing Junkie – New Feature: Printable Grocery Lists + Giveaway
• Toni @ The Happy Housewife - Organize With Less
• Brian @ Say Mmm site/blog – Help Getting Organized

Wow! Can I just say I am honored to be on a list with these fabulous women?

And it gets better! We want you to try out Say Mmm for yourself. Don’t just take our word on how it makes menu planning easier, you should try it first hand. (If you are a blogger with recipes on your site there is a special contest going on for you at Org Junkie.) After all, Say Mmm needs your valuable feedback to make this a useful tool! I will be drawing 9 winners – one winner for each of these prizes:

• 4 copies of the BRAND NEW Org Junkie book Clutter Rehab
• 2 six-month subscriptions to Say Mmm Plus (this is added features BEYOND the free features)
• 3 copies of Heavenly Homemakers Do the Funky Kitchen ebook to help you organize your kitchen

Here is how you can enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment on how Say Mmm can help you meal plan, grocery shop or more.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Visit EACH of the blogs listed above who are also running the same contest – enter on their sites as well!

3. Tweet or Facebook this contest – use @onceamonthmom & @sayMmm. (Maybe something like: Make meal plans easy with @sayMmm & @onceamonthmom http://bit.ly/egcDu0) And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

4. Follow @sayMmm on Twitter. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

5. Follow @onceamonthmom on Twitter. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

6. Become a Facebook Fan of Once A Month Mom Fan Page. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

7. Become a Facebook Fan of the Say Mmm. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

8. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Thursday, February 10 at 8:00 PM (EST).

If not, we need to talk because I need to know your secret!!

Well, that’s me right now.

The normal hustle and bustle makes my day crazy enough, but remember when I told you that my family lives in 740 square feet? Well, we sold our loft and are moving!!

We are extremely grateful to be moving, but if you’ve ever attempted it yourself, you know that life doesn’t slow down just so you can pack a few boxes.

Well, I was stoked when Apartment Guide told me about their online moving center! Can you say perfect timing? They provide several helpful resources like a move-out checklist and offer tricks to help you create a moving plan. Plus they have tips for decorating, cleaning, organizing and making the most of your space.

Apartment Guide is also offering a gift card for me (and a lucky reader!!!!) to make over a space in our home!! Since I’m moving from such a small home, the options seem endless. But, I’ve decided that I’m going to make over the kitchen to make it more diet-friendly.

I need your help, though.

What are your best suggestions for making your kitchen a place that will trim the waistline instead of add to it? I’m thinking I’d like to get a salad spinner, a grill pan, and maybe a starter kit for an herb garden. But what else would you suggest?

Your suggestions will be crucial for this cooking makeover. But, they will also be one of your entries to win a $100 American Express gift card to makeover your own space!! Just remember, you don’t have to wait until you move to create a new space for yourself. The new year is a perfect time to create a new space in your home with the help of Apartment Guide.

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment telling me your best gadget or idea for making the kitchen healthy and diet-friendly.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – use @dietoamm & @aptguide. (Maybe something like: Win a $100 AMEX gift card from @aptguide by helping @dietoamm make her kitchen healthy http://bit.ly/grrSud) And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Follow @aptguide on Twitter. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

4. Follow @dietoamm on Twitter. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

5. Become a Facebook Fan of Once A Month Mom Fan Page. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

6. Become a Facebook Fan of the Apartment Guide Fan Page. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

7. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Saturday, January 29 at 8:00 PM (EST).

Disclosure: Apartment Guide is owned by Consumer Source, Inc. Apartment Guide partnered with bloggers such as myself to participate in its New Year, New Space Blogger Challenge.  As part of that program, I received compensation.  They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the products used for the New Year, New Space Blogger Challenge. Apartment Guide and Consumer Source believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. If you’d like to know more about how I facilitate reviews you can view the full disclosure policy here.

However, it hasn’t stopped me from day dreaming about things I would love to do to this house should we decide to stay (or dabbling in what our new house might look like). One of my favorite past-times, aside from cooking, is to peruse the local hardware stores dreaming up our next house project. It makes my husband sick just thinking about it. He doesn’t so much like the “home improvements” category of his husband position.

Nonetheless, I recently learned that the Home Depot has a bathing feature going on and it has me dreaming up my “hiding place” after I have finished my cooking. After all, a girl needs to pamper herself a bit, especially her feet after cooking, and the bathtub with some candles is my favorite place to do that!

Our "Cozy" Bathroom

Well, if you have seen my current bathroom you know that it isn’t exactly somewhere I am flocking to. It has served me well over the years but is a *tad* smaller now that we have two small children. Space is tight. So if there is one thing that I want to do it is try to figure out how to create more space in this bathroom.

I’m headed to Home Depot this weekend to check out the options they have as part of their Renew Your Bath promotion (now through February 23rd). I’m hoping that making some of these changes will help enhance the buying experience for the next family. And hopefully create more space for them as well.

Does your bathroom need a redo? This might be the perfect time to dig in and make a change. There are lots of bathroom items on sale and tons of resources, including staff, to help you make the needed changes. Here are some resources for you!

• Learn about easy ways to Renew and Redo your bath
• Water conservation ideas
• How-to guides
• 10 most common small bath projects
• Find out how to renevate for $250, $500 or $1000

So head on over to dream a little for yourself. And I will get back to you next weekend on what we are thinking about doing with ours after checking out the great event. AND their just might be something in it for YOU too! In the meantime, do you have any suggestions for updating our bathroom?

Disclosure: The Home Depot works with bloggers such as myself to conduct product reviews. They do not tell bloggers what to say about their products or how to say it. The Home Depot fundamentally believes that people should be free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. The Home Depot often provides product – free of charge – to bloggers for review as they did for this post. The Home Depot’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

Because of my neglect, we ate out more than I care to admit. And we felt it – in the waistline and in the wallet.

We’re now back on track, though. My husband even helped with our latest big cooking day. Taking the time to prepare and cook our meals for the month has really helped us stick to our “diet” so far. My husband even commented that he is totally reaping the benefits and will help me on every big cooking day! Trust me, this is the first time he’s ever told me that! Woot!

Now, let me tell you exactly what my husband does while I’m cooking.

He cleans!

If you’ve ever attempted once a month cooking you know your kitchen becomes a disaster! So, yes, he’s a saint and I know I’m lucky!!

Speaking of cleaning kitchens, Tricia and I were talking about how you don’t know much about your Diet Once A Month Mom menu writer yet. So, I thought I’d remedy that situation and tell you a little bit about myself.

• I’m married to my high-school sweetheart and we have a huge passion for marriages…specifically, making good marriages great!
• I’m a mom to a little guy with loads of personality! He never meets a stranger and he loves to “help” in the kitchen.
• The three of us live in a 740 square foot high-rise.
• I left the corporate world to stay home with my son, but somehow I ended up with several new random gigs (other than taking care of my little guy):
  • I book events for a women’s speaker/author,
  • I write Bible curriculum,
  • I create Diet Once a Month Mom menus,
  • I blog full time on iDreamofClean, and
  • I just put together my first ebook!

When researching content for iDreamofClean, I came across several cleaning schedules, but none of them fit the way I live.

Since we all have different homes, schedules, and families, it seems to me that we should all have different cleaning schedules. So, I put together a plan that fits me. And you. Your family. Your home. Your lifestyle.

Create Your Perfect Cleaning Schedule will do just that…help YOU create a schedule thats perfect for you! You’ll find a list of things you should be cleaning, listed by category and room as well as frequency. All you have to do is input the items (only the ones you want to clean!) in your calendar or one of the templates provided for you.

It’s priced at $7.99 but use the code CleanNewYear until January 15 for a 50% discount. Get your copy here.

PLUS, you can completely recoup your cost and even make some extra money by becoming an affiliate. Each affiliate earns 50% of sales generated through your website, facebook page, twitter, etc. For more information, click here.

But, enough about me. I want to know more about you! So, I’m going to bribe you by giving one of you a copy of Creating Your Perfect Cleaning Schedule. (Just so you know, if you buy a copy now but win the freebie, your money will be refunded.)

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment telling me something interesting about yourself or one of your goals for 2011.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Become a Facebook Fan of Once A Month Mom Fan Page. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you have already.

3. Become a Facebook Fan of iDreamofClean. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you have already.

4. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

5. Subscribe to the iDreamofClean blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so or if you have already.

This giveaway ends Tuesday, January 11 at NOON (EST).

Since this is a food blog it is only natural we should talk about food at the holidays, right? I am curious, do you have a big Christmas Eve meal? Christmas Day meal? Day after Christmas Meal? Between Breakfast and Christmas Dinner meal?

For us, our big meals around Christmas are Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas morning breakfast. It has become a tradition for us to get together with my mom and that immediate family on the Eve of Christmas for a big meal. Our meal selection usually includes a baked ham and then a bunch of our favorite sides (scalloped corn, sweet potato casserole, pickled beets). Then, on Christmas morning my husband’s family has a tradition of fixing sausage gravy over biscuits for Christmas morning. Even when we are not with them we have kept this tradition.

I know for us we tend to want the same things for our holiday meal. What about you? Do you like those traditions or do you look for something new to make each year?

The National Pork Board has recently been working with celeb Chef Michael Symon to mix up seasonal flavors by pairing pork with unsuspecting holiday favorites like cinnamon, chocolate and pumpkin.  Chef Symon shows how pork can be enhanced by almost any ingredient with recipes like “Cider-and-Beer-Braised Pork with Chocolate Mole” and “Coriander and Cumin Roasted Rack of Pork with Five Spice Pumpkin Puree.” Mmm, doesn’t that sound good? Chocolate? Yes, please!

It won’t arrive in time to help you with your Christmas meal, but perhaps your New Years meal? I have a holiday pork kit for one of you! FULL of great products and ideas to spice up your holidays (and your dinner)! Here is what is in the gift pack:

• An exclusive holiday recipe from Michael Symon
• A $25 gift card to conveniently purchase your favorite pork cuts online
• A large assortment of seasonal spices to inspire flavor-rich holiday pairings
• A chic holiday serving platter to reinvigorate your holiday dinner style
• A signed copy of Michael Symon’s new cookbook
• Two festive aprons to prepare your holiday feasts
• A digital meat thermometer to ensure that your holiday meals are delicious yet safe

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment telling me which meal is most important for you during the holidays and what do you eat?

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – use @onceamonthmom & @allaboutpork. (Maybe something like: Let @allaboutpork & @onceamonthmom spice up your holiday w/new recipes:http://bit.ly/eW3WeH) And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Follow on @allaboutpork Twitter. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

4. Become a Facebook Fan of Once A Month Mom Fan Page. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

5. Become a Facebook Fan of The Other White Meat. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

6. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Tuesday, December 28th at 9 pm (EST).

This post is linked at Things I Love Thursday at Diaper Diaries.

Disclosure: The National Pork Board provided me with a pork kit and one for giving to a reader. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

All the groceries are loaded on the belt, the items on my list are checked off and my frazzled day and grocery shopping are finally coming to an end. Then the cashier asks, “Do you have your rewards card ma’am?” UGH! I forgot it AGAIN! How in the world does that happen?

Oh wait, I know how that happens. It happens because I have been chasing two small children around the house all day playing “scary monster” and trying my darnedest to wear them to the bone, bone tired that is. Then there is the grocery list I have been trying to make all day amidst the bowls of cereal and fish sticks. All the while perusing my favorite coupon sites to make sure I will be getting the best deal. And when that harried day is over, off to the grocery store I go.

Remember the keys with all of the rewards cards on them? Remember several of the 122 recyclable bags I have laying around my house ready to be used? Of course NOT! If it isn’t attached to my person (and sometimes even when it is) there is NO guarantee I will remember.

So I say to the cashier (as I am typing away on Twitter), “No, I forgot it yet again! You know, someone needs to come up with a phone app for that!” To which she replies, “Well you can enter your alternate ID on the key pad there.” And me? I respond, “Well, yea, I could do that but wouldn’t it be great if I could just hand you my phone and you could scan THAT?” She gave me a blank stare.

{No lie, this is EXACTLY what happened.}

I went on my harried frazzled merry way and didn’t think about it again. That is until Clever Girls Collective wrote me about a product they were looking for bloggers to promote: SWAGG! And after I picked my jaw up from the floor that someone was recording and monitoring my every conversation and thus turning my thoughts into usable products, I knew I had to do it!

Seriously, can you even imagine? All of your rewards cards in one place? That you already carry with you anyway? This is genius! Not only that but it gets better! You can even load gift cards into SWAGG! That’s right, all those gift cards that you will be getting for Christmas? No need to carry them around doubling the size of your wallet! Simply enter them into the SWAGG app and presto! There they are to use at the store when you check out. Don’t worry, SWAGG has set up some security features as well so not just anyone can take your phone and start spending.

SWAGG also has vendors whom you can purchase and send gift cards from at the touch of your phone! So, get this, you could be at a Christmas party and realize you forgot to get one of the people on your list a gift. Whoops. Never happened to me, just speaking hypothetically *cough* *cough*. Just excuse yourself to the restroom and whip out your phone, head to your SWAGG app and send them a gift card, ON. THE. SPOT. Sweet, huh? No more embarrassing experiences without a gift!

So go ahead, step away from this post for a second (but only a second okay?) and get yourself the SWAGG application. A few minutes of entering rewards cards and you can downsize that wallet of yours! And be sure to come back and thank me for telling you all about it. {Yes, I am that vain!} Well, really I just want to know who of you has started using it and if you think it is as brilliant as I do! Hurry, go! Now!

Need a little incentive? How about a $25 SWAGG Gift Card for you or someone you know (or forgot a Christmas present for) and a chance to win $100 more in SWAGG Gift Cards? Oh, I have your attention now!

The SWAGG Brand Ambassador who gets the most “I downloaded SWAGG” comments will receive a bonus, plus a $100 SWAGG GIFT prize that they can give to one of their readers. And since I am a tad bit competitive here is how this is going to work. Follow the entries below. I will draw a winner from those entries who will receive a $25 SWAGG gift card out of MY pocket. AND if I win the SWAGG Brand Ambassador contest, I will give away the other gift card prize to one of you who entered! Sound like a deal. Here is how to enter:

1. Leave the Comment “I downloaded SWAGG” AFTER you have downloaded SWAGG.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet this contest – Keep all UR rewards cards/gc in one place, UR phone w/ @swaggmobile find out how @onceamonthmom http://bit.ly/eBlp6Q #cleverswagg) And don’t forget to leave a comment below saying “I tweeted about downloading SWAGG!”.

3. Facebook this contest – Keep all UR rewards cards/gc in one place, UR phone w/ @swaggmobile find out how @onceamonthmom http://bit.ly/eBlp6Q #cleverswagg) And don’t forget to leave a comment below saying “I Facebooked about downloading SWAGG!”.

This contest ends Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at 5 pm EST.

Disclosure: I was selected for this sponsorship by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

For more great Works For Me Wednesday posts visit We are THAT Family!

Someone please tell me it IS NOT the week before Christmas! How did that even happen? It can’t be true, please tell me it isn’t true!

Okay, you aren’t miracle workers, I get it. And you probably have been feeling similarly to me. I just don’t know how we got here. Last time I checked I am sure it was July!

At any rate, we have been doing A LOT of cooking around here. It seems to be one of Isaac’s past-times these days and I can not bear to squelch his enthusiasm. It would be absolutely contagious if it weren’t for having to make sure he doesn’t pick up a knife or put his hand on the hot stove! But I do love it.

I have tried to find ways to incorporate him into the kitchen and meal making this week. I have some CUTE video for you on the beef and cheese enchiladas you see on the menu below. I can’t wait! I promise, it is coming soon.

Today we made pancakes. He loooovvvvveeeeesss pancakes and I thought that since I had some bananas that were about to head south (or to the freezer) that we try adding those in for an extra kick. He thought they were grand.

And if there is one fruit that he and Tessa both love, it is bananas! So in my effort to find recipes that he can make with me and that Tessa might enjoy too, I was happy to accept the task of being a Chiquita Mom! There are tons of great, kid-friendly recipes on their websites. And knowing the kids are starting their morning out on a nutritious breakfast or snack is good for me as a mom too!

What about your family? Do you consume as many Chiquita Bananas in a week as we do? Do you have a stockpile of them in your freezer waiting for a great recipe?

In celebration, and acknowledgement of this weeks craziness, I thought it only fitting that we Go BANANAS! with a little Chiquita Banana giveaway. I have 5 Chiquita Mom Kits to share with 5 readers that contain the following:

• Chiquita Mom’s Flip Book
• Chiquita Baby Bibs
• Chiquita Banana Recipe Cards
• Baby-Safe Chiquita Bowl, Cup, Spoon and Fork Set
• Chiquita Moms Grocery Tote Bag
• Chiquita Moms Freezer Bags
• A coupon for FREE Chiquita Bananas

Here is how you can enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment telling me how you use Chiquita Bananas in your everyday life or your favorite recipe from the Chiquita Mom site.

Additional ways to enter:

2. Become a Facebook Fan of Once A Month Mom Fan Page. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

3. Become a Facebook Fan of Chiquita Banana. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

4. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Wednesday, December 22nd at 5 pm (EST).

Menu Plan Monday

Johnny Marzetti with Cheesy Noodles

What we had for dinner this past week!

Monday – Taco leftovers from Tessa’s Party.

Tuesday – grilled cheese

Wednesday – Beef & Cheese Enchiladas, Guacamole, more birthday cake!

Thursday – leftovers

Friday – Johnny Marzetti with Cheesy Noodles, broccoli

Saturday – Lunch – leftovers

Dinner – Chipotle

Sunday – Lunch – Church lunch

Dinner – Baked Cheese Ravioli, Salad, easy garlic bread

For more great Menu Plan Monday menu planning ideas visit orgjunkie.com!

If I don’t receive a response back in 48 hours AFTER those emails have been sent (12/16 Midnight EST) I will draw new winners and the originally listed winner will forfeit their prize.

Thank you to everyone who participated. I wish I had more prizes to give out! Here are the lucky few!

Johnsonville Sausage & Grab Bag Prize

• Gina “I follow you on RSS feed”
• Heather “the italian sausage risotto sounds delish!”
• Jessie “I am a subscriber by email. Thanks!”

Flip Ultra HD Camera

• shay “This would be so easy to get ideas, you could use it while your at the store instead of wandering the aisles for inspiration.”

bambu Kitchen Utensils, Kids Utensils & More

• Rachel R. “I subscribe to your RSS feed.”

iPad from Kraft Foods & Big Fork Little Fork

• Deanna – “I’m most looking forward to using the Recipes on my new iPad (WHEN I win – LOL!). ”

KitchenAid 12-Inch Counter Top Oven

• Happi Shopr – “Tweet: http://twitter.com/happishopr/status/13596024778002432″

$100 Visa Gift Card from Rice Krispies

• Bethany – a rice krispies gingerbread house

• Johnsonville Sausage Coupons & OAMM Grab Bag Item
• Flip Ultra HD
• bambu kitchen utensils, cutting boards and more
• Apple iPad from Kraft Foods (Big Fork Little Fork)
• KitchenAid 12-Inch Counter Top Oven

And to polish off the week is a FABULOUS giveaway from Rice Krispies. Now, I am doing this one a little different than most because, well, I am running behind. Sort of. See I planned this great week of giving and thought I couldn’t possibly NOT include this great $100 Visa Card in the festivities. BUT I haven’t completed my Holiday Rice Krispies Treat Challenge yet. So. . . I thought we could make a little game of it. Anyone in for a little holiday fun? I personally love a good game!

Here are the details. The fun and creative team of The Motherhood have teamed up with Rice Krispies throughout 2010 bringing you great Rice Krispies Treat Challenges. You may recall I competed with 10 other bloggers back in the spring and made these fabulous recipes: Easter Baskets, Peanut Butter Eggs and Ice Cream Sandwiches. Then in the summer there were a different set of 10 bloggers who all were tasked with coming up with a 4th of July themed Rice Krispies Treat Challenge. Then, finally in the fall, there was the Back-To-School Rice Krispies Treat challenge that needed to include a fruit and a nut. So. Much. Fun.

And NOW, the end of the year Rice Krispies Treats™ Challenge involves all 30 of the original contestants! We have been tasked with coming up with a Rice Krispies Treats™ Holiday Table Show-Stopper. And while I am hard at work this weekend putting my final piece together, I thought you could have some fun trying to guess what it is that I am making! I have placed several pictures throughout this post that are all clues to my final creation. You have until Monday to make your one guess (and that is your entry). And on Tuesday I will reveal my stunning creation! And the winner of this contest!

And don’t miss out on what the other 29 bloggers are doing as well. Make sure that you visit The Motherhood Rice Krispies Recipe Box Circle for more great ideas on decorating your table this season!

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment guessing what I am making for my Rice Krispies Treats™ Holiday Table Show-Stopper.

(To clarify, you can only have one guess AND the winner will be drawn with random.org for the winning prize, it will NOT be the person that is closest to guessing correctly. The guessing is just part of the fun.)

Additional ways to enter:

Per the official contest rules, there are no additional entries allowed for this contest.

This giveaway ends Monday, December 13th at NOON (EST).

Disclosure: The Motherhood and Rice Krispies provided me with compensation for my time and involvement on this project and a $100 Visa gift card for giving to a reader. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

Kraft Foods with the assistance of Chef Marcus Samuelsson have developed a cute iPad application called Big Fork Little Fork. It is PERFECT for our family. Most of the recipes and tutorials are geared towards kids 5 and older but even though Isaac is only 2 year old there is so much that we can get out of it. Or that we can get out of it together.

There are sections for learning, recipes, games and more. As I mentioned our 2 year old Isaac is an iPad enthusiast. I was just thinking the other day that he will likely not understand why any of us have desktop computers. Most of the computers he touches will be touch-screen, not even laptops. He is the new generation of tech. So it is no surprise that at 2 he could teach his grandma how to use the iPad faster than she could learn on her own.

Isaac (2 years) diligently playing a Big Fork Little Fork game on our iPad.

So the fact that Kraft Foods has designed an iPad application that appeals to these kids skills and knowledge while pairing that with teaching them about food and the kitchen is awesome! I feel like it is a perfect compliment to kids learning.

Now, of course, you need an iPad to use it! If you have an iPad go download it RIGHT NOW! It is FREE until 12/31/10!

Don’t have an iPad? No problem? You have a chance to win one courtesy of Kraft Foods! How SWEET is that?

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED!

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment telling me which feature of Big Fork Little Fork are you most looking forward to using on your new iPad (if you win).

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – use @onceamonthmom & @kraftfoods (Maybe something like: Holla! @onceamonthmom & @kraftfoods are giving away an #ipad – enter to win – http://bit.ly/hImUge) And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Follow on @kraftfoods Twitter. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

4. Become a Facebook Fan of Once A Month Mom Fan Page. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

5. Become a Facebook Fan of Kraft Foods. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

6. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Monday, December 13th at NOON (EST).

**Other OAMM Gift Extravaganza Week items up for grabs:

• Johnsonville Sausage Coupons & OAMM Grab Bag Item
• Flip Ultra HD
• bambu kitchen utensils, cutting boards and more

Disclosure: Kraft Foods DID NOT provide me with an iPad. However, they did provide me with an iPad to giveaway to a reader. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!

You knew cooking utensils doubled as swords, right?

I’ll be honest, there are some days that I want to just get dinner done and on the table. But Isaac will have none of it! He wants to help and he wants to learn. And I don’t want to squelch that enthusiasm.

A morning last week Isaac has a play-mate over and I was take a few minutes to check Facebook blog comments Twitter a few things on the computer. I could hear them start getting restless and bored with playing cars. I glanced down at the computer screen and saw a recipe glaring at me that I needed to make and photograph for the blog. And then I remembered that I also had some handy new bambu tools that needed to be tested out as well.

"bambu overboard!"

So I began setting up shop on the kitchen table, placing the slow cooker we were needing for cooking, the bambu kids utensils and all of the ingredients we were going to need. I then called the boys out and asked them if they wanted to cook. What I didn’t know then was that Isaac’s play-mate has also shown some serious enthusiasm for the kitchen as well. So you can imagine that the next few minutes were full of lots of fun for us!

I gave each boy his own utensil and then had them add the ingredients one by one to the slow cooker. It was great because I had decided to double the recipe which meant that each boy got to add in ingredients as we went. No fighting! They each got a few bambu kids kitchen tools to work with and we set to making some fabulous slow cooker oatmeal I will be posting about soon. A spoon got away a time or two and we had do a fishing expedition, but all in a days work, right?

The kids loved the utensils as they were perfect for their small hands. They were also not super long so I did notice that the mess was reduced from them not having to “stir” so hard. Don’t get me wrong, there was still plenty of mess to be found!

Stir, stir, stir.

bambu ‘Kids in the Kitchen Set‘ is made of organically certified bamboo and is food safe; phthalate-free and BPA-free. They also have a fabulous line of additional kids products, cutting boards, bowls, baskets and much, much more. I first was introduced to the product line when I attended the International Food Blogging Conference in Seattle and have continued to use their products since. You might also notice that they are one of this month’s sponsors. ———->>>>>

Well, bambu wants to share the love with one of you this holiday season too! So one lucky reader will be drawn to receive:

• Large Cork Board
• Kitchen Basics Set
• Large Spatula
• Pot Scraper
• Kids Kitchen Tools

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Leave a Comment telling me what bambu product would get the most use in your home?

Additional ways to enter:

2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – use @onceamonthmom & @bambuhome. (Maybe something like: Encourage your kids to cook this season with @bambuhome giveaway on @onceamonthmom – http://bit.ly/fBYn6v) And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.

3. Follow @bambuhome on Twitter. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

4. Become a Facebook Fan of Once A Month Mom Fan Page. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

5. Become a Facebook Fan of bambu home. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.

6. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.

This giveaway ends Monday, December 13th at NOON (EST).

**Other OAMM Gift Extravaganza Week items up for grabs:

• Johnsonville Sausage Coupons & OAMM Grab Bag Item
• Flip Ultra HD

Disclosure: bambu provided me with the items listed above to review, and provided me with one set of each to give away to one of you. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!