Friday, July 30, 2010

Eco-Friendly Lunch Box ~ EasyLunchesBoxes.com ~ Review and Giveaway


My kids and I received a sample from Easy LunchBoxes a few weeks ago.  In the package we received 1 package of Compartmentalized Food Containers and 1 Lunch Bag Cooler.   


I swear to you, these are the best 
kids lunch boxes
since sliced bread.  We've used the Easy LunchBox system at the pool and on day trips.  In the past we've dealt with messy plastic sandwich bags.  Everything, and I do mean everything, gets squished in the plastic bags.  Not to mention, think of all the plastic sandwich baggies sitting in landfills.  So with these food containers I was able to quickly and easily pack our lunches.  I also felt like I was more compelled to make healthier food choices.  Maybe it's because the compartments are the perfect portion sizes for fruits and veggies?  Whereas a plastic baggy makes me think of filling it with chips?  I'm not sure.  Either way, it worked.  The kids loved their lunches and ate every bit of it.
Now I don't know about your kids, but mine are grazers.  It's always such a pain to have to keep pulling out several plastic baggies every time they want to nibble.  I know, there are far worse things to 'complain' about but it's every bit as annoying as when they were babies and thought it was funny to keep throwing the same toy on the floor to watch you pick it up at dinner LOL  But with this Easy LunchBox System all I have to do it pull out the color coded container and remove the lid.  Once done the lid goes back on.  What's great is that the kids (ages 3 and 5) can do the lids and I don't worry about leaking bags.  Nor do I have to go chasing empty  plastic bags that blew away.

Now about those color coded lids.  At first I thought, oh great, the kids will fight over which color they'd get.  But then I got smart - each kid got their favorite color.  End of story.

When I received the package I didn't realize it but two of the thumb tabs for opening the lids were broken.  On the green lid it had completely broken off and the orange lid was 1/2 way broken off.  I e-mailed Easy LunchBoxes customer service to let them know how the lids arrived.  I made sure to let them know that I wasn't asking for replacements or even trying to complain.  The lids still worked 100% fine.  I just wanted to let them know in case the receive similar reports from other customers.  I received a response in record breaking time and was told that occasionally the postal workers like to use their boxes for footballs.  (That cracked me up!)  And whenever they receive a report about lids breaking during shipping they automatically send new ones out.  Despite the fact that I received these as samples to facilitate this review, a new set was immediately shipped out to me.  Now how is THAT for customer service?  Seriously.  It's been a long time since I received such friendly and QUICK customer service.

Before I close I want to touch on a few more important facts.  These containers are not the flimsy disposable plastic containers you see in stores.  These are a hard, SAFE!, plastic that is 100% reusable.  Making them cost effective and eco-friendly lunch boxes!

FDA approved. No BPA, phthalates, lead, vinyl, or PVC. Safe for dishwasher, freezer, and microwave.



With a color for everyone, these are sure to make the perfect Back To School Lunch Box!

So lets move on to the GIVEAWAY!  



Main Entry:  Visit Easy LunchBoxes Blog and VOTE for them!  The button is on the right side under "I need your vote".

Bonus Entries:

1 Entry Each:  Visit Easy LunchBoxes and in the header you'll see that you can sign up for their newsletter, Facebook and Twitter.   
1 Entry Each:  Follow me via GFC, Facebook, Twitter, email subscribe, RSS subscribe 
1 Entry:  Comment on any non-giveaway post - each comment = 1 entry 
1 Entry Per Day:  Daily Tweet (Please include @BlackOlive03 @EasyLunchboxes and link to giveaway. 
1 Entry Per Day:  Daily VOTE for A little of this A little of that... (click the link, your click is your vote) 
2 Entries:  Visit any of the Dog Days of Summer Sponsors and tell me what item you like. 
3 Entries:  Grab any of my buttons and comment with link


10 SUPER BONUS ENTRIES:
Write a review about A little of this A little of that...  A kind review is not required but is appreciated :-)
Review darwinsfrg.blogspot.com on alexa.com






REMINDER If you qualify for multiple entries you must leave a separate comment for each entry.  Please also make sure your e-mail address is listed within at least one of your entries so I can easily contact you if you win!

Giveaway ends August 9, 2010 at 11:59pm EST.  A winner will be picked using random.org and will be notified via e-mail.  Winner will have 48 hours from the e-mail time stamp to claim their prize.  In the event that the prize isn't claimed within those 48 hours, another winner will be chosen.

I received samples to facilitate this review & giveaway.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions posted are my own and are 100% honest.  If you have specific questions about Easy LunchBoxes or their products, please contact their customer service dept. directly.

App Friday: iEarned That

I subscribe to Moms with Apps and look forward to their App Friday posts every week.  I've been able to download (er, have my husband download, since I lost my iPod Touch, argh) some great kid apps for FREE.  This week they shared an app that I'm super excited about.  A reward chart/program app!  My kids are all about technology (how could they not be when both parents are computer geeks) and LOVE using iPods.  I have high hopes that this reward system will be a success.

"This week we are on our best behavior  with iEarnedThat, an app that helps kids set and accomplish goals using a foundation of positive reinforcement."

Read more about it at Moms with Apps  and find out how you can get the app for FREE!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Pear Tree Greetings ~ WINNER!

A huge THANK YOU to Pear Tree Greetings!

And now for our winner....

Lucky's Luna said...36




I received a really sweet note from roommate at the time wishing me a happy graduation, I was really surprised and touched that she took the time to congratulate me!

luckysluna(at)yahoo(dot)com













Congratulations Lucky's Luna!  

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Yo Gabba Gabba! Prize Pack GIVEAWAY!!!

On June 26th I posted about Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! There's a Party in my City! coming to town near you.  My family and I are going on August 29th in Philadelphia.  From what I understand tickets are still available and are selling out fast.  The first show in Houston SOLD OUT so they've added a second show!  Take a look and see if the tour will be in a city near you and purchase your tickets before they're sold out!

Check out these pictures from the tour:
Photo Credit: Neilson Barnard
Photo Credit: Neilson Barnard
Darryl McDaniels from Run DMC.  Photo credit: Neilson Barnard 
GIVEAWAY

So your kids love Yo Gabba Gabba! and you want to win something for them, right?  One of my lucky readers is going to win a Yo Gabba Gabba CD/DVD Prize Pack!  Yo Gabba Gabba!: Music is Awesome Volume 1 CD and the DVD “Yo Gabba Gabba! Clubhouse”
Yo Gabba Gabba!: Music is Awesome Volume 1 featuring songs from the Roots, Shins and others.  Yo Gabba Gabba!: Music is Awesome Volume 2 featuring hit songs from seasons 1, 2 and 3 including super music friends weezer, mgmt, jimmy eat world and songs from the show, available at Target on August 24th!

The Nickelodeon DVD Yo Gabba Gabba!: Clubhouse released on June 15 and features performances by musical guests Erykah Badu, The Killers, Jimmy Eat World and more.



HOW TO ENTER:

Main Entry:  Visit Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!  There's A Party In My City! and tell me what city they will be preforming in near you!  If there isn't a location near you, let me know what city you wish they would come to.

Bonus Entries:

1 Entry Each:  Follow me via GFC, Facebook, Twitter, email subscribe, RSS subscribe
1 Entry:  Comment on any non-giveaway post - each comment = 1 entry
1 Entry Per Day:  Daily Tweet (Please include @BlackOlive03 and link to giveaway)
1 Entry Per Day:  Daily VOTE for A little of this A little of that... (click the link, your click is your vote)
2 Entries:  Visit any of the Dog Days of Summer Sponsors and tell me what item you like.
3 Entries:  Grab any of my buttons and comment with link

10 SUPER BONUS ENTRIES:
Write a review about A little of this A little of that...  A kind review is not required but is appreciated :-)
Review darwinsfrg.blogspot.com on alexa.com

REMINDER:  If you qualify for multiple entries you must leave a separate comment for each entry.  Please also make sure your e-mail address is listed within at least one of your entries so I can easily contact you if you win!

Giveaway ends August 6, 2010 at 11:59pm EST.  A winner will be picked using random.org and will be notified via e-mail.  Winner will have 48 hours from the e-mail time stamp to claim their prize.  In the event that the prize isn't claimed within those 48 hours, another winner will be chosen.

I am receiving tickets to attend Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! to facilitate this giveaway and other Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! postings.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions posted are my own and are 100% honest.  If you have specific questions about Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! or their products, please contact their customer service dept. directly.



I was given the opportunity to review this product because of my membership at The Product Review Place

Monday, July 26, 2010

My Shutterfly Experience and a Giveaway ~ 3 will WIN!

Who loves Shutterfly?  I do!  I have never, ever been disappointed with the products I've received from Shutterfly.  The few times I've contacted customer support I received exceptional service.

I've ordered many prints, various sizes, over the years and I will continue to use them for years to come.  Shutterfly is always generous in offering different discounts and even FREE prints, especially around the holidays - making the prints absolutely affordable.  That's so important to me - excellent quality at affordable prices!

One of my most favorite items I ordered from Shutterfly was the birth announcements for my daughter's arrival.
A few others were holiday cards:


A few other projects I've done include several calendars (check out the dates, you can see I've been using Shutterfly for some time now!):



And the photo books - I've seen many from various online photo stores and none have compared to the quality of the Shutterfly books I've ordered.

And one year I came in 3rd place for a photo contest I entered on Shutterfly.  My prize was a photo DVD.  That was so cool.  I was able to customize the DVD, the DVD case, add music etc.  It's an excellent way to archive your photos!  I put my son's 1st year on the DVD.


There are so many other items I want to order from the Shutterfly Store!  For example, one thing I've wanted but haven't gotten yet are Shutterfly stationary cards.  I've received them in the mail from friends that had ordered them and they are awesome!  So guess what!?  I finally get to order some for myself!

Shutterfly has offered to send me 40 samples of their Stationary cards in exchange for sharing my personal experiences about Shutterfly.  They said I could share the coupon codes with my readers if I want.  Well of course I want to share with my readers!  You guys ROCK!  So 3 of my loyal readers will each WIN 10 PERSONALIZED Stationary Cards!

So here's the deal, if you want to ENTER TO WIN, simply leave me a comment telling me why you love Shutterfly. Or, if you haven't ordered from Shutterfly yet, but think you will in the future, tell me what about Shutterfly is appealing to you.

That's it!  No jumping thru hoops.  But if you want to gain more entries, and I hope you do! :-), you can do the following:

1 ENTRY FOR EACH:  Follow me via GFC, Facebook, Twitter, e-mail subscribe, RSS subscribe
1 ENTRY PER DAY:  Daily Tweet, Daily vote for my blog at Picket Fence Blogs.  (All you have to do is click the link - your click is your vote!)
3 ENTRIES:  Grab any of my buttons and leave a comment with link to button.

For a SUPER BONUS 10 ENTRIES:
Write a review for A little of this A little of that... (A kind review is not required but is appreciated :p )
Review darwinsfrg.blogspot.com on alexa.com

Giveaway Ends  August 4, 2010.  3 Winners will be selected using random.org.  Each winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be selected.

I will receive samples from Shutterfly for sharing my experiences.  All images above are mine and were actual projects ordered and paid for by me.  All opinions shared are my own and are 100% honest.  If you have any specific questions for Shutterfly, please contact their customer service.

Flowerz In Her Hair ~ WINNER!

Thank you to everyone who entered.  I'm seeing lots of return visitors from previous giveaways and that is AWESOME!  Love you guys :-)

So...the winner was picked using random.org and that winner is:


♥Cari♥ said...68

I entered the K'NEX Giveaway over @ This Mama Loves Her Bargains.

carissa.sutton(at)gmail.com #5

The winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 48hrs from the time stamp on the e-mail to claim their prize.  In the event that the winner does not claim their prize, a new winner will be picked.

A great big THANKS to Flowerz In Her Hair!

Mailbox Monday ~ July 26, 2010

NEW this week.  As most of you have seen on my blog, I am walking my first 5k in August to raise money for cancer research.  I need to raise $250 for the walk and as you can see in my widget to the right, I'm 1/2 way there.  This week I'm going to offer to make custom blog buttons to help raise money.  Donate $5.00 to the LIVESTRONG Challenge, using the widget to the right, and you will receive custom buttons for your blog, a blog event etc.  Comment here saying you've made a donation and I will contact you about making your button.  I will also be adding you to the special Blogger Honor Roll that's in the works.  Wondering what my buttons look like? Take a look around my blog.  I'm no expert but I enjoy doing them.  Thank you in advance for your support!


Welcome to 
Mailbox Monday!!
A blog hop to boost your subscriber count!


Here’s how to join in the fun:
  • Add your blog link to the linky
  • Subscribe by email to the three hostesses. They will return the favour.
  • Visit the other blogs on the list and subscribe by email to the ones that interest you. Leave them a comment with your blog link so they know you are subscribing from Mailbox Monday. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription!
Everyone is welcome to participate.  Each week a new linky will be generated so make sure you stop by on Monday’s to add your blog.
Your blog *must* have a place for people to e-mail subscribe.We will be subscribing to everyone’s blog who participates.  If there isn’t an e-mail subscribe option, your link will be removed from the linky. ** If you are unsure how to add an e-mail subscribe section to your blog, visit www.feedburner.com
The Mailbox Monday Blog of the Week is Traci66! which takes the #4 spot on the linky. Next week, we will choose from this week’s participants for the Blog of the Week.
Help us spread the word about Mailbox Monday! Write a post for your blog and add the blog hop code.
Let’s have fun and meet (and read via email) some new blogs!!  ALSO FYI - I'm sometimes a little slow in following everyone who joins Mailbox Monday but I will get there and I DO follow back!  

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Did someone say, CAKE?!

Last weekend I made a Wow Wow Wubbzy cake for my neighbors 3yr old.  This weekend I made the cake for their daughter's sweet 16!  I was a bit rushed because we also had the Zhu-niverse Tour to attend today, which meant leaving the house with 2 kids at 4:30am so we could see the hot air balloon launch at 6:45am!  (Look for Zhu-niverse Tour pictures to be posted tomorrow!  Check and see if the most adorable and fun Zhu Zhu's will be in a town close to you!)  So had I taken my time and not rushed, I'm sure the cakes would've looked much better.  But still, for being a newbie cake decorator (or should I say 'being a wannabe cake decorator' LOL), and despite the poorly executed design (check out the pompom...yeah...that needed to be scraped off and redone...no time tho), they were okay.  Not great, not good but okay.  I only hope the birthday girl wasn't disappointed!  Maybe by the time she turns 18 I'll have more skills to make something nicer for her :-)

3 cakes baked and decorated in 10 hours with 2 young kids running amok, a large Black Lab waiting for me to turn my back for a split second and a 20 + year old Orange Tabby cat sitting in a chair across the table threatening to pounce the cake at any moment.  








Saturday, July 24, 2010

PLAYSKOOL Sid the Science Kid Gotta Know Microphone ~ Review

Okay seriously, I'm just gonna say this now...this review is going to be the death of me.  I've attempted to get it started a few different times, each time getting interrupted and each time getting the gosh darned Sid the Science Kid theme song stuck in my head!  I love ya Sid, but your song is catchy and I'd rather not have it running thru my head while the kids are sleeping soundly :P

Now.  On to the review.  We received a PLAYSKOOL Sid the Science Kid Gotta Know Microphone to try out and review.  I should've done a video when the kids and I opened the box because the twinkle in their eyes was priceless.  My 5yr old was all "Mommy, is that for us?  Or someone else?  Because if it's for us, I can take it out of the box and play with it now."
Of course I had to toy with him and make him really long for the toy that just showed up on the doorstep :-)  After I told him that it was sent to mommy to review for her blog, he instantly volunteered to "try it out" for me.  He couldn't wait to get it out of the box and as I was disassembling the box he was telling me everything there was to know about Sid and the Gotta Know Microphone.  Like he'd ever seen one before LOL

He even let me take his picture - folks, this was huge.  Not only did he let me take his picture, he SMILED.  However, he was pushing the yellow button, as you can see, which sounds like an applause from a large audience - you know he was eating that up.  It wasn't but a few minutes before we headed down to the yard to do "races" while mommy used the microphone to "announce" "on your marks, get set, GO!"  I'm sure the neighbors got a charge out of seeing, and hearing!, that racket in the yard LOL  The kids loved it, tho.  The purple button sounds like an audience cheering which was super fun with the races.

We've really enjoyed the Gotta Know Microphone.  The biggest thing, for me, is that there IS an OFF switch!  Here's what each button does:

Purple = Cheering
Yellow = Clapping/Applause
Red = Sid the Science Kid theme song
White = Mode for kids to sing/talk into

The white button must be pushed in the whole time you want to talk into the microphone.  It was a bit annoying trying to get my almost 3yr old to understand that - but in hindsight it's probably a GOOD thing that the button has to be held in :P

My final thought on the Sid the Science Kid Gotta Know Microphone is that it was a huge hit and the kids still love it.  I would totally recommend it!

From HASBRO  website:

Approx. Retail: $14.99

Item: 39368
Ages: 3 and Up

Sid the Science Kid is an animated television series on PBS Kids, starring Sid, a funny and inquisitive 5-year old. Join Sid and his friends as they celebrate their excitement and curiosity about the world through discovery, activity and fun!
Explore your world with an electronic microphone just like the Sid the Science Kid character’s on the animated television series! Fun push-button features let you create applause noise after you’ve interviewed someone, laughter noise when you’ve told a joke and even the Sid the Science Kid series theme song and silly sounds when you’re ready to sing! For extra fun, set it to “echo mode” and listen to your voice echo…echo…echo… everywhere you go!
Electronic microphone, modeled after the one in the television series, lets kids tell jokes, interview and sing with its laughter, applause, theme song and echo features! Includes 3 “AAA” batteries. Ages 3 and up.



























I received a sample to facilitate this review, no other compensation was received.  All opinions expressed within the review are 100% honest and my own.  If you have specific questions about the Gotta Know Microphone, please contact the Hasbro-Playskool customer service.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!: There’s A Party In My City! Sponsored by: KIA MOTORS

My family and I will be attending Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! There's a Party in my City!  On August 29th in Philadelphia!!  We are super excited about it, although I'm not sure my youngest understands what we're talking about.  I think she thinks we're going to a movie LOL  Read the press release below to see how KIA Motors and Yo Gabba Gabba! have teamed up!

KIA MOTORS AMERICA AND
YO GABBA GABBA! TEAM UP TO ENTERTAIN FAMILIES

Kia Motors to be Presenting Sponsor for Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!: There’s A Party In My City!
60-City North American 2010 Tour

YO GABBA GABBA! cast and DJ Lance Rock bring entertainment, interaction and animation to enthusiastic fans across the country
Live tour benefits local Habitat for Humanity affiliates as part of community service tie-in

IRVINE, Calif. – July 21, 2010 – Kia Motors America (KMA) caused quite a stir with its first-ever Super Bowl ad, which featured a colorful cast of life-size children’s characters in the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV, including Muno from YO GABBA GABBA!, the award-winning children’s television series and live tour. Building on the momentum and increased brand awareness generated by the 60-second spot, KMA plans to extend its relationship with YO GABBA GABBA!, as the presenting sponsor of the upcoming YO GABBA GABBA! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! tour.  

            Fresh off a triumphant sold-out tour debut in 2009, a headlining performance at The White House, a critically-acclaimed, chart-topping album, and an appearance at Coachella that garnered rave reviews from spectators and media alike, DJ Lance Rock and the cast of YO GABBA GABBA! are heading back on the road to play to enthusiastic fans on a 60-city tour across North America as Kia Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!:  THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY.  One of today’s hottest live shows for families will make stops at top theaters, arenas and amphitheaters throughout North America, scheduled to start August 27 in Bethel, NY and ending in Dallas, TX on December 12, 2010.  Yo Gabba Gabba! is created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz.  The tour is produced by S2BN Entertainment, in association with The Magic Store and W!LDBRAIN Entertainment.  

            In addition to entertaining both the young and the young-at-heart, the Gabba gang also will participate in various community service projects aimed at building homes and hope in the cities they visit during their four month journey across North America.  One dollar from every ticket sold during the Kia Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY tour will be donated toward the homebuilding efforts of the Habitat for Humanity local affiliate in each tour city. 

- more –

“Our 2011 Sorento ‘Joyride Dream’ Super Bowl spot exceeded our expectations, and with Muno as one of the stars in that adventure it was a natural fit for us to continue our association with YO GABBA GABBA!  by joining their extremely popular live tour,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “This live show not only entertains and excites young families across the country, but the Habitat for Humanity aspect also presented Kia an invaluable opportunity to be a part of helping the community and those in need.”

            The modern production features music, singing, dancing and animation as an interactive experience offering audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life.  Hip-hop legend Biz Markie is scheduled to join the characters on stage during the tour to teach kids how to beat box with “Biz’s Beat of the Day.” Special guests also will have the opportunity to join the party on stage for the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments.  

            "As a leading provider of entertainment on screen and stage, W!LDBRAIN Entertainment is delighted to welcome Kia Motors as a presenting sponsor for YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!:  THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY,” said Michael Polis, CEO, W!LDBRAIN Entertainment and executive producer, Yo Gabba Gabba!.  “As a presenting sponsor, Kia Motors is uniquely positioned to dazzle audiences across North America throughout the 60-city tour," he continued.

Kia Motors America in 2010
            Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share.  With four new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®[1] infotainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. beginning later this year).  The launch of the 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be assembled[2] at Kia’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, further enhances the lineup, and is now in dealerships.

- more -

About Kia Motors America
            Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea.  KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 700 dealers throughout the United States.  For 2009, KMA recorded its 15th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share and recently achieved its best quarter of sales ever.  Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles.  Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

            Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.”  Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com.  For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

About YO GABBA GABBA!
            Yo Gabba Gabba! currently ranks as one of the most popular series on television and stage, with a broad appeal among preschoolers, parents, teens and adults.  W!LDBRAIN Entertainment, The Magic Store and S2BN Entertainment brought the groundbreaking series to the stage with the launch of YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY  in November, 2009 to sold-out shows in major cities.  Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz are the co-creators of YO GABBA GABBA!  Yo Gabba Gabba!, the television series, is now in its third season in the U.S. and is produced by W!LDBRAIN Entertainment and The Magic Store.  Yo Gabba Gabba! airs 7 days a week on Nick Jr. and in several major international territories, including Australia, Canada, Israel, Latin America, New Zealand, South Africa and the U.K.  YO GABBA GABBA! infuses retro-style and beat-driven music to teach simple life lessons through music.  The series and the live show star DJ Lance Rock and a cast of colorful characters, including Brobee, the little green one, Foofa, the pink flower bubble, Muno, the red Cyclops, Toodee, the blue cat-dragon and Plex, the yellow robot. Today’s most popular names in movies, television, music and sports flock to YO GABBA GABBA!. Fred Armisen, Erykah Badu, Jack Black, Anthony Bourdain, Devo, Rachel Dratch, Rob Dyrdek, Flaming Lips, Melora Hardin, Tony Hawk, The Killers, Angela Kinsey, Solange Knowles, Biz Markie, Jack McBrayer, MGMT, Mos Def, Mark Mothersbaugh, The Roots, Andy Samberg, Amy Sedaris, The Shins, Sarah Silverman, Amare Stoudemire, The Ting Tings, Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Elijah Wood and Weird Al Yankovic, among others, guest star.  Celebrity guests who performed during the live tour kick-off shows include Devenda Banhart, Cold War Kids, Matt Costa, DMC (Run DMC), Snoop Dogg, Jon Heder, Talib Kweli, Mix Master Mike, Kid Sister, Keri Russell and more, while Christina Aguilera, Jason Bateman, Travis Barker, Brendan Fraser, Heidi Klum, Chris Noth, Brooke Shields and Dennis Quaid attended the live shows with their families.  Visit www.yogabbagabba.com and www.yogabbagabbalive.com.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

I'm going to walk a 5k with Team LIVESTRONG!!

Okay folks, I'm going to walk my first 5k.  That's right, *me*.  In the August heat...walking a 5k.  Anyone who knows me personally knows that I get a chuckle about that.  1st off, I hate heat.  Like, REALLY hate heat.  2nd, I'm no fitness guru.  I am in no way, shape or form prepared to do this walk.  But, I want to do it.  I'm going to do it.  I will do it.  Oh yes, I will.    I don't care if I come in dead last.  This isn't a race against time for me.  For me this is a personal goal and my goal is to simply go from the start line to the finish line.  Maybe in time I'll start working on personal times etc. but right now the goal is to simply finish. 

I've joined Team Leo in loving memory of a family friend who recently lost his courageous battle with cancer.  Team Leo is part of  the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly.  If you're not aware, LIVESTRONG seeks to inspire and empower people affected by cancer and through the LIVESTRONG Challenge I'm picking a fight with cancer and uniting with others who are interested in making cancer a global priority.

On August 22, 2010, I'm going to walk 3.1 miles.  In addition to this, I'm hoping to raise $250.00 for the fight against cancer. With your help and support, I know I can accomplish both. 

If' you'd care to donate to the fight against cancer, I've added a widget to the top right corner of my blog.  I see that the widget says 2009 and that's clearly not right.  I've contacted Team LIVESTRONG and hopefully they'll have an updated widget soon.

If you aren't able to donate at this time, it's okay.  I could use a few good cheerleaders cheering me on!  Leave me a comment and let me know how much I rock for doing this :P  No seriously, this is a huge deal for me...words of encouragement are always welcomed :-)

Thanks and LIVESTRONG:

GO TEAM LEO!!!

Check out Vocalpoint - Not Your Ordinary Onion: Stuffed Vidalias

(Photo from Vocalpoint)

I LOVE Vadalia onions.  They're so sweet and smooth.  So not sharing this recipe from Vocalpoint wasn't an option!  I can't wait to try it.  YUM!

4 vidalia onions (8 ounces each)
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
3 cups shredded zucchini
3 gloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
3 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped toasted pine nuts
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Cut about 1/ 2" off the top of each onion; slightly trim the bottoms so the onions stand upright. Line a baking sheet with foil. Add the onions, cut side up, and coat with no-stick spray. Bake for 1 hour, or until soft when tested with a sharp knife. Set aside for 15 minutes, or until cool enough to handle.

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.

Remove and discard the onion peels. Using a spoon, scoop out the onion centers, leaving a 1/2" shell. Chop the centers and reserve 1 cup for the stuffing; save the remainder for another use.

Warm the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini, garlic, thyme, basil, and chopped onions. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the zucchini is softened and most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from the heat and stir in the bread crumbs, pine nuts, and 2 1/2 tablespoons of the Parmesan. Season with the salt and pepper. Mix well.

Divide the filling among the onion shells. Coat a 9" x 9" baking dish with nonstick spray. Add the onions. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon Parmesan.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden.

Makes 4 servings
 
Per serving: 246 calories, 8 g protein, 35 g carbohydrate, 10 g total fat, 3 mg cholesterol, 5 g fiber, 170 mg sodium

 Vocalpoint - Not Your Ordinary Onion: Stuffed Vidalias