Scrutiny by the Masses

Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip

I was one of the bloggers selected by T. Marzetti Company and Clever Girls Collective to host a Marzetti Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip review. They provided me with product to test myself and compensation for my time. However, my opinions are entirely my own.

I’ve always been a fan of veggie dips. Even when I didn’t follow a healthy diet, setting out a tray of veggies with a dish of dip was a guaranteed way to help me eat some fresh vegetables. Most commercially prepared dips are chock full of fat and calories, and no matter how you try and spin it, they just aren’t good for you. Marzetti, the company most known for their ubiquitous white tubs has come out with a lighter, more healthy version - and it features Greek Yogurt, of all things.

Offered in five different flavors, I was intrigued by the Cucumber Dill Feta - but ultimately I decided on
the Spinach Artichoke dip. It was absolutely delicious. I am almost embarrassed to admit it - but I ate an entire English Cucumber and about 3 handfuls of grape tomatoes. This dip was freaky good. But the regular Marzetti Spinach Artichoke dip - the one in the white tub - is pretty good, so why would I chose the New Greek Yogurt dip? I grabbed the original dip offering for a comparison - and I can see why you might want to pick the Greek.

The original Marzetti Vegetable Dip contains 110 calories per 2 tbsp serving with 13 grams of fat and 250 mgs of sodium. The Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie dip contains 60 calories for a 2 tbsp serving, with 4.5 grams of fat and 19 mgs of sodium. The Otria also boasts 200 mgs Omega 3 Fatty Acids from canola and fish oils.

Want to try this new dip for yourself? Leave me a comment telling me your favorite veggie to dip, and I'll draw one random commenter to win. This contest will close on 11/27 at 11:59 p.m.

V-8 Fusion Smoothies - Review and Giveaway!

Who wants to win a gift pack?

Who DOESN'T want to win a gift pack?

The makers of V8 are excited to introduce a brand new product: V8 V-Fusion Smoothies! Available in three flavors— Strawberry Banana, Mango and Wild Berry - this convenient and delicious drink makes it easy to enjoy a real-fruit smoothie without a blender or trip to a smoothie bar. V8 V-Fusion Smoothies provide one full serving of fruit and one full serving of vegetables, with no added sugar, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives – all for only 130 calories per 8-ounce glass.

We are already huge fans of the traditional V-8 Fusion drinks, and these V8 V-Fusion Smoothie choices follow closely behind. My favorite is mango. 

Want to win a gift pack filled with:

• The three new V8 V-Fusion Smoothie flavors (Strawberry Banana, Mango and Wild Berry)
• A colorful Vera Bradley tote
• A “juice” bottle so you can take our delicious smoothies  with you when you’re on-the-go (note - this is a glass bottle, but it's well insulated - I actually prefer it to the plastic ones!)

To enter to win, tell me your favorite smoothie flavor. I'll use random.org to pick one winner. this contest runs until 11/26/2011 at 11:59 p.m.

Topsy's Popcorn

Disclosure: I was provided with a tub of popcorn to facilitate my review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Popcorn is one of those foods that just about everyone likes. I even like it - although I don't like microwave or movie theater popcorn, but the stuff that I can make on the stove top is delicious. I've not been a big fan of those huge popcorn tubs, though - it seems that it's often stale and unappealing.

My family, on the other hand, adores popcorn in every flavor, every appearance and in every way.

When the huge tub of popcorn appeared in my house, my kids were delighted. I was a bit more skeptical, but I agreed to sample it. I didn't have high expectations - tub popcorn just has never appealed all that much. Cracking it open, the first comment I made was that it smelled fresh. No stale aroma, no chemical or phony scent - it smelled GOOD.

It tasted even better. I'm almost embarrassed to admit how much of this tub I ate *by myself*. Yes. The cheese and caramel flavors were delicious and I just could not get enough of the stuff.

From the website:

Since 1929, Topsy’s has used an original recipe that gives its popcorn an old-fashioned great taste. In fact, Topsy’s was the first company to sell its popcorn in the circular tins that we’re used to seeing popcorn in today. Back in the day, the oil used to pop the popcorn came in the tins, and Topsy’s decided to recycle the oil tins to package up and deliver popcorn. Who knew! J

Today, more than 75 years after that first kernel was popped, Topsy’s provides the same quality taste online. With four flavors to choose from — butter, cheddar cheese, caramel, and cinnamon — there’s bound to be a flavor that will delight everyone’s taste buds.

Want to try TopsysPopcorn for yourself? I'm giving away one 5 lb popcorn canister to a lucky reader - to enter, leave me a comment telling em how you'd plan to enjoy this popcorn. While trimming the tree? Entertaining relatives? Wrapping presents? Watching a holiday movie?

You may be interested to know that from Nov. 22 – Dec. 12, Topsy’s is offering a $3-off coupon (per popcorn canister) for you. To use the coupon, just go to the website and enter Topsy58 at checkout.

This contest will run from 11/20 to 11/27 at 11:59 p.m. You must be 18 years of age to win.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's the Perfect Time of the Year for Campbell's Soups

Disclosure: I was provided with soup to facilitate this post. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Baby, it's cold outside.

Not just a song, but it's truly what the weather feels like right now. And with the weather getting downright chilly in many parts of the country, soup becomes the meal that I want to have, more and more often. Campbell's is often my soup of choice, being that they have many different varieties and there's always something that each person in the family will enjoy. Soup, especially paired with a sandwich, makes a quick and tasty meal.

We were sent an assortment of Campbell's Soups to try. Of those, the overwhelming family favorite was the Harvest Orange Tomato - although I will admit that it was a bit off putting to eat ORANGE Tomato Soup as opposed to the traditional red.

Want to try some of this great soup?

One lucky read will win a Campbell’s “Soup Season Kit” featuring some of their exciting new soups including Campbell’s Condensed Harvest Orange Tomato – a twist on the Classic Tomato soup America loves, Slow Kettle – a new line of premium soups and regionally inspired varieties of Select Harvest soup.

AND this very cool retro bag.

To win this great prize pack, leave me a comment telling me your favorite soup by 11/22 at 11:59 p.m.. I'll draw one comment randomly on 11/23 - you'll have 48 hours to get back to me.

 

 

Savvy Shoppers, Unite!

This is a compensated post. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.

Shopping online can be tricky. When I asked you to share your hints, many of them had to do with an inability to see and touch the product.  

• I think my best savvy shopper online tip is to know the company's return policy and print it out. This is especially important if you are buying from a foreign company as sizes here in the US and in other places aren't always the same (a 2 is a 2 is a 2 unless you are in Australia...).
• Make sure you have the shipping address correct. It seems like such a small thing. Something that you SURELY can't have messed up, but I've seen it happen more than once and it's SO frustrating
• Always read the fine print. A return policy will be spelled out there. As well as shipping options etc. Don't hesitate to contact the seller with questions and clarifications
• Search for discount codes/coupons before purchasing. 99% of the time you can save money or get free shipping. Google the phrase: "store name" discount code to find one.
• Don't forget to check the "Virtual Clearance Rack." I get great deals on clothes for my kids because they will grow into a size too big! Also combine the Sale section with online discounts for even greater bargains :)
• Read lots of reviews on the item that you are interested in to get sizing ideas and reviews on the customer service which is majorly important when ordering clothes online that you can't obviously try on first cause lets face it, it has a high likelihood of being returned...

These are all fantastic tips. The fact that many of them were repeated speaks to the reality that many of them are valid - and they are mistakes that most of us have made, again and again. YES - check the size charts. Again and again. I wear a 2 with some designers and a 12 with others. I don't care anymore what size the outfit says - if it's a larger number, I usually cut it out. :)

Double check any information you add into a website. Once I ordered a dress custom made - and there was a delay, all because I entered my upper bust measurement in the area for under - and vice versa. It didn't make sense. I've also accidentally sent boxes to a friend rather than myself on Amazon - simply because I didn't check the mailing address.

Savvy online shopping can be done with a minimum of effort nnd trouble and a maximum of enjoyment - just be sure to double and triple check. And look for free shipping - I can't tell you the number of times I've forgotten this. Almost every time I remember - it's out there.

The winner of this giveaway was picked by random.org, and it was the commenter who said the following: I always check retail me not to make sure that there are no coupon codes I can use for my purchase, I have saved so much money that way! Domestic Extraordinare, please enjoy your gift cards!

 

Shutterfly Cards Enrich the Holiday Season

This is a sponsored post. I was provided with compensation in exchange for my (always honest and forthright) review of the Shutterfly product. In no way did the compensation color my opinion.

I'm a big fan of the holiday card. For us, it's a Christmas Card, and I always take pictures of my kids for the cards. (I, uh,used to send a holiday letter until I realized that the vast majority of people don't like them/think that they are obnoxious/think they are braggy/toss them in the fire - so I went to a picture.) It's become a tradition that I try to improve each year, taking upwards of 200 shots before I find one I like.

Many times, the photo is a non traditional one. Once, I had my six kids lay on the ground in a circle and look up at me - and I looked down and took the photo.

 A photo of a photo is sometimes the only choice you have 

Once, I set everyone up and just took random pictures - and this was the winner that year:

We specialize in the non-traditional 'round these parts

Last year, I vascilated between two ideas. This photo was my top candidate:

But we ultimately went with a photo montage:

The point is, I love to take pictures of my kids. I'm not a photographer, but I can (sometimes) capture the visions in my head. Sometimes.

Shutterfly helps you take those images in your head and put them into a card you'd be proud to send to your friends and family. I'm not really one for the braggy letters, but I do like to see how your kids have grown and my kids love to look at the pictures long after the holidays have passed. We usually hang a garland around a doorway and use pushpins to attach the cards, in order to get a maximum amount of viewing time.

With Shutterfly, you can choose from a multitude of Christmas cards - I haven't yet picked my choice, but I'm leaning towards the Merry Montage (unless I take one picture that is just so, so good that I decide to choose Coastal Wishes instead).There are holiday offerings if that's more your taste - each one more colorful and fun than the next.

Do you have grandparents for whom you just can't figure out a good gift? I've had great success with giving a photo book - it's a fantastic gift that won't clutter their house with yet more stuff, and allows them to have an opportunity to brag about their kids to their friends with proof of the wonder of your children.

Want a chance to show off your cute kids and mad photography skills? I'm giving away a code for 25 free cards to 3 lucky readers. All you need to do is leave me a comment telling me your favorite holiday photo location - and I'll pick three of you at random to receive a set of cards.

Imagine that. You could be ALL DONE! with your Holiday cards before Thanksgiving.

Rules:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• This contest will run from 10/30/2011 to 11/4/2011 at 11:59 p.m.
• All valid entries will be compiled and 3 winners will be chosen using Random.org
• The 3 winners will have 24 hours to return my email, otherwise a new winner will be chosen

Savvy Shopping Tips From Me to You

This is post #2 (as well as your second opportunity to enter to win!) sponsored by American Express and their Savvy Shopper program. I have been compensated for this post, but all ideas and thoughts are all my own.

I firmly believe that every woman should have a few basics in her wardrobe. Some of those basics may differ slightly, depending upon the geographical area in which she lives, but the basic premise is still the same.

Coat, shoes, dress, skirt, fun.

I was provided with the opportunity to pick my five Fall Must Have's, and I'd love to share them with you, along with my personal top savvy online shopping tips. This is your last chance to enter to win $250 of merchandise or gift cards through Membership Rewards. You may select a combination of gift cards/merchandise if you prefer, and here are some of the items you might choose from:

Gift Cards:
Saks Fifth Avenue:  (denominations: $50, $100, $250)
Zappos.com:  (denominations: $50, $100, $250)
Neiman Marcus:  (denominations: $50, $100, $250)
Merchandise:
North Face Denali Jacket (Retail $165)
Michael Kors Hamilton Medium Messenger Bag (Retail $248.00)
Dooney and Bourke Dillen II Satchel (Retail $248.00)
TUMI Ducati Tank Medium Backpack (Retail $245.00)

Now, back to my Five Fall Must Have's. Where I live is pretty temperate this time of year, but I need a raincoat. Sure, I have a hoodie, but waiting outside for my kids to depart school means that I get DRENCHED. There are some ugly raincoats out there, but I chose this one from Boden:

Now. Savvy Shopping tip #1 - check the measurements. And if you are ordering from a company that sells clothes in EUROPEAN sizes, make sure you don't order your American number size - because when said coat arrives, it will be too snug and although it's the most beautiful and well constructed coat you've ever seen and you want to sleep in it - it'll need to go back and return to you in a new, slightly larger size.

Next, let's look at a dress. Every woman needs at least one multi purpose dress - classy, a little flirty, but not overly sexy. You need a dress you can accessorize for a night out on the town, calm down for a church event, or spiff up when you go out with the girls. I chose this dress from Anthropologie:

Savvy Shopping tip #2 - read the feedback on the site. There's always going to be a few comments that RAVE about the dress, and a few that HATE it - but see what the general tone is - 95% of the comments on this dress were positive and I have to say, I love it just as much as they do. The other comments assured me that the dress ran true to size and I was confident that I could order my typical size.

Now, a skirt. A basic black skirt is indispensible for women. You can dress it up or down, it works for the office or church or out with the hubby. This was my choice, from Ann Taylor Loft:

Made of a stretchy material referred to as Scuba, this skirt is a dream come true. Savvy tip #3 - measure yourself, even if you think you know what size you need. Often, online stores have different sizing parameters and there's nothing more frustrating than waiting patiently for a skirt to arrive and finding that it has to go straight back.

Want to be able to fit into those pencil skirts? You are going to have to get some exercise, and so I chose sneakers for running from Amazon:

Savvy Tip #4 - Choose a store that has a good reputation. I shop an awful lot from Amazon - just ask my hubby. I chose to shop there because the prices are good, they price match and I get the items I've ordered quickly and well packed.

Now, my last item. I chose this apron from Etsy -

Simply because it was cute and functional, and I love retro - and who doesn't want to look GREAT while serving Thanksgiving dinner? Savvy Tip #5 - don't discount Etsy and similar sites. Check the feedback of the seller, but often I can find items on Etsy that I can't locate anywhere else. Bonus - you are often helping support an at home business.

To be entered to win the $250 shopping spree, leave me a comment telling me your Savvy Online Shopping Tip. I'll take the entries here and combine them with the entries on the first post and use Random.org to pick a winner. (Psst - this means that if you didn't enter on the other post, you can get an extra chance!)

This giveaway will close on Nov 5 at 11:59 p.m. and is open to US residents over the age of 18 only, please.

 

I'm a Savvy Online Shopper! - Giveaway for YOU

This review was compensated by American Express. All opinions expressed in this post are all my own. That means you can't have them - and no one paid for them.

I get many opportunites to pass cool things on to my blog readers. I've been able to give away gift cards, luggage, books, you name it - I've probably done it.

I'm also a fierce online shopper. You name it, I've probably bought it online. My mail man, Fed Ex and UPS guy - we are all justlikethis.

I promise, these two concepts, while appearing to be divergent - they correlate.

Most of the time, when I shop online, I don't have any trouble. After all, you buy a book, you know what you are getting. Order bathroom items - there's not many ways you can mess up a bottle of hairspray, are there? But when you order fashion items - meaning clothes and shoes and all of those other things that are just SO COOL - well, there's more wiggle room there. And the wiggle room isn't always a good thing.

I can illustrate this with 2 items I've purchased recently. I wanted a pair of boots for years. Years. I looked online, found a pair that I wanted, and waited for them to appear on my door step. No drama with the order - pick them out, add to the cart, pay and wait.

Except that they didn't fit.

I didn't realize that a) I have enormous calves (16.75 diameter, thank you) and b) most boots are designed for women with a calf diameter of about 15". So when the beautiful boots arrived - and truly, they were stunners - back they went.

And I was disappointed. I broadened my search for boots and uncovered the reality that is wide calf boot shopping - and found that, with a bit of work and research, I was able to find a gorgeous pair that fit me perfectly.

I'm participating in the Savvy Online Shopper program, which is intended to educate online shoppers on how they can stay smart online. Staying smart online means making good shopping choices - reading the fine print, asking for clarification on size and shipping, and not accepting a product just because you like the photo. 

Ahem.

American Express has a new program called Membership Rewards. The bare bones of the program? By using your American Express - you earn points, and you cash those points in for fabulous merchandise.

From the Press Release:

Membership Rewards, A Social Currency
We’re living in an increasingly online and connected world where people are sharing experiences with
one another on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, YouTube and so on. We think it’s about time that people have a currency that facilitates real life social connections like concerts with friends and dinners with loved ones. We hope that consumers can see Membership Rewards as more than just points, but as a social currency that connects them to the people, experiences and things they love.

Points Possibilities
Whether it’s buying a purple cow on FarmVille, a concert ticket from Ticketmaster, a camera through
Amazon or a trip to one of the world’s finest resorts, Membership Rewards is a social currency that
helps enable social experiences.

There’s also a dedicated tab for Membership Rewards on the American Express Facebook page, where
Cardmembers can share stories on what they were able to buy with their Membership Rewards points
with their communities – another way to share the possibilities with points in a social environment.

It’s Easy to Use Points
You can easily earn points on everyday items like gas, groceries, phone bills and redeem them for
practical items like paying your taxes OR social efforts like donations to charities OR for the things you
love – like extraordinary shopping to entertainment to travel rewards – it’s a world of possibilities and
the choice is yours!

I'd love it if you would share your biggest online shopping mistake for a chance to win $250 of merchandise or gift cards through Membership Rewards. The winning reader can choose however they would like - a combination of gift cards, gift cards and merchandise, etc. 

Hop to it. Leave me a comment, telling me your biggest online shopping mistake - and one of you will win $250. The holidays are coming, my birthday is coming (kidding) and I'm pretty sure Be Nice to You day is coming soon - and what better way to be nice to you than with a $250 present?

Tweens, Teens, Communication and Self Confidence

I was pleased to be asked to co Host a text discussion talk on The Motherhood this week with Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wanna Bees and one of the most level headed, fantastic women I've ever had the privilege to meet. The discussion centered around raising teens and tweens, keeping the lines of communication open and how to talk so that they will listen.

The summary of the class is posted on TheMotherhood, and I wanted to share the link with you. There are some FANTASTIC ideas there and really, if you didn't participate - I think you'll be happy with the time invested in reading the notes.

Once you've done so, come back here and tell me one bit of info from the talk - any bit, it doesn't have to be something I said, just something you found interesting or helpful - and you'll be entered to win a phenomenal prize.

The gift pack from Unilever will include a Vera Bradley bag; one sample each of Dove, Degree Girl and Degree Men deodorant; and Rosalind Wiseman’s books Queen Bees and Wannabes and Boys, Girls & Other Hazardous Materials.

(my 14 year old read this book and loved it!)

I have one of those bags and it is exactly as great as it appears in the photo.

So, go, read, already!

V-8 V Fusion Back to School

I'm a big fan of V8 V-Fusion juice drinks. The fact that I can get a full serving of fruit AND a full serving of vegetables into my kids with one incredibly yummy beverage. V8 V Fusion has become our favorite for packing lunches, and we use it for making smoothies. I'm pretty sure we are one of the lines biggest fans! The company has debuted two new products - a new flavor, Concord Grape Raspberry, and slim 8 ounce cans in 6 packs! Concord Grape Raspberry has become a family favorite - in fact, one of my kids hid the last can so that she could have it for lunch the next day!

The wonderful powers that be have put together a great back to school package, and they've offered one to me to give one away to you.The kit contains:

•  A six-pack of V8 V-Fusion Concord Grape Raspberry 8 ounce cans
•  A green lunch tote
•  Reusable Velcro bags, the perfect item for keeping sandwiches and snacks fresh
•  Branded cards for moms to include notes for their children to read at lunch
•  Branded grocery list notepads so moms can remember to pick up Concord Grape Raspberry slim  cans on their next trip to the supermarket
•  $25 Wal-Mart gift card
•  A coupon for one free V8 V-Fusion, V8 V-Fusion Light or V8 V-Fusion + Tea beverage (46 ounce or 8 ounce 6 pack)
•  A pack of NEW Goldfish sandwich bread from Pepperidge Farm, the perfect item to turn a boring sandwich into an exciting lunch item

To enter, leave me a comment with your biggest school lunch packing challenge - or your most memorable school lunch. This giveaway will run from 9/6/2011 to 9/12/2011 at 11:59 p.m. I'll select a winner using Random.org.