Busy School Night? Smokey Bones Can Help With Dinner

 Yes, as a food blogger and recipe developer I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Cooking. Cleaning. Rinse. Repeat. And as much as I love this career I've built for myself, going out to eat is still such a treat for me and something our family truly enjoys. (Sure I love the food, but not having to clean up? Win win!)

I love when a restaurant we already enjoy gives us another reason to want to go and then tell everyone we know! Our friends at Smokey Bones never disappoint when it comes to delicious barbecue, fantastic service and a fun atmosphere; and now through September 30th, they have put the icing on the cake, per say...Kids 10 and younger eat FREE with the purchase of an adult entree! 

 

Your eyes didn't deceive you. I said FREE! Smokey Bones wants to help parents ease into the school new year, with its hectic evenings and crazy schedules, by taking some stress out of dinner time! From chicken to ribs to cheeseburgers, and some of the best mac and cheese around, Smokey Bones has a kids' menu to please all the little foodies in your life.

My little guy couldn't wait to dig into his Chicken Bites and Mac and Cheese. Look at that crispy breading, just waiting to be dunked into some tangy honey mustard. Every spoonful of the pasta was ooey gooey goodness! 

What about us adults? My hubby and I both opted for the pulled pork platter, but with different sides. For me potato wedges and fire roasted corn. A big pile of tender, flavorful pulled pork, crispy but butter potatoes and that corn? Oh my gosh! So much flavor and I loved the fact it was cut off the cob. Oh, and you can't forget two slices of Texas toast too!

Mr. E upgraded one of his sides to a "premium" for only $1 because he wanted some macaroni and cheese himself. Normally up charges annoy me, but this was a very fair price for a generous portion! 

One of the things I have always appreciated about Smokey Bones is the variety of sauces available on the table. The pulled pork comes cooked perfectly and seasoned well, but then I can add the flavor and amount of sauce I want as I eat. On our table we had a sweet and smoky barbecue, chipotle pepper barbecue sauce, mustard barbecue and a Carolina sauce too.  I could taste test each one, and decide or even try a couple different ones. For me? The sweet and smoky, what I would call traditional bbq sauce. For the hubby? He loved the Carolina sauce and could add more and more with each bite. 

 If you are rushing around with after school activities, sports, meetings, etc, and find yourself wanting great food, at a great price, find your nearest Smokey Bones location and take a break from cooking! 

Our family has been big fans of Smokey Bones for a while now, and they always find reasons to keep us coming back for more!

Smokey Bones is available for dine-in and online orders for pick-up, as well as delivery
on their site. To make a reservation at your nearest location, visit the link here.

Disclaimer: I received a gift card in exchange for this feature. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.

A Blast From The Past with Beanos

When I first saw Conroy Foods' condiment line Beanos, I was immediately intrigued. From sandwich sauces like Horse Radish to their variety of Mustards, and tons of yummy things in between, they definitely have a little something for everyone. 

But the one that caught my eye the most, that made me drool and sent me into a total deja vu moment was their Original Submarine Dressing. 

See, when I was a little girl, while I am a born and raised Hoosier, some of my best memories come from my time spent in Pennsylvania. My parents were raised there, and my grandparents lived there the whole time I was growing up, so we made the 6 hour trip a lot to see them. And every summer my mom and I would go "home" for 2 weeks. 

It was during one of those trips my Grandpa started raving about this little sub shop they found in a neighboring town. They had to visit this town about once a month for a specific doctor and every time they got subs for lunch. He could not stop talking about them. He loved them. So of course he wanted to share them with us. 

I don't remember a lot about the sandwich itself, but the sauce I do. I distinctly recall Grandpa always getting his dressed with their "house dressing" and it was definitely what made the sandwich so delicious. 

Fast forward 30 years, and me not having one of those subs in about as long, and you can see why I would be so excited to try Beanos version. Oh, and ironically enough they are a family owned Pennsylvania company too! It's truly kismet!

A mix of soybean oil, red wine vinegar and fresh Italian spices make up this amazing concoction that truly takes any sandwich to the next level. The minute I tasted it, I knew my suspicions were right. It was indeed very close to that dressing Grandpa loved so much, and that brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart.

If you love sandwiches as much as we do, especially subs, you will flip for this. I can't wait to start having subs more and more at home (yay for saving money too!) now that I have Beanos in the fridge to make them extra yummy!

To see if Beanos is sold near you, click here. And to stay upon the latest deliciousness they are putting out, be sure to visit them online and Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram too!





Disclaimer: I was given free samples for this features. The thoughts, opinions and stories are all mine.

Zoo To You 2016

Yes, it's that time once again. When our family ventures out to one of our favorite summer time spots, The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, and then report back to all of you what's going on at one of the country's BEST zoos! 

We are always so excited to visit the zoo, see all of our favorite animals and check out everything new they have going on; and this summer there are definitely new and adventurous attractions to see. Plus this year, we were extra lucky because Maa Ma got to join us for our day of fun!

Now for us, part of exploring the zoo is seeing what new food/menu options they might have added since our last visit; and to best do that, we decided to ask Chef Matt, the zoo's executive chef some questions we had about what we saw. We were lucky enough to meet Chef Matt in person last year and wanted to follow up on a couple things, and had some new thoughts too.

1. Last year when we spoke, you mentioned you had some new ideas you were looking to develop for this season. Have you been able to implement any of those?

  I did work on some new ideas for this season unfortunately a lot of them were put on the back burner. This tends to happen a lot in our environment. We did work on other projects such as building more shelves and storage for product, revamping the line at Rays by pulling out the registers and adding a grab and go cooler, adding a second soft serve machine to Matilda’s, adding an Icee mix up station in Africa, and purchased some much needed equipment for all the stands. I did get a chance to play with Mt. Dew ice cream. It turned out great and we run it on occasion and on holiday weekends. Right now I am working on doing something fun for Zoo Brew.

 2. We noticed a family meal available at the Tree Tops Cafe and were wondering if there are any other family options we didn't see. 

 Unfortunately at this time Tree Tops is the only place we offer family meals. 

 
3. Have you ever considered having daily lunch specials (especially sat Ray's Grille)? 

We do run specials quite a bit. I have not made it a mandatory daily thing at this point, but I can tell you that Ray’s has ran Krab Rolls, Strawberry Short Cake, and Banana Pudding with Nilla wafer cups. In other locations we have done Chicken and Waffles, Specialty Pizzas, Pizza Fries, Pizza Pretzels, Deep Fried Cookie Dough, and Brownie Sundaes.

 4. What is your biggest meal seller? We realize popcorn and ice cream are crowd favorites, but besides those. 

Chicken Tenders Baskets, Burger Baskets, Pizza, then Ice Cream…… In that order.

 
5. Have you ever looked into offering Lemonade Shake Ups? We love them and know they are a hit at other places we enjoy during the warm months. Just a suggestion :) 

  Funny you asked this. This was one of the concepts that got put on the back burner, but yes I have the concept all drawn up and was looking at putting it in Africa. Bees are always a problem with a concept like this especially at a zoo. So for now it’s still just a concept, but it is still on my radar and something I’d like to do. 

If you don't know about all the new and exciting things going on at the zoo this summer, you have to check out the completely remodeled Australian Adventure. Part of this was finished last year when we were there, but not Sting Ray Bay is open, where you can actually pet a sting ray! Not to mention a gorgeous outdoor eating area perfect to grab some shade and rest. Plus, there are plenty of great photo opportunities as well.

Oh, and while you are there, you have to take a ride on the new Crocodile Adventure River Ride. If you've been before, it's the log ride we all loved as kids, but even better! So relaxing, but still exciting too! 

And of course no trip to "our" zoo is complete without seeing our favorite exhibits as well. For us, it doesn't get better than watching the Sea Lions play. Seriously, we could sit and watch these adorable friends all day long. They are definitely the boy's favorite!

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo has been a family favorite since I was a little girl. If you live in our neck of the woods, and haven't planned your summer trip yet, you MUST! Or even if you live within a couple hours, it is definitely worth the drive. You won't regret it! To learn more, buy tickets or plan your visit, be sure to check them out online, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Follow along for all the zoo fun!

Disclaimer: I received free tickets in exchange for this feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Gift Idea with Fairytale Brownies {A Feature}

Happy December! How did that happen? Wasn't it just Halloween? Regardless, the most wonderful time of year is upon us, in full swing! 

Today I'm sharing with you a terrific idea for anyone with a sweet tooth on your gift list from my friends at Fairytake Brownies.

Fairytale Brownies mail order company has been baking brownies since 1992. Every batch is made by hand using a secret family recipe. The brownies, cookies and bars are all natural, baked with the finest ingredients, individually wrapped and certified kosher dairy. 

For this holiday season the folks at Fairytale have chosen bright, beautiful colors for their festive packaging, with snowflake, holly branches, berries and garland for accents.

I can tell you first hand these boxes are as beautiful as the sweet treats are tasty. There are a ton of various flavors to please every palate, each one more delicious than the last. 

Imagine this gorgeous gift showing up on your loved one's front step this holiday season. What a scrumptious way to brighten their holiday season! I think it would be a perfect "go together" gift if you and siblings, or cousins are looking to treat a special parent or grandparent. 

For more info, and ordering, visit Fairytale Brownies today!

Welcome to the Land of Plenti {A Feature}

We are yogurt fiends around here. We love the stuff. Can't get enough it. So when Yoplait® offered to let me try their new Greek Yogurt, Plenti™, I jumped at the chance! 

 This stuff is delicious and full of so many great things! 
It's called Plenti for a reason! They start with Yoplait® Greek Yogurt, a great source of calcium and vitamin D. Then they add just the right amount of hearty ingredients, making it a healthy, high-protein snack. Filled with yummy extras like whole grain oats, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds, every bite is more substantial than the last. 

One of the greatest parts is Plenti™ stays with you, making it the perfect on-the-go snack, or even light breakfast. Plus it has 12g of protein and is gluten free. Coming in delicious flavors like Spiced Apple (my favorite), Coconut, Blueberry and more, there is something for every yogurt lover. 

If you looking for a little more "umph" in your yogurt, bring the one home that is plentiful with flavor. Find Plent™i in your grocery store today! 

Disclaimer: Today's post is sponsored by Plenti, but my love for their yogurt is all my own.

Breakfast For Dinner Done Differently with Grainful™ {A Feature}

We are huge breakfast for dinner fans (or "brinner") around here. Any long time reader of EMM knows that. And I know so many of you out there are the same way! Not only is it a fun way to enjoy traditionally morning dishes after a long day, but it can also give us more nutrition too! In that spirit, my friends at Grainful™ have introduced a line of savory sides made with steel cut oatmeal! 

^{The Steel Cut Sides provide more fiber and heart healthy nutrients than quinoa and take a traditional breakfast food from morning to the dinner table with some sass!} 

 ^{“These sides mix up your dinnertime routine beyond the same old rice or potato and give oatmeal a facelift,” said Chef Jeannine Sacco, Grainful co-founder and chief recipe developer. “Steel cut oats, mixed with a colorful palette of spices and fresh ingredients, bring a hearty and nutty flavor to any meal.”}

 ^{Steel Cut Sides are also certified gluten-free and non-GMO, plus packed with protein as well! Each package contains steel cut oats, vegetables, a seasoning packet and preparation suggestions, as well as detailed cooking instructions that stress convenience. Steel Cut Sides are 100% all natural with no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, and are packaged in 8 oz. pouches that serve four. Available in four mouth-watering varieties, the sides retail for a suggested $4.99 – $5.99; and will be on grocery store shelves by this fall!}

Cheesy Oats: A comfort food classic, made with creamy cheddar cheese and buttermilk
Tomato Risotto: Authentic Mediterranean flavor meets Italian-style flare
Madras Curry: A sweet and spicy companion to any meal, made with Indian spices, raisins and veggies
Jambalaya: A Creole classic for a Louisiana-inspired meal

 

Why not take a morning time tradition and give it a little dinner time flare? To learn more, and stay up on everything new from Grainful™, be sure to like them on Facebook and follow on Twitter. 

Disclaimer: I was given free samples in exchange for this feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dining Out With Table8 {A Feature}

Do you love to eat out? Do you love to hit the new and "in" places before anyone else? Or maybe you would love to try the best restaurant in your area, but can never get in?  Do you get frustrated when you can't get reservations? Well, the restaurant game has changed people, thanks to my new friends at Table8. 

At Table8 they believe that dining out at the best restaurants shouldn't require weeks or months of planning. But many times, unless you know the chef or another insider, that is exactly what you run into. So they made it their mission to bring access and spontaneity back to eating out! 

They have teamed up with top restaurants to offer tables at peak, sold-out times, just days in advance, without waiting list or any hassle. All you get is reservations at the most popular restaurants in your city!

So how does it work? It's super easy! All you do is reserve the table you want through their website or mobile apps. (Available on iPhone and Android!)

Technology has changed the way we dine out so, so much in the past couple years; and now Table8 is changing it even more, allowing all of us the chance to eat at the most sought out restaurants any time we want. To stay up on all the latest news from Table8, including the cities it is currently available in, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

Whole Grain Challenge with Nature's Harvest® {A Feature and Giveaway}

"Whole Grains." Everybody is talking about them, and you can't go down the aisles of your grocery store without seeing them around every turn. That's because they are an important part of a nutritious diet! The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommends that adults eat 48 grams or more of whole grains daily and children ages 4-13 years old eat a minimum of 40-48 grams per day. However, studies have shown that the majority of children and adults are not consuming the recommended amount of whole grains.

This is why Nature's Harvest® Bread is so excited to launch the Whole Grain Challenge to encourage families to include 48 grams of whole grains into their diets every single day.  From July 13 to August 10, participants can take the whole grain pledge on the Nature’s Harvest® Facebook page and they will automatically be entered into a weekly sweepstakes.

If you've never tried Nature's Harvest®, let me tell you why you should! 

Each variety of Nature’s Harvest® bread is baked with:

At least 8 grams of whole grains per serving
No artificial flavors or colors
No high fructose corn syrup 
Since ALL Nature’s Harvest® breads are baked with at least 8 grams of whole grains per serving, it’s an easy way for moms to provide her family the whole grains they need… no matter the variety.
Nature’s Harvest® bread is now available to consumers nationwide and come in delicious varieties including:
100% Stone Ground Whole Wheat Bread
Honey Wheat Made with Whole Grain Bread
Butter Top Made With Whole Grain White Bread
Butter Top Made with Whole Grain Wheat Bread

Now you can have bread that is soft, flavorful and perfect for every day use that your family will love that you can feel absolutely great about giving them. With back to school time just around the corner, and all those pb&j sandwiches going with the little ones, it's the perfect time to make the switch!

I was super excited when my friends at Nature's Harvest® asked me to try their bread and come up with a fun recipe to share with all of you.

One of our favorite supper time combos inspired me. Soup and Grilled Cheese. It's an American classic, and while 99% of the time, it's the standard tomato soup and American cheese, this time I decided to switch it up. I took that grilled cheese sandwich to the next level! I basically took one of my favorite appetizer dips and stuffed it between two slices of bread. Genius, I know. 

With busy school days almost here, simple, tasty, fast meals we can get on the table and still feel good about are a must, and using Nature's Harvest® for a soup and sammy meal gives us just that. Oh, and the great folks at Nature's Harvest have also provided me with a fun giveaway for you too. Just scroll down under the recipe to see how to enter! 

Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese

1 loaf Nature's Harvest® Butter Top Made with Whole Grain White Bread

Margarine or Butter, softened

1 (14 oz.) can artichokes, chopped

6 oz. fresh spinach

3 TBS olive oil

5 cloves garlic, minced

6 TBS sour cream

1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese

3 c. finely shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook garlic in oil for 30 seconds just until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add artichokes and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and Parmesan, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread margarine on one side of slices of bread. Lay margarine side down in large skillet. Add about 2-3 TBS mozzarella cheese, and 2-3 TBS of spinach mixture to bread. Top with another slice of bread, margarine side up. Cook until browned on all sides. Serve with a cup of your favorite soup.

 

***GIVEAWAY***

Leave a comment telling me your favorite sandwich! Include an email address so I can find you easy. 

(1) Winner Will Receive:

(1) $5 off coupon for Nature's Harvest® Bread

(1) $25 Visa Gift Card

Contest Ends: August 7, 2015

Disclaimer:  The information and coupons have been provided by Nature’s Harvest® so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about Nature’s Harvest® bread. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Nature’s Harvest®. They also provided me with the prize package for the giveaway, but I am in charge of running it and choosing a winner.

Our Day At The Zoo 2015

Any long time follower of this blog knows that while 99% of the time I blog about food, and lots of it, I also love to write about adventures we have as a family; and fun things we find to do in our hometown. And many of you, especially if you live around here, know from a young age one of little man's favorite places to visit is our very own Fort Wayne Children's Zoo,  which has been voted one of the best in the country time and time again. 

Last summer we were invited out to enjoy a day at the zoo and then share that day with all of you. This summer we were once again invited out to enjoy a fun day, but with an exciting new twist! We were able to try some of the menu options at the zoo, and learn more how they feed all us visitors every day. 

First off, if you haven't visited the zoo lately, you might be surprised to see all of the new options they have to feed you. With the remodel of the Australian Adventure, there is a brand new patio area with plenty of seating, and two new places to find something yummy to eat, Ray's Barefoot Grill and Matilda's. This happens to be our new favorite spot in the zoo, so we were excited to have lunch from Ray's. 

Such a beautiful spot, with plenty of tables! 

Ray's has delicious grilled options from burgers to chicken.

We quickly found what we wanted to try. For me? A grilled chicken breast sandwich and little man wanted the fried chicken tenders. Both came with delicious french fries, which appeared to be hand cut and fresh. The chicken was juicy and flavorful; both of us went on and on about just how tasty the whole meal was. It was the perfect portion too, for a light lunch while exploring the zoo. 

Every bite was yummier than the last.

This time around, we were so lucky to be able to meet Head Chef Matt!!! Yes, the zoo has a head chef!! Don't worry if you weren't aware, either were we!! The zoo is fun on it's own, but Alex is such a foodie, this was an added bonus! But he was so kind to meet us, talk to us a little and then answer some questions we had after our visit!

Chef Matt and Alex! Foodies unite!

What questions you might ask? Well, we had a few for Chef Matt, and here is what he had to say!

1. Did you always know you wanted to be a chef? And more specifically, a zoo chef?

I started washing dishes in a restaurant when I was 14. At that point I knew I liked the kitchen. I continued to work in restaurants as I went to school for marketing. Ultimately, I decided to go to culinary school and strived to be the best chef I could be. Working in zoos did not cross my mind, but a friend of mine became a chef at a different zoo and asked me to work with him. At that point I was hooked.   

2. What are some of your responsibilities as the head zoo chef? How does the menu get created?

Some of my responsibilities are client relations, sanitation, proper food handling, ordering, cost of goods, scheduling, menu design, and new concept development. Menus tend to get created in our off season. These reflect what guests want, what food is trending, and what we see works in other locations.

3. What is the most popular food item at the zoo? What's your favorite?

As of now chicken tenders and fries are number one. My favorite would have to be the deep-fried peanut butter and jelly with candied bacon and powdered sugar.  It’s a special we run from time to time at Matilda’s.

4. What new things would like to bring to the zoo menu?

I would like to bring BBQ to the zoo, and possibly lemonade shake-ups.  

5. Are you able to provide foods for people with special dietary needs?

Yes, we do have vegetarian options and can typically take care of vegan needs. We’re looking into providing more gluten-free options.  

The other really cool (pun intended) new addition to the zoo we discovered was the Icee Station located in the Indonesian Rainforest! Yep, you can build your own Icee from one of the delicious flavor choices like Mango, Pina Colada, Blue Raspberry, Strawberry Lemonade and more! My little dude was super excited about this one! 

If you are planning a trip to the zoo this summer, be sure to take the time to explore all of the delicious, and in my opinion rather affordable food options they have. There are so many amazing things to see, why not include a tasty treat too? For a list of menu options and prices, click here.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary day at the zoo in exchange for this feature. Plus tickets for a giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

***GIVEAWAY***

To Enter: Leave me a comment telling me your favorite animal to visit at the zoo! Be sure to leave an email address so I can find you.

(1) Winner will receive (1) Family 4 pack of tickets for the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

Contest Ends: July 30, 2015

Welch's 1 Million Fans

We eat a lot of fruit snacks in our house. And when I say "we" I mean little man. Between packed lunches, after school snacks and treats on the go, he eats A LOT. And one of his favorites has always been Welch's Fruit Snacks because of the amazing flavors and variety. 

Well, we aren't the only ones who love Welch's because they just reached 1 Million Facebook fans! To celebrate and say "thank you" to all the loyal fans who got them there, they are giving away 1 Million Fruit Snacks! Cool, huh??!!

To enter, just click here to visit their Facebook page and follow the instructions for your chance to be a part of the celebration!

But you have another way to win too! My good friends at Welch's are giving away 3 boxes of fruit snacks to 3 lucky EMM readers! Just read below to enter!

Congratulations to Welch's on 1,000,000 fans and here is to the next million! 

To Enter: Like Welch's on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me you have. Be sure to include an email address so I can find you! 

(3) Winners will win (3) boxes of fruit snacks each!

Contest Ends: July 1, 2015

Tropical Treat

I love when I can take something we love to eat and use it in a totally new way for something even yummier we love to eat! That's exactly what you get when you combine the ideas of Great Grains cereal for dessert!

Between the pool parties, camping trips, barbecues and vacations, there is no question that the summer season brings non-stop fun! When there's no slowing down, you'll want to have easy go-to recipes on hand for whatever comes your way. That's why Post Great Grains created the Tropical Crunch Parfait, a refreshing summer-themed recipe that will impress your guests but WON'T cost you cooking time or extra trips to the grocery store!

The combination of whole grain flakes, nuts and dried banana of Great Grains Banana Nut Crunch cereal complements layers of fresh banana, pineapple and Greek yogurt for the perfect tropical experience – also equally creamy and crunchy!

 

 Tropical Crunch Parfait

3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

1 medium banana, sliced

3 oz. fresh pineapple chunks

1/2 cup Great Grains Banana Nut Crunch cereal

1 tsp. honey

1 mint leaf sprig

 

Slice banana and chop pineapple chunks. Place in bowl and put to side. Spoon 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt into parfait glass. Add first layer of banana and pineapple mix, followed by 1/4 cup Great Grains Banana Nut Crunch cereal. Repeat process. Top with honey drizzle and a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt. Garnish with mint leaf sprig. 

 

 

 

Be sure to show off your food styling skills and take a photo of your beautiful parfait creation!  Tag your photo with #GreatGrains and follow on Facebook too!

Disclaimer: I received a free sample and gift in exchange for this feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Say Cheese with Elli Quark { A Feature}

It's the first day of summer vacation! That's right the day we've waited 180 days is here, and I don't know who is happier....me or the boy. Gosh, I love him having home with me for the next 8 weeks! But you know what that means? I'm gonna have to feed him 3x a day, plus snacks! No more relying on school lunch. And with all the fun activities we love this time of year, it's my job to make sure his meals and even his snacks are giving him the fuel to play all day long. I need snacks he loves to eat, and I can feel good about. I have my stand bys, and now, thanks to my new friends at Elli Quark, I have a new one!

What is Elli Quark you ask? Well, let me tell you. It's a spoonable, fresh cheese! Yep, I said cheese! It has a creamy texture similar to Greek yogurt, but with a richer, less sour taste! Plus it has a better protein to carb ratio, NO added sugars or artificial sweeteners. 

With almost half the calories of Greek yogurt, almost 15% more protein, all nature and non-GMO, effective probiotics, gluten free and the freshest fruit, it has all the things you want in something your kids will gobble down. Seriously, if your little ones are yogurt lovers like my son, they are going to L.O.V.E this new treat!

Coming in flavors like mint chocolate, blueberry, sea salt caramel, strawberry, lemon, red velvet, cherry, and more...there is definitely something for everyone! My little guy devoured one kind after another, declaring them all yummy! He loved the texture and I enjoy watching him try something new, that might be like something he already likes, but oh so much more!

Elli Quark is currently available across the US, simply enter your zip code here to find a location in your area. Can't find any close to you? That's okay because you can also purchase online and have it delivered right to your front door!

If you have yogurt fans in your house, I highly reccommend letting them try Elli Quark for a tasty, healthy alternative that will have the whole family saying "cheese!"

 

Disclaimer: I received free products in exchange for this feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Foodie Father's Day

Father's Day is just around the corner (Sunday June 21st for those not paying attention to the calendar) and if you have a dad that loves to cook, or a husband that is the master of the grill, have I got the gift idea for you, thanks to my friends at Ergo Chef!

The #1 rule in cooking? The tools/utensils you cook with are just as important as food you are preparing. That's why Ergo Chef if dedicated to engineering the highest quality utensils for chefs of all skill levels. 

And now they have these amazing Locking Duo Tongs I am happy to introduce to you! From an indoor meal to a summer time cookout they are sure to be the most useful thing you will cook with! 

As the name implies, DUO tongs have a one of a kind dual construction. The BPA-free silicone side is safe for non-stick pans and heat resistant to 500 degrees. The stainless steel side is great for great grip and use on aluminum or stainless steel pans or grills. Plus the ergonomic angled head is perfect for picking up delicate foods and the slotted head easily drains liquids for no mess! 

With their non-slip grip and precise control, they are the only tongs you'll need for any method of cooking. So, if you have a dad, husband, grandpa, uncle, friend or is also a foodie, these would make a great Father's Day gift! 

Find more info and order here! 

Disclaimer: I received free product in exchange for this review/feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sizzling Summer with NatureSweet {A Feature}

Ya'll know how much we love us some NatureSweet tomatoes! They are our favorite little tomatoes for everything from salads to snacking. And now, my good friends at NatureSweet have a fantastic summer time inspired giveaway going on too! 

Just in time for barbecue season, NatureSweet has partnered with Weber Grills to host a summer grilling sweepstakes! From now until July 5th, at select retailers nationwide, customers can enter to win weekly giveaways of the Weber^® Q^®1200 Gas Grills^™ or the Ultimate Weber^® Grill Prize Package, valued at $3,000! 

Customers can enter the Glorys of Grilling Sweepstakes by submitting a photo/video and description of their favorite grilled Glorys recipe at glorysofgrilling.com. 

NatureSweet Glorys tomatoes are the perfect must-have for the upcoming grilling season! Glorys were recently launched with new packaging making it 100% recyclable and adding a re-sealable lid with ventilation holes in both the top and bottom of the container, making the rinse and storage process a breeze for customers.

Be sure to check NatureSweet out on Facebook and all the details of  the contest here. 

Disclaimer: I received free product samples in exchange for this review/feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Crunchy Snack Alternative with Biena Foods {A Feature}

Are you always on the lookout for snack options that are better for you? Ones you don't have to feel quite so guilty about as you munch away? Yeah, I thought so. In fact, 85% of Americans have difficulty finding snacks that are truly tasty and healthy. But Biena Roasted Chickpeas may be the solution!

Biena Chickpea Snacks specialize in deliciously crunchy and all natural chickpeas great for both kids and adults! They are gluten free, and make a terrific post workout snack, after school treat, or on-the-go nibble. 

Let's talk flavors! Biena has something to satisfy anyone's craving, from salty to sweet! These little crunchy snacks come in Barbecue, Sea Salt, Habanero, Cinnamon Crunch and Honey Roasted. With all the different yummy factors, you are sure to find one you love! 

All 5 flavors are non-GMO, gluten-free, packed with protein and fiber, and contain 60 percent less fat than traditional chips. 

I love these little things! I always need a little "nosh" in the afternoon and these kept my energy up to make it through the rest of my day. Not to mention I love crunchy, salty things and these hit the perfect spot!

If you want a snack that will satisfy that craving, but you can feel good about too, be sure to check Biena Roasted Chickpeas out online, on Facebook and Twitter. 

Disclaimer: I received free product samples in exchange for this review/feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own.