Tropicana Orange Juice and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and Tropicana.

Hi everyone, today I am talking a little about Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice.  How do you get the “good” in good morning?  Well, we try to be as organized as possible the night before so we can have a “good” morning. Every night, I have the boys pick out their clothes and set them out so we don’t have to worry about this in the morning.  We also try to sit down for a good breakfast each morning as a family.  Sometimes it’s eggs , French toast and orange juice and other times it’s cold cereal.  No matter what we are having it’s nice to start our morning together.  These are some things that start our morning “good.”

Did You Know?

There are 16 fresh-picked oranges squeezed inside each 59-ounce container of Tropicana Pure Premium. 

Just one glass of Tropicana Pure Premium provides key nutrients, tastes great and truly helps put the “good” in morning – good meaning both good nutrition and a bright start to the day.

Check out Tropicana’s Official Facebook  Page HERE and their Twitter Page HERE and their Official Website HERE

Here’s How To Enter The $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway:

1.  Leave a comment here telling us, “How many times a week does your family drink Orange Juice?”

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment
on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on
this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about
an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.  Sweepstakes dates: 3/14-4/11

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be
selected.

There are other chances to win!  Check out the other bloggers participating on the Round Up Page!

For Official Rules go HERE.

Be sure to come back in 2 weeks for another chance to win!

Disclaimer:  I wrote this post while participating in the Tropicana Pure
Premium/BlogHer program on behalf of Tropicana Pure Premium. I received
product information to facilitate my post and monetary compensation for
the time to write my post.

Intel Core i5 processor Review and Win a $250 Gift Card to Best Buy!

What fun it has been playing with my new Intel® Core™ i5 processor.  It really takes multi-tasking to  a new level.  I started using my new laptop to just update Picky Palate, then I started using the computer to store all of my photos and recipes.  It really is easy to pop back and forth to each window and put multi-tasking to good work! Each time I use my processor I find more reasons I love it.

My husband set up the Intel® wireless display (aka WiDi) so I could use my TV as a monitor and talk about cool!  I still get a kick out of seeing my website up on my television screen.  It’s quite impressive and comfortable to be able to sit on the couch and get my work done with my TV screen as the monitor.

Here is some information about the Intel Core i5 Processor.

• The Intel Processor is a smart processor that delivers extra performance whenever you need it, and it increases energy efficiency when you don’t.
• It features 4-way (and 8-way) multi-task processing that allows each core of your processor to work on two tasks at the same time that’s Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
• It Automatically speeds up your processor when your PC needs extra performance-that’s Intel Turbo Boost Technology.
• A stunning visual experience with Intel HD Graphics, available on select models of the Intel Core processor family.  Smart Speed.
• Get more done faster with processors that are build for smart multi-tasking.

Now, get ready to enter to win a $250 Gift Card to Best Buy…Here’s How to Enter: (comments from post 1 and 2 will be combined when choosing a winner)

1.  Leave a comment here and tell us, what is the first thing you would buy with your Gift Card at Best Buy?

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) Follow this link (links to http://goo.gl/xO09F) and provide your email address and your response to the sweepstakes prompt

e) Sweepstakes ends at 5 PM PST on December 22, 2010

_______________

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here. (links to http://goo.gl/BWcAw)

Be sure to check out the other bloggers posts HERE and enter in their sweepstakes too!

*Disclaimer:  Giftcard is courtesy of BlogHer.  Laptop was given to me by Intel.

Intel Core i5 processor Review and Win a $250 Gift Card to Best Buy!

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Intel.

Let’s face it, life is busy. We, or maybe I should say “I” feel like I am always running around with my family just hoping to get everything I need to get done every single day.  As a mom of 2 busy little boys, a wife, a recipe developer, website author and new cookbook writer, it is so very important for me to multi-task and use wise time management otherwise I am in big trouble.

I find it helpful to write down my responsibilities each week on paper so I can see them along with having family meetings so we are all on the same page then try to multi-task every chance I get.

When I come across things that make my life easier….and faster I am all ears.

I was selected by BlogHer and Intel to review a new computer powered by the Intel® Core™ i5 processor with Turbo Boost Technology that allows me to get more done in less time.  Talk about excitement when I heard those words!  The laptop is beautiful.  I quickly opened the box and set it up all by myself.  For someone who knows the bare minimum about running computers, I must say I was relieved how easy it was to get started.

An Intel® wireless display (akaWiDi) adaptor was also sent that allows me to use my HDTV a monitor.  How cool is that?  I can work on my blog or type recipes on the big screen in my living room.  I can NOT wait to get playing on this new computer.  Stay tuned to hear more about my experience!

Now, get ready to enter to win a $250 Gift Card to Best Buy…Here’s How to Enter:

1.  Leave a comment here and tell us, what do spend most of your time doing on your computer?  Work, play, surf the internet?  Let’s hear it!

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) Follow this link (links to http://goo.gl/xO09F) and provide your email address and your response to the sweepstakes prompt

e) Sweepstakes ends at 5 PM PST on December 22, 2010

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here. (links to http://goo.gl/BWcAw)

Be sure to check out the other bloggers posts HERE and enter in their sweepstakes too!

How Do You Spend Quality Time With Your Child?

Tags: review

This is a great question…How do you spend quality time with your child?  It seems the best time I have with my children are in everyday activities.  Reading stories, playing at a park and playing games as a family.  This is a great video below of other mom’s around the web and their stories on how they spend time with their children

Win a $100 Visa Gift Card/Meal Makeover Kit and a Ragu Review!

Tags: review

This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Ragú.

What exciting news to find Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional Pasta Sauce now has two servings of veggies in every half cup.
We are massive pasta eaters in the Picky Palate house, so I was thrilled to try Ragu’s new pasta sauce with all the extra veggies packed in.

I found that the new formulation doesn’t actually have any different ingredients than the old formula. They’ve just packed more veggies into the formula to get to 2 servings of veggies per half cup (vs. 1 serving per half cup). The taste is the same great taste and they want to assure moms that the sauce they’re used to and have been feeding their families for years hasn’t changed.

We tried the Skillet Pasta and Beef Dinner with our new veggie packed Ragu and the kids went nuts for it. Before I added the sauce, I made sure I tried a spoon of each (the old and the new) and I enjoyed the chunkiness of the new sauce because I knew it was packed with lots of vegetables!

The dinner was a huge success and it literally took minutes to prepare.  I love pulling out quick and simple recipes during the busy school week and that is exactly what Ragu helps us with.  A great pasta sauce packed with lots of vegetables.  Mom is happy and the kids are happy!

Come be one of the first to taste Ragu with 2 servings of veggies in every half cup over at Ragu’s Facebook Page .

Enter to Win a $100 Visa Gift Card!

1.  To enter, leave a comment telling us… what is your favorite pasta recipe that you can put together during those crazy busy school nights?

2.  For an extra entry Tweet about the Giveaway… Come over to @pickypalate for a $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway.  Leave a separate comment along with the URL for that.

3. For an extra entry Blog about the contest and leave the URL in a comment here.

4.  Contest ends…..Winner will be chosen by Random.org.  The Sweepstake is sponsored by BlogHer

Be sure to visit the other bloggers’ reviews and giveaways at the  BlogHer.com special offers page!

See Official Rules HERE.

Make sure to visit the Official Ragu Facebook Page for a chance to win a Meal Makeover Kit!

No Ordinary Family

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and ABC’s No Ordinary Family.

My family is extraordinary in so many ways but one thing that comes to mind is that we always have fun together, no matter what.  Whether we’re at the beach, Disneyland or just hanging out at home, good times are had.

One extraordinary thing about my family is we really know how to have a blast during family game time.  It is extraordinary to watch the laughs, major competition and down right fun going on.  It is one of my favorite things to do together as a family and I think we are extraordinary at it

If I could give my family super hero powers I would start with my husband.  He would have the “flying” super power so he could fly to and from work in a flash.

Next, I would give my oldest son the power of speed so he could clean his room and do his homework in record time

My youngest son would be given super human strength because he would think it is the coolest to be the strongest boy in the world…..and pound his older brother.

I would absolutely give myself the power to freeze time so I could slow down the days that goes way too fast!!  If I could squeeze in one more power it would be a magical whisk that would make dinners and desserts with the flick of the wrist.

Watch ABC’s No Ordinary Family Trailer

Visit the Official Show Page on abc.com for character bios, videos and more. http://abc.com/NoOrdinaryFamily

Visit their Facebook Page at:  http://facebook.com/NoOrdinaryFamily

ABC’s No Ordinary Family hosted a video contest to find the most EXTRADORDINARY family in America and starting September 27th you can help vote for the winner!  Between September 27 and October 1, watch the top 5 video submissions and vote for your favorite.  Click here for details and be sure to vote! http://abc.go.com/shows/no-ordinary-family/no-ordinary-contest

Family Time with McDonald’s Family Getaway

This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and McDonald’s.

Contest is Now Over.  Congrats to entry #22 Paula Hawkins.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

22

Timestamp: 2010-08-27 15:11:51 UTC

____________________________

One of my favorite parts of the trip with McDonald’s was that they invited the whole family. My husband wasn’t able to come so I brought my mom, brother and my 2 boys. We had the best time spending time together. The boys hadn’t been on an airplane since they were babies, so the fun started right away at the airport

First was hanging out in the hotel room. This is such a treat for my boys. Jumping on the bed, watching all the tv they want….you throw in some Happy Meal toys and they have died and gone to heaven!

The welcome dinner was great. We started with some snacks and get to know you games then went outside for a beautiful dinner. The boys were immediately drawn to the sweet ladies making balloons. They got balloon swords, hats and anything else they could think of. The kids staff was great, there were always fun games and activities for the kids to play. Ronald McDonald could not have been more cool, he chatted with each and every one of the kids. By the last day, he practically knew all the kids names. How cool?! Love him

The family Scavenger hunt around the hotel was a blast. The kids took their adorable “Chicago” lunch pails and list of things to find then we all ventured out to find our treasures. The kids had the best time looking through every nook and cranny of the hotel for things They received a warm McDonald’s blanket that they Love!

Cooking with the kids in the McDonald’s Kitchens was a real treat. We worked together to make delicious fruit smoothies and fruit kebabs along with the chefs. My boys and little brother thought this was awesome!

Thank you to the McDonald’s team who made all of these family time activities possible.

Be sure to check out the other bloggers experiences on the BlogHer Round Up Page HERE.

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As part of the “Family Time. Happy Time.” campaign McDonald’s® and Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) have developed the “Make Family Time Happy Time” online widget application (see my right sidebar). The “Make Family Time Happy Time” widget encourages moms to join other moms in the Family Time conversation and share “happy” tips for quality family time.

Through the widget you can pledge minutes or hours of activities with your family in celebration of what matters most – spending time together. We also invite you to join the conversation and share your favorite family activities with other families through the widget. You can then share the widget with your friends and family through Twitter, Facebook, and email. In addition, as part of this campaign, McDonald’s will donate 1 penny to RMHC® for every minute of time you pledge to spend with your family up to 1,000,000 minutes. Minutes and pennies are tiny amounts that, when added up over time, can make a big impact, so start pledging your family time!

_______________________________

To enter the giveaway “Go pledge family time on McDonald’s “Make Family Time Happy Time” widget and let us know what you pledged in the comment section for a chance to win!” For official rules click HERE.

The Prize includes:

• A Smile tote bag
• 1 set of 6-8 Happy Meal Toys
• $25 McDonald’s Arch Card
• McDonald’s Character Vintage T-Shirt
• Pen Buddy Notebook
• EOS Organic Lip Balm Multi Pack
• 16 oz Stainless McDonald’s Tumbler
• Just Giveaway Card…For any charity of Reader’s Choice

$200 Visa Gift Card Giveaway….Smuckers!

This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and Smuckers.

Contest is now over. Congratulations to Shelley Mitchel entry #334 who was chosen by random.org.  I have the best memories of bringing my lunch to school because my mom would go out of her way to put special touches inside.  Whether it was a sweet note on my napkin or my favorite treat tucked inside, I will always have fond memories of sitting down to eat my lunch at school.

Now that my boys are in school I try to make their lunches special too.  We make a special trip to the grocery store each week to pick out their favorite healthy treats to put inside their lunch boxes.  There is nothing like being excited to pop open those lunch boxes when the bell rings.  Both of my boys love to draw and create artwork so I will sometimes draw silly pictures to tuck inside their lunches so they can laugh at what a horrible artist Mom is!  On special occasions, I LOVE popping in during lunch to eat with the boys and their friends.  They know when I come eat lunch with them that I usually bring some homemade cookies with me to share   I hope that these little things will create memories for my boys just like my mom did for me

Create a Kidvitation!

Home can be a busy place with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. That’s why it’s important to set time aside to spend with your kids. Use Smuckers® Kidvitations to invite your kids to share a moment with you over a perfect PB&J. Check it out. > http://www.smuckers.com/promotions/kidvitations/Default.aspx

Enter to win a $200 Visa Gift Card from Smuckers!  Here’s how to enter:

1.  Leave a comment here on Picky Palate telling us….What is something special you do for your kids lunch or what is something special your mom did for your school lunch? See Official Rule Page HERE.

See the other 9 bloggers stories and enter to win their giveaways HERE on the BlogHer Round Up Page.

Visit the Smucker’s Website



“Family Time, Happy Time”

This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and McDonald’s.

Contest is now over.  Congrats to entry # 77, Angel Jacklyn who was chosen by random.org as the winner. Thanks to all who participated!

I loved taking a sneak peek inside the McDonald’s Brand and company during the McDonald’s Family Time Getaway in Oak Brook, IL.  The McDonald’s representatives could not have been more accommodating and genuine. McDonald’s invited our entire family on this event, what a treat!

We started our McDonald’s experience with lunch at a local McDonald’s Restaurant then spoke to the company’s top executives.  This was one of the highlights of the trip for me.  The women of McDonald’s were beautiful, smart and completely down to earth.  They told us their history with McDonald’s and the things they love about their job.  It was really priceless to hear from these women.

Another highlight of this trip was a tour of the Oak Lawn Ronald McDonald House.  What an amazing organization.  The House is beautiful and helps so many people in need.  I think the whole room was brought to tears listening to the presentation.  I feel lucky to have been a part of it all.

One of my kids’ favorite activities was the “Taste and Tour Quality at McDonald’s:  A Family Sensory Experience and Look Behind the Counter.”  We talked with the quality control team and tasted some yummy breakfast items such as the Egg McMuffin, Apple Dippers and the McGriddle.  My kids were in hog heaven as the servers brought out all of these different items from the McDonald’s Breakfast Menu.

Another discussion that I enjoyed was, “Your Food:  From Farm to Restaurant.  This discussion was about how we as parents can feel good about the food our family eats at McDonald’s.  We talked to the Chicken Doctor who explained that McDonald’s uses only the white meat of quality chicken and also to the McDonald’s Nutritionist who showed us how we can mix and match menu items to equal 600 calories or less.  This was a great discussion.

McDonald’s Executive Chef Dan led a discussion about how McDonald’s menu items go from concept to restaurant.  It was amazing to learn how long the process is to actually get a new recipe on the menu.  There are extensive tests that are done throughout the country.  I loved getting a first taste of the fruit smoothies that are coming out soon and their newest menu item in testing…Fruit and Maple Oatmeal.  It was INCREDIBLE.  I would order it any day of the week!

The kids had a ball cooking with McDonald’s Chef Dan.  They got their very own Chef Hat, apron and had a chance to roll up their sleeves and make their own fruit kebabs and fruit smoothies.  This was a real treat.  Chef Dan and the other Chefs could not have been more kind.

McDonald’s truly went above and beyond for this event. The entire family loved it.  I feel lucky to have been a part to learn more about this incredible brand.

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Be sure to enter the Family Time Happy Time Sweepstake for some fun prizes valued at $100.

One Winner will Win:

• A Smile Tote Bag
• $25 AMC Gift Card
• $20 McDonald’s Gift Card
• Fleece Blanket
• McDonald’s Frisbee
• McDonald’s French Fry Playing Cards
• Monopoly Junior Board Game
• Organic Lip Balm
• McDonald’s Vintage Character T-Shirt
• McDonald’s Stainless Tumbler
• McDonald’s Happy Meal Toy Set

To enter, leave a comment here on Picky Palate telling us… What is your favorite thing to do as a family?  Vacation, sports, reading books, cooking…anything, we want to hear it.

Eligible entrants can do up to two of the following options:

a)      Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b)      Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c)      Blog about this promotion and leave  the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d)     Follow one of the links at http://www.blogher.com/family-time-happy-time and provide your email address and your response to the sweepstakes prompt

See Official Sweepstakes Rules HERE

Come see the other Blogger Reviews on the BlogHer Round Up HERE.

Please leave any questions you might have about the trip or McDonald’s here as well.  Thanks!!

Real Women of Philadelphia Cook-off!

With over 5000 home cooks who submitted cooking videos of recipes using Philadelphia Cream Cheese, today is the day where 16 finalists will compete in a “Real Women of Philadelphia Cook-off” in Savannah Georgia hosted by Paula Deen!  This all takes place live at 8pm EST tonight where 4 of these women will win $25,000 and get to contribute to a cookbook with their favorite Philadelphia Cream Cheese Recipes. I can’t wait to see who the winners are!!  Be sure to visit The Real Women Of Philadelphia Website for additional behind the scenes footage and an opportunity to talk about the even with other members!

The finalists got a surprise visit from Paula Deen, check out these adorable Pictures

Here is a live feed of the event…Good Luck Ladies!!

Real Women of Philadelphia Cook Off Event

Hi everyone.  It has been so exciting following the Real Women of Philadelphia Cook-off.  16 female finalists have been chosen to compete in a cook-off in Savannah Georgia Wednesday June 30th where 4 of them will win $25,000 and get to contribute to a cook-book with their favorite Philadelphia Cream Cheese Recipes!  The 4 categories are side dish, appetizer, main dish and dessert.

I used to compete in cooking contests so I know how excited these 16 women must be.  I am especially rooting for my friend Amanda Heaston of Gourmet Mom on the Go, who is competing in the Side Dish category.  I am so proud of her and will be crossing my fingers for her!! For heaven sakes it would be a dream just to meet Paula Deen!  Her recipe is Asparagus and Parmesan Creamy Pastry.  Definitely check out her recipe and video and root her on with me as she competes for $25,000!!

Be sure to visit The Real Women of Philadelphia Website and check out all 16 finalists that will be competing.  This is going to be so much fun to see who wins!  I’ll have a live stream of the even coming up next Wednesday, so stay tuned and we’ll watch who wins together!!

Good luck ladies, give Paula a big hug from all of us!!