Busy Mom Reviews

Hallmark has had another greeting card competition, this time it's about Your Bloopers.

The voting for the competition begins May 4, 2009, check out the finalists. The top selling card will win $2500. Vote by buying your favorite!

We've always had HP computers around here. As a matter of fact, this post is brought to you by my trusty HP Pavilion dv4-1123 and we also have an HP desktop * that allows the whole family to get things done: homework, entertainment, bill paying, communication and more.

HP has launched a HP Moms for Simplicity with Olympian Dara Torres, an initiative about mothers and technology and there's a pretty cool contest.

HP and Dara Torres would like to hear how you have utilized technology to simplify your life, in about 200 words and with a photo submission. Submission is easy and along with your contribution to the Moms for Simplicity photo mosaic, you are automatically entered to win a technology makeover from HP worth $5000!

Official rules: Upload a photo of yourself without any other persons in the picture and submit an essay of 200 words or less of how technology simplifies your life as a mom. The essays will be reviewed by a panel of judges including Dara Torres. Essays will be evaluated based on originality, creativity, the use of technology, simplicity and entertainment factors.

You can also follow on Twitter at @hpmoms to get more information.

(* Note: I've not received any compensation for this post and I bought my own computers. Though I lust after this mini-notebook I'm just an HP fan and I thought you might want to hear how to win some cool stuff.)

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes now come in new Decor Canisters and what better item to have around during this Swine Flu outbreak?

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes new Décor canisters:

· Come in eight unique color palettes to match any home décor
· Feature a sleek new shape and wider mouth
· Have a new effortless single sheet dispensing system
· Have the same disinfecting power of their namesake wipes
· Are fashionable enough to be left on the countertop

I received some to try out and the container really is pretty! We use them around the house for lots of things and the new single sheet dispensing system works much better than the previous roll held in by some teeth thingys. MUCH easier to get out.

Would you like to try some? I have 5 coupons for a free cannister to give away.

Rules:

1. Leave a comment with a valid e-mail address to be entered for a chance to win.
2, Contest runs from May 2, 2009 until 10 pm CST on May 8, 2009.
3. Winners will be chosen at random.

Good luck!

Many people have the newer High Efficiency (HE) washers that use less water and energy than traditional washers. These machines require low sudsing detergent since these front loading machines use a tumble system that makes more suds and HE detergents are formulated to clean your laundry effectively in low-water conditions.

Wisk HE provides more information at LaundryHE , a new online resource for those looking to learn more about High Efficiency (H∙E) detergents and washing machines.

You can follow us Laundry HE @LaundryHE for the latest contests and more.

Want to try Wisk HE? I've not tried it myself since I don't have an HE washer (maybe someday...) but I have an opportunity for you to try it.

Win a bottle of Wisk H∙E detergent!

Rules:

1. Leave a comment with a valid e-mail address to be entered for a chance to win.
2, Contest runs from May 2, 2009 until 10 pm CST on May 8, 2009.
3. Winners will be chosen at random.

I was sent a coupon to try out Healthy Ones deli and meat products. Healthy Ones are deli and meat products made to be lower in fat and sodium than other lunch meats.

Some facts about Healthy Ones:

All Healthy Ones packaged lunch meats receive the American Heart Association heart healthy
certification. A single serving of any packaged Healthy Ones lunch meat has:

√ 480 mg or less of sodium
√ 3 g or less of total fat (less than .5 g trans fat)
√ 1 g or less of saturated fat
√ 60 mg or less of cholesterol
√ 10 percent or more of daily requirements for protein
√ No fillers
√ No artificial flavors
√ No by-products

We tried the ham and the turkey and they were really good. Healthy Ones also comes in rroast beef, chicken and there's sausage, too.

The kids gave it the ultimate compliment: "It tastes just like regular food!" It's thinly sliced, easy to separate in the package, has a rich flavor. Bonus reusable storage container, too!

We'll keep buying these for school lunches, every step to eating healthier helps.

Giftybox, the "experience gift", is a great solution for those people who are hard to buy for, or

It's easy to do, visit the Giftybox and select the theme that best fits the personality of the recipient. The person receiving the Giftybox receives a box containing a Guidebook showing the different activities available within that theme. The recipient then redeems the Gift Pass you’ve bought and chooses which activity they’d like to do.

You can choose from experiences such as The Experience Collection, The Classes Box, The French Dinner for Two Box, The Adventure Box, The Spa & Well-Being Box for Men, The Spa & Well-Being Box for Women,Spa & Well-Being for Two, The Winery Tour & Tasting for Two Box.

I received the Photo Sharing Kit (retail: $34.95) for review. Giftybox partnered with Hooray, a new photo sharing website to provide:

1 complimentary Gift Pass for 2 custom printed 20-page Photo albums,
A Guidebook describing the steps involved in creating photo albums & slide shows
A microphone to record commentary for your slide shows,
Unlimited photo storage with a Silver membership.

This is a great gift since it can be given to anyone regardless of their location and it doesn't require a babysitter!

Giftybox is a great idea for a Mother's Day gift!

And, they are a company true to my heart, because they provde a way to make it a last minute gift, too.

NOTE: Before you order a Giftybox, note that some of the experiences are only available in certain cities and you'll also need to check to see if there is an expiration on the Gift Pass.

The popular website, True Mom Confessions by my friend, Romy Lassally, is now a book!

True Mom Confessions is a safe, anonymous forum for admitting the parts of motherhood that are real, but you hesitate saying out loud. The confessions are moving, funny, shocking, outrageous and more. The book also includes essays by some writers known around the blogosphere as well.

It's a great book to just pick up and read when you have a moment, and somehow, it makes you feel that you're not alone in this parenting thing.

Check it out, it retails for around $14.00 and makes a great Mother's Day gift idea!

The good folks at Frito Lay sent me some "better for you" snack products to try out:

Smart Food Pop Corn Clusters - These cute little bags of popcorn come in 3 flavors: Chocolate Cookie Caramel Pecan, Cranberry Almond Popcorn Clusters and Honey Multigrain. We tried the cranberry almond and the honey multigrain and they are a great snack idea. The kids liked them a lot, so I have to keep some hidden for me.

Flat Earth Spicy Salsa Flavored Baked Veggie Crisps - these veggie based crisps are an alternative to potato chips and each 1-ounce serving contains only 130 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 2-3 grams of sugar, 2 grams of dietary fiber and 2 grams of protein. And there's a half-serving of vegetables, too. I loved the Spicy Salsa flavor, it is indeed spicy, but not overpowering.

Baked Lay's Southwestern Ranch flavor Potato Crisps - Love these! They are the same light flavor you expect from Baked Lay's, but they have a great southwestern, spicy flavor and only 3g of fat per serving.

Check out these great snacks at Only in a Woman's World and give them a try.

We'll be buying more of these!

Sometimes sleep eludes me for various reasons: caffeine, kids, stress, blogging.

So, when my real life friend and fellow blogger (and Twitterer), Trapper told me about Sleep Secret Audio that proclaims I could "be asleep in seven minutes", I was curious.

Insomnia affects a lot of people and some people are looking for an effective, medication-free way to get better sleep, and I wondered if this could help.

Sleep Secret Audio is a system of five mp3 files that are easily downloaded to your iPod or other device. They have music and instructions specially designed to help you achieve a deep, sound, peaceful sleep.

The first track one is the introduction track and the second one is peaceful, original music (composed by Claus D. Jensen of Denmark) combined with suggestions to help your body and mind relax to fall asleep and stay asleep.

The third track is the lovely music, while the third and fourth tracks are subliminal sleep tracks.

So, did it work? That's what you want to know, isn't it?

It's an interesting task to try to evaluate a sleep system. You're supposed to relax, but you have to be alert and pay attention to what you're reviewing and that requires some attentiveness.

The files were easily downloaded and transferred to my iPod. The first night I put the iPod on it's dock since I couldn't find my ear phones and I began listening. I woke up the next day with the iPod still lit up, so I have no idea if I fell asleep in the allotted seven minutes. I asked Busy Dad if it helped him in any way, and he was all, "Sngsfsdfdzzz, wha'?

Clearly not the target audience.

The next few nights, I fell asleep right away and I have no idea what to attribute it to, but the music is pleasant enough, so either way, that's good.

I wanted to give it a test run on a night where I may have had a little too much caffeine a little too late in the day. It didn't take too long to find a night that met that criteria, so I put it on and listened, and I have to say that once I got settled down, I was surprised at how quickly I was able to relax and got sleepy. Again, I haven't quite figured out how to watch the clock to time how long it took me to get to sleep while I'm actually trying to get to sleep, but I feel like I was spared a night of being wide awake for hours on end.

I'm not much for subliminal suggestion things, I think my control issues are too great for them to be as effective as possible on me, but I have to say that I've found Sleep Secret Audio to be helpful and I hope you will too.

This kind of sleep help could be great for new parents, people who work "off" shifts such as nurses, doctors or firefighters, or even bloggers who stay up to late and have to go to work the next day (oops, projecting). Trapper discovered a new use for it as he relaxed outside in his yard.

Sleep Secret Audio retails for $29.97 also comes with 2 free bonuses, The Sleep Secret eBook and Natural Cures for Insomnia. The great thing is that it also comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee (from the Sleep Secret Audio site):

If for any reason, you aren't thrilled and satisfied with our product, just contact us within 60 days and we'll refund 100% of your purchase price. No hard feelings."

The Let's Fix Dinner Challenge is part of Stouffer's mission to bring families together through dinner.

Why? What's so important about dinner?

Research has shown the many benefits of dinner to kids and families:

Help Stouffer's and CASA meet their goal of 1 million family dinners by September, 28, 2009, CASA Family Day 2009 .

Here's how the Let's Fix Dinner Challlenge works:

1. Sign up and set your weekly dinner goal. You're automatically entered into let's fix dinner Challenge Sweepstakes for the Sweepstakes Period in which you sign up.
2. Update your dinner status each week for additional chances to win fun family prizes.
3. When you sign up, we'll help feed hungry families by donating to Feeding America

Here's the fine print and the official rules.

What are you waiting for? Let's Fix Dinner!

(Note: I attended the Stouffer's-sponsored Let's Fix Dinner blogger event which I will write about in further detail. Even if I hadn't gone, I think the idea is a fabulous one.)

This Mothers Day Kodak wants to celebrate relationships with Mothers across the US. Whether it is your Mom, a Grandmother, Aunt or more Kodak has great gift ideas that show them just how much you care.

Whether it's a photo gift or the Mom-a-thon photo giveaway (hurry, you can still make it it for delivery on Saturday, May 9, 2009 if you order now), you can find something personal for Mom.

What about a Kodak Easyshare W1020 Wireless Digital Frame?

This 10-Inch Wireless Digital Frame comes with built-in wi-fi, making it super-easy to share and receive photos wirelessly from friends and family. You can even personalize your frame with RSS feeds from different websites.

The W1020 also features interchangeable faceplates and includes fun features like the ability to play MP3s and create on-frame multimedia shows modes.

Want to win one?

I have 1 Kodak Easyshare W1020 Wireless Digital Frame to give away to a lucky winner..

While it probably won't arrive in time for Mother's Day, we'll draw for it on Mother's Day and you can give it to Mom later, or save it for a birthday or even Father's Day.

Rules:

1. Leave a comment with a valid e-mail address to be entered for a chance to win.
2. Twitter about this contest for an extra entry. Leave a separate comment and a link to your tweet.
3. Blog about about it and receive another entry. Please leave a separate comment and a link
4, Contest runs from May 6, 2009 until 10 pm CST on May 10, 2009.
5. Winner will be chosen from the comments by a random number generator.

Good luck!

The winner of the Wisk HE Detergent giveaway (determined by random number) is commenter #12, Suzanne of Parents Countdown to College Coach (hey, I need that...).

Look for an e-mail from me, or send me your mailing address!

Thanks for playing everyone and there's more giveaways in store!

Here are the 5 winners from the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Giveaway (winners drawn from random numbers):

Lisa (commenter #3)
Amy from Milkbreath and Margaritas (commenter 18)
Lara from Sugar Sweet Baby (commenter 10)
Sarah (commenter 15)
Helene from I'm Living Proof that God has a Sense of Humor (2 sets of twins!) (commenter 20)

Look for an e-mail from me, or please send me your mailing address.

Thanks for playing and look for more giveaways soon!

The winner of the Kodak Mother's Day Digital Frame Giveaway (drawn by random number) is commenter #11, Claire!

Congratulations, and look for an e-mail from me or send me your mailing address.

Thanks for playing and look for more giveaways soon!

We live in an old house in the South, and all of my kids have allergies and one has asthma, so a good air filter is important. That's why the 3M Filtrete products caught my attention.

Also, with allergy season here, the quality of air inside your home is just as important as the air quality outside. As a matter of fact, the pollution that may be indoors can be anywhere from two to five times higher than the pollution outside and is considered by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to be one of the top five urgent environmental risks to health.

3M makes a variety of high performance filters for both the water and the air in your home. Be sure to check out their website where you can learn how to choose a filter, sign up for their reminder service (which is what we need) that notifies you when it's time to change the filters and don't forget to sign up for the Clean Air Club where you can learn about better indoor air quality, get newsletters, rebates and special offers and more!

Here are some Tips for Giving Your Home a Clean Air ‘Check-Up’ from Dr. Neil Schachter, M.D., past president of the American Lung Association of the City of New York and author of Life and Breath.

1. Avoid cleaning products with ammonia and chlorine – Ammonia and chlorine are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can irritate the respiratory tract in people who are sensitive to these chemicals. They can cause watery eyes and sore throats and even can trigger coughing and shortness of breath. Choose milder yet effective cleaning aids like those that use baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and citrus oils.

2. Houseplants...a clean air ally – Common indoor houseplants, such as bamboo plants, English ivy and peace lily, can provide a natural way to help fight against rising levels of indoor air pollution by absorbing some potentially harmful gases. A six-inch potted green plant can clean a room of excess carbon dioxide in eight hours2.

3. Lay area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting – Wall-to-wall carpeting can attract and hold indoor dirt, pollen, pet hair and mold spores and many contain chemicals. Vacuuming can remove some surface dirt, but often, the vacuum can actually push pollutants deeper into carpet fibers. Area rugs are best since they can be picked up and cleaned thoroughly.

4. Use high performance air filters – Use a high performance filter, like the Filtrete 1” Advanced Allergen Filter from 3M, to help capture particles such as pollen, smoke, dust mite debris and pet dander from the air that passes through the filter. Be sure to change your filter at the start of every season. Test your knowledge of indoor air quality facts and blow away some fictions by playing Clean Air Fact or Fiction at www.filtrete.com/factorfiction.

5.Restrict your furry friends – People who are allergic to cats and dogs are actually allergic to the dander that pets shed. To help minimize exposure to pet dander, keep pets out of the bedroom and especially off the bed.

6. Turn up the air conditioning – Air conditioners not only cool the air in your home, they can also help reduce humidity levels. During the warm months of the year, turn up the air conditioner to help keep humidity levels lower, which can help keep mold from growing.

7. Turn off the humidifier – Room air humidifiers are moisture-generating sources that can spread bacteria, mold spores and chemical deposits into the air in your home. Keep relative humidity between 30% and 50% to help prevent mold growth.

8. Leave shoes outside – Avoid bringing contaminated outdoor pollutants indoors by removing your shoes before entering the home. Wearing shoes indoors can track particles that can become airborne, including animal dander, mold spores, pollen and bacteria.

This post is in conjunction with Mom Central

My kids are very active in sports, and I couldn't imagine what it would be like without the people and organizations that give them these opportunities. But, with the current economic crisis, funding for maintaining these facilities is dwindling, especially in smaller communities.

The Frosted Flakes Plant a Seed campaign is going to help rebuild 30 playing fields across the country. The program is about encouraging communities to start rebuilding it's athletic fields "one seed at a time". Kellogg's Frosted Flakes believes that every kid should have a place to be active and play hard.

Out of thousands nominated, 100 fields have been selected and it's time to vote! Hurry, voting ends 5/31/09!

This post in conjunction with Mom Central.

These days, everyone is looking for a ways to be a little easier on the environment, and Reynolds has introduced Reynolds Wrap® Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum. It's a strong, food-safe foil and it's available in regular and heavy duty strengths.

I received some for review and didn't know what to expect, but it works the same way as the original variety. I thought it felt slightly different, but otherwise it's the same great product we all know and love.

You can find out more about Reynolds Wrap Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum and get a coupon for 50 cents off.

Be sure to register for their Go Silver Live Green Sweepstakes where you can win up to $7,00 in prizes!

Enjoy a virtual getaway with Lands' End. At The Island you can shop lots of different swimwear collections and share your finds through built-in share tools for Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Digg and email.

Also, TONIGHT May 12, 2009 at 8pm ET Fashion expert, swimsuit authority and Life & Style contributing editor Rachel Zalis and Lands’ End swim expert Michele Casper will answer all of your swimsuit-related questions via twitter.

* Follow @LEprAmanda, @LEprMichele, or @LandsEndPRKira to review discussions and comments on May 12 between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST OR join the chat by including the #getaway hashtag in your tweet

To celebrate the launch of The Island, Lands’ End is providing a promo code for free shipping starting Monday, May 4, and ending Monday, May 25. Simply enter the promo code and pin number below at http://www.landsend.com/ checkout and you will get receive free shipping off your entire order.

Promo Code = ISLAND
PIN = 5262

Don't forget to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win a real island getaway for four to the Barbados Island Experience!

Contest ends May 31, 2009.

IHOP is sponsoring a contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

Submit your story to the IHOP I Heart Mom Contest in 250 words or less about why you "heart" your mom and think
she deserves a special meal at IHOP.

Hurry, though! Contest Ends May 15, 2009.

The good folks at My Blog Sparkgave me the opportunity to try out the Fiber One Chocolate Mocha Chewy Bars. All the Fiber One products are a great way to get fiber in your diet and these are no exception. At 9 grams of fiber, it's 35% of your daily recommended value.

These coffee and chocolate bars have crunchy, crispy rice bits like one of my favorite candy bars and a great, but not overpowering coffee taste. I really liked them. If you don't like coffee, then this flavor might not be for you, but there are other great Fiber One Bar flavors.

I love the Fiber One slogan: “Cardboard, no. Delicious, yes.” You can learn a lot more about the benefits of fiber at their website.

They are a sweet treat with the bonus of boosting your fiber intake. Want to try some? Here's a printable coupon that will give you a $1 off Fiber One Bars.

OK, it's nearly Memorial Day.

I know, I forgot to lose 50 pounds over the winter, too. Anyway, like it or not, it's bathing suit time!

As always, the good folks at Lands' End have a great selection of bathing suits, some even on sale!

There's suits for just about every body type and you can also shop by size, "anxiety zones" and type of support you desire.

Though I was given one for this year (I got the Grecian V-neck Slender Suit), I have been buying Lands' End bathing suits for years, and they are very well made and I've had mine for several seasons.

Do you want to see for yourself how great Lands' End bathing suits are?

Leave a comment to be entered for a chance to win a $100 Lands' End gift card!

Rules:

1. Leave a comment with a valid e-mail address to be entered for a chance to win.
2. Twitter about this contest for an extra entry. Leave a separate comment and a link to your tweet.
3. Blog about about it and receive another entry. Please leave a separate comment and a link
4, Contest runs from May 18, 2009 until 10 pm CST on May 25, 2009.
5. Winner will be chosen from the comments by a random number generator.

Good luck and happy swimming!

When I went to the fabulous Campbell's blogger event earlier this year, one of my favorite discoveries was how much I liked V8 V-Fusion! Seriously, it didn't sound like something I'd like, but boy was I surprised, and the kids love it, too.

It's great to drink (no seriously, I didn't think I'd like it, either) and it makes some great smoothies, just in time for summer. Make them with a cup of yogurt of your choice, a cup of frozen fruit and a cup of V8 V-Fusion. You can even add when germ, flax seed or protein powder to them. There's lots of different combinations you can try!

Want to try V8 V-Fusion for yourself?

Leave a comment telling me your favorite V8 V-Fusion flavor to be entered for a chance to win a a case of V8 V-Fusion and an embroidered L.L. Bean tote and boat bag. Total retail value: $75.

Rules:

1. Leave a comment with a valid e-mail address to be entered for a chance to win.
2. Twitter about this contest for an extra entry. Leave a separate comment and a link to your tweet.
3. Blog about about it and receive another entry. Please leave a separate comment and a link
4, Contest runs from May 18, 2009 until 10 pm CST on May 25, 2009.
5. Winner will be chosen from the comments by a random number generator.

Jif Natural Peanut Butter Spread is the latest entry into "natural" peanut butter. Now, I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of "natural" peanut butter. I know, I know so! much! junk! I just am who I am.

But, I was willing to try it out because I do like peanut butter a lot.

This is a peanut butter "spread" since it contains 10% non-peanut ingredients (I think that's the definition). I like the fact that is doesn't separate like some natural peanut butter does, but I did give it a quick stir as it is a little shiny on top, but it's not a show stopper for me. It's got 50% less sodium than regular peanut butter.

You know what?

I liked it! (Hey, Mikey...I just showed my age, didn't I?)

It's got a great peanut taste without the weird (to me) consistency of natural peanut butter. The kids took to it right away and get it out of the pantry first, now.

We'll buy this again.

We also got the chance to check out Jif To Go Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread

It comes in convenient 2.5 oz. individual servings and contains eight less grams of fat than the regular Jif to Go and it has eight grams of protein per serving. These are great for lunchboxes or road trips as part of a healthy snack.

We all liked these, too. It's got a smooth, but not too heavy texture and a good, nutty taste and we'll be keeping some of these on hand (and away from teen boy who can't resist the siren song of the individual container and will eat 3-4 of anything at a time).

Be sure to sign up for the Jif Newsletter where you can get new recipes, coupons and more.

This post courtesy of: Cohn & Wolf. The opinions are my very own, and no payment or compensation, other than product samples as described above, was received for this post.

Pillsbury Brownie Minis is a brownie mix that requires only water and contains only 150 calories per serving. I was sent some to try out, and I have to confess, I assumed they would taste like sometihng from the Easy Bake oven since you only have to add water.

But, oh my they were good!

Like it says, you just add water, mix it and go. The box even includes two six-count baking trays for portion control as well as convenience.

They are going to be available this June in Chocolate Fudge and Milk Chocolate. These will be great to keep around for when your kid tells you at midnight about the bake sale in the morning, or for your young chef to make "all by himself".

Pillsbury has also introduced Easy Frost Icing, tub icing in an aerosol can. It's advertised as "no fuss" and I tried it even though I never really considered canned frosting to be that much of a fuss while you're using it (maybe while you're eating it).

But, you know what? It really did make things simpler when we used it on cupcakes. It's got a 5 star frosting tip so you can make some designs if you are so inclined. We didn't try this, but you can insert the tip into an unfrosted cupcake and fill the inside of it.

The icing delicious and really creamy. I think it's a little different consistency that what you'd find in a tub, a little creamier, and though I was a skeptic at first, I can see where it's handy to have around as long as you can keep from squirting it in your mouth all the time.

Easy Frost comes in three delicious flavors: Decadent Chocolate Fudge, Vanilla Dream, and Velvety Cream Cheese.

T-Mobile asks, What's your parenting style?

Mine?

I actually prefer to think of it as, um "straightforward".

The questions mostly apply to older kids and teens and it's quite timely for me with a teen and one near-teen in the house at the moment. If you have little kids, some of the scenarios might be purely imaginary for you right now, but they'll be real before you know it!

Take the Mom to Mom Quiz, and tell us about your parenting style!

You're strict, too? Right? Right?

I'm not the only one, right?

Also, especially if you have teens with cell phones, be sure to check out T-Mobile's Family Allowances.

With Family Allowances, parents can easily:

* Avoid surprise bills by managing their child’s allowance of minutes, messages and downloads via their cell phone or a simple Web-based interface on my.T-Mobile.com.
* Set limits on the time of day a phone may (or may not) be used.
* Set limits on who can or cannot call or send text messages to the phone.

I promise, it's never too early to plan how you'll handle teens and technology!

This post in conjunction with T-Mobile

The Health Alliance on Alcohol has issued 10 Tips for Parents During Prom/Graduation Season.

I beg you to check this out, this is vital information to parents, especially to those of us with teens, and especially this time of year when it seems there are parties everywhere.

Also, be sure to join the Health Alliance on Alcohol on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 12:30pm ES for an On-line Chat Lead by Dr. Karen Soren and a panel of experts.

TOPIC: Parents Talking to Teens About Prom, Graduation and Alcohol

I'm not vegetarian, but we have good friends (and their kids) who are, so I'm fairly familiar with the meat-free products out there, and we keep some on hand, and we do eat them from time to time.

So, when I was contacted by Quorn, a line of meat free frozen foods originally from the UK, to try their Naked Chic'n Cutlets, (disclosure: they gave me a box of Chick'n. It came in a cooler thingy with a radio) I was all for it.

Upon further research, I found that Quorn products are meat AND soy free and wondered, "Um, what are they, then?" Quorn is mycoprotein, or processed edible fungus (kinda like truffles). So, wait, "fungus?" you might be saying. I know I did.

But, I ate it anyway.

And? It was pretty good!

The Naked Chic'n Cutlets are frozen patties, shaped like chicken cutlets. While you wouldn't mistake it for chicken, it doesn't look offensive or anything. I think the "naked" part just means it doesn't have breading.

You can grill them, microwave them, or put them in a conventional oven. You coat it with oil before cooking and they even come out with some grill-like marks.

So, how did they taste?

I liked them. I cooked them in the oven, (though I bet they grill well) The texture is similar to, but not exactly like chicken. It does taste a good bit like chicken, more so than other chicken-like products I've tried, but it also has it's own unique taste as well. I thought it had a little "sweet" edge to it, but no one else in my family thought so.

All of their products seem very versatile and there's a lot of recipes using Quorn.

Note: Quorn products use egg white as a binder, so they aren't vegan, but at only 80 calories and 11 g of protein per serving, the Naked Chick'n Cutlets can be a part of a healthy meal.

Skinny Cow is a line of better for you ice cream products, and if you've never had them, you should!

I was given the opportunity to try the ice cream sandwiches. Now, I'll be the first to tell you that I don't like too many foods that are supposed "diet" or "lite" or anything, but these are by far, an exception.

Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches are like any ice cream sandwich, ice cream between 2 chocolate layers. There are very thick and satisfying and are a normal size, not miniature like some diet treats.

The chocolate wafers are just as good as any regular ice cream sandwich, and there's actual low-fat ice cream between them, not yogurt or anything one might guess would be on a "healthy" treat. I thought the ice cream was smooth and creamy, without the weird texture and taste of many "diet" ice creams.

Popular among Weight Watchers members, at only 1g of fat, 3 g fiber and 140 calories, most of these sandwiches come in at only 2 POINTS.

They come in flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, mint and cookies and cream. I found mine at Target, but you can also find them in most groceries with the ice cream.

The problem isn't the fact they're a sweet treat, it's stopping after just one!

This post in conjunction with Mom Central

Mamapedia is an online resource of mothers sharing wisdom and advice with other mothers. It's a searchable compilation of what people have shared though the Mamasource community about kids in all stages.

Since they emphasize that it's about kids of "all ages" and I have a teenager (as well as a pre-teen and a school-ager), I decided to test out it's teen powers as many of these types of sites concentrates on babies and toddlers.

I searched "teen driver's license rules" as this is something that's getting ready to be big ion our house in the not too distant future, and I was pleased to see that there is a lot of real advice in there, and that there's a way to indicate if you find the advice helpful or not.

While there are lots of parenting communities and forums out there, I liked this format, it narrows down the information and it's an easy to use interface.

Mamapedia is free and it's updated daily and the questions and answers are by real moms who've "been there".

This post in conjunction with Mom Central

Making Life Better is a lifestyle site covering great topics such as food and drink, beauty and style, home and family as well as wellness and other tips. Be sure to check out the news and offers with savings, sweepstakes and more.

I signed up for a free membership and I found you can save articles and recipes, make comments and share tips with others. There's even a Making Life Better YouTube channel that has some great, easy and cost effective meal ideas featuring such handy items as Knorr Sides, Lipton Recipe Secrets, Hellman's Mayonnaise and more.

Be sure to check out the great Family Fun Book (.pdf) on the site filled with fun, affordable recipes using trusted brands for lots of occasions. I got to try out a variety of the products and we're partial to the Upside Down Deep Dish pizza.

I really liked this site. It's attractive, easy to use and the meal ideas are practical for people like me without a lot of time. It's really worth a look, I think you'll like it!

Making Life Better is brought to you by the good folks at Unilever, home of such well known food, personal care and home care brands such as Hellman's, Lipton, Knorr, Bertolli, Suave, Vaseline, Ponds and more.

This post in conjunction with Mom Central

The Canary Project began in 2006 as a project to photograph landscapes around the world most acutely affected by global warming. Since its founding, Canary has expanded its initial efforts and produces art and other visual media about climate change.

In 2009, Canary teamed up with Citizen Schools to help students explore how their behavior impacts the world’s climate and engage them in a public art campaign.

As part of this initiative, the students at McCormack Middle School in Dorchester, MA have expressed what they’ve learned about their carbon footprints in a series of individually stylized sneakers. They spent the first half of the semester learning about climate change -- its causes, impacts and solutions. Then they processed what they learned by designing sneakers that gave voice to their concerns and urged others to reduce their carbon footprint. These sneakers are now featured on a billboard in their area.

Do you know your carbon footprint? Find out with the Carbon Plus Calculator

This post courtesy of MS&L, no payment or compensation was received for this post. They brought it to my attention, and I thought it was pretty cool.

Many people are familiar with the great Sigg reusable beverage bottles. Now Cafe Press and Sigg have teamed up and now you can customize them.

Cafe Press,where users create and sell a wide variety of products, has an online design tool where you can customize your 1L Sigg bottle and I got to check it out! I got the "Graf" one and put our last name on it so that anyone in the family can use it and it came out great!

The bottles are sturdy and they don't leak. Though they don't have an interior liner, the metal doesn't leach, so your drink doesn't have a metallic taste.

Check out Cafe Press Customized Sigg Bottles (retail: $27.99) for a Father's Day gift or for your camper headed to summer camp!

This post courtesy of: Solstice. The opinions are my very own, and no payment or compensation, other than product samples as described above, was received for this post.

Wow! What a great turnout for the Campbell's V8 V-Fusion giveaway! Thanks!

According to ye olde random number generator, the lucky winner is commenter #237, Annmarie!

Look for an e-mail from me, or e-mail me your address!

Thanks for playing, and there'll be more great giveaways here very soon!

According to the Random Number Generator, the winner of theLands' End $100 gift card contest is Laura L.!

Congratulations, Laura! Look for an e-mail from me, or send me you address as soon as possible,

Thanks for playing everyone, and look for more giveaways here soon (maybe even today).