Rosie MADE Organic Chocolate Review:

 

 

As part of the Rosie’s Review Crew, I get monthly reviews of products that are sold by rosieMade.

 

On this review I was sent three different types of organic chocolate bars. Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt and Almonds, Hot Habanero Mandarin Dark Chocolate, and Coconut Almond Crème Milk Chocolate. These are each 3 oz of chocolate and sell for $5 each.

 

 

 

Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt & Almonds Bar – 70% Cocoa -

has dark chocolate, almonds, and sea salt. GMO & Gluten Free.  We found this one pretty good, but thought the sea salt was to much.

 

Hot Habanero Chocolate Bar – 70% Cocoa -

has dark chocolate, habanero powder and mandrin oil. GMO & Gluten Free. This one was far to hot for our taste. My kids each tried a small piece, but couldn’t do it. I am not a huge spice fan, so I barely nibbled it and my mouth was on fire. Great for the person who loves a kick!

 

Coconut Almond Crème Milk Chocolate Bar – 41% Cocoa -

has milk chocolate, almonds, and coconut oil. GMO & Gluten Free. This was our favorite of them all. We thought it was smooth, and just the right amount of almonds. There is just a hint of coconut, but not to overwhelming.

 

For this month if you order before 10/31/13 you can get an extra 10% off your order with the coupon code RRC1013.

 

Be sure to swing by and check out the rest of what they have to offer!

 

 

*I received three chocolate bars from rosieMade for this review in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ultimate Party Meatballs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you like to throw parties? I do! One of my favorite things is to host a party, or get together and make people smile. I really just enjoy the company and watching people enjoy themselves.

Recently we got an Ultimate Party Meatball Basket, that included some ingredients, mixing spoon, toothpicks, apron, and potholders.

 

 

This past weekend we had a party for my middle daughter’s birthday. Like always I went overboard, and made a bunch of food. One of the things I made was the Ultimate Party Meatball!

 

 

As always the Monkey’s had a great time helping me make them, as you can see here.

 

                                 

 

They are so easy to make, my son wants to do it all by himself next time.

 

Then looked and smelled so good!

 

 

They were certainly a hit at the party! The kids devoured them down! Guess I should have made a double batch. . .

 

 

When will you be throwing your next party?

 

 

**Disclosure: I received Heinz®, Johnsonville® and Ocean Spray® products in exchange for sharing this recipe. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lactaid Coupon Giveaway….

Do you have any children that allergic to milk? Or seems to have an intolerance to it?

All my children in one way or another can not have milk. We have experimented with lots of different things over the years to replace their milk. Rice Milk, Almond Milk, Soy Milk, and then finally Lactaid. Lactaid is the one that has lasted. While I still keep some regular milk in the house for some things we cook, I have found that Lactaid is the most versatile to cook with. Plus my husband, who while doesn’t like to admit that he has a milk issue does. After trying whole milk Lactaid, he will use it. He says it taste the most like real milk. He can’t usually tell the difference.

Recently I was able to join in on a webinar with Melissa d’ Arabian Lactaid Brand Spokesperson. (Which might I add I watched on food network when she first became a celeb, and still watch her to this day). She is a NY Times best selling author of the cookbook, Ten Dollar Dinners. All while being the mom of four girls. You might have seen her on the Today Show with Kathie Lee & Hoda? She was on it April 15th doing breakfast recipes, and will be back on June 26th for Entrée recipes. If you would like to you can check out 8 online videos here, and here.

We also heard from Michelle Harrington, R.D. and Lactaid Regulatory and Nutritional Affairs Manger. As well as being a pediatric dietitian at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia.

So I’m sure many of you are asking what is Lactose exactly? I know, that was my big question when I started researching the milk issue with my kids. Well, lactose is the major carbohydrate in milk and other dairy foods. Lactose is milk sugar and consists of two simple sugars, which are glucose, and galactose. Therefore people who are lactose intolerant can’t break down the lactose probably. Or the body doesn’t know how. Sometimes lactose intolerance can be progressive, so many people may become more intolerant later in life.

Lactaid is a product that helps people who have a lactose sensitivity in digesting dairy products without having the stomach discomfort. It provides the lactase that the body can’t produce enough of to break down lactose.
Believe it or not Lactaid is also 100% real dairy. It just doesn’t have the natural yeast derived enzyme added called lactase. There is a very wide variety of Lactose-Free products as well. You can get different kinds of milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, and eggnog. My son tried the eggnog this year for the first time, he was so EXCITED.
Did you know that Lactaid is the nation’s #1 lactose-free dairy brand?

Once Lactaid is opened it should be consumed within a week. Lactaid products are calcium enriched as well. I make sure to get that for my kids, so they are able to get the calcium they need. It has 500 mg in an 8 oz glass, so you only need two glasses to get your daily amount of calcium.

While it is hard to find in our area.. you can get Lactaid ice cream in 5 flavors. (we only can find chocolate and vanilla which makes my kids sad)

• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Cookies & Cream
• Strawberries & Cream
• Butter Pecan

All flavors except cookies and cream are also gluten free.


I know my kids get frustrated when seeing the things they can’t eat. We have found that yogurt doesn’t bother them. That is because it has live and active cultures. Greek yogurt has double the protein and fewer carbs, which leads to less lactose and easier to digest. (My son prefers Greek yogurt)
Cheese is a bit harder. A rule of thumb for eating cheese though, is that harder the cheese, the less moisture or whey in it. Meaning there is less lactose in it. Always choose the aged cheeses, they are lower in lactose. My son loves Cheddar and Gruyere. However, Pecorino and Swiss cheese are also great hard cheeses to try.

Now cooking with Lactaid. Is it the same or can it be done?
Well, Melissa suggests using it in smoothies. The kids tend to like it more due to a slight sweetness. She also says she swaps Lactaid for regular milk in recipes, cup for cup. When substituting Lactaid for cream in recipes, work in a teaspoon of corn starch. Can also be used to make buttermilk by adding vinegar.

I’m going to be experimenting with some different recipes using Lactaid over the next month, so stay tuned for my blog post in July. Using the link above, leave me a comment telling me something you would like me to try? Telling you how well it worked, and how good it is. In the meantime would you like to win a coupon for a free Lactaid product?
a Rafflecopter giveaway





*Lactaid through The Motherhood provided the giveaway and information for this sponsored post. All other opinions are mine or my monkeys.

Purex Insiders Review: Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends

Cereal is in high demand around my house. What about yours? I can buy 12 boxes a month, and still run out in a few weeks. I finally had to get my kids to get more creative with their breakfast. However, when I do get cereal. I like to get something that is super tasty, yet good for you. Won’t find any Cocoa Pebbles in this house.

Recently we got the chance to try out Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends. What is Tropical about it? Well this has a crispy mango flavored flake combined with real coconut shavings and coconut flavored granola clusters. It has 10g of whole grain, 120 calories, and only 6g of sugar! You get 9 essential vitamins and minerals, 4 wholesome grains, and is heart healthy!

I will be honest with you… I never got a chance to try this cereal. My kids devoured it within a few days of it arriving. Which, I suppose is a great sign, cause it means they loved it right?!
My son described it as crunchy fruit! Ha-ha! I thought that was unique. They are not usually fans of tropical cereals, but they really do love this cereal. They have asked me to replace it already! All three monkey’s said it was amazingly delicious!

Would you like to try it?
a Rafflecopter giveaway



* Post provided a free sample of their Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends so I could write a review. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys.

Smiley 360 Review: Campbell’s Slow Kettle Style soups

I’m always looking for something to send to work with my husband that is not completely bad for him, or full of additives. That is a very hard thing to come by this day in age.
Upon receiving our free coupon to try Campbell’s Slow Kettle Style Soup, I went right out and picked up some up for my husband. I sent it to work with him the next day. For him I decided to pick up the Chicken Chili, since he has a more adventurous taste bud than me!
There are seven different Slow Kettle Style Soups to choose from:

• Chicken Chili
• Braised Beef Stew
• Tomato & Sweet Basil Bisque
• Tuscan Style Chicken & White Bean
• Portabella Mushroom & Madeira Bisque
• Roasted Chicken & Chardonnay
• Kickin’ Crab & Sweet Corn Chowder

These soups are made with the highest quality ingredients and combined in creative ways. My husband really enjoyed the Chicken Chili.. he said it was very tasty, and full of flavor. He is very anxious to try out another one. I want to try the Braised Beef Stew, and the Kickin’ Crab & Sweet Corn Chowder. We found these were great for the winter season.


What one would you like to try?
a Rafflecopter giveaway



*I was given free samples of the product by Smiley360 in exchange for my honest review. All opinions will be 100% mine and my monkey’s.

Kikkoman Review:

 

 

Do you use Soy Sauce? It’s a staple in our house. We use it in our Chinese cooking, marinades, and so much more. Recently I was asked to try out Kikkoman’s Soy Sauce, try using it with a chicken in a brine.

 

So I went out to the store and got a whole chicken…

 

 

 

Bought a thing of Kikkoman Soy Sauce (notice how big it is)

 

 

 

 

Mixed up my brine recipe supplied by Kikkoman.. You can get the recipe here.

 

 

Looks kinda scary doesn’t it?!

 

 

Left my chicken in the fridge overnight…

 

 

Then put it in my rotisserie for a couple ours, and this is what came out…

 

 

 

 

I have to tell you! I was so surprised!!! The brine made the chicken so MOIST! I have never had such a juicy breast piece of meat. It was amazing!

My only complaint was that it was rather salty. Even after rinsing it off really well, I felt that it was still really salty. I need to figure out how to get that part down, and then we are in business!

 

My family was very impressed with the chicken, and so happy to eat it! We will absolutely be brining more of our meat in the future!

Go here for a brine recipe for your turkey!

 

You can find Kikkoman on Facebook and Twitter.

 

*I received a coupon for a free bottle of Kikkoman Soy Sauce in exchange for my honest review as part of Smiley360. All opinions are 100% mine and my monkeys!

Progresso Light Soups Review and Giveaway:

What better time to be sampling soup?! Here in our neck of the woods, the nights are getting chilly. I love fall, and I love the what fall brings. Warm soups, casseroles, apple pies, and so much more!

I love soup, but who wants all the extra calories that come along with them right?! Especially if you eat soup for lunch and dinner a few times a week.
Well Progresso has the answer.. They have Progresso Light Soups. Only 100 Calories per serving. Best part, they have two new great flavors…

• Potato with Bacon and Cheese
• Chicken Pot Pie Style

I couldn’t wait to try these great flavors. The Potato with Bacon and Cheese sounded so AMAZING! I had to crack it open, and try it. So, we had it for lunch the next afternoon. It was so creamy, and delicious! They give you a great flavor without skimping on the flavor!

Would you like to try some? You can go here.. and get a coupon for $1.25 off 4 cans of soup.


Or you can try for a chance at my giveaway, for this prize pack:





a Rafflecopter giveaway






*Disclosure:  The coupons, information, and gift packs have been provided by Progresso^® through MyBlogSpark.

Menu Plan Monday

 

 

 

 

A few days late..

On the menu for this week..

 

 

Sunday:

We had dinner at a friends house…

 

Monday:

Stuffed Peppers, and Asparagus

 

Tuesday:

Roast Chicken, Stuffing, Carrots, and Cole Slaw…

 

Wednesday:

Leftovers

 

Thursday:

Baked Ziti, salad

 

Friday:

Pizza

 

Saturday:

Something with leftover chicken… not sure what yet.  

Cheerios Giveaway:

You know one cereal I don’t ever think gets old, that me and my kids will always eat is Cheerios! We love them! Cheerios have so much versatility to them.. We love to eat them plain, with a bit of honey or sugar, with banana, blueberries, strawberries, or even raspberries. The combinations are endless!

Well now, you can go to your favorite club store and buy Cheerios in there new packaging. They are 2 boxes, that can come apart, for easier storing and pouring. Plus it minimizes the packaging, and air in the bags, so you get more product. Check it out here.

You can currently buy them at any Sam’s, Costco, or Bj’s store.


Best part!!! Two of my lucky readers can win new 2 box cheerio packaging. 

Amazing food…

 

 

Any of you that follow me on Facebook… Have probably seen me asking and trying to figure out how to get a Bountiful Basket Program in my area.

There is nothing better to me, than fresh fruit and vegetables. However, not everyone can achieve that, or afford it. So, I had started a mission to find out a way to get one in our area.

However, I didn’t have to! I was going through some status updates on my page, and saw someone talking about a similar program here in our area. I was beyond excited!!!

So, within a few minutes flat.. I had gone on and signed up for this program. I am all for helping the local farmers, and our local economy. The Local CSA, has a program called the “Pickup”. Every Wednesday we pick up a basket that has great local products in it. Depending on what is in season.

Here is one from last week…

In this basket we had salad greens, pea shoots, potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, salad turnips, radishes, frozen strawberries, beans, and gouda cheese.

The night we got them, we made an amazing salad with all our salad ingredients, and roasted the potatoes, and artichokes to go along with dinner. I love eating fresh, and local.  

 

One of the best things I am loving from this program is that my kids eat more fresh foods, but also are so much more likely to try new things. That night they tried 3 new things, and liked them all. Its great!

Menu Plan Monday

 

 

 

 

 

Here we are for another week… Do you have your menu plan ready yet?

Sunday:

Tuscan Pasta

This was a huge hit.. (this is our version of something similar at Pizza Hut)

Monday:

Today is leftover day….

Tuesday:

Steak, Hot Potato Salad, and a veggie

Wednesday:

Chicken Parmesan, and Sourdough Garlic Bread

Thursday:

Leftovers again!

Friday:

Pizza (maybe, not sure yet)

Saturday:

Pork Chops, oven roasted potatoes, and a veggie!

Menu Plan Monday

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday:

Corn Chowder

Monday:

Leftover Corn Chowder, Grilled Cheese

Tuesday:

Steak, baked potato, green beans

Wednesday:

Pizza

Thursday:

Cracker Chicken, mashed potato, peas

Friday:

Fish Sandwiches, Cole Slaw

Saturday:

Not sure Soup??

Menu Plan Monday:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday:

My mom made a yummy soup, with leftover pork roast, pasta, carrots, and corn

Monday:

Probably just sandwiches, or a Quesadillas'  (its our busy day)

Tuesday:

Pulled Pork Sandwiches  and Peanut Butter Pie for dessert

Wednesday:

Leftovers

Thursday:

Little Monkey’s Birthday Dinner.. She requested Pancakes, and bacon

Friday:

Baked Ziti, Salad, and Garlic Bread

 

Saturday:

Roast Chicken, oven potatoes, and a veggie!

Yoplait Lactose Free Yogurt Review & Giveaway:

When we got the opportunity to try this one.. I jumped at it literally!! (I got up out of my chair an jumped in delight) For a few reasons really.. 


The first being, my kids love yogurt, but two of my kids are limited to, or don’t have lactose in their diet. My son being the biggest one. He would eat yogurt EVERY day several times a day, if allowed. 

When I told him about this opportunity and that he was going to be able to try it he was super excited. So off the store we went.. took us a couple of stores to find some. As they just hit the shelves this month… When he found them he was overjoyed. He was sad that they only came in four flavors right now, but is hoping it will expand soon. He had Strawberry, Peach, French-Vanilla, and Cherry to choose from. He loves peach yogurt, so that was his decision. 


As soon as we got home, he popped it open and dug in! He said “Mom, this really doesn’t taste much different to me”. I was thrilled to hear that! We are excited to add this to our shopping list now. Monkey Man is happy to have his favorite treat available to eat more than a few times a month again. 

Ready for the best part??? 


A giveaway!!! 

The prize pack includes…

• A coupon for a free Yoplait Lactose Free Yogurt
• Lunch Tote
• 2 Gel Packs
• A bowl
• A spoon

What part to did I get out of this?? I got the AWESOME Lime green lunch bag. Did I mention lime green is my FAVORITE color???!!! The lunch bag is awesome too! Oh, and I claimed the green bowl too! 


Good luck!!!

Menu Plan Monday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday:

Chicken with Kraft’s new Shake’n bake sorta thing, mashed potatoes, and veggies.

Monday:

Subway

Tuesday:

Applesauce Pork Loin,  Egg noodles with a garlic parmesan sauce, carrots

Wednesday:

Spaghetti, garlic bread

Thursday:

Leftovers

Friday:

Dinner with friends (maybe) or Soup & Grilled Cheese

Saturday:

Banquet dinner at Blue & Gold

Menu Plan Monday

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are you having for dinner this week? Here is our Menu Plan for the week!

Sunday:

Pork Chops, macaroni salad, and a veggie

Monday:

Chicken Spaghetti (Pioneer Woman Recipe)

Bread & Butter

Tuesday:

Beef Roast, Oven Roasted Potatoes, carrots

Wednesday:

Shrimp Primavera

 

Thursday:

Leftovers

 

Friday:

Ham Steaks, Twice Baked Potatoes (PW), Butternut Squash

 

Saturday:

Broccoli Cheese Soup, Homemade Bread

How did you keep warm in the winter….

 

 

 

So here in the North, the cold weather is upon us. As I type this we have a combination of rain/sleet/ and snow coming down. Yuck! It has been so in the teens every morning when I’ve gotten up. BRR!!!

Do you have ways of keeping warm in the winter? Do you like to make anything special for dinner or really cold days?

My kids love to have hot cocoa with mini marshmallows after a long afternoon out sliding, or playing in the snow.

As for special dinners, in the winter we have a lot more soups. Like Corn Chowder, Clam Chowder, Seafood Chowder, and Beef Stew. Speaking of which we are having a yummy beef stew tomorrow for dinner. Can’t wait!

But what about on those really busy days when you don’t have time to throw a soup together, or put it in the crock pot for the day?

Marie Callender’s offers a great alternative when you cant get that fresh hot meal on the table.  They have some amazing pot pies! The best part, if you don’t have time to pot them in the oven for an hour, you can now cook them in the microwave for 9 mins, and they are delish! I make them often for lunch, since I homeschool and we are always looking for a good lunch, that isn’t to much work. I love that they have HUGE chunks of meat in them, (Pretty sure I got one in every bite) and yummy carrots and peas!

 

You can get one of these delicious pot pie’s at any local grocery store..

• Chicken Pot Pie
  
• Turkey Pot Pie
  
• Beef Pot Pie
  
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pot Pie
  
• Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pot Pie
  
• Honey Roasted Chicken Pot Pie
  
• Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie
  

Wonderful flavors, and so many varieties! More of a chance for everyone to be happy with dinner. They are made with no preservatives, from scratch, and great golden flaky crust and you can pick them up for between $2.10 – $2.99.

Looking for a quick dessert too?? They have Apple, Pumpkin, and Coconut Cream Pie to name a few!  

We got an apple and coconut to use sometime during the busy holiday!

Have you tried Marie Callender’s??

* I was given product in exchange for this review. All opinions are 100% mine and my monkeys.

 

Freschetta Pizza Giveaway…

As you all know October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Well did you know that Freschetta is a proud sponsor? They are presenting Freschetta Proud to Support Pink!
Running from September 25th- October 31st, when you buy specially marked Freschetta pizzas, and Artisan Pizza crusts you will help them reach their goal of $50,000 donation to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
How is this done?? Well, when you buy a specially marked packages are printed with codes that you can enter at www.ProudToSupportPink.com . For each entry code, the makers of Freschetta will donate a $1 to this center to support breast cancer research, up to $50,000!

Lots of us have had a friend or family member with cancer, and have wanted to help. Most of us don’t have a ton of money to send, so this is a great way to have a pizza night and help a person you know.  
You can also share your stories on www.ProudToSupportPink.com or on their facebook page (www.Facebook.com/FreschettaPizza) 
In addition to the donation they are also donating 50 pink iPod Shuffles each week in October to four Cancer Centers around America to be enjoyed by breast cancer patients during treatments.

I can’t wait to do my part! 


Ready for the best part??? 


I have one Prize pack to give away!

* I was given a prize pack for myself in exchange for this post, and review. 

ALl opinions are strictly my own.  

Big G-Cereal Star Wars Review & Giveaway:

So any of you that have followed me for any length of time, must remember me talking about what a Star Wars Fan my husband and son are. Like crazy mad fans!!!

When we heard the new Star Wars: Complete Saga was coming out on Blu-ray September 16th, they were super giddy! It has all 6 movies in high definition, over 40 hrs of special features, including all new content created exclusively for this release.  Its now the talk of the house, and Middle Monkey is trying really hard to get us to buy it.

You can only imagine the hype in my house when they discovered that you could get General Mills Big G cereals at Walmart, with 3 pictures creating a full panoramic picture. Those 3 cereals include Lucky Charms, Honey Nut Cheerios, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. If you collect all three boxes, you can get your favorite characters like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Liea, and more.



Best part?? One lucky 3 Crazy Monkey’s reader will can win a Big G Cereal Pack. 

*The cereal, gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Fiber One Review/Giveaway

Does cereal go fast in your house?? Do you feel like it never fills you or your child up? Let me tell you a bit about our house. First it is always a huge fight in the store as to what we are going to buy.. None of the kids can agree on a kind, or I don’t approve cause of the sugar content. It is an on going battle. Then we get it home, and the box is gone in 2 days!!!

We were excited to try the new Fiber One Honey Squares Cereal. Two of my kids liked it, but my middle daughter thought it was sweet. Can you imagine that to sweet!!! I thought it was good, and so far none of us have been that hungry afterward. Plus it has 40% of your daily fiber in it, and only 80 Calories!!  I know, I do not get my recommended value of daily fiber. I’m sure my kids might not either, as picky as they are. What about you? Do you think that you get your recommended amount???  Fiber One can help you with that, and it tastes great. What could be better? My family is now excited to try the other kinds of Fiber One.  

One lucky 3 Crazy Monkey’s reader will be able to win a Fiber One Prize Pack.

• 1 Fiber One Cereal 80 Calories
  
• 1 Sensor Pedometer with USB connector to chart walking progress
  
• 1 IPod/smartphone Holder with arm strap

To Enter:

Leave me a comment telling me if your current breakfast leaves you full till lunch. (Mandatory to Enter)

Extra Entries:

• Follow my blog
  
• Follow 3 Crazy Monkey’s on FB
  
• Follow @the3kidsandme on Twitter
  
• Tweet once daily – Enter to win a Fiber One Prize pack @the3kidsandme @BTFE and #MyBlogSpark Ends 8/19  http://tinyurl.com/3nuhhsv
  
  
• Follow Fiber One on FB
  
• Blog about it and link back to me (3 extra Entries, be sure to leave separate comments)
  

Giveaway Ends 8/19 @10pm EST. Open to US Residents only. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48hrs to respond or I chose a new winner. Be sure to leave me an email to contact you.

*Fiber One 80 Calories cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.