Take a Fresh Twist on Summer Recipes with Fisher Nuts {Review & $75 Visa Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway}

 

As summer inches closer and closer to its end, I already know that, come fall, I'm going to miss seeing my kids happily splashing in the swimming pool or the way that it stays light outside well into the evening.

At the same time, now that I have been enjoying so many tasty fresh fruits and vegetables these past few months, how am I going to go back to creating meals without them? Using seasonal ingredients like fresh nuts and produce has really helped bring my recipes to life and take our summer cuisine to a new level!

And when it comes to freshening up summer recipes and infusing cuisine with a tasty twist, one of the names that knows all about it is Fisher Nuts.

Nothing says summer like fresh ingredients like nuts, berries and produce and this summer Fisher Nuts has come up with four delicious summer recipes utilizing them that you'll want to check out before it's too late: Lemon Blueberry Loaf, Walnut & Blueberry French Toast Bake, Chocolate Raspberry S’mores, and Butter Pecan Ice Cream.

While all of Fisher Nuts' recipes sounded pretty perfect for summer, as soon as I read over the Lemon Blueberry Loaf description, I knew that it would be just the thing.

Lemon Blueberry Loaf

Ingredients

½ cup Fisher Chef’s Naturals Sliced Almonds, divided
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel
1 stick (4 oz.) unsalted butter, room temperature
1½ cups sugar, divided
3 large eggs
⅔ cup milk
1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9" x 5" x 3" loaf pan with parchment paper then coat with non-stick cooking spray.

Set aside 2 tablespoons almonds. Finely chop remaining almonds. Combine with next four ingredients in a small bowl.

Cream butter with 1¼ cups sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well and scraping down bowl after each addition. Mix in flour mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Fold in blueberries.

Spoon batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake until golden brown and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, stir together ¼ cup sugar and lemon juice. Let sit while loaf is baking; stir occasionally.

Pierce top of hot loaf several times with a toothpick. Pour sugar mixture over loaf in pan. Sprinkle with reserved sliced almonds. Cool 30 minutes in pan on rack. Turn bread out of pan and cool completely.

I ended up adding an extra 8-10 minutes to the cook time of this bread for it to bake all the way through the middle, but it was definitely worth it. The overall result tasted like a mix of pound cake and lemon bars and sweet blueberries and sweeter lemony glaze... YUM.

I brought this with me to a gathering of friends that evening and received extremely rave reviews all around and I will surely be making this tasty bread again. I can see it working as a breakfast treat, a dessert, a snack — heck, I'm pretty sure I'd eat this anytime!

This summer and beyond, be sure to turn to Fisher Nuts for nuts of all kinds, including mixes for snacking and baking. Their commitment to quality and excellence ensures that all of their products are perfect for your favorite brownie recipe, used in a delicious breading, sprinkled across a fresh salad, and much more.

You can also head over for inspiration on the Fisher Nuts Facebook page as well as connecting with them on Pinterest for endless ideas to make your summer meals ones to remember.

And, thanks to the generosity of Fisher Nuts, one person will be prepared to to try out their own delicious summer recipes as well, because...

One lucky person will win a
Fisher Nuts Prize Pack* (ARV $90)!

*Prize Pack includes: (1) $75 Visa gift card, Fisher Chef’s Naturals Sliced Almonds, Fisher Chef’s Naturals Walnut Halves & Pieces and Fisher Pecan Halves

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I am working with Fisher to share recipes and create my own original recipe using Fisher Nuts and tools they provided. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Improving the Life of the Second Child with Lunchables Jr. {#LunchablesJR #shop}

Little Sister B has a condition that I'm not proud to tell people about. It's called Second Child Syndrome.

Being the second child myself, I swore that she would always be treated the same and have all of the opportunities that her old sister has enjoyed. But that was before she was born and turned life as we knew it completely upside down. Why did no one tell me that once child number two comes along that there just isn't time for... anything?

Instead of getting to do the things that Big Sister E did when she was a baby (story time at the library, music classes, swim lessons, etc), Little Sister B gets to, well... come along to whatever Big Sister E is signed up for? Or, quite often, she hasn't been old enough to actually participate in whatever her older sister is doing, so she just comes along for the drop off and pickup.

So it's pretty accurate to say that she spends much more time on-the-go and simply waiting around than she would if she were, perhaps, the firstborn. And although I try to make it up to her with things like allowing her to play games on the iPhone when we're waiting in the car to pick up her sister after school, the true way to Little Sister B's heart is through food.

Most recently, my guilt has been lessened a tiny bit thanks to the debut of Lunchables Jr., a fun, convenient, on-the-go lunchtime combo for kids ages 3+.

As a brand that moms already know and trust, I love that Lunchables has now introduced a line of grab & go snacks for kids 3 and up. Made with real fruit, the four varieties — Blueberry Bonanza, Teddy Bear Picnic, Very Beary Crunch, and Ants on a Log — include kid favorite ingredients like dried apples, creamy peanut butter, raisins and Teddy Grahams.

Can we talk about how quick, easy and tasty these are?

After hearing that this new product had recently launched exclusively at Walmart, it didn't take much convincing for me to head over and pick up a variety of these new Lunchables from the baby food aisle for us to try out (see my full shopping trip in photos here). 

This convenient packaging couldn't be much easier for kids on the go, as there is no refrigeration needed and the entire thing comes in its own container for portability and ease. Just pull off the top and snacktime is served!

But simply because I love the idea of Lunchables Jr., does that mean that they're kid-approved as well?

My 4-year-old tester gave them a thumbs up in the car...

...in the stroller...

...while at the park...

...on an airplane...

...and pretty much here or there or anywhere else!

While the $1.97 price tag for these Walmart Lunchables isn't tremendously high, I'm sure that I'm not the only one that would prefer to pay a little less for a snacktime package, right?

Before you head to the toddler snack aisle at your local Walmart, print out this handy coupon to save 75¢ on any one of the Lunchables Jr. options!


Even when Little Sister B is a grown woman, she will always, always be my baby. But for now, she's also my sidekick when it comes to being on-the-go, so if Lunchables Jr. can provide a quick and fun way to bring a smile to her face with dried fruit and tasty crackers, then they're a win-win for both of us.

Find out more about this new addition for the younger Lunchables crowd by visiting Lunchables.com and connecting with them on Facebook.

To find out if your nearest Walmart carries these yummy snacks, click here... and don't forget to print out a coupon before you go!

Dollar General Honors Educators as Every Day Heroes in September {Prize Pack Giveaway}

 

When we use the word Hero, we each have our own personal definition of the people that fall into that category. Do they have to have performed a specific act? Or does it count if they happened to be in the right place at the right time and did the right thing?

No matter what your personal definition consists of, Dollar General's Every Day Heroes program continues to honor community heroes all throughout the year. From firemen to veterans to caregivers, this campaign has put the spotlight on groups of people that deserve plenty of thanks and recognition — I love it!

Considering how important they are to our lives, I was thrilled to hear that throughout the month of September, Dollar General has once again teamed up with Procter & Gamble to celebrate our nation's schools and honor those who make a huge difference in the lives of children: teachers.

While we all appreciate the importance of the schools in our communities, Dollar General has taken things further and is honoring educators who teach students to be their best by offering great savings on school supplies and other products for the heroes closest to our hearts.

Dollar General has a strong commitment to education through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and believes learning to read, earning a GED or learning the English language are investments that opens doorways for personal, professional and economic growth.

Just take a look at these startling literacy facts:

• Every year in the United States, one in every three young adults drops out of school.

• More than 30 million adults in the United States read at the lowest level of literacy.

• Among the 30 members of the OECD, the United States is the only country in which the younger adults are less educated than the previous generation.

• More than 35.7 million adults ages 18-64 do not have a high school diploma.

Battling these trends is not an easy task!

Which is why it is great that during September, Dollar General is recognizing Kimberly Shearer, an English teacher and library science teacher at Boone County High School in Florence, KY, as its Every Day Hero.

As an eight-year veteran of Boone County High School, Kimberly's commitment to educating our youth and advocating for 21st century literary skills through the use of technology helped earn her the title of "Kentucky Teacher of the Year." When she is not busy helping her students succeed, Kimberly is spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Just as teachers have made a commitment to bettering our country, Dollar General is committed to delivering valuable savings on America's favorite brands every day.

The September P&G brandSAVER will arrive in local newspapers on Sunday, September 1st and, as you can use P&G brandSAVER coupons at Dollar General, it makes it even easier to get high-quality P&G products at rock bottom prices by adding in those savings!

If you haven't been shopping at the Dollar General near you, you're missing out! Keep an eye out for their circular and then combine those offers with P&G brandSAVER coupons to fully extend your budget. Why wouldn't you want to take advantage of even more savings on everyone's favorite brands like Febreze Air Effects with Gain Fresh Scent, which sweeps away stale odors and leaves a fresh scent?

Also, thanks to the generosity of P&G, one person will soon be able to do some extra shopping and try out some awesome products for themselves, because...

One lucky person will win a Dollar General P&G Prize Pack*!

*Prize Pack includes: (1) $10 Dollar General Gift Card, (1) CoverGirl Black Ink Eye Pencil (1) sample size Tide PODS Spring Meadow, (1) Febreze Fabric Refresher Gain Scent Spray, (1) Febreze Air Effects with Gain Fresh Scent (1) Dollar General reusable shopping bag

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A big thank you to Procter & Gamble for providing a prize pack for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Motorola MPB26 Digital Video Baby Monitor {Review}

When I'm asked about baby products that I recommend for soon-to-be-parents, my mind is filled with images of the toys, gear, clothing and more that have proven to be just a little better than all the rest.

At the same time, however, there isn't any hesitation when it comes to naming the very few items that make my top Must-Have List. They're the ones that have made my life as a parent so much better and that, if I were to do it all over again, I would purchase again and again without delay.

The first in that group? A video monitor. 

The convenience and peace of mind from being able to see and check on your child without having to get up or risk disturbing them when they are asleep is simply unparalleled and worth the extra cost. Once you've tried it, there's just no way of going back.

So while I already loved video monitors as a whole, I was then introduced to the Motorola MPB26 Digital Video Baby Monitor and realized that there are even more incredible features possible than I had known.

Motorola has a long history of innovation, as they have worked to connect people to each other and the world around them in entirely new ways for more than 80 years. But while you may think of mobile phones when you think of Motorola, did you know that they make amazing baby monitors, too?

With features galore, the MPB26 makes it possible to take perfect care of your baby — without ever having to set foot in the room. From the large, 2.4" full color screen to the clear, crisp sound and the two-way communication, parents never have to worry that they will miss a moment when this virtual watchdog is around.

As soon as the MPB26 Digital Baby Monitor arrived, it was easy to see that it was intuitively designed to provide complete peace of mind.

Pulling each piece out of the box, I was immediately impressed with the sleek, modern look of this video monitor. The camera is contemporary but unassuming enough that it would blend in with any decor and the parent receiver is just about the same size as a cell phone.

Looking over the parts, I knew that this was going to be ready for use as soon as it was plugged in and each piece was positioned into place.

As the camera has an adjustable, wide, flat base, it can be stood up on a shelf or ledge and angled directly into the sleeping area for viewing that way (just be sure it is out of reach of your child, of course). Or, using the two slots on the bottom, this camera can easily be hung up in a corner or on the wall for a higher view.

Next I went to plug in the AC adapters to the parent and child unit, but paused for a minute wondering if it made a difference which one went with which... only to find that Motorola thoughtfully solved that problem by labeling both adapters with an icon showing what it was for. Even though this is a small feature, it is one that I appreciate!

Once both pieces are in place, simply press the power button on the parent unit and you're ready to check on your baby with an extremely clear image — I often feel as though I'm watching my girls on television!

In the time since I have been trying out the Motorola MPB26, I've really come to appreciate the quality, dependability and convenience that it can provide.

The 2.4 GHz FHSS wireless technology of this monitor means that I haven't once had to worry about static or reception and I have the ability to move the receiver up to 520 feet away (with no obstructions — typically around 100 feet indoors) and still be within range.

Second, with all of the controls easily accessible, I can adjust things such as the volume and brightness immediately to select which of the eight levels is right for the situation. Even better, I adore the way that I can quickly pan and tilt for optimal view. I simply press a single button and then use the up, down, left and right directions to be able to peer around!

When I want to peek at night, the baby unit of this monitor has eight high-intensity infrared LEDS for picking up clear images in the dark. When the built-in photo sensor on the top of the unit detects a low level of ambient light, the LEDS automatically activate and the screen on the parent unit is displayed in black and white.

I can't tell you how great it is to be able to check in on your child as they get older to see if their whines or cries are ones that legitimately require help or are just a ploy to delay bedtime!

The MPB26 also includes an out-of-range alert if you take your parent unit too far away, a low battery alert if you need to plug in the rechargeable battery, the ability to be paired with up to four different baby units, and, one of my personal favorite features of all times, a Talk Mode.

With one press of a button you can reassure your baby (or, when they are a little older, tell them that it is time to stop getting out of bed and go to sleep) without ever having to set foot in the room!

The way that this product provides peace of mind on every level is something that every parent shouldn't be without, whether their child is a newborn or a toddler. When we moved each of our girls from a crib to a toddler bed, I can't count the number of times that all I needed to do was peek at the monitor to see if they were taking advantage of the lack of confinement by getting out of bed when they should have been sleeping!

Even though my kids are older now, this monitor has still come in handy, whether for traveling or at home during an illness. Little Sister B had a stomachache and fever recently and instead of me wanting to go into her room again and again to check on her, I was able to sit back and relax a tiny bit thanks to Motorola!

Sad face from my poor little sickie!

For parents looking for the ultimate stylish, high quality color video monitor that allows them to view both during the day and at night, the MPB26 from Motorola is a great choice. Its small, portable design, clear picture and ease of use gives the reassurance you need by allowing you to hear and see your baby exactly how and when you want to.

An Amazon.com Exclusive, the Motorola MPB26 Digital Video Baby Monitor retails for $129.99, which is pretty standard when it comes to video monitors. Although they cost more than an audio-only version, I really do believe that the splurge is worth it due to the amount of use it will get, the assistance it can provide, and the overall relief and restful night sleep it can bring to the whole family.

Find out more about this incredible monitor and the rest of Motorola's products on their website as well as connecting with this company on Facebook and Twitter.

Other than the MPB26 Digital Video Baby Monitor that I received from Motorola, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this amazing product.