For the very first time, Walmart has announced an innovative new contest called Get On the Shelf.  The nationwide search is on to find the latest “it” product.  In true American Idol fashion, contestants will create videos of their products for online public voting.  There will be a two-round public voting process which will determine the top three product to be sold online at Walmart.com.  One grand prize winner will have their product sold on Walmart.com and featured on the store’s home page as well as shelf space in select Walmart stores across the country.

The contest is open for submissions until February 22nd.  Beginning March 7th, the public will have a chance to vote on their favorite entries. Some of the submissions already received include a cube game, an iPad pillow and paw puffs for dogs (cute!).

Think you have the next must-have product? Enter online at GetOnTheShelf.com.

 Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

This isn’t an entirely original idea, but I thought I’d put a Valentine’s Day spin on the traditional “cookie mix in a jar” gift idea. I headed over to Walmart and picked up the following ingredients and supplies to put together this simple, affordable gift.

Two One Quart Glass Jars ($2.97 each)

A set of two heart-shaped cookie cutters ($1.88)

Red Ribbon ($.97)

Valentine’s Day Themed M&Ms ($2.68)

Ghiradelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips ($2.78)

Red Bag for Gifting ($.97)

Stickers for decorating ($.97-$1.00)

White and brown sugar ($.98-$2.82)

The total cost for the above items was just $22.93 plus tax. With these supplies I can make at least 2 gifts and still have plenty of product left over.

You can create these jars for gifting with your personal cookie recipe, but I thought I’d share my two favorites. Chocolate Chip and Sugar.

M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup M&Ms

Start by washing and drying the jar you’re planning on using for the gift. Add the ingredients in layers, starting with the white sugar, brown sugar, and then the flour, reserving the chocolate chips and M&Ms for last. Make sure to pack each layer down and keep them separate and distinct.  I decided to attach a cookie cutter to the jar along with the recipe tied with some red ribbon I picked up at Walmart.  You can also take a piece of colorful fabric and adorn the top of the jar with it.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 egg in a large bowl.
3. Add the contents of the jar and stir until well blended.
4. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
5. Bake at 375° for 10 minutes or until golden.

You could also put together a Valentine’s Sugar Cookie Mix. You’ll want to use a smaller jar for this recipe. Be sure to omit the Peppermint Extract and candy canes and replace them with Vanilla extract and M&Ms.

 Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

This Friday, February 10th, Walmart will celebrate the marriage of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in more than 2,700 stores. Those who purchase the Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 a 2-disc DVD or Blu-ray will receive the following:

• Bella’s Wedding Special Edition featuring the collectible wedding dress packaging
• Fabric poster of Bella and Edward’s big day
• Music videos from Bruno Mars and Christina Perri

Additionally, Walmart will host Twilight parties in-stores.  Beginning at 11 pm on the 10th they will offer special giveaways, ask movie trivia, and stock in-store bakeries with Twilight-themed cakes and cupcakes.  In anticipation of the midnight unveil, shoppers can catch a cameo appearance from Rosalie Cullen on in-store television networks.

Breaking Dawn will be available on DVD for $22.96 and Blu-ray for $26.96. For a complete list of stores holding midnight events, just visit the website.

 Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

If you’re still in search for the perfect gift this month, why not get that special person something they’ll use every single day?  I’ve come to rely on my smartphone for everything from organization and social networking to multimedia and information gathering.

You might remember me sharing some information about how my husband and I use our Windows Phone to stay organized and connected.  But there is truly so much more that we can do with the smart phone.  Here are just a few Valentine’s Day-inspired features that make a Windows Phone a unique gift idea for a loved one this month and might just make it a bit easier to plan the perfect day.

Need a Valentine’s Day card in a flash? This photo app will allow you to select from one of 40 romantic Valentine Card templates that can be personalized with photos and messages.

Looking to plan the perfect date? Check out this app which offers over 100 unique ideas for celebrating with that special person in your life.

If you’re planning to celebrate with a fancy meal, be sure to make reservations ahead of time on OpenTable to minimize wait times.

Looking to round out date night with the latest film? Check out Flixster for the latest trailers and reviews.

Win It!  I have a VERY QUICK giveaway but it was too awesome not to share so get your entries in quickly!  One of you will win the following:

Two Samsung Focus Flash Windows Phones

1 month of service

His and hers SkinIts

To win, simply tell me your best Valentine’s Day story!  Comments will close on Friday, February 10th at 8 am PST and I’ll need the winner’s address that day!

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win a @windowsphone from @rockinmama ”

Rockin’ Mama Facebook fans automatically receive an extra entry

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments

No compensation was received for this post. Giveaway item provided by Windows. I also reviewed a Windows Phone last  year, which was also provided by the company.

This week’s iCapture gives you a taste of Beverly Hills, where I’m currently staying to cover the upcoming 3D animated film The Lorax.  Here are just a few photos I took on a leisurely Sunday afternoon stroll through the city.

What have you “captured” this week?  Share your photos below!

Photo Credit: Rockin’ Mama

Shot with an iPhone, filtered with Instagram

1. Know your numbers.

2. Get and stay active.

3. Eat a heart healthy diet

4.  Manage your stress

5. Know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack

Go Red For Women is an incredibly resourceful site that actually provides targeted information about heart disease for women in all ages and stages of life.

Mimi’s Cafe is the first restaurant to support the movement and is raising awareness for heart disease all month long.  You can lend your support via donation at the restaurant and for every $1 donation, guests can post a red heart-shaped tribute card on the red dress display inside the restaurant. For every $5 donation, guests will also receive a commemorative red dress lapel pin.  Guests who donate will also receive up to $35 in savings.

Win It!  Two of you will win $25 gift cards to Mimi’s Cafe. Simply leave a comment with something you learned about heart disease from the site.  Comments will close on February 20th, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win a GC to @Mimis_Cafe @rockinmama  ” Daily tweets are allowed but please put the permalink so I can keep track.

Rockin’ Mama Facebook fans automatically receive an extra entry

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments

No compensation was received for this post. Gift Certificates for review and giveaway provided which helped facilitate this review.

California-based flower retailer ProFlowers is currently offering beautiful Valentine’s day flower bouquets and gourmet gifts to celebrate the loved one in your life.  The company hand-picks their flowers and guarantees they’ll be fresh for seven days since they’re shipped directly versus going through a second-party.  Here are just a few hand-picked favorites from the site:

I like this Romantic Red Rose Plant because I imagine it would last well beyond Valentine’s Day

This Azalea Bonsai Plant rocks as one of the most unique ideas on the site

I’m loving the modern look and feel of these Valentine’s Day Orchids

This Hugs and Kisses Bouquet, which features red tulips and blue iris, exudes modern romance

One of ProFlowers’ sister companies is Shari’s Berries, a company specializing in chocolate covered strawberries.  Their strawberries are sun-ripened, hand selected, and dipped to create gorgeous gourmet edible gifts.   Here are a few of my handpicked favorites:

These Gourmet Dipped Fancy Berries include three varieties including milk chocolate with chopped almonds, dark chocolate with chocolate chips, and white chocolate with dark chocolate drizzles. YUM!

Kids will love these ladybug-inspired Love Bug Chocolate Cake Pops

Add in a gift certificate to the spa with this Ultimate Spa Gift Basket and I’d be a happy, relaxed mama!

For more Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas, visit ProFlowers and Shari’s Berries!

Right now, you can save 20% off your order with these Valentine’s Deals

Win It!  One of you will win a $50 GC that can be used at either ProFlowers or Shari’s Berries. Simply leave me a comment with your favorite Valentine’s Day Gift Idea (one that hasn’t already been mentioned in this post).  Comments will close on February 10th, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win a GC to @ProFlowers @rockinmama http://tinyurl.com/6qdtpnz ” Daily tweets are allowed but please put the permalink so I can keep track.

Rockin’ Mama Facebook fans automatically receive an extra entry

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments

No compensation was received for this post. Gift Certificates for review and giveaway provided which helped facilitate this review.

I walked into the elevator and immediately recognized her from You Again and Forgetting Sarah Marshall.  Despite the fact that I lived in LA most of my life, I still find it surreal to walk into an elevator and come face to face with Kristen Bell, who plays one of the few fictional characters in the film Big Miracle. The character of Jill Jerard (Bell), a TV reporter from Los Angeles, was actually based on several news men and women who made the trek up to Barrow, Alaska to cover Operation Breakthrough in 1988.

We sat down to chat with Bell about her role in the film Big Miracle, her father’s influence on her character, and what it was like to shoot in Alaska.  Having grown up “playing with a teleprompter,” Bell felt at ease in the role of the ambitious reporter, given the fact that her father was a news director and she grew up around news anchors.  “It was kind of my little homage to my dad,” Bell states.  Media was really the catalyst for the international effort in 1988 and it wasn’t until I sat down to speak with some of the talent from the film that I fully grasped this concept.

From a historical perspective, Jill Jerard’s character is integral to the film’s plot and the depiction of the effort.  If you were a journalist at the time (particularly if you were a woman), it was important to be the first person to break a news story.  And as much as media drew attention and garnered support, it was manipulated by many for personal gains.

The story, as impossible as it seems, was only feasible because the world came together to brainstorm and physically assist with the rescue effort. Bell hopes that viewers “will realize how unreasonably powerful it is when human beings can come together for a common goal.  Anything is accomplishable if you’re working together.”

Despite Bell’s accolades, she’s actually quite grounded.  She is confident and “doesn’t identify whether or not [she is] a good human being based on how respected [she is] in the acting community.” And while her travels have brought her to a number of exotic and picturesque locations, she prefers to be at home because she is “such a home body.”

Big Miracle is in theaters on February 3rd, 2012.

If you watch the trailer for the film on Facebook, Universal Pictures will donate $1 to Oceana!

You can read my previous interview with Vinessa Shaw and Bonnie Carroll here.

You can read my interview with Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski here.

No compensation was received for this post.  I was invited to the Big Miracle Press Junket, courtesy of Universal Pictures.

The very first foods we introduced to my children were fruits and veggies.  Their little palates were shaped early on…some studies even suggest that they began developing in utero.  Rather than succumb to societal norms that suggest children should eat different meals, my husband and I decided our children would eat the foods we prepared and consumed ourselves.  I never understood why, as a society, we feel children aren’t capable of enjoying fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and sustainable fish.  My children eat all of the above and more.

One of the most important things I did when my children were very young was to involve them in the meal preparation process. I started cooking and baking with my son around 3, when he was verbal enough to follow simple commands and had the dexterity to manipulate some of the bigger utensils.  To this day, you’ll often find him standing next to me in the kitchen…observing, asking questions, pouring, and mixing.

So how is it that my children eat and enjoy healthy, flavorful, diverse dishes?  Here are my best tips for cooking healthy meals with kids.

1. Plan the meals together.  Children are little people with opinions and ideas of their own.  While my son doesn’t always have the final say when it comes to the meals that get served each day, I’ll often ask him, to get a feel for the type of food he’s craving on any given day.  Not only does this show him that his opinions matter, it typically ensures that he’s going to eat without complaint.

2. Shop for meals together. My son knows the difference between asparagus and squash because each shopping venture is also a learning experience.  While I do admit that shopping with two kids in tow can be stressful, there are times when I don’t have a choice.  I use the shopping trip as an opportunity to help him practice counting, teach him about new foods, and talk about the meals we’re going to prepare that week.

3.  Keep it simple.  On those days when my son and I are going to prepare a meal, I opt for simple recipes that don’t require a lot of prep. This helps keep him engaged and prevents boredom or impatience.

4.  Prep as much as possible ahead of time.  If the recipe is moderate to difficult, I’ll chop vegetables, slice chicken, peel potatoes, etc. so that my son can be very involved with putting the meal together.  For example, we recently created an Allergen-Friendly Spanish-Inspired Rice Bowl which is a great example of a dish that can be easily assembled with a bit of help from a parent.

5. Give children autonomy.  Each of my children are working on mastering a variety of skills and asserting their independence.  When cooking with children, it’s important to give them tasks they can complete to boost confidence and keep them interested and involved.

6.  Teach by example.  My children are constantly observing and even imitating my husband and I.  If I ask my son to eat broccoli, I should be prepared to eat it myself which really goes for any food I’m encouraging him to try.

7.  Inspire creativity. While you’re planning and prepping a meal, think about ways to creatively serve that dish.  For example, you may find that shapes, colors, and even characters may inspire children, particularly when it comes to getting them to try new foods.

8. Get messy.  As much as I don’t like cleaning up messes, there is something to be learned from the messes children make.  Children are naturally inquisitive and messes are usually the result of that curiosity

As I mentioned above, we recently created Allergen-Friendly Spanish-Inspired Rice Bowls with Homemade Guacamole. This is a particularly flavorful dish, packed with delicious vegetables and rich in flavor.

Ingredients:

1 cup Uncle Ben’s Whole Grain Fast & Natural Instant Brown Rice (dry)

1 3/4 cup Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth

1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder

1 teaspoon Onion Powder

1/2 teaspoon Cumin

1/2 teaspoon Paprika

2 boneless, skinless Organic Chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1/2 Green Pepper

1/2 Red Pepper

1/2 Yellow Onion

1 can Organic Black Beans

1 ears of Fresh Corn (grilled)

1/2 cup Vegan Cheese

Add spices and chicken broth to dried rice and prepare according to the rice cooker’s instructions.

While the rice is cooking, sauté the chicken with the diced onion, green and red bell peppers.  Season with a dash of cumin and a splash of lemon juice.
Fresh Guacamole:

1 Avocado, Mashed

1  Roma tomato, diced

1/2  yellow onion, diced

1 handful of chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon lemon juice (this adds flavor and prevents the avocado from turning brown)

Combine all of the ingredients above, making sure to mix well.

Once black beans and grilled corn are ready, begin assembling the bowls in this order:

In a bowl, start with 1 scoop of rice. Add black beans. Add chicken and sauteed veggies.  Add Corn.  Top with Vegan cheese and Guacamole.

In the above recipe, you’ll want to chop the veggies and prepare the chicken.  Once both are complete, older children can assemble the bowl without a lot of assistance.

This kid-friendly recipe is flavorful and full of veggies and whole grains. It’s also relatively easy to re-create.

With the start of the new year come resolutions, particularly those focused around health and nutrition. This year, Uncle Ben’s wants parents to spend some time in the kitchen, cooking with their kids.  The company recently launched a national contest entitled Ben’s Beginners. The grand prize is $20,000 plus a $50,000 grant towards a cafeteria makeover for your child’s school. The winner will also appear on The Rachael Ray show. To enter, submit a 2-3 minute video of you cooking a rice-based dish with your children (ages 5-12).  You can visit their Facebook page to learn more about the contest.

This is a compensated post written while participating in the SocialMoms and Uncle Ben’s blogging program.   For more information on how you can participate, click here.

February is the month we typically associate with love. But there is something even more important to think about this February…heart disease. It’s the leading cause of death in the US, according to the CDC and one that affects both men and women.

This Friday, February 3rd, Mimi’s Cafe is “going red for women.” The French-inspired bistro is the first restaurant to nationally support the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement, which is dedicated to fighting heart disease. If you visit the restaurant wearing red, you’ll receive a free cup of soup with any purchase.  The restaurant is celebrating all month and for every $1 donation, guests can post a red heart-shaped tribute card on the red dress display inside the restaurant. For every $5 donation, guests will also receive a commemorative red dress lapel pin.  Guests who donate will also receive up to $35 in savings.

You can visit Mimi’s Cafe on Facebook where they’ll be going red.  They currently have an app that will allow you to share an inspirational message with the Red Dress icon to show friends and family why they are going red this February. I’m heading into my local restaurant today to show my support. : )

No compensation was received for this post. Gift cards were provided to take a few of my friends out for lunch in honor of the movement.