I don’t look at cancer the same way anymore.  Up until recently, I had never personally had experience with the disease that causes physical pain and emotional turmoil.  Today, I’m a different person…different than even 2 months ago.  When I hear the word cancer these days, I know the pain, suffering, and uncertainty they and their loved ones are enduring and my heart aches. I’ve walked in their shoes and I know the battle they’re up against.  And I want so badly for someone to find a cure…for all of it.

October is breast cancer awareness month.  A disease primarily of women, it does not discriminate against age, race, or socioeconomic status.  It doesn’t consider the fact that this woman is a mother, a daughter, a wife, a grandmother, a friend.  Many organizations will be going pink for the cure and I wholeheartedly support their efforts and resources.

If you’ve been to your local Sam’s Club in the past week or 2, you may have spotted some items with pink packaging.  General Mills has partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation for the past 5 years to bring breast cancer support to local communities.  This year, they will make their annual donation of $2 million to advance  research and support education and community outreach projects.

Through April 12th, 2012, you can visit PinkTogether.com to vote on how half of General Mills’ donations will be divided between the Treatment and Assistance Program and Prevention Research.  Both are equally and vitally important, but my vote this year was for Prevention Research because I think it would be amazing if someone could find a way to prevent breast cancer (or any cancer for that matter).

Win It! I have a $25 Sam’s Club gift card to give away to one reader to purchase some of the products that feature pink packaging in support of breast cancer awareness.  Simply leave me a comment with one way you’re giving back to help fight breast cancer. Comments will close on October 14th 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 @samsclub gift card @rockinmama http://tinyurl.com/66pppnp ”

Like me on Facebook

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 card for review and giveaway item supplied by General Mills & Sam’s Club via MyBlogSpark.

KitchenAid and Susan G. Komen For the Cure have partnered for over a decade to help raise funds for the cause.  Eight million dollars has been raised through this partnership via the sale of pink cooking products, celebrity chef auctions and grass-root initiatives.  1,000 Cooks for the Cure, which is part of Cook for the Cure, is a nationwide event designed to raise awareness and support for the cure.  During July 15th through 24th, KitchenAid and Susan G. Komen For the Cure are elisting 1,000 cooks to host get togethers where guests are encouraged to donate to Susan G. Komen For the Cure in lieu of bringing wine, flowers, or other gifts.

If you decide to host a party, be sure to register it at CookfortheCure.com because any host who raises $50 or more will receive a special Villeroy & Boch “Pass the Plate” serving platter (valued at $24.95) once the contributions are received.  What’s unique about the platter is that it’s meant to be re-gifted along with a homemade dish from the giver.  And each time the plates are registered and gifted, KitchenAid will make a $5 donation to Komen.

For more information or to register as a host, visit 1,000 Cooks for the Cure.

No compensation was received for this post.

BeeWell for Life, an online resource dedicated to assisting in achieving a healthy active lifestyle, is hosting a game of Twitter Tag to increase awareness about breast cancer.  Through the end of May, when you “tag” a friend, you’ll be entered to win an iPad2.  Need a little assistance?

Simply tweet the following:

#tag4cancer @YOURFRIEND You could win an iPad2 from @BeeWellforLife and raise breast cancer awareness. http://bit.ly/fYiUYS

If you struggle to consistently engage in physical activity, need some assistance with planning healthy meals, or just want to keep your mind and body active, BeeWell for Life is a fantastic resource.  The health and fitness community features a host of interactive tools such as training programs and access to dietitians.  When you log your miles (whether you walk, run, or cycle), they will donate $0.10/mile to Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.  1.5 million miles have been logged with a total of $450,000 donated to support programs that ensure no one faces breast cancer alone.

For more information, visit Tag 4 Cancer or follow BeeWell for Life on Twitter and on Facebook.

No compensation was received for this post. As a Bee Squad member, I receive product samples and information.  Bumble Fee Foods is also sponsoring my trip to BlogHer 2011.

One of my questions to several of the companies I met with in 2010 was what they were doing to remove artificial ingredients from their foods. Last year, Musselman’s introduced Totally Fruit and Healthy Picks, two new lines of apple sauce that are free from added sugar and high fructose corn syrup.  Totally Fruit is sweetened with fruit juice concentrate and offered in Mixed Berry, Peach, and Strawberry varieties.  Healthy Picks is also sweetened with fruit concentrate and includes antioxidants from super fruits like pomegranates, and açaí berries.  I personally prefer my apple sauce unsweetened, however, I do like both of the new lines. The added fruit is a nice change from traditional applesauce without being overwhelming in flavor or sweetness.  While Totally Fruit was designed to appeal to children and Healthy Picks was designed to appeal to women, my son enjoys both.

Musselman’s has also partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness about the disease. The NBCF provides education and mammograms to those in need.  Musselman’s is encouraging women to take a simple step to improve their health by having a mammogram in 2011.  For every package of Natural and Healthy Picks Apple Sauce purchased, the company will donate ten cents to the NBCF.  Last year, Musselman’s reached $85,000 and is hoping to meet or exceed that goal this year.  To read more about the partnership between Musselman’s and the NBCF, just visit the website.

Musselman’s is also encouraging all of us to take the simple step of substituting natural apple sauce for oil in baked goods.  I’ve actually substituted apple sauce for oil in breads, muffins, cakes, and scones and the dishes still retain their flavor.  For recipe ideas, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post.  Information and product samples were provided which helped facilitate this review.

Here is some of the information I shared with the gals:

Women’s Health Magazine listed Eggland’s Best eggs as #1 in the Dairy Category for Best Packaged Foods

Eggland’s Best eggs  provide a natural source of Omega-3, and other necessary nutrition elements, such as vitamin A, D, E, B2 & B12

Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat and 19% less cholesterol than regular eggs

Eggland’s Best will donate $50,000 to support Komen for the Cure to help save lives and end breast cancer

One of the gals discussed how she lost a family member to breast cancer and we talked about the importance of monthly self breast exams, annual clinical exams, and mammograms (after age 40)

Some of the girls shared stories of family members who had breast cancer scares and we all agreed to remind each other of the importance of being aware and taking action.

Through this campaign, I’ve become increasingly aware of how important it is to be informed about breast cancer.  I’m honored to have partnered with a company like Eggland’s Best, who supports breast cancer research and awareness.

For more information about Eggland’s Best eggs and their partnership with Komen for the Cure, just visit their website.

This post is sponsored by Eggland’s Best. I received monetary compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.

Most days, I don’t have a lot of time for primping.  I’m fortunate if I get in more than a 5 minute shower and a window of time to fix my hair and apply some lip gloss.  It’s amazing what 10 minutes of beautifying does for your mood…your self-confidence.  If nothing else, I make sure to care for my skin.  Cleansing, moisturizing and protecting it with sunscreen are the priorities, particularly as I age.

Clarisonic, the innovators of the skincare sonic technology, developed the Look Good…Feel Better program to empower women battling cancer to be beautiful.  The company’s trained cosmetologists teach women how to cope with treatment-related skin changes and hair loss to help them look and feel like themselves.  Clarisonic makes a $15 donation for the cause with each Limited Edition Clarisonic Mia purchased, $5 for each Pink Skin Cleansing System purchased, and $4 for each Pink Mia purchased.

Clarisonic’s innovative sonic technology gently yet effectively loosens dirt and oil to clear your pores.  I’ve been using the system for over a year and really like how clean my skin looks and feels afterward.  Tip.  Use it regularly (as in daily) to reap the most benefits for your skin.  Here is a bit more information from the site:

Removes 6x more makeup than manual cleansing
Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother
Cleanses so well that products absorb better
Gentle enough for twice daily use
Helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
Helps reduce the appearance of visible pores

Clarisonic offers a variety of cleansing systems and skin care products.  I’m particularly interested in learning more about their Opal Sonic Infusion System, which targets fine lines, puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.  The Opal delivers eye serum more effectively in a short amount of time. In one minute, the system provides more than 7,500 micro massages to instantly hydrate, smooth and brighten the appearance of the eye area.

For more information, just visit their site.

No compensation was provided for this post.  Product sample provided.

One of my new favorites is a Spanish Style Frittata, which was adapted from a recipe created by Shiraz Catering and Events.  While the prep takes a bit of time, the recipe isn’t complicated and only uses a handful of ingredients.  Here is a quick “how to” video:

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

8 Eggland’s Best Large Eggs

1 teaspoon salt, plus ¼ teaspoon salt for seasoning vegetables

½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus ¼ teaspoon pepper for seasoning vegetables

2 tablespoons green part of scallions, sliced in rings

1 ear of fresh corn

1 poblano pepper (or 2 small jalapenos)

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons blended olive and canola oil

Directions

1. Preheat grill or broiler. Crack eggs into large bowl, whisk well to incorporate. Add pepper and salt. Set aside.

2. Coat corn and poblano pepper with 1 Tablespoon of the blended oil, toss with salt and pepper. If using grill; place corn and pepper on grill and allow corn to get lightly grilled. Remove and with a knife, remove corn kernels from cob and discard cob. The poblano can stay longer on grill until ALL surfaces are black and look burnt. Remove and place in a small bowl covered with plastic wrap or a clean paper bag. This will help the blackened skins loosen. When cool enough to handle, remove blackened skin from pepper with a paper towel or your hands. Lay pepper on cutting board and make a slit from top to bottom. Remove seeds. Cut pepper into a small dice and add corn kernels, peppers, scallions, and ¾ of the cheese to the egg mixture.

3. Heat an oven-proof 10-inch (non-stick) saute pan on the stove at medium high heat. Add blended oil to pan and heat until almost smoking. Pour egg mixture into pan and stir with rubber spatula. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until the egg mixture has set on the bottom and begins to set up on top. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.

4. Place pan into oven and broil for 3 to 4 minutes, until lightly browned and fluffy. Remove from pan and cut into 6 or 8 servings. Serve immediately.

As I mentioned in the video, Eggland’s Best has stamped a Pink Ribbon next to their logo this fall to celebrate the partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Through this partnership, Eggland’s Best has donated $50,000 to help the organization save lives and end breast cancer.

You can read more about Eggland’s Best here, here, and here.

This post is sponsored by Eggland’s Best. I received monetary compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to interview Claire Robinson, who recently released her book 5 Ingredient Fix:  Easy, Elegant and Irresistible Recipes.  Claire’s Food Network Series, 5 Ingredient Fix features eclectic recipes made with five ingredients or less.  Her straightforward cooking style promotes healthy, season eating.  Here are Claire’s top tips for healthy, flavorful meals, made with five ingredients or less:

• Be sure to stock your kitchen with essential ingredients
• Plan meals in advance and prepare more of each ingredient so you can refrigerate or freeze the rest for another meal
• Visit your local farmer’s market for fresh produce and good values

Claire Robinson has partnered with Eggland’s Best to spread the word about the company’s commitment to breast cancer awareness.  Along with stamping their eggs with a pink ribbon, Eggland’s Best has donated $50,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Claire Robinson also created three recipes, Baked Egg Casserole, Zucchini and Goat Cheese Frittata and Scrambled Eggs Over Roasted Tomatoes.

Zucchini and Goat Cheese Frittata

Ingredients 1 small zucchini 1/2 small purple onion, thinly sliced 3 tablespoons butter Kosher salt Freshly cracked black pepper 8 Eggland’s Best eggs 4 ounces goat cheese Vegetarian Ready in 20 minutes, recipe by Food Network Chef and host of “Five Ingredient Fix,” Claire Robinson, 2010

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Slice the zucchini lengthwise in half and cut each half into very thin half moon shapes.
• Melt butter in a large (preferably non-stick) skillet over medium high heat.
• Add sweet onion and then add zucchini, season with salt and pepper and cook until just slightly tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Beat eggs with 2 tablespoons water (can be done with hand mixer or in blender)
• Spread onion and zucchini evenly over the bottom of the pan and top with beaten eggs. Season with salt and pepper and allow to sit until just starting to set at edges.
• Crumble goat cheese evenly over the top, and place in oven for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden on top.
• Cool in pan slightly before slicing and serving from pan or inverting onto a plate and then slicing to serve.

Yields 6 servings

Here is my interview with Claire Robinson:

This post is sponsored by Eggland’s Best. I received monetary compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.

Do you know someone affected by breast cancer?  A sister, friend, neighbor?  I went to graduate school with a girl who was a survivor, despite being misdiagnosed because of her young age and negative family history.  Even one woman dying from this disease is one too many.

This month, Ralph Lauren is raising awareness and funds to help support the fight against cancer with it’s Pink Pony Initiative which supports programs for early diagnosis, education, treatment, and research.  Pink Pony also strives to bring quality cancer care to medically underserved communities.  There are two components to their efforts this year.  First, you can show your support by making a purchase from the Pink Pony Collection (Ten percent of proceeds benefit the Pink Pony Fund).  Isn’t this Pink Pony Ruffle Dress adorable?

Additionally, this is the 10th anniversary of the Pink Pony Initiative and to celebrate, Ralph Lauren has partnered with charitybuzz to auction over 300 unique items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences through October 21st.  One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Pink Pony Fund.  Wouldn’t you like your own private tour of Central Park, lunch with Martha Stewart or your child’s birthday party at the Ralph Lauren Children’s Store in London? These are just a few of the most elaborate experiences I’ve ever seen!

To check out the over 300 auction listings or to learn more about Ralph Lauren’s Pink Pony Initiative, just visit the Ralph Lauren website.

I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Ralph Lauren and have received various Ralph Lauren products as part of my participation.

Enter Eggland’s Best eggs, which are lower in cholesterol than conventional eggs (by 38 mg).  I was introduced to Eggland’s Best Eggs at BlogHer and was quite impressed with their nutritional profile.  So how does the company achieve an egg that contains 10 times more Vitamin E than ordinary eggs, four times more Vitamin D, 115mg of Omega 3, 25% less Saturated Fat, 75% more Vitamin B12, over 50% more Vitamin A, 15% more Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), 200 mcg of Lutein, and 10% of the daily recommended intake of folic acid?  It’s directly related to what the hens eat.  Eggland’s Best patented an all-natural, all-vegetarian feed which contains healthy grains, canola oil, and an all-natural supplement of rice bran, alfalfa, sea kelp and Vitamin E.  It’s free from animal fat, animal by-products, hormones, steroids, antibiotics, and recycled or processed food (thought to be a cause of salmonella).  These are eggs I feel really good about eating.

Through November, I’ll be working with the company to raise awareness about their commitment to breast cancer.  Eggland’s Best will donate $50,000 to support Komen for the Cure.  Be sure to look for the pink version of the EB stamp on all egg varieties.

This post is sponsored by Eggland’s Best. I received monetary compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.