Holiday Meal Planning With Vons/Safeway

If you’re a regular reader, then you know that my husband and I primarily purchase organic, all natural foods and products.  Because of the types of food we purchase, we often frequent our local farmer’s market and natural food stores.  Christmas is less than 10 days away and I’ve started thinking about what types of foods we’re going to be serving, since we won’t be traveling too far from home.  I prefer that all of our meals are made from scratch, but this year we will definitely be making use of some prepared foods for convenience and time-saving factors.  

I was recently offered an opportunity to check out the Vons/Pavilions/Safeway family of grocery stores.  This is not my first experience with any of the stores, but I did approach the store differently this time around.  I chose to specifically focus on their holiday food items and their organic, natural foods.  We visited a local store (which I had been to in the past) and immediately upon entering, I noticed that there were holiday-themed items everywhere, including an entire section with gifts, baking products, etc.  

The other impressive part of the store was their section dedicated to natural and organic products (not just food!). Some of the name brand products are a bit more expensive than my local natural food store, but I thought there generic organic brand called O Organics was reasonably priced.  

Candy Cane Vase – One of the many projects you’ll find on the site

If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration for your holiday meal planning, check out the company’s holiday site.  On it you’ll find recipes, projects, and weekly specials specific to your area.  Be sure to check out their kid-friendly recipes and ideas for edible gifts.  And of course, if you don’t want to prepare ALL of the food yourself, Vons has an assortment of Ready-To-Serve Courses.  

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a gift card, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

Profuse thanks to the Family Review Network for this review opportunity!

Holiday Entertaining With Subway *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winners are Nancy S, Donna K, and g. l. prnrod

With Christmas about 10 days away, many of you may be planning last minute holiday parties and family get-togethers.  While I would LOVE to make every hors D’oeuvre, main course, and dessert, it’s not always feasible….pregnant or not.  I’ve used Subway on many occasions for casual gatherings.  I particularly find their sandwich platters to be a hit with my guests.  I’m not fond of fast food, but Subway is one restaurant that offers healthy meal choices (8 subs with 6 grams of fat or less) in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.  I like the ability to choose exactly what I do and don’t want on my sandwich (from the bread to the spreads!).

Subway has just introduced two new melts, the Chicken Cordon Bleu and Chicken Marinara (neither of which I’ve had a chance to try yet).  They have an expansive menu with numerous sandwich choices, including a premium menu.  I prefer to customize my own sandwich unless we’re doing a platter (a small classic combo, SubwayFresh Fit or Flavor Craver platter retail for $24.99).  I’ve always been impressed when I walk into their locations because the smell of fresh bread is enticing and their ingredients look fresh.  What’s interesting about Subway is that I’ve actually visited several of their locations in other parts of the world and  can always count on these same qualities.

Right now if you purchase a $10 Subway card (stocking stuffer?), you’ll receive a free snickerdoodle.

Win It! THREE of you will win a $25 gift card to Subway.  Simply leave me a comment with your favorite sub.  Comments will close on December 29, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). 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.

Add the “Holiday Gift Guide” button to your sidebar and leave me a comment (be sure it’s up for the duration of the gift guide!)

Check out my Holiday Gift Guide and leave a comment on that site about a product you like! (Maximum of 1 Comment for this).

Follow Subway on Twitter

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest. Be sure to use the hashtag #holidaysurvivalguide

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For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I received a gift card, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

Extra Extra!

Image courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Our house has a lovely smell of pumpkin pie, spinach and artichoke dip, and apple-pecan dressing.  I am so looking forward to a day of food, family, and fun. Happy Thanksgiving!

I wanted to update you on what to expect next week.  My favorite posts are those of the personal nature….where I get to express my thoughts and feelings on pregnancy, parenting, and life in general.  Next week, I have an incredible baby series where I will be talking about the most amazing companies who graciously and generously agreed to participate in my online baby shower.  So, it’s likely you won’t find a lot of personal posts next week.  But please do stop by since there will be some awesome giveaways (along with my holiday giveaways that are still open).

Holiday Magic At Disneyland

It was cool and brisk…a rarity in Southern California…and the perfect weather to celebrate the Holidays.  There were lights and the biggest Christmas tree I’ve ever seen. We saw saw Santa and his reindeer.  We drank hot chocolate and ate cookies.  And it even snowed!  It was a magical day at Disneyland.  And while every day is sheer magic at the Happiest Place On Earth, Saturday was extra special.

I’m always amazed at the transformation Disneyland undergoes for the holidays.  And while tradition holds strong, there is always something new… Like Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee, a show inspired by Disney’s new movie The Princess and the Frog.  It takes place on the Mark Twain Riverboat and features singing and dancing that’s “all that jazz.”  The show includes songs from the newly released movie (which I am aiming to see before our baby is born).  Be sure to catch the show before it leaves, January 3, 2010.

Last year my husband and I took our little boy to Santa’s Reindeer Round-Up.  Located in Frontierland, this is where you’ll find Santa, his reindeer, and various characters.  This is the perfect place to “wind down” for a bit if you and your children are tired from walking around the park.  You’ll find holiday arts and crafts (although I could not find the cookie decorating this year) and a sleigh that’s perfect for family pictures.

Speaking of reindeer…

Other holiday highlights include It’s a Small World’s holiday transformation (which is simply spectacular), Haunted Mansion Holiday (which I opted out of this year for obvious reasons), and the Christmas Fantasy Parade.  An evening at Disneyland must always conclude with flare!  Be sure to catch the holiday lighting and special-effects show at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle which concludes with the “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks and snowfall!

Photo Courtesy of Disneyland

Photo Courtesy of Disneyland

Photo Courtesy of Disneyland

Understandably, this time of year is busy for the Disneyland Resort.  If your stay is limited, you’re from out of town, you have little ones, or you want the ultimate Disneyland experience, check out their guided holiday tour.  Never mind waiting in line for it’s a small world holiday or Haunted Mansion Holiday…don’t worry about showing up early to get a good seat at A Christmas Fantasy parade…. Get a personal tour that will make the most of your stay at the Disneyland Resort this holiday season.  More information can be obtained at Disneyland City Hall, Tour Gardens Kiosk in Disneyland Park, the Guest Relations Lobby at Disney’s California Adventure Park, or by calling 714/781-4400.

My son was so excited about our day that he never took a nap. So by dinner, he was fast asleep.  Fortunately, he woke up in time to give big hugs to Mickey, Minnie and Goofy.

Last year my son ran away crying from these characters…

I always leave Disneyland with a sense of renewed anticipation for what’s to come.  We never manage to “see it all,” and I think that’s perfectly ok, especially with a toddler.  We have season passes (that we must hurry and use before they black out) and I think it’s the perfect way to go with little ones.  Because we live so close, I prefer the half days taken at leisure.  It’s much more enjoyable that way!

I could say a lot more about Disneyland (in fact, I have…just search my site!).  But really, the best stories are told with photos…

It’s a Stocking Swap! Come Join The Fun!

Whew!  The next 2 months are going to be so much fun. And did I tell you I’m about to have a BABY?

I just LOVE the holidays…Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday.  And for the first time ever, I’ve teamed up with the fabulous Amanda to host a Stocking Swap!  What is a stocking swap?  It’s a fun way to get to know other bloggers who you otherwise may have never gotten to know.   And it’s super easy.  You sign up…we pair you up…you get to know each other…you shop for each other…See?  Easy!  And Fun!

Here is what you need to do if you want to participate (I promise it’s so painless!).  Just remember to sign up by December 1st so we can pair you up. We’ll email you your partner’s info and you have 2 weeks (until Dec. 15) to shop and mail your partner’s “stocking” out.

• Sign Mr. Linky, letting us know you want to join the swap!
• Please then head to elfster and sign up for The Stocking Swap.
• Add the Stocking Swap Button to your blog so others know you are participating and give them an opportunity to join too!

Amanda and I have decided to use elfster because it makes it easy for us to draw names anonymously (fair is fair right?). Plus you can ask your partner questions in secret, create a wish list of items you like, and your partner can get to know you without letting you know who they are! It keeps it completely anonymous until we all start receiving our gifts.

So what are you waiting for?  Ok…I’ll be the first to sign up!  : )

I Love Disneyland!

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about the wonderful time we had at Disneyland.  I wanted to share with you a little more about how magical Disneyland is during the holidays!

One of the things I love about the holidays is the food!  Disney knows how important food is and they’ve risen to the occasion with the Merriest Treats on Earth!  There are many traditions that surround food at Disneyland and it is through food that the stories are kept alive and strong.  Some of the traditional treats you’ll find during the holiday season include gingerbread cookies, holiday biscottis, rice krispy treats, snowman cookies, cranberry and pumpkin mini loafs, almond and chocolate yule logs, holiday brownies, tres leches desserts, and jiggle mortis with whipped cremation.

We were given a lovely demonstration on the “science of gingerbread houses” by a real French pastry chef. One of the mom bloggers in attendance was right upfront getting in with the decorating action.  I went home with some wonderful tips on creating the “perfect” gingerbread house including an icing recipe (Egg white, powdered sugar, lemon juice) that is certain to withstand even the tiniest of tots.

While decorating expert David Caranci was not able to join us for our Mom Blogger evening, the PR team created a video clip of tips on how to turn that holiday fruitcake into a lovely centerpiece.  Enjoy!

Disneyland Decorating Tips from Heather Hust on Vimeo.

One of the things we really enjoyed at Disneyland was decorating cookies at Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen. You can choose between sugar or gingerbread and the kit includes frosting and sprinkles to complete your cookie creation.  I think more frosting ended up on our little one’s face than on the cookie but we all had fun! While you’re over in Frontierland, be sure to check out Big Thunder Ranch which has been magically transformed into Santa’s Reindeer Roundup where you can sing and dance at the Holiday Ho-Ho-Hoedown, make your own cowboy-inspired gift, and take pictures with your favorite Disney characters.  Here is where we took our family picture (more on that in a bit).

One of my favorite things about Disneyland during the holidays is the decor.  From the magical glow of Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle to the festively international it’s a small world “holiday” you’ll be in the spirit from the moment you step foot into the park.  Be sure to take a picture in front of ginormous tree on Main Street decorated with over 60,000 lights (you may even see some snow!).  For a complete listing of the holiday happenings, visit their special holiday website.

By now you know how passionate I am about photography.  The last “gift” that we were given was from Disney’s PhotoPass Service.  You probably remember having your picture taken by one of Disney’s own photographers at any number of places throughout the park.  Now you can edit, share, and create photo gifts with one handy little service (and card!).  Once you’ve taken your first picture with Mickey, you’ll receive Disney’s PhotoPass card.  Re-use the card every time you stop for photos throughout the park.  Once you’re ready to view them, go to DisneyPhotoPass.com within 30 days and enter the number from your card.  Once you’ve registered, you can order prints or create fun products like calendars, ornaments, and photo books.  One of the great things about the service is that you can upload your own photos to create gifts that have that magical Disney touch.  All of us mom bloggers received a lovely print of Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle and the opportunity to create a Disney Photo Calendar.   I can’t wait to show you how our calendar turned out.

I’d like to thank Michele Himmelberg once again for the opportunity to experience Disneyland during this festive holiday season!

Holiday Review & Giveaway: Ninebird Publishing

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by!  The winner is Jenn S. Congrats!

Have you sent your Christmas cards out yet?  Whew!  I’m with ya!  However, I’m going to make it very easy for one of you so stay tuned at the end of this post for a very quick giveaway!

I was recently introduced to Ninebird Publishing, a chic and affordable company offering whimsical, boutique-inspired photo cards, membory albums, calendars and more.  I’ve blogged and blogged about my passion for photography and the importance of creating memories through photos.  Ninebird Publishing introduced their first seasonal collection of photo cards this year and an exclusive selection of the company’s designs are available at Sam’s Club Photo Center.  I love the artisitic flair, vibrant colors, and cultural undertones that inspire Ninebird Publishing’s designs.

A pack of 30 photo cards retails for $13.16 (a steal bargain if you ask me!)

Win It!  One reader will win 30 photo cards courtesy of Ninebird Publishing.  Head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back and leave me a comment with your favorite design!  Comments will close on December 19, 2008 at 10 pm PST.  The winner will be chosen on December 20, 2008.  One comment per person, please. 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 about the giveaway.  Be sure to list your Twitter ID in the comments.

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.

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