Nibblers Satisfy Our After School Cravings (and More)

Crystal Farms recently launched the latest cravable innovation for snacking: Nibblers, a new line of bite-sized, 100% real cheese snacks that provide a bold and unexpected flavor experience in every bite. 

Nibblers come in 1.5-ounce stand-up bags and are available in four flavors, including Smoky BBQ seasoned Cheddar cheese, Habanero seasoned Pepper Jack cheese, Chipotle Pepper seasoned Cheddar cheese, and Sour Cream & Onion seasoned Monterey Jack cheese.

Each of the conveniently-packaged single-serve bags contain 9-10 grams of protein, so they’re an excellent option for giving you and your family the energy you need while snacking on the go. Perfect for the busy fall, back-to-school months! 

Crystal Farms recently (or not so recently - I am a little slow in posting this review.) sent me several packages of their new Nibblers to try and review.   As soon as I received them, I quickly opened the Habanero package to give it a try.  I love spicy foods, and this snack didn't disappoint.  With a slight kick and amazing flavor, I was immediately appreciative that I was selected to try this new product. Unfortunately, Pumpkin also loves spicy foods, so I didn't get to enjoy as much of the Habanero Nibblers as I would have liked.  She ate more than half of the first package we opened, as well as the second.  We both especially loved eating them between Triscuit crackers.  Something about the combined tastes and textures just made them seem like the perfect fit.

I'm not going to lie.  I was a bit hesitant to try the Smoky BBQ and the Sour Cream and Onion Nibblers.  For some reason, while I enjoy both of those flavors in potato chips, I was a little apprehensive about how they might taste in cheese.  In fact, I actually waited until we had guests over to break these flavors open.  Being unsure if I would like them, and not wanting to waste them if I didn't, I figured the best way to make sure they were eaten was to share them with a larger group of people.  As it turned out, I didn't need to worry.  Each flavor found a person that could appreciate it. Even I found the flavors to be quite good - though not as good as the Habanero were to me.  While I couldn't sit and eat an entire package of the other flavors, I could definitely enjoy sharing a package with Doc, Peanut, or Pumpkin.

In addition to eating these Nibblers as a quick and easy protein filled snack, I've also discovered something else about them.  They are a quick and easy way to spice up a meal.   A little melted Smoky BBQ cheese on a burger or chicken sandwich really adds flavor!  Chipotle Pepper cheese is great on tacos - though I think it would also be good on a burger or sandwich.  There's no need to put dressing on your salad if you crumble some Nibblers on top.  The flavors allow you to switch up your salad routine without investing in a refrigerator full of dressings (and all the calories that come with them).

Now, if only Kroger would start to carry Crystal Farms Nibblers, then I'd be one happy girl.

Disclosure:  I was not compensated for this post.  I was sent a sample of the product and asked to provide an honest review.

What I Love Wednesday - Grass Stains

As odd as it may sound, I love when my girls come in from playing outside with grass stains.  To me, grass stains are part of childhood.  They symbolize running around outside, having fun, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.  While I want my girls to be careful, I don't want them to miss out on enjoying life by being too cautious.

Be brave!  Be adventurous! If you want to live a life with no regrets, then you have to live the kind of life that results in grass stains and great memories!

What I Love Wednesday - Toilet Paper?

It isn't just toilet paper that I love.  In fact, it is something a bit more peculiar than that.   I love when I go into the girls' (or even my) bathroom and find a roll of toilet paper on the holder . . . backwards.  (I'm a bit of a TP snob.  As such, this roll is clearly on WRONG.  Toilet paper is meant to go over, not under.)  However, when I find a roll on backwards, that means that someone else put it on.  There was a stretch of time where I was beginning to wonder if I needed to hold a class to teach the girls how easy it was.

What I Love Wednesday - Worry Dolls

Peanut is a worrier.

On Monday night she couldn't sleep.  She was worried about school on Tuesday.  She worries that her "friend" will be mean to her (which is actually pretty likely).  She came out into the living room with tears in her eyes, afraid to go to sleep, knowing that when she did morning would come faster and she'd have to go to school.

I told her to give her worries to her worry dolls to take away while she slept.  Then I filled her ears with "I love you"s so that no other thoughts could fit between them, and sent her to bed.

About 30 minutes later I went in to check on her and she was sleeping soundly.

Now, if only those worry dolls could make me stop worrying about her . . .

To My Girls . . .

My sweet girls:

Today I sit here, wondering what I should do.  I know that I can't take away your worries or your pain.    I can't solve your problems for you.  I can only listen with an open heart and open arms.  I can give you hugs, kisses, and advice (and ice cream!).  I know that you're strong enough to make your way through the world on your own.  While I would like to beat the path down for you so that I don't have to see you suffer, I know in my heart of hearts that the path you make yourself will be the best one for you.  I may have to watch you struggle, but I will also experience the joy of watching you succeed.   This is my promise to you:   You will succeed!!!  You are too strong, smart, kind, creative and amazing not to. So, keep on keeping on my loves, and know that I'll always be here for you.  You are my heart, and I will always be your safe place! 

I don't want to wish away our time,

but I would like to wish away your tears.

If only I could remove the pain

that comes with all your worries and fears.

There are a few things that I know are true -

You're strong!  You're tough!  You will get through

these trials, these tests, these mean, cruel few!

All your experiences will make you YOU.

Your smile is a thing of beauty!

Your kindness shines brighter than the sun!

You have a love that can't be stifled!

You make my life a better one!

If there's one thing you MUST remember -

Life can be tough, but you are too!

You have the talent to succeed,

Just look deep down inside of you!

Michael Buble - To Be Loved

Always looking for new music to enjoy, I was thrilled when One2One gave me the opportunity to review Michael Buble's album To Be Loved.  Containing both new music and old music made new, this album is a complete joy to listen to.  Just check out the list of songs.  If you have an appreciation for some of the famous crooners of times gone by, then I'm sure you'll recognize some old favorites.

To Be Loved Track Listing:
1. "You Make Me Feel So Young"
2. "It's a Beautiful Day"
3. "To Love Somebody"
4. "Who's Lovin You"
5. "Something Stupid" (featuring Reese Witherspoon)
6. "Come Dance with Me"
7. "Close Your Eyes"
8. "After All" (featuring Bryan Adams)
9. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" (with Naturally 7)
10. "To Be Loved"
11. "You've Got a Friend in Me"
12. "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" (featuring The Puppini Sisters)
13. "I Got It Easy"
14. "Young at Heart"

While I wasn't familiar with the Frank Sinatra song, "Something Stupid", I fell in love with it when I heard Michael sing it.   His voice just seems a perfect fit for the fun and romantic rhythm of the song.   "It's a Beautiful Day" is another new favorite.  Every time I hear it, I can't help but try to sing along.

I definitely recommend you check out the album and see if you can find a song that gets you tapping your feet.  If you do, then you can buy the album at Amazon or on iTunes.

Disclosure:  I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the album to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Winners!

While all of my readers are winners, I have to take a minute to congratulate Agnes and Janice for being my most recent prize winners.  Agnes won the Carmex Prize Pack and Janice was the lucky recipient of the Hasbro & General Mills Giveaway!

Thanks to all for reading my rather sporadic posts!

Happy Monday!

Carmex - Pumpkin's Favorite Lotion

I keep finding myself in the middle of conversations related to dry skin, lotions, and lip balm.  While I attribute some of the conversations to the fact that I'm getting older.  (I've found that with age comes the desire to share details of all of your medical ailments.)  I think some of the conversations are purely organic.  With the lingering dry winter months, people are finding themselves frustrated with painful cracked hands and chapped lips.  Being a mom, my purse is packed with products that my kids need, want, or love to use.  So, if someone complains of dry skin, I always offer them a dab of my Carmex lotion.

Carmex lotion (and cream) are fairly new to the Carmex family.  When I pull them out of my purse to share with friends and family, they are often surprised.  "I didn't know Carmex made lotion." is one of the most common responses I hear.    Carmex does make lotion, and Pumpkin LOVES it.  Pumpkin has very dry skin.  It is easily irritated by dry weather, chlorine in the pool, and even fabrics that rub her the wrong way.  When she complains of dry or itchy skin, I always tell her to put on lotion.  Carmex is the first one she grabs.  She likes the scent, the way it soothes her irritated skin, and that fact that it absorbs fairly quickly.

More familiar to people is Carmex Lip Balm.  It has been in my purse for ages.  I've loved it since I was a teen.  The original Carmex Jar will always hold a special place in my heart, since it was the first Carmex I owned.  While I still love the jar, sometimes using my finger to apply the balm isn't the best option.  I now keep several varieties of lip balm on hand.

Did you know that Carmex made lotion and cream?  Do you want to win some?  Here's what you have to do:

Mandatory Entry:  What product/scent/flavor do you wish Carmex would come up with next?  Leave a comment below.  Be sure to include your email address in the comment if it is not available on your profile page.

Optional Extra Entries:

1. Follow me on Twitter.  Post your username in the comments.
2. Tweet about this giveaway using "Win a @Carmex Prize Pack! @rmgm http://melissa987654321.blogspot.com/"  Post a link to your tweet here.  This can be done once daily.  
3. Follow me publicly on Google Friend Connect and post a comment with your username.
4. Like me on Facebook.  Leave a comment with your Facebook name (or initials if you don't want to post your full name).
5. Post about this giveaway publicly on Facebook.  Make sure you include a link back here and @MomOnTheEdge so that I can see that I was mentioned.  Post the link to your post here in the comments.  This can also be done once daily.

Details:

• Leave a comment for each entry
• Only open to US residents
• Winner will be chosen using random.org
• Giveaway ends 11:59pm ET on April 17, 2013
• Include your email address in your mandatory comment if it is not available on your profile page.
• Winner will have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
•  Prizes will be sent by the sponsor.  I am not responsible for prizes that are lost or damaged in transit.

*Disclosure:  I received the same prize pack my winner will receive in exchange for my honest review.

What I Love Wednesday - Pretending to Sleep

Pumpkin likes her sleep.  She generally prefers to sleep about 11-12 hours each night.  However, sometimes it takes her a while to wind down from the day.  When I hear thumping coming from her room, it is usually a result of her tossing and turning (and kicking the wall in the process).  It makes me laugh when I go in to check on her after hearing her moving around and find her with her eyes closed, motionless, holding her breath, with the slightest hint of a smile on her lips.  She is always amazed that I can tell she's not really asleep.  I've not shared her "tells" with her yet.  Instead, I simply appreciate her innocence and probably fall asleep with a smile on my lips as well, amused and content with the family I'm blessed to call my own.

*Note - The picture is actually Peanut as a baby.  It is one of my favorite "sleep" pictures.  When I look at it, I can almost feel her sleeping on my chest and smell her baby smell.

General Mills and Hasbro Go Retro

When I hear the word "retro" I think of disco balls, bell bottoms, and a time when I was old enough to observe, but too young to participate fully in the world around me.   I also think of my parents' generation.  Pictures from a time before I was born.  Images that feel like a memory when in fact they're just a story heard many times over.  Retro means nostalgia for times past.

I never thought I'd be a "when I was a kid..." person.  But, alas, I am.  When I was a kid, I was able to walk into the corner store and buy a lottery ticket for my parents.  When I was a kid, neighbors would come to the house and knock on the door to see if I could come outside to play.  When I was a kid, I'd separate my bowl of Lucky Charms into oats and marshmallows.  I'd eat the oats with milk for breakfast and take the marshmallows in a bag in my pocket to school.  I'd snack on them at recess.  I loved that they were harder than regular marshmallows.  I liked the way they took a while to dissolve on my tongue.  

Imagine my excitement when I received a box of retro Lucky Charms (and Cheerios) from General Mills and MyBlogSpark.  Even though I rarely eat Lucky Charms anymore, I tore open the box.  I wanted to see if the marshmallows were retro too.  I was really hoping they'd be just like the ones I remembered.  While the marshmallows weren't the single color pink hearts, blue diamonds, yellow moons, orange stars, and green clovers that I'd hoped to see, they still have the same texture.  My taste buds have changed since the 80's, so I won't venture to guess if they taste the same, though they were good.  Peanut, Pumpkin and Doc will vouch for that.  :)

In addition to the cereal, I was also sent Parcheesi.  Since I already have Clue, Risk, and Scrabble (the other retro games available at Target through this limited time promotion), it was a perfect fit!  While we haven't had the opportunity to play it yet, I am definitely looking forward to our next family game night!

Now that I've taken my walk down memory lane, I know you want some retro cereal and games of your own.  If you do, be sure to head to Target to pick up a box or two of Big G Retro cereal.  Included inside the box is a coupon for $5 off the Vintage versions of Clue, Scrabble, Parcheesi or Risk.  Be sure not to dilly dally.  These products are only available for a short time.  

Would you like a chance to win a prize pack just like the one I received?  Here's what you have to do.

Mandatory Entry:  What was your favorite General Mills cereal when you were a kid?  Leave a comment below.  Be sure to include your email address in the comment if it is not available on your profile page.

Optional Extra Entries:

1. Follow me on Twitter.  Post your username in the comments.
2. Tweet about this giveaway using "Win a Retro Prize Pack! @rmgm #MyBlogSpark http://melissa987654321.blogspot.com/2013/04/general-mills-and-hasbro-go-retro.html."  Post a link to your tweet here.  This can be done once daily.  
3. Follow me publicly on Google Friend Connect and post a comment with your username.
4. Like me on Facebook.  Leave a comment with your Facebook name (or initials if you don't want to post your full name).
5. Post about this giveaway publicly on Facebook.  Make sure you include a link back here and @MomOnTheEdge so that I can see that I was mentioned.  Post the link to your post here in the comments.  This can also be done once daily.

Details:

• Leave a comment for each entry
• Only open to US residents
• Winner will be chosen using random.org
• Giveaway ends 11:59pm ET on April 17, 2013
• Include your email address in your mandatory comment if it is not available on your profile page.
• Winner will have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
•  Prizes will be sent by the sponsor.  I am not responsible for prizes that are lost or damaged in transit.

Disclosure: The prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Third Grade Common Core Workbook

As most of you know, in my previous life, I was a teacher.  Even though I never taught elementary school, I am constantly finding myself engaged in discussions about elementary level curriculum.  Methodology and standards are always changing, which makes it a challenge to keep up with what my children need to know and learn to be successful on the standardized tests.

I recently came across this Third Grade Common Core Workbook  while looking for activities to do with some struggling students in my daughter's classroom.  If the sample is any indication of the information contained in the rest of the 840 pages of this workbook, then I may have just found a great resource!  I can't wait to receive it and see if it is as comprehensive as it appears to be.  

*Disclaimer:  I did not receive any compensation for this post.  In exchange for telling you about this product, I may receive a free download of the workbook.

What I LOVE Wednesday...

Pumpkin loves to skip.  She skips out of the bathroom.  She skips into school.  She skips through the parking lot at the local mall.  If there is room to skip (or even if there isn't), she skips.  Every time I see her skipping, I can't help but smile.

I don't know when the skipping stops.  My oldest daughter, Peanut, doesn't skip.  Even though they are only 17 months apart, I can't remember the last time I saw Peanut skip randomly.  Perhaps it is just a difference in personality.   Regardless, I love that Pumpkin skips.  I hope it never stops.  Maybe one day I'll even join in.