Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

We baked some Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies this weekend and they were deeeelicious.  But before we got going, we ran into a little snag...we ran out of butter and the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of it! I already had the crisco shortening and thought about just using all shortening but then I spied the butter converter for Filippo Berio Olive Oil on my fridge and thought, "hmmm...I wonder..."  To convert it, all I needed was 1/4 + 2 T of oil.  I mixed it in and hoped for the best.  The results were fabulous! These cookies are SO good!  I am including the recipe below for your enjoyment.  The best part?  Well...you can freeze them! Yes! Freeze them and no need to thaw.  Believe it or not they taste delicious and are a fabulous treat on a super hot day!

Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter (I used 1/4 C. + 2 T. Filippo Berio Olive Oil)
• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick cooking oats
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening and peanut butter. Add the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.
3. Combine oats, flour, baking soda, and salt; add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
4. Drop by the rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet. Flatten with fork. Bake for 12 minutes or until done.

3 Pepper and Onion Spaghetti using Filippo Berio Olive Oil

3 Pepper & Onion Spaghetti

So, this is what it is supposed to look like when it's finished.  It is SO tasty and wonderful and is the perfect dish to serve when you need to make something quick but delicious when company is coming over!

Ingredients

• Salt
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons Filippo Berio extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds, 1/2 palmful
• 1 large red bell pepper, quartered lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced
• 2 Cubanelle peppers, halved lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced
• 1 red chile pepper, seeded and thinly sliced, or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 large onion or red onion, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed Italian tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, shredded or torn

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Salt the water, add the pasta and cook to al dente.

Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fennel seeds and stir for 1 minute, then add all the peppers and the onions. Saute for 8 to 10 minutes, then add the garlic and season with salt and pepper, to taste. When the peppers and onions are tender, add the wine and stir for 30 seconds, then add the stock and tomatoes. Reduce the sauce for 7 to 8 minutes.

Drain the pasta, drop it into the skillet, and toss it with the butter and the sauce. Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl, sprinkle with a little cheese, top with the basil, and serve immediately.

(Onions being sauted in Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

Kick Butter With Filippo Berio Olive Oil

I was just thinking how wonderful it is that I have a magnetic chart on my fridge that allows me to substitute olive oil for butter.  It came in my Filippo Berio BzzAgent kit and I'd love to share it with you! This is an excellent chart that will allow you to switch yourself and your family over to a healthier lifestyle! 

For additional information, go to FILIPPO BERIO'S website.  You can acquire some great recipes while there!

Filippo Berio Olive Oil Bread

With my bottle of Filippo Berio I received from BzzAgent my husband and I tried a recipe I've been DYING to try for months!! This bread is SOOOOO good, you'll want to eat it as a meal! If you try it, make sure you let me know how it tastes!! And to help you get started, I have a $2.00 off coupon on any Filipo Berio Olive Oil! Let me know where to send it! 

• 1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons Filippo Berio olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Chopped green olives and onions to garnish

1. In a large bowl mix together the warm water (110 degrees), yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Stir in 2 cups of the flour in order to make a soft ball. Knead in additional flour so that dough is soft and not sticky. Place kneaded dough in a medium size greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
2. Punch down dough, and form into ball or loaf shape. Place onto a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle on olives and onions to your desire.  Cover and let rise for 15 to 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown.

Here is my latest campaign for BzzAgent.  I am apart of the Neutrogena Cosmetics campaign.  I received everything shown above but today I'm going to focus on the Revitalizing Lip Balm.  I received three different colors in Sunny Berry, Healthy Blush, & Petal Glow.  Out of the three, my favorite is most definitely Sunny Berry.  It has a nice hint of color and it is not overwhelming.  The product leaves your lips feeling very silky smooth! The other two colors are a bit too light for my skin shade which is light to medium.  My daughter has olive undertones so Healthy Blush and Petal Glow look a lot better on her! One thing my daughter really liked about the lip balm is the fun funky tube.  It is wider than most lip balms and provides a much better coverage.  The thing I really liked is that while it gives you that touch of color without overkill, you are actually protecting your lips with SPF 20. This product is so easy to apply and has a wonderful berry scent.  

I have $2.00 off coupons for those who are interested in trying these fantastic lip balms! 

Quaker Oatmeal Squares Crunch

You may just have to make a batch for yourself BEFORE you make one to share with the family.  You won't be able to help yourself!  

 

QUAKER OATMEAL SQUARES CRUNCH

• 8 cups Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cereal (1 whole box)
• 2 cups pecans , coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar , firmly packed
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 4 tablespoons butter (margarine ok)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)  

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 250ºF. Spray 13 x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Combine cereal and pecans in pan; mix well.
2. In large microwaveable bowl, combine sugar, corn syrup and margarine.
3. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute 30 seconds; stir. Microwave an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds or until boiling.
4. Stir vanilla and baking soda and optional salt into sugar mixture. Pour over cereal mixture; stir to coat evenly.
5. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Transfer to baking sheet, spreading mixture in even layer. Cool completely; break into pieces. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

NEW CAMPAIGN: Filippo Berio® Olive Oil

I love to cook and use ingredients where the flavor will stand out for my husband, Julian, who happens to have a weak sense of smell. His lack of smell totally stinks (pun definitely intended) because it inhibits his ability to taste food as well as we do. One thing I really love to use is olive oil. It has such a strong, nutty flavor and that is one thing Julian can taste.

I was selected to participate in a BzzAgent campaign for Filippo Berio® Olive Oil. The kit should arrive in a week or so and when it does, you can be sure that dinner that night will be Italian! I'm looking forward to experimenting with this brand of olive oil. I haven't tried it before, so if any of you have, I'd love to hear from you! I'll be posting some recipes soon!

NEW CAMPAIGN: Quaker® Oatmeal Squares

BzzAgent sent me a new item to try and this time it hit a HOME RUN!! Why? Because we're talking FOOD! I love food! In fact, my entire family loves food. Thank goodness we have decent metabolisms or we'd be in big trouble!

I got to try Quaker Oatmeal Squares and let me tell you, they are so good you have no idea they're good for you! I ate one bowl (a little over the recommended amount but not by much) and it filled me up for nearly three hours. The taste is so delicious. It is has a light brown sugar flavor that isn't overwhelming and the crunch is fun!! It didn't tear the roof of my mouth up (which crunchy cereal tends to do). I highly recommend this cereal for those looking for something healthy, tasty and different!

If you'd like to try a FREE sample box of your own box (small one serving size), please visit their FACEBOOK WEBPAGE.

New Campaign: Garnier B.B. Cream

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream

Pros: Has SPF in it. Not greasy feeling. Smell isn't too bad. Long lasting.

Cons: Only comes in 2 shades. Product kind of thick, feels a bit dry when you wear it.

I was so excited to try the Garnier B.B Cream. I heard so many mixed reviews, I wanted to be able to draw my own conclusion. As soon as the package came, I opened it up and started inspecting the product. The first thing I noticed was the size of the bottle. It's pretty darn big for the price! I'm a bit fair so the coverage is perfect in fair/medium. The BB cream went on smoothly and was easy to apply. I liked how it gave me an extra glow. I did notice that it went on thick, though light, but my skin felt pretty dry after. I found that if I moisturized BEFORE applying the BB cream, it feels much better.

What I really like as well is that you aren't getting a heavy foundation. It's a heavier tinted moisturizer, that will even out your skin tone and give you a nice dewy look.

I received this product through BzzAgent. If you would like to try new products like me, visit www.bzzagent.com

Also, I have $1.00 off coupons for those of you who are looking for a well covering, moisturizing foundation!!

Peanut Butter Shortage? Not Today!!

The cost of Peanut Butter is on the rise due to a bad harvest on peanuts this year. If you aren’t stocked up on Peanut Butter, now is the time to do it! As with all Amazon prices, once a limit is reached, the price goes up again, so snag it now if you need some!  Also, you can select different flavors so scroll down and mix or match!

TODAY Chick-Fil-A FREE MARCH 4TH FRY DAY!

Today, March 4, Chick-fil-A will offer a medium order of Waffle Potato Fries for free when you ask for the new Heinz Dip & Squeeze Ketchup or mention the Free FryDay promotion. Hurry in and get the grub! Limit one per customer.

Covergirl's 50th Anniversary...and She Looks Fabulous!

Come celebrate 50 golden years of easy, breezy, beautiful COVERGIRL and get the opportunity to win free samples and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for you and friends!

VERDICT IS IN for Thomas'® 100% Whole Wheat Bagel Thins™ Bagels

A little while ago I announced that I was trying  Thomas'® 100% Whole Wheat Bagel Thins™ Bagels that are 100% whole wheat.  The first time I attempted to toast one I forgot to take into account how thin they are and ended up burning it.  My dog happily gobbled it up, however, so all was not lost.  

When I finally managed get one perfectly toasted, I slid a scrambled egg with chopped tomatoes and spinach and holy cow was it good! The bagel itself was very light and easy to chew.  The whole wheat bread is very tasty and I love the fact that it's very low in calories (110 calories) and won't dig into your daily allowance.  I see these Bagel Thins being a great way to throw together a turkey, ham or even peanut butter sandwich.  They would even be great alone or with butter or cream cheese. 

The VERDICT is two nail polished thumbs up.  I totally recommend them.  

Let me know if you'd like a $1.00 off coupon! 


THIS PRODUCT IS:

• 0g Trans Fat
• 100% Whole Wheat
• Cholesterol Free
• Excellent Source of Fiber
• Low Fat                              

I Have The Asprin To Your Business Headaches!

If you are an entrepreneur running your own small business (or you're THINKING of starting one), this is a MUST have if you want to save time and be more efficient. Apptivo.com gives small businesses a robust, customizable platform to manage all aspects of a successful venture.  Check it out! It's an entrepreneur's answer!

Apptivo provides three types of notifications: Email, SMS and Fax.  These notifications can be triggered when the following events occur: 

• eCommerce:
• New Order is created 
• Order is canceled
• Order is shipped
• CRM:
• Lead is created
• Lead is assigned
• Marketing:
• Somebody subscribes to newsletter
• Customer Service:
• New case is created
• Case is assigned
• Human Resources:
• New employee/use

Stouffer's VERDICT

The Stuffed Melt is more like a mini Hot Pocket.  We ate the Three Cheese & Ham Stuffed Melt With Creamy Tomato Bisque. 

THE VERDICT: It wasn't bad, but you definitely wouldn't confuse it with a fresh homemade soup and sandwich. Julian found the sandwich soft and flavorful but not as satisfying as the ones he makes on our Foreman Grill.  The soup was a tad bit salty but still good for a frozen meal.  Would I buy it again? Maybe...I really do prefer home cooked lunches so it would have to be a good sale combined with a coupon.  I remember the meal being reasonably priced (don't know the actual cost as I got it for free) but I have a $1.50 coupon for anyone who would like to give this a try for lunch!  Be sure to let me know which one you tried and your verdict!

NEW CAMPAIGN! Thomas'® 100% Whole Wheat Bagel Thins™ Bagels

THIN Bagels you precariously ponder? Could it be?! It's true! AND they're 100% Whole Wheat!  Thomas'® 100% Whole Wheat Bagel Thins™ Bagels have a light texture and delicious whole wheat in a 110 calorie bagel and I get to try them!! I think I'll toast one up and slip an egg with tomato on there! MMM-MMM!!  The VERDICT will be in soon! Oh and pssst...I have coupons! $1.00 off!!


THIS PRODUCT IS:

• 0g Trans Fat
• 100% Whole Wheat
• Cholesterol Free
• Excellent Source of Fiber
• Low Fat                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      #imabzzagent

NEW CAMPAIGN! Stouffer's® Corner Bistro Stuffed Melt and Soup

Stouffer's® Corner Bistro Stuffed Melt and Soup

Well that was a mouthful and I hope that's exactly what I get! I'm excited to try this campaign.


There are three different varieties to try: 

• Three Cheese & Ham Stuffed Melt With Creamy Tomato Bisque
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Melt With Baked Potato Soup
• Steak & Swiss Stuffed Melt With Broccoli Cheddar Soup

 I am going to try the Creamy Tomato Bisque version (Julian can eat the Cheese and Ham Stuffed Melt).   The company should be giving me some coupons for my friends to use.  Let me know if you'd like one!


#imabzzagnt

Tom's of Main Toothpaste Follow Up

I was asked to try Tom's of Main Wicked Fresh Cool Mountain Mint toothpaste and to be frank, I was already using a really good toothpaste from Melaleuca (Melaleuca Whitening Tooth Polish) that my family and I absolutely love.  Melaleuca's toothpaste is also all-natural and is cinnamon flavored (which I prefer over traditional peppermint flavor) but I was on a mission that would self destruct in 2 months so I gave it a whirl.  My husband flat out stated from the very begining: "Don't ask me to use that stuff, I like our toothpaste."  I allowed him that victory. 

So, I tried it for two months and though I'm not sure that it has replaced our current brand, yet, I do have to say that it lives up to everything it claims!

Their slogan is: FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT FOR FRESH BREATH!

That cracked me up because I never thought of my breath as being apart of my inalienable rights!!  The first time I tried it I noticed a pleasant cooling effect.  My mouth felt like I swallowed a snowman in a pepperment factory! My teeth felt like glass they were so slick!  All around my mouth felt great.  Now, I wasn't going to go around asking people if they felt my breath was better than it was the day before so I just took Tom's word that my breath had long lasting freshness. 

It's "Goodness Guaranteed" assured me that it helps stop bad breath without the burn.  While it did have an incredible cooling effect, it never once burned my mouth.  I use a Sonicare tooth brush that is on a timer (2 minutes, I believe) and my mouth was comfortable the entire time. 

I gave this toothpaste an A for effectiveness and for being all-natural and will continue to use it until the tube is empty.  If Tom decides to include Cinnamon flavor to the Wicked line, it just MAY entice me to switch over completely :)

                                                                               ***
Are you concerned about the ingredients that go into the products you buy? We are too — and we want to share as much detail as possible with you, so that you can feel comfortable choosing Tom's. That's why we share every ingredient, its purpose, and its source.

Active Ingredients

Name	Purpose	Source
Sodium monofluorophosphate	Decay prevention	Fluorspar (calcium fluoride), an ore

Other Ingredients

Name	Purpose	Source
Glycerin	Moistener	Vegetable oils
Water	Consistency	Maine aquifer
Hydrated silica	Stain removal	Purified silica from the earth
Calcium carbonate	Mild abrasive	Purified calcium from the earth
Xylitol	Flavor	Birch trees or corn
Natural flavors	Flavor	Natural oils derived from the leaves of mint and other aromatic plants
Sodium lauryl sulfate	Dispersant	Derived from coconut and/or palm kernel oil
Carrageenan	Thickener	Seaweed (Chondrus crispus)
Licorice Root Extract	Breath Freshening	Licorice Root Extract

THANKSGIVING ACTIVITY FOR KIDS (or your table as guest place cards!)

Festive Fall Frame

Create a beautiful picture frame with festive fall colors

Adding your guests picture would be a great surprise!

Skill Level: 3

Time Needed: 45 minutes
Age(s): 8 to 12
Appropriate For: Thanksgiving

Supplies Needed:

• Elmer's Washable School Glue™
• Elmer's Mini Foam Display Board™
• Old Magazines
• Black Construction Paper
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Look through old magazines for pictures with fall colors, such as red, yellow, orange, and brown. Rip the magazine pictures into small pieces that are shaped like leaves. Ripping the paper will provide a rugged, leafy effect.
2. Cut a piece of faom board into a 6" by 6" square.
3. Glue the magazine "leaves" onto the foam board. Overlap the leaves for a collage look and feel.
4. Cut a small square from a sheet of black construction paper.
5. Glue the black square on top of the magazine leaves in the center of the foam board. Let the glue dry completely.
6. Glue a small photograph in the center of the black square. Let the glue dry completely.
7. Display your festive fall picture frame!

NEW CAMPAIGN: Fight Bad Breath With WICKED FRESH!

I have a new campaign coming!  This time I get to fight bad breath with Tom's of Main Wicket Fresh! toothpaste.  I've been using another toothpaste from a company called Melaleuca for so long that I don't know if I will be able to switch for the duration of this campaign...but of course I'll try!  Here's the information I received to tell me about the product that should take a few weeks to arrive: 

Proven to help banish bad breath, Tom’s of Maine Wicked Fresh! toothpaste combines a patent-pending boost of botanical extracts and great-tasting natural mint oils to fight bad breath germs for hours. The result? Long-lasting fresh breath — naturally!