Year End Review - In Photo Review!

Is it really New Year's Eve already?

Seems like this year was on fast forward. We waited so long for the growing season here in Oregon, and then it was on "go, go... GO!" till recently.

I just wanted to share a bit of our year in photos. A little food, a little fun and all in 2010.

We started the year with cloth diapers and said goodbye later in the year as potty training started. It was bittersweet.

The farm is a big part of our daily view and lives. It is a great way of life for raising two toddlers.

I love Easter and am ready to start planning for a great one in 2012.

We played hard....

...we ate fresh & local...

...we worked hard.

Overall, life was pretty sweet in 2010. I can't wait to see what opportunities we will have in 2012.

A big thank you to all my loyal readers. Without all of you Adventures in All Things Food & Family wouldn't be what it is today. I hope it is as fun for you as it is for me to create.

Setting BIG Goals for 2012

The new year is coming. Are you ready?

There is so much talk online of resolutions and goals. Though I would love to tell you that follow through with my resolutions, I don't. Too big, too fast, too burned out is how I usually end up.

Yes, I do see the start of a new year as a time to reflect and take stock of my life. I just prefer to set small challenges and goals I can and will accomplish.

Here at Adventures in All Things Food and Family it is a window into our daily lives. I am constantly trying to find the balance to do just that.  I want to bring my readers more into my kitchen, out into the fields and into the dirt. Please bring boots, it gets awfully muddy here in Oregon.

For 2012 I plan to bring you, my dear readers, more:

• Reviews of books, products, foods and stay tuned for a year with more baby items!

• Food in all shapes and forms. I am actually going to bring you an entire year of bread. Yes, bread! I love baking and enjoying bread and would love to demystify some different types of loves. Stay tuned for at least one bread recipe (hand made, stand mixer or bread machine recipe) a week. Phew! I also want to get more into cooking from scratch and documenting where our food comes from. Seasonal posts will start up as the growing season does with my home gardening thrown in for fun.

• More Personal Posts. This is the hardest part. I love blogging for the connection I make with readers. I have met people with similar interests, children of the same age, children with PKU as well as fellow foodies through blogging. Keep those comments coming. It is the reason I write.

• Add Tech and Game Reviews to the mix. With my children getting bigger, our tech-loving family is expanding. We now enjoy our Xbox family nights as well as our digital cameras and hand held devices. This family is going to need a few more chargers.

• Dig into Diet and Weight loss. As I get older health and fitness have become much more important. I don't have all the answers, but I sure can share what is working for me. Come by and track my progress.

• Crafts. I love to create and since my children are finally a little older (2 & 4) I want to get creating with my hands again. My sewing machine is at the ready and I have started pinning some great crafts to do with or for my kiddos.

• 365 Days of Photos... I have wanted to try this one for a while. It is quite an undertaking. It is a commitment. I am scared, but want to give it a shot. I hope to share a bit of our family, farm and daily life through the lens of my camera. ...gulp...

• Don't forget MORE Giveaways! Yes, I know the giveaways keep people coming back. I enjoy being able to share products with you and always jump at the chance of offering a giveaway. Always  family friendly products and services, and always things I enjoy with or for my own family. If you want to see the giveaways continue, please follow my blog, subscribe, follow me on twitter, G+, etc. Every number counts when I pitch companies.

Okay, that is some list, right? 2011 has been an amazing year for me and blogging. I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store.

Also, as some of you know, Google Friend Connect is being fazed out. For non-blogger-blogs it will be gone in March, but for others who knows? Google Plus is rising as the front runner for blog statistics. These numbers are what enable me to offer giveaways and promotions from great companies. I would love to have you join me, Adventures in All Things Food on Google +. You can also find a G+ button on the right scroll bar under "Connect with Me", right below my Pinterest button.

So, what do you think of my plans? If you blog, what are your blog goals?

"F" is for Food & Friday (12/29)

This year I fell in love with Pinterest!

Once you start, there is a whole world of possibilities. Things to dream about, make, aspire to... truly a great idea for all the best ideas. Shoot, even my husband started pinning. Probably tech stuff, but anywho...

Are you pinning? I would love to check out your boards and see what caught your eye. Be sure to leave your info so I can swing by. Check out what I have collected HERE. 

In honor of  pinning my life away this past week, I linked up with Finding Joy in My Kitchen's Friday Favorite Finds. Mmm... as always I found many new great ideas to try making.

Let's start with this Beef, potato and quinoa soup. It just looks warm and hearty...

Source: skinnytaste.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Maybe served with a bit of this Rosemary Olive Oil bread?

Source: ahintofhoney.com via Andrea on Pinterest

And why not snack on some Zucchini Chips this New Year's? I might add a bit of fresh cracked black pepper and Parmesan Cheese to mine...

Source: urbanveganista.com via Andrea on Pinterest

These Cinnamon and Sugar Popovers sure caught my eye this week...

Source: howsweeteats.com via Andrea on Pinterest

And to round out the list, I really need to make these double chocolate chip cookies... oh, yeah!

Source: annies-eats.com via Andrea on Pinterest

What looked good to you this week?

Be sure to swing past Finding Joy in My Kitchen to see all the other folks posts and to join the Linky. 

Dino Dan Featuring Mighty Machines! #Giveaway with Kidtoons

Do you have a Dino Dan fan? A Mighty Machine enthusiast? Or just looking for some great and educational entertainment?

Dino Dan is coming to Kidtoons Theaters as their January feature.

Follow the adventures of paleontologist-in-training Dan Henderson as he imagines dinosaurs into the real world! Dan uses the scientific method to gather clues and solve mysteries.  NCircle Entertainment Presents Dino Dan, filled with 4 action-packed adventures full of discovery!

 With 4 episodes, there is definitely a lot to roar about!

Mighty Machines is also featured with Ride the Mountain Rails!

Might Machines is also featured with Ride the Mountain Rails!Work Trail is busy keeping the tracks in good shape.  It takes the power of three engines to get up the sharp includes and over the pass.  These machines are a special hardy breed, made for the mountain rails.

Find your closest Kidtoon's Theater location online.

Giveaway Time!!

I have (1) Dino Dan: Dino Trackers DVD and (1) Dino Dan theatrical poster to give away.

Our Home Christmas Morning

This year the goal was to make and give more. Thanks to the RAZ program we were able to do just that. We cut back on the number of gifts for each child, but at times it was hard!

With a few big items the kids were thrilled with Santa's generosity.

My daughter had some fun items. She got her own Fur Real Kitty ... which is because our cat does not want to be petted by a grabby 2-year old.

She also got the Lalaloopsy school bus, an Olivia set and some Zhu Zhu fun. The biggest hit was a princess tent and dress up sets. She just loves dressing up like a princess.

My son is at a really fun age! There are more toy options for 4-year olds since you don't have to fear all the small parts and they have better dexterity for play. From Legos to Bruder trucks...

 

He was over joyed that his "Bop" got him a combine. This little boy had asked for a combine and a large crane for months straight. Mom & Dad made him wait till the evening of Christmas Day to unwrap the giant Bruder crane. It was well worth the wait! Can you tell his is a little farm boy?

The other surprise was a LeapPad. Okay, I was really excited about this one. I knew he would love a digital camera, but getting the LeapPad rolled all of his digital toys into one item. (So much easier to keep track of than an e-reader, game and digital camera!) It also allows us to hand-down the other digital toys.

We got him the LeapPad case which is always a good investment to keep the games and extra stylus together.

I will have to write more about this toy because there is just so much to say. We are still finding new things we love about it.

Don't worry, the kids didn't have all the fun. We got my husband a Kindle for Christmas and then Xbox goodies for his birthday the following day.

And myself? Well, you will get to hear all about my Christmas goodies in the coming months. Everything was either for me to be healthy and active this next year, or for baking in the kitchen. So many great bread baking accessories and recipe books and there will be many baking sessions to blog and share.

I hope you family had a great holiday, and you can recover from all the merriment and mountains of packaging!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

From my family to yours we wish you a

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

May all your wishes come true and you enjoy the holiday surrounded by loved ones.

I have many great giveaways and posts lined up, but I am planning to take a few days to spend with my family. My daughter came down with a Christmas cold so it will be low-key at our house this year.

Gift Cards Easy for the Giver, Great for the Receiver! #GiftCardsRock

Is all your holiday shopping finished? 

No matter how early in the year I try to complete my holiday shopping, there is always one or two people on my list who are near impossible to buy for.

Do you have any of these in your family?

• The "before-Christmas-buyer" - With all those great pre-holiday sales they buy everything and anything they could possible want for themselves. Ugh...
• The "I-have-everything" - This personality is just slightly less frustrating. They didn't do it right before the holidays, but they have everything they could possibly need or want already. Also commonly known as a shopaholic.
• The "fad-of-the-minute" person - Their tastes and interests are so mercurial you just can't keep up!
• The "person-you-barely know" - This can happen with friends, family or colleagues. You really have no idea what they would like.

If you are stuck with any of these personalities on your list, what about the classic gift card?

Gift Cards are not impersonal gifts, they are caring gifts. I am always appreciative to not have to return something or figure out what to do with another knick-knack.  My Mom started sending us all electronic gift cards which I can choose to put towards fun purchases like toys that were overlooked from Christmas lists or for something more practical like clothing for the kids. Any myself? Well, I always enjoy adding to my baking and kitchen collection of flours, ingredients and specialty pans. Stuff no one would buy me for Christmas!

This year some wish-list items may be out of your budget, but remember that gift cards, especially for one store, can be combined. If your child has their heart set on an XBox, find out where the best bundles are sold and let family know that gift cards can be used towards that purchase. That way everyone can contribute to one amazing gift.

We have even started a tradition of hitting up those day after holiday sales armed with the gift cards we collected over Christmas. We have found some pretty amazing deals and can buy exactly what we want in the correct color, size or model.

So how do I like to give gift cards? Forget about the little envelopes, there are so many ways to get creative!

First you can stop by your local craft store to find simple brown or white boxes that can be stamped or dressed up to fit the card or person you are giving them to. Gift cards make great bookmarks in a book, or a music gift card can be placed inside a decorated CD case. Decorate and attach gift cards to your Christmas tress this year along with the ornaments. For children they can be attached to a small stuffed animal or even nested inside a series of boxes for added fun! Another great idea is always to include them in a themed gift basked along with other inexpensive items.

So why not give a few gift cards this season? 

Don't forget that this time of year there are some amazing deals for buying gift cards. At some of our local restaurants, buying a $25 gift card to give away can earn you your own $5 gift card. I have also noticed deals where the gift cards are discounted. Buy a $25 gift card for only $20, etc.. Some grocery stores participate in programs giving you discounts on gasoline for buying their store's gift cards.

So, who on your list would love a gift card this year?

Join the Gift Cards Rock community on Facebook to learn about great gift cards deals, share exciting gift card tips and keep your eye out for amazing giveaways! Gift Cards Rock is an online community for people who love to give and receive gift cards.

*Disclaimer - I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Gift Cards Rock blogging program, for 6,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Wordless Wednesday - What IS that?

Yes, I found this in the food aisle.

Check out the first ingredient....

Spreading the RAZ Feeling - "Random Acts of Zhu" #RAZ2011

The holidays are almost here! My Christmas list is finished, things are waiting to be wrapped. But, this year I wanted my children to do more than dream about their toy wish-lists. I really wanted to begin a tradition of giving.

After having reviewed and posted many of Cepia LLC's great toys this year here on Adventures in All Things Food, when I heard they were accepting applications for their Random Acts of Zhu program, or RAZ, I knew it would be a great opportunity for my family, our community and this blog.

In it's 3rd year, The RAZ program sent Cepia LLC's toys to bloggers. Selected bloggers choose the charity or charities to give the toys to. I love the personal touch of this program and I really wanted my little ones involved.

It was very exciting the day the boxes arrived!

I knew something was up with our usual FedEx driver backed into our driveway...

Of course, my son's first reaction was to rip open boxes and see what was inside. Even at 4 he was excited that these toys were going to children in our community. I asked him to help be one of Santa's helpers this season.

Everyone helped and we just needed to find the right home for our new ZhuZhu friends. We were sent an assortment of the Kung Zhu line of toys. There were hamsters, armor, tunnels and other accessories. It was an impressive selection.

We originally wanted to share some of the toys with Doernbecher Children's Hospital that my children are treated for PKU at, but we just couldn't fit in a 3 hour trip to the hospital. Instead I decided to keep the toys within our community.

Our local Fire Department organizes the Toys for Tots drive for the entire county. No families are turned away and everyone can go home with a toy. This seemed like a great home for our hamsters.

We unloaded our boxes in the middle of the school cafeteria. Volunteers from the local fire stations helped  unpack the boxes and get them ready for the families. There was such need in our community and the packed school was the proof.

 I was astounded to hear that people had been lining up outside the school since 5 am waiting for a toy.

When the doors closed that evening, about 350 people had received toys for their children. It was great to know that many children will have those Kung Zhu hamsters and accessories under their trees.

My children loved helping Santa and being involved with the Random Acts of Zhu! It was the first time my 4-year old stopped talking about his own Christmas list and instead was talking about the other children in our community.

It was a RAZ Success!


So, a big thank you to Cepia LLC for donating the toys, MomSelect for selecting our community and to everyone involved with helping to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas this year.

Find all the great Zhu Zhu products at zhuniverse.com

*Disclaimer - Cepia LLC provided the toys to be donated. I did not receive any compensation or product to participate in the Random Acts of Zhu program. All opinions are my own. This opportunity was made possible by MomSelect and Cepia LLC.

Are You Ready for Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol in IMAX?

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to check out this trailer for the new Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol currently being shown in IMAX.

Watch the Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Trailer with comments from director Brad Bird.

This movie is being shown in mind-blowing IMAX proportions at 300 theaters across the country. Follow Ethan Hunt as 30 minutes of  IMAX footage fills the screens and takes movie-goers beyond the standard screen with action.

This is sure to be the talked about movie this Holiday Season! Check out where the closest IMAX theater is to you.

You can like IMAX on Facebook and Twitter.

Follow IMAX on Facebook and stay up-to-date on the latest movies and events.

*Disclaimer - This blog post makes me eligible for a blogging contest  and all information was provided through MyBlogSpark and IMAX. All opinions are my own.

#Mamavation Monday - Being Thankful

Happy Monday!

This week brings on one of the most stressful times of the year for some. Yes, I am in that boat. This year instead of worrying about those last minute gifts, the food or how my outfit fits I am just going to be thankful.

I know, it's not Thanksgiving. It's Christmas and this year I am going to give myself a gift. The gift is called contentment, with a little thankfulness on the side.

I am thankful I am strong. I have become much stronger over this past year and plan on working harder on strength training and becoming the powerful woman I am on the inside. I am healthy and happy. My Mom beat cancer this year and watching her work to be stronger and healthier is inspiring. I have a wonderful family ...husband & children to enjoy and share this holiday with.

This past week I am excited to share that I lost 1.3 lbs.!

That brings me to the question of the week from Mamavation.com:

What is your biggest achievement of the year?

My biggest achievement was focusing on myself. It was the first time since my children were born that I took time for me and completed the challenge of being a Mamavation Mom. It was more than just eating, moving and vlogging... it was rediscovering the importance of "me".

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Santa’s little helpers – @YumYucky, @EcoFoilPans, and @Mamavation. 2 blogging carnival participants will receive something out of the big holiday bag.

*Disclaimer - I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway sponsored by YumYucky, Eco-Foil, and Mamavation and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women.

Nutrisystem Wk 5 Update - Exciting News in the #NSNation

This is now my 5th week with the Nutrisystem Blogger Program. Just when I thought I was getting the hang of things, Nutrisystem has made some amazing announcements!

First of all, the face of Nutrisystem is changing. I was so excited to hear that Janet Jackson is now the face for a changing Nutrisytem and sharing her weight loss journey with us. I remember, a thinner me, dancing with friends to her songs. Now I feel honored to be on the same program with her.

As you might know, Janet Jackson doesn't endorse products often and has never used her name with a weight loss program. This is huge! A huge star sharing her own weight loss and fitness in her new book True You. As her book is released in soft cover she is also announcing her partnership with Nutrisystem.

Oh, wait, that isn't the only change for Nutrisystem


Nutrisystem and Ms. Jackson are also announcing the creation of Nutribank. It is a philanthropic effort dedicated to nutrition and ending world hunger. Having traveled around the world Ms. Jackson has witnessed firsthand the face of hunger. 


With every pound lost in 2012, Nutrisystem will be donating a dollar's worth of Nutrisystem food to be delivered through Nutribank. 


But, that isn't all the changes in store! No, Nutrisystem is reformulating it's menu and program. I have to tell you I was given a sneak peak at 3 of the new Chef's Table Steamer Entrees and I was astounded! They were more like restaurant meals than weight loss entrees.


Besides the new Chef's Table items, The Success program includes protein shakes, a physical activity program, as well as more flexibility through transition and maintenance plans so members can take charge of their own weight.


So many great things going on. It really is an exciting time to be a member of the Nutrisystem Nation. Stay tuned for pictures and more detailed information about these new developments as I try them for myself. 


As for my week's journey... well, it was a little bumpy. The family has been sick and I am fighting it off myself. With parties and holiday obligations I am burning the candle at both ends and not feeling so great. 


My water bottle has been close to my side along with some good herbal tea. So I did well in the hydration department.


I would like to carve out more time to exercise, this time of year I am not sure how to do that. I am going  to do my best this week and get through the holidays. So much going on and so little time!


I did manage to lose 1.3 lbs this past week!!! That brings my grand total with Nutrisystem to a loss of 5.1 lbs in 5 weeks. That is pretty impressive considering I have navigated Thanksgiving and an assortment of holiday parties and events.


Happy Holidays everyone! Take care of yourself and enjoy the little things.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visitinghttp://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

*Disclaimer - Nutrisystem is providing me with 4 months of their program as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program in exchange for writing about my experiences. All opinions and experiences are my own, your results may vary.

Reading Kingdom - 50% off!

A great gift ideas this season is the gift of learning!

Try the Reading Kingdom for free for one month and if you like it, stay with the program and receive 50% off for the life of your subscription!


Reading Kingdom is an interactive online game that teaches reading and writing skills up to a 3rd grade level. 


use the code: HOLIDAYRK for 50% off your subscription

This offer ends January 1st, 2012 and would make a great last minute gift or stocking stuffer!

*Stay tuned for my review of their product coming after Christmas. I received a subscription for review purposes, but all opinions are my own.

Our Pillsbury #PotluckParty Party! with #MyBlogspark!

Around the holidays there are parties to host, attend and a whole lot of cooking and baking to do!

This year Pillsbury helped to make our party a little easier.

Instead of worrying about what to make to take, Pillsbury makes it easy. Their website is full of appetizer, dessert and casserole ideas that use a Pillsbury product, have a short ingredient list and go together in just a few minutes.

To demonstrate I was sent a cool hostess pack with an apron, recipe cards, product coupons and a gift certificate to spend for my party needs. The objective was to have people contribute their favorite items off the website for our potluck party and then vote on which we enjoyed the most.

The hardest part was deciding what I would make?

I finally decided on the Crescent Cranberry Wreath. This recipe is so simple and fast, but so delicious! ...and it only required 4 ingredient.

You will Need:
1/3 c. dried cranberries (I added a 1/2 c.)
2 Tbsp. strawberry preserves
1 can (8 oz) crescent dinner rolls
1 oz. white chocolate

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Mix together the cranberries and preserves. Unroll the crescent roll dough and make sure the seams are pressed back together.

Spread the mixture on one rectangle of dough all the way to the edges. Then place the other sheet on top. With a pizza cutter or knife, cut into 8 long strips. Twist the dough in the strip twice before pinching the ends together to seal.

Bake for 9 - 12 minutes until they are golden brown.

Then melt the white chocolate and drizzle over the wreaths. Yum!

And besides these wreaths, there were other delicious treats at the party like this crescent dough wrapped cream cheese spread. Oh, my...

Or what about these little quesadilla bites in biscuit cups?

It was quite a spread for the party.

Everything from cookies to appetizers and dips to rolls. There was something there for everyone. Even the kids found items they enjoyed.

And what was the most talked about item? The Quesadilla Bites!! This recipe isn't currently on the Pillsbury site, but I hope they will be added now. Pillsbury graciously sent my guests home with recipe cards as well as product coupons for them to use for their own parties and get-togethers.

Pillsbury has even put together a widget with the most liked recipes from their potluck parties around the country. Also be sure to take advantage of the coupon on the widget below.

So, try one of these and maybe Pillsbury can make you the star of your next party. Maybe one of America's favorite recipes will work for your next Christmas party or event.

You can connect with Pillsbury for events, coupons and product info on Facebook or @Pillsbury Twitter.

Happy holidays everyone and happy baking!

*Disclaimer - The Pillsbury product, information, food ideas, online coupon link, and prize pack have been provided by Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are my own.

We Survived Holiday Shopping, Just Barely!

I pried myself on shopping early. The last thing I wanted to do with young children was to drag them along a holiday shopping trip. Confident everything on our lists were crossed off, I had started to relax. I focused on the food, decorating, cleaning.

Then it hit me!

The kids hadn't shopped for each other...

My children are only 2 and 4, but I think it is important for them to spend a little time shopping for each other. Not necessarily easy to do, but we are making an effort.

We could have shopped online, but I thought they might enjoy browsing the toy aisles. What was I thinking?

The stores are insane right now! Not only were the aisles packed with last minute shoppers, but there were stockers, boxes and pallets of toys to restock everywhere! Somehow we managed to each take a child and let them do a bit of secret shopping.

This year my focus for the family is on giving, not just receiving.

The kids? They did really well. Each had about a $20 limit for their sibling. I think my 2 year old had the most fun and her brother will love the gifts! My son, 4, was more interested in his own wish list but my husband was still able to help him stay focused.

Next year I would like to do this round of shopping earlier. I don't really enjoy the craziness in the stores the week before Christmas. So many boxes, empty shelves and panicked parents is not my idea of fun.

Is all your holiday shopping finished?

 If you have small children, do they shop for each other?

Online Coupons at Trimback.com

"F" is for Food & Friday (12/16)

Welcome back to another Pinterest installment. I am a Pinterest addict, can you tell?

Pinterest is a great way to find new ideas, inspiration and aspirations. I have been looking for some recipes that are comforting and warm.

Are you pinning? I would love to check out your boards and see what caught your eye. Be sure to leave your info so I can swing by. Check out what I have collected HERE. 

In honor of  pinning my life away this past week, I linked up with Finding Joy in My Kitchen's Friday Favorite Finds. Mmm... as always I found many new great ideas to try making.

Shall we get started? This week promises to be drool-worthy!

Casseroles, soups, squash and sauces caught my eye this week. With the chill in the air and frost on the ground I am seeking comfort in the smells and tastes in my kitchen.

So, let's start with a Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Bake. 

Source: picky-palate.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Or how about this Paneer Tiki Masala and Naan?

Source: themealplanner.blogspot.com via Andrea on Pinterest

I just love lentils, rice and veggies... so this protein bowl I just want to dive into.

Source: ohsheglows.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Or how about a good 'ole burger? A Sweet potato and Black Bean Burger to be exact.

Source: edibleperspective.com via Andrea on Pinterest

And last, but definitely not least... these Quinoa Cakes with Poached Eggs look simple, delicious and like just what next week's meal plan was missing.

Source: annies-eats.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Do you see anything you like?


Be sure to swing past Finding Joy in My Kitchen to see all the other folks posts and to join the Linky.