Cheerios Cheer On Reading with Every Spoonful

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op. #cheerios #familyreading

With a new and enthusiastic reader in the house, books have become hot collectibles. My son proudly reads anything he can get his hands on.

As a child I remember reading and re-reading the cereal box mornings before school. Luckily for my son, he doesn't have to resort to reading the box because in each box of specially-marked boxes of original Cheerios, Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter, Chocolate Cheerios and Apple Cinnamon Cheeries are storybooks for children ages 2 to 8 years-old, printed in both English and Spanish.

With 6 books to collect, you can read:

• “That’s What I’d Do” by Jewel
• “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson
• “1-2-3 Peas” by Keith Baker
• “Chicks Run Wild” by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
• “Please, Baby Please” by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee
• …and returning favorite “Jump!” by Scott M. Fischer

There is also a chapter book in specially marked boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios for older readers to enjoy. Broken into 3 parts, this year’s book  is “Phineas L. MacGuire…Gets Cooking,”.

This is the 12th Anniversary of their commitment to literacy through such programs as Cheerios Cheer On Reading and Spoonfuls of Stories™. Cheerios created the program in 2003 to help get books into kids’ hands and encourage parents and kids to read together.

To support the books included inside Cheerios boxes, the Cheer on Reading website has corresponding activities to go with each book. My daughter decided to the maze that went with our copy of, "Please, Baby Please." and my son and I tried the "O So Far Out Adventure" activity from the Chocolate Cheerios box. It was fun to have some added things to do with our cereal in the morning.

Look for these specially marked boxes the next time you are shopping for your Cheerios. Encourage the little readers in your life.

Is there a young reader in your life?

Add a Little Super Hero Fun to Your Cereal Bowl

The information and free cereal have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op. #PlatefullCoOp

As a kid, I distinctly remember being swayed in my cereal choices by what toy or treat was in the box. Of course, taste was important, but ultimately I looked for those fun extras like prizes or back of the box fun.

My son is just like his Mama.

Right now participating Target stores have specially marked boxes of General Mills cereal that contain a DC Comics Justice League comic book inside.

My son had no idea what a comic book was. I have a feeling that he will be talking in sound effect bubbles soon. He was blown away by all the fun onomatopoeias.

Since Cheerios is already a cereal I enjoy for snacks and as a finger food for the baby, I am happy to grab one of the specially marked boxes to keep my oldest son happy. 

Currently he wants to read anything and everything. Glad that General Mills can help fuel his love of reading.

Now I just have to get him to remember to eat breakfast. 

What is your family's favorite General Mills cereal? 

Dark Chocolate Multigrain Cheerios® - Just for Me

The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op. All experiences and opinions are my own.

Honey Nut Cheerios are a favorite of mine. Every sweet bite reminds me of my childhood.

But, I'm not a kid anymore. Now I need a breakfast option that is a little more grown up, right? Something that contains multi grains? And, how about something with a little dark chocolate in it? Now I may be on to something.

General Mills must have been reading my mind because they came out with the new Multigrain Dark Chocolate Cheeries.

Bowls and spoons everywhere can celebrate.

I can pour myself another bowl and not feel guilty.

Now, being up nursing an 8-month old at all times of the night, I have found a new appreciation for cereal. It isnt' just what I grab in the morning to start my day. Things like these Cheerios are perfect for those late night munchies. A small bowl is enough to calm my hunger and the light chocolate flavor helps to calm my sweet tooth.

I am not usually a big fan of chocolatey cereals, but the flavor here ... maybe the dark chocolate flavor... was much more enjoyable to me. This wasn't just a kids' cereal. This was a fun choice for me.

See more products, promotions and fun on the Cheerios Facebook page.

Have you tried the Dark Multigrain Cheerios yet?

Facing the Day with New Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Honey Bunches of Oats for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.



What's in your cereal bowl?

Most mornings I could barely tell you what I poured into mine. No, after getting my son ready to meet the bus, pushing start on my Keurig and sitting down to feed the baby, I just grab whatever is handy and fast. Breakfast is often just another thing to cross off my to-do list.

Usually rather bland and boring, really.

This week I tried the two new cereals from Post, part of the Honey Bunches of Oats family.   Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy comes in both Cinnamon Crunch and Chocolatey Almond Crunch. I was hoping this would be an easy way to add a little extra *zing* to my morning routine



I tried a bowl of the Chocolatey Almond Crunch first, I mean, getting to have chocolate for breakfast? As an adult?  And it is packed with whole grain, protein and fiber, too? I couldn't wait to sink my spoon into that.



Well, my cereal held up with a nice crunchy texture (from the almond slivers and granola clusters), and there were just enough little chunks of chocolate to be a treat without it being too sweet. It was a winner in my book.

The Cinnamon Crunch was also tasty. A more subtle flavor, it was the first box my husband reached for, and the two of us finished off our boxes in just a few days.

My favorite thing about both new flavors was they were simple and satisfied me through the entire morning. I didn't feel the need to start snacking by 10 am. It is probably all that fiber in there. Each serving packs 2/3 of my daily serving of whole grains.*

Neither could be considered boring or bland. It was a nice change. Did I have more energy? Well, feeling full all morning definately helped me tackle my day.

Be sure to connect with Honey Bunches of Oats on Facebook and on Twitter to hear about new products, promotions and other exciting news.

Hungry yet? Which flavor would you like to try first?


*Nutritionists recommend eating three or more servings of whole grain foods per day (about 16g whole grain per serving, or at least 48g per day).

Churro Chex Mix - July Secret Recipe Club

I love chocolate.

I think my favorite Chex cereal mix is the muddy buddy mix with chocolate and powdered sugar. The perfect balance of sweet and crunchy. Unfortunately, since both my oldest children have PKU, they can't have the chocolate. So I haven't made muddy buddies in years.

For July I was assigned to the blog Cheese Curd in Paradise for my Secret Recipe Club assignment. Isn't the blog name cute? This is my first SRC post back since the baby was born and I am still trying to keep it low-key in the kitchen. With a newborn and two energetic kiddos in the house, everyday is full of the unexpected.

Well, Ashley had a recipe for a Churro Chex Mix. It was very similar to the muddy buddy recipe I love, but used cinnamon chips instead of chocolate. Immediately I went to check on the protein content for those little chips. I had my fingers crossed, and after crunching the numbers they were low enough to make work.

Ashley has a great blog loaded with delicious recipes to try and meal plan ideas. With everything from main dishes to sweet treats, there are recipes for everyone.

My kids love cinnamon and I knew this project was going to be an easy sell. Hmmm... Chex cereal with cinnamon and sugar? Covered in even more powder sugar? And the recipe quick and easy enough for my 5 & 3 year old to help with? - Well, folks... we have a winner!

Armed with my shopping list, this recipe only calls for 5 items, I headed off to the store. Our local Kroger didn't carry cinnamon chips. Store by store I struck out. Then I remembered that King Arthur Flour carries them. Yes, I paid a pretty penny + shipping for this little bag of cinnamon goodness.

...sigh...

I have to admit, it was worth it. In fact the kids not only loved the treat, but had blast helping out.

Measuring is simple, just combine, melt, toss and then...

Place the cereal and sugar mixture into a big bag, and ...

(give to an energetic child to...) shake vigorously!

Then you end up with a whole bag of sweet, crunchy goodness that is quite addictive - along with happy children.

Churro Chex Mix
from Cheese Curds in Paradise

You Will Need:

• 10 c. Chex cereal
• 3 c. cinnamon chips
• 1/3 c. granulated sugar
• 3/4 c. powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

In a large bowl, measure out the cereal. Set aside. In a medium bowl whisk together the sugars and cinnamon. In a microwave safe bowl or glass measuring cup, melt the cinnamon chips. Microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between and repeating till the mixture is melted and smooth.

Poor the melted chips over the cereal and toss till all the cereal is coated evenly. Then toss with half the sugar mixture.

Transfer to a large zip top bag (or two) and gently shake with the remaining sugar. Coat well. 

Enjoy!

Now, check out the other great recipes posted from group B in July's Secret Recipe Club reveal:

An InLinkz Link-up

I Remember Alpha Bits. Now it Features Super WHY!

My kids love cereal. Well, so did I at their age.

There is something about the crunchy cereal, the cold milk, the fun shapes and digging through to find hidden surprises inside or on the back of the box. This time, the cereal and the box front were the real treat.

I have to admit that I haven't given my children Alpha-Bits to try before now. I didn't have anything against the cereal. I just don't remember it being anything special. No marshmallows, no cookie bits, etc. Now as a picky Mom I am grateful for that!

Through BzzAgent I was sent a box of Post Alpha-Bits to try. What really got my kids excited though, was that Alpha-Bits has teamed up with Super WHY! to feature characters on the box. My son is 5 and just learning how to read. He loves the PBS show and learning how to read and spell words. So this cereal is entertaining, fun and ....should I say, educational?

And what did this Mom think? I like the flavor. The dry cereal has also made for a fun midday snack for my kids. We like to try to make words out of the letters we have available. Think of it as scrabble in your cereal bowl.

I remember as a child loving pasta or cereal that was in alphabet shapes. When I was really young I half expected to magically "fish out" a word every time I scooped another spoonful. I don't think it ever happened, but I would usually attempt to pronounce my nonsense word just for fun.

To get down to the nitty-gritty, it't actually a good breakfast choice in my mind. The cereal has been eaten in homes since 1958 and provides 20 grams of whole grains* and 12 essential vitamins and minerals per serving. I don't know about you, but getting enough fiber into my 3-year can be tough. Luckily, she loves her cereal! So this savvy mom has a new trick in her fiber arsenal.

Overall I am thrilled to have been reunited with a childhood classic! I see my alphabet a little differently now, and am excited to share it every morning with my kids.

*Per 30g serving. Nutritionists recommend at least 3 servings of whole grain foods each day (about 16g per serving or 48g per day).

*Disclaimer - I was provided a sample and coupons as a BuzzAgent. All opinions and experiences are my own.

Post Bowls of Hope - Sharing with our Community #PostCFK

If your kids are like mine, the first thing out of their mouths in the morning is, "Mom, what's for breakfast?" or "I'm hungry!" My kids greet every day hungry but it is simple enough for me to grab their favorite cereal or make them their favorite breakfast.

Now, what if there wasn't food in the house to feed them? I can't even imagine.

I have been involved with previous Champions for Kids SIMPLE Service Projects but June's Post Bowls of Hope project (#PostCFK) was very fitting for my community. Unemployment here is high and many families need assistance to feed their children in the Summer months when school is out. With the loss of timber jobs in our area in the 90's, the local economy hasn't improved since then.

We started our project at our local Walmart. I love the cereal selection and prices there. Post is encouraging families to help end child hunger with their "Buy 2, Give 1" campaign. Just pick up 2 great Post cereals and donate one to a local food pantry, church or other organization to help feed children. Simple, right?

I purchased a variety of items on our trip well-suited for breakfast. I grabbed some of our favorite Post cereals - Honey Bunches of Oats, Honey Combs, Great Grains and Raisin Bran, syrup, juice, fruit and pancake mixes to donate. Which Post cereal is your favorite? Catch the whole trip in my Google+ album.

For our family, I kept a box of Honey Combs. I love the size and shape for kids to snack on. The sweet taste and finger-friendly size brought a smile to my 4-year old's face. It was his first taste of a cereal I enjoyed as a child.

I collected non-perishable food items for our local UCAN Food Bank. They are always in need of food and when I called for more information they said they are happy to take even one box or can. Every little bit helps.

I am thrilled to say that we collected 38 lbs of food for our food bank. It was a great chance to get my young children involved with giving back to the community. I would love for them to grow up remembering all the great community service campaigns we contributed to as a family. They not only helped me shop for the items, collect, but also helped deliver the bags of food. ...and try out the pantry's big scale!

Staples like rice, beans, canned goods and cereal are always welcome at our local food bank.

38 lbs of food! More than either of the kids weigh.

Getting involved this month with Champions for Kids is easy! Be sure to stop by the Champions for Kids site for inspiration or keep track of all the good things happening over on their Facebook Page and Twitter.

Pick up an extra box of cereal on your next shopping trip, clean out the pantry or host your own food drive with friends, family or coworkers to help end childhood hunger your community. I am fighting childhood hunger. Will you join me?

Connect with Post on Facebook
or Twitter @PostCereals

*Disclaimer - I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #CBias #SocialFabric  All opinions are my own.