$100 President's Choice Gift Card Giveaway and #PCDishOut Campaign

It's our snacky time of year (okay, when isn't it), as I'm sure it is for many of you.  Our corner grocery store sells President's Choice products, and PC has many products that make entertaining, snacking, and gifting food a breeze.  We've been eyeing up, and purchasing a lot of the new PC Insiders Collection products.  The PC Insiders Collection is organized into four dining occasions, Brunch, Dine, Mingle and Gift.  Fun!

To participate in the challenge:

• Check out the PC Insiders Collection
• Choose a product or two, and come up with a recipe, or recipe "hack" using the ingredient in a fun new way
• Take a photo or video, and then tag it with #PCDishOut and #PCInsidersCollection

Your creation might be recreated by a PC Chef, or a celebrity chef! 

My Participation:

When President's Choice wanted to partner with me, and have me create a recipe of my own, I was super excited!  I chose the Mingle theme, as our favourite way of dining in the Everyday Foodie household is with finger foods and appetizers, while we laugh and visit.  With the help of the new PC Insiders Collection, I'm going to be creating my own Mingle recipe, as part of the #PCDishOut challenge - stay tuned!  I'm really excited to try out some of the products, particularly the PC Black Label Comte Hard Ripened Cheese.  It's no secret that I love cheese.

The Giveaway:

Everyday Foodie readers have a chance to win a $100 President's Choice gift card, which I am sure will come in handy when you're shopping for the holidays.  The giveaway is open to Canadian residents (excluding residents of Quebec), until December 10th, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. (CST).  The winner will be chosen by random draw, and will be notified within 24 hours after the giveaway ends.  They must answer a skill testing question, according to Canadian law.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.  No purchase necessary. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING.  THE GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.  THE WINNER, TANIA B, CHOSEN BY RANDOM DRAW & SKILL TESTING QUESTION, HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.

To enter, just check out the PC Insiders Collection, and leave a comment telling me one thing you'd buy with your gift card!

Good luck, and have fun!

(This post and amazing giveaway has been sponsored by Loblaws/President's Choice)

GIVEAWAY!! Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration

I love making lists, filling things out, writing down goals, etc..  I've always found it fun to fill out surveys, and other questionnaires that make me think, question, prioritize, and plan.

Growing up I was always a creative kid.  I kept journals, and wrote poetry, and so on.  The funny think about journals, is you never know what will turn out to be the important moments, the turning points, or the snapshots you wish you could go back in time to see.  For instance, Christopher and I went to the same elementary school, and knew who each other was since we were kids ... however I have no recollections of our interactions as kids, or teens.  I remember seeing him, and knowing who he was, but that's it.  We both have little snippets of memories of each other and short exchanges as young adults, but not really much from before that.  How did I not know as a 12 year old journal-writer to pay closer attention to that little 10 year old cutie in the hallway?  We never know what will turn out to be important ... but it's still fun to look back at old journals and see how far we've come from who we once were, and who we thought we were going to become.

The publishers at Tarcher and Perigee/ Penguin Random House sent me this journal free of charge, and they also want to give one to my lovely readers! 

This beautiful journal is full of quotes, and creative writing prompts - some of which are challenging and mind expanding.

There are places to write, draw, doodle, reflect, make lists, and explore many aspects of the good and bad in life.

And, the book is also really pretty, with the beautiful artwork done by the author/artist Meera Lee Patel from Brooklyn, NY.

You can buy the book here, or here.

But, one of my readers is going to get a copy free!

Journal Giveaway

Open to: Canadian residents

To enter: Just leave a comment telling me one goal that you have for your future :-) (and your email address so I can let you know if you won)

The winner will be chosen by random draw.  The giveaway closes Sunday August 16th @ 7:00 p.m., and I'll contact the winner after that time to get mailing information.

CONTEST CLOSED:  The winner is SUMMER!! 

Back to School Giveaway

Well, it's that time.  For many, today was back-to-school day.  I don't think of January 1st as the start of a new year, but instead back-to-school time has always felt more like the start of a new year to me.  The best part about going back to school was always the back-to-school shopping.  When I was a kid, in addition to school supplies, I also got a few new outfits, shoes, a backpack, and a lunch kit.

As I got older, I started using plastic bags to carry my lunch; this is quite wasteful, as they get dirty, and I usually toss them out.  I was happy when the kind people at Dudley offered to send me a free lunch kit for the new year, and offered to give one to one of my readers!

The Fully Loaded Lunch kit is really durable, and it has a handle, which is great for someone like me who is always juggling about eight different things, while trying not to drop my lunch.

You can stand it upright or on it's back to make it easier to store in the crowded fridges in your school or workplace.

The inside lining helps to maintain temperature, and it's easy to clean.

There are also a few different pockets to put smaller snacks, utensils, condiments, etc..

The zippers are durable, and I could definitely see this kit lasting me a long time.  No more plastic bags for me!

Giveaway: The Fully Loaded Lunch kit from Dudley

• Open to Canadian readers
• One entry per person
• Dudley will mail the winner their lunch kit (one (1) winner chosen by random draw)
• Giveaway closes on Thursday, September 4th @ 11:59 p.m.

To enter: 

Just leave a comment telling me what you typically take to work/school for lunch!

(leave an email address too so that I can contact you if you win)

Giveaway: NuNaturals Liquid Stevia

I've worked with Ron from NuNaturals numerous times, and he is always very generous with me and my readers.  He sent me an email the other day offering to do a stevia giveaway with my readers again! 

For those who don't know about stevia check out the facts:

- It is a 100% natural sweetener that doesn't contain any Aspartame, Sucralose, sugar, Saccharin, or any artificial sweetener. 

- It contains no soy, yeast, gluten, wheat, milk, MSG, synthetics, artificial colours, artificial flavours or preservatives.

- It has a non-bitter taste, and zero calories. 

- It does not affect blood sugar, so it is safe for those with diabetes.

- It dissolves instantly.

- NuNaturals stevia is stronger than most stevia on the market so you need less.

- Stevia is much stronger than sugar, so again, you need less.

My favourite NuNaturals products are definitely the flavoured liquid stevias.  I use them in smoothies, juices, oatmeal, etc..  It was even used in the orange sauce that we ate on our duck tacos a while back.

Ron is offering four (4) of my readers the chance to win one (1) of each of the following products: 



Orange Liquid Stevia
Lemon Liquid Stevia
Peppermint Liquid Stevia
Chocolate Liquid Stevia

There are 2 different ways to enter the giveaway and you can receive one entry for each one that you do:

1)  Leave me a comment telling me which liquid stevia you'd try first
2)  Visit the NuNaturals Facebook page, and "Like" them.  Leave a comment letting me know if you did this

Also, for those who want to buy products from NuNaturals, you can can receive 15% off of your entire order until the end of the month if you use the Coupon Code:  BLG1212

The winners will be selected using a random number generator and you have until Thursday December 13th, 2012 @ 11:59 p.m. to enter.

Jambalaya and a Mystery Giveaway!

Recently I booked a trip to New Orleans, which I will be taking in the Spring.  Since booking this trip, I have been craving southern food like crazy!!  I can't wait for po boys, and gumbo, etc..

Yesterday I made a delicious jambalaya, which I served with a salad.

Jambalaya

1 lb spicy sausage, sliced
1 lb chicken breast, sliced
10-12 shrimp, cooked, tails off
2 green peppers, diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 white onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp  dried oregano
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne
1 T dried basil
3-4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
2 large tomatoes, chopped
3 T tomato paste
3-4 cups chicken broth
2 cups long grain rice
1/2 cup cilantro

In a large metal pot (not nonstick) cook the sausage over medium until cooked.  Remove and then cook chicken until just cooked.  Remove the chicken.  Toss the peppers, onion, garlic, spices, and tomatoes in to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, or until soft, stirring often.  Add tomato paste, 3 cups broth and rice.  Simmer, covered until rice is cooked (about 20 minutes - add more broth if necessary).  Toss the meats and shrimp in for the last few minutes to warm.  Sprinkle with cilantro before serving.

Mystery Giveaway Announcement

It has been a while since I did a giveaway, so I thought I would do a fun mystery giveaway!  Anyone in Canada or the Continental United States is welcome to enter.  I will accept entries until 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday Sept. 18th, and the winner will be announced later that day (chosen with random number generator).  I will mail the winner a fun mystery package loaded with goodies! 

To enter:  Leave a comment answering one of the questions below OR tell me how long you've been reading and where you're from :-)

Have you ever made jambalaya?

Have you ever been to New Orleans - Do you have any tips/ things that are "must do" that you want to share?

Giveaway Announcement and Goldenberry Review

Caramel Vanilla Coconut Almond Latte Oats

(say that 3 times fast)

- 1/2 cup coffee
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond breeze
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 macaroon chocolates
- 1 tsp organic coconut
- 1 tsp almond butter



It was a day full of grains.

Oats for breakfast, brown rice for lunch (Amy's Bowl):



(I also had some coconut Greek yogurt, and 1 piece of cheese).

And then white rice (blech) for dinner, with sweet and sour meatballs.





I have noticed lately that after eating white rice I am hungry about 10 minutes later. What a useless excuse for a food. I won't be buying white rice anymore. It turns into sugar almost instantly in the body and provides very, very little nutrition. Brown rice only from now on (unless of course sushi is involved)!!

Because I was hungry right after dinner, I had an organic grapefruit (very different from a non-organic grapefruit). The texture is different (softer), the taste is different (more flavour, more juice), even the colour is different. My sister-in-law, who is often skeptical of organic food has mentioned that organic apples taste more like apples. It is true. I love an unadulterated, fresh piece of organic produce.



I was reading Jessica's blog this evening and noticed that she was eating Goldenberries. Then I remembered that I have some that the nice people at Navitas Naturals had sent me to try a while back!!

Since Jessica gave them a good review,
I tore the package open and tried a few.
(I am a poet and I didn't know it).



The taste was reminiscent of a raisin, although a seedier, tarter, tangier, much cooler version of a raisin. The seeds give the berries an interesting crunch, and the strong, tangy taste is very appealing. I have been nibbling on these berries all evening!

Incan Golden Berry (Cape Gooseberry) - A superfruit that is native to Brazil, but has spread to Chile in Peru where it thrives. The tiny seeds are full of nutrients, and the berry is high in protein (compared to other berries). They are a good source of Vitamin P (anti-inflamitory, antioxident, antiviral). The berries are also an excellent source of Vitamin A.

Have you tried Goldenberries?

Canadians can find Navitas Naturals products here.

Giveaway Announcement

As mentioned yesterday, in light of my trip to NY (17 days away!!!) I would like to do a NY inspired giveaway. When I think of New Yorkers, I think of busy people running around the city with giant Starbucks cups :-) Hehe. I read a lot of celebrity magazines.

If you want a chance to win a $25 Starbucks Gift Card just leave me a comment. I will choose a winner randomly on Monday 29th.

This giveaway is open to everyone!

Packages in the Mail!

hank you to Navitas Naturals for sending me these goodies to try out! I will be posting a review soon. I am especially excited to try the Hemp Cacao Maca Twister Powder!

Another BIG thank you to the people at Crofter's Organic for sending me these Superfruit Spreads that are made with organic, fair trade sugar.









I look forward to trying and reviewing all of these products within the next week.

I was so excited yesterday when I found Greek yogurt at the grocery store! I had never (until today) tried Greek yogurt. For breakfast this morning I scooped about 2/3 of a cup into a bowl, and topped it with honey:



Then I put 2/3 of a cup of granola on top:





As weird as this is, I am not a huge fan of Greek yogurt. It is too thick for me. I prefer a runnier yogurt - Source Vanilla Yogurt is still my fave. I will eat the container up, but I doubt I will buy it again.

Do you like Greek yogurt? Do you eat it plain or in/on something?

This morning at work I had 1/2 a donut. I hate when there are donuts in the staffroom. I don't even really like them, but the peer pressure gets to me :-)

Lunch was leftover Mexican casserole - as good as this stuff is, I am getting tired of it after eating it 3 times in a week!



I supplemented my lunch with some strawberries and cheese:





I had an oatmeal, raisin cookie too.

Dinner tonight was leftovers from last night (this BIG Cook thing leaves me with TOO much leftover food!!!). I had leftover sweet and sour pork with brown rice and hot sauce:



I felt like fruit this evening so my snack was a grapefruit and a banana topped with almond butter and coconut:





I just finished writing a science test for my lovelies ... and I also wrote out valentines for each of them. Thirteen and fourteen year olds are NOT too old for valentines ...

These are the ones for the girls:



And these are for the boys:



I will be giving these out tomorrow as it is the last day before our 5 day weekend!

Do you give out valentines? Do you celebrate valentine's day? What do you do?

Don't forget to enter my "Things I LOVE" Giveaway.

The Contest closes at 5:00 pm on Valentine's Day.

A Must Read

The Gruyere and Bacon baked eggs kept me full all morning, and into the afternoon.
I had a late, light lunch of 2 slices of toast with margarine.

I also nibbled on some yogurt covered raisins.



Dinner was a favourite standby - pita pizzas! I loaded my whole wheat pita up with red, green, and yellow peppers, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, black olives, pineapple, mushrooms and cheese.



And what better way to enjoy pizza than with a glass of red wine ...



I snagged a couple treats from my freezer for dessert (the mother-in-laws baking :-))



A couple of housekeeping things:

Jessica from DairyFreeBetty wrote:

"First off. If I have not convinced you to read this yet, you must Nella’s story. It is hands down the most touching story I have ever read. If you are a mother, even better.
Grab a tissue, close the door, turn up the sound (the music makes it even better) I don’t ask you to do much, but I am asking you to read this, it will change your life! :)"

I read it. I agree with Jessica. I am urging you to read it too. I can't express how this story made me feel - please read it for yourself.

Jessica is also encouraging everyone to practice random acts of kindness this week! I am totally joining in this challenge, and you should too! If you do, make sure to tell her about what you did and enter her giveaway.

Also, stay tuned this week for 2 exciting Giveaway announcements!!
My VERY FIRST giveaway - A "Things I Love" Giveaway and another - my first sponsored giveaway! Details will come soon.

It is a short work week for me - 3 days, and then I get a 5 day weekend!

What do you have planned for the week?
Do you have a long weekend coming up too?