Jamie Oliver & Disney Family Revolution Giveaway

Back in March and April , the show 'Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution' took the country by storm and I was thrilled to see the reaction. Whether you liked and agreed with everything he had to say, it was an eye-opener (and hopefully game changer) for Americans and food.

Luckily, Disney Family.com has recognized the importance of eating and living healthy, and wanted to provide tips and advice on slashing sugar, cooking light, healthy recipes and more. That’s why they partnered with Jamie Oliver on brand new site content focused on living better and living well. The site features recipes and tips from Jamie that address how families can rediscover ways to cook simple, delicious and affordable meals. In addition, if you missed any of the episodes of Food Revolution, you can watch them on the site.


This gift pack is provided by Disney Family.com

To celebrate the partnership, I am giving away a gift pack that includes Jamie Oliver’s book 'Jamie’s Food Revolution', Family.com branded over mitts and apron, a cutting board and bowl set. I am looking forward to another household having Jamie's book and hopefully incorporating some of the ideas and recipes into their family meal time.

To enter:
Please leave a comment on this post telling me 'how you encourage your family to make healthy decisions when it comes to food, or let me know a recent, positive lifestyle change you’ve made'.

For 5 bonus entries each (only valid after answering question above):
*‘Like' the Savor the Thyme Facebook Fan Page and leave me comment on the fan page AND on this post telling me you 'liked' the fan page.

*Subscribe to my Newsletter via Facebook and leave a comment that you subscribed.

*Tweet the following (you can tweet everyday for 5 pts. each day!) : 'We are celebrating Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution with a giveaway via @savorthethyme http://alturl.com/a3jg ' (Be sure to leave the tweet ID in a comment on this post.)

This contest ends June 4th at midnight EST

Family, Friends & The Hand Drying Song

So many children, so many reasons to use the Kleenex Hand Towels. Here is an example of a video you can submit for 25 bonus entries for the $50 Gift Card Giveaway:

Kleenex Hand Towels, The Hand Drying Song & a $50 Gift Card

Contest is closed

Recently we celebrated my daughter’s 6th birthday with a party at our house and naturally it was a rainy day. That meant that there were 12 children and all of the parents in our house so this was the perfect opportunity to use a box of Kleenex Hand Towels.

What are Kleenex Hand Towels? They are a fresh clean towel that pop-ups from a nicely designed box that you display in your bathroom or even on the kitchen counter top. What I appreciate is that the sheets are free of inks, dyes and fragrances. When I was young, my mom always put out a nice pile of napkins on the bathroom sink when guests were coming. These napkins always had some nice little colorful design on them but these are a better option. They are also sturdy so I have taught my children that after washing, they can wipe the sink as there always seems to be water on the edges or on the counter.

Normally, we have a hand towel hung in the bathroom and with four of us in the house, it usually lasts a two days or so before I switch it out. If I really think about it, most kids (never mind the adults) do not even bother washing the recommended length of time with soap so we really are sharing germs aren’t we? Yuck! And that is why I am Kleenex Song Ambassador as part of a campaign with The Motherhood and Kleenex. While researching about hand towel useage, I was startled by the CDC facts about hand cleaning, drying and germs.



*Did you know that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends drying Hands with a single-use towel to help prevent the spread of germs? That’s right, they state that drying of hands with a reusable cloth towels is not recommended and should be avoided.

*The CDC also wants us to know that despite our perception, hand drying is just as important as proper hand washing and that even if a hand towel is not visibly dirty it doesn't mean that it is in fact clean. There are even more hand drying facts here.

Not only were these perfect during the birthday party but I think they are perfect when we have guests over, we have an open house or when there are sick people in the house!

Oh, I bet you are dying to know about the Hand Drying Song mentioned in the post title right? Oh, I just love it and so do the kids (trust me, I will post a video and show you)! Kleenex wants you to enjoy this song as part of teaching your children proper hygiene (washing and drying) and have it be fun. Take a listen and sing along:

My hands are gonna be clean

When I wash and I dry with mommy and sing

This song that's exactly two clean hands long

Warm water and soap and bubbles that shine

A Kleenex Hand Towel that's mine all mine

And a song that's exactly two clean hands long

No yucky old towel's gonna ruin my day

I dry my hands the Kleenex towel way

So if you're a fan of clean hands too

Roll up your sleeves and I'll sing with you.

To encourage even more excitement for the Kleenex Hand Towels and the Hand-Drying Song, we are having a contest for a $50 ServiceMaster Gift Card (good for use at Merry Maids. Trugreen and more).

TO ENTER (Please be sure that I have some way of emailing you!): US residents only
*Leave a comment telling me what else you do at home to help prevent the spread of germs.*

Additional Entries: Choose one or all
For 25 bonus entries:
*Make a video of your family either singing the song while washing your hands or listening to the song while you wash your hands. The video needs to be posted on one of the following: The Motherhood Hand Drying Circle OR SavortheThyme YouTube Channel and I need a comment with a link to the video on this post.

For 10 bonus entries each:
*Join The Motherhood's Hand Drying Song Circle and leave a comment on this post AND The Motherhood Circle.

*Post photo/s of your family using the towels on The Motherhood Hand Drying Circle containing a link to this contest/post AND leave a comment here letting me know you posted the photos.

For 5 bonus entries each:
*‘Like' the Savor the Thyme Facebook Fan Page and leave me comment on the fan page AND on this post.

*Subscribe to my Newsletter via Facebook and leave a comment that you subscribed.

*Tweet the following (once everyday for 5 pt each day!) : 'We are singing the Kleenex Hand Drying Song & Entered to win a $50 Gift Card via @savorthethyme http://bit.ly/dazvLf #KleenexSong' then leave the tweet ID in a comment on this post.

This contest ends May 15th

**Disclosure: This is a compensated promotion with TheMotherhood.com and Kleenex**

Celebrating Earth Day Series - Hanes EcoSmart & Arbor Day Foundation

What an exciting week this is because we will be enjoying some great Earth Day celebrations next week, family coming to visit, my daughter's birthday and lots of parties. To celebrate Earth Day, I am going to bring you some great posts for a week, starting off with this one about Hanes.

Our family loves Hanes: From my husbands drawers stocked with their undershirts, to their Tees that I use for layering, to the tagless undies that are my daughters favorites, we are always well-stocked. So, I was thrilled to learn about some steps that Hanes is making to make their products more eco-friendly and contribute to Earth Day by teaming up with the Arbor Day Foundation.

A. How is Hanes working towards being more Eco-friendly? First of all, they have launched Hanes Green (I have sure you have seen some of the news commercials) to share what they are working towards:

*At the end of 2009, approximately 30% of the energy we used came from clean, renewable sources

*Since 2007, our energy efficiency programs have reduced the amount of energy we use to make our products by 11 percent.

*In 2010, we were named an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Partner of the Year

*They currently have 3 LEED certifications and have applied for four more.

*Their CO2 emissions feel 41% for some divisions and thy have reduced they water use per product by 18%.

*Most exciting to me is their current release of the EcoSmart textiles that are made of recycled plastic and other end textile end products that are normally throw away.

B. Partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation From April 1 - May 15, 2010, when you purchase three Hanes products, you will receive a free Earth Day t-shirt with proof of purchase through mail-in redemption. For every t-shirt redeemed, Hanes will make a $1 donation to the Arbor Day Foundation. For every $1 of Hanes donations, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree, up to 20,000 on Hanes' behalf.


Wait, you want to try to win an Earth T-shirt?
To enter: Leave a comment telling me 'What Earth friendly or 'green' practices do you use at home, work or on the road?'

Additional Entries (Null if entry above not completed): These are optional however, you must leave a comment for each one separately.

1. Join the Savor the Thyme Facebook Fan Page and leave a comment with your FB name

2. Follow @savorthethyme on Twitter.

3. Post this on Twitter (can do every day if you wish but need separate comment for each entry) 'Celebrating Earth Day with @savorthethyme & @hanescomfort Giveaway! http://bit.ly/aMwg9s

4. Subscribe to the Savor the Thyme RSS feed (on the right sidebar).

Eating your Words: The Judge (initials AZ)

As if the challenge itself and the prize is not enough, we have asked Chef Andrew Zimmern to decide the winner for the Eating your Words challenge!! Yes, the fabulous Mr. Zimmern of Bizaare Foods on The Travel Channel. You have watched this show right? If not, you are missing out on a show that Slashfood named as one of the Top 10 Food Shows, so start watching!



The plan is that Noodle and I are going to present Chef Zimmern with the finalists and he will choose the winner. Both the round-up and winner will be posted within 1 week of the March 31st deadline.

We all know he appreciates creative, unique and fun food so get into the kitchen and let the food do the talking! If you need inspiration, take a peek at last year's entries:

Eating Your Words Roundup, Part I
Eating Your Words Roundup, Part II

A few teasers from last year:

Fake Free Food TangledNoodle

The Decorated Cookie

If you would like to tweet along, please follow @Savorthethyme , @TangledNoodle and @AndrewZimmern on twitter and the hashtag #eatingyourwords

Black Angus Steaks & Parmesan Couscous- A Valentine's Meal

There are certain occasions when you want to make something extra special and Valentine's Day is one of those times. My husband loves Beef and Scallops and I decided to buy Black Angus Beef 100% Vegetarian Fed, Top Sirloin Filet (a mouth full) and Scallops and that I found at Trader Joe's.

For a side dish to accompany a salad, I went to the beefitwhatsfordinner website and as soon as I found Parmesan Orzo, I knew that would complete the meal. However, I did not have orzo, so I simply substituted Isreali Cousous.

I first marinated the steak in a simple mixture of soy sauce, lime juice and garlic for 30 minutes. During that time, I prepared and baked the scallops. I then put the oven on broil and started the steak and couscous. I broiled the steaks about 6 minutes on each side. I hope you enjoyed your Valentine's Day with whomever you choose to share it with.

By the way, please enter the $100 Omaha Steaks Giveaway. You can then choose your favorite cuts or try something new!

I wrote this post while working on a “I Heart Beef” campaign with TheMotherhood.com on behalf of The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

I Heart Beef & Omaha Steaks $100 Giveaway

Contest Closed: Congratulations to Carol Anderson Ezovski

There are not many of us in the US that have not grown up with beef or special memories of family meals that did not involve beef. Here is the one that I thought of immediately: Mom's Beef Stew.

I remember that my sister, mom and I lived in this small apartment and my mom worked two jobs. Because of her work schedule and getting home after 5:00 each day, she made dinner late at night to reheat for the next days dinner. I vividly recall the scents of the beef stew simmering. It kept me up late some nights. I loved this meal and felt proud of how easily I ate the veggies in it.

Oh yes, I bet you want to know about the giveaway right? I am talking a $100 online gift card giveaway to Omaha Steaks.

How to enter: You must do both for a valid entry (can do in one or sep. comments) and be sure that a valid email address is available.

1. Share your "Favorite memories of making everyday occasions special with beef” or 'Why you heart beef.'

2. Please link to something that you found helpful on the “Beef It’s What’s For Dinner” website. A tip, recipe etc.

Additional Entries (Null if entry above not completed): These are optional however, you MUST leave a comment for each one separately.

1. Join the Savor the Thyme Facebook Fan Page and leave a comment with your FB name

2. Follow @savorthethyme on Twitter.

3. Post this on Twitter (can do every day if you wish but need separate comment for each entry) "Entered to win $100 Omaha Steaks Gift Certificate from @savorthethyme @Beeffordinner. Plz RT http://bit.ly/dxhhLz #iheartbeef

4. Follow @BeefForDinner on Twitter

5. Subscribe to the Savor the Thyme RSS feed (on the right sidebar).

6. Become a fan of Beef It's What's For Dinner on Facebook and leave a comment with your FB name

Contest ends 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, February 28, 2010.

Later this week, I will be sharing both the special Valentine's meal that I made my hubby with help from 'Beef Its What for Dinner' Website and the first grass fed ground burgers that we made this week.

To improve your chances of winning (but can only win 1 of the contests), here are the links to this contest on my colleagues blogs: Chef Druck , Robins Online World , ModernMami, Mommy's Must Haves, A Southern FairyTale, Mama Law , The Busy Dad Blog

I am participating in this giveaway while working on a “I Heart Beef” campaign with TheMotherhood.com on behalf of The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

One Year Blogiversary with Steaz Teaz!

Savor the Thyme began 1 year ago and we are celebrating with Steaz Teaz. Please watch the video and learn how to enter to win some Steaz Teaz and a $10 Target Gift Card.



Entry Requirement: A comment at this Whrrl story (Whrrl account required). Open to residents of USA only

Additional Entries (Null if no Whrrl entry): These five are optional however, you MUST leave a comment for each one separately.

1. Join the Savor the Thyme Facebook Fan Page
2. Follow @savorthethyme on Twitter.
3. Post this on Twitter "Win @Steaz Teaz AND a $10 Target Gift Card @savorthethyme. http://bit.ly/5YBg9O " Plz RT
3. Subscribe to the Savor the Thyme RSS feed (on the right sidebar).
4. Vote for this video by Clicking on the STARS

Foodtopian Society & A Giveaway

Prior to attending the TypeAMom Conference in Asheville, N.C., I had been following tweets from the Foodtopian Society and followed a link to their main page. I was instantly smitten. Here is what grabbed me: "We believe food can be naturally grown, artfully produced and lovingly prepared, all within one vibrant community. We believe that good food is sustainable food, with farm-to-table meals that feature seasonal ingredients from local fields."

I was fortunate to meet a representative from the society at the conference and had a lovely talk. I asked her to send me information on any events they have coming up and she asked me to share this with you: Currently, they are celebrating their three-week celebration Seasonal Sizzle through December 19th.

By the way, some of the chefs at independent restaurants created special holiday recipes that were specifically designed to be festive, easy-to-prepare AND affordable. Also, if you have not ever visited Ashevile, consider going. I really is a lovely and thriving town and I must say, the food scene is fantastic.

To excite you even further, the Foodtopian society is giving away a handmade bundt cake pan from the New Morning Gallery and a recipe book from the Folk Art Center. Who in their right mind would not want a bundt pan and a cookbook?

Entry Requirements
Please do the following two things to enter for a chance to win this giveaway:
1. Become a fan of Savor the Thyme Fan Page and leave a comment on Facebook that you have joined.

2. Tweet the following and leave a comment here with the tweet " Seasonal Sizzle underway in Asheville! http://alturl.com/gynh #avlsizzle "

Extra Entry Requirements
The following three entries are optional and will earn you two extra entries.

*Rate this video WITH 5 StARS and leave comment here that you did so.

*Follow me @savorthethyme and leave a comment HERE with your twitter handle stating you are now following.

* Sign up for our Foodtopian Society e-mail newsletter and leave a comment HERE

HALO SleepSack Swaddle Giveaway

Naturally as new parents, we were overwhelmed with all the products you are told you do need, must have, must buy, do not bother with etc. but so many of my mommy friends swore that I would love and need the SleepSack™ . It an important product to have as it replaces a blanket in the crib and we all know how important that is in relation to SIDS. SIDS is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation.

When MomSelect asked me if I wanted to give one away I accepted as we believe in the product and Halo is a company that creates products for healthy and safe sleep. Now the sleepsack was an invaluable product for us with the two babies but now it is even better as you have the swaddle option. We loved having our SleepSack as it made it so easy to change the babies and most importantly, we could zip up from the bottom up and never had to worry about pinching their faces and heck, we could even change them while they were drifting off to sleep. I love that the new design gives you the choice of swaddling as my first did not like being swaddled but my second one loved it (and swaddling him was the only thing that helped us to keep our sanity).

In addition, the design is great as the swaddle does not get too close to baby's face. Also the design allows for arms to be in or out, or you can even remove the swaddle feature to use as a regular SleepSack™ wearable blanket.


I am happy to say that we have a Lush Dots Velboa in 'Cream' in the newborn (6-12lbs) to giveaway. Here is what you need to do to qualify (winner choosen via Random.org on Sunday, Nov. 15th):

Watch my Tastemaker video on YouTube, give it 5 stars AND leave a comment on YouTube.

For TWO additional entries EACH (must do item above to qualify):
*Become a fan of the Savor the Thyme Facebook Page and leave comment on FB

**Follow me on Twitter @savorthethyme and tweet me that you are now a follower.

***Retweet and/or post the following message on Twitter and comment here, linking to your update/post:

GIVEAWAY! @savorthethyme Enter 2 win Halo Sleepsack http://alturl.com/9ek4 PLS RT

By the way, Please consider donating to the Libby's and Feeding America campaign!

Full Disclosure: MomSelect gave me two HALO SleepSack Swaddle's for this review/giveaway. I gifted one as a baby shower gift.

Fast & Frugal Friday & Old Bay Giveaway: Pork Chops with Orange-Garlic Vinaigrette

Update: The winner is PlusSizeMommy. Thank You for participating.

As soon as you hear ‘Old Bay’ what do you think of? For me, it brings back memories. Memories from my mom's and grandma's kitchen. It was a staple in out kitchen when I was young. In fact, I think it was a requirement in 1970’s kitchens.

I am also a huge believer in having herbs, spices and your favorite blends on hand so that you can take a basic meal and add some depth and excitement. So, on the top shelf of my spice drawer is the familiar canister of Old Bay.

Most people seem to relate it to Seafood and yes, it is perfect, however, I use it in a multitude of dishes so when I was offered a 'Basket of the Bay', I jumped and guess what? There is one for you too but I will not share details until I take you through the recipe.



Pork Chops with Garlic-Orange Vinaigrette.
I basically followed Martha Stewart's recipe however:
1. I used 3 thick pork chops instead of tenderloins and seasoned them with Old Bay
2. I did not use honey in the sauce but used a teaspoon or agave nectar
3. I used a mini-chopper in lieu of a blender
4. I did not saute spinach but simply used baby spinach with the vinaigrette on it. Rather quick and easy prep.
5. You may wish to hold off on adding pepper until you taste first.


The “Basket of the Bay” set includes a full sized canister of OLD BAY Seasoning, an OLD BAY Seafood Steamer bag, a key chain, tattoos, a cool logo beach towel all packed into a great bag.

How to enter:
Leave me a comment with your favorite kitchen memory (does not need to include old bay). It may be funny, messy, nostalgic, etc.

For additional entries (and leave a comment for each one)
* Follow me on Twitter @savorthethyme (comment even if you already follow)

**Join my Facebook Fan Page (comment here with your first name)

***Join my Facebook Group Page (comment here with your first name)

****Tweet this giveaway with a link back to this contest http://alturl.com/2a2w (leave your Tweet URL in the comments)

Lime Chipotle Shrimp wrapped in Prosciutto di Parma & Giveaway!

Since the frozen shrimp were on sale yesterday, I picked some up and knew immediately that I was going to use the Saucy Mama Chipotle Lime Marinade. When I got home and told my hubby what I had planned, he asked if I could wrap it in bacon. I told him that I could do better than that, so I went to the store today and picked up a few super thin slices of Parma Prosciutto.

I also had planned on grilling the shrimp however, Tropical Storm Danny caused me to wimp out and use the oven. I am glad I did as I can now share it as a year-round recipe.

Ingredients:
16 shrimp (21-25 raw), remember to keep the tail on (I forgot)
3 Tablespoons Saucy Mama lime chipotle marinade
8 slices thin Prosciutto di Parma
12 cherry tomatoes
4 Skewers (I had metal but can also use wooden but soak them first)

1. Place thawed shrimp and sauce into a bag, mix well and marinade for 5 hours (or whatever time you have)

2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees

3. Place a slice of the prosciutto flat on the cutting board and cut in half lengthwise.

4. Wrap each piece of shrimp with one half slice of the prosciutto and thread onto the skewer. Repeat for 4 pieces per skewer placing a tomato between each shrimp.

5. Place a baking rack into a baking sheet (my trick for crispiness and even cooking) and place the 4 skewers on the rack. Bake for 5 minutes, flip the skewer over carefully and bake 5 more minutes. If you want you prosciutto even crispier, then broil for 1 minute each side but do not overcook the shrimp.



What did you say? You want some of this marinade also? No problem because I am giving 2 bottles away. To enter for a chance to win, you are required to do four things (make sure you leave a separate comment for each of your entries).

Note: Entries that do not follow all of these requirements will not be considered. U.S. Only. Contest ends Monday, September 7th.

1. Become a fan of the Savor the Thyme Facebook page. I know it needs work but join in!
2. Follow Savor the Thyme (see right sidebar).
3. Follow @savorthethyme on Twitter.
4. Post these messages on Facebook and/or on Twitter and leave comments here, linking to your messages:
GIVEAWAY! Enter for a chance to win a @savorthethyme (2 winners) http://is.gd/2IkgR PLS RT

EatingWell Wednesday - Cookbooks and Giveaway

Total enjoyment. That is how I describe the experience when I make the recipes from EatingWell magazine and so I have been checking out their books. And my goodness, they have an impressive array. I can not wait to get my hands on these.

Their newest is called EatingWell in Season:The Farmer's Market Cookbook. They state that the book is “packed with easy, fast and delicious recipes, EatingWell in Season is a must-have guide for anyone who loves seasonal foods. All the recipes use simple, easy-to-find ingredients and most take 45 minutes or less.” This sounds like the perfect book to add to our library as we are true believers in cooking and eating seasonally.



In addition to the 150 recipes, this book contains:
*Tips on how to freeze, preserve and find other ways to store crops.
*Techniques for roasting peppers, peeling mangoes and other ways to prepare your farm finds.
*Cool tools, from herb savers to cherry pitters, to help you prepare fresh fruits and vegetables.
*Nutrition tips highlight the health benefits of dozens of fruits and vegetables.
*America’s top five farmers’ markets.

With the fall and winter approaching, I think this one is a must as we all crave comfort foods in the cold weather. I know I am not the only one so the EatingWell Comfort Foods Made Healthy is one that really has caught my eye. Could they all be healthy and comforting? I will find out.



For those of you trying to shed a few pounds, The EatingWell Diet 7 Steps to a New, Trimmer You may be just what you need. Their system is based on the VTrim™ Weight-Loss Program at the University of Vermont, one of the country's leading weight-loss research centers. This seems to be the perfect way to start yourself on the path to a healthier way of eating & lifestyle.



Moms & Dads! I am sure that this cookbook will peek your interest. I am a complete believer that you can make quick, healthy and tasty meals for your family and The EatingWell Healthy in a Hurry Cookbook will help show you how.



Here is a sampling of the recipes:
Chicken Breasts with Onion and Fontina, Adobo-Rubbed Pork Chops & Potato Packets, Greek Dinner Salad

And here is the best news: EatingWell is going to give away two of these fabulous cookbooks! Here is what you need to do by Wednesday, August 12th.

1. Go to the EatingWell website and find a recipe you would love to try and then leave me a comment telling me which one.

2. 2 BONUS entries!! Tweet the following on Twitter:
Cookbk giveaway! @savorthethyme @EatingWell http://is.gd/26Yy7 I want to try (link to the recipe)

Safety 1st's Summer Road Trip Safety Giveaway

CONGRATS to Carolyn G ! please email me your contact information at savorthethyme.cox.net

Hello all,

We have another wonderful giveaway and this time it is brought to you by the safety conscious folks at Safety 1st and the three lovely moms from MomGenerations. As we're in the midst of summer travel season, Safety 1st is offering a "Summer Road Trip Safety" basket to one lucky reader! Summer travel is fun and exciting, but it is important to first ensure the safety of your little ones in the back seat before you are able to sit back and relax.

The basket includes items from Safety 1st's ProGrade line, all of which are crash tested by the Safety 1st team of certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. ProGrade items include the See Baby Soft Mirror (for the backseat headrest), the Secure View Mirror (for the rear view mirror), the Soft Solution Roller Shade, the famous "Baby on Board" window sign, and a $25 gas gift card to fill your tank! To enter simply post about your summer travel plans.

Also, for those of you attending BlogHer in Chicago, be sure to stop by the Safety 1st booth to learn about the latest development in child safety. Side impact crashes are by far the most harmful type of collision for children; and Safety 1st has developed Air Protect, a groundbreaking new car seat technology to help protect against this terrifying threat. Safety 1st will be giving away the Complete Air car seat, the first car seat available with Air Protect, so make sure you stop by and enter to win!

To learn more about Air Protect, visit www.safety1st.com/airprotect.

The contest will run from Thursday, July 16 until Thursday, July 23. TO ENTER: Leave a comment about your summer travel plans.

For additional entries you can do the following:
*Tweet about this contest: "Safety 1st Summer Road Trip Safety Contest” @savorthethyme http://savorthethyme.blogspot.com/search/label/Giveaway

*Follow me on Twitter @savorthethyme (tweet me to tell me you are a new follower and in for the contest)

*Join the Savor The Thyme group on Facebook and let me know you have joined.

National Ice Cream Month - Ice Cream Social Challenge

Hello World! As you may know, July is National Ice Cream month and so it is time for a new challenge! But first: can this blog, being all about eating and being healthy write about ice cream? I asked that myself and realized wait, I want people to eat real foods. None of that processed and artificial junk so if you want a little bit of real ice cream once in a while, is it so bad? No. And by making our own, I can be sure we are not getting all that fake frozen stuff that some folks market as ice cream. Okay, off to the challenge.

What could the challenge be this time? How about making your own ice cream! Yes, go ahead and make is any flavor you want, any color, be crazy or conservative. I am going to take this journey with you by creating ice cream with my kids. Naturally, I will be making it real, as in using the old fashioned ingredients of cream, milk, sugar, etc. I hope to make some sorbets or yogurts to cut down on fat, sugar etc. along the way but enough about me. What do you want to do with it after creating it? eat, wear it? paint with it? Do nothing or anything you want (G rated only). Wait, you do not want to make it? Do you want to visit a local ice creams shop and send us a video? Having an ice cream party that you wish to vlog about? Just want to see how many photos you can take of ice cream? Go for it!

There will also be some surprises for the winners but I am keeping mum for now. We have so many details to share but why overwhelm you as you have ice cream plan to make!


Mandy73 via Flickr

Oh, and I am not presenting this challenge on my own, oh no, as this whole idea was concocted by our favorite snacker, Scotty of ScottySnacks. The other blogger in on this is my co-host from the Eating Your Words Challenge, yes, that right, Tangled Noodle....now, onto the details!

Have a great homemade recipe? Did you visit a favorite ice cream shop or a unique local dairy/creamery? Anywhere and any way you've recently indulged in ice cream ecstasy, let us know; entries can be a blog post, a vlog, video, or just a photograph!

To enter:

1) Post about your ice cream creation on your blog, linking back to ScottySnacks, SavortheThyme and Tangled Noodle. Then send us a link and photo of your post! We welcome any posts that were published before the start of our challenge. Enter as many times as you wish.

2) No blog? No problem! Send us a photo, video or vlog of your entry telling us what, where and when it was taken. Provide a URL, if applicable (a still shot or capture would be great, too).


3) International entries are encouraged but due to some limitations, some prizes may not be available.

4) EMAIL YOUR ENTRIES TO: IceCream@ScottySnacks.com. Please include your name and e-mail address so that we may contact you should you win a prize.

Deadline is Friday July 31, 2009!

Since this is a Social Media Ice Cream Social, feel free to show us some sweet tweet love. Tweet about this challenge using the #icsocial (@savorthethyme @scottysnacks @tanglednoodle)!

There will be a round up at the end of the month on all three sites!

Thanks for your participation!
Jennifer, Scotty and Mrs. Noodle

Pottery Barn Giveaway

People. Friends. Family. I have a great giveaway here. Are you ready to spread the news and tell all your friends, family, acquaintances? Let them know about this blog and the contest via email, Facebook, Twitter, any way you can. You are vying for a wonderful Pottery Barn ‘Outdoor Spaces’ book. There are sections on Dining, Cooking, Playing and Entertaining Outdoors and it has many beautiful decorating ideas. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post about what types of recipes, recipe makeovers, topics, or spices that you would like discussed on this blog.

**Contest closed-Thank You!

*You have until Midnight PST on Sunday, January 25th to enter this giveaway.
*Just make the comment ON THIS POST to enter
*Anonymous comments will be removed.
*The winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Monday, January 26th.

*Open to residents of US only.

Each of the following will give you two extra entries in the giveaway. Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do:
*Email your contacts and 'cc' me savorthethyme@cox.net. I will delete the email and will not keep any email addresses.
*Following me on Twitter (thelealfamily). Please make sure to leave your Twitter name in your comment.
*Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please make sure to leave a link to your blog post in your entry.

Cat Cora Cookbook Giveaway

Welcome to Savor The Thyme! In the name of self-promotion and to encourage you to come back often (even daily), I will first resort to bribery and then hook you based on content. We are having our first Giveaway! What is it you ask? Cat Cora's book "COOKING from THE HIP". Don't want the book? I am sure you have heard of re-gifting and heck, who doesn't like something free? Please, no excuse that you do not have a Google account so you can not comment, create one, it is free and no spam.
Guidelines:
*You have until Midnight PST on Wednesday, January 7th to enter this Giveaway; U.S. only
*Simply leave a nice comment on this post. One entry per person please.
*The winner will be randomly chosen (honestly people, randomly) and announced Thursday, January 8th.
Contest Closed-Thank you