Scaring Up Votes for Monsters Cereal - #Sweepstakes

Looking for an election candidate you can really stand behind?  This election year, your favorite more-friendly-than-frightening Monsters are vying against each other in hopes of being elected to the position of America’s favorite cereal Monster. With three awesome candidates in the running, my family was a little torn. 

 Franken Berry promises to electrify your breakfast with great berry flavor and always be frank.  My teen son's name name is Frank, so he felt he had to back his namesake.  He took to the poles to cheer on this berry-tastic candidate.  

Boo Berry is promising full transparency to get your vote.  My daughter Willow has always had the nickname of Boo because she used to look just like the little girl from Monsters Inc. So, of course, Boo Berry was her favorite pick. She was so enthusiastic, she tried to block Franken Berry's photo opp.

Count Chocula is currently leading the polls, working through the night to assure that if he’s elected America’s favorite cereal Monster,  he’ll deliver the goblin’ good chocolate people crave! My youngest song Nicky is a little monster himself (if you can't tell my his smile), but in this case the monster that had his vote was Count Chocula.

Though we had someone championing each of the candidates, in the end, there could be only one winner. My oldest daughter and I both cast our votes for Count Chocola, so he won the election in our house, and got the vote in the contest. I was excited to see that he's currently in the lead.

Now, you can get into the action too!   The election-themed Monster Cereals boxes are available in stores now and you can go online to vote. It’s a relatively open primary. Any resident of the U.S. who is 13 years of age or older can cast their vote for Boo Berry, Count Chocula or Franken Berry at MonstersVote2016.com for an opportunity to win sweet election prizes, including a chance at a $5,000 grand prize or instant prizes like DJ wireless headphones, cases of Monster Cereals or retro Monster t-shirts. Voting ends on October 31, 2016, and the spooktacular winning Monster will be announced on the campaign website November 1, 2016 (sweepstakes officially ends June 1, 2017).

Sweet and Savory Cross-Croissants from IHop

DECIDING BETWEEN SWEET AND SAVORY JUST GOT HARDER WITH IHOP^® RESTAURANTS INTRODUCING NEW DELECTABLE CRISS-CROISSANTS^®FLAVORS

The Breakfast Leader Is Also Helping Families Stretch Dollars When Enjoying Dinner Together With a Kids Eat Free Offer From 4-10 p.m. Every Day from August 1 Through September 25

Starting August 1, the buttery goodness of Criss-Croissants^® ― croissant pastry dough waffled to a golden brown, filled with craveable, sweet or savory ingredients and found only at IHOP^®  Restaurants ― is back in three new flavors for a limited time. Known for serving signature, freshly made breakfast creations any time of day, every day, IHOP invites families to make the most of the final days of summer by enjoying Criss-Croissants, world-famous Buttermilk Pancakes, hand-seasoned 100% USDA beef burgers and more for dinner ― now with the added bonus of Kids Eat Free* from 4-10 p.m. every day throughSeptember 25 at participating IHOP restaurants.

Criss-Croissants ―  the one-of-a-kind dish that revolutionized the breakfast experience and delighted guests when first introduced last year ― are made from 27 layers of flakey croissant pastry dough that is waffled and stuffed with new, mouth-watering flavor combinations like:

• Salted Caramel and Banana – cool dulce de leche cream and sliced, fresh bananas followed with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce
• Strawberries and Sweet Cream Cheese – filled with sweet cream cheese and topped with sweet, glazed strawberries
• Spinach & Roasted Red Pepper – fluffy scrambled eggs, fresh spinach and roasted red peppers topped with white Cheddar and parmesan cheeses and a drizzle of hollandaise

“For almost six decades, IHOP has welcomed families into our restaurants to enjoy the freshly made breakfast foods, beverages and more they want at any time of day, every day, and can be found only at IHOP,” said Kirk Thompson, senior vice president, marketing for IHOP. “We’re proud to create dishes that delight our guests and tap into their food and beverage cravings; Criss-Croissants, made from 27 layers of buttery pastry dough that is waffled, stuffed and topped with incredible flavor combinations like bananas and salted caramel or scrambled eggs, spinach, roasted red peppers and two kinds of cheese, perfectly demonstrates our promise to always serve guests something special at IHOP.”

Busy families preparing for the start of school can take time to enjoy dinner together and have money left over for backpacks and books thanks to a limited time offer where kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of adult entrées. The free kid’s meal offer is available every day from 4-10 p.m. through September 25 at participating IHOP restaurants and includes dishes from the “Made for Fun” kid’s menu, including the new Cheesy Cheese Pizza, which starts with an “only-at-IHOP” Criss-Croissant crust that’s topped with tangy marinara sauce and melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses. 

Other kid’s menu favorites like the Silver 5 ― five of IHOP’s silver dollar-sized world-famous Buttermilk Pancakes served with a scrambled egg and hickory-smoked bacon ― and Jr. Chicken and Waffles ― two all-white meat chicken strips paired with two Belgian waffle quarters and served with whipped butter and choice of dipping sauce ― mean there’s lots of breakfast, lunch and dinner foods for kids to choose from.

“IHOP and our franchisees know that family members want to spend more time with each other, and with Kids Eat Free from 4-10 p.m. daily, parents can make memories with their children while savoring the made-to-order signature foods and beverages IHOP is known for ―  and put the money they save toward all those school supplies,” continued Thompson.

Criss-Croissants and Kids Eat Free are available August 1 through September 25. Please visit www.ihop.com for more information or to find the nearest IHOP restaurant.  

For additional assets, such as B-Roll and still images please click here.

*Valid August 1 – September 25, 2016.  Receive one free kid’s entrée with the purchase of each adult entrée.  Free entrée valid for kids 12 and under on items from the “Made for Fun” kid’s menu, for a limited time at participating locations only.  Drinks not included unless otherwise specified.  Not valid with any other discounts or coupons.  Dine-in only.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES, LLC

For 58 years, IHOP has been a leader, innovator and expert in all things breakfast, any time of day. The chain offers 65 different signature, fresh, made-to-order breakfast options, a wide selection of popular lunch and dinner items as well as meals under 600 calories. IHOP restaurants offer guests an affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service. As of March 31, 2016, there were 1,684 IHOP restaurants in 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam as well as Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and The Philippines. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, Calif.-based DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) and its affiliates. 

Connect with IHop

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

My Thoughts

I love when IHop brings back Kids Eat Free! It really is a way to save money and one of the many reasons we love going to IHop. The kids menu has a variety of selections for kids, if they want breakfast or a lunch/dinner meal.

They also have a new delicious Criss-Croissants to try. I tried the strawberries and sweet cream and got a combo with it of eggs, hash browns, and two sausage links. They have a variety of combos to choose from.

I really enjoyed the Cross-Croissant more than I thought I would. I asked the server how it was made, and they use the croissant batter and put it in the a waffle iron. This gives it the waffle look with a flaky texture when you eat. It was really good. Not quite the flavor of a croissant, but it was unique. I liked the texture it added while tasting the sweet cream in the center and strawberries on the top.

IHop is always coming up with fun creations to keep breakfast items fresh, as well we bringing me back for more items to try. So far I've really enjoyed all the items they've put a unique spin on. Especially the Cross-Croissants. Head to your local IHop and give them a try.

Barbara's Got You Covered: Back to School #Giveaway

After a long relaxing summer, there’s no doubt that settling into a busy schedule again can be daunting, but that doesn’t mean healthy eating has to be sacrificed! This year, I’d love to suggest a few simple recipes from Barbara’s that will have your readers regularly whipping up delicious and healthy breakfasts.

Barbara’s back-to-school breakfast ideas:

• For a quick and nutritious breakfast – pour out a bowl of Puffins Cereal, which features crunchy, pillow-shaped morsels in a variety of flavors (Original, Peanut Butter, Honey-rice, Multigrain, Cinnamon, Peanut Butter & Chocolate, and Pumpkin as a fall seasonal offering). 

• Whip up a batch of Apple Honey Puffins Muffins over the weekend, for an easy grab-and-go breakfast option you can enjoy all week long – made with wholesome ingredients like real apples and Honey Rice Puffins.

• Sweeten up your mornings with Puffin Crusted French Toast – crushed up Peanut Butter Puffins make the perfect lower-sugar coating for your favorite French toast recipe!

All Puffins flavors are lightly sweetened, low fat, 6 grams of sugar or less per serving, and Non-GMO Project Verified. Fun fact: you can adopt your very own puffin by collecting 20 UPC code flaps and sending them to Barbara’s.

My Thoughts

The stores are packed with dozens of cereal choices but its hard to find ones that my kids will eat that aren't filled with artificial ingredients. I didn't really think it was possible to find a natural cereal that didn't taste like card board. But we got a exciting surprise when we tried out Puffins from Barbara's. Their cereals have no artificial preservatives and no artificial colors or flavors.  They are made with 100% whole grain oats and all-natural ingredients. And they taste great!


For our review, we got to try out the Peanut Butter, Honey Rice and the Original varieties  I told my son this was a healthier brand then the one we usually get. He shrugged, took a mouthful, then looked up at me in shock and said, "Wow, Mom.This actually tastes really good!" If a ten-year-old likes it, you know it must taste great. I have to agree that the cereal was awesome. You won't be able to tell the difference between this and the big name brands.  It stayed crispy in the milk and had just the right amount of flavor. Each of my kids wanted a second bowel they liked it so much. And since it made with whole grain and has no trans fat I know its good for them.

Another great thing about this company that is worth pointing out is that they really give back. They are actively involved in helping preserve the natural habitats of seabirds, including their mascot the Puffin. Plus they are a green company that uses environmentally friendly post consumer cardboard in their packaging. If you would like to learn more about Puffins Cereal and their tasty products, check out the Barbara's website. You can also follow them on twitter or become their fan on face book.  You can find their cereal at Whole Foods. Check them out today and start living healthier and a great choice for the back to school season! 

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is gong to receive a selection of Puffins cereals to try for themselves. To enter just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. Open to the US only. Giveaway will end 9/13/16. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Blue Orange Games for offering this fantastic prize.

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Bakery Favorites at IHop!

BAKERY FAVORITES, AS ONLY IHOP^® RESTAURANTS CAN CREATE THEM, OFFER GUESTS NEW WAYS TO ENJOY THE FLAVORS OF THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD BAKERY, BEGINNING APRIL 11

Cupcake Pancakes, Red Velvet Crepes, and Cinnamon Swirl Brioche French Toast Offer a Bakery Experience, Any Time of Day

Beginning April 11, guests visiting their local IHOP^® restaurant will encounter the sights, scents, and sweetness of their neighborhood bakery when the breakfast leader brings innovative new twists on fresh bakery favorites available for a limited time including new Cupcake Pancakes, new Red Velvet Crepes, or Cinnamon Swirl Brioche French Toast. See the lineup of Bakery Favorites here: http://www.ihop.com/about-ihop/tv-commercials

Each of these Bakery Favorite items – perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – was inspired by the flavors and nostalgic memories of delicious bakery treats like yummy cupcakes, warm cinnamon rolls, and rich red velvet cake:

• NEW! Cupcake Pancakes – IHOP restaurants’ signature buttermilk pancakes filled with festive rainbow sprinkles, then topped with cupcake icing, and whipped topping.
• NEW! Red Velvet Crepe – A delicate, chocolaty crepe filled with IHOP restaurants’ sweet cream cheese, drizzled with cream cheese icing.
• Cinnamon Swirl Brioche French Toast – Thick slices of Brioche French toast topped with rich cinnamon roll filling and delicious cream cheese icing.

“There’s something unique about the inviting aromas and mouthwatering flavors you find in your neighborhood bakery that inspired us to create these fun, delicious treats in a way that only IHOP can,” said Marie Grimm, Vice President, Menu Development and Innovation, International house of Pancakes, LLC. “The excitement of a cupcake created with a pancake, the luscious indulgence of red velvet in a crepe and the classic taste of a cinnamon roll captured in our brioche French Toast are all irresistible.  And unlike some neighborhood bakeries, every one of these items is freshly made just for you!”

Guests can enjoy their choice of a Bakery Favorite item any time of day as part of a sweet and savory combo with eggs, made to order, their choice of IHOP restaurants’ signature hickory smoked bacon, pork sausage links or a slice of perfectly grilled ham, and golden hash browns.

To make the offer even sweeter, as part of IHOP restaurant’s “Kids Eat Free” promotion, from April 11 through May 6, from4pm to 10pm, when Breakfastarians order an adult entrée, children 12 and under will receive a free entrée from the “Just for Kids” menu at participating restaurants. And for a limited time, the Kids’ Menu will feature a Kids’ Cupcake Rooty Jr. Combo.

Bakery Favorites will be available at participating IHOP restaurants between April 11 and June 5, 2016.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES, LLC

For more than 57 years, International House of Pancakes, LLC has been a leader, innovator and expert in all things breakfast, any time of day. The chain offers 65 different signature, fresh made-to-order breakfast options, a wide selection of popular lunch and dinner items as well as meals under 600 calories. IHOP restaurants offer guests an affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service. As of December 31, 2015, there were 1683 IHO P restaurants in 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam as well as Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and the Philippines. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, Calif.-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its affiliates. International House of Pancakes, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN). For more information or to find an IHOP restaurant near you, please visit  www.IHOP.com. Follow IHOP on Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat (username:IHOPRestaurant).

Connect with IHop

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

My Thoughts

My kids were beyond excited to try the new bakery creations at iHop. They'd both seen the cupcake pancake on a TV commercial and could not wait until it was their turn to have one. So of course, they each ordered it when we went. You were able to get a meal along with the pancakes or get them on their own.

They were very sweet pancakes and neither of my kids needed or wanted to add syrup. There are sprinkles and chocolate baked into the pancake itself. Then topped with whipped cream and a type of frosting drizzled on the top. Almost like it was warm when added, giving it that warm, gooey, yumminess. Very sweet, but they loved it. I took a few bites of the pancakes and enjoyed it, but was glad I hadn't gotten them for myself. Not that they weren't good, but there was a whole lot of sweetness and I would have needed a to-go container to enjoy my pancakes later. Though, having bacon and sausage helps your taste buds. It's a good treat for a special night with family.

We were very pleased with the pancakes and our experience at iHop. We enjoy the specials that iHop provides because it gives us something new to try each time we go in, as well, something to look forward to when they bring it back. I am hoping to make it back before these specials got away and try the red velvet crepes. They looked very tasty too.

EnviroKidz Earth Day #Giveaway

April 22^nd is Earth Day and Nature’s Path has created 10 fun ways to celebrate with family and friends! 

1.     Learn about endangered species! Start Earth Day off with a bowl of Nature’s Path EnviroKidz organic cereal – each box features fun facts about an endangered species and highlights a few ways you can help protect them. It’s a quick and easy way for kids to learn about the importance of protecting animal habitats – and families can feel good about eating their breakfast because Nature’s Path donates 1% of sales of EnviroKidz products to support endangered species, habitat conservation and environmental education for kids worldwide.

2.     Plant it Forward: Earth Day is a perfect time to work in a garden – whether a community garden or at your home.

3.     Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Kids love getting outdoors and a walk on a trail, in a park or around the neighborhood can connect youngsters to the earth. Make it an adventure with a nature scavenger hunt – give kids a list or pictures to find of trees, flowers and insects.

4.     Pedal Power: Give up driving for a day. Grab some wheels – the ones you pedal – or hoof it around the block, to your local store or playground.

5.     Reuse Art: Create a fun craft table with only reusable items – from packaging, to newspapers to tins and jars – these leftover items can find new and creative uses.

6.     Trash patrol: Armed with reusable bags, kids can do a beach or park clean-up and compete for the most items found (just remember no picking up glass or sharp objects!).

7.     Brainstorm: Kids have great ideas – ask them for ideas on how the family can protect the earth every day – perhaps it is one hour less of electricity or having motor-less Sundays – they may surprise you with their brain power.

8.     Read together: There are so many wonderful books for kids of all ages (such as Dr. Seuss, The Lorax) that have messages about protecting the earth, so grab a blanket, a book and head outside.

9.     Recycle plan: How well does your family recycle? Make a plan to recycle more and set up trash bins for all to participate.

10.   Help save the Koalas! EnviroKidz is giving away a 10 day family trip for four to Australia which includes a chance to cuddle with a koala, visit with koala experts and scientists, plant Eucalyptus trees and more! To enter, look inside your EnviroKidz cereal box for your entry code and visit: http://us.envirokidz.com/contests

By taking just a few minutes to honor Earth Day, your kids will be armed with information and an eagerness to celebrate our planet – ultimately seeding the next generation to value the importance of conservation.

 

My Thoughts

The stores are packed with dozens of cereal choices but its hard to find ones that my kids will eat that aren't filled with artificial ingredients. I didn't really think it was possible to find a natural cereal that didn't taste like card board, but we got a exciting surprise when we tried out Envirokidz. Their cereals have no artificial preservatives and no artificial colors or flavors.  They are made with  whole grains and other all-natural ingredients, and they taste great!

For our review, we got to try out the Peanut Butter & Chocolate Leapin' Lemurs and Envirokidz Chocolate & Koala Crisp.  I told my son this was a healthier brand then the one we usually get. He shrugged, took a mouthful, then looked up at me in shock and said, "Wow, Mom, this actually tastes really good!" If a five-year-old likes it, you know it must taste great. I have to agree that the cereal was awesome. You won't be able to tell the difference between this and the big name brands that are loaded with sugar.  It stayed crispy in the milk and had just the right amount of flavor. Each of my kids wanted a second bowel they liked it so much. And since it made with whole grain and gluten free, I know its good for them.  The cute animals on the boxes make it even more fun.

If you'd like to learn more about Envirokids and all the fantastic products they offer, be sure to visit their website or follow them via social media.

Connect with Envirokidz

Face book        Twitter         Pinterest         Instagram 

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive Free coupons for Envirokidz. To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end on  5/1/16. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Nature's Path for offering this fantastic prize.

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IHOP brings back double-dipped French toast in two new sweet varieties!

 IHOP^® PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THEIR NEWEST GUEST FAVORITE, DOUBLE-DIPPED FRENCH TOAST, IN TWO NEW SWEET VARIETIES!

Sweet Brioche French Toast Coated in Corn Flakes and Oatmeal. Now in Blackberry & Vanilla or Banana Peanut Butter & Chocolate and for a Deliciously Indulgent Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner!

IHOP restaurants are bringing back their newest innovation, Double Dipped French Toast-- soft brioche bread first dipped in vanilla batter, then dipped a second time in a coating of corn flakes and oatmeal and griddled perfectly to a crispy golden-brown, raising the bar for French toast at an affordable price. See this delicious treat by visiting: http://www.ihop.com/about-ihop/tv-commercials

Double Dipped French Toast is yet another example of why America turns to IHOP for breakfast any time of day—and has for over 57 years.  When it was introduced last summer, it became one of our most popular dishes, and guests have been eagerly awaiting its return. And it’s back in two new sweetly indulgent varieties:

• Blackberry & Vanilla – Thick slices of Brioche bread dipped in our vanilla batter, then in cornflakes and oatmeal, griddled, and topped with plump blackberries and drizzled with vanilla sauce.
• Banana, Peanut Butter & Chocolate – Thick slices of Brioche bread dipped in vanilla batter, then in cornflakes and oatmeal, griddled, and topped with sliced fresh bananas, chocolate chips and a drizzle of peanut butter sauce.

“Double-Dipped French Toast became an immediate fan favorite when we introduced it last summer, so it was a natural choice to come back to the menu in two fresh, new flavors, “ said Marie Grimm, Vice President, Menu Development and Innovation, International House of Pancakes, LLC. “The combination of the unique texture of our Double Dipped French Toast with these exciting new ingredients will create even more fans of this terrific treat, perfect for breakfast all day or night!"

Guests can enjoy two slices of hand-crafted Double-Dipped French Toast any time of day as part of a combo with eggs, done the way they like them, their choice of crispy bacon, pork sausage links or a slice of grilled ham, and IHOP restaurants' signature golden hash browns;  or as an entrée stacked three slices high.  

Double Dipped French toast will be available at participating IHOP restaurants between February 15 and April 10, 2016.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES, LLC

For over 57 years, International House of Pancakes, LLC has been a leader and expert in all things breakfast and a leader in family dining. The chain is highly competitive in its menu offering, serving 65 different signature, made-to-order breakfast options as well as meals under 600 calories. Beyond offering "everything you love about breakfast," IHOP® restaurants have a wide selection of popular lunch and dinner items, as well. IHOP restaurants offer guests an affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service. As of September 30, 2015, there were 1,667 IHOP restaurants in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the Philippines, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, Calif.-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its affiliates. International House of Pancakes, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN).

Connect with IHop

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

My Thoughts

I am a big peanut butter lover and I was very excited to try the Banana, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Double Dipped French Toast. I am one of those people who can eat peanut butter by the spoon and couldn't wait to try this.

I liked it. It was weird at first. Not the peanut butter drizzled on it, but the texture of the French toast. It was crispy, not something I am used to. It had like a cornflake and oatmeal layer on it. At first bite, I didn't like it, but I kept eating it and it grew on me. I finished both pieces of the French toast and usually with the more sugary items, I don't finish them because they get too sweet. With this, that didn't seem to happen. The crispy outer shell on the bread and peanut butter blended really well with the sweetness of the chocolate and little bit of syrup I added.

You can get this alone or as a combo. I got it with hash browns, eggs, and 4 sausage links. My meal was very good. I would definitely go back before the special is over and try the French toast again, because I ended up really liking it.