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Johnson & Johnson Donate A Photo App and a Giveaway! #HealthyEssentials

J&JAs an avid couponer, I was really happy to get a booklet full of Johnson & Johnson coupons in my paper last weekend. I’ve grown up using their products. Band-Aid, Listerine, Neosporin, Visine. These are just a few of the Johnson & Johnson products that not only my mom used when I was growing up, but now I use them with my own children.

It’s a brand that I trust and feel good about buying. Not only do I trust their products, I love their commitment to giving back to others. On April 2nd Johnson & Johsnon launched a new free cell phone app called Donate A Photo for both iOS and Android platforms.

It’s such a simple idea, really. Take a photo of just about anything in your daily life. Then, using the Donate A Photo app, upload it  and choose a non-profit group you’d like to support…

  • Save the Children: One photo helps a newborn get medicine to thrive
  • Safe Kids: One photo helps protect a child from sports injury
  • Keep America Beautiful: One photo helps restore a public park


It couldn’t be easier. You can post one photo each day and Johnson & Johnson will donate $1 per photo shared through the Donate A Photo app.*

With no expense to you at all, you can help babies get much needed medicines, help kids play sports safely and fix up a public park. All for just sharing a photo.

I don’t know about you, but I certainly have plenty of photos to share. Last I checked I had over 1,000 photos in my phone. Here’s one I uploaded using the Donate A Photo app…

20130331_105824My Michael. Oh how this photo makes me laugh every time I look at it. Such a good egg. And it does my heart good knowing that sharing this photo will make a difference in someone else’s life.

The donations made using the Donate A Photo app must be made through a mobile device and you can donate up to one photo per day. And while you must use your mobile device to make your donations, you can view the photos online at Donate A Photo.

When a cause reaches its goal, another takes its place. The causes that have reached their goal stay in the app so users can continue to learn more about the organizations and see the photos that helped support them.

Now that spring has finally sprung, this would be a good time to start rooting through your medicine cabinet in order to get rid of all your products that have expired.

And to make it easier to restock with fresh supplies, Johnson & Johnson has coupons for you over at HealthyEssentials.com. Register and you can save on many of your favorite Johnson & Johnson products.

Speaking of products, how would you like to win a box chock-full of full sized Johnson & Johnson products? To enter, comment on this post with your first name, last initial, the state you are from and your favorite Johnson & Johnson product. Entries must be received by May 20, 2013 11:59pm EST. Good luck!

No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the (50) United States and Distict of Columbia, eighteen (18) years of age or older. Sweepstakes ends May 2nd, 2013. Prize(s) provided by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company Division of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. Void where prohibited. 

This is a sponsored post on behalf of The Motherhood and Johnson & Johnson. All opinions are my own.

*Johnson & Johnson has curated a list of trusted causes, and you can donate a photo to one cause, once a day. Each cause will appear in the app until it reaches its goal, or the donation period ends. If the goal isn’t reached, the cause will still get a minimum donation.

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Brunch Featuring Eggland’s Best and an Eggcellent Giveaway!

eggland's best eggsI think I would love breakfast if it was later in the day. Matter of fact, I would like morning better if it was later in the day. That’s why I love brunch.

Brunch is relaxing. Brunch doesn’t care if you don’t eat it until 11am. Brunch does not make you stick with just breakfast foods. Want something savory? How about something sweet? Brunch is a pretty accepting meal.

The entire world should partake in brunch. I think it would be a more peaceful place if everyone started their day with a mimosa and a plate of some brunchy goodness. All after 11am.

crepes with strawberries and NutellaWhen the folks at Eggland’s Best asked if I would share some pics of a brunch featuring their eggs, I said sure thing. I love eggs. Eggs are easy and my kiddos love them too.

And while Eggland’s has all kinds of groovy recipes to inspire you with, I made my own special something for our brunch. Crepes filled with Nutella and strawberries. Chocolate anything in the morning is A-OK with me.

eggland breakfastCrepes filled with Nutella and strawberries makes everyone feel like they are celebrating something. And we are. We are celebrating only having to wash one sink full of dishes. Brunch is pretty wonderful that way too. Only two meals in one day to clean up after. Brunch rocks.

IMG_6729Crepes are so very easy to make. Don’t let the fancy French name fool you. It’s the same as making pancakes, just thinner. And you don’t need some fancy crepe pan no matter what your cookbook or favorite food blog tells you. Use your skillet. And make them big. The bigger they are, the more chocolate they will hold. Truth.

Crepes With Nutella and Strawberries

For the crepe batter:

1 cup flour
1 cup milk
2 Eggland’s Best Eggs
2 Tbsp water
1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 Tbsp butter (for cooking crepes in)

1/2 cup Nutella
1/2 pound strawberries, sliced

Place all the ingredients for the crepe batter (except butter) in a food processor or blender and process just until smooth.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough butter to coat the pan. Pour just enough batter in to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook for 30 seconds on each side.

Once all crepes are cooked, smear Nutella onto the surface of the crepe and top with strawberries. Fold over and serve.

IMG_6678And as decadent as my recipe is, it’s full of some pretty good stuff too. Eggland’s Best Eggs has ten times more vitamin E, double the amount of Omega-3′s, twice the amount of vitamin D and 25% less saturated fat than regular eggs. That’s one fine egg.

And if all of that wasn’t eggciting enough (sorry, couldn’t resist), Eggland’s Best is offering up a brunch giveaway gift package for one of my readers!

One reader will win the most adorable egg shaped cutting board, free Eggland’s Best product coupons, a large porcelain mixing bowl, whisk, reusable grocery bag, coffee mug and a handy dandy scraper.

To enter, comment on this post with your first name, last initial, the state you are from and your favorite egg dish. Entries must be received by Wednesday, April 17th 11:59pm ET. Good luck!

For more information on Eggland’s Best Eggs, you can visit their website, Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.

The Eggland’s Best coupon, information and gift pack for giveaway have been provided by Eggland’s Best. I have received no compensation for this post but they did send the same gift package to me in order to facilitate my post.

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Harvard Sweet Boutique and a Giveaway!

Harvard Sweet BoutiqueOver winter vacation the girls and I drove up to Hudson, MA to visit the Harvard Sweet Boutique. A delightful bakery founded in 2007 by the talented Sue George, Harvard Sweet Boutique has garnered both local and national attention in Coastal Living, the Boston Globe and also on the Rachel Ray Show for their whimsical treats.

cheesecakeUpon entering the bakery, the girls and I noticed all kinds of delicious small bites. Cake balls, individual cheesecakes, pop tarts, whoopies pies and all sorts of sweet treats lined the shelves of the bakery display cases.

We chose a few items to sample and let me tell you, that was no easy task. Getting two young girls and one mom with a serious sweet tooth to come to consensus on baked goods was a real challenge.

But after much debate we made our selections. First up, we sampled an individual chocolate cheesecake. Each of us took a bite and thoughtfully chomped. Shannon and I agreed that it was as a cheesecake should be.

Rich but not overly heavy. Chocolatey and decadent. Leela is not a cheesecake lover. So, Shannon and I eagerly gobbled up her piece.

20130221_132851The next bit of baked goodness we sampled was the Vanilla Sea Salt Caramel Brownie. Holy yumminess. Both girls agreed that this was pretty spectacular, but I’m pretty sure they couldn’t fully appreciate how delectable this was.

Silky vanilla salted caramel sandwiched between a layer of chocolate ganache and a dense chocolate brownie, this was a sweet that I could appreciate. I really didn’t want to share this with the kids. It was that special.

20130221_130959

20130221_132009The Harvard Sweet Boutique has all kids of kid friendly treats, but the girls were most enamored with the cake balls. Especially the ones shaped like sheep. They were so smitten with these sweet little guys that they were reluctant to bite into them.

But after much ooohing and ahhing, they bit into the strawberry cake filled sheep with much giggling and finger licking. I don’t think a crumb was spared.

20130221_131408 The Harvard Sweet Boutique is also known for their signature cakes. With cakes for every occassion such as weddings, birthdays and showers, you are sure to find just the right cake for any special event. Carrot cake, chocolate decadence and lemon raspberry are just a few of their offerings.

I actually purchased a cake for my mother-in-law while I was there. Coincidentally, it was her birthday and she even lives in the same town as the Harvard Sweet Boutique. I picked out a delicious raspberry filled layer cake with buttercream frosting and it was a total hit.

The Harvard Sweet Boutique also offers gluten free options. Cookies, brownies and toffee are all offered in gluten free varieties.

We thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Harvard Sweet Boutique. And I’m so excited to announce that they are offering a giveaway for my readers so that one of you can enjoy a sweet treat of your own.

To enter to win a $30 online credit for the Harvard Sweet Boutique, comment on this post with which treat you’d like to order from their site. Leave your first name, last initial, the state you are from and your choice by Tuesday, March 12th 11:59pm ET. Good luck!

Thank you to the Harvard Sweet Boutique for allowing myself and the girls to come in and sample their baked goods. This is not a sponsored post and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Bootights Review and Giveaway!

BoottightsI often joke that I have a winter uniform. And if you could see how I dress when I go out, you would know it’s true. A top, a skirt, tights and boots. If I were to have a signature style, I guess that would be it.

I look at tights the same way I look at my other accessories. A way to change up an outfit. I especially like patterned tights and tights with loose weaves. The only issues is that my feet don’t usually like them.

My toes often times get wedgies and the bottoms of my feet ache when walking around while wearing patterned tights.

Sometimes we have to be uncomfortable in order to look nice, right? Well, that’s how I felt about my tights. That is, until I tried out my first pair of Bootights.

What are Bootights you ask? Let’s take a look…

Bootights sock

Bootights are part performance sock and part premium tights. An innovative design that allows you to be comfortable while wearing tights. The moisture-wicking sock keeps your feet dry and warm and has added arch support for a contoured fit.

There’s also a control top for a smooth silhouette and a soft Lycra waistband that won’t dig or bind.

No more feet slipping around in boots, no more toe wedgies and no more freezing cold feet during the winter. Fashion and comfort. Who would’ve thunk it?

Bootights come in all kinds of fantastic colors and patterns. So, you are sure to find the perfect pair for any outfit in your closet!

How would you like to win your choice of a pair of Bootights (ARV $30-$40)?

One lucky winner will be able to chose any pair from the current product line. To enter, head on over to Bootights and pick which ones you’d like to win. Then, come on back over here and leave a comment with the pair you’d like, your first name, last initial and the state you are from. Entries must be received by Monday, March 4th 11:59pm ET. Good luck!

I received a free sample of Bootights to facilitate my review. This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts are my own.

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Got Milk Breakfast Blitz and a Giveaway!

Breakfast-Blitz-logo_thumbMy kids start each day with a healthy breakfast and a glass of milk. As you know, milk does the body good. But not all kids start their day with a nutritious breakfast. The Got Milk folks are working towards changing that.

Every milk purchase* you make up until February 17th will help support breakfast programs at local schools when you enter your milk UPC code at the Breakfast Blitz website. For each entry you make, you can vote for a local school breakfast program. The top 250 schools that receive valid votes will receive a $1,000 Fuel Up To Play 60 grant to use towards school breakfast programs.

Not only that, but by entering your milk UPC code you are also entering to win tickets to Super Bowl XLVIII amongst other prizes like free milk for a year and a $200 NFL.com gift card!

BB Giveaway image Final-1 (2)But that’s not all! The Got Milk folks are also offering a giveaway for my readers. A gift basket full of cool prizes which include:

    • A super cute spilt milk bowl
    • Spoon straw
    • Tackle your day challenge chart
    • Milk mustache magnet
    • Cow slippers
    • Milk mustache glasses
    • Breakfast Project recipe cards

To enter, comment on this post by leaving your first name, last initial and the state you are from. Entries must be received by Friday, February 22nd 11:59pm ET. Good luck!

* No milk purchase necessary. See rules for official details and enter here.

This is a sponsored post for The Motherhood on behalf of Got Milk. All opinions are my own.

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Felix Doolittle, An Exquisite Giveaway!

felix dolittleI have a secret addiction. Want to know what it is? Beautiful writing paper. There is something very luxurious about quality writing paper. It makes me happy.

It also makes me want to write more often. Far too often I find myself relying on email to communicate with my family and friends. That said, I truly feel that taking the extra time to write out your thoughts on paper, tucking it into an envelope and sticking a stamp on it makes any message that much more beautiful. Don’t you agree?

Enter Felix Doolittle.

Felix Doolittle is a Massachusetts based luxury stationer. What makes their paper so special? It’s all in the details. Heavy weight paper, gorgeous whimsical designs and exquisite packaging. All the things I love about fine stationery.

Recently I had the opportunity to tour their facility and I also had the chance to meet Felix. Felix is the artist behind the lovely graphics that make Felix Doolittle designs so special. He took me on a tour from design to finished product and I was amazed at how much care they take with each and every step of production.

Having been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple Magazine and The Martha Stewart Show (just to name a few), Felix Doolittle is being recognized for producing a quality product. A product that has people hunting for their favorite ballpoint pens and blowing dust off their rolls of stamps.

Felix Doolittle has graciously offered a lovely giveaway for my readers. A box of their Petite Love Notes and a box of Personal Calling Cards.

The Petite Love Notes make wonderful Valentines, but they are also perfect tucked into your child’s lunchbox or your honey’s coat pocket. The perfect way to make sure your loved ones feel even a little more special any day of the year. Love notes make everyone happy.

felix doolittleThe Personal Calling Cards are in my opinion statement cards. When you pass these out to a new acquaintance, they are going to remember you. With many designs to choose from, you can customize the cards to speak to who you are. As you can see, I think I’m a macaron. And I am totally happy with that.

To enter this giveaway, go on over to the Felix Doolittle website and tell me which design you’d choose for your own Personal Calling Cards. Comment on this post with your favorite design, your first name, last initial and the state you are from. Entries must be received by Friday, February 15th 11:59pm ET. Good luck!

Felix Doolittle is offering my readers a 15% discount site wide. Be sure to enter the code MIDDLE15 at checkout to receive your discount.

This is not a sponsored post. Felix Doolittle did send me the products you see above to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

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Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust Game Day Giveaway!

PB_HUBGUIDElevel_RecipeHERO_grilledsausageThe Super Bowl is fast approaching. Have you started to think about your game day menu? The folks at Pillsbury want to give you a hand. Check out the Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain….

PillsburyArtisanMade with 16 grams of whole grain, it’s a quick and easy option to make a healthful snack all of your guests can enjoy.

Quick, convenient and completely customizable, the new Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain will help you add that extra pizzazz to any football party.

Plus, with the health benefits of whole grain, it’s a guaranteed touchdown!

A veggie pizza, personal calzones or how about a make your own pizza station? Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain is a sure winner no matter who the victor is on game day! Pillsbury even has recipes to share with you to make your game day menu a real hit!

BigGamePrizePackThe folks at Pillsbury have a fun giveaway package for Melanie In The Middle readers. A free product coupon for a Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain, a pizza pan, cutter and the cutest football shaped cutting board I’ve ever seen.

To enter, comment on this post by leaving your first name, last initial, the state you are from and your favorite game day snack. Entries must be received by Wednesday, January 30th 11:59pm ET.

Be sure to visit Pillsbury for recipes and a high value coupon for Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain!

The product gift pack, information and additional prize pack for giveaway have been provided by Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Brookside Chocolate and a Giveaway!

brookside chocolateWhen the UPS guy comes to the door it’s always a good thing. Who doesn’t like to get packages in the mail? But this past week I got a very special box. A box that was filled with one of my very favorite things. Chocolate.

But this isn’t just any type of chocolate. Nope, it’s Brookside Chocolate. Exotic fruit juices enrobed in rich dark chocolate. Just enough sweet to satisfy with flavors that appeal to my adult palate. I promptly hid the bags in the back of my pantry, hoping the kids wouldn’t smell the chocolate on my breath. Sorry kids, these are for Mama.

IMG_7386Brookside Chocolates come in three unique varieties. Dark Chocolate Acai with Blueberry, Dark Chocolate Pomegranate and Dark Chocolate Goji with Raspberry.

The Dark Chocolate Acai with Blueberry was the first to go. That was my favorite. Paired with a glass of wine, it’s the perfect end to any day. I took a few nibbles of the other flavors and they too were wonderful. I’m just keeping them in hiding for those nights when I feel like I need a little pick me up. We all need pick me ups, don’t we?

The folks at Brookside were so very wonderful to send a tasting kit of their chocolates. Tucked in the box were other fun items for an enjoyable chocolate tasting experience.

But their generosity doesn’t stop there. They would like to offer one of my readers a tasting kit too. Included in the prize are all three Brookside Chocolate varieties, two Crate and Barrel glasses, a cheese board and knife, three cup server and a $30 American Express gift card!

To enter, comment on this post with your first name, last initial, the state you are from and which Brookside Chocolate variety you’d like to try. Entries must be received by Friday, January 18th 11:59pm ET. Good luck!

This is not a compensated post. I did receive a complimentary tasting kit for my review. All opinions are my own.

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Arianna Skincare Review and Giveaway

As a blogger, I get to review lots of interesting and innovative products, but today I get to share with you one of my indulgences…

Now that I’m 42, I’m paying attention to how I care for my skin. Most of my life I’ve been a swimmer and a sunbather. I’ve never paid much attention to sunscreens and skin products. I just expected my skin to roll with the punches. I am from Mediterranean descent after all. I’m supposed to age gracefully, ahem.

But the truth of the matter is that my skin gets quite dry and I need a little help keeping it looking its best.

I discovered a store in Boston called Arianna. Arianna is a skincare company founded by a lady named Miri Torres. Miri is from Israel and she struggled with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma which left her body in all states of disrepair.

To help heal her skin, Miri developed a skincare line that uses Dead Sea minerals. Miri found that her skin improved dramatically by taking advantage of Dead Sea minerals and formulated a product line which includes cleansers, moisturizers, bath products and makeup.

In 2007 Miri launched her product line in the United States with the desire to help people care for their skin with products made with the nutritive Dead Sea minerals that made such a difference with Miri’s own healing.

I’ve been using their Ultra Exfoliating Body Treatment and the Ultra Rich Mineral Body Butter. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love these products.

Seriously, how often do I gush over anything? I’m gushing over this. My skin not only feels like silk after exfoliating and moisturizing, but I smell like I’ve spent the day at the spa. And even if I wash my hands a bunch of times throughout the day, they still feel soft and buttery. Arianna products are incredible.

Currently you can find Arianna products in Boston, Martha’s Vineyard or Newport, Rhode Island. But if you are out of state, don’t fret. You can find their products online too.

I’m thrilled to announce that Arianna is providing an incredible giveaway for one lucky Melanie In The Middle reader. They have put together a gift basket with my favorite products! Here’s what’s in the giveaway:

Hydrating Mineral Body Lotion (ARV $59)
Intensive Mineral Foot Treatment (ARV $69)
Exfoliating Shower Milk Refiner (ARV $69)
Ultra Exfoliating Body Treatment (ARV $90)
Ultra Rich Mineral Body Butter (ARV $80)

An amazing collection of products with a retail value of $367! I’m so excited to offer this giveaway opportunity!

The timing couldn’t be better now that we are entering that time of year when our skin really takes a beating. To enter this giveaway, leave your first name, last initial, the state you are from and which product from the giveaway basket you are most eager to try.

Entries must be received by Thursday, December 20th 11:59pm ET. Good luck!

For more information on Arianna, be sure to visit their website and their Facebook page.

Arianna provided me with several of their products to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own. And I big puffy heart love their stuff. Two thumbs up.

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California Wine Club Giveaway!

As I shared with you last month, I’ve been enjoying a membership with The California Wine Club. A club that focuses on the very best bottles of wine produced by smaller family owned wineries.

Bruce and Pam Boring, the founders of The California Wine Club, started their business because they were frustrated with trying to figure out which bottles of wine were truly good amongst all of the pretty labels they saw on the shelves. And I have to admit, I’ve struggled with the same problem.

They much preferred receiving recommendations from friends which is a pretty reliable way to go. So, they set out to visit local wineries in California in order to find quality wines that they could confidently offer to their customers.

My latest shipment included two bottles of wine. One white and one red. Here’s a little bit of info on each..

Daniel Gehrs Chenin Blanc:

A dry white wine from Santa Barbara County, this multiple award winner Chenin Blanc exhibits the flavors of pear, quince, wild flowers and golden honey. A complex elixir that retains its refreshing vitality while gaining roundness and viscosity.

Daniel Gehrs Merlot 

This Merlot is distinguished by a smooth palate framed by easy tannins, a juicy fruit driven flavor and an aroma profile of black cherries, raspberries and warm tanned leather with hints of cranberry and blueberry. Delicious by itself or with most meat dishes, this wine can age in the bottle 4-5 years.

Earlier this week I enjoyed the Merlot. It was delicious. I’m not educated enough to pick out the fine notes of the assorted fruits, but I do recognize a good wine when I taste it. Usually I go for the wines that are heavy on the tannins, and while this wine was lighter, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s got a real full bodied taste that went really well with our meal of beef. I was sorry when it was gone.

I’m not a white drinker and I’m saving that bottle for when I have friends over who do enjoy white. The bottle has award winning stickers all over it which is a very good sign.

My wine club membership has been a really enjoyable experience. Receiving bottles of wine that have been carefully vetted out has taken the guess work out of the whole wine buying process.

The California Wine Club has several membership levels. If you enjoy wine, then I’d suggest checking it out. It would also be the perfect holiday gift for that someone in your life who is impossible to shop for.

How would you like to win two bottles of wine from The California Wine Club? In order to enter, you must be at least 21 years of age and this giveaway is void where prohibited. 

To enter, comment on this post with your first name, last initial and the state you are from. Entries must be received by Friday, December 14th 11:59pm ET. Good luck!

This review opportunity was provided to me via Mom Spark Media. I was given a two month membership free of charge in order to facilitate my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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