The Big Fat Juicy Tomato Event at Winn Dixie - #WDBlogger

Disclosure:

This post was created in partnership with Winn Dixie. I have bene compensated in exchange for this post.

I bet you've never had a summer picnic or dined alfresco without tomatoes. Winn-Dixie knows that.  That's why they're celebrating the season of tomatoes with THE BIG FAT TOMATO EVENT.

Is it a vegetable?  Is it a fruit?  Actually it's Both, so that makes them double good!  And they're red which just conjures up thoughts of the 4th of July!  Tomatoes don't just taste good, they bring a punch of color to a plate of food for extra delicious eye appeal.

In honor of the often overlook fruit/vegetable I've come up with a couple of simple go to recipes for those busy summer days

My first step was to head to Winn-Dixie to take advantage of the great tomato deals. 

I not only picked up some fresh ripe on the vine tomatoes in the produce section, I headed over to the can goods and took advantage of the BOGO Free deals.  I not one to ever pass up free.  Looks like a lot of other people had the same idea.

Lucky me!  Even the grits were BOGO Free!! 

The 1st recipe is this Chilled Herbed Tomato Salad.  You'll cool off 10 degrees just by eating it.

This is the simplest recipe ever.

Now lets try something a little warmer.

Recipe #2 is a southern tradition - Southern Grilled Tomato Cheddar Grits.  We love our grits for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  This recipe is especially good when served with fried fish.

Grits are so filling not to mention inexpensive, yet you'll find them in the finest restaurants in the south.  Tomatoes add an extra zing and dress them up a bit too.

I like my recipes nice and easy and this is another example of that.

Tomatoes are delicious, nutritious and versatile. Their beautiful colors and lively flavors can be found in soups, salads, sauces and sandwiches all over the world. Tomatoes are kind of a big deal. And a fat and juicy deal, too. That’s why Winn-Dixie decided it was about time the tomato was honored with an event that’s equally as amazing.

This is the season for the Big Fat Juicy Tomato so get them while you can at your local Winn-Dixie.  Whether you like them fruity and sweet or tart and tangy, there's no substitute for ripe, juicy, in-season tomatoes.

• Peak Tomato Season: June through September.
• Look For: Fragrant tomatoes that are firm, richly colored and heavy for their size.
• Store: In a single layer at room temperature. Use within a few days.

Check out this page for even more tomato facts: Winn-Dixie's Big Fat Juicy Tomato Event

Wishing y'all good eatin'...

Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you.  Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.

~ Genesis 9:3

Quick & Easy Patriotic Projects & Recipes

I've gathered 10 diy projects from Pinterest to add a little red, white & blue to your Memorial Day celebration.

I made sure to look for quick and easy projects and recipes, so lets get to it.

This idea came from 1-800-Flowers.com

Love this super easy table runner from Domestically Speaking.

Misty at The Creative Itch Boutique brilliantly came up with spray painting white doilies for this cute garland.

Nothing says U.S.A. more than watermelon stars! You'll find a plethora of ideas over at Kara's Party Ideas.

More from Kara's Party Ideas - candy filled gumball tubes.

These chalk firecracker party favors from Dollar Store Crafts will dress up the table and put a smile on the kids faces.

What's more summery than strawberries & blueberries?  The Wannabe Chef has the recipe for these yummy little gems.

It wouldn't be much of a summer celebration without some red, white & blue ice pops.  See how to make them at My Recipes.

Greet your guest with this easy to make patriotic rag wreath from Lucy's Lamp Shade.

You can never have too many Garlands, like this one from Jessica Wilson over at Makezine.

I spent Saturday working outside on the house. Since chores are done it's time for us to head to the beach and catch some rays.  I hope y'all are doing something fun today too.

Catch y'all later...

 

My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

~Psalm 101:6

Cheerios BOGO Free Coupon

Disclosure:  I received no compensation for this post from MyBlogSpark. 

Cheerios wants you to celebrate their first-ever Big Game commercial spot!

The Big Game may be over but the it's not too late to get a great deal on 
Cheerios cereal with this exclusive Cheerios Buy One!

Cheerios is is also partnering with a non-profit organization called The Family Dinner Project to bring you The Family Breakfast Project, which provides tips, recipes and activities to help families connect over breakfast.   This limited time coupon will start you out on your own experiment with the Family Breakfast Project recipes and activities.  The coupon is valid for a short time, only until February 15th, and limited to only one million first come first served respondents.  You can download it here, and be sure to share with your friends as well. Stop by  Cheerios.com to join the Family Breakfast Project or to watch the commercial!  Which is so cute! The coupon is valid only until February 15th, and limited to only one million first come first served respondents – download it here, and be sure to share with your friends as well. Be sure to visit Cheerios.com to join the Family Breakfast Project, or to watch the commercial!

Hugs Y'all...

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

                                                                                                                        ~Proverbs 22:6 

KissMe Organics Matcha Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Disclosure: I received this product from Tomoson Review Network to facilitate my review.  All opinions are, as always 100% my own.

Have you ever heard of Matcha?  No, well you're not alone, neither had I.  What I have heard of is green tea and how beneficial it is for you.  Bet you've heard about that right.

You don't have to be a fitness junkie to know about green tea, because it's well talked about in media everywhere.  Basically that's what Matcha is - it's culinary grade green tea powder.  When Tomoson approached me about reviewing Kiss Me Organics Matcha two thoughts ran through my head.

1. I've been wanting to find a way to up my energy level.
2. I don't drink a lot of hot tea and I don't like thick drinks.

Sounds like a catch 22 - doesn't it?

Well there were just too many benefits to not say yes.  Keep reading, I'll tell you a little more about the health benefits in a moment.

Lately I've been telling you about how I like to make Orange Smoothies, aka Orange Julius' for Neil and me at night.   They're so good and I thought maybe just a bit better for us than a milkshake or coke.

Well Matcha turned my Orange Julius into a Green Julius, but I still got the same great taste.  Matcha is a very fine green tea powder.  It's basically the green tea leaf.  One little teaspoon per drink is all it takes.  Since I was making enough for two, I used 2 teaspoons.  One cup of Matcha (using 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) is the equivalent of drinking 10 cups of regular green tea!  Can you image all that in 1 teaspoon!

Just take a look at all the benefits:

• All Day Energy
• Metabolism Boost
• Increase Focus
• Improve Skin Health
• 137X Antioxidants of Brewed Green Tea

You can create everything from Matcha Lattes, Cupcakes and Smoothies to Matcha Curry, Pizza, Waffles, and Mojitos.  KissMe Organics has a recipe for it all so in their recipe book to help you add a little Matcha flavor whenever you desire.  

It's easier than you thought, and me too, to add green tea to your daily diet.  Now that I know how easy it is, I'll be adding it to my diet everyday.  It makes me feel better just knowing that I'm taking positive steps to increase my energy naturally with our the jittery effects and crash from caffeine. 

Find many more matcha recipes at www.KissMeOrganics.com/Matcha-Recipe-Guide.php.

You can purchase your own KissMe Organics Organic Green Tea Matcha from Amazon at:

Matcha Green Tea Powder – ORGANIC – Exclusive to Amazon – Green Tea Lattes At Home – Smoothies – Matcha Baking Recipes – All Day Energy – Superior Antioxidant Content – Improved Hair & Skin Health

For more information on KissMe Organics, please visit: http://kissmeorganics.com/

Why not bring a little KissMe into your life as well?

Have a happy, healthy and energetic day y'all...

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Making Homestyle Muffins The Easy Way

Craving homemade muffins but you don't have the time to make them?  I can help you with that.  This easy little trick will have everyone thinking you've been sweltering away in the kitchen.

Buy any muffin mix and follow the directions on the package. I'm know what you're thinking - Duh!! '

For this one I used Betty Crocker's Banana Nut Muffin Mix. The directions are so easy.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add 1/2 cup of water to mix and stir until moistened.  Spoon into muffin cups.

Here's the homemade part.  Using the recipe below make your crumb topping and top each muffin. Bake for 16-21 minutes.

Here's the recipe.

After plating the muffins walk tiredly to the room where your love one's are and share your hard work with them.  Oh' and for a little drama, I suggest sprinkling a little water on your forehead.  hee-hee.

Wanting more treats?  Click HERE to see my Watermelon Rice Krispie Treats.

Good Eatin' Y'all...

Vote For Eggland's Best Chief Egg Officer

This past May, Eggland's Best launched a contest to find their first-ever "CEO" (Chief Egg Officer) and today they are revealing their top 12 Semi-Finalists!

You and your readers can learn more about the 12 Semi-Finalists and vote for your favorite candidate on the Eggland's Best website until September 30th.

Your vote is important, as these 12 egg-ceptional talents are vying for the honorary title of "Chief Egg Officer," a $5,000 Grand Prize and a year's supply of Eggland's Best eggs, which are nutritionally superior to ordinary eggs.

The 12 Semi-Finalists include:

1. Melanie P. of New Jersey
2. Cheryl S. of Maryland
3. Jackie B. of North Carolina
4. Theresa A. of Indiana
5. Jean F. of North Carolina
6. Karen P. of Alabama
7. Carey Anne D. of Ohio
8. Melinda G. of Utah
9. Warren R. of Maryland
10. Debra H. of New Hampshire
11. Jessica R. of Florida
12. Monica S. of Illinois

Visit the Eggland's Best website on October 28th when Eggland's Best will reveal the top three Finalists for a final round of voting, which will come to a close on November 17th.

The Grand Prize winner will be announced on December 9th and although the two runners-up won't receive the honorary title of "Chief Egg Officer", each will receive a six-month supply of Eggland's Best eggs and a $500 cash prize.

Learn more about Eggland's Best and the Eggland's Best "Chief Egg Officer Search" Contest with the resources below:

Eggland's Best Website: www.egglandsbest.com 

Eggland's Best on Facebook: www.facebook.com/egglandsbesteggs 

Eggland's Best on Twitter: www.twitter.com/egglandsbest 

Eggland's Best Chief Egg Officer Contest: www.egglandsbest.com/chiefeggofficer 

Eggland's Best Chief Egg Officer Official Contest Rules:www.egglandsbest.com/chiefeggofficer/rules   

Have a great day y'all...

Let Suddenly Salad Help Make Your 4th of July a Blast

Disclosure:  The information has been provided by #General Mills through #MyBlogSpark.  All opinions are my own.

One of the first things that comes to mind when talking about the 4th of July is food.  There's always a cookout or other celebration that includes food on that day.  Being the chief cook in my house means I prepare all the side dishes for cookouts too.  The last thing I want to do is work hard on a holiday.  So I'll be working smart instead.

That's where Suddenly Salad comes in.  By using quick and easy stir-ins, Suddenly Salad can be whatever you make.  Such as a simple side dish like this Greek Tossed Pasta Salad:

See the recipe HERE.

Or the star of the backyard BBQ like this Red, White and Blue Salad:

See the recipe HERE.

Or even a crowd pleasing main course like this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Salad:

See the recipe HERE.

With seven delicious flavors, there's a Suddenly Salad mix for everyone and for any occasion.  So keep beat the heat of the kitchen by following the simple instructions on a box of Suddenly Salad.  You can even visit their website at SuddenlySalad.com for more delicious recipes.

Betty Crocker Newsletter: Sign Up For Free Coupons,Samples, Recipes and More!

Summer's here with lots of celebrations that call for grilling out and special recipes.  Head over to Betty Crocker to sign up for the FREE Betty Crocker Newsletter.  You'll get access to free samples, the newest coupons, recipes and more!!

Click HERE to sign up today!