Made in Nature Organic Dried Fruit Review & Giveaway (2 winners)

I have a confession. I'm not a fruit lover. I'm very particular when it comes to fruit texture. Oddly enough I prefer to eat fruit dried over fresh. I received some samples of Made in Nature Organic dried fruit in Bananas, Cranberries and Black Mission Figs. Made in Nature organic fruit has no added sugar, are non-GMO, nut-free and are unsulfered. I don't think you can get more natural than that! 

I tried the bananas first. They aren't the prettiest looking things, but boy do they taste amazing. I felt like I could eat them like candy. The texture was so chewy and I just loved how naturally sweet they were. The cranberries were nothing like what I am used to from the usual brand I use. Apparently I have been buying the wrong kind for years. Oh boy, the cranberries were perfectly sweet-tart and packed with flavor. I admit, I wasn't too thrilled about the figs. I went for it. You know what? They were actually very good-- surprisingly sweet with a chewy texture. I browsed the Made in Nature site and didn't realize how many recipes you can add dried fruit into.

Eating dried fruit is a very good option for me since my body is in need of the extra potassium and fiber. My husband really enjoyed snacking on all of the varieties of dried fruit with organic pecans. They keep him energized during the workday and I feel good that he's eating something really healthy, without added sugar. We look forward to trying some of the other fruit varieties, especially the apricots, apples and plums. As a matter of fact, I think the plums or apricots would be amazing in a zesty lamb or beef stew.

Giveaway: Two lucky Mom Files readers will win a gift pack including three varieties of Made in Nature Organic dried fruit in Bananas, Cranberries and Black Mission Figs. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on July 11, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. Two winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

I received product samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

Coca-Cola Give a Ball Program during FIFA World Cup (ends July 13)

Unless you either don't own a television or have no Internet access, it's almost inevitable you have been hearing all the FIFA World Cup talk everywhere. Whether I have attended gatherings, shopped for groceries or waved to a neighbor, it seems everyone is really into the sport. We have caught as many matches as we have been able to and I confess, there is so much excitement involved! 

I wanted to share the latest initiative by Coca-Cola in the spirit of the FIFA World Cup.  Coke has partnered with superstar DaMarcus Beasley to promote the passion and benefits of soccer to youth. In the age of video games, smart phones and recorded shows, it is so important to get out and be active. Summertime is the perfect time for families to go outside and kick a soccer ball around. Making a competition out of it can make it even more fun while working out your entire body. I'm sure the kids won't miss the electronics at all! 

You can help bring soccer to schools across the country. Beasley and Coca-Cola are inviting fans who purchase a product to donate a soccer ball to a school of their choice. Now through July 13, 2014, you can visit www.coke.com/soccer and enter a participating Coca-Cola product code to make the donation. Participants can also enter to instantly win prizes and download “The World Is Ours,” Coca-Cola’s song for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ campaign.

I have some points in my My Coke Rewards account that I used to play the instant win game. You get up to 5 chances per day and of course, you have to be in it to win it. Check it out if you can and remember, the last day to enter points to donate a ball to your school of choice ends on July 13, 2014.

Thanks for reading and please pass on the word!

I received promotional items as a thank you for spreading the word about the Coke Give a Ball campaign. All opinions are my own. 

Spoil your dog with Milo’s Kitchen® dog treats & $25 GC Giveaway

The Milo’s Kitchen® dog treats, gift cards, and information have been provided by Milo’s Kitchen®. All opinions are my own. 

Ever since we got our new family dog, life has been crazy. We are working on training Rocco and it has been a trying experience. One great way to reward him for good behavior is with a tasty treat. I have been really particular about Rocco's food and treats and make sure that they are made in the U.S.A. only. Luckily, Milo's Kitchen home-style dog treats are not only made in the U.S., they are irresistible to dogs. These treats are made of real chicken or beef as the #1 ingredient, and no artificial flavors and colors.  

Rocco LOVES Milo's Kitchen treats. He gobbles them up and begs for more. They have been a perfect addition to our training regimen. 

Each recipe is carefully prepared to bring out all the flavors your dog loves. Milo’s Kitchen makes a unique line of mouthwatering varieties for your dog including: Chicken Meatballs, Beef Sausage Slices with Rice, Steak Grillers Recipe, Chicken Grillers Recipe, Grilled Burger Bites, and Chicken Jerky Recipe.

Milo’s Kitchen® Home-style Dog Treats believes dogs deserve treats made with the same quality of ingredients and care that you want for your food. That’s why they made a treat truck just for dogs!

The treat truck will be rolling through different cities from June 27-August 24. Be sure to see if they will be stopping near your location! If you visit, be sure to use the hashtag #MKTreatTruck to include with your social media photo posts.

Giveaway: One luck Mom Files reader will win a gift pack of 3 varieties of Milo's Kitchen dog treats and a $25 Visa gift card to spoil your pup with more goodies. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on July 16, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Easy Recipe-- Mini Cheesecakes

If you love cheesecake, are pressed for time or feel like you are a baking-dummy, this recipe is for you. It requires so few ingredients and bakes up in just 20 minutes. 

Ingredients:
2 8-ounce packs of cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla or almond extract
12 vanilla wafers
Fresh fruit or topping of your choice

To make:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tins with 12 paper cups and place one vanilla wafer in the bottom of each cup. Blend cream cheese with a hand mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and beat until mixed. Add eggs, one at a time until well incorporated and then vanilla extract. Fill each cup with cheesecake mixture. Bake for 20 minutes and let sit out on a cooling rack in the muffin pan for about 20-30 minutes. Transfer pans in to refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours. Overnight is best.

These mini cheesecakes are delicious with fresh berries and are great for portion control. You can double the recipe for parties.  It's so easy and absolutely delicious.  I have been making them for 20 years now! It's a family favorite. Let me know if you try this recipe. Enjoy :) 

Give Back summer initiative with Macy's and Reading is Fundamental

WHAT:  Macy’s and Reading Is Fundamental invite you to spark a child’s imagination this summer.

WHEN: From June 18 through July 13, customers can give $3 at any Macy’s register in-store to help provide a book for a child in their community.      

GIVE BACK: Macy’s will donate 100 percent of every $3 to RIF, and customers will receive a coupon for $10 off an in-store purchase of $30 or more.

MORE: Since 2004, Macy's has given over 10 million books and helped to raise nearly $30 million for RIF. Learn more at macys.com/RIF