Earlier in the week, I was invited to attend an event hosted by Molly Ringwald and Ragu. The pair have teamed up to promote the ‘Recipe for a Good Start’ contest — a nationwide search for moms and their recipe for giving their kids a good start in life. The winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship for his/her child!! If that isn’t a reason to enter, I don’t know what would be.

Click here to get started.

During the event, several mommy bloggers got to hear Molly talk about why she decided to join Ragu for this initative.

“I might be known for my roles in movies and on TV, but my most important role is being a mom. I am so proud to partner with Ragu to recognize all the special things that parents do to give their kids a good start — like helping them with their homework, encouraging them to play outside and making sure their kids eat their veggies.

Thanks to Ragu, my family gets a delicious, nutritious meal and I get extra time to do the things I know will give my children a good start — like finger painting and family reading time.”

(24/7 Victoria, New York Chica)

(Role Mommy)

After her presentation, we got to make lasagna using no boil noodles (I LOVE THOSE) and Ragu sauce. Here’s the recipe.

Then naturally we were able to sit down and taste our creation. Leading the conversation around the dinner table was Food Network chef Marcela Valladolid. Her show, which films in San Diego, revolves around Mexican cuisine and has been picked up for a second season. Congrats to Marcela!

Are you looking for a few easy to make recipes using Ragu sauce? No problem! They have an entire section dedicated to sharing tips on their website. Click here to check it out.

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Yesterday I was invited to attend a blogger event with Nutella. Confession time: I’ve never tried the spread before because I thought having chocolate for breakfast was a bit indulgent. NEWS FLASH: there is no CHOCOLATE in Nutella! What? All these years I’ve been looking down on those families who enjoyed the tasty treat. For nothing.

That was the first eye opener of the day. Remember when I went to Costa Rica last year with my husband? We were staying in a hotel owned by a couple from Holland. When it was breakfast time, they placed Nutella and bread on the table and I didn’t give it a shot. After yesterday’s meeting, I regretted that decision. I could have been using this product for over a year if I just loosened up a bit. Lesson learned – let’s move on.

Do you have a child who gives you a hard time at breakfast? How about one who doesn’t want to eat whole grains? A tablespoon of Nutella will fix those issues right up.

(24/7 Victoria, Classy Mommy, Next Kid Thing, Complicated Mama)
I was insanely sick yesterday – will post more about that later

Nutella is a tasty unique spread made with quality ingredients, including roasted hazelnuts, skim milk and a hint of cocoa. That’s what makes it look like chocolate. Very deceptive. Made with more than 50 hazelnuts in every jar, Nutella hazelnut spread does not contain any artificial colors or preservatives.

Have a kid who is allergic to peanuts? No problem!! The spread does not contain peanuts or peanut ingredients, nor does the product come in contact with peanuts during manufacturing.

A jar will run you about $3.49. If you go to a LARGER retailer (like Target or Walmart) you might get it for less.

So what do you think? Will you give Nutella a shot? Are you already using the spread?

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Invented by the mother of twins, the Help Yourself Feeding Solution makes mealtimes easier for everyone, whether you are the parent of multiples or not! This ingenious product holds up to 4 baby food containers, making one-handed feedings possible. With no extra bowls or containers to clean after mealtime is over, the HelpYourself Feeding Solution makes tidying up fast and simple. The tray can also be suctioned to a flat surface when your child is ready to feed himself! BPA-Free and Phthalate-Free. $12.99 Found online at www.feedingsolution.com.

*Company sent sample for this review.*

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Mediterranean Munchies: Serves: 1 Total calories: 405

• Spoon 1/2 c store-bought hummus (208) into a bowl
• Add 1 c carrot sticks (45) and 1 c red pepper strips (39)
• Serve with 6 whole wheat crackers (113)

Cheese Lover’s Snack: Serves: 1 Total calories per serving: 400

• Slice 1 oz Cheddar cheese (110) and 1 oz Brie cheese (100)
• Serve with 4 Triscuits, reduced fat (70)
• Enjoy with one 5 oz glass of white or red wine (120)

Sweet Yogurt Treat: Serves: 1 Total calories per serving: 406

• In a bowl, layer one 5.3 oz container fat-free Greek-style yogurt (92)
• Add 1 c blueberries (84)
• Top with 1/2 c low-fat store-bought granola (188)
• Drizzle with 2 tsp honey (42)

Want more options? How about 22 more? Click here to visit Prevention to see their full list.

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For parents who love a little vino as a travel souvenir, here’s an accessory that has your name all over it.  BottleWise is a smart, sturdy, compact luggage must-have to protect your wine bottles. It has wine-sized padded pockets that zip securely and packs neatly inside your regular suitcase. With stricter on-air restrictions, it’s another option to safely pack your fragile keepsake.   Adjustable shoulder strap also makes it easy to carry.   Use over and over again for wine, olive oil or any other liquids.  Prices start at $58 at www.bottlewise.com.  A complimentary sample was submitted for review.

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Parenting Magazine has really outdone itself. They just posted 61 different birthday cakes along with the instructions on how to make them. Can you imagine having a party and whipping one of these bad boys out at the end? Makes my sprinkled cupcakes seem like a waste of time! LOL

Click here and here for the full list. Which one is your favorite?

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