Search This Blog

Friends & Followers

Blog Archive

My Blog List

Contact US:

Name

Email *

Message *

Monday, January 30, 2012

Cook’n Recipe Organizer Review & Giveaway


What is Cook’n?
"Cook'n is an amazing tool for moms and their families. With Cook'n you can enter & organize all of your personal recipes, create meal plans, make shopping lists, print family cookbooks, analyze nutrition, easily scale recipes, and more. With the newest version, you can search for and find the best recipes on the internet using the Cook'n Recipe Browser.  When you find one you like, simply click CAPTURE and it will automatically import it into Cook'n in seconds.  The software is helping families stay organized, save money, eat healthier, and enjoy more home-cooked meals."

What the Cook’n Recipe Organizer Can Do For You

  • Find the Best Recipes on the Internet
  • Capture and Save Internet Recipes
  • Enter Your Own Personal Recipes
  • Sync Recipes with iPhone, iPad, & Android
  • Print a Family Cookbook
  • Analyze Nutritional Values
  • Make Menus, Shopping Lists & More!
  • Get Free Cookbook with Purchase
Watch the video below to learn more about the Cook’n software.

My Review
When I first got my laptop, I instantly was online looking for recipes. I needed new ideas for my growing kids to eat. I didn’t want to get them used to eating the same thing every week. I was on a MAJOR hunt. So now, I have 4 binders full of recipes along with like a million books. I have a million recipe cards, along with the same amount of magazine pages that I’ve torn out.
I thought I would try and organize it all, but it just wasn’t working. I bought binders, sheet dividers, and tab dividers. I labeled each one- drinks, breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner, and desserts. I ended up with so many that I had to get a binder for each different label. This wasn’t that organized though. I still had problems finding what I needed to find.
I was hoping to find a software that would help me keep track of all the recipes I was using because half the time, I wouldn’t remember that I had it, and would waste ink re-printing a recipe that I already had. This is how my grandma also ended up with a million recipe binders. =)      I don’t have to waste that ink now though, Cook’n is better than I could have ever imagined A recipe software to be.
Do you know how hard it is to keep all this organized though? Really hard. I can bookmark a page in the binder or book, but soon forget which book or binder it was in and have to search for it all over again. This was driving me crazy. I could never keep anything in just one place, because there was so much.
My cluttered nightmare is no longer an issue now that I have Cook’n. It is more than I ever wished in a Recipe Organizer.
It comes with one cookbook, that has TONS of recipes.
Appetizers
Beverages
Breads
Soups and Stews
Salads
Main Dishes
Side Dishes
Sweets and Desserts
Breakfast
Glossary
and you can buy more cookbooks, and they are all very cheap
=)



Search the internet- I have found recipes online a million times and then never be able to find it again. I wouldn’t be able to find the EXACT recipe. Other’s like it, but not the same one. With Cook’n you can type in a recipe from the main page and search the internet. It then shows 10-12 different pages with 10-15 recipes on each page. You can search through and find the recipe you like best and then capture it. [Just click the Capture button at the top of the Cook’n Software] It then saves it right into your software.
It then allows you to place the recipe into the Category you want it to be in.. [beverages, Main Dishes, Appetizers..] It doesn’t just save the ingredients. It saves EVERYTHING. It saves prep time, cook time, serving size, directions, and also nutrition information. Then you can save and view it. It then shows you your source for the recipe at the bottom of the page (so you know where you got it).
I also love how it let’s you search the internet for items that you already have in your house. You just enter what ingredients you already have and it searches the internet for your keywords, then you can narrow it down to find what fit’s perfectly for your family.
Cook'n Search
I haven’t yet discovered everything on the software yet. There are so many features and so many fun ways to discover something new. I hadn’t even heard of most of the recipes that come with the software. My family has enjoyed so many of these recipes, that I know we will keep them in our monthly menu’s.
Menu Making is no longer a problem for me. I had millions of pieces of paper laying around with grocery lists, and new recipes I wanted to try. More than likely they all ended up lost in my million papers that need filing. I’m not going to lie, I am unorganized. That’s why getting organized is one of my New Year’s Resolutions this year. I desperately need a filing cabinet for everything. Cook’n just made one less filing cabinet though. I was going to get a small one to put in the kitchen under the cabinet, but not anymore.
I love the way they let you choose your own templates for recipes. You can leave it the way it is, or juice it up. I wanted to leave mine blank because I don’t want to spend a fortune printing stuff, but I love that I can change it if I want.  I am planning on making everyone in my family a recipe binder this year, and want to make it colorful and fun. I will be using templates on theirs.
I love it, and I know you will also. This is making TONS of mom’s more sane, have more free time, and more time to experience other things besides spending hours on weekly/monthly menu plans.
I could go on and on about it, but I know you want to WIN one, right? So, I’ll get to it.
Disclosure: This isn’t a sponsored post. I wasn’t compensated for this review. I did receive products in exchange for an honest review.
I want to thank DVO for working with Made.By.Jess.

~~~WIN IT~~~ Prize:
  • One winner will receive their own Cook’n Version 10 Software!  {$99.95}  Available for PC and Mac
Open to Worldwide. This will be a part of my Valentine's Giveaway
Thanks, Jess

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Sponsor Spotlight: The Poem Lady (From Our Hearts to Yours Giveaway Hop)

 

 

Sponsor for:

The Poem Lady
Writes Personalized Poems for You

photo of a mother and her children

My name is Jill and I am the poem lady.

I write poems for...

  • baby showers
  • bridal showers
  • bar mitzvah candle lighting ceremonies(sample)
  • anniversaries (sample)
  • office going away parties
  • various special occasions
  • invitations
  • thank you notes
  • If you need a personalized poem for any of the special occasions in your life, contact me using the poem lady custom poem form below.

    Sample of her work:

    A Poem for Blake

    I recall this Valentine’s Day how we first met

    It was a day I for one will never forget

    With my mom at a table, you walked right on passed

    It was California Adventure and you winked at me fast

    Being the shy one, for me it was hard

    So my mom wrote my number on her business card

    When we are together, time just flies by

    I am always smiling and it’s no wonder why

    I love the time we spend at the beach,

    That the shooting range is always in reach,

    I love the Blue Bayou and Mr. Stocks as you know,

    The Summit House and all the places we go

    Catalina Island via helicopter ride

    I couldn’t make the boat no matter how I tried

    But one of my fondest memories still

    Was a romantic night that was truly a thrill

    The rooftop at Disneyland for the fireworks show

    I fall more in love each place that we go

    After being together for one and a half years

    I love you so much it can bring me to tears

    Each time that we kiss I get butterflies

    When you make me laugh I get tears in my eyes

    You know all of me, even what goes on inside

    Yet when you touch my hand it’s like a roller coaster ride

    Each day that passes, more memories we make

    And I treasure each moment I share with you Blake

    I am so happy you are spending this time with your Panda

    I love you completely, your sweetheart, Amanda

     

    Connect with Jill, The Poem Lady
    Twitter: @jillthepoemlady
    Blog: http://askjillthepoemlady.wordpress.com
    Website: http:/www.thepoemlady.com

    Come back Feb. 1- 14th for a chance to win a personalized poem from Jill.

    Thanks,

    Jessica

    Mommy and We Zoobies Blanket Pets™ Review and Giveaway



    Zoobies Blanket Pets™ Review and Giveaway
    Hosted by Mommy and We
    Last week, I received a Zoobies Blanket Pet to review. What is a Zoobie? It's a pet that has a blanket inside it! Plush toy, pillow and blanket all in one to be exact. I received Tama the Tortoise. How awesome, considering I LOVE turtles! (Did I mention my first tattoo was of a turtle?!?) It came via UPS while the kiddos were in school. I played with it all by myself for awhile but had a hard time putting the blanket back in...Little did I know, if I'd just actually looked at it instead of playing with it, there was instructions (imagine that) on it's tag! Wow! teehee Then it was actually easy! He is so soft! So...I finally put it up and did some mommy stuff. Gwen had tutoring after school, so I picked Tristan up at the bus stop and when he came home, he saw it first. We fought over it. Honestly. He decided it was his cause he LOVES turtles, too! But since I'm not only mommy, I'm also referee, I KNEW I couldn't safely give it to either of them without a fight or "you love him more" or "you love her more". Sigh. I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. So for the time being, I'll keep it to myself and they can borrow it when they need it. (Gwen's "borrowing" it as I type!) When I'm a little more financially stable, it'll definitely be something I'll buy another of so they can both have one. As of right now, though, $35 is just a little out of my price range when they don't really NEED a blanket. There are so many to choose from! I especially love the elephant (who, sadly, is currently retired).
    Tama the Tortoise is so soft and squishy. He makes a great cuddly! And his blanket is big enough to cover up with on the couch on those chilly evenings or would probably make a great blanket on a sleepover. Here are a few pictures of him closed, open and with his blankie out!
    Can you honestly say you don't LOVE him???
    He is so well made. His eyes are fabric, and his seams are all very well stitched. There are a few important points I want to touch on: 
    • Microbead stuffed head for ultimate squishability™ 
    • Large, super-soft coral fleece blanket zipped inside: 44" x 34" 
    • L: 13.2" x W: 7.1" x H: 4.9" 
    • 100% polyester (additional materials) (One of my favorite features because the tag actually says "Made from recycled plastic (PET) bottles")
    • Washing-Blanket: Machine wash, tumble dry. Blanket zips off for easy washing. 
    • Washing-Outer pouch: Spot wash (if machine washed, using a laundry bag designed for delicates is recommended). 
    • Two bottom hook-and-loop Velcro tabs gather Blanket Pet™ into animal shape. 
    • Recommended for ages 3 and up, but safely tested for all ages.
    Zoobies has offered to give you all 20% off their entire site just for being awesome and reading Mommy and We! Just use the code "Parenthood" at checkout.  They've also been gracious enough to offer up WINNER'S CHOICE of Blanket Pets™ for a giveaway! Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below for your entries and you could be on your way to choosing your favorite. Will it be Tama? Or will it be Ping the Panda or Poco the Pup? Let us know which is YOUR favorite! 

    Tuesday, January 24, 2012

    Hump Day Hop

    Happy Hump Day!!
    ...and rest assured, because its all down hill from here. In a good way! ;) What can you link up? Your Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Networked Blogs, Blog Frog Communities, G+, BlogLovin and Giveaways AND NOW GOOGLE +
    Its Hump Day!
    This is another midweek blog/twitter/facebook/Network Blogs/Blog Frog hop! Make sure your link gets in the right section!
    Spotlight blog this week: What We're Sayin..

    Fashion to Figure

     

     

    Fashion to Figure

    About: FTF is the only fast-fashion retail chain dedicated solely to plus-size women's fashion. Rapidly expanding with eight physical locations and a global web store, FTF provides up-to-the-minute fashion trends at the best prices. With individual service provided by FTF Stylists in an upbeat store environment, guests leave FTF feeling chic, stylish, and supremely confident. FTF was founded by the great-grandsons of Lena Bryant, the fashion revolutionary and businesswoman who founded the special size market more than 100 years ago.

    FTF is style by anyone's definition - a place where everyone wants to shop. In our stores you will find the latest, trendy fashions at the very best prices. New fashion arrives every day and personal service is provided by FTF Fashion Stylists.

    You can see if there is a location near you or shop online.

    My Review.

    Fashion to figure is an amazing place to shop for plus size women. They have the most beautiful selection of clothes that I have seen. I am not plus size, but my mom is. I have seen  her struggle with finding clothes that fit her perfectly all my life. This really downed her self esteem, and she was always in sweatshirts and sweatpants. She was trying to hide her weight because she felt uncomfortable going into stores and having the hassle of nothing fitting.

    beauty isn't measured in pounds

    I think healthy women are more beautiful than women who are stick thin. I have always thought this. Being beautiful isn’t about how much  you weigh. I tried to explain this to my mom for years.

    Whether you are just big boned naturally, or have had a kid and are struggling with losing baby weight.. This shop is perfect. They carry everything you would need to be sexy in your skin. =)

    Now, finding clothes that accentuate your curvy beautifulness will never be a problem again. They have beautifully designed clothes that are cheap on your wallet..

    the Jumpsuits

    Here are some of their dresses..

    They are amazing, beautiful, and gorgeous. I like all of them. I love the designs, the flows of the dresses. I love how they offer so many different colors and fabric choices.

     

    Plus Size Button Down Dress with Spaghetti StrapsPlus Size Strapless Ruffle Dress with Bow BeltPlus Size Empire Waist Sequin Tube DressPlus Size Marilyn Pleated Halter Dress

    Plus Size Strapless Chiffon Dress with Sash BeltPlus Size Strapless Sequin Chiffon Dress

    Their shirts are absolutely flawless. They have so many cute shirts, I could spend forever looking through them all. With their sale going on right now, they have shirts for as low as $6

    Plus Size dot print chffn halter w/smockPlus Size Poncho Top with Wide Belt

    Plus Size Floral Striped Tee with RhinestonesPlus Size Retro Print Ruffle Blouse with Sash

    Plus Size Color Block Faux Wrap Knit SweaterPlus Size Striped Knit Top with Wide Belt

    If  you seen the choices of denim and pants they have, you’ll freak out. They have the newest fashions in sizes that aren’t just for 00.. I mean who wants to be that skinny anyway?

    Plus Size Skinny Distressed Jeans with SequinsPlus Size Medium Wash Stretch Skinny Jeans

    Plus Size 4x 5x skinny jeanPlus Size Stretch Pull-on Boot Cut Dress Pants

    If you aren’t sure what you should put together as an outfit, or are just looking for a new look, you should check out their trendsetter page. They have so many cute ideas, and they even include the jewelry and bags that would be a perfect fit for the outfit also. =)

    They have office style, whether dressy or casual. Dress for success style that would also keep you looking chic and cute at work.

    Animal Print Dress $34 

    They also carry jewelry to accessorize your clothing with. You can get some awesome jewelry for cheap right now.

    Plus Size Zebra Stone Bamboo Hoop EarringsPlus Size multi bangle w/hanging stone

    Plus Size Extra Long Multi-Strand Necklace Plus Size Abstract Stone Ring

    Plus Size Long Earrings with Rhinestones and FeathersPlus Size Two Tone Long Chain Earrings

    Looking for a new handbag or clutch? They have those also.

    Plus Size Satchel Handbag with Cargo PocketsPlus Size Woven Clutch with Studs

    Plus Size circle woven clutch w/gld clasPlus Size 2tone satchel w/gold stud trim

    I reviewed the python clutch, and I must say I love it..

    It has 2 pockets on the inside to pack cell phone and whatever else. It has a zipper inside and outside to hold money. It has a flip close metal clasp. It has the python design on it, which is so beautiful. It comes with a chain that you can either use to put on your shoulder, or hide inside the clutch.

    004001002003

    Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. All opinions on this post are my own and completely honest. I did receive products to review in exchange for an honest review.

    Follow on FB and you get an extra $10 off your order. At around 11 am everyday they post a hot item that you can only get at that time.

    Spend & Save up tp $75

    I want to thank Fashion to Figure for working with Made.By.Jess.

     

    Jessica

    Monday, January 23, 2012

    Win $100 & A Visalus Balance Kit



        This event is sponsored by Drink Yourself Skinny an Independent Distributor of the Body By Vi 90 Day Challenge. The 90 Day Challenge is not just a weight loss program it is a health and wellness program that can help you loose weight, tone up, or build muscle. Visalus offers those looking to become healthy the ability to refer 3 of their friends or family to the program and get their monthly kit for free. Plus everyone who joins the Challenge is eligible for the prizes, trips, and rewards offered by the company. Every 90 days new winners are chosen in several categories for the biggest overall transformation to win prizes like Hollywood Make-Overs and Tropical Cruises.  

     Although, I don't need to lose weight, I definitely need to be in better shape. I have been inside all winter, and haven't had the chance to get my lungs and muscles moving. Being healthier was my main goal for this year. I definitely need to build some muscle and tone my body. I have 2 kids to run after.. ☻     a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Popular Posts