Ninja Coffee Bar - Giveaway

Welcome to the Ninja Coffee Bar giveaway 

hosted by The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island!

The Ninja Coffee Bar^™ brewer changes the game, bringing rich flavor home—turning your favorite ground coffee into anything-but-basic black. Not to mention all of the refreshingly robust Over Ice drinks and frothy, flavorful Specialty beverages you can whip up at the touch of a button with our concentrated coffee.

Check out Amanda's Ninja Coffee Bar Review, so you can see how easy it is to whip up some magically delicious coffee with this simple, but fancy machine!

Terms & Conditions: One entrant will be selected to receive a Ninja Coffee Bar ($200 ARV) Open for entry in the Continental US, 18 years and older from 03/17/16 thru 03/31/2016 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will have 24 hours to respond to the notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. See Gleam Form for official rules. Hosts & participating bloggers are not responsible for fulfilling prize obligations. 

Ninja Coffee Bar Giveaway

Hellmann's NEW Organic Mayonnaise & Eggless Spread

No compensation was received for this post. 

All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

As a child I was not big on sandwiches.... but things change! Now that I'm all grown up, I can really appreciate everything that a good sandwich brings to the table. The possibilities are truly endless! 

But one thing that every good sandwich needs is a condiment! Mustard, ketchup, Hellmann's Organic Mayonnaise or Eggless Spread... (hint, hint)!

I mean, who wants to eat a dry sandwich? <-- wait, don't answer that!

Hellmann's has been doing mayonnaise right for 100 years! And now they have added Organic Mayonnaise and Eggless Spread to their legacy. 

Hellmann's Organic Mayonnaise is perfect for the sandwich lover who appreciates rich and creamy flavor, but also wants quality organic ingredients, like cage-free eggs, expeller-pressed oil, and no artificial flavors or preservatives. And this organic deliciousness comes in three varieties: Original, Roasted Garlic, and Spicy Chipotle.  

And for the sandwich connoisseur who is in search of eggless options, due to dietary limitations, well Hellmann's has something for you too! Their new Carefully Crafted Eggless Spread is egg free and it is also free of artificial colors and flavors too! As if that's not enough, it's also GMO free as well!


Here are some recipes for your sandwich loving pleasure:

Both varieties are available in 15 & 24 oz jars,

In stores now. 

For more recipe ideas visit Hellmanns.com (west of the Rocky Mountains) or Bestfoods.com (east of the Rocky Mountains). 

National Hot and Spicy Food Day with Tandoor Chef!

This is not a paid post. I was provided with coupons to purchase a free Tandoor Chef item.
All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

August 19th is National Hot and Spicy Food Day and I'm celebrating with Tandoor Chef!

I have always been a big fan of spicy food! I love the flavors, but mostly I love the tingling sensation. That's why I enjoy Indian food so much, plus there are plenty of vegetarian options. They ofer 11 certified vegetarian appetizers and entrees - it's like veggie heaven!

Tandoor Chef has lots of traditional Indian dishes to choose from like...

• Vegetable Pad Thai
• Paneer Tika Masala
• Chicken Curry
• And so much more!

My daughter tried the Vegetable Pad Thai last night and here's what she had to say:

"It's a great alternative to the usual frozen dinner. The unique flavors danced across my palette... the spice wasn't too much, but just enough to be pleasantly surprised!"

You can find Tandoor Chef in the frozen section of your local grocer. They are also available online through Amazon.

I encourage you to visit the Tandoor Chef website, it has a ton of great resources and information about Indian cuisine and culture.

Peet's Coffee - Columbia Luminosa review

I received free samples of Columbia Luminoso from Peets Coffee & Tea.
All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

I was a coffee junkie for a long time. Then I went off the stuff for years. But lately, I have been jonesing... bad.  I love the smell and the taste. There's just nothing like a hot cup of joe - any time of the day.

Peet's Coffee & Tea has recently introduced a new light roast called Columbia Luminosa.  This is the very first time that Peets has ventured into the light roast realm. 

Let me first say that I love how the name conjures images and feelings of lightness for me. And the flavor does not disappoint. I'm so grateful to be back on the juice because Columbia Luminosa is a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y deliciouso!

The flavor is mild and slightly nutty. The finish is smooth and silky. I typically take my coffee with cream and sugar, but for the sake of exploration I tried Columbia Luminosa black as well, just to see if I could stomach it. And yes, it stands up on it's own very well, without too much bitterness + while maintaining it's quiet boldness. 

I have enjoyed plenty of coffee over the years, but this one has quickly become one of my favorites.  For the past several weeks this is the ONLY coffee I have had. It's actually been quite challenging to stave off the craving!

Columbia Luminosa is available in ground packs for $14.95/lb. and K-cup packs for $13.99 as well. You can purchase in-store or online.

Be sure to follow Peets around on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Cheers to light, delicious flavor!

Holiday essentials from Vons + Gift card #giveaway! #Sponsored

This is not a paid post. I received a free basket of baking essentials + a gift card from Vons.
All views express are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

I love baking! I enjoy it throughout the year, but I especially love baking during the holiday season. There is something about the smell of fresh baked anything that just lights me up!

This year I did my holiday baking shopping at Vons. Vons has everything that I need to bake up some delicious goodness! 

Although I haven't quite settled on the final baking menu, I know for sure that I'll be making a Sweet Potato Cake, Gingerbread Cookies, 7-up Cake... and a few other mouthwatering goodies. 

And even though I'm very tempted to have a dessert only holiday, I will also be making some savory items as well.. and something green of course! But that's why I love Vons, they have everything I need to make a complete (well-balanced) meal, all year long. And they have a pretty good selection of organic items as well, which is impressive. 

Are you ready for the smell of holiday deliciousness to waft through your house? 

Will a $50 Vons/Safeway gift card help you get ready? If you need some encouragement... enter to win below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Ultimate Oroweat Organic Bread Sandwich + Giveaway

I received coupons for free Oroweat Organic Bread to aid in the facilitation of this review.
All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

As a child I loved bread more than anything else. I loved eating it toasted and plain, with peanut butter or without, as a snack or an unofficial meal. I just really, really, loved bread! And while my love for bread has never gone away, I am a lot more conscious about the kind of bread I choose (although I still indulge on the not-so-good stuff on occasion). 

I recently had the pleasure of trying out Oroweat Organic Bread and I really like it! I have always enjoyed the taste and texture of their breads, but the Oroweat Organic Grains and Seeds bread is amazing!

I don't know if you've ever noticed, but sometimes organic breads come in smaller loaves, as in the width of the bread if considerably smaller than standard size. But not Oroweat Organic Bread, they give you a full-sized slice.... which makes it perfect for creating the Ultimate Sandwich!

So I was pondering what kind of deliciousness I could come up with that would give this bread its do, and I came up with this:

The Bee's Knees Breakfast Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:
2 slices of Oroweat Organic Grains and Seeds bread
Butter (room temperature for spreading)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg (scrambled omelet style)
1 slice of provolone cheese
2 slices of tomato 
3 Red onion rings (raw)
1/2 avocado
Spinach
Mustard

Supplies: Baking sheet, omelet pan, and aluminum foil.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Place a piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet.

Take two slices of Oroweat Organic Grains and Seeds bread, spread one side with butter (cover the entire slice). Place grated parmesan in a shallow plate or saucer (large enough to fit the entire slice of bread). 

Press the bread (butter side down) into the parmesan until the entire surface is covered. Place onto a baking sheet, parmesan side down. 

Repeat process with second slice.

Now that both pieces of bread are on the baking sheet. Butter the topside of the bread lightly. Place in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.

While the bread is baking, prepare your egg. Beat the egg until thoroughly blended. Add salt + pepper (at your discretion). Pour egg mixture into heated omelet skillet. Flip the egg once it has cooked to your desire. Fold. Add a slice of provolone to the top once the omelet is cooked to your liking.

Remove bread from oven. Allow to completely cool (if you take it off right away the parmesan will stick to the aluminum foil). 

Once cooled, spread mustard on the cheese-free side of the bread. Add spinach, tomatoes, onions, omelet, and avocado. Top with second slice of bread. 

Voilà! Breakfast is served...

This sandwich was much more delicious than I imagined it would be! 

Would you like to to make your own Ultimate Oroweat Organic Bread Sandwich? Of course you would... that's why I'm giving away coupons for a free loaf + a $25 Visa gift card  to one lucky winner.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LAWRY’S® Signature Southern Oven Bake Mix - Review - #GotItFree

I received free products through BzzAgent to aid in the facilitation of this review.
All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

I love to cook, well mostly I love to see other people eating a great tasting meal. And the people I love to feed the most are also the ones I love the most. So I'm always keeping my eyes peeled for new takes on old favorites (and new favorites too). And my friends at Lawry's have introduced me to something new/old!

Lawry's Signature Southern Oven Bake Mix is a new twist on an old favorite. They've combined the zesty flavors of their original seasoned salt, with herbs, spices, and panko bread crumbs. The result is Mmm... Mmm... good!

Since I'm vegetarian, I thought I would try breading some chicken-less strips, and I was pretty impressed!

Baking chicken (or chicken-less) strips in the oven is a great alternative to fried chicken. And with Lawry's Signature Southern Oven Bake Mix you won't have to sacrifice the crunch!

You can find Lawry's products in your local grocer. Check out their website for recipe ideas and product information from the McCormick/Lawry's family of products. And be sure to follow them on Facebook too.

A new spin on popcorn + chex - #ChexMixPopped review #paid

The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills and Plateful Co-Op
All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

I love popcorn. No seriously, me and popcorn have a relationship. In fact, I eat popcorn for dinner several times a week... no kidding. I am completely enamored with the stuff!

I also think Chex Mix is pretty cool. I love pretzels and crunchy goodness as much as the next girl. And now the geniuses at Chex have bagged up something pretty darn cool Chex Mix Popped:

Do you think they were reading my mind? 

Either that or they have been invading my thoughts while I'm sleeping. Any-who, I tried out the Salty & Sweet variety and it's okay. I mean it doesn't trump home-popped corn or anything, but it will definitely do for a quick snack fix (but not for dinner).

I gave some to my mother and she barely came up for air. She was snacking and crunching. And snacking and crunching... The woman barely shared! She said " I could have done without the Chex part." She loves popcorn too. 

My sister was able to grab a handful before my mother finished it off and she said "I could do without the popcorn."

So there you have it... the people have spoken. 

And they disagree.  But I guess when you add their opinions together you get - a whole bag! LOL

Chex Mix Popped comes it two varieties Salty & Sweet and White Cheddar. You can pick up Chex Mix Popped at your local grocer. 

Follow Chex on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. 

Big G Monster Cereal in retro packaging at Target! #PlatefullCoOp #RetroMonsterCereal #Paid

I received information and a free prize pack from General Mills through Plateful Co-op. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

Halloween is upon us... 

Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls may be on the prowl, but Monsters have all the fun! 

When I was a kid, my sister and I would beg my mother to buy General Mills Monster cereal. The boxes were so cute and I love, love, loved the marshmallows. 

A few weeks ago I got these retro-boxes of Monster cereal and it took me way back! I guess I'm dating myself, huh? Yes, Monster cereal has been around for over 40 years (43 to be exact). This cereal is iconic and not just in a throwback kinda way either, this cereal is historical!

Did you know....

Count Chocula was the first chocolate-flavored cereal - eva!
Boo Berry was the first blueberry-flavored cereal - eva!
Franken Berry was the first strawberry-flavored cereal eva!

That's history right there!

If you want to travel back to a time when life was simpler and unplugging was cool (and not optional) you can get Monster cereal in retro packaging (from 1979 & 1980) at Target. And there are cut-out masks on the back of each box, instant Halloween costume! LOL In addition, you can pick up Boo Berry and Franken Berry Fruit Roll-ups and Count Chocula Krispy Treats too!

We decided to make some delicious crispy treats of our own - and they are fabulous (+ sweet)!

It's been fun having a little nostalgia in our kitchen, always nice to be a kid again! 

For more information on General Mills cereals visit Hello, Cereal Lovers on Facebook. And make sure you pick up your Monster cereal at your local Target store!

I received information and a free prize pack from General Mills through Plateful Co-op. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

Harvest Snaps Review + Giveaway

This post was created in partnership with Harvest Snaps. I have been compensated for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Who doesn't love a good snack? I know I do! But now that I am older, I'm a bit more selective about the stuff I eat. And I don't know about you, but finding healthy snacks that actually taste good is not as easy as it sounds. Which is why I'm so excited about Harvest Snaps.

Harvest Snaps are a healthy alternative to chips. There are two types of snaps... Snapea Crisps and Lentil Snaps.  

Snapea Crisps are made from all-natural peas, 70% worth, and the Lentil Snaps are 65% real lentils. Both include the following good-for-you-stuff:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Vitamin B
• Folate 
• Potassium
• Dietary Fiber

Did I mention that they're also gluten-free? And if the fact that these little snaps are good for you isn't enough... they're delicious too! I mean it's pretty difficult not to devour an entire bag in one sitting!

Snapea Crisps and Lentil Snaps come in a variety of flavors, Tomato Basil is my favorite :-)

Giveaway Alert

Win: I'm giving away a six-pack of Harvest Snaps to one lucky winner.

Mandatory Entry: Visit the Lunchspiration site and create your very own Bento Box. You must include your bento box link in the comments, along with your name and email address.

Winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be selected. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm PST on 9/7/14.

This post was created in partnership with Harvest Snaps. I have been compensated for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cheerios - still healthy and delicious after all these years

I received a free box of Cheerios through Plateful-Op to help facilitate this review.

I've never been big on sugary cereal, believe it or not I liked the healthy stuff even as a child. While I didn't eat Cheerios very often as a child, I've always enjoyed it. 

Now that I'm an adult, I still love Cheerios for the same reason... they're delicious and good for you too!

Photo Credit: www.cheerios.com

If you're not a cold cereal fan, you're still in luck because believe it or not there are great Cheerios recipes too! My sister has an insatiable sweet tooth, so she made these delicious Cheerios Crispy Treats:

You make them the same as Rice Krispy Treats except with Cheerios. She added dried fruits and nuts to give it a "healthy" flair. 

Of course if you are into cold cereal, but like added flavor, Cheerios comes in a variety of flavors like:

• Yogurt Burst Cheerios
• Multi-grain Dark Chocolate Crunch - Yum
• Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch
• Frosted Cheerios
• Banana Nut Cheerios
• And more....

Cheerios is not just committed to put healthy food on the table, but also to bringing families together:

You can join the Family Breakfast Project too!

Visit the www.Cheerios.com for information, updates and coupons.

This is not a paid post. I received a free box of Cheerios through Plateful-Op to help facilitate this review. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

Campbell's Address Your Heart ❤️

Even though hypertension runs in my family and my grandfather had his first heart attack in his 40's, I am still not as heart conscious as I should be. But I am very conscious of my food choices and I try to prepare food for my family in the healthiest way possible, without losing flavor.

But being heart healthy is certainly not just about what I eat, it's also about exercise and overall health. Since I only like two exercises, it's a good thing that one of them is walking! Walking is great for the heart. There's nothing like stretching my legs, getting fresh air in my lungs, and getting the old heart pumping!

What are you doing to keep your heart healthy?

Campbell's Soup wants you to "Address Your Heart" with these tasty delicious recipes:

 





Visit AddressYourHeart.com for more AHA certified recipes and healthy tips. Click here for product coupons to use on your next shopping visit.

This post is sponsored by Campbell Soup Company. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

Delicious Holiday Recipes from Safeway!

No compensation was received for this post.

I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things about the holidays is the food! I love serving up delicious food, but I also get bored with food pretty easily. So I'm always on the look out for new and exciting recipes! 

 

Although Thanksgiving and Christmas are now in the rear view there is still one important holiday coming real soon... NEW YEAR'S! 

 

What's on your New Year's menu?

 

No clue, huh?  Well it's your lucky day because I have some meal ideas for you! Courtesy of my friends at Safeway/Vons.

 

Let's start with the main course... Cocktails!

Hot Gingered Pear-Wine Cider

3 cups canned unsweetened pear nectar

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon minced crystallized ginger

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup dry Diablo Creek Sauvignon Blanc

Lemon slices (optional)

Serves 5 / Prep Time: 3 Minutes / Cook Time: 7 Minutes / Ready In: 10 Minutes

1. In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan over medium-high heat, mix pear nectar, sugar, ginger, lemon juice, and wine. Cook, uncovered, until hot, about 7 minutes. (Or heat in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart microwave-safe container in a microwave oven at full (100%) power until hot, about 7 minutes.)
2. Pour cider into mugs or heat-proof glasses, and garnish each with a lemon slice. 

_____________________________________________

Now onto the second most important part of any good holiday meal... Dessert!

Pumpkin Truffle Pound Cake w/Browned Butter Icing

Cake  

2/3 cup (from 14-oz can) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated) 

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz) 

3 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour 

2 tsp. baking powder 

1 tsp. baking soda 

4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 

1/4 tsp. salt 

1 1/2 cups butter or margarine, softened 

1 cup granulated sugar 

1/2 cup packed brown sugar 

6 eggs 

1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) 

Icing  

1/4 cup butter (do not use margarine) 

1 cup powdered sugar 

1 tsp. vanilla 

1 to 2 tbsp. milk

Instructions

Prep Time: 25 min

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 12-cup fluted tube cake pan with shortening; lightly flour (or spray with baking spray with flour). In 1-quart saucepan, heat condensed milk and chocolate chips over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat; set aside.
2. In medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice and salt until blended; set aside.
3. In large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups butter, the granulated sugar and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed about 2 minutes or until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. On low speed, beat in flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with pumpkin until well blended (batter will be thick).
4. Spoon 2/3 of batter (about 5 cups) into pan, bringing batter up about 1 inch on tube and on outside edge of pan. Stir chocolate mixture; spoon into center of batter, being careful not to touch sides of pan. Spoon remaining cake batter (about 2 cups) over filling; smooth top.
5. Bake 55 to 65 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean and center of crack is dry to touch. Cool cake in pan 15 minutes. Remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
6. Place cooled cake on serving plate. In 1-quart saucepan, heat 1/4 cup butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Pour browned butter into medium bowl; stir in powdered sugar, vanilla and milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until spreadable (mixture will thicken as it cools). Let stand 1 to 2 minutes or until slightly cool; stir. Drizzle over cake.

These delicious recipes are just the tip of the iceberg! For more delicious holiday inspired recipes visit Safeway's Recipes & Tips. You're sure to find just the right dish for you and your family!

  

No compensation was received for this post. Recipes provided by Safeway. 

All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

Kiss Me Organics Matcha Review #Sponsored

I received a free product to aid in the facilitation of this review. 

I have always loved Matcha. I love the creamy texture and rich flavor. I was thrilled when I got the opportunity to review Kiss Me Organics Matcha Green Tea Powder.

I've been drinking Matcha mocha's for many years, just because I enjoyed the flavor. Little did I know, Matcha is not just delicious, it's also good for you!

Photo credit: Kiss Me Organics

Check out these Matcha perks:

• Provides all-day energy
• Boosts metabolism
• Increases focus
• Improves skin health

Does that sound like the fountain of youth or what?

I was so surprised to find all the delicious ways that Matcha can be added to my diet. The recipe ideas are surprising!  Matcha waffles, Match Oreo Cheesecake, Jalapeno Macha Cornbread... and the list goes on and on.

My sister made this tasty Matcha Morning Smoothie:

Ingredients:

2 tsp - Matcha Green Tea Powder

4oz - Hot Water

2 cups - Almond Milk

1/2 cup - Carrot Juice

Broccoli

Banana

Frozen Mangos

Frozen Pineapples

1 tsp - Caro Syrup

Blend it all together for a glass of yummy Matcha goodness!

So you're probably wondering how you can have Kiss Me Organics in your life/kitchen... Well this fabulous product is sold exclusively on Amazon. Even better there is a 100% money back guarantee! If you're not completely satisfied with the product you can return it for a full refund within 30-days, no questions asked.

Go forth and be energized!  Get your Matcha Green Tea Powder today!!!

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.

Gorton's Fisherman Giveaway (CLOSED)

I received free product coupons to aid in the facilitation of this review.

My family has always loved fish! My grandfather made it a family tradition and now my own family loves it too.

Although I am a vegetarian, most of my family members are not, but Gorton's makes it easy for me to satisfy their fish cravings.

Check out this selection:

And there's more! Gorton's has something to satisfy any fish craving! Even my nephew, Beans, who I am convinced is the pickiest child on the planet, loves Gorton's fish sticks!  And if Beans loves a product, that means it must be really good! 

Don't you love Fish n' Chips? Well Gorton's has plenty of other simple and easy recipes for your eating pleasure!

I would be very surprised if you have never tried Gorton's, I mean they've been around FOREVER. But in case you wanna pretend like you're brand new to the fish game, I'm going to give you a chance to win... 

Here's what you can win:

• Gorton's-branded ship wheel keychain (1) 
• An assortment of Gorton's recipe cards & seaside/Gorton's postcards
• Coupons for $2 off any Gorton's product (3)

Mandatory Entry: What's your favorite Gorton's product? Be sure to include your name and email address.

Bonus Entries: (leave a separate comment for each, including your name and email address):
      
 (1) Follow Gorton's on Twitter
 (1) Follow Gorton's on Facebook
 (1) Follow Gorton's on Pinterest
 (1) Follow Gorton's on Instagram
 (1) Follow Just Say I Told You So on Twitter
 (1) Become a Just Say I Told You So Facebook Fan
 (1) Subscribe to Just Say I Told You So via email (right side bar)
 (1) Follow Just Say I Told You So on Pinterest

Winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be selected. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm PST on 10/29/13.

I received a free Gorton's product coupons to facilitate this review. All views expressed are the opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

Hamburger Helper Ultimate Helper Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

I received a free product to facilitate this review.

My daughter is a freshman in college and she's staying on campus! Cooking is one of the many things that she must now do for herself. I'm happy to report that she's doing a-okay (phew!).

Ultimate Hamburger Helper - Three Cheese Marinara was one of the very first meals that she and her roommate cooked. They loved it!

What's the difference between regular Hamburger Helper and Ultimate Hamburger Helper you ask? The new Ultimate Helper mixes contain mouthwatering seasonings and creamy sauce.

There are a variety of Ultimate mixes to choose from like: Ultimate Chicken Helper Broccoli and Ultimate Hamburger Helper Creamy Stroganoff.  But that's not all! There are also several Ultimate potato mixes like: Ultimate Au Gratin and Ultimate Cheddar Cheese Potatoes!

Wanna try it?

Win it: Enter for a chance to win this awesome prize pack:

Mandatory Entry: Visit the Betty Crocker website. Then leave a comment telling me what Betty Crocker product or recipe you'd love to try. Be sure to include your name and email address.

Bonus Entries: (leave a separate comment for each, including your name and email address):
      
 (1) Follow Betty Crocker on Twitter
 (1) Follow Betty Crocker on Facebook
 (1) Follow Betty Crocker on Pinterest
 (1) Follow Just Say I Told You So on Twitter
 (1) Become a Just Say I Told You So Facebook Fan
 (1) Subscribe to Just Say I Told You So via email (right side bar)
 (1) Follow Just Say I Told You So on Pinterest

Winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be selected. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm PST on 11/02/13.

I received a free package(s) of Ultimate Helper mixes through MyBlogSpark. All views expressed are the opinion of Just Say I Told You So.

Vons Farm Fresh & Local Produce Tour

I am immensely grateful every single time I enter the produce department of my local grocer. The fruits and veggies are always lined up so neatly. The colors are eye-catching, the smells inspire stomach growls, and every now and then I sample a grape (don't tell anyone). I have often wondered where all that deliciousness comes from and how far it had to travel to get here.

A few weeks back I was invited on the Vons Farm Fresh & Local Produce Tour. Vons has partnered with local farmers for more than 75 years, bringing fresh goodness to our neighborhoods.

We visited Tutti Frutti Farms, which is located in beautiful Santa Barbara County. Tutti Frutti Farms is owned by fifth generation farmer, Chris Cadwell and his family, and they've been growing organic produce since 1988.

This gorgeous farm sits on more than 200 acres, near the Santa Ynez River.

Photo Credit: Vons

Chris is not only a great farmer, he's also a fabulous story teller too. He talked talked about various farming challenges like growing during dry seasons (this year was one of them), pesky bugs, and test crops.

One of Chris' most popular crops (which also happens to be my new favorite thing) is Heirloom Tomatoes. Tutti Frutti Farms has several varieties, including: Pink Brandy Wine, Chocolate Stripe, Persimmon, and Purple Cherokee. If ever you have wondered whether or not a tomato was a fruit or a veggie, once your mouth gets a taste of one of these babies, you'd wonder no more!

Photo Credit: Vons

The fresh from the vine taste at Tutti Frutti farms is great, but everything about the farm makes for an incredible meal too! Look at this beautiful spread:

Photo credit: Vons

The tour was awesome! The weather was hot, but breathtaking. The food was fresh and delicious. The people were warm and friendly. The experience was absolutely priceless. I had a great time!

Photo credit: Vons

As a California native, I am still completely in awe of this gorgeous state. My trip to Tutti Frutti farms made me fall in love with the land, all over again. I have always known that relationships make the world go round, but this experience confirmed it. The relationship that Vons has with local growers makes life better - for everyone.

Photo credit: Vons

The next time you're in the market, ask where your produce comes from. You might be surprised to find out how close to homegrown it really is!

This is not a paid post. Travel and accommodations were provided. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.