Cook'n Recipe Organizer - review and giveaway

I received a complimentary copy as a participant in the Tryazon Cook'n Recipe Exchange Party back in October. I had previously had an older version. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family.

I love to cook and to bake. I love to find and try new recipes. One of my biggest challenges was always organization. I have a recipe box that is partially populated with cards. I have a recipe accordion file that is full of some recipes that I got from my family at one of my wedding showers, plus some others that I have added. I have two write your own cookbooks - one that maxed out on space (you could add refills and I did until the rings could hold no more) and a second one that is not quite full but is set up to hold a combination of papers you write directly on and some pockets to hold recipe cards. I also have a folder that contains hundreds of recipes that I have clipped from newspapers, magazines and even printed from the internet over the years that I had wanted to try. Once I tried them, I would either transfer them to a recipe card or a cookbook or throw them out if we didn't like them. (This was all before Pinterest of course, now I just Pin them and try them later. My organization there is a whole other issue.)

Having my recipes was great, but with so many places, it could be hard to locate the recipe that I was looking for, although I became an expert on location of some of the most used recipes. In addition, sharing with friends and family required either typing it up to share or writing it out on a note card. Then, a few years ago, I discovered the wonder that is Cook'n Recipe Organizer.

There are a number of features that I love about Cook'n. The first is that I can easily enter my own recipes. Not only can I type them up, if I am able to find a recipe online, I can use the features in Cook'n to capture recipes from the internet. In my experience, most of them over clean but sometimes you have to do a little bit of cleanup to align the ingredient name. One of the improvements that was made in the most recent version is that you can capture from almost any site now...it used to be limited to a handful of sites. I often will do a quick search to see if I can find a similar recipe, as a means of expediting the load of the recipe. There is also functionality that let's you scan or capture a photo of a recipe and import it to your cookbook. You can customize your chapters, to organize in a way that makes sense to you and change them as you go. I started with just a dessert category, but have since split it out to put cookies into their own chapter. I love the flexibility.

The program is able to calculate the nutrition per serving and uses values from the preferred or designated brand for the ingredients. Can't find your favorite? You can add you own ingredients and brands, allowing you to base your calculations on the ingredients and brands that you use. This is a nice feature in my opinion. For my favorites, I have entered the details from the nutrition label on the package and made that brand my preferred brand for the ingredient.

Once you have a recipe saved, it is also easy to scale your recipe. There is functionality to help you with menu planning and will even generate a grocery list. Plan your menu by dragging and dropping the recipes onto the weekly plan. Then, click on the grocery list and it will generate based on the recipes. Clean up the list to remove on hand ingredients and you are ready to go.

With the newest version, you can now Sync your recipes to your mobile devices. I really like this functionality, because now, I can take the iPad to the kitchen and easily access my recipes where I am, without having to print or walk back and forth to my computer while I am baking and cooking. It is also nice because with it on my phone, I can quickly reference a recipe...whether I am at the store and found a great deal and want to update my meal plan or I am talking to a friend and want to share it with them. Speaking of sharing, quick share buttons that allow you to e-mail, post to Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Google+ are available on your recipes. You can also use the embed in website button to get an HTML version complete with formatting for the theme. You can share links to your recipe as well.

There are several available cookbooks that you can buy and download into the software. This is a great way to find new recipes and increase your database. Just the other week, there was an offer from Rhodes bread in the Sunday coupon flyer to download their cookbook to Cook'n. Most of the other cookbooks are available for a nominal cost.

The newest version also features a Live Recipe feed, that provides a picture and link to several recently used recipes. It includes the most captured recipe from the last 24 hours and last 7 days, giving you the perfect opportunity to find some popular recipes. You can even customize the feed to easily follow your favorite sites and see the recently added recipes.

The search functionality in the software allows you to search a particular cookbook or chapter, all of Cook'n or even the internet. Search by key words to find ingredients you have on hand, focus on recipe names only and even search based on ratings. It really has worked well for me when looking for recipes.

I really can't say enough good things about the software. I simply love it.

I think it makes a great gift for family or friends that love to cook. This weekend, Cook'n is offering a great special on the software. You can get it for only $20, the regular retail price is $80...that is 75% off! Here is the link to this amazing offer. After this weekend, you can still save on your purchase, go to http://www.dvo.com/ to place your order and simply use the following code at checkout to save 50%: mb-busymom.

You can learn more about Tryazon by visiting them on Facebook or following them on Twitter or Pinterest.

Giveaway!

In addition, I have the opportunity through my participation the Tryazon party to giveaway one complimentary copy to one A Busy Mom of Two reader.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway will remain open through December 10th. Winners will be selected through Rafflecopter. The winner will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.

I received a complimentary copy as a participant in the Tryazon Cook'n Recipe Exchange Party back in October. I had previously had an older version. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. The discount code and the giveaway copy are compliments of Cook'n.

Love With Food - 2 exciting offers! #BlackFriday

No compensation was received for this post. I received a complimentary Love with Food box and information about the offer from Love with Food. All opinions expressed are entirely my own or that of my family.

A while back, I shared with you about a company called Love with Food - "the easiest way to discover and sample the best gourmet food delivered to your door for only $10/month". As an added benefit, for every box ordered, a meal is donated to feed hungry children in America. To date, they have donated over 100,000 meals. You can read more about this program on their website.

I really like this idea - what a great way to be introduced to new foods. I like to try new things and I like to encourage my family to try new things. Whether it is a new food product or a new recipe, you don't know if you will like it until you try it.

We recently received one of their boxes and it was filled with some items that we have not tried. When we opened the box, everyone quickly called dibs on the items that they most wanted to try. I was excited to try the Chocolate Pizzelle Crisps from Silk City Snacks. I am a fan of pizzelles and love that this pack of crisps only has 100 calories and there are 20 pieces! My husband was ready to try the Kind Bars in Almond & Coconut. My son was excited to try the Toasted Coconut Chips from Dang. My daughter wanted to try the Happy Squeeze Fruit and Veggie Twist - she is a big fan of squeezable fruit and the blueberry, apple and purple carrot sure sounds like a unique variety. Some of the other things we are looking forward to trying are New World Caveman Cookies - made with pumpkin seeds and maple syrup, amongst other ingredients - sounds interesting. There is a product called Pixo Pearls - apple cider vinegar pearls (only I think that my pearls have all broken based on how it looks and the picture on their website). We also received some Organic Hard Candies and some Glee Gum in a Triple Berry.

The boxes from Love with Food change each month and are based around a seasonal or other theme. The boxes feature 8+ gourmet food samples based on the theme. Once you've sampled the product, you can go back to their website and purchase the items from the box at a discount on their shop tab.

You can learn more about Love with Food by visiting their website, Like Love with Food on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Pinterest.

Discount!
You will need to act fast to take advantage of these two special offers.

First, for every 6- and 12- month subscription purchased (including both personal and gift subscriptions), Love with Food will be adding on a bonus 2-year subscription to the Rachel Ray magazines. I have always enjoyed her magazine...I just wish I had more time to read it and make all the yummy recipes.

Right now, as part of their Black Friday deal, you can get 20% OFF all Subscription Plans + all 6, 12 month plans purchase will include the bonus I mentioned above - 2 Year subscription to Every Day with Rachael Ray Magazine!

Sale ends 12/1/13 at midnight!

To get the discount, you MUST sign up at this specific link: Black Friday 20% discount

No compensation was received for this post. I received a complimentary Love with Food box and information about the offer from Love with Food. All opinions expressed are entirely my own or that of my family.

Pretty Muddy 5K

I am so excited to share that I get to be a part of the Pretty Muddy blog team.

I have heard of similar events before, but was not familiar with the Pretty Muddy 5K. Pretty Muddy is an All Women Mud Run, that is 5K in length and features several obstacles (more on them here). And when you are all done? - Pretty Epic Finish Line Party (entertainment, music, drinks & celebration galore).

The events are held around the country, so there's a good chance that there is one near you.

It is really short notice, but right now is the best time to register. TODAY only!, you can receive a $20 Discount on registration. This is the cheapest registration that you will find for the events this year.

2013 Pretty Muddy Events

Dallas, TX – June 1

Sacramento, CA – June 29

Chicago, IL – September 7

Columbus, OH- September 14

Richmond, VA – September 28

Atlanta, GA – October 12

Tampa, FL – November 30

Miami, FL – December 7

Interested? Here is a post that steps through how to select an event and use the code code GIRLTIME to get a $20 discount!

I am looking forward to running it. It has been 16 years since I last ran a 5K, but I like having a goal, plus it sounds like a ton of fun. Won't you join in the fun?

pv.body

I never used to have much concern or consideration for my workout clothes. Most of my exercise would take place in my family room or in the fuzzy light of pre-dawn. If I saw people, it certainly wasn't many and not usually the same people even. When I worked out at home, it wasn't uncommon for me to put on a workout top and keep on my pajama bottoms. Or, if I did change, I didn't worry much about them matching.

Now that I am working out most mornings at the Y, in organized classes, I feel like there is suddenly a need to be concerned about my workout fashion. I want to have clothes that are comfortable, but reasonably fashionable (matching?). There seems to be a common group of people that take the classes each morning, so having variety is also important so that I don't have to wear the same outfit each day.

pv.body is a company that, once you sign up and complete a survey of what type of athlete you are, they send you an awesome complete outfit of fitness apparel in brands people love – Lululemon, ALO, Nux, Nike, etc. Best of all, each outfit is only $49 (~$150 ARV).

pv. body keeps things simple. Basically, you take a quick quiz (answering questions about your favorite types of workouts, your size, style, color palettes you like, etc.) and a personal pv. body style profile is created for you. The pv. body team puts together a personalized outfit for you each month and ships it to you. You can decide how frequently you want to get a new outfit and take breaks from shipments too. Products are offered in sizes XS - L.

Want to check it out? As a special for A Busy Mom of Two readers, you can get 20% off your first outfit if you sign up through my link. This makes it only $39/month for a new workout outfit.

As a special bonus, after you sign up through the above link, you can then come back here and use this link to take the pv.body 30 Day Challenge and kick start your New Year resolutions and receive tons of fun prizes. (IMPORTANT: Please note that you will not receive the discount if you sign up for the challenge first; you have to sign up through the discount link above to receive the 20% off.) The pv.body 30 day challenge provides you with your own personal dietitian and trainer to help you meet your fitness and health goals. Everyday, our pv.body babes will be given a new challenge that they can share with friends! Challenges include workouts, recipes, meal plans, group activities and more!

No compensation was received for this post. As a pv.body ambassador, I will receive one free workout outfit based on my survey responses, so that I can experience the service. The discount link is also my referral link.

Disney On Ice - Rockin’ Pep Rally

Disney on Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After is coming to the Q January 11-21, 2013!!

On January 11th, the opening day of the upcoming Disney On Ice presents Rockin' Ever After in Cleveland, they are hosting a Scottish Target Practice Pep Rally at the Q Arena from 10 a.m. – noon. Clevelanders (moms, aunts, uncles, downtowners, etc.) are encouraged to stop down at the Q to throw snowballs at a target set up on the outside of the Q Arena.

Food trucks will be present to serve lunch. Participants that hit the bull’s eye of the target will receive 2 free tickets to the show! Each ring outside of the target has a discount amount attached to it (ex. outside ring is $3 off, next ring to the bull’s eye is $4, etc.)

Don't forget you can purchase tickets from the Q website.

Use FAMILY at check out and get the following deal:
Buy 4 tickets, get 4 FREE hot dogs and 4 FREE sodas.
Not valid on Saturdays @3PM or Sundays @1PM. Can buy any number of tickets, not just in 4 packs.

You can also still enter to try to win tickets here on A Busy Mom of Two.

No compensation was received for this post. I received four tickets to show as a Feld Family Blogger. All opinions expressed are entirely my own or that of my family.

Disney On Ice presents Rockin' Ever After - coming to Cleveland!

Disney on Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After is coming to the Q January 11-21, 2013!!

I know that the Little Princess in my life is excited when the Disney Princesses come to town as part of the Disney on Ice show. There is just something so exciting about seeing so many of our favorite princesses out on the ice together. We always like to make an outing of it and head to lunch/dinner before or after the show. Last year, we even ran into a fan dressed as Rapunzel at lunch and had our pictures taken with her.

Rockin’ Ever After is the ultimate rock star princess experience! This action-packed new skating spectacular features world-class skaters and hair-raising moments from the hit animated films Brave, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast and Little Mermaid. The show features classic and new Disney princesses – Merida, Belle, Ariel and Rapunzel – who rock out with show stopping performances. The show also features contemporary “rock star” music to keep the audience rockin’ and rollin’ throughout the entire show. Rockin’ Ever After is the newest Disney On Ice production and has never traveled to Cleveland, Ohio before.

Show dates/times:
Friday, January 11th – 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 12th – 11:00 AM
Saturday, January 12th – 3:00 PM
Saturday, January 12th – 7:00 PM
Sunday, January 13th – 1:00 PM
Sunday, January 13th – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, January 16th – 7:00 PM
Thursday, January 17th – 7:00 PM
Friday, January 18th – 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 19th – 11:00 AM
Saturday, January 19th – 3:00 PM
Saturday, January 19th – 7:00 PM
Sunday, January 20th – 1:00 PM
Sunday, January 20th – 5:00 PM
Monday, January 21st – 1:00 PM
Monday, January 21st – 5:00 PM

Special Discount Offer:
Buy 4 tickets, get 4 FREE hot dogs and 4 FREE sodas using code: FAMILY the Quicken Loans Arena Box Office, theQarena.com or by phone at 888.894.9424.
Not valid on Saturdays @3PM or Sundays @1PM. Can buy any number of tickets, not just in 4 packs.

You can purchase your tickets here.

Giveaway!
One lucky A Busy Mom of Two reader will win a family 4-pack of tickets to Rockin' Ever After at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
Choice of:
Friday, January 11th – 7:00 PM
Wednesday, January 16th – 7:00 PM
Thursday, January 17th – 7:00 PM
Monday, January 21st – 1:00 PM
Monday, January 21st – 5:00 PM
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway will remain open through January 8th. Giveaway is open to residents of the US only. Winners will be selected through Rafflecopter. The winners will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.

No compensation was received for this post. I received four tickets to show as a Feld Family Blogger. All opinions expressed are entirely my own or that of my family.

I Caught Santa - iCaughtSanta.com

"Imagine the look of wonder and surprise when a child receives a photo of Santa and Rudolph caught in the act in his or her very own home. iCaughtSanta.com is a unique website that helps visitors create those memorable keepsake photos.

In three simple steps anyone can upload a holiday photo, add Santa Claus or Rudolph and print it as proof… or share it via Facebook and Twitter. Last-minute shoppers can purchase Gift Cards and eGift Certificates for loved ones with children, making iCaughtSanta.com a great gift idea even if you don't have kids yourself.

And for even more holiday magic, iCaughtSanta.com is giving away 2 iPads! No purchase necessary. Enter here: www.iCaughtSanta.com/Contest"

My Readers Get 25% off your entire order at icaughtsanta.com. Use the following Promo Code at checkout SANTA2012 to instantly save: #icaughtsanta

Love with Food

I recently heard about a company called Love with Food - "the easiest way to discover and sample the best gourmet food delivered to your door for only $10/month". As an added benefit, for every box ordered, a meal is donated to feed hungry children in America. To date, they have donated over 8500 meals. You can read more about this program on their website.

I really like this idea - what a great way to be introduced to new foods. I like to try new things and I like to encourage my family to try new things. Whether it is a new food product or a new recipe, you don't know if you will like it until you try it. The other day, as we drove past a Thai restaurant, my son said that he would like to try it. I told him that we could go there for lunch whenever he wanted - so that he could try Thai food. I also told him that I would take him for Greek/Mediterranean sometime too. I love that he is willing to be adventurous and try the food and not just assume that because it is different that he might not like it.

The boxes from Love with Food change each month and are based around a seasonal or other theme. The boxes feature 8+ gourmet food samples based on the theme. Once you've sampled the product, you can go back to their website and purchase the items from the box at a discount on their shop tab.

August's box was full of Travelin' Treats. I haven't tried everything yet (that would be a lot of snacking!) but have enjoyed the Vegan Lemony Lemon Cookie and the Gin Gins Super Strength Ginger Caramel Candy. I wasn't sure what to expect with the ginger caramel candy, but found that I really enjoyed the combination of flavor and texture. I am a fan of ginger - I keep a box of ginger tea on hand at all times (did you know that ginger is supposed to help calm your stomach? - that is what I heard at least) Next, I plan to try the Dried Montmorency Cherries and the Key Lime with Ginger Mustard. I can only imagine that they will both be awesome.

Next month's box is going to feature pre/post workout snacks - I am intrigued.

You can learn more about Love with Food by visiting their website, Like Love with Food on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Pinterest.

Discount!
As a special offer, A Busy Mom of Two readers can enter BUSYVIP at checkout on Love with Food and receive a $2 discount on their first month's order. This code is only good for the September box (pre/post workout snacks, which can be ordered through 8/31.

Giveaway!
In addition, one A Busy Mom of Two reader will win a free Love with Food box.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway will remain open through August 22nd. Giveaway is open to residents of the US only. One winner will be selected through Rafflecopter. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.

No compensation was received for this post. I received a complimentary Love with Food August box to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own or that of my family. Post contains referral link.

Clearly Fresh Bags - discount code!

Recently, I shared about my experience with Clearly Fresh Bags and how effective I had found them to be in extending the life of my produce. This is day 10:

Now, the group at Clearly Fresh Bags is providing a special discount code to A Busy Mom of Two readers. Simply visit their site, place the bags in your cart and then enter the code 'BUSYMOM' to receive a 15% discount on your order.

Hurry though! The coupon code is only good through 2/15/2012.

Disney On Ice! - Toy Story 3

Last year we took the kids to their first Disney on Ice show and they both loved it. This year, I am excited to take them to see Disney on Ice when it comes to Cleveland from January 7th to January 17th. The show this year is Toy Story 3. Both kids love the Toy Story characters and I can't wait to watch them watch the show. My daughter could watch any of the Toy Story movies daily.

Read on to learn more about the show and for a special Disney on Ice reader discount!

The summer’s biggest hit movie, Toy Story 3 and famed moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are hitting the ice in this sensational live production coming to Cleveland.

Catch all the heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious Sunnyside Daycare tots and hit the ice, in their most daring adventure ever, introducing Barbie’s groovy bachelor Ken and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. It’s the biggest Toy Story experience on ice, jam-packed with fast paced adventure including Buzz’s galactic battle with Emperor Zurg and a hoe down on the set of Woody’s Roundup.

Rediscover the humor, friendship and unique toy ingenuity when Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 takes family fun to infinity and beyond!

I’m excited that I have been provided with a special ticket discount code for A Busy Mom of Two readers!
CODE: MOM2
DISCOUNT: Flat $11 discount on ALL performances
RESTRICTIONS: Not valid on Front Row or VIP seats; no double discounts; limit 4 per order
LINK to purchase tickets: http://www.theqarena.com/events/disney_110107/

For more event details including show times and ticket prices visit the Quicken Loans Arena website.

No compensation was received for this post. I am a Feld Family Activator and will have the opportunity to take my family to the show.

Disney On Ice Let's Celebrate!

Disney on Ice Let's Celebrate is a party on ice with all of your favorite Disney friends as they celebrate all of your favorite holidays. It is described as a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe, including a winter wonderland, a Halloween haunt, a Royal ball and more.

Last night, the family headed to Cleveland to watch the Disney On Ice Let's Celebrate Show. The show was very good, and very current, even the characters from Princess and the Frog was part of the show. The opening of the show gradually brought out many of the familiar Disney characters - from Mickey Mouse to the Mad Hatter and, of course, the Princesses. My daughter was totally in awe of the Princesses. As each Princess came out, she wanted to know who it was and where was Cinderella.

The first half of the show included an Un-Birthday Party, a Halloween Haunt, a Royal Ball and more. The Halloween Haunt was an interesting way to include a number of your favorite villains - including Cruella De Vil, Ursula, and the Evil Queen from Snow White, amongst others. The Royal Ball featured the Princesses and their Princes, dancing to their theme song as they tried to help Minnie answer the question how will I know if I have met my Prince.


The second half of the show seemed to be much shorter than the first half and many of the celebrations didn't include many of the Disney Characters - which made those feel a little like filler to make the show longer. It did introduce some new favorites that had not been part of the first half - Lilo and Stitch, Woody, Buzz and other toys from Toy Story. I think the cutest one to see on ice was Hamm from Toy Story. I couldn't imagine being the skater in that costume in a crouched position for that long though.

Both my son and daughter enjoyed the show. When asked, my son told me first that the part of the show where the brooms came alive was his favorite and then, that seeing the skating was his favorite. My daughter told me that seeing Alice from Alice in Wonderland was her favorite (I would have guessed princesses, but you know she's 3). My daughter asked if we could go again on the ride home. Seeing the skaters spinning, jumping and lifting was great. It makes me look forward to the Winter Olympics. We went ice skating with the kids a few weeks ago for the first time and this was the first ice skating performance the kids had seen. I think it will be fun to watch some of the skating with them during the Olympics, now that they are more familiar.

Disney on Ice Let's Celebrate will be in Cleveland for 17 shows at the Quicken Loans Arena from January 8th to January 18th.

Friday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 9th at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, January 9th at 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 9th at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 10th at 1:00 p.m. (too late for these)
Sunday, January 10th at 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12th at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 13th at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 14th at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, January 15th at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 16th at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, January 16th at 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 16th at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 17th at 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 17th at 5:00 p.m.
Monday, January 18th at 1:00 p.m.
Monday, January 18th at 5:00 p.m.

A special offer for you!
Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows or receive $4 off weekend tickets. Head over to www.theQarena.com and enter the coupon code MOM. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required, but additional tickets can be purchased at $11 each. According to the website, the show is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, including a 15 minute intermission. (I think it was a little shorter at our show. We were in our car leaving by 9:10)

Not from Cleveland? This coupon code will also work for shows in other cities. You can find out more about the tour here.

I received no compensation for this post. My family and I received tickets that we might be able to enjoy the show and share about our experience. Tickets were courtesy of FELD Entertainment and Mom Central.

Macy's Friends and Family Employee Discount Event

Head over to the "Cent"sible Sawyer to learn more about how you can get a shopping pass for an additional 25% off at Macy's during their Friends and Family Employee Discount event, running from April 29th - May 4th.