Acting Balanced

Wrote a great blog post? Share it with Thirsty for Comments!

2013-05-16T01:51:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Thirsty for Comments Get comfy, grab your favorite hot or cold beverage, link up a great post from this week (or even earlier) and visit some other great blogs to comment!

Hosted by Acting Balanced, Touristic, Miki's Hope, Age is Just a Number, Simply Sherryl, Thoughts 'n Such, and Crazed Mama!

Grab our badge for your sidebar or post:

What is Thirsty for Comments?

This is a blog hop dedicated to giving good comment - please, when you are visiting, actually READ the post that is linked and make a thoughtful comment!

This is NOT a hop for "I'm here from the hop, follow me back" comments!

Link up your own SPECIFIC POST that you'd like comments on - remember - no giveaways!

*****************************************

The rules are simple -

1. Link up a SPECIFIC POST (NOT just your blog URL) that you'd like to have more comments on - NO GIVEAWAYS or OTHER BLOG HOPS - they will be deleted

2. Visit AT LEAST THREE other blogs and READ the posts and then comment thoughtfully on the post.

Extras (nice but not required):

Add the Thirsty for Comments button to your post
Blog about Thirsty for Comments
Add Thirsty for Comments to your Meme List!
Leave a comment here on how we can improve Thirsty for Comments :)

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Swinging into Spring

2013-05-13T19:36:00.000-04:00

Please link up your WW post here:

Monday Quiz - Back after hiatus! Come and link up!

2013-05-12T20:51:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Acting Balanced and Touristic - sorry it's late getting up and last week was missing, but it's been crazy busy here at Never-Stay-At-Home mom headquarters...

Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered! Grab the badge for your post if you like:

Here are the Questions:

1. What did you do for Mother's Day?

2. What was the best advice your mother (or a mother figure) gave you?

3. Are you gardening this year? What have you/will you plant

4. What is the first song that comes to mind today?

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

1. What did you do for Mother's Day?

I hung out with my kids... Erik was generous enough to start out my day with a special 3 AM wake up call, then after napping for a bit we went out for dinner... our original plan was to head to Olive Garden, but that wasn't so original - there was already an hour and a half wait by the time we arrived 'early' at 5:30...

2. What was the best advice your mother (or a mother figure) gave you?

Everything gets better after a cup of tea...

3. Are you gardening this year? What have you/will you plant

We're container gardening again... strawberries, tomatoes and roses this year...

4. What is the first song that comes to mind today?

My 5th question this week is ...

What chore do you dislike doing the most?

Now, please link up and tell your friends to join us!

It's time to link up a great post for Thirsty for Comments!

2013-05-08T22:05:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Thirsty for Comments Get comfy, grab your favorite hot or cold beverage, link up a great post from this week (or even earlier) and visit some other great blogs to comment!

Hosted by Acting Balanced, Touristic, Miki's Hope, Age is Just a Number, Simply Sherryl, Thoughts 'n Such, and Crazed Mama!

Grab our badge for your sidebar or post:

What is Thirsty for Comments?

This is a blog hop dedicated to giving good comment - please, when you are visiting, actually READ the post that is linked and make a thoughtful comment!

This is NOT a hop for "I'm here from the hop, follow me back" comments!

Link up your own SPECIFIC POST that you'd like comments on - remember - no giveaways!

*****************************************

The rules are simple -

1. Link up a SPECIFIC POST (NOT just your blog URL) that you'd like to have more comments on - NO GIVEAWAYS or OTHER BLOG HOPS - they will be deleted

2. Visit AT LEAST THREE other blogs and READ the posts and then comment thoughtfully on the post.

Extras (nice but not required):

Add the Thirsty for Comments button to your post
Blog about Thirsty for Comments
Add Thirsty for Comments to your Meme List!
Leave a comment here on how we can improve Thirsty for Comments :)

Wordless Wednesday: #Conairdidmyhair Twice at #SoFabCon

2013-05-08T18:30:00.000-04:00

Once for me and the second for 80's night... how fun!

Now please link your own ww posts up here:

Never Stay At Home Mom's Gift Idea & Giveaway: Ritzpix Personalized Travel Mug or Photo Mug

2013-05-05T14:56:00.000-04:00

As a never-stay-at-home mom I love being able to take my kids with me when I travel... sometimes...

The kids are never really far from my thoughts or my heart, but I can say that this past weekend at SoFabCon was a refreshing change from hotel travelling with the kids - I had one roommate instead of four, I had my own bed and no one hogged the covers, and we came to an amicable schedule for showering and getting ready that didn't involve any whining, dragging of feet or tantrums... There was no one banging doors or hiding in the closet and if I put something down it stayed down... but I didn't want to go without taking something of my kids so when RitzPix.com offered to let me poke around their site and make a photo gift, I knew that I had hit on something that I could personalize and would totally fit into my lifestyle: A Travel Mug!

The RitzPix.com site lets you design unique photo gifts including mugs, shirts, iPhone cases, photo books and more. It’s a great place to go when gift shopping for Mother’s Day, Father’s day or even graduation gifts. It was really simple to browse the site and they offer scrolling coupons in the upper right hand corner of their site to let you get more bang for your buck!

I quickly found exactly what I wanted, the stainless steel travel mug -

Photos applied directly to steel surface for a reflective metallic look
Travel Mugs hold 14oz. and include lid
$24.99 Each

The whole process only took about ten minutes, including the time I took hemming and hawing between cute photos of my kids to upload my picture and place my order! Within a week I had my new mug in hand and I was ready to take my kids to SoFabCon in spirit! It was so easy that I added a latte mug to my order for when I actually get to have a drink at home!

The only thing I wish is that there was a way to request an opaque white background for the stainless steel travel mug, but I truly do like how they came out. The travel mug itself has a great lid with a twist open spout and very few parts which makes it really easy to hand wash - neither mug is dishwasher safe because of the custom photography. The stainless steel mug has great insulation and worked great to transport hot beverages! Of course I had to pack it in my checked baggage or bring it to the airport empty, but it was a great way to bring my kids with me on my travels... if you've got a never stay at home mom or dad in your life or a graduate heading off to school that would love a reminder of home, you should check out ritxpix.com for a great photo gift!

One lucky Acting Balanced reader will win a $20 RitzPix.com GC - just fill out the rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Turning Point... musings from a girl not so lost at #SoFabCon

2013-05-04T17:38:00.004-04:00

Am I a social pariah? Sitting at a table surrounded by empty chairs I waited with bated breath to see who would be joining my little world... the rest of the ballroom was starting to buzz as flocks of brightly dressed party goers were flooding the room searching for their place for dinner...

I had chosen my space carefully - the tables were branded and I wanted to connect with a specific brand rep whose products I love, so I'd skipped past tables that I could have easily gotten lost at and sat down beside a chair marked reserved... waiting for my chance to meet the brand rep and hopefully learn something more about them, connect and share a meal... Small talk with the only other table occupant - learning about her blogging, her secret weapon for delivering great sponsored posts and sharing a bit about our lives and families - both of us staying positive, watching and waiting for the brand reps or anyone else to join our little party of two... neither of us confident enough in ourselves to just own the table and our lack of competition...

The buzz in the room quieted as people dug into their salads and poured their wine, and we resigned ourselves to being outcasts... standing and walking around the table to get the communal dressing for the salad and the basket of rolls... halfway through eating, a third person joins our table...

"Hi, I'm John"

Beth and I introduce ourselves and John proceeds to ask about what we blog about and why we're at SoFabCon... he thanks us for taking the time to be there and showed us the latest addition to his sock collection that he'd been gifted with. I learn he's from North Carolina originally, but here in Bentonville now - we talk about the Carolinas and make other small talk...

Then he got up... I whisper to Beth "Do you know who that was?" "John Andrews, CEO of Collective Bias had sat down and shared a meal and conversation with us... it was a turning point ... one that I had been searching for throughout the first twenty four hours of the conference... The CEO of Collective Bias had chosen to sit down, share and chat with us and now was on stage to kick off the 4th Birthday Party for Collective Bias - a company that has grown to 92 employees and made huge strides in bringing brands and bloggers together in innovative and powerful ways and I knew then that I was rededicating myself to ensuring this blog worthy of a place in the SoFab/Collective Bias family!

Over the next few weeks I'm going to be tweaking the design, going back to my roots and trying to post more content - more stories, more recipes and more of me!

I also want to thank my friend Rebecca for co-hosting a fabulous talk today on storytelling - which inspired me to write this post and my new friend Beth for sticking it out with me at our table of two... I know there's more to come!

John, Rebecca & Beth

At A Crossroads... musings from a girl lost at #SoFabCon

2013-05-03T19:55:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it takes being away from it all to really see what you've been up to and where you are at... I had hoped that coming to SoFabCon this weekend would be an energizing opportunity to connect with other bloggers and find my focus and the locus of Acting Balanced... but honestly I am feeling more adrift and really at a crossroads...

Most of you who read my blog regularly have probably noted that I've been operating in 'maintenance mode' for a while... not really writing new content or giving you anything meaty to chew on... there's been lots going on in our lives and the boys sleep issues and other factors have taken their toll on me...

I stepped away from reviews and giveaways in a lot of ways last Fall, and honestly I don't miss it... what I didn't do - or at least do well - was fill the blog with new dynamic content - I fell into a rut and have been flooding Acting Balanced with memes and easy posts and it's catching up... both with my love of blogging and with you, my readers...

I'm now here at SoFabCon - which has been a fabulous conference so far, but there's still a shadow following me... I got sick enough last night to need to call the transportation people to come and get me from the event just minutes after I arrived... and today I went to the sessions and events tired and drained rather than energized and excited...

Some great things have still come out of the event - I've met some great people and learned some new things... now I just need to get out of my rut and fish or cut bait....

Share a post and get some great comments with Thirsty for Comments

2013-05-01T21:55:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Thirsty for Comments Get comfy, grab your favorite hot or cold beverage, link up a great post from this week (or even earlier) and visit some other great blogs to comment!

Hosted by Acting Balanced, Touristic, Miki's Hope, Age is Just a Number, Simply Sherryl, and Crazed Mama!

Grab our badge for your sidebar or post:

What is Thirsty for Comments?

This is a blog hop dedicated to giving good comment - please, when you are visiting, actually READ the post that is linked and make a thoughtful comment!

This is NOT a hop for "I'm here from the hop, follow me back" comments!

Link up your own SPECIFIC POST that you'd like comments on - remember - no giveaways!

*****************************************

The rules are simple -

1. Link up a SPECIFIC POST (NOT just your blog URL) that you'd like to have more comments on - NO GIVEAWAYS or OTHER BLOG HOPS - they will be deleted

2. Visit AT LEAST THREE other blogs and READ the posts and then comment thoughtfully on the post.

Extras (nice but not required):

Add the Thirsty for Comments button to your post
Blog about Thirsty for Comments
Add Thirsty for Comments to your Meme List!
Leave a comment here on how we can improve Thirsty for Comments :)

Wordless Wednesday: Liam's Spring School Pictures - Link up your WW here!

2013-04-30T19:20:00.000-04:00

Please link up your WW posts here:

Guest Post & Book Giveaway: Buried in Books ... Win a copy of Claim Me!

2013-04-30T11:48:00.001-04:00

Okay folks, I think ebooks and the Internet will be the death of me!

Don’t get me wrong, I love having approximately seven bazillion books in my pocket, but oh, oh, oh, the pain to my pocketbook!

One thing I love is the sample feature. That way if I’m feeling frugal, I can download a sample so that I don’t forget about a book (which is always a problem for me in a traditional bookstore—I cull the pile down to something reasonable, promising myself that I’ll come back for the leftovers later—and then suffer mommy-brain and forget).

But what I truly love the most about this brave new (book) world we live in is how easy it is to find new authors. I don’t read in a genre while I’m writing in it, but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t found loads of erotic romance books that I want to check out (on my Staycation this weekend, I hope!). In the old days, there were ads and friends and posters in bookstores; there were New Release tables and racks near the check-out. All good and well, but now there are those mysterious algorithms—as an author, they can drive you nuts trying to figure them out. As a reader, I love the “also boughts” and “recommended” and narrow genre bestseller lists. And, of course, I love hearing recommendations from my favorite indie bookstore owner.

It’s a heyday for readers, I think. I hope you all will check out my newest release, Claim Me ... and maybe you’ll find another book to glom, too!

Have you stumbled upon a book and ended up loving it? Tell us about it!

One lucky commenter will win a copy of Claim Me! (print for US winners, digital for international winners!)

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Kenner has written over 40 books under multiple names including Julie Kenner and J.K. Beck. Her newest release, CLAIM ME (April 23, 2013), is the second book in the bestselling Stark Trilogy, which began with RELEASE ME, a multi-week NYT and USAtoday bestseller, continues with CLAIM ME, and which will conclude in July withCOMPLETE ME.

You can learn more about her at her website (http://www.juliekenner.com) or connect with her on Twitter(@juliekenner) or on Facebook (http://juliekenner.com/facebook/)

Monday Quiz Questions - sorry it's late!

2013-04-29T02:11:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Acting Balanced and Touristic - this post is up early because we're out celebrating Wayne's birthday today!

Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered! Grab the badge for your post if you like:

Friday Fragmented Fill-Ins and Fun...

2013-04-26T03:56:00.002-04:00

The colors orange and fuscia reminds me of fiery sunsets
Lately sleep is sporatic so I was grateful to my wonderful hubby who took Erik to work with him yesterday so I could sleep in and shower in peace!
Does the sound of breaking glass make you wonder what your kids broke now?
When I wander through Walmart I always buy more than I expected.

Not only did Wayne take Erik to work with him... coincidentally it was take your child to work day.. he also suffered through pizza night while went out with the girls for Margaritas... and supper... oh did I mention margaritas? - this one was blackberry...

I know that the boys get their insomnia from me... my problem is that I actually want to sleep on the nights they're up and on the nights I can put them back to sleep, I'm up on my own... can't win...

After a long hiatus with few giveaways, I seem to have them creeping back into the blog... there are 3 going on right now - the Curtis Stone Autographed What's For Dinner Cookbook, Shaklee all natural non-toxic Get Clean Starter Kit and a $25 Publix GC. Don't forget that by commenting on this blog (or any other non-giveaway) post you get three extra easy entries into one of the giveaways...

Well, I'm trying to put my brain to sleep for now, so I'll sign off and wish you a happy Friday!

Ready For the Publix Fresh Savings Event? $25 Publix GC #Giveaway #MyBlogSpark

2013-04-24T15:04:00.000-04:00

"The information and gift pack were provided by Publix® through MyBlogSpark."

I love shopping at Publix® because their fresh food - produce, seafood, meats, bakery and deli are consistently fabulous! I know that whenever I walk in... morning, noon or night, weekday or weekend, I'm going to find high quality foods to feed my family and this week, Publix® is making it even easier with the Publix® Fresh Savings Event!

Starting today, April 24th, shop the perimeter of the store and load up your cart with fresh delicious produce and meats. Then, head into the aisles to complete your meals with condiments and sides. When you purchase participating products, you can save on store brand items such as bagged salad, chicken breasts, eggs and fresh fruit. And before you head out to take advantage of the savings, be sure to download and print Publix® exclusive coupons at http://www.freshsavingsevent.com.

But hurry — select savings on fresh foods are only available through May 8th.

One lucky Acting Balanced reader who lives in Florida, Georgia, NC, SC, Tennessee and Alabama will win a $25 gift certificate to Publix® to help with their Fresh Savings!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wordless Wednesday with Linky: Dinosaur Day

2013-04-23T08:14:00.003-04:00

Please link up here:

It's time to #Win a Shaklee Get Clean Starter Kit!

2013-04-22T20:05:00.001-04:00

I have just been introduced to Shaklee recently and I am following along with some of my fellow bloggers who are taking the Shaklee weight loss challenge, but one thing that I found out even more recently is that Shaklee also sells a line of Get Clean® household cleaners that are safe and non-toxic! I am expecting to get a sample of the Basic H2® Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate in the mail today and I can't wait to see how well it works, but even more exciting is the fact that one of my blogging buddies is a Shaklee Blogger and she's arranged for me to giveaway a prize package that includes over $100 in natural and non-toxic cleaning supplies to you, my wonderful readers (US Only)

The Get Clean Starter Kit contains:

Basic H²® Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate, 16 oz. (1)
Germ Off Disinfecting Wipes, 35 Wipes (1)
Nature Bright® Laundry Booster and Stain Remover, 32 oz. (1)
Dish Wash Concentrate, 16 oz. (1)
Dish Washer Automatic Concentrate, 32 oz. (1)
Fresh Laundry Concentrate HE Compatible, Regular Scent 32 oz. (Liquid) (1)
Soft Fabric Dryer Sheets, 80 sheets (1)
Dish Washer Automatic Concentrate Dispenser (empty) (1)
Nature Bright® Dispenser (empty) (1)

Including all the accessories you need to get really clean:

Organizer Caddy (1)
Spray Bottles (3)
- Windows and Mirrors
- All-Purpose
- Degreasing
Dropper Pipette (1)
1/4 oz. Dispenser Pump for 32 oz. Bottle (1)
Laundry Measuring cup (1)
Dual Measuring Spoon (1)
Cleaning Accessories (4)
- Super Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- Super Microfiber Window Cloth
- Super Microfiber Dish Sponge
- Miracle Scrubber Pad

And it replaces approximately $3400 worth of ready to use cleaners and saves the environment by keeping 108 pounds of packaging waste from landfills and eliminating 248 pounds of greenhouse gas! Wouldn't you love to win just to keep all of this out of your landfill or recycling center:

If you want to win this fabulous prize package, just complete the rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post. Prize is furnished and mailed by the sponsor to whom I furnish the information I collect from the winner on their behalf.

It's a Monday Quiz about Me! Come and play along with our Monday Meme!

2013-04-21T20:49:00.001-04:00

Here are the Questions:

1. Who do you like to quote?

2. Have you ever made something you wore out in public?

3. When was the last time you used a telephone (not a cell phone)?

4. What was the first recording you bought with your own money?

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

1. Who do you like to quote?

I like to quote intelligent people who say great things... my current mantra when asked for a quote comes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically... Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”

2. Have you ever made something you wore out in public?

Yep! I've sown my own clothing... shorts, skirts and even a top, but it's been a while... I've also made jewelry and accessories before...

3. When was the last time you used a telephone (not a cell phone)?

I phoned my sister this morning to wish her a happy birthday! I used our home phone...

4. What was the first recording you bought with your own money?

I'm pretty sure it was a Bon Jovi cassette tape... I was lucky in that my dad had an astounding record collection so I didn't have to buy much music at all...

My 5th question this week is ...

April is National Grilled Cheese month - are you a fan? What is your idea of a perfect Grilled Cheese sandwich?

Now, please link up and tell your friends to join us!

6WS: Today

2013-04-20T08:33:00.000-04:00

Spring Carnival, Mystery Shopping and Errands!

Friday, Lovely Friday...

2013-04-19T06:57:00.002-04:00

It's time to share the inner fragments and fill-ins of my mind... Thanks to Mrs. 4444 and Hilary for the opportunity:

1. I hate having to wake up early after a night of battling with the kids
2. I used to love playing cards as a kid
3. Common sense says save, save save, but I tend to eat out too much for that...
4. Once, I was surprised to find myself well rested and alert... it doesn't happen often..

And now onto Fragments

A few new things this week:

found a cool new place to check out this summer - nature center, mini-water park and beach all in one place... nope, not telling you where it is... unless you ask...
still dealing with the aftermath of last Saturday's sunburn... man, it's gotten to the itchy, peeling stage... hate that... then again, it was totally worth it...to see Chef Curtis Stone in person...
if you are looking for Wayne, he is going to not blog a whole lot this upcoming week. Life is just too hectic for him at the moment.
gotta take the kids to school so there ends the fragments for now...

Thirsty for Comments: Link up a great post for more comments here!

2013-04-18T06:23:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Thirsty for Comments Get comfy, grab your favorite hot or cold beverage, link up a great post from this week (or even earlier) and visit some other great blogs to comment!

Hosted by Acting Balanced, Touristic, Miki's Hope, Age is Just a Number, Simply Sherryl, Thoughts 'n Such, and Crazed Mama!

Grab our badge for your sidebar or post:

What is Thirsty for Comments?

This is a blog hop dedicated to giving good comment - please, when you are visiting, actually READ the post that is linked and make a thoughtful comment!

This is NOT a hop for "I'm here from the hop, follow me back" comments!

Link up your own SPECIFIC POST that you'd like comments on - remember - no giveaways!

*****************************************

The rules are simple -

1. Link up a SPECIFIC POST (NOT just your blog URL) that you'd like to have more comments on - NO GIVEAWAYS or OTHER BLOG HOPS - they will be deleted

2. Visit AT LEAST THREE other blogs and READ the posts and then comment thoughtfully on the post.

Extras (nice but not required):

Add the Thirsty for Comments button to your post
Blog about Thirsty for Comments
Add Thirsty for Comments to your Meme List!
Leave a comment here on how we can improve Thirsty for Comments :)

Wordless Wednesday: April Showers...

2013-04-16T07:16:00.002-04:00

Please link up your ww post here:

Guest Post: 4 Fun Ways to Teach Kids to Save and Budget

2013-04-15T18:13:00.002-04:00

Teaching children at a young age to budget and save their money should be on every parent’s agenda. As soon as children are learning about amounts and being introduced to the concepts of addition and subtraction, parents can begin to teach them about planning expenses, budgeting and savings. Learning about these concepts early on will help children continue to be prudent about spending their money as they grow. There are many ways to familiarize children with budgeting and savings.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/goodncrazy/4833445750/

1. Budgeting 101. The American Bankers Association through their Teaching Children to Save website, offers a wonderful idea to teach children about budgeting their incoming money. The program suggests using four jars labeled with “Sharing,” “Spending,” “Short Term Savings” and “Long Term Savings” to divide any money the children receive. Parents and children together can decide how much goes into each jar each time the child receives money.

The “Sharing” jar will teach children to use part of their money for a charity of their choice, the “Spending” jar money can be used for small purchases and the “Short Term Savings” money can be used to purchase larger things that the children need to save for over a period of a few months, while the “Long Term Savings” money will be saved for the future.

2. Couponing 101. One often forgotten way to teach children about spending wisely, saving money and budgeting is by using coupons. Parents can explain to kids the value in using coupons and how the money saved by them can add up to be used for other things. Children can help to search for and cut out the coupons, organize them and then look for the correlating items at the store. They can even calculate how much they are saving if they are old enough.

Big spending projects can also benefit from the use of coupons. For example, if the child wants her room redecorated and loves the products from The Land of Nod, the family can research the prices of the items the child wants to buy, tally their cost and make a budget. Then, the child can be guided to look for The Land of Nod coupons as a way to bring down the cost of the items, freeing some of her budget for additional things. If the child wants to buy online, there are also coupon codes for The Land of Nod that can be used for savings. A large project like this one can help a child learn the benefits of planning, budgeting and finding creative ways for additional savings.

3. Banking 101. Once children begin learning about budgeting and savings, they can move on to opening a savings account. Parents can make an event around the opening of the savings account and help children monitor how their savings are growing each time they deposit money in their account. Parents can also keep children motivated to continue saving by matching the children’s savings dollar for dollar. When children see how their savings are growing twice as fast, they might be more inclined to make the tough decisions of saving their money instead of spending it on impulse buys.

4. Spending 101. Children need to learn how to make spending decisions and the only way to do this is by actually using up the money set aside for spending. A CNN article recommends letting children use their spending money freely, allowing them to buy impulsively and make mistakes and then dealing with the consequences as a way for them to learn how to actually spend money thoughtfully.

What's For Dinner? You CanWin an Autographed copy of Chef Curtis Stone's latest #cookbook

2013-04-15T08:09:00.003-04:00

Photo Credit: Manukin Photography

I had the chance to meet and chat with Chef Curtis Stone at the Tanger Outlets Taste and Style event in North Charleston on Saturday and confirmed a few things that I already knew from watching him on TV and reading some of his other cookbooks - he makes cooking easy and fun, he's got a great Australian Accent, he's as nice in person as he seems on his show... and I found out too that he's incredibly generous... he gave me an extra autographed copy of his new book, What's For Dinner? to giveaway to one of you lucky Acting Balanced readers - and an autographed set of funky melamine measuring spoons from his Curtis Stone Kitchen Solutions collection for another reader!

What's For Dinner? is divided out into seven sections with catchy names:

• Motivating Mondays: Healthy meals that start the week off right—Fennel-Roasted Chicken and Winter Squash with Endive-Apple Salad; Grilled Shrimp and Rice Noodle Salad

• Time-Saving Tuesdays: Quick and easy recipes for simple meals—Steak and Green Bean Stir-Fry with Ginger and Garlic; Grilled Pork Chops and Vegetable Gratin with Caper-Parsley Vinaigrette

• One-Pot Wednesdays: Flavorful dishes with minimal cleanup—Chicken and Chorizo Paella; Rosemary Salt-Crusted Pork Loin with Roasted Shallots, Potatoes, Carrots, and Parsnips

• Thrifty Thursdays: Yummy meals on a budget—Sliders with Red Onion Marmalade and Blue Cheese; Roasted Cauliflower, Broccoli, and Pasta Bake with Cheddar

• Five-Ingredient Fridays: Fun, fast recipes to kick off the weekend—Grilled Harissa Lamb Rack with Summer Succotash; Seared Scallops and Peas with Bacon and Mint

• Dinner Party Saturdays: Extraordinary dishes to share with friends and family—Asian Crab Cakes with Mango Chutney; Mushroom Ragout on Creamy Grits

• Family Supper Sundays: Comforting, slow-simmering food for relaxing around the table—Southern Fried Chicken; Barbecued Spareribs with Apple-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

• (BONUS) Something Sweet: Yummy, scrummy desserts that add zing to your meal— Banana Cream Parfait with Gingersnap Strusel; Spiced Apple Pie; Chocolate Bread Pudding

Already in the top 10 on Amazon for cookbooks, What's For Dinner has fabulous pictures and easy to follow directions!

I am personally putting the Thai Red Curry with Butternut Squash and Chickpeas (Friday), the Oatmeal Coconut Butter Cookies (Something Sweet) and the Grilled Salmon with Orzo, Feta and Red Wine Vinaigrette (Monday) on my meal planning this week!

What's For Dinner has everything you want to find in a cookbook - great pictures, easy to understand instructions, extra tips that explain unique ingredients or techniques and there is an attention to detail that makes even the most reluctant cook a success with these recipes!

As I mentioned above, Curtis Stone has also developed a great line of Kitchen Solutions - everything from pots and pans to utensils and gadgets that will help make your life easier in the kitchen - and one lucky AB reader will win these great spoons (in an autographed box):

Chef Stone also gave me several coupons to share with readers to save 40% off at his online store - since I don't raffle coupons, I will happily share the coupon code with the first six people who email me at heather@actingbalanced.com and ask me to share it!

Since I personally watched Chef Stone sign the giveaway copy and spoons, I can only mail to US or Canadian addresses. Please complete the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win! PS - My friend Heather at I'd Rather Be Changing Diapers was there too and is giving away an autographed copy of the book on her blog too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Prizes furnished by Curtis Stone and mailed by Acting Balanced. I attended the Taste and Style event as a US Family Guide Blogger.

Monday Quiz... a chance to share with your readers

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Here are the Questions:

1. What is your best solution for getting rid of a headache?

2. Do you enjoy taking naps?

3. What was the last 'block buster' movie you saw at the theatre?

4. If you could have anyone cook you dinner who would it be?

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

1. What is your best solution for getting rid of a headache?

Send the kids out for ice cream with daddy...

2. Do you enjoy taking naps?

I do... especially when my kids keep me up half the night...

3. What was the last 'block buster' movie you saw at the theatre?

I don't remember...

4. If you could have anyone cook you dinner who would it be?

After seeing Chef Curtis Stone in person this weekend, I'd have to say him... I would have loved to be on Take Home Chef...

My 5th question this week is ...

Are you a sun worshiper or a stay in the shade kind of person?

Now, please link up and tell your friends to join us!

Acting Balanced

Wrote a great blog post? Share it with Thirsty for Comments!

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Swinging into Spring

Sponsored Giveaway: Publix & Yoplait Greek 100 Yogurt are a great way to save this month!

Monday Quiz - Back after hiatus! Come and link up!

It's time to link up a great post for Thirsty for Comments!

Wordless Wednesday: #Conairdidmyhair Twice at #SoFabCon

Never Stay At Home Mom's Gift Idea & Giveaway: Ritzpix Personalized Travel Mug or Photo Mug

Turning Point... musings from a girl not so lost at #SoFabCon

At A Crossroads... musings from a girl lost at #SoFabCon

Share a post and get some great comments with Thirsty for Comments

Wordless Wednesday: Liam's Spring School Pictures - Link up your WW here!

Guest Post & Book Giveaway: Buried in Books ... Win a copy of Claim Me!

Monday Quiz Questions - sorry it's late!

Friday Fragmented Fill-Ins and Fun...

Ready For the Publix Fresh Savings Event? $25 Publix GC #Giveaway #MyBlogSpark

Wordless Wednesday with Linky: Dinosaur Day

It's time to #Win a Shaklee Get Clean Starter Kit!

It's a Monday Quiz about Me! Come and play along with our Monday Meme!

6WS: Today

Friday, Lovely Friday...

Thirsty for Comments: Link up a great post for more comments here!

Wordless Wednesday: April Showers...

Guest Post: 4 Fun Ways to Teach Kids to Save and Budget

What's For Dinner? You CanWin an Autographed copy of Chef Curtis Stone's latest #cookbook

Monday Quiz... a chance to share with your readers