Love the oatmeal cookie – I really do — yah my wife loves chocolate chip but give me an amazing oatmeal raisin cookie and I’m set for lunch most days.  A few days ago I wrote about how Quaker finally came out with pre-packed oatmeal cookies.

Here are some really interesting facts (interesting enough I’m sharing them).

• The Oatmeal Cookie was originally invented in the late 1800sduring Rome’s attempts to conquer England.
• Two of the most famous fans of oatmeal cookies are Susan Sarandon and Bethenny Frankel.
• Oatmeal cookies are the second most popular cookie.
• Oatmeal cookies have heart health benefits [from oats]. More than 37 studies have shown that eating oatmealdaily as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Seventy-five percent of U.S. households have oatmeal in their cupboard.
• Americans consume roughly 2 billion cookies a year although some reports will say about 300 cookies per person a year.
• After more than 100 years after the first Quaker Oatmeal Cookie recipe appears on packaging, Quaker finally makes two new and delicious kinds of oatmeal cookies. (see this post about that)

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup butter (softened)
1 cup sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups quaker oats
1 ½ cups chocolate chips or raisins

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl put the flour, baking soda, baking powder & kosher salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Beat together on low speed, butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs & vanilla. Raise the beating speed & beat together until fluffy.
Step 3: Stir in the flour mixture into the butter mixture until no flour is visible. Stir in oats and chocolate chips/raisins.
Step 4: Fill a cookie scoop or a tablespoon with dough. Drop one by one onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden but still moist inside. Remove from the oven and let sit.

Eat when cooled.

Sooo go on a celebrate a national heart healthy snack day!

This post was sponsored by Quaker Oats – but no matter – I still love oatmeal cookies.

Moms are always putting others before themselves and updating their technology is no exception. This Mother’s Day, I’ll let one of you lucky readers give their mom what she really wants – a full “Tech-Over” suite of HP technology including an All-in-One desktop, notebook and wireless mouse!

What does that include?

	HP TouchSmart 320 Mothers have that special touch that makes everything better, so why not reward her skill with the HP TouchSmart 320? This powerful, compact, wireless all-in-one PC can recognize mom’s fingers before she even touches the screen, making her interaction more accurate and responsive while enhancing her viewing experience on the 20-inch, full high-definition widescreen. Plus, the new TouchSmart 5.0 “Magic Canvas” software means she can jot notes, open apps and view content all at once. Available on HP Home & Home Office. Starts at $599.99.
	HP Pavilion dm1 Measuring less than 1-inch thin and sporting AMD’s dual-core Fusion processor, the HP Pavilion dm1 blends portability with power and performance. With its compact size, 8GB of memory and Beats Audio™, the dm1 is ideal for those moms that do-it-all and are always on the go. Available on HP Home & Home Office. Starts at $399.99.
	HP X4000 Wireless Laser Mouse Not only is the HP X4000 Wireless Laser Mouse ambidextrous, but it also comes in three attractive colors (ruby red, winter blue and black). This high performance wireless mouse also operates from up to 30 feet away and can be used on almost any surface. Available on HP Home & Home Office. Starts at $29.99.

That’s right its a prize pack with…

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. May 8th, 2012.

You must comment why your mom needs a tech-over?  please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks

You get 1 extra entry for following @HP on twitter – twitter.com/HP

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:

” #HPLovesMom @HP @dadarocks prize pack http://dad.tc/IoMBL9 “  and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win the #HPLovesMom Tech Make Over for MOM from  @HP & @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/IoMBL9

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed

You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner! Limited to the USA.

Disclaimer: HP is providing the prizes for the raffle.

Here’s something you and your kids can both be excited about – colorful, fun Yo Gabba Gabba! bedding by Betesh, now available at Walmart stores nationwide.The 4-piece toddler bedding set is affordably priced and machine washable. For more fun, add a Pillow Pal or one of several blankets. There are cuddle pillows, fun activities pillows (which I’ve never seen before) and much more available, only at Walmart. Whats included? 4-piece bedding set includes comforter, flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillow case. 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend means its Machine washable.

While the bedding is awesome – I’m really waiting for Season 4 of  YGG to get off the ground – releasing today is a DVD with a new episode from season 4 with Jason Bateman guest starring as a spy in a brand-new season four episode of Yo Gabba Gabba!: “Super Spies,” debuting on DVD on April 17, 2012. See it before it airs on TV!  In the Yo Gabba Gabba!: Super Spies DVD, kids and kids at heart are invited to join DJ Lance Rock, the Gabba gang, and special celebrity guest stars on music-filled adventures. The DVD also features a bonus interactive spy game.

Yo Gabba Gabba: Super Spies Episode Synopses
Super Spies
When a bad spy named Bateman makes off with the Gabba Land gang’s balloon art, it’s time for a musical spy recovery mission, full of gadgets, robot guards, and great beats.  Jason Bateman guest stars and musical guests Peter Bjorn and John perform.

Mystery
Toodee and Plex go searching for Foofa who has disappeared. Toodee finds clues to solve the mystery.  Toodee and Plex find Foofa at the beach and meet her cool brother Foofle. Ladytron performs, Jack McBrayer and Paul Scheer tell a knock-knock joke and Biz Markie is featured in the recurring “Biz’s Beat of the Day” segment.

Space
The Gabba gang goes on a space adventure in a flying saucer. They look through a telescope at the stars and planets.  In space they meet new friends and discover a new planet.  Musical guests Electrocute perform and Mark Mothersbaugh is featured in the recurring “Mark’s Magic Pictures” segment.

Big
Brobee gets frustrated about being the little one, and he wants to know what it’s like to be big like DJ Lance.  He accidentally switches places with DJ Lance and grows big, but Brobee has a hard time being like DJ Lance.  DJ Lance and Brobee switch places again and everything is back to normal in Gabbaland.  Musical guest Jem performs and Mark Mothersbaugh is featured in the recurring “Mark’s Magic Pictures” segment.

Yo Gabba Gabba: Super Spy! Fast Facts:
Catalogue: 823034
DVD SRP: $16.99
DVD Running Time: Approximately 96 minutes

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. April 22nd, 2012.

You must comment if you have a bedtime ritual that you share with your toddler or a tip to help other parents experience treasured moments at bedtime?  please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:

#yogabbagabba blank @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/J5U5mt  and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win the #yogabbagabba blanket & Super Spies DVD from  @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/J5U5mt

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed

You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner! Limited to the USA.

Disclaimer: Yo Gabba Gabba is providing the prize for the raffle.

For more than 130 years, Quaker has been inspired by the goodness of the whole grain oat. Quaker Oats is a staple in kitchens across the country, and FINALLY announced the addition of Quaker Oatmeal Cookies to their product line.

Cookies to me should always be soft and doughy – I usually eat half raw cookie dough for that very reason… then I got to try the Quaker Soft Baked Oatmeal Cookies… ok I’m a little amazed they’re soft right out of the package and if your a microwave fan stick them in there for 20 seconds and now you’ve got a warm cookie thats totally soft and tasty.

I love how they’re wrapped as singles which is great for anyone on a diet where you need to know the carb counts.  It also means its super kid friendly as you can take just one for the road. Available in soft baked & crunchy oat variety – available in several flavors (would they make just one?!) are 170-180 calories each, ofcourse made with whole grains and contain 6-8 grams of fiber and 0 trans fats.

Our friends at Quaker is giving away a $75 gift card and a few boxes of cookies to snack on…

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. April 20th, 2012.

You must comment telling us what your favorite type of cookie is? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks

You get 1 extra entry for following them on twitter –twitter.com/Quaker

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:

@Quaker @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/Iqnxj9  and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win $75 gift card and COOKIES  from @Quaker & @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/Iqnxj9

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for becoming their Fan on facebook – facebook.com/Quaker you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed

You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner! Limited to the USA.

Disclaimer: Quaker Oats is providing the prize for the raffle.

You the only good thing about taxes being due on a Sunday (which April 15th is) you get to add two bonus days filling due date is now April 17th 2012.  Did you fill yet? Did you remember to mail it in or did you do efile? Are you sure it isnt sitting in an envelope in the visor of the car? or worst in the bottomless purse your wife carries around? maybe its stuck between the seat and the center console of the car.

Doesnt matter if you’re getting a refund or your going to owe the IRS – people looking to steal your identity aren’t concerned which category you fall in as they prepare to assume your identity and make good on a return that you were or weren’t expecting.

“Tax season is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for identity thieves,” said Todd Davis, Chairman and CEO of the industry-leading identity theft protection firm LifeLock. “Unfortunately, the current system is not built to protect consumers from tax fraud but rather is built on a first come-first served basis. Consumers need to understand the existing dangers and take immediate action to claim their rightful return before an identity thief can strike.”

There is no way to stop all identity theft, however, LifeLock offers the following tax filing tips for consumers to consider when preparing their income taxes in 2012:

FILE FAST – Your procrastination can turn into profit for an identity thief. The sooner you file, the less time an identity thief has to compromise your information and cash in on a fraudulent return.

SECURE YOURSELF – When using online tax preparation software, be certain that the Web site is secure and that you see an https:// in the URL. The “s” in the URL indicates that the server is secure and personal information is encrypted and can be transmitted safely from your computer to the end point.

SKIP THE PHISHING TRIP – Remember this: the IRS never initiates communications with taxpayers through email.  Identity thieves can send fraudulently emails, posing as an employee of the IRS in an attempt to collect personally identifiable information to use in compromising your identity. This type of scam is commonly referred to as phishing. Do not respond if you should receive an email from the IRS, instead forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

For additional information on how to protect your personal information and secure your identity, LifeLock offers a series of educational guidelines online.

Suzi Shelton
Performance at 11:00 AM

Brooklyn-based kindie rocker Suzi Shelton will play a family show on Sunday, March 25th at 11am, showcasing tunes from her latest release “Tomboy in a Princess Dress”, written with her 7 year old daughter in mind. Suzi will be joined by guitarist Greg Mayo, bass and trombone player Albert Elias, and her children. “I love the interactive element of my performances,” says Suzi. There’s nothing like seeing a room full of kids pumping their fists shouting “Road Trip! That personal connection to the audience…it’s one of the main reasons why I do kids music.” Suzi will also feature songs from her two previous solo CD’s “Simply Suzi” and, “No Ordinary Day,” which include favorites like “Scooter Boy,” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”.

Suzi has enjoyed rocking kids for over 10 years with her original songs and may look familiar as she is also the musical host of Gymboree Play & Music’s DVD series. She has also recently ventured into the online scene with her crowd-pleasing live webcasts where her young fans can hear her sing their favorite songs, interact with her and her family and/or special guests, and even win CD’s and T-shirts – all while remaining in the comfort of their own home. This can be a nice option if you can’t get out to see her live. www.suzishelton.com 

The Z Brothers
Performance at 1:00 PM

Who can play the Wheels on the Bus and Sweet Home Alabama at the same sing-a-long and still pull it off: The Z Brothers! Paulie Z, David Z and Joey Cassata, three Brooklyn boys, have been performing for kids for over a decade now and their youthful brand of showmanship and high energy sing-a-longs have successfully made the one of the most sought after children’s entertainers in the country.

When attending a Z Brothers show, prepare yourself for an explosive performance filled with singing, shaking, clapping, jumping and a lot of dancing. Also, keep your ears open for some classic rock tunes that’ll have all the adults joining in the fun. The Z Brothers are probably best known for their ability to seamlessly intertwine songs from all different age groups into one sing-a-long. They’ll play everything from Barney to the Beatles to NSYNC so that kids, older siblings, parents and even nannies are guaranteed to have a great time. Paulie, David and Joey approach their sing-a-longs from a rock n’ roll perspective because they are both working musicians in that field. To date they have released three albums with their hard rock band ZO2 and have starred in two seasons of their own TV series on cable called Z Rock. www.thezbrothers.com

Jon Samson
Performance at 2:30PM

Jon Samson is a music therapist, performer and award winning producer of his original “Kids Albums.” As founder of CoCreative Music, Jon facilitates creativity, self esteem and expression for children and grown ups alike. He has worked alongside the founders of the Blue Man Group at the Blue School and has been interviewed on Doctor Radio Sirius XM about his approach to Autism and special needs.

As a performer, Jon and his band filled up BAM cafe for two live performances for the BAM kids film festival. He has also performed with Sesame Streets “Bob”, and produces music for best selling author and international teacher, Caroline Myss. He runs a private practice in Brooklyn, and does shows and parties throughout NYC.To hear songs and learn more about Jon’s approach, visit www.cocreativemusic.com

Can’t make it to the show?! Enjoy the music from where ever you are – with the J&R Jr. ustream.

If having 3 concerts weren’t enough The Cat In The Hat will be on hand to take photos with guests…  And put a little note in the calendar that on March 31st and April 1st J&R Jr. will be hosting free photos with the Easter Bunny.

From the producers of 300, Mark Canton, Gianni Nunnari, and Relativity’s CEO
Ryan Kavanaugh, IMMORTALS explodes off the screen with action-packed battles,
mythological adventure and an all-star cast including: Henry Cavill (Superman: Man of
Steel), Luke Evans (Robin Hood), Kellan Lutz (Twilight), Isabel Lucas (Transformers:
Revenge of the Fallen), Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire), Stephen Dorff (Public
Enemies), John Hurt (Hellboy) and Mickey Rourke (Iron Man 2).

In this epic tale of vengeance and destiny, power-mad King Hyperion (Rourke) threatens
to destroy all of humanity on his maniacal quest to obtain the ultimate weapon – the
legendary Epirus Bow that gives the power to unleash war on both Heaven and Earth.
But Theseus (Cavill), a heroic young villager chosen by the gods, rises up to stop
Hyperion’s brutal rampage. With supernatural help from the beautiful oracle Phaedra
(Pinto), Theseus embraces his destiny and leads a fierce band of warriors in a desperate
fight for the future of mankind.

You could pick up a copy at J&R

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. March 11th, 2012.

You must comment telling us Which character in IMMORTALS is threatening to destroy all of humanity? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
• King Hyperion
• Theseus
• Poseidon

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks

You get 1 extra entry for following them on twitter –twitter.com/FoxHomeEnt

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:

@FoxHomeEnt @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/zJCeTT  and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win IMMORTALS  from @FoxHomeEnt & @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/zJCeTT

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed

You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner! Limited to the USA.

Disclaimer: Fox Home Entertainment is providing the prize for the raffle.

Finding clothes that are cool for a toddler isnt hard – finding cool clothes for kids is hard. Finding something that matches the style you want defined as cool is the goal. The trick is not to make it overly cool, you know you hit that point when people are looking at your child like he stepped off the runway.

Enter Little Trendstar a very cool line of clothes that integrates musical elements into the design. I say let the kids rock it to a special event or party.

The Old School design was totally my favorite now only if they made them in a XXL – but thats saying something about a kids clothing company that makes clothes that Dads want to wear too.