I took my daughter to a birthday tea party for one of her friends, and they had these great fruit kabobs there. They were so good, looked so easy to make, and it made the table look so much more colorful and fun. I thought these would be a great side to take with a meal that you're bringing to someone. If you're anything like me, I'm always trying to find an easy and simple side to bring- and usually end up doing something like brownies. Well, these are much healthier and more fun!
Makes about 15 kabobs (so adjust amounts if you don't need that many):
-Kabob Sticks (I found these at Walmart- I'm sure you can find them anywhere)
-2 pints of strawberries, washed and tops cut off (but keep them whole)
-1 can of cut up pineapple (or you can just get fresh pineapple- I'm all about easiest, so guess which one I got?!) :)
-1 bunch of red grapes, washed
-about 4 or 5 Kiwi- peeled, cut into chunks
Then comes the fun- you just alternate each piece of fruit on the kabob until it's filled. I'm so bummed I didn't take a picture of the ones I made this past Sunday- sorry about that!
I'd love to hear from any of you in the foodtidings community who have some great recipes or tips you'd like to share with us- really anything you'd like to share, we'd love to hear! You can email me at lisa@foodtidings.com, and I'd love to post recipes, tips, or stories onto our blog for all to see! We appreciate you all, and are so grateful that foodtidings can be used to help you!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Buy Them A Giftcard
I came across a cool idea today while I was RSVPing on Evite for my 3 year old son, who was invited to his friends' birthday party. It's the idea of buying a giftcard online for someone. I'm sure this idea has been around for a long time, but I think it fits perfect for foodtidings.
I thought of foodtidings because sometimes when I get an invitation to sign up to bring someone dinner, it just seems like a crazy busy time for us. And the thought of trying to work out bringing a meal (although I totally want to), just overwhelms me. But I could always order a gift card, and have it sent to that persons address or email. Or for friends who just had a baby, and I didn't attend the baby shower, I could send them a gift card and bring a meal if I wanted to. Or for friends or family members who are going through treatment for cancer, or any other kind of illness, gift cards are so helpful for the families. The possibilities are endless.
So I did some research for you all, and here's what I came up with:
gift card mall. This site was cool too. I counted 37 food places you could choose from when purchasing gift cards, as well as many many other merchants. I liked that this site broke the merchants down in categories for you, so it wasn't so overwhelming when looking at it all. I liked that this site allowed me to either have the actual gift card sent to the address of the recipient (free shipping too) or I could do an e-gift card and have it sent to their email address.
Friendgiftr. This site is really well put together and seemed very user friendly. They have over 140 merchants to choose from, and you simply pick the giftcard you want, choose the denomination, and have it sent to the recipient's email address (for an e-gift card). There is only a 99 cent delivery charge. There didn't seem to be too many restaraunts to choose from, but there were many other things. I liked also that the recipient has the option of changing the merchant that was purchased for them- so if someone bought me a Red Robin gift card, I could switch it out for Applebee's. I thought that was cool.
Amazon also sells gift cards. They didn't have as many restaraunt options, but still a great site.
I'm finding that there are restaraunts out there that even allow you to purchase their gift cards from their website, and have them mailed or emailed directly to the recipient. Technology is really changing right before our very eyes. Here's who I found that does this (although I'm sure I've missed some): Disclaimer- sorry these aren't in alphabetical order, I didn't realize how many I would find! Also, some of these have a charge or fee attached to ordering them- be sure to read all that before purchasing!
Red Lobster
Rubio's
Applebee's
Brinker- good for On The Border, Chili's, Macaroni Grill, and Maggiano's
Baja Fresh
Starbucks- not a meal, but nice for some who LOVE coffee! :)
Subway
Quiznos
In N Out- my husband will be excited I found this one out! :)
Chipotle
Wendys
Bucca Di Beppo
Rock Bottom Brewery
Paradise Bakery
McDonalds
Pizza Hut
Papa John's Pizza
Domino's Pizza
Panera Bread
Walmart- lots of options to order different types of cards
Fry's (or kroger)- can purchase grocery store gift card, for groceries, or the recipient can then purchase restaraunt gift card
Gas Cards are always helpful, especially to families that are doing a lot of traveling to and from hospitals and dr's offices. I'm sure they'd be extremely grateful to receive a gas card. Here's a few places that allow you to order gas cards online:
Exxon Mobil
Circle K
Chevron
Texaco
Conoco
If anyone finds or knows of other places that you can either purchase e-gift cards or have gift cards sent to the recipient, let me know in a comment! I'd be happy to add it to our list. Thanks!
I thought of foodtidings because sometimes when I get an invitation to sign up to bring someone dinner, it just seems like a crazy busy time for us. And the thought of trying to work out bringing a meal (although I totally want to), just overwhelms me. But I could always order a gift card, and have it sent to that persons address or email. Or for friends who just had a baby, and I didn't attend the baby shower, I could send them a gift card and bring a meal if I wanted to. Or for friends or family members who are going through treatment for cancer, or any other kind of illness, gift cards are so helpful for the families. The possibilities are endless.
So I did some research for you all, and here's what I came up with:
gift card mall. This site was cool too. I counted 37 food places you could choose from when purchasing gift cards, as well as many many other merchants. I liked that this site broke the merchants down in categories for you, so it wasn't so overwhelming when looking at it all. I liked that this site allowed me to either have the actual gift card sent to the address of the recipient (free shipping too) or I could do an e-gift card and have it sent to their email address.
Friendgiftr. This site is really well put together and seemed very user friendly. They have over 140 merchants to choose from, and you simply pick the giftcard you want, choose the denomination, and have it sent to the recipient's email address (for an e-gift card). There is only a 99 cent delivery charge. There didn't seem to be too many restaraunts to choose from, but there were many other things. I liked also that the recipient has the option of changing the merchant that was purchased for them- so if someone bought me a Red Robin gift card, I could switch it out for Applebee's. I thought that was cool.
Amazon also sells gift cards. They didn't have as many restaraunt options, but still a great site.
I'm finding that there are restaraunts out there that even allow you to purchase their gift cards from their website, and have them mailed or emailed directly to the recipient. Technology is really changing right before our very eyes. Here's who I found that does this (although I'm sure I've missed some): Disclaimer- sorry these aren't in alphabetical order, I didn't realize how many I would find! Also, some of these have a charge or fee attached to ordering them- be sure to read all that before purchasing!
Red Lobster
Rubio's
Applebee's
Brinker- good for On The Border, Chili's, Macaroni Grill, and Maggiano's
Baja Fresh
Starbucks- not a meal, but nice for some who LOVE coffee! :)
Subway
Quiznos
In N Out- my husband will be excited I found this one out! :)
Chipotle
Wendys
Bucca Di Beppo
Rock Bottom Brewery
Paradise Bakery
McDonalds
Pizza Hut
Papa John's Pizza
Domino's Pizza
Panera Bread
Walmart- lots of options to order different types of cards
Fry's (or kroger)- can purchase grocery store gift card, for groceries, or the recipient can then purchase restaraunt gift card
Gas Cards are always helpful, especially to families that are doing a lot of traveling to and from hospitals and dr's offices. I'm sure they'd be extremely grateful to receive a gas card. Here's a few places that allow you to order gas cards online:
Exxon Mobil
Circle K
Chevron
Texaco
Conoco
If anyone finds or knows of other places that you can either purchase e-gift cards or have gift cards sent to the recipient, let me know in a comment! I'd be happy to add it to our list. Thanks!
Friday, March 26, 2010
How to Help Single Moms with Cancer?
Wow,
I just got off the phone with a woman named Jody Berens...and I need to compose myself. Jody and her dear friend Andy are the founders of an organization called Singleton Moms that exists to help provide care for single moms who have cancer. The story of where their inspiration and passion came from (and believe me there's passion) is heartbreaking and unfortunately a more common story than you might know, however, it's remarkable. Their friend Michelle Singleton was a single mother of four with a generous and caring spirit, who did a lot to help others. She was diagnosed with cancer at 31 years old. Michelle's life ended after 15 months of treatment to battle it. During the course of Michelle's treatment she was unable to work and really needed support for the day-to-day things and Jody and Andy were there to help as much as they could. When Michelle passed, they wanted to honor her memory and reach out to those whose situation was like Michelle's...Singleton Moms is the result...
As I asked Jody more about how they help these moms, I heard about the journey so far and where they are currently at with needs. This undertaking has required incredible faith and the resources of time, energy and finances. The more word gets out about SM's, the more need has surfaced. If you want to be involved and do something, you can contribute in two main ways:
1) Financially - Sign up for "Gimme Five" on the site.
2) Volunteer - Help a single mom with cancer by being a "Care Coordinator."
Visit Singleton Moms and witness how something wonderful has been birthed from something tragic and how you can be a part of it. Thanks to you Jody and Amy (and your families) for giving of yourselves.
God bless you.
I just got off the phone with a woman named Jody Berens...and I need to compose myself. Jody and her dear friend Andy are the founders of an organization called Singleton Moms that exists to help provide care for single moms who have cancer. The story of where their inspiration and passion came from (and believe me there's passion) is heartbreaking and unfortunately a more common story than you might know, however, it's remarkable. Their friend Michelle Singleton was a single mother of four with a generous and caring spirit, who did a lot to help others. She was diagnosed with cancer at 31 years old. Michelle's life ended after 15 months of treatment to battle it. During the course of Michelle's treatment she was unable to work and really needed support for the day-to-day things and Jody and Andy were there to help as much as they could. When Michelle passed, they wanted to honor her memory and reach out to those whose situation was like Michelle's...Singleton Moms is the result...
Simply put, Singleton Moms started as a group of Michelle's family and friends who wished to honor a brave woman and carry on in her giving footsteps. By allowing single mothers with cancer the time to focus more on their family and recovery rather than their normal daily responsibilities, we feel we are fulfilling a legacy Michelle would be very proud to have been responsible for. Michelle was very blessed to have a lot of friends and family, she knew this. Singleton Moms looks forward to continuing to pay tribute to her memory while helping other strong mothers charge into a healthy and bright future.
As I asked Jody more about how they help these moms, I heard about the journey so far and where they are currently at with needs. This undertaking has required incredible faith and the resources of time, energy and finances. The more word gets out about SM's, the more need has surfaced. If you want to be involved and do something, you can contribute in two main ways:
1) Financially - Sign up for "Gimme Five" on the site.
2) Volunteer - Help a single mom with cancer by being a "Care Coordinator."
Visit Singleton Moms and witness how something wonderful has been birthed from something tragic and how you can be a part of it. Thanks to you Jody and Amy (and your families) for giving of yourselves.
God bless you.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Be A Neighbor
My family and I recently moved into a new home at the end of January. It was sort of bitter sweet, to be honest. We had been at our previous rental home for 4 years, and had created some great relationships with our neighbors there. We were sad to leave them, and at the same time excited for this new opportunity to own a home, and make some new friendships with our new neighbors.
When we moved into the house, it felt like a ghost town to me at times. It seemed like no one ever came out of their houses, and I really missed our old neighborhood. My husband, Zach, is so social and was very positive that we would eventually meet and get to know our neighbors.
And so far, we're having great success. We've met the neighbors on either side of us (and how funny is this- one of them I went to high school with and was good friends with!), and the other we met and they didn't seem super warm and friendly. We did find out that they have a little girl, and they were about to have a little boy any day.
One morning, I took the kids out front to play a bit, and I ran into the husband with his daughter. He let me know that his wife just had their baby a few days ago. I said congratulations, and decided that we should bring them dinner sometime. My husband thought it was a great idea, and he said we should do it sooner rather than later (I'll admit I have a tendency to procrastinate.) So we went over there to ask when a good day to bring dinner would be, and they seemed very pleasantly surprised. They said anytime, and I asked if they liked lasagna.
So that's what I brought over the next night- lasagna, a loaf of french bread, and some cupcakes. They were so warm and friendly, they invited the kids and I right in. They said we should have a play date sometime and get our kids together- awesome!
Now, each time we see them, they smile, wave, and look genuinely happy to see us. It's amazing to me what kindness and a meal can do. I love it. I didn't have to make a whole meal schedule- we didn't know anyone they know yet, or any of our neighbors really yet either. So that wouldn't have worked. But just us bringing that over opened up lines of communication, and now we aren't strangers anymore.
I just had to share that with you all- there is power in kindness and food! And if it's made with love, who can resist? Surely not me!
When we moved into the house, it felt like a ghost town to me at times. It seemed like no one ever came out of their houses, and I really missed our old neighborhood. My husband, Zach, is so social and was very positive that we would eventually meet and get to know our neighbors.
And so far, we're having great success. We've met the neighbors on either side of us (and how funny is this- one of them I went to high school with and was good friends with!), and the other we met and they didn't seem super warm and friendly. We did find out that they have a little girl, and they were about to have a little boy any day.
One morning, I took the kids out front to play a bit, and I ran into the husband with his daughter. He let me know that his wife just had their baby a few days ago. I said congratulations, and decided that we should bring them dinner sometime. My husband thought it was a great idea, and he said we should do it sooner rather than later (I'll admit I have a tendency to procrastinate.) So we went over there to ask when a good day to bring dinner would be, and they seemed very pleasantly surprised. They said anytime, and I asked if they liked lasagna.
So that's what I brought over the next night- lasagna, a loaf of french bread, and some cupcakes. They were so warm and friendly, they invited the kids and I right in. They said we should have a play date sometime and get our kids together- awesome!
Now, each time we see them, they smile, wave, and look genuinely happy to see us. It's amazing to me what kindness and a meal can do. I love it. I didn't have to make a whole meal schedule- we didn't know anyone they know yet, or any of our neighbors really yet either. So that wouldn't have worked. But just us bringing that over opened up lines of communication, and now we aren't strangers anymore.
I just had to share that with you all- there is power in kindness and food! And if it's made with love, who can resist? Surely not me!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tortilla Soup
I recently had this soup at our neighborhood Bible Study, and it was AMAZING! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I will for sure be making this now that I have the recipe! This could be an awesome, and inexpensive meal to bring to someone. Give it a try!
TORTILLA SOUP
Serves: 6-8
1 lb ground beef
10 cups chicken broth
1 med onion, chopped
1 29 oz can Pinto Beans
1 28 oz can stewed tomatoes
2 cups Frozen Corn
2 pkgs Taco Seasoning
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
4 med potatoes, chopped
TORTILLA CHIPS
Garnish:
Cilantro, chopped
Shredded Cheese
Sour Cream
Brown Ground Beef, drain off fat. Add remaining ingredients, except tortilla chips and garnish, and simmer until potatoes are tender.
Crush several chips into each person's bowl, ladle in soup, and garnish with chopped cilantro, cheese, and/or sour cream. Serve with while tortilla chips on the side. ENJOY!!!
TORTILLA SOUP
Serves: 6-8
1 lb ground beef
10 cups chicken broth
1 med onion, chopped
1 29 oz can Pinto Beans
1 28 oz can stewed tomatoes
2 cups Frozen Corn
2 pkgs Taco Seasoning
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
4 med potatoes, chopped
TORTILLA CHIPS
Garnish:
Cilantro, chopped
Shredded Cheese
Sour Cream
Brown Ground Beef, drain off fat. Add remaining ingredients, except tortilla chips and garnish, and simmer until potatoes are tender.
Crush several chips into each person's bowl, ladle in soup, and garnish with chopped cilantro, cheese, and/or sour cream. Serve with while tortilla chips on the side. ENJOY!!!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Easy Breezy Chicken Tacos
Here's a recipe for the easiest tacos you may ever make! It's a crock pot recipe, and for me, that makes it that much better! (I LOVE my crock pot!)
3 chicken breasts (can even be frozen)
1 jar of salsa
flour tortillas or corn if you'd like
shredded lettucs
cut up tomatoes
shredded cheese
anything else you enjoy on your tacos
Directions:
-Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot
-Pour almost one jar of salsa over the top (save the rest for the tacos)
-Let it go on low all day long- about 8 hours or you could do high for 5 hours
And that's it! Once the chicken is done, you can make tacos out of the tortillas (the corn probably need to be hardened in some hot oil, or just buy the already made taco shells), put on the lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. And wallah! That would be a great meal to bring to someone too!
I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful Fall season, and have a safe and Happy Halloween! :)
3 chicken breasts (can even be frozen)
1 jar of salsa
flour tortillas or corn if you'd like
shredded lettucs
cut up tomatoes
shredded cheese
anything else you enjoy on your tacos
Directions:
-Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot
-Pour almost one jar of salsa over the top (save the rest for the tacos)
-Let it go on low all day long- about 8 hours or you could do high for 5 hours
And that's it! Once the chicken is done, you can make tacos out of the tortillas (the corn probably need to be hardened in some hot oil, or just buy the already made taco shells), put on the lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. And wallah! That would be a great meal to bring to someone too!
I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful Fall season, and have a safe and Happy Halloween! :)
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Website to Help Make Healthier Food Choices
Hi everyone! I hope you're all doing well on this wonderful weekend.
I wanted to share a favorite website of one of our Foodtidings friends, Andrea. It's called Family Food Experts, and it's filled with helpful information regarding healthy food choices. Their site says they "provide healthier food solutions kids love to eat", and it looks to be so true! There are some great recipes, they have a blog, and the two creators of the site are passionate about getting the word out to help others create healthier lifestyles for families in the food department.
They even created a "kid kritics approved" seal that can be found on healthy foods in your local grocery store. Here's what the site says about the seal:
"We created the Kid Kritics Seal in order to make your healthy food choices easier. When you see our seal it shows that the product meets all of our ingredient standards, and has been blind taste tested by at least 70% of our Kid Kritics (5-14 years.) Watch for this seal on products in your stores, so you know it's a good buy!"
Click here for the link for the current list of Kid Kritic approved foods. I think that is such a wonderful thing, and I'll be keeping my eye out in the grocery store for the seal!
There are so many wonderful things about this site, and I know each time I go to it, I'll find more to learn. I'm very interested in making healthy food choices for me and my family, and this site will help me in my journey. Thank you Andrea, for the site suggestion!
I wanted to share a favorite website of one of our Foodtidings friends, Andrea. It's called Family Food Experts, and it's filled with helpful information regarding healthy food choices. Their site says they "provide healthier food solutions kids love to eat", and it looks to be so true! There are some great recipes, they have a blog, and the two creators of the site are passionate about getting the word out to help others create healthier lifestyles for families in the food department.
They even created a "kid kritics approved" seal that can be found on healthy foods in your local grocery store. Here's what the site says about the seal:
"We created the Kid Kritics Seal in order to make your healthy food choices easier. When you see our seal it shows that the product meets all of our ingredient standards, and has been blind taste tested by at least 70% of our Kid Kritics (5-14 years.) Watch for this seal on products in your stores, so you know it's a good buy!"
Click here for the link for the current list of Kid Kritic approved foods. I think that is such a wonderful thing, and I'll be keeping my eye out in the grocery store for the seal!
There are so many wonderful things about this site, and I know each time I go to it, I'll find more to learn. I'm very interested in making healthy food choices for me and my family, and this site will help me in my journey. Thank you Andrea, for the site suggestion!
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