Special K Crackers

I'm sure I'm not the only one who decided that 2009 would be the year to lose those extra pounds, right?

For me, snacks can be my downfall. I hit a mid-afternoon lull and all I want to do is graze. That's why when Mom Central asked if I'd like to try Special K crackers, I was so excited!

I tried the Multi Grain Snack Crackers and the Italian Tomato and Herb crackers. Both were huge hits at our house but I especially loved the Multi Grain version. For 90 calories, you get a good amount of crackers and they are delicious! The Multi Grain crackers are also perfect for when you are on the go because they are packaged in individual servings.

If you are looking for a new go-to snack that won't ruin your diet, these are definitely worth a try!

Sharpen the Mind, Shape the Body

We are huge fans of GameStop around our house. Each of our friends and family members know that all gift giving occasions, Big Daddy wants only one thing: a GameStop gift card.

GameStop has an initiative for January to help you fulfill your New Year's Resolutions while having fun! Sharpen the Mind, Shape the Body is designed to show you a selection of games that will help you in your fitness goals as well as some that will work your brain, as well. There are special demos set up in your local GameStop to help you figure out what games best fit your skills and goals so stop by and check it out!

As a special incentive, all shoppers who spend $35 or more on designated products will receive a free 12-month trial subscription to their choice of Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Redbook, Good Housekeeping or Esquire magazines.

Now, if I could just come up with a plan to get Big Daddy to let me go to GameStop and get a Wii we'd be all set. Too bad he's a Playstation 3 enthusiast and considers my requests blasphemy!

Truvia

Just over a year ago while I was visiting a local health food store, the owner handed me a brochure with my receipt. I glanced at it when I got to the car and something caught my eye immediately. It was a brochure about Stevia, a natural, no calorie sweetener that was derived from a plant rather than chemicals.

My interest was piqued because I has been using Splenda and was looking for an alternative because I was trying to figure out the source of recent migraines. It looked interesting but I promptly forgot to go back and get some to try out.

Recently, I've been seeing commercials for Truvia, newly marketed version of stevia and again, I've been meaning to pick it up.

Enter Mom Central! I received a package of Truvia to review and I was so excited to have it in my coffee the next morning!

I have to say, I like it. It's not quite as sweet the Splenda that I've been using but honestly, that's a good thing. Truvia was perfect in my coffee! I was pleasantly surprised at how much it tastes like sugar and happy that it is a natural product.

Check out their Truvia's website and you can even find recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking your New Year's resolution!

Love Your Veggies!

Hidden Valley Ranch is hosting a contest right now for Moms to submit ideas on developing a community garden to encourage families to eat more veggies! I think this is a fantastic idea for that reason alone but they have taken it a step further! Ten winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Chicago for lessons on choosing and cooking great vegetable dishes, dinner at Chef Smith's restaurant, Table Fifty-Two, some amazing pampering, and $5,000 to create or maintain their community gardens. How cool is that??

Check out their Love Your Veggies site for more information as well as some healthy and fun recipes and activities for your family!