Nestle Family Virtual Halloween Party: Juicy Juice Party Ideas!

Nestlé Family Halloween PartyMy girls are just starting to really get into the Halloween traditions. Dressing up and going trick or treating are our usual holiday highlights. But ever since my husband and I were married, we have made it a tradition to go to the pumpkin patch and carve a pumpkin together. Once we had children, we had even more fun by having them help us select the all important family pumpkin.

The pumpkin has become a centerpiece during this holiday in more ways than one! Because our kids are little, they can be quite scared of this holiday as well, so we have sought out non-scary parties for them to attend. Their favorite one has been a pumpkin carving party! Each child brought a pumpkin and the party hosts provided templates, paints, glitter, stickers….everything the kids needed to let their imaginations run wild. The party guests showed up in costume and the carving began!

Are you planning on having a Halloween party this year? If you are looking for fun and unique party ideas, check out this Juicy Juice recipe from Nestle:

Bone Chillin’ Brew

What you need
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 clear plastic gloves
  • 3 rubber bands or twist ties
  • 2 bottles (64 fl. oz. each) of Punch Flavor NESTLÉ® JUICY JUICE® All Natural 100% Juice, chilled
  • 1 can (12 fl. oz.) of frozen lemonade concentrate, slightly thawed
  • 4 cans (12 fl. oz. each) of lemon-lime soda, chilled
How to do it

FOR FLOATING HANDS:

POUR water into gloves, adding enough water to fill the gloves loosely but not so full that the fingers will not move. Fasten gloves with rubber bands or twist ties. Line baking sheet with paper towels. Place filled gloves on paper towels. Freeze for 3 hours or until firm.

FOR PUNCH:
COMBINE Juicy Juice and lemonade concentrate in large punch bowl. Gradually stir in soda. Carefully cut gloves off hands with scissors. Float hands in punch.

GIVEAWAY

Need a little help creating the perfect Halloween Party?  Nestle Family has generously offered one reader a Juicy Juice prize pack including a $25 Target gift card to purchase party essentials plus two bottles of Juicy Juice® punch.

How to enter:

1. Tell me your favorite Halloween Party memory!

Additional entries

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Juicy Juice on Facebook.

5. Place my button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 26th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. I received a stipend from Nestle Family for my time in generating five posts for this blog tour.

Nestle Family Virtual Halloween Party: Spooktacular Baking Ideas

Here in New Orleans, the weather is still quite warm, so it is hard to believe that the Halloween is just around the corner.  In fact, I haven’t even purchased costumes or candy just yet!  Fortunately, Nestle Family asked me to be a part of their Virtual Halloween Party in order to get me in the “spirit” of the season.  Each day this week, visit the participating blogs to learn about great Halloween ideas and have the chance to win themed prize packs, too!

Nestlé Family Halloween Party

Today, Nestle Toll House wants to hear about your favorite Spooktacular Baking Ideas!  What have you created using Nestle Toll House products?  Your unique and creative idea could win you $2,500!  Submissions are being taken now through October 20th.  More info from their Facebook page:

Create a Halloween-themed Baking Activity using NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Submit the name of your project, step-by-step instructions and a picture of your fun creation. Ten lucky finalists will be chosen by NESTLÉ. Votes from our NESTLÉ baking community will determine the winners.

While it is no secret that I should not enter the contest because my baking skills are less than stellar, I did get a little adventurous and create a pumpkin cookie with my daughter using Nestle Toll House sugar cookie dough and a cookie cutter and decorating set from Copper Gifts.  We baked the cookies according to the package directions, let cool slightly and then cut the cookies with the pumpkin cutter.  Following a spread of icing and a sprinkle of orange edible glitter, we decorated with green icing for the finishing touches.  All in all, it was a great activity for my daughter and I (and I don’t think they came out too bad if I do say so myself!).

GIVEAWAY

Would you like to create a baking memory with your family?  Nestle Family has generously offered one reader a baking activities package from Toll House!  The package will include coupons for two free packages of Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough, a NESTLÉ Toll House apron and a $25 Target gift card to purchase additional baking essentials.

How to enter:

1. Check out the current entries in the Nestle Toll House Spooktacular Baking Activities contest and tell me which is your favorite?

Additional entries

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Nestle Toll House on Facebook.

5. Place my button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 1st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Nestle Family is compensating me for my time in generating five posts for this blog tour.

Nestle Family Summer Block Party: The Final Day!

I hope you have all had a great time at the Nestle Family Summer Block Party! I know I have loved checking out all the great summer tips from participating bloggers!

Nestlé Family Summer Block Party

The Not-So Blog

On this last day of the party, I thought I would leave you will one final backyard science experiment you can try with the kids.  This lesson in density of liquids can be found at the Science is Fun website!

materials

Several unopened cans of regular soda of different varieties, several unopened cans of diet soda of different varieties, a large aquarium/sink/ice chest, and water.

Fill the aquarium or sink almost to the top with water. Place a can of regular soda into the water. Make sure that no air bubbles are trapped under the can when you place it in the water. Does it sink or float? Repeat the experiment with a can of diet soda. Does it sink or float?

Why does one can sink, and the other can float?

The cans of soda have exactly the same volume, or size. But their density differs due to what is dissolved in the soda. Regular soda contains sugar as a sweetener. If you look at the nutrition facts on a can of regular soda, you will notice that it contains sugar…a lot of sugar. In some cases a 12 ounce can of regular soda will contain over 40 grams of sugar. Diet sodas, on the other hand, use artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. These artificial sweeteners may be hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, which means that less than a few grams of artificial sweetener is used in a can of diet soda. The difference in the amount of dissolved sweeteners leads to a difference in density. Cans of regular soda tend to be more dense than water, so they sink. Cans of diet soda are usually less dense than water, so they float.

GIVEAWAY

The Grand Finale of the Block Party will certainly reward you for following along!  Today’s prize package includes the following:

An assortment of Nestle Family coupons for FREE products such as JUICY JUICE®, OVALTINE®, EDY’S®/DREYER’S®, CARNATION® Breakfast Essentials, WONKA®, STOUFFER’S®, NESQUIK®, TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Cookie Dough, TOLL HOUSE® Morsels, and DRUMSTICK® Sundae Cones plus….

….a $100 VISA gift card!

How to enter:

1. Tell me what was your favorite science project you did as a child?  Or what has been your child’s favorite science lesson?

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and NESTLE FAMILY (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

6. Subscribe to my Feed.

7.  Follow the other Block Party Hosts on Twitter and get 4 extra entries! (@OHMommy, @sarann, @ReneeJRoss, @247Moms)

All of the NESTLE giveaways on Experimental Mommy will be open through July 21st, so make sure you enter them all!!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 21st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

The Block Party is sponsored by Nestle Family.  I was compensated for participating in this series, but all opinions remain 100% mine.

Nestle Family Summer Block Party: Day 4

The summer in New Orleans is nothing if it isn’t HOT and HOTTER!  While I love taking the kids outside to play, some days it is hard when the temperature is already 90 degrees at 8am!  Today, I thought I would feature a great indoor science activity for those days when it’s just impossible to go outside!

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has put together a really great “cool science” site for kids!  Some of the experiments that will satisfy just about any curious kid include “diving in to the miniature world with a microscope” and “specks, flecks and particles in the air.“   The site also features a really neat “Ask a Scientist” section for all those questions Mom and Dad just can’t answer.  The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is also a great resource for science fair projects!

Think you have a budding Scientist on your hands?  Find out what some of the most prominent biomedical researchers think you need in order to make it happen!

GIVEAWAY

Your reward for attending today’s block party? Another great prize pack from Nestle! Today’s package includes:

An assortment of coupons for FREE Nestle Family products including:

JUICY JUICE®, OVALTINE®, EDY’S®/DREYER’S®, CARNATION® Breakfast Essentials, WONKA®, STOUFFER’S®, NESQUIK®, TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Cookie Dough, TOLL HOUSE® Morsels, DRUMSTICK® Sundae Cones, and NESTLÉ® Pure Life

How to enter:

1. Tell me what your child wants to be when he/she grows up?

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and NESTLE FAMILY (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

6. Subscribe to my Feed.

7. Follow the other Block Party Hosts on Twitter and get 4 extra entries! (@OHMommy, @sarann, @ReneeJRoss, @247Moms)

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 21st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

The Block Party is sponsored by Nestle Family. I was compensated for participating in this series, but all opinions remain 100% mine.

Nestle Family Summer Block Party: Day 3

Day 3 already?  The Nestle Family Summer Block Party is half over already!  Have you been entering all the great giveaways on all five blogs?

Obviously, by looking at my blog, you have realized by now that science is a major part of my life.  I love talking at career fairs and sharing the fun of science with those who may eventually venture into the field.  One of the places I love to take my kids for hands-on experiences is the Louisiana Children’s Museum located right here in New Orleans.  Who ever said New Orleans isn’t for kids?!?  With so many hands-off places for little ones in this world, it’s nice to take my girls to a place that is completely kid friendly, fun and educational.

With over 30,000 square feet and more than 100 interactive exhibits, my kids LOVE this place!  The girls love reading section, the supermarket, the pretend restaurant and of course the science exhibits!  This weekend, the Louisiana Children’s Museum is hosting “Fetch! Beach Science” on Saturday, July 17th from 11:00am-3:00pm. From the website:

Dive into the science of the beach.  Do an experiment in the Atrium to find out why you can float better in salt water.  Learn about the spirals of a sea shell and then create your own in Art Trek.  Discover sand writings and make a sand bottle.  Help measure the length of a blue whale in our architecture exhibit.”

Sounds like a great way to spend the weekend!  And it’s even air-conditioned…BONUS! :)

GIVEAWAY

Your reward for attending today’s block party? Another great prize pack from Nestle! Today’s package includes:

1 Shutterfly gift card, valued at $29.99 to catch all the great Summer Memories plus an assortment of coupons for FREE Nestle Family products including:

JUICY JUICE®, OVALTINE®, EDY’S®/DREYER’S®, CARNATION® Breakfast Essentials, WONKA®, STOUFFER’S®, NESQUIK®, TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Cookie Dough, TOLL HOUSE® Morsels, DRUMSTICK® Sundae Cones

How to enter:

1. Tell me how you beat the heat in the Summer?  Do you find air-conditioned activities for the family?

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and NESTLE FAMILY (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

6. Subscribe to my Feed.

7. Follow the other Block Party Hosts on Twitter and get 4 extra entries! (@OHMommy, @sarann, @ReneeJRoss, @247Moms)

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 21st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

The Block Party is sponsored by Nestle Family. I was compensated for participating in this series, but all opinions remain 100% mine.

Your invited to the Nestle Summer Block Party!

One of the things I love about Summer is relaxing and enjoying time with friends.  Who doesn’t love a good Summer Block Party, right…. food, friends, sun and did I mention food?!?  It’s the perfect way to unwind, meet your neighbors and catch up with the people you love!  For this entire week, I cordially invite you to join me (and four of my blogging neighbors) at the Nestle Family Summer Block Party!

Nestlé Family Summer Block Party

The Not-So Blog

Each week, all five blogs including 24/7 Moms, Classy Chaos, Cutie Booty Cakes, Momma Findings and myself will be featuring some great summer tips and hosting some incredible Nestle Giveaways (you do NOT want to miss what I have in store for you on Friday!).  Here at Experimental Mommy (aka The Not-So-Blog), I will be writing about fun backyard science projects you can do with your kids this Summer (very appropriate, right!?).  Today’s tip courtesy of the “Science is Fun” website:

While searching the internet for some fun projects, I found a neat way to teach your kids about Carbon Dioxide.  I know, I know, you are thinking, “How can carbon dioxide be fun?”  But what if I told you that carbon dioxide can make raisins dance?!?  Now, we have the kids attention!

materials

A can of colorless soda (e.g., 7-Up or Sprite), a tall, clear glass or plastic cup and several fresh raisins.

Pour the can of soda into the tall glass. Notice the bubbles coming up from the bottom of the glass. The bubbles are carbon dioxide gas released from the liquid.  Next, drop 6 or 7 raisins into the glass and watch the raisins for a few seconds. Describe what is happening to the raisins. Do they sink or float? Keep watching; what happens in the next several minutes?

Raisins are denser than the liquid in the soda, so initially they sink to the bottom of the glass. The carbonated soft drink releases carbon dioxide bubbles. When these bubbles stick to the rough surface of a raisin, the raisin is lifted because of the increase in buoyancy. When the raisin reaches the surface, the bubbles pop, and the carbon dioxide gas escapes into the air. This causes the raisin to lose buoyancy and sink. This rising and sinking of the raisins continues until most of the carbon dioxide has escaped, and the soda goes flat. Furthermore, with time the raisin gets soggy and becomes too heavy to rise to the surface.

GIVEAWAY

Let me know if you try this one in your own backyard!  In the meantime, are you ready for our first Nestle Family giveaway?  Today’s prize pack includes:

1 NESTLÉ® Drumstick® Heroes Summer Celebration Package (valued at approx. $300).  This fun-filled, NESTLÉ® DRUMSTICK® Heroes summer celebration package comes complete with enough NESTLÉ® DRUMSTICK® Sundae Cones for a party of 50 pals! Plus, an assortment of coupons for the following FREE NESTLE PRODUCTS:

JUICY JUICE®, OVALTINE®, EDY’S®/DREYER’S®, CARNATION® Breakfast Essentials, WONKA®, STOUFFER’S®, NESQUIK®, TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Cookie Dough, and TOLL HOUSE® Morsels.

How to enter:

1. Tell me which NESTLE product in this prize pack you would bring to a Block Party!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and NESTLE FAMILY (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

6. Subscribe to my Feed.

7.  Follow the other Block Party Hosts on Twitter and get 4 extra entries! (@OHMommy, @sarann, @ReneeJRoss, @247Moms)

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 21st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

The Block Party is sponsored by Nestle Family.  I was compensated for participating in this series, but all opinions remain 100% mine.

WINNERS!

Thanks to all who participated in the recent giveaways here at Experimental Mommy!  It’s time to pull some winners!

Tide Coldwater:  Ellen

Village Candle:  Evelyn

Michael Angelos:  Marcia G.

Western Union:  Eve, Anita, Jill H., Donna B., Lisa

Nestle Family Day Out:  Barbara M.

Domino Sugar:  Carol

Kikkoman:  Charlene

Guidecraft:  Anthy

Bryan:  Melanie

3 Designing Women:  Chrissyb

You will all be sent an email shortly!  Please see my winners policy in order to claim your prize!

Family Day Out with Nestle: Giveaway!

nestlemothersday2What’s your idea of a perfect Mother’s Day?  For me, it would begin by sleeping past 7am!  Following breakfast in bed, I would love to spend time with my two daughters and husband at the park (maybe even a picnic lunch) and topped off with an ice cream cone.  Quality time with my family to just relax would be wonderful!

nestlemothersdayNestle wants to help you make this a Mother’s Day to Remember!  Simply visit Nestle Family and enter to win $8,000 towards a family vacation and $2,000 towards a spa day to pamper Mom.  Now THAT is a day to remember for sure!  In addition, you can win some great prizes from Nestle right here at Experimental Mommy.  Your prize pack will include:

A Shutterfly $29.99 giftcard, Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials, Glowelle (30-day supply), Juicy Juice, Dreyer’s/Edy’s ice cream, Toll House, Nesquik, Cranberry Raisinets, Stouffer’s, Nestle Pure Life, Wonka Exceptionals, Wonka Sploshberries and several recipe cards featuring recipes from meals.com!

How to enter:

1. Tell me your idea of the perfect Mother’s Day!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Nestle Family (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @NestleUSA on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

6. Subscribe to my Feed.

7.  Enter the Nestle Mother’s Day to Remember contest and let me know you did!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on May 19th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This product review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample provided by Nestle. All opinions are 100% mine.

NESTLE Holiday Memories Photo Contest: Giveaway

One of the highlights of my bloggy year in 2009 was attending the Happy, Healthy Family Gathering at the Nestle Headquarters in California.  After touring the facilities and meeting the incredibly inspiring employees, I have a new respect for this company which goes way beyond their chocolate chips (amazing, I know!).  Now,  when I am looking for a new recipe or inspiration in the kitchen, my first stop is NestleFamily.com!

Nestle has included a new section on their site specifically designed to help you dazzle your friends and familythis holiday season.  You can find amazing recipes (check out the Mini Raspberry Snow Cakes!), decorating ideas, and even share your holiday traditions.

nestle1

While you are looking around the site, why not win some money, right?  By simply submitting  your favorite holiday photo, you can win one of 5 Grand Prize $500 gift cards to wherever your heart desires!  The 45 runner ups will receive a $50 gift card as well!  You can submit a photo in one of five categories including:  Kids in the Kitchen, Bah Haumbug, Deck the Halls, Home for the Holidays and Cuddly Moments.  Dig up those old family photos or make some new memories and submit them before 6:00pm EST 1/4/10 in order to qualify!

Did you find a recipe  you are dying to make on NestleFamily.com?  Want to win some Nestle products to help you along?  Nestle has generously donated a gift basket full of coupons for FREE products to one Not-So-Blog reader including:

Toll House (chocolate chips and cookie dough), Carnation Evaporated Milk and Breakfast Essentials, Stouffer’s, Juicy Juice and Boost Kid Essentials, as well as products from Wonka and Rasinets. You will also receive  a 4×6 silver photo frame and the Carnation holiday recipe guide!

How to enter:

1. Check out the yummy recipes on the Nestle Family Holiday site and tell me which one makes your mouth water!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5.  Submit a photo to the Nestle Family Holiday Memories Photo contest and get 5 extra entries!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on January 4th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Nestle who provided the product for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.

Happy New School Year with Nestle: Giveaway

New backpack, new lunchbox, new folders, new clothes, new teachers and new resolutions! As Moms and Dads around the country prepare their kids for a new school year, they create new ideals and resolutions in hopes of making the next few months run smoother than before. What resolutions did you make? Serving a hot breakfast? Helping your kids study a little each night? Taking the time to read a bedtime story every night?

nestlenewschoolyear

For me, I decided to try to provide healthier snacks for my preschooler. Last year, Lily got hooked on sugary gummy treats, so I was determined to try and switch her obsession to something a little better for her growing body.  Nestle Family is encouraging parents to pack fun and creative lunches for their kids and has offered some great ideas and tips to help you keep your resolution!

I tested out the “Bumps on a Log” recipe which was very easy and a total hit!  Simply wash and slice a celery stalk, fill with peanut butter and place a few Raisinets on top!  For a preschooler who has sworn off all vegetables, this snack sure  put a smile on her face!  She has actually begged me for more celery “treats!”

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To help you achieve fun and creative lunches for your kids, Nestle has offered one lucky Not-So-Blog reader a fabulous prize pack including:

Juicy Juice, Toll House Cookie Dough, Trail mix recipe cards, Tropical Raisinet Trail Mix,

a MEAD backpack with supplies and Lunch ideas from NESTLÉ Family

How to enter:

1. Visit Nestle Family and tell me one recipe you would love to try!

Additional entries

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and  Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Favorite me in Technorati!

6.  Register with Nestle Family to receive email updates including great recipes!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 4th.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Nestle for supplying the product for review.