A cherry vanilla muffin sounds good, a cherry vanilla bagel on the other hand, sounds and in this instance, tastes awful. This pink bagel is infused with dried cherries, dried, cranberries, vanilla, brown sugar and these horrible cherry chips (which are artificially flavored faux chocolate chips that are supposed to add even more cherry taste).

The nutritional information provided on Panera’s website suggests that eaten plain (as is, without toppings) that this single bagel has 410 calories, 75 carbs and 5 of the 7 grams of fat are saturated. For each sale of a Pink Ribbon Bagel, Panera will donate a portion of the proceeds, which is a great thing to do - if the product was worth buying. If you want to support Breast Cancer Awareness that is admirable, but to associate this particular product with improving women’s lives is laughable. Come on Panera, try again.

Written by Helene, who is a “fly by the seat of her pants” mom with 6 kids, well really 7 if you count her husband. She is a die-hard bargain shopper, designer-clad domestic diva who writes reviews to maintain a sense of sanity and unleash her creative side. You can also keep up with their busy family at their blog.

All kind of creepy crawly spiders is what we had covering the sides of our house and garage. They were everywhere and it was getting so bad that we didn’t even want to go out at night. We’re not the type that gets all freaked out over spiders either, so you can imagine they were pretty bad.

We no longer live in fear now that we found the amazing Ortho Home Defense insect killer. We do not have a single spider anywhere on our siding after spraying this and it’s been there since May. We’ve even scrubbed the house and everything in sight, yet no creepy crawlies have attempted to come back. What’s even better is they offer an indoor product as well. If you need to keep those scary bugs away this is the way to go!

by Andrea

Our children love cereals, both warm and cold. We’re always on the hunt for natural, organic, low sugar and high fiber options. I recently spotted Chia Goodness in my local grocer and tossed the Apple Almond Cinnamon variety in the cart. I was impressed by the ingredient list (chia, buckwheat, hemp, apples, raisins, almonds, cane sugar, cinnamon and sea salt - all raw) and the images on the packaging looked promising.

We had it for breakfast the next day and it was an instant hit. It’s a “raw food” and doesn’t need to be cooked. You simply add water or milk - hot or cold - and let it thicken for a few minutes to make a delicious cereal. I have also had it sprinkled on vanilla yogurt and it’s fantastic. It has become a permanent fixture in our pantry and we can’t wait to try the other flavours!

by Nicole

Everyone in my house loves Ritz crackers. They’re so crisp and delicious - when they are fresh. I’m not sure if it is the brown paper packaging or what, but no matter how I reseal the opened sleeve of crackers they are always stale by the next use. We almost never eat an entire sleeve. I’ve tried putting them in ziploc bags and even containers with lids, yet they still cannot retain their fresh taste.

Ritz must have had some complaints over the years, because they finally developed Fresh Stacks. These smaller sleeves are easily consumed in one sitting and contain 15 crackers. They would be great for lunch boxes or just on-the-go snacks. This way they are always fresh!

by Emily

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I found the hickory and jalapeño cheese to be not appealing, but loved the white cheddar. My husband liked the hot jalapeño snacks. Our 6 year old son would only eat the hickory flavor stating they tasted like BBQ chips. I guess we each found a flavor we liked, but none of us were immediately in love.

by Emily

We were very excited to get the chance to try the Pogos natural potato cheese sticks. At first I was a little reluctant I will admit, all natural kind of gives me the idea of no flavor, no fun and not very good. I was proved wrong though because the Pogo snacks are very flavorful and very yummy.

We ate our favorite bag, the Hickory smoked, in one sitting. They have a very different little munch. It’s crunchy, but not too crunchy. There is a neat little design and you don’t get all this flavoring on your fingers. We loved them and the fact they are all natural is just an added bonus.

by Andrea

The makers of Pogos want to “bring to the world wholesome, great tasting snacks made from the very best, all-natural ingredients.” You can’t fault them for that. It would be a welcome addition to the millions of health concious people. My family recently received a bag of each of the three flavors of Pogos; hickory, white cheddar and jalapeno cheese.

I’d love to say that they were an instant hit, but that’s not quite true. At first, we were a bit hesitant of the texture and appearance of Pogos. They look like airy, white zig-zag chips and to a family that used to dense, orange, cheesy triangles, this was quite a change.

The aromas are strong, almost to the point of overwhelming when you open the bag. After a tentative beginning, we dug in and tried them all. After tasting them, there were mixed reviews around the table. Out of 4 adults and 5 kids, without a doubt the person who liked them best was my two year old grandchild. Everyone else found them to have a strange aftertaste and unlike most bags of chips in our house, these remain uneaten.

I wanted to like these chips, but my family just didn’t. The idea of a healthy snack alternative is fabulous, but we won’t be rushing out to buy Pogos.

by Perri

A few weeks ago I received some chips to review called Pogos. I was pretty dang excited about them as they offered a healthier option to regular potato chips. They are all natural with no trans-fats, so I was hoping to make a better snacking option out of them. However, though they sent a variety to try, I didn’t like any of them. Neither did any other adult that tried them. The flavors were a little funky and in the case of the Hickory Smoked ones, I could hardly even stand to smell them they were so strong. They had the texture of a Cheeto, only chewier.

On the bright side every kid I gave them to loved them and they are easy to chew for teething toddlers. I even gave one to my infant son and he sucked on it until it was gone. So the bottom line is that Pogos can be a healthier option for kids, but maybe not so much for people beyond Spaghetti O’s stages. I hate to pan something that seems like such a great idea, but this really just didn’t do it for me.

by Andi

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I always bring along some favorite paperback picture books, mini Magna Doodles, crayons, new stickers, blank paper and an iPod loaded with audio books from AudibleKids. Oh, and stacks of DVDs. We aren’t a huge TV watching family so watching favorite movies and shows on the plane is always a treat. These days the whole family loves Elmo! The new Elmo’s World: Summer Vacation is currently our favorite since we are right smack in the middle of summer. Our 2 year old son and 4 ½ year old daughter can actually agree on watching Elmo explore beaches, skin and cameras in his newest DVD. This means that while they are entertained my husband and I can actually kick back, relax and read something other than children’s books during at least 51 minutes of our upcoming cross country flight. Thanks Elmo! Elmo’s World: Summer Vacation is currently selling for $11.99 from Amazon.

Since airplane food is non-existent and was never good in the first place, I continue to pack food as if I were going to end up on an episode of Lost. Even when driving, you never know when the kids are going to get hungry and it could be miles until the next rest stop. Along with the requisite Goldfish, Chex, M&M’s and lollipops for popping little ear drums, this year I’m adding Brothers All Natural Fruit Crisps to our snack collection. Since trying them a couple months ago, they have since become one of my favorite healthy snacks. The single serving packs contain 100% freeze dried fruit. The fruit is crisp, delicious and a super healthy way to provide a 1/3 serving of fruit on the go without it getting squished en route. I’m partial to the Fuji Apple and White & Yellow Peach fruit crisps, but there are 5 other delicious flavors to choose from including: Asian Pear, Banana, Pineapple, Strawberry and Strawberry-Banana. Brother’s also makes an all natural line Potato Crisps, but I think the Fruit Crisps are a far healthier option for my kids. Brother’s All Natural produrcts are currently available at Costco and from the Brother’s All Natural website.

While it isn’t quite portable enough to take on the plane, Tutor Rummy is a great game that allows children 8 and older to practice United States geography before taking a cross country road trip. Played Rummy style, Tutor Rummy allows children to learn state capitals, rivers, lakes, mountains, oceans, neighboring countries, national parks, Indian tribes and natural resources using 2 decks of poker-like cards. The directions that come with Tutor Rummy are easy enough for even a non-Rummy player like myself to understand and there are instructions for a more cooperative game and more challenging play. Even if you aren’t taking a cross-country road trip, Tutor Rummy is a good game to help your child keep up with geography skills this summer. Tutor Rummy retails for $19.99 and is available on the company’s website.

Written by Leticia, a part time working multitasking mama who loves spending time with her husband and two children, exotic vacations, and cooking great meals. Leticia writes about technology products and technology issues affecting children through her blog, Tech Savvy Mama.

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I didn’t know that Grippo’s BBQ chips were a local thing until I spoke about them recently to an out-of-town friend who had no idea what I was talking about. After some online searching I discovered this chip company was based out of Cincinnati, Ohio and being in Indiana that is why most grocery stores carry their line of snacks. I must tell you that the BBQ flavor is something almost indescribable. The are soft chips with a sweet, yet hot seasoning that you will crave after the first bite. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t enjoy them.

Grippo’s dubs themselves as the “fun food company,” and judging by the delicious chips I’ve had thus far, I would have to believe it. If they aren’t available in a store near you, then go online and order a box. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Next on my grocery list is to find the Hot Dill Pickle and the Sweet Bermuda Onion chips to try. I was surprised to find that Grippo’s makes pretzels and other snacks such as cheese popcorn.

by Emily

My family was recently in search of a pizza cutter that wouldn’t wobble and come apart when we used it. For the last few years we’ve had several cheap versions that has occupied our utensil drawer. Each time we pulled one out to use, we would pray it would work one more time without falling apart. Imagine how delighted I was to find the OXO Good Grips 4 inch pizza cutter.

Not only was the handle comfortable to hold and easy to manuaver, but it was sturdy. The real test of course was to see if it cut all the way through the crust on the first try and it passed with flying colors. I can honestly say this was the best $12 I’ve spent on a kitchen utensil in a long time. I may have to try some of the other OXO kitchen products, because I was very impressed with this. The OXO Good Grips pizza cutter is a must have item for every kitchen.

by Maria

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The husband placed the order and told me he’d ordered a cheese pizza that he thought sounded good. In a house full of kids, a cheese pizza is a pretty safe choice and I like cheese pizza as well, so I didn’t really think too much until it arrived.

The new Tuscan pizza really is a blend of six tasty Italian cheeses - mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, provolone and fontina. The smooth and savory taste is a nice reminder that a cheese pizza can be a good choice and not just a default to satisfy the masses (usually the children who don’t like all the toppings).

The entire family really enjoyed this pizza so we give it a big prop from this family!

Written by Gidge, who is a mother of a 5 year old boy and 3 year old twin boys. A transplanted Hoosier, die-hard Colts fan and professional call center manager, she likes long walks on the beach, penguins and playing ping-pong. Her turn-ons include sleep and silence. Read all about her life here.

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Eucalan No Rinse Delicate Wash is a must have for summer travel. I think of it as a liquid washing version of Febreze for hand-washing clothes and laundry. It is powerful enough to get the clothes really clean and gentle enough to be used on baby clothes and lingerie. This alternative to harsh detergents is available in aromatherapy scented fragrances like lavender and grapefruit.

Eucalan is an eco-friendly product that leaves your delicate clothing items clean and refreshed. I packed a small bottle in with my toiletries and was able to hand wash a few items in the hotel room sink to maximize my wardrobe on a recent trip. Eucalan has now replaced both Woolite and Dryel sheets in my household, and I could not be any greener or cleaner in my choice!

by Helene

My son has been talking non-stop about how we need to buy some green bags. It took me several attempts, but I finally understood what in the world he was talking about. I’d made some comments about how our banana’s go bad before they get eaten and he’d seen an infomercial of all things that he remembered. Enter the Debbie Meyer Green Bags.

Maybe you’ve even seen the commercial advertising to keep your fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. If not I am here to tell you that these green plastic bags are a new must have in my household. Green Bags absorb and remove the damaging chemicals that are released while things ripen. The concept is beyond my knowledge, but the reality is they worked for us with banana’s, pears and lettuce. They are definitely worth the low, low price of $9.95.

by Emily

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We were both craving steak, so it wasn’t hard to decide upon Outback when we scanned the choices in front of us. We’ve always found quality food and service at Outback and enjoyed their appetizers. I’m fairly certain the first place I ever had a fried onion was at Outback when we had the Bloomin’ Onion one Valentine’s Day back in college. I’ve had many at other restaurants, but none come close to comparing to Outback’s.

I choose the Herb Rubbed Slow-Roasted Sirloin, while my husband dined on the Prime Rib and Crab Cake Mixed Grill. My dinner was accompanied by a side salad and side item, while my husband’s featured a side salad and crispy green beans plus cheesy au gratin potatoes. These new items are only available for a limited time so hurry in to try them out.

Both were excellent dishes and since I tasted his entre, I can honestly recommend both. I personally get tired of the same old baked potato, mashed potato or french fries offered as side items. I was able to get steamed vegetables for my side item. Our server was cheerful and knowledgeable regarding the new menu items they were offering. My husband actually measures a waiters tip on whether or not they refill his drink before it gets empty.

With Father’s Day tomorrow, what better gift can you hand dad than a card that says we’re treating you to Outback? Give him a steak and some great company to dine with.

Written by Emily, who is a married working mother of a very energetic 5 year old son. They reside in Southern Indiana (a little too close to the Kentucky border). Someday she’d like to visit Intercourse, PA and have her picture taken with the welcome sign. She writes at her personal blog, Fenicle and loves free samples and trying new things!

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At the end of a long day when my ankle is swollen and my legs ache, I find time to relax in my new whirlpool tub. Now the tub alone is a new must have for me, but since you can’t exactly run out and purchase one immediately I have to recommend Dr. Teal’s epsom salt soaking solution. You can buy all kinds of fancy bath salts, but this is the by far the best I’ve found and it’s relatively inexpensive at under $5 for a 3 pound bag.

Dr. Teal’s sells several varieties in various scents, but my favorite is eucalyptus spearmint. The aroma rises with the steam of the water and sports just a tingle across your skin. It is the most relaxing way to the end day. It refreshes my senses, soothes my aches and gently cleanses.

by Emily

Puffs tissues with lotion and Vicks Vapors are genius. Our whole family has seasonal allergies that include sinus congestion and runny noses. It is literally a breath of fresh air to use these special tissues.

The Vicks menthol scented lotion coating helps open nasal passages and moisturizes the chapped skin you get from blowing your nose all day. These are much softer than traditional boxed tissues and they seem to be a bit more durable for wiping on tiny toddlers. These premium Puffs are a must have in our home.

by Helene

I have a cabinet full of spices. Seems like the only one’s I use often are seasoning salt, garlic salt and regular salt. See a trend here? I’m trying to branch out and away from all the sodium and recently I found McCormick’s Crusting Blends. The three flavors offer herbs and spices with a light breadcrumb layer around the founds you enjoy.

McCormick’s Crusting Blends are the perfect way to add rich flavor and a unique texture to everything from pork to fish. My family has enjoyed the french onion, pepper and herb blend lightly coated on steak. What I love about these new products is that they are a combination of flavors. They are definitely a must have item in my spice cabinet.

by Terry

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I recently found Breakfast Breaksat our local grocery and the concept intrigued me. They contain all the needed nutritional necessities for breakfast and are conveniently packaged in a way that even a 5 year old can open it. Each box contains a perfect portion of cereal (there are 4 choices), a snack bar of some sort and a juice box. All you have to do is add milk!

For families in a rush, this certainly beats the alternative of skipping breakfast altogether. I can see this being a good way to bring breakfast with you to work or even on a trip. We almost always bring pop-tarts or some snack items with us when we travel to my in-laws for overnight visits. It even comes with a spoon, napkin and wet-wipe.

I do realize this isn’t necessarily cost effective when you factor in how much it would be to buy an entire box of cereal, a gallon of juice and a full box of snack bars. Obviously, you are paying more for the packaging and convenience, but sometimes it’s worth it. And I also realize I called this nutritional when in fact it does contain some sugar. For a grab-and-go package, it does seem fairly healthy. You can always add a banana or piece of fruit. To me it’s better than no breakfast at all.

Win 4 Tickets to Jonas Brothers’ Concert + a $150 Gift Certificate

Breakfast Breaks is teaming up with Denis Jonas, mom of the hot band, The Jonas Brothers. They are searching for stories about “Mom’s Craziest Morning.” All you have to do is log on to their website and enter your own wild story. We’ve all been there and had things go terribly wrong. You can win 4 tickets to one of the Jonas Brothers’ summer concerts. They’re even throwing in a $150 gift certificate to Spafinder.com for the stressed out mom. The contest runs from June 1 - 15, 2008 and one winner from each of the four regions of the country will be chosen.

Written by Emily, who is a married working mother of a very energetic 5 year old son. They reside in Southern Indiana (a little too close to the Kentucky border). Someday she’d like to visit Intercourse, PA and have her picture taken with the welcome sign. She writes at her personal blog, Fenicle and loves free samples and trying new things!

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