5 Things You Might Not Know About Saving Campbell's Soup Labels #Labels4Edu #shop #cbias

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #Labels4Edu #CollectiveBias

In 1973, Campbell's Soup Company launched a program to help families improve their local schools. By saving the labels from soup cans, they gained points that schools could use for equipment and supplies. Since then, America's schools and organizations have earned over $114 million dollars worth of merchandise through the Labels For Education program. 

Anyone who has been involved with a public school probably gets that nagging feeling whenever they throw away a Campbell's can without slicing off the label first---even if they don't have a school to give it to. It's just one of those funny American culture things; and since I'm on the subject of culture, here's five things you might not know about saving Campbell's Soup labels... 

1. It's Not Just Soup. 

Labels for Education can be found on lots of products like beverages and cereal. There are over 2,500 products that carry an eligible label. You can check out this product list for all participating brands and items.

In fact, I found lots of products at Walmart that participate in the Labels For Education program. I bought some marinara sauce for my meatballs the other night and was happy to see the program info on the back of the jar. You can find coupons for participating items by visiting the site. 

2. It's Not Just For Public Schools.

Many people don't realize that the Labels For Education program also benefits homeschooling organizations, private schools, libraries, day care centers, and more. Check out the site's FAQ for a list of eligible organizations.

3. It's Not Just Labels.

While most products have you saving the UPC portion of the label, on other things, like beverages or sauce, it's the cap you'll hold on to. Just look for the orange Labels For Education logo on the label to see if it's eligible.

4. It's Not Just For People with Young Kids

Grandparents and friends can save labels too. Put a manila envelope somewhere for collecting and, once it's full, either give it to a kid you know or mail it in to your local school. You'll be able to track the school's progress, as well as see what they're wishing for, on the program's website. 

5. It's Not Just For Food.

Some non-food items, like Bic pens and highlighters, also carry the labels. Again, check the product list for a full line up of participating brands. Make sure to check out the Labels For Education sweepstakes where 1,000 schools will win $1,000!

Remember that meatball dinner I told you about? Well, it was delicious! Here's a recipe for Italian meatballs that go well with Prego marinara.

Italian Meatballs (makes about 40)

1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground Italian sausage
1/4 c. finely chopped onions
1/2 c. Italian bread crumbs
1 egg
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. grated Parmesan 
2 tsp. dried parsley flakes
2 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350º. Using your hands, mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and then form the mixture into a ball, cover, and refrigerate for one hour. Remove from fridge and form into golf-ball sized balls. Arrange them on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake 15-20 minutes, until done in the middle. Serve with marinara sauce and pasta. Yum!

#ad General Tso's 5 Minute Rice Bowl #GameTimeHero #shop #cbias

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GameTimeHero #shop #cbias

Jamie and I were checking out our September schedule last night and comparing it to our January calendar. Wow! We are so busy! With kids activities, church functions, and time spent with friends, we're hopping almost every night. I love to find new ideas for quick meals that my family will enjoy, and this 5 Minute Rice Bowl, using deli wings from Walmart, is a perfect meal-in-one for a busy night. 

The Walmart deli is the place to find good quality Tyson chicken when you want to put together a hot meal or pick up a snack for game day. Are you tailgating for the next big game? Grab some precooked wings, hot and ready, and you'll be set with a great snack to share.

Cainan, Michael, and I stopped in last weekend to attend a demo at our Walmart deli. The boys got to try out the hot wings and they thought they were pretty great. In addition to Bone-In Hot Wings, the deli also carries General Tso's Boneless wings. You can get them in a Pick 3 Bucket, a plated meal, or purchase by the pound.

It's always great to have something yummy to dip your chicken in and Kraft dressings are a good choice. We picked up both varieties of wings and some Kraft Ranch dressing to dip them in. If I give my family a choice of sauces, Ranch is always the winner.

Our family has been loyal Tyson customers for years. The meat is good quality and actually tastes like...meat! I like it that Tyson doesn't seem to add overpowering seasonings to the meat so the flavor comes through nicely. My husband, especially, was impressed with the flavor and quality of these wings.

Not only is my recipe for General Tso's 5 Minute Rice Bowl, quick---it's also super easy with only three products to pick up. Begin by grabbing half a pound of General Tso's Boneless Wings from the Walmart Deli. You'll also need an oriental flavored rice pouch and some broccoli. With just a couple prep steps, you'll create a fun and flavorful meal for a busy night or to serve to your game day guests.

General Tso's 5 Minute Rice Bowl 
1/2 lb. prepared General Tso's Boneless Chicken Wings
8.8 oz. Teriyaki flavored 90 second rice pouch
1 c. broccoli florets

Begin by boiling the broccoli in a pot of water. While it's cooking, prepare the rice pouch. Slice chicken and mix together in a bowl. Each rice pouch contains two servings, so multiply ingredients as needed!

Huggies® Little Snugglers for a Baby's Second Hug #MC #sponsored

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Huggies and Target. I received samples and a promotional item to facilitate my review.

I've had at least one baby in diapers every day for over 14 years. I've had a chance to try a lot of diapers! One brand I always love for my tiny babies is Huggies® Little Snugglers. Besides the soft material and snug but stretchy waistband, they've also got a built in wetness indicator that I can trust to help me keep the girls' skin dry and non-irritated. My favorite feature though, is the cut out in the waistband for a newborn's umbilical cord. Whenever we have a new baby, I always bring along a bag of newborn Little Snugglers for that reason. Funny thing is, every time I've gone, the hospital already has this brand ready for me. They must know how great they are too!

Who doesn't love to snuggle with soft baby skin? My hug is the first thing my babies feel after being born---skin-to-skin contact is so important for growing infants. The Little Snugglers fit just like a hug with a flexible waistband that is pocketed along the back to keep our babies leak free. They've been redesigned since the last time I used them and now have a new GentleAbsorb® liner for a pillowy layer of protection that helps keep any mess away from the skin.

I like to shop for diapers at Target as they've got these really big boxes. Our closest Target is over 30 minutes away so it's nice to be able to stock up when I go. Little Snugglers diapers can be found in stores nationwide and are available in five sizes, Preemie through Size 3. You can find them for about $11.99 for a Jumbo Pack and $22.99 for a Big Pack.

Are you or a friend expecting a baby? It's easy to create a baby registry at Target.com by clicking on the link at the top of the page that says, registries. Once you're there, make sure to add Huggies Little Snugglers and Natural Care wipes to your other wishes and then upload your list to the Huggies Register Your Wish website. When you do, you'll be entered into a drawing for a year's supply of free diapers!

Writing this post tonight has given me baby fever even more! I've been praying hard for another baby---I hope I do get the chance to have more. I love preparing sweet baby jammies, blankies, and tiny Little Snugglers for my new baby's comfort. Have you used Little Snugglers with your babies?