Ultimate Party Meatballs

I'm hosting *two* Christmas parties at my house this year and there's one recipe that I'm definitely going to use at both: Ultimate Party Meatballs

I am not ashamed to admit that I hate to cook. So if I come across a recipe that's both delicious and easy, I am thrilled!

You only need three things for this recipe: 1, 16-ounce can of Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce; 1 12-ounce bottle of Heinz Chili Sauce; and 1, 2-pound bag of frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs.

Combine the sauces in a large saucepan, cook until heated and smooth, add the meatballs, then cook for 15 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.

You can also use your slow cooker to make the recipe. Just add the meatballs, then combine the sauces and pour on top. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.

Doesn't get much easier than that, does it?

To see the recipe, and dozens of variations of it, click here. While you're there, you can enter to win a $3,000 "Ultimate Party."

Enjoy!

Finding Your True North

Are you living your life to the fullest? Have you found a way to reach your biggest goals and dreams?

If so, Frito Lay's TrueNorth wants to hear from you. Frito-Lay's TrueNorth™ brand of nut snacks is built on a core belief that we all have inspirational stories to share and to celebrate, and they are dedicating themselves to using that brand to discover, document and share those stories with the world.

What is a "True North?" Here's the definition direct from the site:

"A true north is that singular passion in life that causes you to leap out of bed in the morning and think, 'This is why I'm here.' It can be something that leaves a legacy, empowers others, or simply makes the world a more interesting place to live. It could involve a handful of people or connect entire communities across the globe. While every true north is unique, we believe that each one has the power to inspire millions more."

Head over to the site to tell them how you, or someone you know, is pursuing your life's passion.

One story will be chosen to share with the world in the form of a 60-second commercial aired during the 81st Annual Academy Awards® broadcast on February 22, 2009. The inspirational spot will be directed by Oscar®-winning actress Helen Hunt and the winner will receive $25,000 to help in the pursuit of his or her passion.

While you're at the site, check out the inspiring stories of others such as Teddy Gross. Gross started The Penny Harvest when his four-year-old daughter asked how she could help the homeless. The Penny Harvest has now become the largest child-philanthropy program in the U.S.

I'm personally rooting for a mom to win the award. I would love to see the everyday efforts of mothers given the recognition they deserve.

My family is my true north. Being a wife and mother is the best thing that ever happened to me in my life and I wouldn't change a thing! While our day-to-day tasks may not seem heroic or unique, we are raising and nurturing the future of this country. That is no small thing!

What is your true north? Feel free to share it here in the comments as well as Frito Lay's TrueNorth website.

Lands' End Holiday Giveaway

Doing any last minute shopping for the holidays (like I am)? Look no further than Lands' End, where there is something for everyone on your holiday list.

Cashmere is definitely one item that most women would love to receive. I was fortunate enough to review Lands' End's Women's Regular Long Sleeve Cashmere Tee Sweater. Oh my gosh! It is SO comfortable I want to sleep in it! Land's End uses Inner Mongolian Cashmere — the world's finest — in an exceptionally soft yet substantial knit. You really have to feel it yourself to believe it.

The very first time I wore it out, I got a compliment from my friend on how much she loved the look of it too (including the color I chose...True Blue Heather). Here's a photo:



If you're looking for gift ideas for the women in your life, I highly recommend this tee sweater! Right now, there is a $10 discount ($89.50 marked down to $79.50)

I also received Lands' End's Men's Regular Down Vest in Loden Green for review:



At $29.50, as Lands' End states, it's such a good deal you'll want more than one! Right now, if you buy three or more, you'll save $3 on each one.

I was so impressed with the jacket that I'm gifting one to my dad for Christmas. As with other Lands' End outerwear, the jacket is so lightweight, yet keeps you warm. The fill is made of 500 fill power goose down (70% goose down/30% feather). Warm AND snugly soft.

Finally, for the children in your life, Lands' End offers an adorable selection of Sleeping Bag Sets. Natalie was able to try out the "Soft Jade Horse" style:



Lands' End really is the King of Comfort. As with all of their other products we've tried, this sleeping bag is SO comfortable and soft. The 100% cotton cover is quilted with 100% polyester fill, making for a cozy night's sleep. Natalie loves it so much, she's tossed her regular comforter aside and wraps herself in the sleeping bag every night instead.

The set comes with a sleeping bag, coordinating pillowcase and a storage bag. The pillowcase and storage bag can be monogrammed with up to 10 characters including spaces. You can monogram their name, initials or a simple phrase like, "Good Night." (how sweet)

I was really impressed with the design, too. Natalie loves horses so this was right up her alley. There's also a "Pearl Pink Floral" design, as well as a "Light Sea Blue Stripe" that's perfect for boys.

The set is $59.50, and you can add a monogram for $5.00.

Want to win one of the above products for yourself (in your choice of style, color and size)? Thanks to Lands' End and Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one lucky person will win their choice of either the Women's Regular Long Sleeve Cashmere Tee Sweater, Men's Regular Down Vest, or Sleeping Bag Set.

To enter, simply leave a comment here letting me know what you love about Lands' End. Be sure there is an email to be found or your entry will have to be disqualified.

For a bonus entries, you can do one or all of the following:

~Blog about this contest on your site with a link to this post and to Lands' End, then leave a separate comment here with your link.

~Post about the contest on Twitter for another entry, then leave a separate comment here with the link to your Tweet.

~Subscribe to this site (found under "subscribe" in the sidebar), then leave a separate comment here letting me know you've subscribed (if you're already a subscriber, you will still need to leave a separate comment so that I can give you an extra entry)

By entering, you automatically agree to all the rules and disclaimers listed here.

Deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Friday, December 12, 2008. Winner will be selected at random using Random.org, posted here and contacted by email.

Good luck!

Pillsbury Winner

Congratulations to Helen! She was selected at random as the winner of the Pillsbury giveaway.

Thanks to all who entered, and to to Pillsbury and Exponent PR for sponsoring this fabulous giveaway.

Returning Soon

Thank you for your patience with the lack of site updates here. I took a short break for the Thanksgiving holiday, after which a crisis hit and I've been dealing with that now.

I am trying to get back into a groove and will start firing things back up here soon (including picking and announcing the winner of the Pillsbury giveaway).

Thanks for your understanding!