Eggciting Eggs Farm to Table Recap
Ever wonder where your eggs come from? From a chicken right? Well of course they come from chickens, but did you ever wonder how they arrive to your table? I had the first hand opportunity to see the chicken who lays the egg, the machines that take them, clean them, magically snatch them up, and put them in the carton, and the people who make it happen.
Our first evening included a wonderful dinner with the talented Chef Jeffrey Saad, World’s Fastest Omelet Maker, Howard Helmer, Clint Hickman of Hickman Family Farms and his lovely wife, and the wonderful ladies from Edelman and American Egg Board. The Mayor even stopped by! The next morning we would be on our way to Hickman Egg Farm after sharing good food with new friends, with none other than scrumptious egg dishes for breakfast.
On the bus drive over, Clint gave us some background, pointed out some things along the way and how farmers really are struggling. We even saw some dairy farms, now vacant as a result of bankruptcy…perfectly good farms but no way to keep up.
About Hickman Egg Farm
Hickman’s Family Farms has been family-owned and operated in Arizona since 1944. In its early days, Hickman’s entered the Arizona food service market by providing fresh, locally produced eggs direct to small independent restaurants, and directly to consumers. Every afternoon, one little refrigerated panel truck was sufficient to deliver the day’s production to coffee shops in Glendale and to Carnation Restaurant in the big city of Phoenix. Bill and Gertie Hickman displayed the entrepreneurial insight that has kept Hickman’s competitive for decades.
Going Green
Hickman’s Family Farms utilize stringent methods of conservation and recycling to remain as environmentally-friendly (“green”) as possible. Wash water is recycled and reused, and manure is dried, ground, and turned into high quality fertilizer. By the time we are through at even our largest facilities, we actually discard into dumpsters less waste than the average apartment building does in a day.
Ya know what they say….that from the manure, flowers grow! Everything is put to good use at Hickman Egg Farm, right down to the egg shells that are used for compost.
Billy and Clint Hickman
Once we arrived, we put on our booties, our coats and fancy hats. This is a precaution to protect the chickens from an form of contamination and or disease that may be carried in. I don’t think I have ever seen so many chickens in one place, or eggs for that matter. I was in complete awe of the entire process. We arrived right at their peak laying time, and boy were they a chatty bunch! You could barely hear what Clint and Billy were saying over chicken talk. Billy, explained that even chickens get a nap time during the day and all you can hear is a low murmur, and then they also get a bed time like we do. Egg laying is hard work people.
Don’t I Look Cute? Just Agree!
It was fascinating to see the eggs roll out on to mini conveyor belts, get carried to where they are cleaned and sanitized then snatched up and packaged for market. We stood amongst all these eggs in the warehouse and all those eggs must leave within a 36 hour time period or the eggs would be through the roof. We are talking about millions of chickens that don’t stop laying just because you have a warehouse full…that’s just how many eggs their were.
From Chicken, To Cleaning/Sanitizing, To Package
This is Billy and Clint’s Mom Gertie, she is a great lady with tremendous spunk!
There was an incredible amount of information to digest and it was an incredible experience to get a behind the scenes look into what it takes to get fresh eggs to our table and I have a new respect for our farmers, because they are feeding our country. And as part of the Good Egg Project, egg farmers are donating up to 12 million eggs per year, to food banks and charities. We can also do our part by joining in and committing to live more healthfully and give back by pledging to “Eat good. Do good every day.” For every person that makes the pledge, farmers will donate one egg to help feed America up to 1 million eggs.
After and eye opening tour of egg production at its finest, we heard from Mary Lee Chin a registered dietitian about the nutrition benefits of just one egg, and we were treated to some totally awesome cooking demonstrations by Jeffrey Saad and Howard Helmer. We learned some easy egg recipes from Jeffrey and how to whip up an omelet in no time with Howard (world’s fastest omelet maker). I was quite enthused to try the omelet making at home, since all of mine usually look like a scrambled mess. But after learning the key to making omelets, I felt like a whiz in the kitchen when I rolled out three perfect and delicious omelets.
Mary Lee Chin Telling Us About The Nutritional Values Of The Egg
Howard Helmer Showing Us How To Make a Perfect Omelet in Seconds!
Jeffrey Saad Shared Some Wonderful Egg Recipes and His Passion For Making Good Food
I also have to say that I especially enjoyed this experience. The Hickmans, including Mom Gertie (thank you for all the wonderful stories and the golf balls too LOL) were so welcoming and I felt right at home. Jeffrey, Howard, Mary Lee, all the folks from Edelman and everyone in attendance were some of the warmest and nicest individuals. Thank you so much for a great experience and new friends. This is definitely something that I won’t forget. Thank you to the Hickmans for opening your doors to Mom Bloggers to share what you do to make it possible for us to have food on our tables daily…it was a real pleasure!
**Thank you to Edelman Pr and the Good Egg Project for funding this trip and making it possible**
Eating Healthy and Breaking the Bank
I typically make a conscious effort to make relatively healthy meals for the boys. From day one I had vowed that I would offer them as many fresh fruits and vegetables as I could. They have developed a love for just about any fresh fruit except cantaloupe, and love just about any vegetables. But, the reality is that, eating healthy is expensive.
What I have found, is that it is getting increasingly difficult to buy fresh produce for us, without literally spending $60 to $100 per week in efforts to get fresh things to prepare. You would honestly think that the cost to buy fresh, would be a little more reasonable than buying all these processed foods. Something in this country is very backwards. If we made the healthier choices more accessible, I would think that insurance costs would go down (less cardiac disease, less diabetes, and cancers). If people had more incentive to eat fresher foods, the benefits to their health are enormous and it might save this nation some money and make insurance more affordable.
I personally think realistically, that we are too far gone in this world of “get it now and convenience” to truthfully go back. When it comes right down to brass tax, we want everything right now, in the fastest manner possible and eating fresher foods just simply requires more time and effort. As a Mom, this isn’t what’s always best but I am also hard pressed to save a buck. It is dizzying to see how many of us spend sometimes hours in the grocery store with stacks full of coupons to feed our families, but I can guarantee none of those coupons offer a dime off of fresh produce. It’s an admitted rush to leave the store with $200 worth of groceries for $100, even though it can live in our pantries for years, is it really all that healthy? It is no wonder why people are unhealthy, they can’t afford to eat whats actually good for them! One of my favorite places to shop is Whole Foods (I love love love this place!), but with the economy and money being tight, I can only make a trip there as a treat rather than a weekly visit.
I am all for indulgence and I certainly don’t deny my kids the occasional chips or cupcake and I even make dinners from a box, but I would love to have a coupon for lettuce, broccoli, and some of the things that their body actually needs. Local grocery stores should make these coupons available and I bet they would draw in more customers. Eating healthy should be rewarded not a financial burden.
Smuckers Uncrustables *Review*
September 28, 2009 by Laurie
Filed under Blog Tours, Product Reviews
I can remember when I was a kid and one of my most favorite meals was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and chicken noodle soup. I know this may sound a little quirky but I loved to actually dip my sandwich in the soup and I still do it to this day. I was also the kid that always peeled of the crust on my sandwiches and both of my boys are the same way.
We are huge fans of Smucker’s Uncrustables, and when we were given the opportunity to try their new whole wheat sandwiches, I was happy to try this already great product but with the healthier choice of wheat bread. This makes buying this classic even more appealing as a mom and the boys loved them and didn’t even notice the difference. I love Uncrustables because you just take them out of the freezer and let them thaw for about twenty to thirty minutes and they are ready to eat. They are so yummy, they have no crusts, and the bread that they use is so soft, just like it was freshly baked. I find myself sneaking a few for myself and I love them with my favorite chicken noodle soup. They are perfect for lunches, and even as an afternoon snack.
Each sandwich is low in sugar, about 10g for the strawberry and peanut butter on whole wheat, and you would never know it because taste is definitely lacking in these perfectly round sandwiches. They are perfect when you are on the go and you want the kids to get that little extra bit of protein and you want something you know they will eat. I always keep a few of them on hand for trips to the park or when I know we are going to be out and about. Smucker’s Uncrustables make a perfect snack for the kids and for big kids too!
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Smucker’s Uncrustables and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
Yoplait Makes For A Great Frozen Anytime Treat
August 30, 2009 by Laurie
Filed under Blog Tours, Food & Recipes, Product Reviews
My kids are huge Yoplait Yogurt fans and ask for it just about anytime of the day. I have almost always bought the Yoplait brand yogurt because it offers a variety for the whole family. My husband doesn’t like yogurt that has chunks of fruit so he gets the smooth and creamy and I love Yoplait’s regular and whipped yogurt.
It wasn’t until I was visiting Costco that I had actually tried it frozen. They were passing out Yoplait yogurt that had been frozen and to my surprise it tasted really good and the boys loved it too. So thanks to My Blog Spark, I was able to try Yoplait Whips and I decided to try them frozen. They were really yummy and the boys couldn’t get enough. The best part about them is that they are low in fat and are actually a healthier treat than ice cream.
Yoplait Whips! are currently available in a variety flavors like Strawberry Mist, Chocolate, Key Lime Pie, Orange Crème, Chocolate Raspberry, Lemon Burst, Peaches ‘N Cream and Raspberry Mousse. As well as their newest flavor Vanilla Creme which just came out.
If you want to offer a healthier alternative to other frozen novelties, I would suggest giving frozen Yoplait a try and I think y ou could freeze just about any kind of Yoplait yogurt and it would taste just as good. And even better, you can make your kids think they are getting something really special yet it is a much helathier alternative.
If you would like to try out frozen Yoplait whips, you can visit here and print a coupon for .60 off of three Yoplait Whips. Additionally, right now, new members who sign-up to become subscribers of Betty Crocker’s newsletter, will receive a free coupon for Yoplait Whips!
Would you like to win a fun gift pack from My Blog Spark and Yoplait? The Summer Cool Down” gift bag includes two free coupons for Yoplait Whips!, cooler tote, Popsicle molds and a set of 12 color-changing spoons.
THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED
Here’s What You Gotta Do
Tell me you favorite way to enjoy Yoplait Whips and what flavor you like
Additional Entries
Tweet about this giveaway
Blog about it
Add me to you twitter
Subscribe to my blog
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Contest Starts August 31, 2009 and Ends September 21, 2009
Good Luck!
**Thank you to My Blog Spark who provided me with free samples of yogurt and a gift pack to try for review**
Oscar Mayer Lunchables Lunch Combinations *review*
August 29, 2009 by Laurie
Filed under Blog Tours, Food & Recipes, Product Reviews
Making lunches and finding different ways to make the ordinary interesting for kids is often a task that us moms dread at times. You often hear about how kids are bartering away their lunches in the school cafeteria in exchange for something they find more exciting.
I was recently given the opportunity to try out Oscar Mayer’s new Lunchable Lunch Combinations. My husband is a huge fan of the smaller Lunchable packets and he takes them for a snack at work or in the morning. Even though my boys aren’t in school yet, I can see that this would be a perfect alternative to brown bagging it.
In comparison to an unhealthier choice of fast food or cafeteria foods, this at least offers a source of more rounded nutritional value. We tried the Ham and American Sub combination and I was surprised at how much was actually in the package. Included in the package was ham, american cheese, sub bun, mayo,sugar free jello, chewy chips ahoy cookies, water and kool aid drink mix packet. The only thing that I personally would have liked is that there just be plain water in the meal, regular jello since I am not one to give the kids artificial sweetener, and maybe apple slices in place of the jello or the cookies. I think it is a great idea especially on days where you are running behind and it makes for a hearty meal. I think if I were a kid this would be a real treat and you wouldn’t find me trading a single morsel.
You can find Oscar Mayer Lunchables Lunch Combinations in your grocer’s refrigerated section next to the packaged lunch meats. There are six new varieties that include: Turkey + Cheddar Sub Sandwich, Ham + American Sub Sandwich, Turkey + Cheddar Cracker Combos, Ham +American Cracker Combos, Deep Dish Cheese Pizza and Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza.
**I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central on behalf of Oscar Mayer Lunchables and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.**
Evenflo Comfort Select Performance Breast Pump Review And Giveaway
April 20, 2009 by Laurie
Filed under Blog Tours, Contests, Mom Central, Product Reviews
After having the boys, I was so overwhelmed to say the least. After 16 weeks of bedrest and 8 of those weeks in the hospital, and the fact that I was a first time mother and pregnant with twins, was a pretty big deal. As a new mother you have so many questions about how to do things and what you should be doing, but I had always known that I wanted to breastfeed the boys. I had not realized the importance of breastfeeding until they were born 6 weeks early and spent close to three weeks in the NICU.
For preemies, providing them with breast milk as soon as possible was something my nurses encouraged because they say that the milk you produce then is different and would provide my babies with a lot of things they needed. I can remember the first few days at home, and crying because I wanted to give up pumping, but my two tiny little men in the NICU, made me keep on going. I would pump all through the night and visit them sometimes 2-3 times a day and bring them all my pumped breast milk.
I never quite got the hang of breastfeeding them together, and one of my little guys has a tongue tie that prevented him from feeding properly so I would pump for him and for both of them when I needed a break. Pumps can be a lifesaver, and are great when you need the break or if you have two babies and one doesn’t do well at the breast, you can still give them pumped milk in a bottle.
I was excited to review Evenflo Comfort Select Performance Breast Pump because since I am a breastfeeding mother, I like to see what is out there on the market currently and for in the future when we decide to have another child. The pump itself is very easy to use, and easy to hold, and comfortable and this is important. It is not overly noisy which was a pet peeve of mine with one of the pumps that I own. At three in the morning the last thing I want to be hearing is a loud squeaking noise, and especially with sleeping babies nearby. I had no trouble using this and all parts are easy to clean and better yet BPA free.
About Evenflo Breast Pump
- NEW! All components, including milk storage bottles are without BPA and contain less than 0.01% phthalates. Bottles can be purchased separately.
- NEW! Improved cycle time for more effective milk expression.
- NEW! Improved vacuum performance at all settings between min and max
- NEW! Regulated power adapter ensures consistency in performance.
- NEW! Dual motors for better production allowing individual settings
- NEW! Includes 2 additional overflow valves for additional convenience! Valve color has changed to lavender.
- NEW! More stable bottle stands to prevent possible spillage.
- 4pk sample of breast pads with redeemable coupon.
This Contest Is Now Closed!
For Additional Entries
- Blog about this contest and leave me the link
- Grab my button and post it in your sidebar
- Tweet about this contest using #evenflocomfort and a link to my contest
- Add me to Twitter
Contest Starts April 20, 2009 and Ends Monday May 11, 2009
Thank you to Mom Central and Evenflo for this wonderful opportunity!
Yoplait Kids Get Active Review and Giveaway
March 29, 2009 by Laurie
Filed under Contests, Product Reviews
Did you know that research has shown that fewer than half of all kids ages two to 12 get the calcium they need each day? Calcium and Vitamin D are both essential nutrients for building strong bones. Though it can be challenging for growing kids to get Vitamin D, since it is found naturally in very few foods Yoplait for Kids makes it a little easier to incorporate a delicious source of Vitamin D and Calcium in your child’s diet.
About Yoplait Kids Yogurt
Yoplait Kids is made just for your toddlers sensitive palate. It has a smooth texture and great fruit flavors that your child is sure to love. It also has the calcium and vitamins that they need in their diets.
Along with a great taste it also has 25% less sugar and DHA for healthy brain growth.
Yoplait Kids yogurt in a cup is like training wheels for spoons-even when the spoon is tipped it won’t fall off. That means less mess-and greater spoon-feeding success!
What We Thought
We received a free coupon to go and give Yoplait Kids a try along with a family fun package to encourage your kids to get out and get active. Along with healthy eating habits you want your kids to be active, so what better way to end a day of play? We tried yoplait kids this past weekend after we played with all the fun outdoor toys we recieved and the boys absolutely loved it! They both had to have their own cup of yogurt of course, and they finished every last drop. We are big yogurt fans in this house, but what I have found is that a lot of yogurts have a high sugar content. I really liked the fact that Yoplait Kids yogurt has the 25% less sugar, so I am more inclined to let them have the whole container rather than limiting it, and the serving sizes are perfect for them. They of course thought they were getting something really special because Dora and Boots were on the containers, which makes it even easier for them to eat healthy. Overall, I would have to say that this was a big hit and I will definitely consider buying more for them.
Would you like to give Yoplait Kids a try?
Yoplait is generously offering DoubleBugs readers the chance to win a great prize package. Yoplait Get Active Prize Pack includes coupon for free Yoplait, travel cooler (to take your yogurt on the road), a jump rope, a water bottle and an outdoor game set that includes a beach ball, paddle ball, Jai-Ali and a Frisbee, and we will be giving this away to 3 lucky winners!
Open to U.S. residents. *This coupon offer for a free six pack of Yoplait for Kids yogurt is not valid in some states, including Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.
Here’s What You Gotta Do!
- Leave me a comment and let me know what your family does to stay active. Also, you can visit yoplait.com and tell me what flavor of yogurt your kids might like.
- Winners are chosen at random via Random.org.
- If Winner Does Not Respond Within 2 Days the prize is forfeited and donated!
For Additional Entries (please leave as an additional comment):
- Tweet about this post
- Follow me on Twitter
- Blog about my contest and give me the link!
- Put my badge on your sidebar
Contest Starts Monday March 30, 2009 and Ends Monday April 20, 2009
GOOD LUCK!!!
Big G Kid Cereals and Giveaway
February 25, 2009 by Laurie
Filed under Contests, Product Reviews
Being a first time parent, I am almost always concerned about my two little guys and their health. From a very early age, I have tried to influence healthy food choices and make sure that they are getting a fairly balanced diet. If I buy something at the grocery store, I am always reading the labels, to see what they are getting in their food. We are a cereal loving family here, because it is something that is simple to make and the kids just love it. It is a perfect snack too in the afternoon after naps, and it doesn’t have to be served with milk. My two love to have their own bowl, their cup of juice, and watch one of their favorite shows.
Recently the importance of Vitamin D in the diet has been in the news, and the importance of calcium is so important in bone growth and development. Vitamin D is also important in bone growth and is now suggested to be a key factor in healthy lung function. Approximately 75% of kids today don’t even get the required amount of Calcium and Vitamin D in their diets, and that is an astounding figure! The American Academy of Pediatrics has even upped the amount of Vitamin D your child should be getting to 400IU.
The good news is, that it isn’t that hard to incorporate these nutrients in your child’s diet. Parents can easily get both vitamin D and Calcium in milk and many juices and now in fortified cereals. All General Mills Big G kid cereals including Kix, Lucky Charms, Cocoa Puffs, Trix, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and more.
This is great news for our family because we are huge Lucky Charms, and Cocoa Puffs fans. The boys think they have gone to heaven when I give them these cereals in their snack bowls! Additionally, a recent report in a leading consumer magazine ranked kid cereals by nutritional content, and all nine General Mills Big G kid cereals included in the report were ranked in the top half. All Big G kid cereals have at least eight grams of whole grain per serving (at least 48 grams are recommended daily), and all have 12 grams or less of sugar per serving. This is awesome, and you can feel good about giving them something they love and not worry about them getting a ton of sugar.
Cereal is one of the most nutritious breakfast options a kid can eat. Most cereals have about 100 – 130 calories per serving and provide at least 10 key nutrients. And, ready-to-eat cereal is the number one source of whole grain in American diets. If there is one food that your child would eat than at least you know that it has nutritional value.
This Giveaway Is Now Closed
As part of a healthy diet and the love of Big G cereal (especially Cocoa Puffs), DoubleBugs is giving away these totally adorable and way cool Cocoa Puffs vintage ringer Ts (child’s sz large) to 9 lucky winners.
Here’s all you gotta do!
- Leave me a comment on what your child’s favorite Big G cereal is, and yours too.
- Please leave me an email so I can contact you if you win
- Winners are chosen at random via Random.org.
- If Winner Does Not Respond Within 2 Days the prize is forfeited and donated!
For Additional Entries (please leave as an additional comment):
- Tweet about this post
- Follow me on Twitter
- Blog about my contest and give me the link!
- Put my badge on your sidebar
That’s all you gotta do!
Contest Starts February 25, 2009 and Ends March 11, 2009
Good Luck!
Dole Fruit Parfaits Review
February 17, 2009 by Laurie
Filed under Product Reviews
My two just love fresh fruit of just about any kind. They are huge fans of anything that they can hold in their little hands, and sort of have their own personal snack because sharing with your twin brother is a difficult thing to do.
We received a few packages of Dole’s Fruit Parfaits to try, and let me just tell you, that there aren’t any left in the house! Dole Fruit Parfaits are a perfect combination of fresh fruit with a layer of light creme. They are just the right size for a snack or to put in your child’s lunches, and offer a healthier alternative to sugary snacks. If I am craving something sweet, this has just enough to satisfy that craving without overdoing it. Dole Fruit Parfaits are also excellent in the winter months when some of the seasonal fruits are a little more scarce. Both of my boys ate these with great relish and the Peaches and Creme Parfait was their absolute favorite flavor.
For me, I like the fact that they are convenient, and an easy snack when things are hectic. It is always nice to just have something relatively quick and healthy on hand. They are just the right size for little hands to hold on to, and a perfect treat for kids, because they think they are getting something special. We will definitely be keeping a stash of these in the fridge.
You can find Dole Fruit Parfaits in your grocery store usually with all the canned fruits and jarred applesauce. They don’t need to be refrigerated so you can store them in the pantry until you are ready to eat them. We like ours really cold but you don’t have to refrigerate them.
Dole is also running a really great contest Called The Dole Fruit Parfait Sweet Retreat Contest!
Here is how the “DOLE Fruit Parfait Sweet Retreat Contest” works:
From now until March 14, 2009, take a picture of your DOLE Parfait Moment at home, at work, at play, with your friends or on-the-go. Upload your photo and caption to www.DoleSweetRetreat.com. A panel of judges will choose the best picture in each category.
The Grand Prize is a three day/ two night luxury Spa Retreat Getaway for two at the 27-acre Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, AZ., set amidst flowering cactus and framed against the majestic McDowell Mountains. Here, breathtaking desert vistas blend with intriguing Native American culture and pampering amenities. The prize includes airfare, accommodations, $500 gift certificate to the Avania Spa, a one-of-a-kind, holistic, total-immersion experience that is synchronized with the body’s changing rhythms and requirements. Also included in the prize is a $750 VISA gift card to cover your meals and other hotel amenities you feel like taking advantage of including, championship golf, water playground or tennis.
Five First Prize winners will receive a Homedics Personal Massage Lounger valued at $100 to have a relaxing moment anytime in their home.
It is just that simple, and best of all you get to enjoy a fruit parfait while dreaming of a luxury resort getaway. Just picture yourself after a long stressful week relaxing to a massage with beautiful scenery, this every mom’s dream.
Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Earn Your Stripes Program
January 29, 2009 by Laurie
Filed under General, Mom Central
I just recently learned about a really cool program to help rebuild some of the playing fields around the United States. So many of them are in disrepair, and even more are going by the waste side due to the lack of funds and our failing economy. These are the things that get neglected and sometimes are often an important part of communities. As a child, I can remember families gathering to cheer on their children, hanging out with my cousins, running to and from the concession stand, and just having fun. Sports are fun to watch, but also have a way of bringing people together. Often time the things that get cut or go missing are often times one of the most important and are what feed the human spirit.
Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Earn Your Stripes program has initiated a call-to-action for a national field renovation program that kicks off this coming Super Bowl Sunday with a commercial entitled “Plant a Seed.“
This ad focuses on the role we all play in building stronger communities and making a difference in kids’ lives. Because the Earn Your Stripes program is about inspiring kids to be their very best, “Plant a Seed” shows that before anyone can earn a single stripe, someone has to plant a seed and help give kids places to realize their promise and potential.
The field renovation kick off will make over approximately 50 fields across the United States to help provide better places for families to stay active. Through this program, fields will once again become central and spirited places of activity and community in cities and towns across the country.
Sports aren’t just something to watch, they help build determination in young people, build self esteem and confidence, and encourage the growth of friendships. These are thing that help to build a well rounded confident individual. Visit Kellogg’s Plant A Seed program and nominate one of your local fields, it is such a wonderful program.
