I had a chance to try the new Steam N Mash potatoes by Ore Ida. Though I can't say I'll be adding them to my regular shopping list, they were much better and fresher tasting than I expected.


The serving size was a little smaller than I would have liked (because I'm all about the starch and carbs and I wasn't able to have seconds, not that I need it) but they were so easy to prepare. They come frozen in chunks which is good for people who like their mashed potatoes lumpy (I do).

I added a little more milk and butter than was called for (also added fresh ground pepper) but if I hadn't they would have tasted just fine. I could see myself buying them the next time I want to make Shepherd's Pie (ooh that sounds good right now!).


I have $1 off coupons for the first 8 people who'd like to try them. Just leave a comment with your email address. (Coupons expire 4/09)

Second Disney Mom Blogger Mixer

I can't believe it's been more than a week since I was a few short hours from touching down in Orlando. To say the trip was an amazing whirlwind would be an understatement. Same for first class. And inspiring. And enlightening. But I'm getting ahead of myself.


I landed early evening on Friday and had just enough time to change for the welcome cocktail hour and dinner. How nice it was to have a room all to myself! We met a few of the Disney executives and Maria Bailey of BSM Media. We had drinks and appetizers then it was off to The Animal Kingdom Lodge to see the amazing collection of African artifacts and have dinner with two Disney chefs at Jiko.


After dinner a few of us went dancing at a club on the Boardwalk. Saturday we started bright and early (7:45) with breakfast and Q&A session with more executives to share our perceptions of Disney and what they hoped to gain by having us there. After breakfast we went to The Magic Kingdom for a few rides, and then on to Hollywood Studios for the parade, lunch at The Brown Derby with two Disney Imagineers, more rides and shopping.


Then back to the hotel for a little down time before it was time to break out my new fake eyelashes and get ready for dinner at Epcot Center. And when I say I could go on and on about how amazing the food, wine and entertainment were at the Party of the Senses, I mean rave for days! I had a chicken paprikash with roasted cauliflower dish that, seriously, I don't think I'll ever forget. And the chocolate cake with salted caramel sauce! TO. DIE. FOR. I wish I had pictures but my ancient brick of a camera wouldn't fit into my cute little handbag. This is a little taste.




After the tasting we watched the fireworks show then back to the hotel. We went dancing and met the rockin'- est grandma ever! I only hope I have her energy when I'm using the senior discount. Even though my feet were killing me, I wasn't ready to call it a night so when the idea to go to another club came up I was all for it. Thank you to Patrick Ewing for letting us finish your vodka and cranberry juice!


Sunday we started with a trip to the Animal Kingdom to see The Festival of the Lion King. Then off to The House of Blues for Gospel Brunch. I have not been to church in awhile but I was so moved by the music I got tears in my eyes.

After brunch we had a second discussion with the execs to give our feedback from the weekend. It is so refreshing to know that a company as big (huge! vast!) as Disney would see the need to reach out to a particular community and actually see it through. I appreciate what they are trying to achieve and hope the weekend gave them enough insight going forward to be successful in their campaign.


Please get to know the amazing women who went with me:

Yolanda from Ebony Mommy
Tanyetta from Days Like These
Renee from Cutie Booty Cakes
Michele from Integrated Mother
Nadia from Mama Law
Kim from Mom in the City
Felicia from Reign of the Girl Child
Kristina from Mom on the Rise
Jennifer from The Mom Salon



More giant thank you's go to: Jennifer, Michelle, Super Sarah (someone give this woman a raise!), Annette, Laura (congratulations on becoming a cast member!), Ximora, Carol, Leanne, Rialys, Lara, Christian,Mark, Diego, Sybil and I'm sure I've forgotten someone but thank you all so much!