Ragu’s Fresh and Simple Pouches

Clip it. Pop it. Pour it.

Ragu’s Fresh and Simple Pouches have ensured a fresh taste, with a low-mess prep that is really quite cool. You’re supposed to clip the corner of the pouch, pop it in the microwave for 90 seconds, and then pour it on the pasta of your choice. We don’t follow directions very well in the BBM house, so that scenario didn’t quite happen. What I can tell you about the pouches is that they taste delicious and that even if you forget the part about microwaving it, pouring it directly on hot pasta works just fine, especially for kids who like everything lukewarm.

We tried the Tomato and Fresh Basil and the Garden Veggie pasta sauces and thought they were quite delicious. The kids had no complaints and my husband and I were wondering why we stopped buying Ragu sauces to begin with. We’ve certainly changed our minds about that. The sauce pouches boast no added sugar, additives or preservatives and when you add that to the elimination of one more pot needed to cook dinner, you’ve got a winner.

In addition to creating these no-pot-necessary sauces, Ragu has teamed up with some great Mom’s and fitness people to create an online recipe book full of great info regarding food and families. You can access these recipes here.

For the ease of use and the delicious flavor, BBM gives Ragu Fresh & Simple Pouches. . .

Posted by Black Belt Mama on May 26, 2008 in Food and Drink | Leave a Comment

May 23, 2008

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

When a house is for sale, a home seller does a whole lot of cleaning. Trust me, my house has been on the market for three months now. So when I was offered a container of new Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to try, I couldn’t possibly refuse.

I expected my skin to pretty much burn off at first touch, but despite the fact that they’re called Clorox, there is no bleach in them (I found this out when I was about to go all ballistic on my poison ivy rash with some straight-up bleach and my husband disappointed me by saying there is no such thing in the wipes). Despite them not having bleach, they clean like they do and they leave a super nice fresh scent in their wake, which is fabulous for last minute cleanings before showing one’s home to potential buyers.

Gentle on my hands, but tough on germs, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes boasts that it can kill the flu virus. The lavender scented wipes smell lovely and they are thicker than a baby wipe, which makes cleaning up a breeze. They are super handy to have in the kitchen, and they work great in bathrooms as well. Convinced my poison ivy rash that keeps on coming was being distributed via my door handles, I also used them on all the doorknobs in my house. It’s a whole lot more convenient using these wipes than carrying around a roll of paper towels and cleaner.

The only problem with these wipes? I just don’t have enough of them yet. When I don’t look like a leper anymore, I’m heading to the store and you probably should too. For more information on Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, go here.

Because they smell really nice and work quite well, BBM gives Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. . .

Posted by Black Belt Mama on May 23, 2008 in Household | Leave a Comment

May 21, 2008

Groomsmen

Sometimes I feel like I got married in the dark ages. There were no fancy websites to help you, at least none that I know of, and nothing could be done via the internet. Planning a wedding from four hours away was not always pleasant. These days, brides and grooms have some really nice help in the form of websites that give them ideas, inspiration and previously unheard of help. Groomsmen is just the site to help with all the little details.

If you’re looking for gifts for your groomsmen, you’ll want to visit the Groomsmen Gift area of the site. From cuff links to handy tools, to cigars to shaving kits, you’ll find everything you need to let your groomsmen know you’re glad they stood up beside you. You can also find bridesmaid gifts in the form of vases, lockets and compacts. It’s not just for the adults either. The kids gifts you can find for those special little ring bearers and flower girls are adorable and not your typical Groomsmen Gift. From harmonica’s and yo-yo’s to adorable train banks, your little wedding party participants won’t be left out.

Not just for gifts, Groomsmen offers helpful tips for everything from having the perfect wedding ceremony to giving the ideal toast, to creating a honeymoon full of lasting memories. And it’s not just for the men in the wedding either. Helpful tips abound for both the groom and his lucky bride.

For the abundance of information and being somewhat of a one-stop shop for gifts and wedding advice, BBM gives Groomsmen:

Posted by Black Belt Mama on May 21, 2008 in Websites | Leave a Comment

May 20, 2008

Ragu Fresh and Simple Pouches

Ready for a short test? Can you do the following things: 1. Clip a plastic pouch with scissors? 2. Pop said pouch into the microwave and set it for 90 seconds? and 3. Pour sauce in said plastic pouch onto favorite pasta or other dishes? If you answered yes to all three of these questions, you can say hello to your new best friend.

I was very excited to have the opportunity to review the new product from Ragu, Ragu Fresh & Simple pouches. Why? Well, first for the convenience, second for the Eat Smart factor, and third, I love pasta and sauce. Here’s the lowdown:

This pasta sauce is awesome, awesome, awesome! It is incredibly simple to make. I appreciate this because after work or a long day of parenting, making a fussy meal is just draining. The only "draining" you’ll have here is the draining of your pasta! The flavor is incredible. My husband, part Italian, raved about it, and I made him try the Tomato Basil, too. (He’s a meat sauce kind of guy.) He was worried the pouch didn’t make enough for us-it did with some to spare. I made one pound of pasta and it served all three of us, plus enough to cover the rest of the leftover pasta, plus I threw a bit out. I’d say the amount was pretty good.

If all that wasn’t enough, the most important element of this sauce is the quality of it. It contains no preservatives and no added sugar. The ingredient list is short (always a good sign) and I could pronounce all of the ingredients. All ingredients are natural or naturally derived. There is a full serving of veggies in one half cup of sauce. (Thank goodness my son likes pasta, because this is probably the only veggies he’ll get in a week!!) You can check out more info on Ragu’s website: www.ragu.com . You’ll find a easy meal ideas on there that sound yummy and fast.

When certain things started coming out in pouches, it was kind of scary. Some work, some don’t. This is a definite winner! For the amazing taste, the quality of the ingredients, and the ease of making, hands down Ragu Fresh & Simple pouches receive a

PS-I finished my review samples and went out and bought four more pouches. Trust me on this-go get some today!!!

Posted by TKDDaughter on May 20, 2008 in Food and Drink | Leave a Comment

May 20, 2008

Mongo Tickets

While browsing the internet for Steelers tickets for Mr. BBM (Shh! Don’t tell him!), I came across a ticketing site that has just about everything. Mongo Tickets offers a user-friendly site with ticketing possibilities for everything from the New England Patriots Tickets (Boo! Hiss!) to Chicago Cubs Tickets and everything in between.

Sports, concert and theater tickets are readily available at a variety of prices. In fact, there’s almost too much to choose from once you pick your date and know what you want! And that’s just the problem. Want to go to the US Open in NY? There are a variety of tickets available. Want to see the most ~~loved~~ hated team in the NFL? There are Dallas Cowboys Tickets available. Whether you are interested in getting down and dirty in the nosebleed section or want something right up front, Mongo Tickets has what you are looking for with a seat for everyone and a price that can fit anyone’s budget.

Mongo Tickets also stands behind its ticket sales. If an event is canceled and not rescheduled, you can expect a 100% refund. They also guarantee their tickets or your money back, so there’s no risk.

Whether you are looking for the hottest kid ticket this year, The Jonas Brothers, or want to lock up some NFL seats for the fall, Mongo Tickets will not disappoint.

For the ease in use, easily accessible seating charts, and a variety of options to fit any budget, BBM gives Mongo Tickets. . .

Posted by Black Belt Mama on May 20, 2008 in Websites | Leave a Comment

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