Tag: mom it forward

Panko and Vegetable Stuffed Portobellos and Giveaway

I love creating recipes with fresh mushrooms, and this Panko and Vegetable Stuffed Portobello was a vegetarian main dish was a hit this weekend. Be sure to notice that between September 15th to November 15th, select retailers nationwide will sell mushrooms in pink containers in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since 2002, the Mushroom Council has invested more than $750,000 in grants to City of Hope for research on mushrooms and cancer. This fall, the Council will provide an additional $50,000 to continue funding this important research. How cool is this packaging in support of City of Hope and Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Great Health Benefits of Mushrooms

 

1. Mushrooms are low in sodium and calories, and they are fat and cholesterol free.

2. Mushrooms can be an effective substitute for meats thanks to their hearty and fulfilling nature.

3. Mushrooms are the only item in the produce aisle to provide vitamin D, and one of the few non-fortified food sources. Growers also have the ability to increase D levels by exposing mushrooms to ultraviolet light.

4. These friendly fungi provide critical nutrients like energizing B vitamins, potassium and powerful antioxidants, including ergothionene and selenium.

For chance to win the great giveaway above, follow the steps below. For each one, and let me know in the comments for a better chance to win:

1) Follow @MushroomChannel on Twitter

2) Check out and “like” the Mushroom Channel on Facebook

3) Answer the question: “How do you support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

4) RSVP to the Mom It Forward #gno twitter party and check out the giveaway at Mom at Forward

5) Join me for the Mushroom Council #gno twitter party October 4th, from 9-11 p.m EST.

6) Follow @alisonlewis on twitter and come see me on Facebook

Note: I was compensated for my participation in the Mushroom Channel Campaign

Evo Conference: Learning, Sharing and Being Inspired

Last year, I was lucky enough to win a ticket to my first ever social media conference: Evo Conference in Park City, Utah. I was lucky enough to go, and I was wowed. This year, I paid my way without a second thought. To say the least, it didn’t disappoint. Many have said that Jyl Pattee and Rachel Herrscher “made lightening strike twice.” The picture (above and thanks to Paul, Sandy’s husband) was taken while I was on the Alpine Slide at Park City Mountain Resort. Okay, what was this guy doing? I was freaking out that he was so close.

Evo, for me, is about learning, feeling inspired, seeing old friends and making new ones. I was lucky enough to meet Jennifer, (above) from Piggies & Paws, last year. She is one of the most incredible women with such a great heart that I have ever met. This year I made so many new friends. I love this group (below) with Sandy, Aggie, and Maria. All are hugely talented food and entertaining bloggers. I am honored to know them in person, and I have a feeling we will be lifetime friends. Thanks to Maria for sharing her photo with me.

And while this wasn’t a food conference, there were two more amazing food workshops. We learned photography tips from Helene from Tartlette, one of my most favorite blogs (see below). She is so nice, humble and genuine.

Our lunch with Helen and the Chefs of the The Canyons was held at Lookout Cabin, a picturesque setting overlooking the mountains.

Just a look at our view from our table (below).

Our meal was scrumptous as well, and we learned how to make all of the fabulous recipes from the chefs. This shrimp dish was just one of the mouth-watering appetizers we learned to make at home.

Day two, I went to the other food workshop which was held at the Waldorf Astoria resort sponsored by Bushs Beans with Todd and Diane from White on Rice Couple. I was lucky to meet this dynamic duo last year, and words can’t describe their talent, generosity and gift of teaching. Here’s Todd in action.

We learned more about food styling from Diane, and then we each got to practice our styling. I couldn’t get over Jennifer, from Baby Making Mama, with her beautiful baby on her back while shooting away with her camera on the ground. Now that was inspiring!

She was a delight to photograph (even though I was supposed to be food styling).

I must admit that one of the scary parts of the trip is when we took a gondola ride up to another mountain to the closing party sponsored by Together Counts. It got really windy, and while in mid air, the gondola stopped for what seemed like an eternity. It was frightening to say the least. When we got to the top, we suggested maybe taking the edge off. So we did. I had so much fun with Annalise, Kelly and Lisa, three of the most talented and genuine people I have ever met. Extra thanks to Kelly (second to the left) for her incredible hospitality. We met at the conference last year, and this was the second time I have seen her this year.

So what else can I say about EVO? I learned so much at this conference about social media, business, entrepreneurs, women, friendship, community and more. I have never met so many creative and passionate people in one place. There are so many others I want to mention who I don’t have photos of but Jen, Gena, Jenn, Alisa, Paul, Cameron, Marla, Diana, Jamielyn, Missy, Evan, Melissa, Heidi, Helen and Dara are just a few. I just feel lucky to have had this experience. It brings a smile to my face. Just look at it with Aggie (below) and Maria (bottom).