When I was invited by StarKist to their event with Lisa Lillien, aka Hungry Girl to learn more about their new Tuna Creations flavors, I was...

When I was invited by StarKist to their event with Lisa Lillien, aka Hungry Girl to learn more about their new Tuna Creations flavors, I wasn't sure if I'd go. While I grew up with the iconic Charlie Tuna and would love to have a Tuna selfie, I'm not a fan of the taste of Tuna.

Sorry Charlie!

Note: I was invited as media to this event and received compensation, However, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.


Actually my memory as a child of the taste of Tuna has kept me from trying it again all these years. To be honest it's a real shame. Tuna has come a long way since I was a child with so many different ways to prepare and season.

So I decided to go and not only learn about StarKist new Tuna Creations flavors, but also get a taste update for my memory. I'm so glad I did.

First I got my Tuna selfie with Charlie. He's so good at posing for the camera!


After photos, I headed over to the tasting table. I was pleased to learn that StarKist also introduced new StarKist Kid’s Creations! As any parent know getting a child to eat dishes healthy for them can be a challenge.

With this thought in mind (plus my own tuna taste memory) I tried the two StarKist Kid’s Creations. I was surprised that the taste wasn't strong or "fishy" at all. I can see kids eating these with a snack after school or within a main dish.

Which is a very good thing since tuna is a great source of lean protein, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids that young kids benefit from.

StarKist Kid’s Creations is available in two kid-friendly flavors – Bacon Ranch and Honey BBQ

• 100 calories or less
• 14g of protein to keep kids full
• 95-110mg of DHA Omgea-3 Fatty Acids to help with brain development

With child obesity still on the rise StarKist knew moms were looking for healthy and better options for their kids, something that they could serve them but also kids could take to school for lunch or snack time


After having a good taste experience, I moved on to taste the different samplers using the new StarKist Creations flavors

StarKist Hot Buffalo Creations: Tuna to fulfill your spicy cravings with the new hot buffalo flavor

• 70 calories
• 15g of protein
• Looking at food trends, StarKist discovered that hot sauce is the fastest growing condiment in the U.S.

StarKist Salmon Creations: Using premium skinless, boneless and 100 percent wild caught salmon

• Available in Lemon Dill and Mango Chipotle flavors
• 90 calories or less
• 14g of protein or less
• While tuna is growing, salmon is growing even faster. Consumers were looking for an convenient way to enjoy salmon that still has a fresh taste. StarKist Salmon Creations line provides a healthy and delicious meal option for salmon lovers with busy lifestyles

I'm happy to report that both of the StarKist Creations flavors meet with my taste bud approvals. Especially the Salmon Mango Chipotle. I had quite a few tasting samples of those!


Now that I had over come my childhood memory of not liking tuna, it was time to learn ways of using these StarKist Creations flavors in recipes.

Good thing the Hungry Girl was there with her a cookbook! Lisa was so fun to meet and excited to share different recipes using StarKist Creations flavors that families can make and enjoy.



While it was great to meet Charlie and learn more about StarKist history and current products, the best part of this event was moving past my childhood tuna taste fears. Now I can enjoy tuna as an adult and share that healthy enjoyment with my son.

Thank you StarKist!


To learn more about StarKist, visit www.starkist.com/products

Facebook - www.facebook.com/starkist
Twitter - www.twitter.com/starkistcharlie
Instagram - www.instagram.com/starkistcharlie

Does your family enjoy the DreamWorks Animation films? Then visit your local Denny's to enjoy their new film-inspired menus featuring lo...

Does your family enjoy the DreamWorks Animation films? Then visit your local Denny's to enjoy their new film-inspired menus featuring loveable characters from the DreamWorks Animation movies!

Note: This is a sponsored post to share about Denny's and DreamWorks Animation New Kids Menu. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

If you read my post about visiting the Bronx Zoo with Penguins of Madagascar, then you know my son is an unofficial part of the secret penguin team. So of course we had to visit our Brooklyn Denny's to check out the menu's and share a meal.



Soon after arriving, we went over our menus and ordered our meals.



My son's meal had the option of getting an Animal Adventure themed drink cup. Is it any surprise that he picked the penguin cup?! As he enjoyed his penguin swimming in a kid Shirley Temple (Sprite with cherry flavor), we checked out the activities on the new kids menu.

The Penguins of Madagascar are the first DreamWorks film characters to be featured on Denny's kids menu. Later will come Puss In Boots and Turbo FAST, in addition to many popular characters such as Shrek, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, The Croods, Home (Yay! Read my interview with the HOME cast), How to Train Your Dragon and more appearing throughout the year.

The colorful characters will adorn Denny’s kids menu in a variety of interactive, themed puzzles and games to enjoy during mealtime. In addition, families will have access to a variety of fun family activities via the DreamWorks COLOR App along with an exciting selection of movie content, games and more.

We didn't bring along our iPad so sorry I can't show you how the app works. But for the families who want to try this out, here's more info.

The DreamWorks COLOR App lets you reimagine your favorite DreamWorks characters and worlds your way. You color the DreamWorks characters featured on the Denny’s kids menu then use the DreamWorks COLOR App  to bring their drawings to life. Then you can pose and take selfies with your characters, build and play in worlds you color and create.


After checking out the DreamWorks activities on the Denny’s kids menu, it was time to have lunch! My son chose Dino shaped chicken nuggets with a side of grapes.

“We are delighted to align with DreamWorks to bring the spirit of its popular family favorites to America’s Diner this year,” said John Dillon, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Denny’s Corporation.

“Our new kids menu not only offers plenty of delicious all-day options, including several items verified by the Kids LiveWell program, but now features some of the most iconic DreamWorks characters and exciting, new digital entertainment for all generations to enjoy. Both Denny’s and DreamWorks are centered around bringing families together, and we look forward to working together to bring even more exciting experiences to families dining at our restaurants this year.”

Since this was our first time at Denny's, I was impressed with the options of the kids menu. As a parent who encourages a child to eat healthy, I was happy to see healthy fruit, veggie and salad options.


For my meal I chose a fish entree with more traditional sides. Macaroni and cheese with mashed potatoes. So yum! Hey, I need my energy to take all those photos for this post!

We both enjoyed our meals and plan to visit again to see the other DreamWorks characters and activities on the Denny’s kids menu!

Don't forget that Kids Eat Free Tuesdays at Denny’s from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m..

To find a restaurant near you, visit www.dennys.com
On Facebook - www.facebook.com/dennys
On Twitter - www.twitter.com/dennysdiner

One of my goals this year is to take better care of my health. But due to time and hectic routines I don't always get to take my vitamin...

One of my goals this year is to take better care of my health. But due to time and hectic routines I don't always get to take my vitamins. So when I learned about Zarbee's Naturals new line of vitamin drink mixes, I wanted to try one.

Not to mention, the thought of drinking my vitamins as a yummy mix had more appeal then taking over sized not so yummy set of pills.

Note: I received product sample for review purpose. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

As soon as I took a sip, I knew I was so right!

I received Zarbee's Naturals Antioxidant Support with Honey and it was delicious! It tastes like hot apple cider and when taken in the morning helps warm you up to start the day.


Which is a good thing since this high potency antioxidant formula supplies four essential vitamins and minerals to help promote healthy cells and combat free radical damage.*


Making the mix was easy since it came in very convenient pre-sized pouches. You can store close within arm reach for easy access or take along to use when you need a boost.

Making the mix was super easy. Just add some hot water, mix and enjoy! These Zarbee's Naturals Vitamin Drink Mixes make it super easy and convenient for you to fill the nutritional gaps in your diet to maintain better health.

Learn more about the other Zarbee's Naturals Vitamin Drink Mixes available at Target for $11.99

• Multivitamin with Antioxidant: Intended to be served cold, this natural mixed berry flavored mix contains 12 essential vitamins, including 100% of the recommended daily values of vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folate, biotin and Selenium. This high potency antioxidant formula helps combat free radical damage.*

• Antioxidant Support with Honey: This high potency antioxidant formula supplies four essential vitamins and minerals to help promote healthy cells and combat free radical damage.* Served hot, its natural apple spice flavor tastes as good as it makes your body feel.

• Calming Blend: This mix can be served hot or cold, and is designed to help support your nervous system and help promote calmness and tranquility in your life. In a unique natural lemon mint flavor, it delivers 12 essential vitamins including A, C, E and B-complex, as well as a blend of passion flower, chamomile and mucuna prurines.*

• Invigorating Blend: In a natural lemon ginger flavor, this mix can be served hot or cold. Delivering essential B vitamins, which play an important role in energy metabolism, the invigorating blend also contains green tea leaves and guarana seed extract to help promote temporary alertness.*

• Immune Support Blend: Designed to deliver key nutrients your body needs to maintain a healthy immune system, this mix contains five key essential vitamins and minerals including A, C, E, Selenium and Zinc in a natural citrus spice flavor.* This mix is intended to be served hot.

• Multivitamin with Prebiotic: Best when served cold, this multivitamin is specially designed to support a healthy digestive system and contains natural inulin, a prebiotic. In a natural orange flavor, this mix also includes 100% of the daily recommended values of vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folate and biotin.*

*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT DISEASE.

Zarbee's various mixes are designed to be combined with 4-6 oz. of water (hot or cold depending on the variety) or with more water for a lighter flavor. Through the drink mixes, the body is getting essential vitamins while simultaneously staying hydrated. The products are also free from gluten and artificial dyes.

"Rooted in science, our new line of vitamin drink mixes are specifically designed for adults, and like all of our products, contain natural ingredients that are safe and effective for the whole family," said Bret Furio, Chief Executive Officer of Zarbee's Naturals. "It's often easy to overlook your body's vitamin needs throughout the day while you are busy at work or taking care of your family. Our easy-to-use mixes allow for a simple and refreshing way to give your body the vitamins and nutrients it needs, allowing you to easily maintain a healthy vitamin routine."

These new vitamin mixes have been selected by Target's exclusive 2015 "Made to Matter" collection of leading natural, organic and sustainable brands.

To learn more about Zarbee's products, visit - www.zarbees.com