07
Feb, 2011

Last month, the good people at McDonald’s asked me to host a breakfast for friends at a local McDonald’s to introduce their new Fruit & Maple Oatmeal to everyone. I’m not a huge advocate of fast food consumption, but as a comedian on the road and a busy, single mom, it is part of my reality from time to time. I’m not one to be a big hypocrite, especially when it comes to food and I was already eating the Starbucks oatmeal on a regular basis in countless airports across the country, so I was actually pretty excited to see how Ronald’s oats compared.

I gathered a group of friends from different walks of life (including some fellow blogger moms, my nanny, her relatives and a couple comedians) and we sat down with Monica, a registered nutritionist for McDonald’s, and talked about the good, the bad and the ugly.

We got the full service treatment… yup

We all know that French fries and chicken McNuggets are not the way to go on a regular basis, but you might be surprised to know that McDonald’s is offering more and more healthy options, like milk, apple slices, water, premium salads, fruit and yogurt parfaits and now… OATMEAL!

Three clowns and a nutritionist

The oatmeal can be modified to your taste and/or dietary restrictions but my personal fave was with all of the toppings which included brown sugar, real maple syrup, apples, a touch of cream, raisins and dried cranberries. You’ll be happy to know that the new Fruit & Maple oatmeal is available ALL DAY (not just breakfast) and each bowl contains two servings of whole grains and a half a cup of real fruit. It’s also rich in Vitamin C and I will tell you, first hand, it’s really good! I had never tried apples in my oatmeal before, but I’m hooked.

You can order your oatmeal without the brown sugar and the rest of the toppings are controlled by you. I give the new Fruit & Maple Oatmeal a big thumbs up. Who wouldn’t want another fast, healthy option at an affordable restaurant? And you can still top if off with a hash brown if you really want too.

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Tags: Amy Anderson • breakfast • Fast Food • Fruit and Maple Oatmeal • McDonald’s

30
Jan, 2011

MOMS! This one is for you! You deserve a day out and today, I’m happy to offer the opportunity to win tickets to the West Coast premiere of the hit theater production “In Mother Words” starring Jane Kaczmarek, Saidah Arrika Ekulona and James Lecesne.


As the program states, “Whether you are a parent, have a parent or ever want to become a parent, this play will elate and terrify equally – much like motherhood itself.” The other cool thing about this event is there will be a reception afterwards with food and drinks, goodies from the sponsors and special guests from the Geffen and the “In Mother Words” cast.


Please tell your friends about this giveaway and help me spread the word about the awesomeness of The Geffen Playhouse! Did you know that The Geffen Playouse is a non-profit that gives back to the community every year through six major education initiatives that engage over 18,000 students and community members in the live arts every year? Through programs like Saturday Scene and CREATE, the Geffen Playhouse reaches participants as young as toddlers through seniors as old as 100!


Here are the prize and giveaway entry details:


What: 2 tickets to the play “In Mother Words” with reception to follow 
Where: The Geffen Playhouse – 10886 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles 90024
When: Saturday, Feb 19 @ 3-7:30pm
*Winner will be announced on Sun, Feb 13, 2011 and you need to make sure you’re able to get yourself to the West side of L.A. to attend. I’ll see the winner there!


Four Different Ways To Enter – leave a separate comment for each entry:
1) Leave a comment about your favorite live theater experience (anything – your first school performance as a tree or Shakespeare at Lincoln Center)!
2) Follow this blog via GFC
3) Follow me on Twitter
4) Tweet this giveaway and leave the URL in a comment:
“Enter to win 2 tickets to “In Mother Words” play/reception at Geffen Playhouse Feb 19 @ 3pm! http://tinyurl.com/6kvc8kf #giveaways “

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Tags: Amy Anderson • In Mother Words • James Lecesne • Jane Kaczmarek • Saidah Arrika Ekulona • The Geffen Playhouse

28
Jan, 2011

About three months ago, I wrote a review of the new Disney Mickey Mote, interactive kid’s remote for use with special Disney DVDs. While we weren’t thrilled with the Mickey Mote at that time, I knew it was just a little too soon for Aubrey to grasp the concept and have the patience to listen to the video’s instructions before pushing the buttons. My prediction was that in a few months, she would get the hang of it and love it… and I was RIGHT! She LOVES the Mickey Mote now and just in time for a new interactive DVD. Am I clairvoyant or what?

Lucky for us, we got to preview the new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse : Minnie’s Masquerade DVD with the Mickey Mote and she is hooked. She loves anything Disney, of course, but especially Mickey, Minnie and Pluto. They are her current faves.

In Minnie’s Masquerade – Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Daisy – take families on a new adventure as they dress up in costumes for Minnie’s Masquerade Ball. This DVD features four episodes previously seen on the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse TV show, a never before seen episode and a fun masquerade paper mask that kids can personalize.

Ignore the basket of laundry behind my child – I’m such a professional photographer.

Aubrey is having a great time with this new Minnie DVD and she even insisted in teaching her 64 year old nanny how to use the Mickey Mote with it!

The DVD can be watched just like a regular DVD or used with the interactive Mickey Mote. I love the Mickey Mote feature too because Aubrey is actually engaged and thinking while watching rather than sitting like a couch potato (the way I like to watch tv – shhh) and it even works with our 3 year old, $39, total piece of crap DVD player. (Yes, I’m that cheap. Or broke. Or both.)

Look for this awesome new DVD in stores February 8th and you can pre-order on many websites now:
Single Disc DVD + Mickey Mote = $29.99
Single Disc DVD = $19.99

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Tags: Amy Anderson • Aubrey • Disney • Mickey Mouse • Mickey Mouse Club House • Minnie’s Masquerade • preschool DVD