Madeline's Christmas and Other Wintry Tales

Madeline is a favorite in our home. I have never seen a child who can get into and out of more trouble than this kid. LOL But isn't it so much fun to watch as she figures out the lessons from her mistakes? With the newest Madeline movie just released by Shout Factory, Madeline's Christmas and Other Wintry Tales, you and your kids can sit back and enjoy some snow filled Parisian fun.

You get to travel all over from the Alps to the North Pole, you will get to experience the craziness of no Mrs. Clavel. Btw- I think that woman is a saint to take care of all those little girls and stay so calm all the time.

There are 5 episodes on this DVD:

• Madeline's Winter Vacation (set in the Alps with Mrs. Clavel's Aunt)
• Madeline at the North Pole
• Madeline and Santa (our favorite from this DVD)
• Madeline's Holiday with Mr. Grump (and yes he is aptly named)
• Madeline and the Ice Skates

Run time on Madeline's Christmas and Other Wintry Tales is 110 minutes, and cost for this wonderful Christmas movie on Amazon is $11.49. You can also purchase it at your other favorite movie retailers. 

Dragonart Evolution

If you have a budding artist in your home then this is one book you will want to put under his tree!

This drawing book contains:

• 60+ step-by-step demonstrations covering a variety of dragons, including medieval, fairy and sea-dwelling wyrms
• In-depth advice for drawing every part of the beast – eyes, ears, horns, wings, scale patterns, limbs and more
• Extra tips and tricks provided by your dragon guide, Dolosus

With the rage being towards the mythical the past few years, Dragonart Evolution fits right into the genre and right into any artists heart that likes to try and draw knights and dragons. Braden was so excited to get this book and open it up. While he really isn't old enough to understand all the drawing concepts within the book, he definitely likes looking through the pictures and trying his hand at drawing the simpler dragons. MacKenzie is at a better age to sit down and draw the dragons. Her favorites are the more fairy tale dragons and she likes taking time with the wings. She does tend to get a bit "creative" while drawing the wings.

Did you know that Newsweek did an article called "The Creativity Crisis"? It talks about how kids aren't using their imaginations like they use to. I completely agree. I think kids today are so into video games and television shows that they just don't have the imaginations we had when I was little. I think that is why I prefer books to tv. I can actively engage my mind in what I am reading.

So to get your kids off the couch and having a different kind of fun, pop Dragonart Evolution under the tree this year. And when your artist is done creating, have them upload their designs onto DeviantArt.com and share with millions of other artists!

You can purchase Dragonart Evolution by J. "NeonDragon" Peffer at most of your favorite bookstores, including Amazon. Amazon has it for just under $16.

Canvas People

Canvas People is offering a free 8x10 photo canvas (a $55 value) and all you have to do is pay shipping. This would be a SUPERB Christmas gift for grandparents who love having photos of their grands all around. Why not grab all the kids and grandkids, have a nice person snap a picture and waa-laa you have instant generation photo for the wonderful set of parents that keep nagging you for a family photo. This is offer is valid for US and Canada.

For an additional charge you can add a frame and add a creative effect. If you want a larger size than 8x10, you will get $55 credit towards any of the canvas photos. Largest size is 18x24 and it will cost you $43.99 after the $55 credit is applied.

EcoMom

EcoMom is one of those sites that you can go to for EVERYTHING. Literally. They have organic food, toys, clothing, and even a forum to talk to other eco-conscience parents out there. They literally have everything. You might remember the review I held not to long ago for their organic snacks, in particular their Revolution Foods graham cracker snacks and fruit squeeze pouches. Both of which were a hit.  

Well, like I said before...EcoMom has it all. So when I was thinking of a great site to include in this here Gift Guide, I knew I wanted to have them as a partner. If you are looking for something for mom, dad, or the kids you are sure to find something that they will love. And when it comes to little girls, well they have the perfect gift...

Every little girl at some point wants a dollhouse. Last Christmas I ended up driving two hours to find one (which is now being used as a book case). I paid way too much for it and the quality was not that great. Which is why it is a bookcase now. The girls really loved it, but when the pieces all started to break we just had to re-purpose it. Savanna has already added a new dollhouse her to her wish list this year! But I want to make sure that the dollhouse that she receives from old St. Nick is durable this go round. If you are short on space, you should really try the Melissa and Doug Fold and Go Mini Dollhouse. It measures 13.13"x10.63"x6.13", which makes it perfect for table top play. And the fold up design allows it to store easily and quickly. It comes with a total of 11 pieces of furniture and 2 little people. Cost for the Melissa and Doug dollhouse is $60 on EcoMom and you get free shipping with it as well.This particular dollhouse is for ages 3+.

I am a huge M&D fan and EcoMom has so many of their products for really good prices that I know I will be shopping there a lot. LOL

Another of my favorites from EcoMom, and one I am sure all little boys would want, it the Crafty Kids Shuttle. They also have a little cottage for the girlies.

You can keep up with all that is happening on EcoMom by following along on Twitter, or liking them on Facebook.

Goliath Games

Board games are always a big hit with my kids. They absolutely love the different games that come out, and even the classics are a big hit. One of our favorite companies has quickly become Goliath Games. They have such a fun assortment of games that span all age levels that it is easy to find a new game to place under the tree. I have been on the hunt for games out of the box for the twins. We did Hungry Hungry Hippo, and while it is a big hit, it is stationary and they get bored. So when we were sent Mad Mouse to try out I was thrilled to see that the mouse moves! The cute little blue mouse darts around and the goal is to catch the mouse by the tail with little cat paws. When you catch the mouse you get cheese. Whoever gets the most cheese wins. Easy peasy! The twins actually screeched in delight over chasing this thing. Mad Mouse comes with 4 of the cat paws, the electronic mouse, 9 pieces of cheese, and requires 2 AA batteries. The cost for Mad Mouse is $30.99. You can purchase it on Goliath games website, Amazon, and several other sites. Check for all the places to purchase HERE.

We were also sent Pop the Pig to try out. This was definitely up Braden and Savanna's alley. This is a great game for learning to count and estimation. Why? Well because the players have to guess how many bites it will take the pig to eat the burger. With every time you push on piggies head, his tummy grows. Just don't push too many times, or the tummy pops. Think of the first time you saw a Jack in the Box. And the reaction to "POP! Goes the weasel" That would be Colton's reaction every.single.time that Braden made the stomach pop. Which was every.single.time it was his turn! Pop the Pig is for ages 4+ and it is great fun. It comes with 1 Pop the Pig and 16 burgers. The cost is $24.99 (it is on sale right now!).

Along with these two games there are many more games available through Goliath Games. Check them all out and see which is your favorite!

Santa Bread

I came across this recipe on Taste of Home and thought it looked so cool. I know I would not be able to make it look this good, but hey it would be fun to try!













Directions:

1. Start with 2 loaves of purchased frozen bread dough and turn them onto a lightly floured surface. Take a small portion of one loaf and add it to the other loaf, making it slightly larger.
2. On a lightly floured surface, shape the larger portion of bread dough into an elongated triangle with rounded corners for Santa's head and hat.
3. Shape and flatten half of the smaller portion of dough into a beard. Using a scissors or pizza cutter, cut the beard into strips to within 1 in. of the top of the beard.
4. Carefully pick up the cut beard piece with both hands and position the beard on the bottom of Santa's face.
5. If desired, twist the cut strips in the beard and slightly curl up the ends of the strips to shape the beard.
6. Use the remaining dough for the mustache, nose, hat pom-pom and brim. Shape a portion of dough into a mustache; flatten and cut the ends into small strips with scissors. Place above beard. Place a small ball above mustache for nose. Fold tip of hat over and add another ball for pom-pom. Roll out a narrow piece of dough to create a hat brim; position under hat.
7. With a scissors, cut two slits for eyes; insert raisins into slits. In separate small bowls, beat egg each yolk. Add red food coloring to one yolk; carefully brush over hat, nose and cheeks. Brush plain yolk over remaining dough.
8. Add red food coloring to one beaten egg yolk and carefully brush the tinted red yolk over the hat, nose and cheeks.
9. Cover loosely with foil. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-12 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: 1 loaf.

VeggieTales: It's a meaningful life

I am a huge VeggieTales fan. Have been for YEARS. I mean really, who doesn't like veggies talking to them?! I think my fandom stems from annoying the crap out of my friend Arin during a youth trip. I spent hours singing "Oh where is my hair brush". Which led to years later, her actually giving me a hair brush for Christmas. LOL. Good times.

Not only are the tunes catchy but the morals and the stories are something I have no issue with my kids watching and being exposed to over and over and over again. Which we have. Tons of times. Larry the Cucumber is a big hit my house. My favorite thing about this VeggieTales movie is that I can reiterate something I try really hard to teach the kids. That no matter what, you should always understand your own worth and importance  to be content with what they do have rather than worrying about what others have. It is a hard lesson. Especially in this age of entitlement that we are living through. The old values of be thankful for the things we have is gone. Everyone wants bigger and better. Ugh that is so another post, one I actually have written and think I will post along with this review. Watch for it.

Back to the talking tomato.

It's a meaningful life has a brand new song set. It even has Steven Curtis Chapman on there. Some of the Bonus Features include:

• Directors’ Audio Commentary
• Art Gallery
• Parents Guide presented by Family Life
• “Goodnight Junior” Silly Songs Sing-Along
• Visit a Train Museum with Larry
• Behind The Music of It’s a Meaningful Life—An Interview with Steven Curtis Chapman
• “Meant To Be” Music Video 

The video run time on this particular movie is 48 minutes. You can purchase it at most major stores like Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon and even online at BigIdea.com. This would make a great stocking stuffer or if you are like me and have this thing about giving a new movie each holiday season, this is your next perfect pick!

Beauty and the Beast Diamond Edition

I will readily admit that my FAVORITE movie is Beauty and the Beast. I always loved how Belle could look past the way Beast looked, and see his heart. I remember seeing the movie many many years ago and falling in love with Disney right then and there. While I loved all the princess movies when I was little, Beauty and the Beast resonated with me. And now at 30 years old I am still enchanted with the dancing tea pot and cups. I could listen to the clock and candlestick bicker all day. And I still gasp when the last petal of the rose falls. I am thrilled that now I have two daughters of my own that I can share the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast with. And with the new Diamond Anniversary addition, I can enjoy it with the girls in a few new ways.

Did you know that Beauty and the Beast is only one of two animated movies ever nominated for an Academy Award? Or how bout the fact that it was the first Disney movie to inspire a Broadway stage play by the same name?

Disney’s most requested film, Beauty and the Beast, arrives for the first time on Blu-ray Hi-Def as the second installment to the company’s new Diamond Collection. The Blu-ray transformation reveals the magic, music and majesty of the film as never before experienced with state-of-the-art picture restoration, pristine 7.1 Digital Surround Sound and hours of additional viewing experiences that include behind the scenes features, deleted scenes, enhanced music tracks, immersive games and more.

I know we will spend a lot of time munching popcorn and watching this movie. You can purchase Beauty and the Beast where ever you like to get your movies at. 

This would make one little girl smile a bright smile if she pulled it out of her stocking or unwrapped it from under the tree. I know, cuz I'd be smiling just as wide!

SodaStream

If you have a soda lover in your house, and you are tired of paying the prices to purchase all their favorite flavors, how about making it at home. Only want your kiddos to have soda on special occasions or as a special treat, make it at home. That's right. Make your own favorite flavors of soda at home. Thanks to SodaStream you can do just that.

SodaStream offers you a convenient alternative to purchasing the soda from the grocery store. Thanks to their small easy to store fountains, all you need extra is the flavor mixes and the carbonator bottle. Really simple to make. You just twist the CO2 canister onto the fountain, add water to the bottle, attach the bottle to the machine and then add your carbon. Then just add your flavors. We have been using a SodaStream Fountain Jet for a year now, and have just run out of carbonation in our bottle. Time for a refill. And that part is easy as well. You order your new CO2 canister and return the old one. Easy peasy.

At SodaStream you will find a variety of flavors for your sodas. From Grapefruit to Diet, Energy to flavored water. They have all your bases covered. Including the diet flavors. Our kids loved the Orange and the Root Beer flavors the best, and I personally think that the Diet tasted pretty darn close to the name brand ones I buy from the grocery store. Prices start at $99.95 for a Fountain Jet, which is your basic model and perfectly fine, and goes up to $299.95 for the Penguin Value Kit, which is really cool looking!

Not only are saving a bundle but you can feel good about being a little eco-conscience as well. You won't be throwing out those pesky plastic bottles or aluminum cans. You simply re-use the bottles you get with the Soda Stream. You can also purchase extra bottles for $14.99.

You can make all your SodaStream purchases directly from their website. Connect with SodaStream on Twitter and Facebook to keep up with the latest news. You can also check out their YouTube channel.

Webkinz Jr.

If you didn't know by now, my kids are all big stuffed animal fans. One of our favorite stuffed animals is Webkinz. The girls were introduced to Webkinz thanks to a friend of mine named Terri. Her daughter was collecting them, and when my girlies found out about them it started a frenzy. They have collected the cards, the animals, the bracelet/necklaces/charms, and everything else that goes with Webkinz. Of course the boys wanted to get in on the action and be able to play online with their own Webkinz. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when we were introduced to Webkinz Jr.

Webkinz Jr. are a larger version of the small Webkinz. Each one is a cute cuddly bundle of fur and stuff. And like the original Webkinz, Webkinz Jr. has its own virtual world where your little one can take care of their pet. The differences in the websites isn't too big. While Webkinz has a website that is more geared towards kids who can read and can do more interactive stuff, Webkinz Jr. offers your little ones in the 3-6 age range the ability to play games, feed their pets, decorate their little homes, and many of the other things that the original site allows for the older kids, it is just easier for the littler ones to be understand. Braden loves playing on Webkinz Jr. Getting on daily to take care of his pet and play some games is one of his favorite demands.

Webkinz Jr are available in a variety of animals, 18 to be exact. The cost for one Webkinz Jr is around $20.00 at most retailers. You have your choice of everything from bunnies to giraffes. And of course there are a couple of monkeys as well! You can purchase them at most major toy outlets (Toys R' Us, Amazon, Babies R' Us). Be sure to get yours and put it back for Christmas!

Handmade Christmas Soap

I came across this really easy really great craft for Christmas at Milk and Cuddles. The actual post was for Halloween, so we did both. I had never made soap before and thought it would super difficult, but it was so easy I think we may do more as gifts for neighbors and grandparents. Next time I might add some scent to it.

All you need for the soap is glycerin (bought mine at Michael's for $9.99, and can make 16 soaps with one block), Christmasy items to put in the soap, a muffin tin, and some clear wrap.

Melt the glycerin in the muffin tins. The site I came across that had the directions used silicone muffin pans and said microwave for 35 seconds until glycerin is melted. I didn't have any silicone muffin pans, so I used some regular ones from the Dollar Tree. I melted it in the oven at 200. It took about 10 minutes to fully melt the soap down.

Add the items to the soap, pushing it down with a popsicle stick or something like that so that it is covered completely in the soap.

Let stand for 20 minuted and then remove and wrap.

I had no trouble getting the soaps out of the muffin tins, although I am sure they would come out prettier with silicone pans. We added little bells for the Christmas look. If we make them for gifts this year, I will purchase some decorative stickers for the backs to cover the wrap and keep it secure.

The cost for making 16 soaps was $14.

Piggy Paint

Sure to brighten any young girls heart to open up a gift basket full of nail polish. LOL Piggy Paint is one of those companies that you just love purchasing from. Not only are you going to get great products that do not contain any nasty chemicls (after all Piggy Paint is as natural as mud!), but you are going to find nail polish with names that make any girl, young or old, smile. Whether you have the more subdued color lover or the far out their bright as the sun color lover, then you will be covered. And even better, this polish is perfectly safe to place on the tiniest fingers without the fears of them sucking the paint off. While I am not saying the paint won't come off, what I am saying is that since the polish is completely natural and doesn't contain any harmful chemicals, then your little toe sucker (my girls preferred to bend themselves in half to suck on their toes instead of their thumbs!) won't have to be rushed to the emergency room.

Now with a whole new polish line called Project Earth designed for that tween in your life  that might be a little eco-friendly, Piggy Paint is embarking on a new journey! With colors named things like "Drama" and "The Boyfriend Blues" your tween/teen is sure to love these colors. There is even a glow-in-the-dark color called "Radioactive". This is by far Kenzie's favorite and she has worn it every day since receiving it from Piggy Paint. It does take a couple of coats to really glow, but when it is glowing it is pretty cool.

Nail polish from Piggy Paint starts at $8.99 a bottle and goes up to higher prices for gift sets that include several bottles as well as polish remover.If you spend over $35 on items from the website you will receive free domestic shipping. You can connect with Piggy Paint via Twitter and Facebook to find out about secret sales and discount codes.

Piggy Paint makes great stocking stuffers or a tween/teen spa basket!

Use coupon code MONKIES10L to take 10% off your order from Piggy Paint.

My Pillow Pet

Named one of Toys R' Us Fabulous 15 this is one hot toy this year. And what is awesome is it is not a toy at all. It is a pillow. It is a wonderful companion for some imaginary fun. It is a security item for when your little one is sleeping away on their first sleep over. It is so many things. We have two of the folding stuffed animals now and are waiting on number three to arrive. I can't tell you how much all of my children, and even mommy, loves these adorable stuffed animals.The kids all fuss over who gets to use them to sleep on. It is so funny to watch. Of course if it gets to bad I step in and decide that mom needs it in her bed.

Don't be fooled by those pesky mall people who have set up stands selling the "bed pets" that look from a distance just like the My Pillow Pet. One sure fire way of making sure you are buying the real deal is by looking for the pillow pet tag. I managed to do a recon mission at our local mall and asked a few questions. I was shocked that the lady there selling them wanted me to believe that they were the exact same thing as seen on tv. I picked one up and tried to get a feel for it. While the knock-offs are soft, they have a different feel to the "fur" and the fluffiness is not there like with the real Pillow Pets.

With the holiday season fast approaching, you might want to grab one for traveling if you are visiting family. The Pillow Pet would make a great car pillow. At a cost of $19.95 for the first one and $15.95 for up to 5 additional ones, you will be getting something your child will cherish for a long time to come. It will get lots of use out of it, and will most definitely have a special spot on the bed. With 20 different pets to choose from there is sure to be a winner for your home. Be sure to purchase your Pillow Pet early though. Last year they sold out of inventory before Christmas.

Okabashi

If you have someone you know that really loves comfy easy to slide on shoes, then you will want to add Okabashi to your Christmas Shopping List! Okabashi is a company that makes 100% recyclable shoes. They offer spa quality sandals as well as great clogs. They also have a boutique brand for those who want an eco-friendly shoe with style written all over it.

I was sent a pair of the Okabashi clogs to review, and instantly fell in love. I have had the shoes for about two weeks now and I can honestly say that I wear them EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Whether it is just around the house or running quick errands, these shoes stay right out in the living room. The only problem I have had with them is I tried to wear socks with them, but they were to tight on my feet for me with socks.

The Okabashi shoe line is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, and why you may ask. Well, because insole of every sandal is carefully crafted with arch support and massage beads. The placement is based on the study of reflexology, to encourage better circulation to the foot and vital organs. Your feet will thank you for wearing these shoes. I know mine do.

And unlike the other well known brand of clogs out there, these shoes won't cost you an arm and a leg. Okabashi costs just $14.99 and up! Yep, AHH-some! The Okabashi clogs would be a perfect gift for a nurse you know and love, a gardener that plants you beautiful flowers, or even for someone you know that just loves comfy shoes. They have men's as well as children's sizes available as well. Be sure to check out the sizing guide to make sure you order the right size for you.

You can connect with Okabashi via Facebook to keep up with sales, contests, and news concerning the brand.

EO Products

I am loving this company. Really and truly loving. EO Products was a sponsor for Blogmania and gave one winner a Lavender Spa Gift Basket, and I was sent a few products to try out from their Holiday collection. I have said before how lavender is my absolutely favorite scent in the world. I could smell it all day long. So when I opened the box from EO Products and discovered lavender bath salts and lavender bubble bath, can I just say I was in my own version of heaven?! Needless to say the bubble bath is all gone and I am missing my lavender, and have added it to my own personal pretty please for Christmas list. Along with the Canon Rebel, iPad, Borders bookstore all expenses paid shopping excursion I have outlined for the honey. LOL

The reason I loved this lavender bubble bath was because it contained the perfect amount of scent. I do mean perfect amount. It envelopes you when you pour it under the hot water, and leaves your skin feeling wonderfully soothed. As well as the rest of you.

I was also sent two bottles of EO Products hand wash. One in Meyer Lemon & Sage, and the other in Mandarin Spice. I placed one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom. My fav is the Meyer Lemon & Sage. Reasons...well because it smells so yummy. It is in the kitchen and when you wash your hands with it, it leaves a light fragrance behind. And your hands smell good enough to lick. Even though I wouldn't advice it. It might smell heavenly, but it tastes like soap!

All of EO Products are natural products that enhance your skin and well being. Boy I sure agree with that mission statement! EO Products does not label their products as organic, even though they use certified organic materials to make them. I thought that was odd, but after reading a little further into it, I walked away knowing that I am dealing with a company that really cares about the image they put out there and do not want any confusion. You can read their story HERE and see what I mean.

EO Products offers a wide selection of personal care products that will fit every budget, and every need. From single products to gift baskets you are sure to be able to find the perfect gift for that spa lover on your Holiday Shopping list!

You can connect more with EO Products on Facebook and on Twitter. You will be privy to sales and discount codes when you follow on either site. You will also be able to stay on top of what new things they are up to!

Kameleon Jewelry

When you think about a chameleon, you think of an animal that can blend in with whatever situation it comes across. It has the ability to change it's color, change it's look so to speak, and transform into whatever the occasion calls for. As women we could really use that ability with a lot of things. LOL. I know I wish some days that my stove was really a chef in disguise.

Wouldn't it be nice if our jewelry had the ability to change into something different, but be able to retain the same base? Well, guess what! I have found a company who offers just that option. Kameleon Jewelry specializes in interchangeable jewelry pieces.

You can purchase either a necklace, ring, sunglasses, bracelet, and much more as your base. Then you get individual "jewel pops" that pop in and out of the base piece. The JewelPops come in a huge variety of pieces. You can get ones that are more elegant looking all the way to the other end of the spectrum where you have fun pops.

Green Sparkle JewelPop $29

From the website:
JewelPops are available in a rainbow of colors and materials and being the same size, are able to migrate amongst the entire Kameleon Jewelry collection. Some are set with semi-precious stones, Swarovski Crystal, lab Opals or sparkling cubics and sport outrageous names like “Strawberry Shortcake” (Rhodochrosite) and “Midnight at the Oasis” (Blue Sunstone), adding a real element of fun to the Collection.


Kameleon Jewelry resonates with what today’s consumers are seeking – beautiful jewelry that is flexible, versatile and reflects a sense of individualism and style. Investing in Kameleon sterling silver comes with the added value of infinite possibilities tailored for every mood and wardrobe change.

CZ Swirl Pendant $99

Changing out your JewelPops are easy. You just push gently on the back of the pop to remove it, then gently push on the front to replace it. They have quite a snug fit and you will not have to worry about losing the pieces when you are out. I think that JewelPops would make a great gift for just about anyone. Especially teens who want that individuality most of all. With prices starting at $19.99 for a solid round pendant, and JewelPops costing from $24, you or your gift recipient will be able to have a lot of fun and a lot of "new" jewelry without the expensive price tag! With the simplicity in some of the designs and the ease of use, I would say that this would be a great gift for your tween to your your oldest recipient!

Connect now with Kameleon via Facebook or Twitter.

Taco Salad with a Twist

Post courtesy of Debi from Who Say's 8 Is Enough? Debi was kind enough to share this recipe for Taco Salad made with natural ingredients. Make it and set it out for a quick yummy meal during your busy holiday season!

One of our favorite, favorite foods to eat at a party has always been Taco Salad.

So when we decided to switch to a natural diet, I was really depressed, thinking we wouldn't be able to eat it very often, as it contains lots and lots of "no-nos"...

Well, it got me thinking the other day when I was craving a little Taco Salad... surely I can find a way to make it healthy, can't I???

And, so I went to the market, shopped around and was thrilled to find that I can, in fact, make it healthy!

Best Ever Taco Salad! (trust me)

Normally, the recipe would call for a bag of Doritos, but that is a HUGE non-natural food and definitely not on our diet, so I found these super yummy and natural chips by Mission. These chips have a bit of a kick, as they have salsa in the flour, but boy are they yummy :)

Now, this might sound crazy, but you will need to take that lovely bag of chips, open it up, sample one or two chips and then crush the rest of them into bite-sized pieces.

Next, take a pound of ground beef or turkey and cook it through.

Add a 1/2 medium-sized onion and cook until translucent.

Drain the fat.

Add taco seasonings according to package for 1 pound of meat.

While meat is cooking, chop 1 medium green pepper, 1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes, and one head of lettuce. (whatever type you prefer)

In a large bowl, add lettuce, green peppers and tomatoes.

Toss together.

Pour bag of chips on top of salad and toss together.

Add 6oz of shredded cheddar cheese and mix well.

Top with 8oz of Catalina dressing. This was almost the deal breaker for me as 99% of salad dressings contain high fructose corn syrup and we do not eat HFC. However, of all the dressings that Kraft makes, Catalina regular dressing contains none :)

So, I figured we could deal with a little food dye for one day....

If you want to avoid that as well, you can try any type of tangy french dressing, or make your own....

Mix all ingredients together until it resembles this.

Right before you are ready to serve, top with warm meat and toss together.

This is what it should look like :)

Serve and eat!

This makes a large quantity. Perfect for a side-dish for a party or a simple meal at home...

Debi Bouffard is mom to NINE kiddos and manages to come up with the greatest recipes. I am thrilled to have her contribute to the gift guide with some easy alternative recipes for those families with kids who need gluten free options. Debi writes over at Who Say's 8 Is Enough? Visit her and get to know more about her, her family, and her love of photography!