Pasta with Tomatoes, Zucchini and Pesto {Easy Summer Recipe}

Summer is a great time to cook lighter and cheaper meals. I love getting all the in season produce at my local stores, farm markets and road side stands. How about you? Do you cook much in the summer? What are some of your favorite summer recipes? 

Check out this yummy pasta dish which is featured in the August issue of Woman’s Day, now on newsstands across the nation, features two covers and plenty of ways to cut down on costs while allowing you to live and eat the way you want to. 

Pasta with Tomatoes, Zucchini and Pesto

Serves 4 - $1.62 per serving

Ingredients

·         12 oz. fettuccine

·         2 small zucchini (about 8 oz. total)

·         1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

·         1 Tbsp. olive oil

·         1/3 cup pesto

·         Kosher salt and pepper

·         4 oz. bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls), halved

·         Torn fresh basil leaves, for serving

 Directions

1.       Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ¾ cup cooking liquid, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

2.       Meanwhile, grate the zucchini on the large holes of a box grater, turning the zucchini to grate the outside first (discard the soft core). In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, olive oil, 2 Tbsp. pesto and ¼ tsp each salt and pepper. Fold in the zucchini and mozzarella.

3.       Toss the pasta with the remaining pesto and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water (adding more if the pasta seems dry). Fold in the tomato-zucchini mixture and sprinkle with basil, if desired.

Here are the two covers for the August issue of Women's Day. Have you seen them? Have you picked one up? Want to chime in? Tell us which cover is your favorite at www.facebook.com/womansdaymagazine. Thanks to Women's Day for giving me permission to repost this recipe. ENJOY!

More Easy Summer Recipes

Best Ever Brownies - everyone loves these!
Mango Salsa
Avocado Feta Salad 
Chunky Guacamole
Blueberry Vinaigrette for easy salad dressing
Easy Chicken Tostadas 
Corn on the Cob with Lime-Chive Butter
Easy Pork Tacos
Aunt Salad
Honolulu Burgers
Spinach Strawberry Salad
Kid Approved Summer Meals
8 Salsa Recipes

Health and Safety Summer Tips

Summer is here and time to keep our family and friends safe and healthy. There are so many dangers including the sun, water, ticks and even summer germs. Here are a few health and safety tips. Feel free to share yours in the comments below. Stay safe and have a great summer. 

1.    Stay hydrated.  With all the summer activities in the sun, along with those scorching summer temperatures, it’s extremely easy for kids to become dehydrated and overheated.  The Discovery Channel’s Fit and Health website says that kids are more susceptible to heat illnesses than adults because their central nervous systems are not yet fully developed.  

Early signs of dehydration include thirst, lack of energy, fatigue and dry lips.  It is important for parents to be aware of these signs and to get their children drinking fluids steadily throughout the day.  Keeping water or sports drinks with electrolytes on hand is always helpful in maintaining hydration.  So whether it is at the playground, at the pool or on a hike, children should be sure to have something to drink nearby.

2.  Wash your hands.  Kids and germs go hand in hand, and with all those outdoor germs to worry about, it is imperative to keep those little hands clean.  No matter where children are this summer you can be sure they are picking up germs.  The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that washing your hands for 20 seconds is one of the best ways to prevent illness and the spreading of germs. 

Now with SoapTime it’s easier to get kids to the sink because keeping those hands clean is more fun than ever.  SoapTime consists of three uniquely shaped bottles: ABC, Earth and Elephant set in a SmartBase®.  Each bottle is recognized by the SmartBase and as a distinct educational theme that includes unique songs, factoids and LED light shows.  SoapTime products give children of all ages – especially those learning to wash – an entertaining experience at the sink, while giving their parents a tool for teaching healthy habits.

3.    Protect yourself from the sun. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.  Furthermore, the CDC says that just a few serious cases of sunburns can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. With skin cancer a rising concern, taking extra precautions this summer can only help reduce the chances of skin damage.  

Even if those summer skies aren’t sunny, children should still be sure to cover up and wear sunscreen every time they go outside.  Parents should also be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours and even more often than that if their kids are playing in the water.

4.    Wear a helmet. Kids hear it all the time: “Wear your helmet!” But do they really listen?  It is essential to educate your children on the importance of helmet safety.  A lot of children may grab their bike or skateboard this summer and take off without grabbing their helmet.  By doing this, they are putting their lives in real danger. 

The Discovery Fit and Health site confirms that nearly 300,000 kids make a visit to the emergency room every year with bike-related injuries, some resulting in death or severe brain injury.  Sit down with your kids this summer and explain why wearing a helmet is a must.  

5.    Be aware of ticks. While healthychildren.org reassures us that most tick bites are harmless, ticks are most prevalent from April to September and can carry disease.  If you live in an area that is well-known for ticks, a helpful tip is to perform a daily tick check on your child.  The CDC recommends checking under the arms, between the legs, around the waist, inside the navel, in and around the ears, behind the knees and through the hairline and scalp. Repellants for skin and clothing are also suggested.  

To kill any ticks on clothing, the CDC says that tumbling clothes in a dryer on high heat for an hour is the most effective solution. According to Dr. Bobbi Pritt of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, if you find ticks, remove them immediately by pinching the tick near its mouth and pulling it out slowly in a continuous motion.  Avoid twisting the tick because doing so may leave some parts embedded in the skin.

6. Wear Lifejackets. While boating, make sure everyone is wearing a lifejacket. Make no exceptions! 

Have a fun and safe summer. Share your health and safety tips below! 

BMS TBX EFI Touring Scooter Sweepstakes

Who wants a sweet ride? In a few weeks I will be participating in this giveaway of a BMS TBX EFI Touring Scooter. I would LOVE to win this especially in this red. If you have a blog, Mom Powered Media is accepting sign ups for hostess to participate. If you want to join in and host this, click the below link.  ***IF you want to enter this giveaway then stayed tuned as it will get posted soon.*** This is the hottest giveaway this summer! 

What’s Your Ride BTS Ride Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media

Grand Prize: BMS TBX EFI Touring Scooter

Event dates: 8/4 - 9/4

Giveaway is open to Continental US Residents.

SIGN-UP HERE

Pet Safety Travel Tips

Do you take your pets with you when you travel? Summer is peak travel season, and more often people are bringing four-legged friends on the road. According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association, 23 percent of pet owners are willing to travel with their dog for more than two nights. If you are considering traveling with your pets, check out these pet safety travel tips!

In preparation for summer, pet travel safety expert Harrison Forbes shares the following tips on how to make travel with your best friend safe, efficient and fun.

Local digits: If you plan to travel far from home, consider having an extra set of ID tags made with a local phone number – such as your local family, friends or even hotel. That way if your pet happens to get loose, his or her rescuer will know that someone is searching for them nearby.

Tagg you’re it: For extra added security while on the road, a pet GPS collar is a great option. There are several on the market, including Tagg – The Pet Tracker, a lightweight and durable device that uses advanced GPS technology to help you locate your pet if he gets lost. If Fido or Fluffy gets loose in a strange city, you’ll want the ability to track him or her down quickly.

Practice makes purrrfect: If you’re planning a road trip, know that the trick to a successful car ride for your pet is positive association. With your pet safely buckled up, take many short, treat-filled trips around the block. If a car ride equals fun and treats, your pet will always be up for a good road trip.

Buckle up: Like humans, pets are safest when restrained in the car – many states have laws about keeping pets in carriers or buckled up while on the road. There are many car-specific products for pets such as seat belt harnesses, car seats and boosters, or seat covers.  And even though Fido loves feeling the breeze in his fur, keep his head in the car; eye injuries, ear and lung infections are just some of the dangers of a face in the wind.

Stow and go: If you’re lucky enough to have a pet that meets the requirements to travel in-cabin, be sure that their carrier does, too! Most airlines require a well-ventilated, soft-sided carrier that is no larger than 16” long, 11” wide and 8” tall, but always check with yours for specific rules and regulations.

Doggy docs: If your pet plans to fly the friendly skies, you may need to present the airline with current medical papers. Although these papers must be dated recently, don’t wait until the last minute – as soon as you book a flight, book an appointment with your vet. And just like people, pets often require passports or immigration forms to enter specific countries, so be sure to check the local customs rules.

Do you have any pet travel tips? Share them in the comments below. 

Back To School Tech Sweepstakes with HP Chromebook PC Giveaway

I know that it is only mid July but get ready for Back To School post all over the internet. Today I get to bring you an awesome back to school tech giveaway with a group of awesome bloggers. The winners of this giveaway will have a jump start on back to school shopping. So enter below. Take advantage of all the entires, too! 

At Mom Powered Media, we believe in higher education and want to help our network readers get there. To help you do just that, we are giving one lucky reader a $500 Visa Gift Card and HP 14″ Chromebook PC. There will also be 20 second place winners to take home Back To School Prize Packages. So what are you waiting for? Let's get BTS ready, tech-style!

 Special thank you to our supporting co-host bloggers: Monica's Rants, Raves & Reviews, The Jenny Evolution, Memoirs of a Clueless Woman, My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life, My Daylights, Barbara's Beat, Saving You Dinero, Shaping Up To Be A Mom, Robyn's View, Coupons and Freebies Mom, A Hen's Nest, Budget Savvy Diva, Mutterings Of A Mindless Mommy, Your Sassy Self and Nest Full of New.

Open your sleek, next-generation HP Pavilion 14-Q020NR 14" Chromebook PC to get online, fast. You can access your favorite websites and Google Chrome apps on the 14-inch diagonal HD display in seconds.

HP 14″ Chromebook PC features:

• Intel Celeron 2955U Dual-Core processor 1.40GHz
• 2GB DDR3 SDRAM system memory
• 16GB solid state drive
• 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN
• Intel HD GMA Graphics
• Webcam
• SD memory card reader
• 1 x USB 2.0 port, 1 x USB 3.0 port, 1 x HDMI port, 1 x Acer converter port
• 3-cell lithium polymer battery for up to 8.5 hours run time
• 2.76 lbs, 0.8" x 11.3" x 8"
• Genuine Google Chrome OS Software

One grand prize winner will receive a $500 Visa Gift Card and HP 14″ Chromebook PC. 

Twenty additional winners will also receive a Back To School Prize Package.

Giveaway ends August 15th at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. Excludes Quebec. Only one entrant per household, per address. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Enter using the giveaway form below. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

Back to School Tips

Back to School Security Issues for Kids
Free Common Core Standards eBooks
Get Back To School Organized
Make the school year less stressful this year
10 Teen Budget Saving Tips
Tips for Teen Back To Shopping Deals
Top 5 Ways to Save Big for Back to School...while teaching the kids a lesson
Top 10 Ways to Save $ for Back to School
Wake Up Shake up the Morning Routine

Coconut Raisin Rice Parfait Summer Dessert Recipe

Summer is a great time to make light, refreshing desserts. One favorite is a parfait which is a treat that can have several layers with fruit and whipped cream. Who's in for such a treat? This coconut raisin rice parfait is a healthier option because it is made with coconut milk. You can lighten it up even more using your favorite healthier ingredients. What is your favorite summer dessert recipe?

Coconut Raisin Rice Parfait

Ingredients

1 box of Nueva Cocina Coconut Raisin Rice

1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk

1 cup of cream of coconut

1 tablespoon of butter

1 tub of gluten-free pudding (you can also cook the instant kind)

Directions

1-Whipped cream (you can use Cool Whip or make your own with heavy whipping cream)

2-Follow the directions on the Nueva Cocina box to cook the Coconut Raisin Rice.  

3-Once cooked, add 1 cup of cream of coconut, 1 cup of the unsweetened coconut milk and 1 tablespoon of butter.  

4-Cook on low heat until liquid is absorbed and rice has a thick and creamy consistency, approximately 20 minutes.  

5-Remove from heat and refrigerate covered for at least an hour.  

6-When ready to serve, spoon a layer of pudding into a wine glass, then add a layer of the rice mixture.  Continue to build your layers and top it off with whipped cream.  

7-Garnish with toasted coconut and/or fruit of your choice.

More Summer Recipes

Best Ever Buckeye Brownies
Bumbleberry Summer Sundae Recipe
Creamy Fudge Pie
Green Grape Spritzer
Fire and Ice Cream
Affogato Summer Drink
Breakfast Break of Day Berry Parfait 
Skinny Cupcakes
Bamboola -frozen drink & perfect for hot summer parties

Bonus Healthy Dessert Recipe

The above photo is my go to summer treat. Take 1 cup of Vanilla Greek Yogurt and top with 1/2 cup to 1 cup of your favorite fruit. It is that easy and full of protein and healthy carbs. 

Cinnamon Cafe au lait Recipe and Community Coffee's Military Match Program #mc #sponsored

Today it seems like everyone knows someone who is serving or who has served in the United States military since 9-11. We have a constant list of those serving in our Church bulletin to pray for their safety and return to loved ones. How about you? Do you know of someone currently serving in the military? If so who is it? I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting Community® Coffee. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

We support our troops by praying for them, sending cards, and care packages. Care packages always contain hand sanitizer, coffee, gum, candy, baby wipes and homemade cookies. The Girl Scouts over the years have made Christmas cards and sent care packages, too. Through the scouts we also participated in the yearly cookie sales which included asking customers to donate a box of their favorite cookies to our Troops. The cookie care packages are always a huge hit with the soldiers. Do you send packages to the troops?

CC's Coffee... Community Coffee on Magazine Street in New Orleans

When it comes to coffee, Community® Coffee is one of our favorites to send to the military. We have been huge fans of their coffee for almost 15 years. We discovered the brand when we moved to New Orleans. Prior to that we had never heard of the coffee. My family no longer lives in New Orleans but we frequently order Community® Coffee or pick it up whenever we can find it at local stores.

When it comes to the brand, we love their Coffee with Chicory and Dark Roast selections the best! We are strong, dark coffee lovers. When we have company over we will most likely brew the lighter Breakfast Blend or the flavorful Hazelnut Blend. We brew the coffee in a pot or even use their 1 cup single serve portions for our Keurig coffee machine. Since living in New Orleans, one of our most favorite ways to drink Community® Coffee is brewing a cup and mixing half coffee and half warm milk for a Café au lait. Have you tried their coffee? Do you have a favorite selection? 

Cinnamon Cafe au lait

Ingredients

1 cup of Community® Coffee (prefer the Coffee with Chicory or Dark Roast selections)

1 cup of warm milk

cinnamon

optional whipped cream

Directions

1- Brew a strong cup of coffee.

2-Warm milk but do not boil it. It should be same temp as coffee. My coffee maker brews at 192 degrees F.

3-Pour coffee and milk into your large mug or split this into 2 cups.

4-The non traditional way includes adding a tad bit of whipped cream on top. This is optional.

5-Top with cinnamon

If you plan on sending coffee to loved ones in the military do consider sending Community® Coffee because they have a Military Match program. They will match any Military Match set purchases plus add an additional four bags and signature mug and ship them to an APO/FPO or military base address you provide. How awesome is that? This is helpful if you are wanting to send out a care package but short on time. They will send one for you along with extra coffee and a mug! I hope you take advantage of this tasty offer.