For more information and recipe ideas, visit www.oikosyogurt.com or www.facebook.com/oikos. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

I am not a breakfast person. At all. Unless you count a Peppermint White Mocha. Which clearly I do. I really do try to make healthier choices more often than not, and yogurt is such an easy way to do that. I was really excited when Dannon introduced Oikos as a new option to my morning routine.

I am really picky about flavors and texture, but it appears Dannon kept it simple. I shopped for Oikos at my local Walmart, and there were four flavors to choose from– Plain, Traditional Strawberry, Fruit on the bottom Strawberry, and Honey. I bought one of each with a $5 gift card provided to me as part of this blogging series.

Dannon Oikos is created through an authentic Greek straining process which gives it a rich and creamy-thick texture. The Plain and Fruit on the Bottom varieties contain 0% fat, while the traditional blended varieties contains about 3% fat. Both are an excellent source of protein, twice that of most regular low fat yogurts. The 0% varieties contain active yogurt cultures and range from 80 calories (Plain) to 130 calories (Fruit on the Bottom) per 5.3 oz. cup. Sounds like a no guilt breakfast or mid-morning snack to me!

I tried Honey on the bottom this morning, and actually the honey was everywhere except on the bottom- probably due to shifting while carrying it in my lunch bag. None-the-less I noshed on it while answering some e-mails. The texture reminded me of cream cheese and the taste of the yogurt itself was really bitter. The honey sweetened it, but it was really too sweet for my taste. On the plus side, it was a nutritious start to my day and definitely a step in the right direction for my goal to eat a healthy breakfast most weekday mornings. I am looking forward to trying strawberry tomorrow morning.

Have you given Dannon Oikos a shot? What did you think? Check out their website or Facebook page (facebook.com/oikos) for recipes (and occasional coupons).

Disclosure: As mentioned above, I have partnered with Dannon to help promote the Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt Series. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program, which includes writing about the promotion and product. While I was provided with product information, compensation and a gift card to sample Oikos, the opinions I’ve expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest viewpoint. I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

This post brought to you by FRESCHETTA�. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was really looking forward to trying FRESCHETTA� By the Slice,especially after seeing how yummy it looked on the box cover. One piece of pizza is really plenty for me, and I already know I like full size Freschetta pies. These can also be microwaved for a quick meal or snack, so I thought for sure it was going to be a win for sure.

Unfortunately when I opened the package (I got the Vegetable Medley variety), there were hardly any veggies. I kid you not when I say that besides the cheese there were two peppers and one olive. That's it. I have photographic evidence. The slice on the box looked a lot better from a toppings perspective. Maybe my slice's lack of toppings was just a rare occurrence, so I might be willing to give it another try.

You can also heat it up in the oven, but I opted for the quick version to see how it would turn out. It was decent for a plain microwave cheese slice, but the crust was soggy. If I were to try it again I would probably go ahead and stick it in the oven for better results, but that kind of cancels out the convenience factor of this product.

Our grocery store only had this flavor and Six Cheese Medley, but it also comes in BBQ Recipe Chicken and Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom which both sound delicious. Would you like to give them a shot? Freschetta sent me a coupon for a free slice for one reader as well as a set of storage containers. Just leave a comment telling me what flavor you'd like to try (mandatory) for a chance to win it. You may also follow @FreschettaPizza on Twitter for one entry, and also on Facebook for another entry (three total). I will select a winner on Friday, May 6.

I am your biggest fan. My mother grew up less than a mile from the original location in Baldwin Park, so my family visited often when I was growing up. I loved driving by the “University” and thought how awesome it was that a school for burgers existed. I definitely wanted to attend!

Sadly we left California for Texas when I was 11. Whenever we’d go home for a visit, In-N-Out was always at the top of the list. Even on vacations to Vegas, I made it a priority to go to In-N-Out first thing off the plane. Since I’m excessive, I also insist on visiting before I get back on the plane too. I have introduced many of my friends to the wonder that is the Double-Double. (For you newbies, you must wash it down with a pink lemonade!)

I have had dreams my entire adult life of having In-N-Out come to Texas. I have talked, schemed and dreamed some more about franchise opportunities I knew would never happen. I even “outed” your plans to open a Texas location over six months before it was officially announced. That’s how much on-the-pulse I am! That’s how deep my love is. Seriously.

I went on a business trip to Phoenix a few month back, and of course I had to talk my co-workers into going even though the closest location was in Tempe. If I’m within 100 miles of an In-N-Out you best believe I’m going! They all loved it and agreed it was the best meal we had the entire time we were in town. That says a lot considering we were eating in expensive restaurants on the company the rest of the time, and the four of us had dinner there for less than $25.

When the sign went up in Frisco and ground broke a few days before Christmas, I considered it a holiday gift. I’m obsessive enough to get photographed with a sign and take a photo of dirt, people! That the very first location in Texas is opening in my city has to be a sign… right? RIGHT?!

Do you think it is slightly sad that I’ve been back several times for more progress photos? Who else can say that? I drive by it daily on my way to work (okay, not exactly), but we made a special trip on Sunday on our way to Cirque since I noticed earlier in the week that the frame was up.

Can you believe I’ll be eating a burger on the patio in just a few short months? I am afraid how long the lines are going to be and how much traffic it is going to bring to Preston, but I am very excited it will be right up the street from me. Ecstatic. Giddy. Over-the-moon. Can you tell? I will be taking everyone and their brother to experience it for their very first time. Get ready, friends!

So In-N-Out, do you think it’s possible for me to maybe come by before you open? Have an inaugural burger? Flip a burger? Get a tour of the kitchen? Since I can’t have a franchise of my own, this would be the next best thing. Make a girl’s dream come true? After all, I’m your biggest fan. If not, I will camp out Black Friday style. I’ll pitch a tent in front of the door to be the first customer. You don’t want me to embarrass myself like that do you? Do YOU? Please don’t make me beg…

Lots of Love and Animal Style Kisses,
Laurie

The other reason I agreed? It’s simple: In-N-Out.

Everyone knows how much I love a Double Double. The first Texas location won’t be ready until next year, so I had to get my fix. My co-workers got me a paper hat, and even though our dinner per diem was $60 per person, all it took to make me happy was a $6 combo. The first night we went to an expensive steak restaurant, the second day we went to Compass, Arizona’s only rotating restaurant (super expensive, not so great, and uber pretentious). Everyone agreed my meal was the best one we had on the entire trip. Yum!

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Other than the 6 hour delay and being forced to land in Tucson due to bad weather in Phoenix, it was a pretty good trip. I enjoyed spending more time with my colleagues from the Arlington office, and the weather was lovely in Arizona. I won’t lie, I also enjoyed my Double Double, animal style. Don’t worry, later that night I walked it off downtown when I made a trip to buy souvenirs at the Hard Rock cafe. I missed my husband and puppy, and it sure is good to be home. Next time it will be Dave’s turn to travel when he goes to Phoenix in a few weeks for business. I wish I could tag along. I’d get another Double Double all the way!

Have you ever had food that you could say that about? It really was that good. I wouldn’t lie.

Since then I have been to craft Dallas a few times and it is always some of the best food ever. Last month I went with Krista and Helen for Restaurant Week and had braised pork. It was pretty much the best pork I have ever had in my life. Chef Tom didn’t personally cook it, but still everything was exceptional.

I know that Chef Tom occasionally comes to Dallas and cooks at the restaurant, so I obsessively check to make sure I know when he is going to be here. Luckily Krista got the e-mail from the W Hotel before I heard about it and made us a reservation. This time? He not only cooked our dinner, but we got to meet him too!

He was as nice as could be (yes, that’s his hand on my back), especially considering we are big foodie nerds and wanted photos. What good is a blog post saying you got to meet Chef Tom without photographic evidence? Y’all never would have believed me. He was awesome. Dinner was awesome. I cannot wait to go back again. Soon. It is expensive, but soooo worth it.

I love the W Hotel, too. It is so pretty and fancy. We always get a cocktail in the bar and hang out in the lobby. There’s also a cute little shopping area right near the entrance where Krista and I had our picture taken.

When we got there the doors to the restaurant were locked. We had an earlier reservation because we had to change times due another friend not being able to go. While in the lobby we thought we had spotted Tom, but it turned to just be someone who looked a little like him. Later Kris looked in the window and spotted him at the hostess stand before the doors opened. We were excited to know that he was really there and would be cooking for us!

One of the things I love about craft is that they serve family style, so you get to try a little of everything that your table orders if you choose to share. I had braised beef short ribs (above) and we also had roasted brussel sprouts cooked with applewood bacon and Yukon gold puree potatoes. We both agreed they were some of the best potatoes ever and could eat a whole bowl by ourselves. We started off the meal with a frisee and truffle salad and an amuse bouche of fennel and bacon soup (not pictured). Both were yummy too.

Kris had friend peanut butter and jelly for desert with a banana gelato and homemade peanut butter. It was pretty darn good, I have to say. I went out on a limb and was adventurous with the Mango Semifreddo with tapioca pearls and sweet tea reduction with micro basil. It was interesting, but definitely not the most delicious desert I have ever had. I should have gone for something chocolate, but there’s always next time.

Giddy from meeting Chef Tom we headed toward the ladies room in the lobby. I was following Kris, and walked in behind her. All of a sudden I heard her say, turn around! I looked up to see an older man reveling himself in the urinal, and we turned to leave. I died laughing as we made our way to the correct door. It was most definitely an eventful ending to a wonderful and fun evening and a delicious meal.

Want to win a “Suddenly Delicious” prize pack (pictured below), which includes a sample of the newest variety, Suddenly Salad Greek, a storage container, a serving bowl and an insulated tote? Read on to find out how you can try it for yourself and win your very own prize pack.

Thanks to Betty Crocker, I was able to try the Limited Edition Suddenly Salad Greek. I have to admit it was a lot easier to prepare than I thought it would be. I simply boiled some water to cook the pasta, and mixed the seasoning packet with the cooked pasta and a little bit of oil and cold water. It was quick and easy, and ready to eat.

You can get a little bit more creative with it too by adding extra ingredients to make it all your own. I added extra black olives to mine, and next time I plan to add tomatoes, cubed cheese and meat, and red onions for a delicious antipasto salad. Perfecto! I would also choose to chill it a little longer before serving, but overall I really enjoyed the taste and it was a welcome addition to our turkey burger and green bean dinner.

Suddenly Salad comes in seven varieties, so there’s certainly one that will appeal to you and your family’s taste buds. You can find a Suddenly Salad coupon on their website, good for 50 cents off your next purchase of two. Don’t forget you can customize them to make your own unique creation too:

* Limited Edition Suddenly Salad Greek
* Suddenly Salad Ceasar
* Suddenly Salad Chipotle Ranch
* Suddenly Salad Classic
* Suddenly Salad Creamy Italian
* Suddenly Salad Creamy Parmesean
* Suddenly Salad Ranch and Bacon

Ready to win the Suddenly Delicious prize pack for your chance to try Suddenly Salad for free? Leave a comment with the variety you’d like to try and anything you’d do to make it your own (mandatory). If you would like to earn extra entries:

1) Follow me @laurie_pooh on Twitter and send the following message:

I entered to win a Suddenly Delicious prize pack from @BettyCrocker and @laurie_pooh: http://tinyurl.com/SuddenlySalad

2) Follow my blog using the Google Connect in my sidebar to the right.
3) Subscribe to my blog in a reader.

Giveway is U.S only, please. The winner(s) will be selected randomly from all valid entries on or around August 10. You must leave a comment letting me know your answer to the question above, as well as additional comments letting me know what else you have done to earn extra entries. Please also use your real first name and leave a valid way for me to contact you should you be selected as the winner. You will have 48 hours to respond. Good Luck!

Disclosure: MyBlogSpark and Betty Crocker provided the prize pack so that I may honestly review Suddenly Salad. I was not monetarily compensated for this review or giveaway.

This year marks the very first 1,000 Cooks for the Cure, a nationwide event initiated by KitchenAid in conjunction with its Cook for the Cure® program benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Between July 16-18, cooks all over the United States are joining together to make a difference by sharing their culinary talents with friends and family all for a good cause – to help end breast cancer forever.

I have joined them by signing up to host a party, and you can too. It’s easy to sign up on their site, and they also have included a party guide with tips to help you plan the perfect soiree or simple gathering. You can also print donation forms to pass out to your guests.

I was the 35th cook to sign up, and you can make a donation to my party online on the Susan G. Komen Cook for the Cure website. My Cook ID # is 35.

Among the Cook for the Cure items on KitchenAid’s website (many on sale right now, by the way), is the Pass the Plate serving dish ($24.99). The purpose of this dish is to make one of your favorite recipes, put it on the plate, and pass it to a friend. KitchenAid will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® every time a plate is passed and registered. You can also earn one of these plates for free if you register to host a party and raise $50 by September 30.

I am looking forward to sharing the details of my party with you here next week. As a thank-you for attending my party both online and in person, anyone who makes a donation will be entered to win this KitchenAid Cook for the Cure® Set of 3 Mixing Bowls.

Would you be willing to Pass the Plate? Let me know, and I just might send it in your direction. Also, if you make a donation, please let me know so that I may enter your name in the drawing. Have a great rest of the week and weekend!

I’m always willing to give new products a try though, so MyBlogSpark sent me a coupon for a complementary package of new Simply… Go-Gurt and a “Simplify Your Life” prize pack that includes a pocket Etch a Sketch, weekly planner and a seat back organizer. You can win the same prize pack, so read on.

I’ve seen Go-Gurt in the yogurt section before, but avoided it because I thought *I* might look a little foolish eating yogurt out of a tube at work. It’s okay for your kid’s school lunches or snacks at home, but would any self-respecting adult slurp (or squeeze) their yogurt out of a tube with Spongebob Squarepants? A few months ago, I’d say no way. Now? Definitely.

Simply… Go-Gurt is made from simple ingredients and contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors or flavors. Plus each convenient portable yogurt tube contains a good source of calcium and vitamin D. It is available in two flavors, Strawberry and Mixed Berry. They taste delicious. I prefer these to the regular version because they are the equivalent to the Light Yoplait which have less calories. Also? No cartoon characters.

I started carrying these everywhere. They make a perfect snack on the go. I even ate one while on break when I was attending Jury Duty. I just throw them in my purse in the morning and go. I have also thrown them in the freezer the night before and packed them in our lunches. They thaw and are ready to eat by lunchtime. You will love them, and your kids will too. I am completely hooked.

Want to give them a try? Want to win the prize pack pictured above? Simply (get it?) leave a comment with your favorite snacking tip (mandatory). If you would like to earn extra entries:

1) Follow me @laurie_pooh on Twitter and send the following message:

I entered to win a Simplify your Life prize pack from @YoplaitYogurt and @laurie_pooh: http://tinyurl.com/SimplyGoGurt

2) Follow my blog using the Google Connect in my sidebar to the right.
3) Subscribe to my blog in a reader.

Also, 30 readers who click on the on the “Free Yogurt” tab on the widget below will receive a coupon for a free package of Simply…Go-Gurt! After the 30 coupons are claimed, the micro site will include a link to a $1.10 off coupon so everyone who visits can share in the savings.

Giveway is U.S only, please. The winner(s) will be selected randomly from all valid entries on or around July 14. You must leave a comment letting me know your answer to the question above, as well as additional comments letting me know what else you have done to earn extra entries. Please also use your real first name and leave a valid way for me to contact you should you be selected as the winner. You will have 48 hours to respond. Good Luck!

Disclosure: MyBlogSpark provided the prize pack and a free product coupon so that I may honestly review Simply… Go-Gurt. I was not monetarily compensated for this review or giveaway.

Thankfully you can forget those days! Ritz Crackerfuls are here! And you know what? You will not want to share these with your kids. They are delicious and come in four flavors to please any adult pallet: Garlic Herb, Four Cheese, Classic Cheddar and Cheddar Cheese & Bacon. Yes, I said bacon!

Thanks to the One2One Network, I got to try both the Classic Cheddar and Cheddar Cheese & Bacon varieties. What did I love? They were the perfect size for snacking! I also felt fancy opening the individual candy bar-like wrapper. They seem very gourmet, and a notch above other packaged cracker products. Each one is made with 6 grams of whole grains too! Every time I have one, I don’t feel the need to continue snacking– they are definitely satisfying and have the great taste of Ritz. If I were to have a box of Ritz (or package of Oreos) in the pantry, I might have more than a single portion when I experience hunger pangs, and this way I stick to a single serving and feel completely satisfied. I can also toss one in my purse or lunchbag for a perfect to-go snack.

What didn’t I like? Oh… you expected me to say nothing? While they do use real cheese there is still a sort of powdery consistency and taste to it. That is not enough of a complaint though to say I wouldn’t recommend them or buy them again. The cracker part is fresh and tasty, and I liked the kick of smokey bacon flavor in that variety. I would personally just prefer a more creamy texture.

Don’t just take my word for it– try them yourself! You can get a Ritz Crackerfuls $1 off coupon via their Facebook page. Once you do, come back and let me know what you think!

Disclosure: I received a sample of the above product to review, however the opinions are completely my own. I was not monetarily compensated, however by writing a post I am eligible to potentially win a gift card via random drawing.

If they are going to open a Distribution Center (which they most definitely will if they plan to continue with their using “only fresh ingredients” reputation), there will likely be many more locations opening in the Metroplex soon. Also, there may be other locations that have also been approved that have yet to be discovered by the press. I am sure they will be coming out of the woodwork soon.

D Magazine posted city reports that show that In-N-Out has submitted business plans with the City of Garland which have been approved (7 yays and 0 nays… duh!) and include details about the logistics of the drive-thru and patio areas. Keep your fingers crossed for more reports from nearby cities soon. I am hoping for Frisco:

Consideration of the application of GR LRE LLC, requesting approval of 1) an amendment of the Concept Plan for a Restaurant with Drive Through and Retail/Personal Service Uses on property zoned Planned Development (PD) District 02-25 for Freeway Uses, and 2) a Detail Plan for a Restaurant with Drive Through. The property is located east of Lavon Drive, south of Town Center Boulevard. (File 10-06)

The first speaker representing the applicant was Jim Powell, Project Architect, 14110 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, 76248.
Jump for joy and the details!
He went over the Concept Plan showing both the old plan and the proposed Concept Plan. The previously undisclosed restaurant is for an In-N-Out Burger. This will be their first location in Texas. Current locations are in California, Arizona and Nevada. The Detail Plan for the Restaurant with Drive Through was presented outlining the site, landscape and exterior elevation plans. The plans include excess parking and landscaping to accommodate the proposed site plan and their previous experience at their other restaurants.

Staff recommends a redesign of the patio area to provide more distance from the drive through. They have added a large amount of landscaping between the patio and the drive through and feel that will minimize the need to move the patio. To accommodate the necessary parking and length of the required stacking for one of their restaurants, the patio works best where it is.

Mark Jon Noack, Project Manager for In-N-Out Burger, 13502 Hamburger Lane, Baldwin Park, Ca. was also available for questions and to address some of the concerns regarding the patio.

Linda Giddens, representing Horton Assets, 7612 Applecross Lane, Richardson, Tx. had several questions. Horton Assets owns property across from the proposed site. She asked about the berm along Lavon and whether it would remain. She also asked how this development would affect the sight line to Pei Wei, Dillards, etc. Would the other building shown in the Concept Plan be built now or will they come back with an additional Detail Plan for that part of the site? Is the entrance across from Horton Way and if so how will the run off affect the property to the North? She also inquired about proposed building height and materials, and installation of parking.

Jim Powell came back up to address Ms. Giddens questions.

Motion was made by Commissioner Luckie, seconded by Commissioner Moore to approve the request for an amended Concept Plan for a Restaurant with Drive Through and Retail/Personal Service Uses and a Detail Plan for a Restaurant with Drive Through as recommended by staff with the exception that the patio be allowed as presented by the applicant. Motion carried: 7 Ayes, 0 Nays.

Consideration of the application of Raul Licea, requesting approval of a Specific Use Permit for Contractor Equipment and Storage on property zoned Commercial-2 (C-2) District. The property is located at 110 Second Street. (File 10-10)

My life will officially be complete. I’d also be happy if they’d allow franchises (which I know is less likely than actually getting an In-N-Out here was). I will be there opening day, hopefully first in line. There is no bigger In-N-Out fan living in Texas than me.