UPDATED for GIVEAWAY!! Simple Foods For Busy Families - Review and Giveaway

***** THIS REVIEW POST IS NOW A GIVEAWAY POST!!!!!*****
Giveaway ends :
June 14th.


I was sent the book, Simple Food For Busy Families by Jeannette Bessinger and Tracee Yablon-Brenner.
I originally thought that this book was going to be filled with easy and simple recipes.
Boy was I wrong!
(In a good way!)

Remember me talking about my lack of cooking?
My main reason?
Not knowing foods and spices and all that what not!

Well guess what?!
I am learning now!
Yep!!!
Thanks to this book!

The first half of this book tells you about "Whole Life Nutrition."
They have basically simplified this into their 5 primary principals.
1- Quality
2- Balance
3- Seasonality
4- Quantity
5- Routine


The pictures throughout the book make you hungry...
Yes, that good!
But the main thing is all of the information that they give you.

The Quality of food breaks down fresh food, processed food, preserved food, organic food...
You get where I am going, they explain it all!

At the end of each section you get:
Top Takeaways
For You
For Your Kids

I really like the first section of the book, as it helps to explain (in my opinion) how reach for a healthier eating lifestyle for not only you, but your whole family.

For me, the best part of the book was the Second Half.
I am sure you are wondering why...
Well, this is what I think I have always been looking for!

Yes, it breaks everything down for me!
Let me explain...
It explains all of the basic kitchen tools and why they are good to have in your kitchen.

They also explain cooking techniques.
Blanche isn't just on the Golden Girls!
They explain Blanching, Double Boiling and more!!!
Spices, oh the spices!
They not only name them, they show pictures of some...
Explain the best way to purchase, what they taste like, what you would use them in, how they can be beneficial...
You get what I am saying?
They are answering all the questions that I did not even know I had!!!

I also like that they break it up and describe vegetables, grains and what not.
Not only do they explain it all, they also have "mix and match" sections that they then pair up to make meals!!!

Yes, there are recipes in here...
SIMPLE recipes...
But most importantly of all, it is full of all sorts of information that I have been wanting to learn!!

I think that this would make a great gift...
For a student going to college, a young adult that has decided that they want to cook, a newlywed couple...
The options of gift giving are endless!!!

Please keep up to date with The Real Food Moms by following them on facebook.

Want to win a copy for yourself?

Mandatory Entry -
Tell me why you would like to win this.
Please leave email address if not valid in your profile.

Extra Entries -
Follow my blog via GFC - 2 entries
Subscribe to Jumpin Beans by email - 2 entries
Follow me on twitter - 2 entries
Like Jumpin Beans on Facebook - 2 entries

Contest will end June 14 at midnight.
Contest for US and Canadian residents, 18 and older.
Random.org will select the winner.
Winner will have 72 hours to respond to winning email or a new winner will be selected

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    Wow! This sounds awesome. I have so much still to learn about cooking.

    ReplyDelete
  2. LydMay 18, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    This sounds like a great idea for Critters mom! They're busy all the time and she could really use some cooking tips.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AileenMay 26, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    I would like to win this cause I need ideas for quick, easy recipes. arobimom at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Renee GMay 27, 2011 at 11:28 PM

    I would love to win this so I could feed myself and my family better.
    rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Renee GMay 27, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    I follow as Renee G on gFC
    rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. fdigsbyMay 28, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    I would love to win because I love to cook and I am so busy

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  7. fdigsbyMay 28, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    gfc follower

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  8. fdigsbyMay 28, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    gfc follower

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  9. fdigsbyMay 28, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    email subscriber

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  10. fdigsbyMay 28, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    email subscriber

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  11. JDaniel4's MomJune 1, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    I am trying to get JDaniel to try new things.

    ReplyDelete
  12. degoodJune 3, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    I would like to win this because I am stuck in a rut cooking wise and would like to find healthy things for my kids.

    kerrie@mayansfamily.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. degoodJune 3, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    I follow on gfc as degood #1

    kerrie@mayansfamily.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. degoodJune 3, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    I follow on gfc as degood #2

    kerrie@mayansfamily.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. degoodJune 3, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    I follow you on twitter as kmayans #1

    kerrie@mayansfamily.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. degoodJune 3, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    I follow you on twitter as kmayans #2

    kerrie@mayansfamily.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. KittenishJune 4, 2011 at 4:36 AM

    I've been wanting to eat healthier for a while, but I don't really know anything about cooking. This book would be perfect for me! I could really use something like this to help me learn how to cook for my family better.

    kittenishcutie {at} gmail {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  18. KittenishJune 4, 2011 at 4:36 AM

    I entered the MelanSol Giveaway.

    kittenishcutie {at} gmail {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  19. EJune 6, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    I would love to win, because it is helpful to learn how to cook on a busy schedule. :]

    ekieuuu@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. EJune 6, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    http://twitter.com/#!/ekieu/status/77898281216253952

    ekieuuu@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. shaylynlJune 7, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    so that my kids dont need to eat mac and cheese anymore!
    shaylynl@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. shaylynlJune 7, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    I follow on GFC shaylynl shaylynl@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. shaylynlJune 7, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    I follow on GFC shaylynl shaylynl@hotmail.com 2

    ReplyDelete
  24. shaylynlJune 7, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    i follow on twitter partialraindrop
    shaylynl@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. shaylynlJune 7, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    i follow on twitter partialraindrop
    shaylynl@hotmail.com
    2

    ReplyDelete
  26. EJune 8, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    http://twitter.com/#!/ekieu/status/78548437330706432

    ekieuuu@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. AnonymousJune 8, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    I want to win this book cause I need fresh ideas.

    stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousJune 8, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    I follow gfc
    stanleybilly

    stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousJune 8, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    I follow gfc #2
    stanleybilly

    stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousJune 8, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    fan on FB (charline stanley)

    stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  31. Miranda WardJune 13, 2011 at 2:34 AM

    This looks Great!

    freebiegoddess03@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. KittenishJune 13, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    I follow this blog via Google Friend Connect - Entry 1
    GFC name: Kittenish

    kittenishcutie {at} gmail {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  33. KittenishJune 13, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    I follow this blog via Google Friend Connect - Entry 2
    GFC name: Kittenish

    kittenishcutie {at} gmail {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  34. KittenishJune 13, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    I subscribe to this blog by email - Entry 1
    kittenishcutie {at} gmail {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  35. KittenishJune 13, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    I subscribe to this blog by email - Entry 2
    kittenishcutie {at} gmail {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  36. KittenishJune 13, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    I like Jumpin Beans on Facebook page - Entry 1
    Jennifer Doe

    kittenishcutie {at} gmail {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  37. KittenishJune 13, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    I like Jumpin Beans on Facebook page - Entry 2
    Jennifer Doe

    kittenishcutie {at} gmail {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  38. KittenishJune 13, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    I Like REAL FOOD MOMS on Facebook - Entry 1
    Jennifer Doe

    kittenishcutie {at} gmail {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  39. KittenishJune 13, 2011 at 6:02 AM

    I Like REAL FOOD MOMS on Facebook - Entry 2
    Jennifer Doe

    kittenishcutie {at} gmail {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousJune 13, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    I need some new and easy recipes for summer!

    theyyyguy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. AnonymousJune 13, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    I like that this cook book has a wide variety of topics when it comes to cooking. I especially like the part about spices.I would like to learn more about them and use more than just salt and pepper!!

    smilexplorer at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. AprilJune 13, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    Feeding a family of 8 I am always looking for simple but great ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Katy EmanuelJune 14, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    I follow your blog via GFC entry #1
    san_javier@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Katy EmanuelJune 14, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    I follow your blog via GFC entry #2
    san_javier@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Katy EmanuelJune 14, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    I subscribe to your blog via email entry #1
    san_javier@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Katy EmanuelJune 14, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    I would love to win this book for simple recipes, since I can be rather short of time and sometimes ingredients at the end of the day and need something simple to be able to put together
    san_javier@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Katy EmanuelJune 14, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    I follow your blog via email entry #2
    san_javier@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Katy EmanuelJune 14, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    I like real food moms on facebook entry #1
    san_javier@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Katy EmanuelJune 14, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    I like real food moms on facebook entry #2
    san_javier@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Katy EmanuelJune 14, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    I like Jumpin bean on facebook entry #1
    san_javier@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Katy EmanuelJune 14, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    I like Jumpin Beans on facebook entry #2
    san_javier@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. susansmoaksJune 14, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    i would love to win this because i love to cook and i am busy
    susansmoaks at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  53. cmanJune 14, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    We're very busy and I love to cook.

    ReplyDelete
  54. cmanJune 14, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    I'm a GFC follower. 2

    ReplyDelete
  55. cmanJune 14, 2011 at 11:58 PM

    I entered the Best Foods For Your Baby and Toddler Book Giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  56. cmanJune 14, 2011 at 11:58 PM

    I entered the Scare Me Not Monster Giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  57. AngieJune 15, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    My family is trying to eat healthier - I'd love to see how this book can help!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Please leave a comment!

Popular posts from this blog

PowerMat - Review and Giveaway

Image
Please let me go ahead and just say... I think/KNOW that the PowerMat will be one of the HOTTEST items this year! Have you heard of this? I mean, seriously! This is Awesome and I am using that since I can not think of any other way to explain it... (Are there really words that would explain something this cool?!) Okay, let me just cut to the heart of it... The PowerMat is just that... A MAT full of POWER! It is a little bit longer than an average book... Thinner than a cell phone. It looks like a skateboard (in my opinion.) and it charges 3 different technological gadgets at once! Do you know what that means? You NO LONGER need 3 cords, no more messy tangles... Just one cord to plug the mat in and you are done!!!! I was sent the PowerMat for review and I am so very impressed! The PowerMat can charge 3 different items... Marc and I have blackberries... (They can now BOTH charge on here AT THE SAME TIME!) We also have several IPods ... The docking station for the IPod can charge my...
Read more

Fire Fly Toothbrushes - #giveaway

Image
Is it a hassle to get your younger kids to brush their teeth? Broxton loves it and asks throughout the day if he can go and brush his... Now that he has a new toothbrush!!! We were sent a couple toothbrushes from Fire Fly Toothbrushes and I just love the concept! With Fire Fly, they light up! You just press the button and they light up for a solid minute. What we do here is a little system. First, Broxton brushes his teeth for the first minute. (just a teeny bit of toothpaste) Then, I brush the next minute (once again, minimal toothpaste.) Finally, he gets to brush them a final minute (no toothpaste.) The system is working and his teeth are clean! During the day, when he wants to brush them.. He can, but with no toothpaste. He really just likes the way it lights up. Doesn't hurt that the toothbrush is a hot wheels car!!! He also has one to leave at my parents house.. It is a snoopy one and lights up blue! Talk about a cool item to show the grandparents!!! Not only c...
Read more

Hurry Up! Review & Giveaway

Image
The Holidays are getting closer and closer! Some may want the days leading up to them to "Hurry Up!" So, with that in mind... I want to kick things off with a pretty cool giveaway!!!!!!! Hurry Up! The Dice Game is kicking things off for us... Check back daily to see what is in store!! Hurry Up! The Dice Game, by Random Line is a hit around here already! True enough, Marc and I did not follow the directions, exactly as we were supposed to, but that was because I did not read them all the way! In our defense, we just wanted to see how much fun it would be to prepare for when the boys are here again! (Note, it will be a big hit! I can see it already!!) This game is super fun and as the name says... Hurry Up!!!! You have 6 die and 6 challenges... One dice is blue... and that adds for lots of fun!!! You only have 30 seconds to complete the challenge... and you might think that 30 seconds is a long time, but in actuality, it is NOT as long as you need it for some challenge!!!!...
Read more