THIS WEEK'S GIFT GIVING IDEAS

A couple of months ago, I had the honor of traveling to Bentonville, AK, to visit Walmart headquarters. In the company of 4 of my fellow Walmart Smart Moms Connection members, and the Walmart ElevenMoms, we were treated to an insightful weekend jam-packed with activities and events that had us scheduled from the wee hours of the morning to way past my bedtime in the evenings!

Needless to say, the red carpet was rolled out for us, and among many other things, we were introduced to several products with which Walmart is affiliated, all of which we were able to try out first hand.

These items are great gift ideas for the holidays. The toys from Jakks Pacific have already been on the 'Hottest Toys for the Holidays" list and the Canopy product line is to die for! And as always, at affordable Walmart prices!

JAKKS PACIFIC

GIRL GOURMET CUPCAKE MAKER

Make cupcakes in only 30 seconds using the microwavable cupcake maker! Meanwhile, mix up the frosting for the dispenser and decorate with a perfect icing swirl! Includes 4 great flavors: Red Velvet, Chocolate, Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla.

I have 2 teenaged daughters who loved playing with the Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker. We served cupcakes for the whole family! We liked the idea that you make just one at a time. The directions were easy and the process from mix to final product was fast. Simple, easy, and fun for young girls. For ages 8 and up. Retail $24.88

JAKKS PACIFIC

EYECLOPS NIGHT VISION

STEALTH GOGGLES

Powered by REAL night vision technology, you rule the night! Vision up to 50 ft. in complete darkness, and invisible infrared illumination means you can see them but they can't see you!

These goggles really 'rocked' my house! With 2 boys who are both gamers, these goggles were like stepping into the real thing, not to mention bringing night-time paintballing to a whole new level! These are for kids and adults age 8 and up and retail for $68.88. The quality of this product is well worth the price!

CANOPY

Although Walmart started carrying this line last spring, I've just recently had the opportunity to try out some of their goods.

I have a set of towels, bathroom rug, shower curtain, sheets and comforter. The towels are quite luxurious, extra big and extra absorbant. Love how soft they are! A set for only about $20. Great value!

The bathroom rugs are incredibly soft as well, really nice to step onto after your morning shower. Treat yourself for only about $15. I love the shower curtains, they are crisp and give a 'spa-like' quality to your space for under $20.

My favorite, though have to be the sheets! 300 thread count, Cotton Sateen, very soft and comfortable, and best of all, a breeze to wash. $18.88 - $39.88

And last but not least, a Comforter worth snuggling up with! Again, Cotton Sateen, very soft and 'down-like'. Like sleeping in a cloud! $69.88 - $79.88

These are products that feel good, look great, and wear well. I will definitely be adding to my Canopy collection!

I have plenty more ideas for a wide range of budgets - stay tuned!

CHEF LEE AND SWANSON

While in Arkansas, we also had the privilige of a cooking demonstration by Chef Lee in the Campbells kitchen! (That's me in the black sweater!) Have you seen the Swanson Stock and Chicken Broth commercials lately? There's a lot to be creatively cooked with these products. I found a recipe yesterday that I wanted to share with you. It calls for bone-in chicken breast halves, but if I find any kind of chicken on sale, that's what I'll be using, and probably whatever vegetables I already have on hand. Seems like a very versatile recipe. Enjoy!

SWANSON PAN SAUTEED CHICKEN WITH VEGETABLES AND HERBS

(as printed in the "Ladies Home Journal)

Prep: 20 min

Cook: 1 hr

Makes: 4 servings

1/8 tsp ground black pepper

1/8 tsp paprika

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

4 bone-in chicken breast halves

2 tbsp olive oil

2 small red onions, cut into quarters

1 lb new potatoes, cut into quarters

8 oz fresh whole baby carrots (about 16), green tops trimmed to 1 inch

1 1/2 c Swanson Chicken Stock

3 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves

1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves

1. Heat the oven to 350 deg. Combine black pepper, paprika and flour. Coat the chicken with flour mixture.

2. Heat the oil in a 12 in. oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's well browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet.

3. Add the onions and potatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 min. Add the carrots, stock, lemon juice and oregano and heat to a boil. Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover the skillet.

4. Bake at 350 deg.F for 20 min. Uncover the skillet and bake for 15 min. or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with the thyme.

Click here to learn more about Chef Lee.

Looking for some more recipe ideas from Swanson? Follow this link.

LATER: Holiday decorating ideas using items from around your home.