Nominate A Winner

I've talked recently about my annual goal to engage in acts of service. I enjoy giving shout outs to others who deserve them, too. So many people are taken for granted and often not thanked or recognized enough (here's one to you, mom - Thanks!).

I've been thinking a lot about these things as well as what our next contest would be. Then, last night, while cleaning up after my cat's "accident", it came to me: Nominate A Winner.



This is your opportunity to tell us about someone in your life who deserves a high five, an "atta-boy" or at least a little recognition. But, that's not even the best part. Not only does the person you nominate receive a prize, but so do you! Two nifty gifty's!



This is what came up when I searched "Nifty Gifty" on Google.
I should add a disclaimer that this will not be the actual
 prize for this contest. But I want one.



Here is how to enter:

Send us an e-mail or a message on Facebook with your story of the person you'd like to nominate. What makes them special? It could be someone who inspires, encourages, provides, advises or otherwise deserves a little extra attention. We will accept entries until midnight, April 3rd. We will then post all the stories along with a poll for our readers to vote on which they like the best. Get your friends, family, neighbors and strangers to vote on your story to increase your chances of winning.

Good luck to you, and THANK YOU for reading our blog. :)

Sugar & Spice

Don't forget everything nice! That's what little girls are made of. With springtime inevitably around the corner, I was inspired to make some little girl twirly dresses. I found a pattern I liked online and got to work. There were a few things I didn't like about the pattern so I took it upon myself to, um, change them. I must say, I'm thrilled with the result! I love these little girl dresses.

 

 These are available in our store if you love them, too. Or, if you want to make your own, we're now offering pre-cut fabric and instructions if you like the look and want to make them yourself. Because the shoulder straps on these dresses are adjustable, the dress will fit most sizes through size 10.

Have a great weekend!

Salmon Cilantro Burgers Recipe

I love salmon! It is one of the few meals my husband and I can agree on. These burgers are quite delicious and have a fraction of the calories of a beef hamburger. The ingredients list looks daunting but these are actually quite simple. Feel free to change up the amount of onion and/or jalapeno for more flavor if you prefer. I've also tried adding canned green chilies which give a great flavor.

Salmon Cilantro Burgers
Contributed by Elisa Garn

Ingredients

1/4 c mayo (you can use reduced fat or fat free for less calories)

1 T chopped fresh cilantro

1 T fresh lime juice (you can reduce this if you want a thicker sauce)
1/8 t salt
1/8 t ground black pepper
1 lb salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 1" pieces (we like to use the frozen salmon fillets for convenience)
1/4 c dry breadcrumbs
2 T cilantro leaves
2 T chopped green onions
1 T chopped seeded jalapeno peppers
2 T fresh lime juice
1/2 t salt
1/4 t ground black pepper
Cooking spray
4 whole wheat hamburger buns
4 lettuce leaves

Directions
1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl; cover and chill.
2. Place salmon in a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped. Add breadcrumbs and next 6 ingredients (through pepper). Pulse 4 times or until well blended. Divide salmon mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a 3/4 inch thick patty.
3. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add patties to pan; cook 2 minutes. Carefully turn patties over; cook 2 minutes or until done.
4. Spread about 1 T mayo mixture over bottom half of each bun. Top each serving with lettuce leaf.