This year, I have made it my mission to get my body back into shape.  My daughter will be FOUR this September, and I have been carrying around these extra pounds for long enough.  In addition to being more diligent about exercising regularly, I am also trying to do what I can to eat better.

I know that I am not alone.  Ringing in the new year also means a host of new eating habits for many people.  Did you know that the Dietary Guidelines recommend choosing products with whole grain listed as the first ingredient?  The thing is, it can often be difficult to identify those items that have more whole grain than any other ingredient.


Thanks to a new initiative from General Mills, it is now easy to identify which of their cereals contains whole grain as the first ingredient-- meaning, the cereal has more whole grain than any other ingredient.  All you have to do is keep your eyes open for that handy white check mark.  That check mark will let you know that whole grain is first.

Let me say that just because these cereals contain whole grain first does not mean you're going to experience a bland flavor that can sometimes be associated with eating whole grains.  In my opinion, these cereals are tasty and delicious!  Everyone in my family has been able to find a General Mills cereal they love that contains whole grain as the first ingredient.

Dr. Travis Stork has put together a handy little tip sheet that can help you learn how to identify how much whole grain is in other products at your grocery store:


Dr. Stork has some additional recommendations to help you include whole grain easily into your diet. They include:

• Start Early! The Dietary Guidelines recommend people get at least 48 grams of whole grain in their daily diets. Get a jump-start on the day´s nutrition by incorporating whole grain into your morning routine. For instance, when choosing cereal make sure whole grain is listed as the first ingredient. One easy choice is cereal with the white check, which have more whole grain than any other single ingredient.

• Make Simple Swaps. Choose whole grain versions of the foods you love. Great options include whole wheat pasta and whole wheat bread or even whole grain crackers. Also, try different types of whole grain. Use brown rice instead of white rice as a side dish at dinner or popcorn, which is a whole grain, for a snack.

• Don´t Judge a Food by Its Cover. The front of food packages provide good nutritional cues, but don´t forget to read the ingredients and check the nutrition label and side labels for additional health information. Cereals with the white check even include the amount of whole grain per serving on packaging.

To help with choosing products with whole grain, General Mills developed "Fast Lane for Whole Grain," an online educational game. Consumers can navigate virtual grocery store aisles and identify products that have whole grain as the first ingredient, with the option to enter a sweepstakes to win one of each of the 50 cereals with the white check. Make a commitment to add more whole grain to your diet by simply pouring a bowl of cereal with the white check including Cheerios^®, Lucky Charms^®, Cinnamon Toast Crunch^®, Honey Nut Cheerios^® and Total^®.

After playing the game at Whole Grain Nation, make sure and enter for your chance to win a package containing all of the Big G cereals from General Mills.

How would you like to try these cereals for yourself?  Thanks to MyBlogSpark and General Mills, one lucky reader is going to win a General Mills Cereal Prize pack, containing 5 boxes on General Mills Cereal with the white check.

I have always been really bad about decorating for the holidays.  Well, other than Christmas-- I do decorate for that!

However, one thing that I want to do better at is getting in the holiday spirit during Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, etc.

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, I have been searching the web for the best Free Printable Valentine's Day Subway Art.  It's really easy to hang a frame in your house and switch out the print inside to fit whichever holiday or season you're celebrating.

I'd thought I'd share my findings with you.  There really is some great free printable subway art out there for you to choose from.  To be taken to the host site where you can access the full-size printables, just click the text below each picture.

Cable or Dish Television is not a luxury that my family enjoys.  Sure, there are definitely some shows we love, but we just cannot justify spending the money it costs to watch them.

However, I spent the past week at my mom's house and I must admit that I indulged in quite a few hours of TV.  The channels that were available were astounding.  There were 4 or 5 different versions of the Disney Channel!

Raileigh has always been accustomed to watching Netflix shows and movies that we stream, so she had no idea what the commercials that kept interrupting things were.  It was fun to try and explain this to her.

One commercial that we saw numerous times was for the Gerber Life College Plan.  Now, Raileigh is only three years old, but I have actually spent some time thinking lately about how we will afford college when she is ready to go.  I was fortunate enough to receive a full scholarship thanks to good grades and a lottery funded scholarship program in the state where I lived.  However, I doubt that programs like this will exist when Raileigh enters college.

That's the beauty of the Gerber Life College Plan.  It is designed to help busy parents like you and I save for tomorrow – safely and easily. With guaranteed growth, life insurance protection, flexibility, and fixed monthly premiums payments, this program is the smart choice for your child’s future.


Right now, the Gerber Life College Plan is hosting a fun initiative that you can be a part of.  Head over to the Gerber Life Insurance Company Facebook page now for your chance to contribute your baby’s photos to the Project Open Book picture mosaic.  It's easy to add your favorite picture of your little one to this growing photo project.  Plus, for every picture that is added, Gerber Life will donate $1 (up to $10,000 total for the project) to Reading is Fundamental to help promote a love of reading.

I haven't even mentioned that you could also win a prize for participating!  That's right.  If you add a photo to the mosaic on the Gerber Life Facebook Page, you might just be the lucky one that wins $10,000 or a variety of other prizes.

Today, you also have the chance to win a fabulous prize right here at Wee Share.  One lucky reader is going to win a $25 Gift Certificate to Snapfish.  This will go a long way in helping you to preserve those special memories and moments with your friends and family.

Recently, I have been really enjoying creating some of the delicious recipes that are accumulating on my Pinterest boards. It's fun to actually step away from the computer and make something. This is in no way helping me to shed those extra pounds. However, my family and I are thoroughly enjoying finding tasty new things to eat!

One of yummy things that we have discovered is Mini Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing.  I have previously been known to purchase those pre-fab cans of cinnamon rolls at the grocery store. That will happen no more! Now that I have discovered how easy it is to create my own, there is no turning back.

The recipe I used can be found at Iowa Girl Eats.  It's really simple and easy to follow.  There are only 4 ingredients in the cinnamon rolls and 3 in the icing. 

I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical before I made these Mini Cinnamon Rolls.  I actually don't like syrup.  I just eat my pancakes and waffles with a bit of butter-- no syrup in sight.  Strange, I know.  Since the icing calls for maple syrup, I wasn't sure if it was something that I would enjoy.


I made them anyhow, knowing that my husband wouldn't mind eating every last one of the cinnamon rolls if I didn't enjoy them.  It turns out that I DO like them.  Okay... I kind of love them!  The maple flavor is perfect.  It isn't overpowering at all- it's just right.

And, the mini size?  Adorable!  Plus, just a couple of these cinnamon rolls can easily satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you're looking for something warm and delicious to kick start your morning, then I definitely recommend giving these Mini Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing a try.

If you'd like to see all of the Pinterest recipes I have tried, please visit my Pinterest Recipes I Have Tried board.

This past weekend, while we were in Georgia, my little sister went to the Sadie Hawkins Dance. I say little, but she'll actually be 15 next week. FIFTEEN! This means a learners permit and lots of new exciting adventures for her. When Darren and I began dating, she was still eating baby food. Where has the time gone?



Anyhow, she got dressed up and looked really beautiful as always, so I couldn't help but take a few pictures of her. It has been raining all day for several days, so the ground was mushy and it was just plain yucky outside. However, she indulged me and I got a few shots of her, as well as some with Raileigh.

When her longtime boyfriend, Austin, arrived to pick her up, I even got a few of them together.


She said the dance was a lot of fun-- much better than she had expected! I am glad that I got to be there and see her all dressed up for the dance.

My family is infatuated with board games.  Before Darren and I were even married, we had quite a collection of board games.  From vintage, out-of-print games that we pick up at the thrift store to hot, new games that are flying off the shelf, we are willing to give any game a try.

One of the newest additions to our growing board game collection is Taboo.  I am certain that many of you have heard of this fun game of forbidden words before.  However, what you may not know is that Taboo got a makeover in late 2011.  What you'll notice:

• A new, sleek look
• Game changing die
• Fun "Uh-oh" Buzzer Sounds

 Just in case you aren't familiar with how Taboo is played, let me break it down for you.


Each player helps the team guess a specific word on a card without using the words that are off limits.  For example, you might have to get your team to say the word "heart throb" without using the words teenage, movies, star, or idol.

Be careful. Opponents will be listening for these Taboo words that can’t be used in game play. Each time a team hears a Taboo word they can sound the new “Uh-Oh!” buzzer, signaling that the opposing team’s turn is up! However, if team members guess the word before the buzzer sounds, a point is won.

The new game changing die adds even more excitement to the game, forcing players to do things like not speak or use their hands on their turn!

This all-new Taboo really is a lot of fun.  It's designed to be played in teams, so you'll need 4 or more players.  It's perfect for an at-home game night, a get together with friends, or any party or event you might be attending.

Want to see for yourself just how fun and addicting Taboo can be?  One lucky reader is going to win their very own Taboo game!

Let me just start by saying that my family loves Krispy Kreme.  With a last name like "Glaze", how could we not?  In fact, Darren uses a Krispy Kreme Hot Light app, so we always know when the Hot Light is on at our nearest Krispy Kreme.  When we're on the road, this app also makes it easy to find a nearby Hot Light as well.

Our favorite variety tends to be a dozen of the Original Glazed.  You just can't go wrong with the classic.  However, I occasionally find myself enjoying a Chocolate Iced Doughnut with Sprinkles alongside my daughter.

This time of year, though, I am drawn to another doughnut at Krispy Kreme-- the Dark Chocolate Kreme Filled Doughnut.  I first discovered this incredible treat last year.  After one bite, I thought I had died and gone to doughnut Heaven.  However, this treat for chocolate lovers is a limited time deal, and unfortunately I discovered it near the end of the promotion.


Imagine my delight when I received an email that this amazing doughnut was returning this year!  I made plans on my birthday to head to our local Krispy Kreme and get one (okay... several).  I was crushed when I found out that my Krispy Kreme is not participating in the Chocolate Lovers promotion.

So, when I went home to Georgia this past week, stopping by the Krispy Kreme there was at the top of my list.  This was where I had first experienced the Dark Chocolate Kreme Filled Doughnut, so I was certain I could find what I needed wanted there.


We picked up some of my favorite doughnuts (and a few others for everyone else as well) and headed to a local park to enjoy our treats.  It was just as good as I remembered, perhaps even better.  Maybe that's because I have been dreaming about them every since I enjoyed that first Dark Chocolate Kreme Filled delight last year.

If you haven't tried this delicious doughnut, please do so!  It's only available at Krispy Kreme through March 31 and I don't want you to miss out on something this good.


Disclosure:  I received no compensation at all for this post.  I just wanted to share something that I love with all of you.

Here in Charleston, we have experienced a pretty mild winter.  We've had a few chilly days, but nothing that I would consider downright cold.  However, despite the absence of true winter weather, I have still been enjoying plenty of delicious soup.

Some days, I will make a large pot of homemade soup for my family to enjoy for dinner.  However, on days when we're short on time or just don't feel like cooking, I often find myself reaching for a variety of Progresso Soups.  To be quite honest, there are many of their soups that I find to be just as delicious as the ones I make from scratch.

Besides being convenient and providing a taste that I love, Progresso Soups can also help you to stick to those weight management plans that many of us developed for the new year.  In fact, there are over 40 Progresso Soup varieties that have 100 calories or less per serving!  Don't worry-- this doesn't mean you'll find a can filled with a lot of broth and little substance.  Progresso Soups are filled with hearty ingredients such as pasta, beans, rice, meat and vegetables that suit your taste buds and make you feel good about including it in your meal choices.


This year, Progresso is excited to announce the return of their Souper You contest. 

To enter, please visit visit www.SouperYou.com and submit your photo with a brief essay about why you love Progresso soups and why you deserve a makeover, by no later than February 22nd.  Three lucky winners will receive the ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood; this includes a trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California where the winner will receive a head-to-toe makeover including hair and makeup, guided shopping spree with a $1,000 fashion retailer gift card, $1,000 spending money and 2 tickets to this season’s live finale of NBC’s The Biggest Loser.

Want some real inspiration to get your entry in?  Check out the following video of the 2011 winner experience.




Thanks to Progresso and MyBlogSpark, I have a wonderful money saving coupon to share with all of you.  Visit http://bit.ly/ProgressoCoup  to download a printable coupon for $1.25 off the purchase of four (4) cans of Progresso Soup today.


Additionally, one lucky Wee Share reader is going to win their very own Progresso Prize Pack!  This package will contain two VIP coupons for Progresso Soup, as well as a copy of The Biggest Loser workout DVD!

It has been quite a while since I have been here. 

I figured that it was about time to give you all an explanation as to where I have been and what is going on.

The truth be told, I just needed some time to reevaluate this blog and my life in general.  I had began to feel quite unbalanced and was at the point where a change was necessary.  For quite some time, I had convinced myself that this meant the blog must go.

In the weeks since Christmas and my last check in with you, I stepped back from everything that is involved with Wee Share- the actual blog, as well as email and social media pages.  I have been doing a lot of crafting, baking, and spending time with my family.  We've also dealt with a few medical issues, welcomed a new niece to the family, and began making some changes for our personal future. 

During this time, I have had quite a bit of time to think about Wee Share.  Just because you haven't seen me here doesn't mean that this blog or all of you haven't been on my mind.  It's taken me a little time, but what I have realized is that leaving completely is not the answer.

However, in order to make this blog work for me and be of better service to you, some things are going to have to change.  First of all, there is a very good chance that you will see less reviews and giveaways.  Oh, they will definitely still be present.  In fact, I was recently accepted to a few exciting blogging programs that I cannot wait to tell you about.  However, I am going to be a bit pickier about the products I choose to share with you.  You won't be seeing any more events with over ten featured products per day.  That was insanely crazy and took up a ridiculous amount of time.

Additionally, I want you all to get to know Desi the Person a little more.  I think now you all know me more as Desi the Reviewer.  I hope this is okay with you.  It's something I need to do for me in order to make this blog more of the outlet I desire it to be.  I want to share with you the antics of Raileigh and the new things that she is learning.  I want to show you all of the fun and beautiful places we are exploring around Charleston.

I am also one of those strange people who actually makes some of the things they pin on Pinterest.  I am nowhere close to making everything I have pinned, but I am enjoying trying out as many new recipes and craft ideas as I can.  I want to share these projects with you.  I have discovered some seriously amazing meals and treats that I know you will just love.

So, hello again.  If you're reading this, I want to thank you for sticking around.  Also, if you have emailed me in the past month or so, I will try and get to that email.  The truth is that I have THOUSANDS of emails to look through, so I will try and not miss any... though I am sure it will happen.  I look forward to getting back into the swing of things and corresponding with each of you again.

One of my favorite things about this time of the year is the food.  Sure, it doesn't help me shed those few pounds I am trying to get rid of, but it certainly does taste good!  Year round, I have a really sensitive stomach, and when the holidays arrive, it seems that this is a problem I have to deal with even more often.

With all of the parties and get togethers planned this year, sure to have delicious food, I am sure this is something that I am not alone in.

However, this year Pepto Bismol is teaming up with a holiday Elf to encourage people to enjoy their favorite holiday treats knowing that Pepto has them covered. 





If you'd like to enjoy more fun holiday videos from Pepto Bismol, please visit http://bit.ly/ytpb

Pepto Bismol wants to help one lucky Wee Share reader get through all of their holiday parties.  They have everything covered in this fantastic prize pack: