What I love most about Scentsy products:

• a candle with no flame, soot or wick = no risk of leaving a candle burning when you leave the house, no harmful chemicals in the air, and safe for children

• slow-melting wax = fragrances permeate throughout the home and last longer than traditional candles

• modern styles = a huge selection that can match any home decor (and budget)

I’m hosting my first launch party later this month in the OKC area, but don’t worry, all of my readers can still join in the fun.  You can order any products from my party at your convenience online HERE.  I’m also giving away a HUGE Scentsy prize at the end of this post, so make sure you enter!

In addition to the awesome products Scentsy offers, they also offer a fantastic business opportunity. (and you know how I feel about mom-owned businesses)  Scentsy isn’t difficult to sell because the products are stylish, safe, smell amazing and are inexpensive.  They even have products as low at $5!

Interested in being a Scentsy Independent Consultant, too?  I’d love to have you join my Scentsy team! (we could be the Mom Spark team!)  All you have to do is purchase your Starter Kit for $99 and you’re ready to roll.  Don’t worry, I’ll be there to help you along the way.

The Starter Kit includes:

Scentsy Party Fragrance Testers

• 2010 Fall / Winter (10), Bakery (10), Favorites (20), Romance (10), Scentsy Café (5), Scentsy Man (5), Spa (10), Tropical (10)

Demonstration Products

• Scent Circle, Light Bulbs (4), Room Spray, Scentsy Bar, Scentsy Warmer, Travel Tin

Business Supplies

• 2010 Fall / Winter Catalogs (50), Discover Scentsy DVD, New Consultant Start-Up Guide, Scentsy Planning Calendar, Business Cards (100), Party Invitations (100), Customer Order Forms (100), Host Packet (Guest List, Host Rewards, Host Envelope (5 each), Buy Brochures (5), Host Brochures (5), Join Brochures (5), Consultant Binder, Welcome Letter

If you have any questions about joining my team please email me at amybellgardt@gmail.com or CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.  Not ready for that yet?  You can also host a Scentsy party, earning free products and discounts.  This is a great time to buy, host or join Scentsy because it’s the fall and holiday season!  The new fall catalog was just released a few days ago (browse here) and the Warmer of the Month is the Montpeleir and the scent is Maple Butter.  Both are perfect for fall.

You can see everything Scentsy has to offer by visiting my personal Scentsy website at www.MomSpark.Scentsy.US.  Have questions?  Need a new Scentsy Consultant?  Have a question about a scent?  I’m your girl.  Email me anytime at amybellgardt@gmail.com.  You can also get my newsletter straight to your email inbox which will includes the latest Scentsy specials, new products, warmers of the month and more by CLICKING HERE.

::GIVEAWAY::

Now for the fun part!  I’m giving away a Scentsy Sampler that includes 1 Scent Circle, 1 Travel Tin, 1 Room Spray, 1 Fragrance Foam, 1 Scent Pak, 6 Scentsy Bars, 1 Plug-In Scentsy Warmer, 1 Mid-Size Scentsy Warmer, plus 1 Full-Size Scentsy Warmer of choice to one winner.  That’s a $105 value!

::HOW TO ENTER:: (REQUIRED)

• To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment telling me if you’ve tried Scentsy before.  If so, what is your favorite scent?  If not, what intrigues you about Scentsy?  Earn extra entries below!

::EARN 5 EXTRA ENTRIES:: (OPTIONAL)

You can earn extra entries by doing the following. Please leave a comment for each action:

• Subscribe to my Scentsy newsletter
• Blog about this giveaway
• “Like” this post on Facebook (see button on top of post)
• “tweet this” post on Twitter (see button on top of post)
• Tweet about this giveaway, using the example below:

I just entered to win a Scentsy Sampler worth $105 from @MomSpark! Come enter, too: http://clicky.me/1Ymj #giveaway #sweeps

Contest ends Friday, September 10, 2010 at midnight CST. USA & CA residents only, please. Good luck!

DISCLOSURE – I was not compensated for this promotion or giveaway. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

I have been to Disney World a whopping 7 times in the past five years. Yep, I’m a Disney nut. The main question anyone asks me is: “How can you afford to go?” My answer is PLANNING! There are SO many Ways To Save on a Disney World Family Vacation even in today’s economy. You just have to do your research! One website I always check is: http://www.mousesavers.com/ Like right now you could get the buy 4, get 7 or buy 5, get 7 vacation package offer valid for stays November 1 – December 24, 2009 and January 3 – March 27, 2010. There’s usually a FREE Dining offer out there. You could also just buy the tickets through AAA or a ticket broker (make sure they are legit) then do a ROOM only code. Last, but not least a great secret is if you have been before or if you are signed up on their website then you are in the system. Call them at 407-WDW-7639 and ask if there is a PIN code attached to your name. They send them out sometimes and it’s a discount just for your family.

You can either stay onsite at a Disney World hotel or stay offsite depending on your preference. There are So many reasons to stay onsite from: Extra Magic Hours, Magical Express, Transportation from your hotel to any of the parks, and even Disney Dining Plan. The good thing about Disney is they think of every families budget which is why there are Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts. For more on how Disney has thought about helping you stay within your budget check out this advice.

As with any vacation you should have some sort of plan for attacking the parks. I’m not saying plan every minute of your day because what fun is that? If you just have an idea of what park you are going to go to that day, what attractions or shows are at that park, and where you want to eat that day you have a good start. If you are wanting a sit down restaurant make sure to make an Advance Dining Reservation either online or buy calling 407-WDW-DINE because it is VERY hard to get into a restaurant by walking up or even trying for a same day reservation.

Also check out Disney World Moms Panel, All Ears, and the DIS Boards they are GREAT resources for Disney World information!

Last week I had the honor of visiting the General Mills headquarters in Minneapolis, MN with 29 other influential bloggers.  We were there specifically to meet with the Betty Crocker folks and learn more about Betty Crocker products.

Monday night we had an amazing boat dinner cruise on Lake Minnetonka.  It was a great opportunity to mix and mingle with the other bloggers attending (most of them whom I did not know) and the General Mills crew.  The food was delicious, the drinks refreshing and the views from the boat were fantastic.

Tuesday, we spent all morning and afternoon learning about the history and products of General Mills and Betty Crocker, as well as put the products to the test by baking!  We baked just about everything-brownies, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and even pizza using Bisquick.  We baked in the coveted Betty Crocker kitchens that were beyond beautiful and inspiring.

I flew back home Tuesday evening, so it was a short and sweet (literally) trip.  I took home a ton of fun recipe ideas for my family, like the brownies on a stick (why didn’t I think of that?) that you see above, cupcakes in ice cream cones and easy Bisquick pizza crust.  All of the Betty Crocker recipes were totally no-brainer, which is how I like it here on Mom Spark and at home.  Most of us moms don’t have time to fuss over meals and desserts, so it’s nice to know that Betty Crocker is there to help out.  Check out these easy recipes over at www.bettycrocker.com.

Thank you, Betty Crocker, for having me

DISCLOSURE: General Mills sponsored my travel costs and expenses for this event.

Fruit on the grill — it doesn’t get much simpler or tastier, but have you ever considered bananas on the grill? Believe it or not, this tasty treat is quick and amazingly delicious.

All you have to do is take you favorite chocolate candy bar, we went with a milk chocolate bar with nuts, and slit a banana down the middle. Stuff banana with chocolate. Let it grill for just a few minutes. Serve it immediately with ice cream, whipped cream, or even plain.

Now that is what I call melty chocolate deliciousness!

Grilled Bananas with Chocolate
Serves 6

6 large bananas (don’t use overly ripe bananas)
1 large bar chocolate, with or with out nuts (Snickers, Milky Way, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Symphony or Dove chocolate bars)

1. Slit bananas down the middle, leaving peel on. Stuff with pieces of chocolate.

2. Grill for a few minutes. When chocolate starts to melt, they are done! Serve with whipped cream.

Here’s what you need for the project::

Oh, how I love boots of all shapes and sizes.  How lucky am I to review the new “Swank” Earth Footwear boots?  Very much so.

Earth Footwear is not only an Earth-conscious shoe, but a healthy lifestyle shoe.  Each Earth Footwear shoe includes a 3.7° incline which helps burn more calories, improve posture and alignment, and tighten the buttocks, calves and thighs as you walk in them.  They’re stylish, too.

This was my first experience with Earth Footwear, so I honestly didn’t know what to expect.  I chose the suede “Swank” boot because I liked the slouchy style to pair with leggings and skinny jeans.  When I first tried them on, it felt very different than other boots I’ve owned.  They were very fitted around my foot, which felt nice and comfy.  I walked around for a while to see if I could feel the incline and even though I noticed tightening it in my calves a little, it wasn’t uncomfortable at all.  It’s nice to know that I’m tightening muscles while looking stylish.  Definitely a win/win.

I found the quality of the shoe top notch and they were true to size.  The Swank boots will be the perfect addition to my fall and winter wardrobe!  The boots retail for $149 and are worth every penny.  Absolutely loved them!  Visit www.earthfootwear.com to learn more about Earth Footwear and their products.

::GIVEAWAY::

I have one pair of “The Swank” Earth Footwear boots to give away to one lucky Mom Spark reader!  A $149.00 value and color will depend on supply.

::HOW TO ENTER:: (REQUIRED)

• To enter this giveaway, please leave us a comment telling us how you would pair up “The Swank” Earth Footwear boots in your fall/winter wardrobe.

::EARN UP TO 8 EXTRA ENTRIES:: (OPTIONAL)

You can earn extra entries by doing the following. Please leave a comment for each:

• Follow @MomSpark on Twitter.
• Fan Mom Spark on Facebook.
• Blog about this giveaway. (put link in comment)
• Become a subscriber of Mom Spark. Subscribe here. (mention in comment)
• Follow Mom Spark on Google Friend Connect. (see sidebar)
• Become a forum member. (mention in comment)
• Subscribe to our newsletter.
• Tweet about this giveaway:

I just entered to win a pair of “Swank” boots on @MomSpark from #earthfootwear! Come enter, too: http://clicky.me/1Jlc #giveaway #contest

Contest ends Friday, September 3, 2010 at midnight CST. USA & CA residents only, please. Good luck!

DISCLOSURE – I received a pair of “The Swank” Earth Footwear boots in exchange for this review and giveaway. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

Beer Bread
Makes 6-8 Servings

3 cups flour (sifted – See direction step number 1 below)
1 Tablespoon baking powder (omit if using Self-Rising Flour)
1 teaspoon salt (omit if using Self-Rising Flour)
1/4 cup sugar
1 (12 ounce) can beer
1/2 cup melted butter (1/4 cup will work, but I use 1/2 cup)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a loaf pan or 8″ square pan.

2. Mix dry ingredients first, combining them thoroughly before adding beer. (A whisk and a bowl work great for this part, I don’t sift). Add beer, then stir with a spoon until combined.

3. Spray a loaf pan with baking spray. Add a small amount of melted butter to bottom of pan. Pour batter into loaf pan.

4. Pour melted butter over mixture.

5. Bake 1 hour for a loaf pan, if you use a 8″ square pan check it around 45 min. and every 5 min then on until done. Remove from pan and cool for at least 15 minutes. (Important, be sure to put an extra pan or some foil beneath your bread as the butter might overflow.)

Recipe from Food.com

1. Go to the bathroom. Alone.

2. Stop eating your secret stash of chocolate in the laundry room.

3. Waste all morning on Facebook.

4. Organize your closets. Or not.

5. Actually get your heart rate up while working out, because you won’t have to stop every two minutes to get someone a cookie.

6. Have cake for lunch. (The reason why you need number five.)

7. Read a book. That doesn’t have pictures.

8. Make a phone call. Without having a three-way conversation.

9. Sit on the couch with a cup of coffee, and get reacquainted with the pleasant sound of silence.

10. (The only thing better than number 1.) Go grocery shopping without an entourage.

Did you know that almonds are actually a seed, not a nut?  Nut or not, almonds are the perfect addition to any savory or sweet dish.  Roasted, salted, or plain, I can eat them any way!  Almonds are also full of nutrients, antioxidants, and are gluten-free, which makes eating them even more enjoyable.

The Almond Board of California has an amazing website all about almonds, their health benefits, and a special “Pantry Recipe Express” section that is perfect for finding easy almond recipes.  The idea is to enter what you currently have in your pantry, click submit, and then receive a list of yummy almond recipes.  It includes super easy recipes (and you know we like our No-brainer recipes around here) like the Cherry-Almond-Chocolate Clusters.  Uh, yum!

I recommend stopping by the California Almonds website and using the Pantry Recipe Express section to gather fun almond recipes for your family.  You can visit this portion of the website at www.almondboard.com/pantryrecipeexpress/index.html. We would also love to hear about your favorite almond recipes in our comments!

DISCLOSURE: I was compensated for this promotional post. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true.  Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

Yes, I know it’s August and we’re already talking about the holidays, but hey, we have to think ahead. Plus, it’s going to be an amazing holiday gift guide this year.  Like, very, very cool and you’ll want one to flip through it virtually over and over again.  The guide will include cool elements like our holiday gift recommendations, special coupon codes, videos (yes, I said videos) and more. We’ll also have awesome prizes to give away during the campaign, which will run November 1 – December 31st.

Want to stay in the loop?  Sign up below to get the gift guide emailed straight to your inbox and  to also receive the latest news on our special holiday giveaways,  discounts, and more.  Signing up also enters you to win one of three $50 Visa gift cards which may come in handy during the holidays.  Pretty cool.

JOIN OUR HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE EMAIL LIST HERE

Are you a brand or business who wants in the Holiday Gift Guide?  No problem.  Email us at momspark@gmail.com. Ad space is filling up quickly.

This week, I tested the fun feeding product line, mOmma, that is cool, modern and makes mealtime fun! The specific products I tried out were the Non-Spill Cup, Cup with Straw, Warm Development Meal Set, and the cleaning accessory.  My two-year-old instantly loved the design of the cups and will now only drink out of the them! (good thing I had the cleaning accessory tool on hand to clean them out after each use) I loved the sleek, unique design, but I had to be careful not to let the cup roll over to the side or it would leak a little.

Some product information includes (from fact sheet):

• the unique rounded shapes ergonomically fit even the tiniest hands
• each cup features a dual handle to strengthen a child’s grip and allow drinking from both sides
• rubber-coated bottoms help reduce skidding and prevent spills
• innovative rocking motion and bright colors stimulate infants and toddlers and keep them engaged during mealtime
• BPA and phthalate-free and dishwasher safe

You can purchase mOmma products for your infant or toddler online at www.mOmmaUS.com, www.amazon.com and www.diapers.com.  You can also find mOmma on Facebook HERE.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a mOmma Non-Spill Cup, Cup with Straw, Warm Development Meal Set, and the cleaning accessory in exchange for this review. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true.  Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

Chocolate Cheesecake Squares
Makes 9 squares

Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup cookie crumbs
3 Tbsp. melted butter
1 bar (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
1 cup light sour cream
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup sugar
1 large whole egg plus 1 large egg white

1. Preheat oven to 325°. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Line with two crisscrossed pieces of parchment or wax paper, spraying between sheets. Spray lined pan; set aside.
2. Combine cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press crumbs into bottom of prepared pan.
3. Blend cream cheese and sour cream in food processor until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add cocoa, cornstarch, sugar, egg, and egg white; process until smooth. Pour into pan.
4. Bake until just set, 35 to 40 minutes; cool completely in pan. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Invert onto a tray; peel off paper, and reinvert crust side down. Cut into 9 squares.

Adapted from Everyday Food

I’m a coffee nut.  I can drink it hot, cold, with flavor, or black.  I love coffee desserts.  I collect coffee mugs.  Maybe I’m a bit obsessed, but we won’t get into that.

Drinking hot coffee in the summer isn’t always the most refreshing thing to do, so cold coffee drinks are the way to go.  Fortunately, Seattle’s Best has created the Toddy Cold Brew System that you can easily use at home to get café coffee quality.  The cold brewing process extracts the flavors of coffee and leaves behind undesirable acids and oils, resulting in a bold, slightly sweet, smooth-tasting coffee with more than 50 percent less acidity than conventional brewing methods.  Cold brewed coffee is used as the base for Seattle’s Best Coffee JavaKula blended beverages, cold milkshakes and Hand Shaken ColdBrewed Originals.  The Toddy brewing system lets you make up to 48 fluid ounces of coffee concentrate – which is enough to make plenty of iced coffee treats for a party, or refrigerate (the concentrate is best for up to 7 days) to enjoy throughout the week.

To see and understand how the Toddy works, I recommend watching this YOUTUBE VIDEO.  As you can see, it isn’t difficult to use the system at all, but does take some time to brew.  It certainly isn’t as easy as using a regular coffee maker, but the taste and quality is less bitter and more smooth.  There are also some fun cold drinks you can create using the system, which can you see in this video HERE.

The Toddy Cold Brew System retails for $37.50 and right now you can receive free shipping on your order! Each system includes a Brewing Container with Handle, Glass Decanter with Lid, Reusable Filters (2), Rubber Stopper (1), Instructions & Recipe Guide.  Learn more about the Toddy Cold Brew System by visiting the Toddy website HERE.

::GIVEAWAY::

We have one Toddy Cold Brew System to give away to one lucky Mom Spark reader!  A $37.50 value.

::HOW TO ENTER:: (REQUIRED)

• To enter this giveaway, please leave us a comment telling us how you like your coffee-hot, cold, cream, sugar, or all of the above?  

::EARN UP TO 9 EXTRA ENTRIES:: (OPTIONAL)

You can earn extra entries by doing the following. Please leave a comment for each:

• Fan Seattle’s Best on Facebook.
• Follow @MomSpark on Twitter.
• Fan Mom Spark on Facebook.
• Blog about this giveaway. (put link in comment)
• Become a subscriber of Mom Spark. Subscribe here. (mention in comment)
• Follow Mom Spark on Google Friend Connect. (see sidebar)
• Become a forum member. (mention in comment)
• Subscribe to our newsletter.
• Tweet about this giveaway:

I just entered to win a Toddy Cold Brew System on @MomSpark! Come enter, too: http://clicky.me/15oU #giveaway #contest

Contest ends Sunday, August 22, 2010 at midnight CST. USA & CA residents only, please. Good luck!

DISCLOSURE – I received a Toddy Cold Brew System in exchange for this review and giveaway. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

• USB Port – I loved being able to plug in my iPhone easily to play my music and charge the phone.
• Satellite Radio – I didn’t know what I was missing, but wow, I love the radio stations on Satellite Radio. (’80s & ’90s are my favs)
• Leather Seats (LTZ) – leather seats really make a vehicle a luxury car!
• Gas Mileage – It was nice saving costs in gasoline, especially when I’m used to driving a gas guzzling SUV!

Tamara made a little film of us turning in our Malibus. *sniff*

I want to thank the Oklahoma Chevy Dealers for providing me the opportunity to test drive a Chevy Malibu for four weeks.  I have an absolute blast and really enjoyed the vehicle.  It was a fabulous car for my family and I will truly miss it.

You can also follow my adventures (and the other 2 bloggers) by visiting the official website, Facebook page, Twitter page and the #ggok Twitter stream!

GIVEAWAYS! Do you live in OKC and need a getaway with the girls? Win a Girlfriend Getaway Spa weekend at the Renaissance Hotel by clicking HERE. There are also daily prizes Chevy is giving on the official Facebook page.

DISCLOSURE: The Oklahoma City Chevy Girlfriend Getaway Program is sponsored by the Oklahoma Chevy Dealers who game the chosen bloggers a 2011 Chevy Malibu to test drive for 4 weeks and blog/video about our experiences using the vehicle. Girlfriend Getaway has given us some fun projects to do and will be providing us with gift cards to allow us to do this. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

THE MISSION:

Use iTunes.com to download new music, then play in the Chevy Malibu!

One of my favorite features of the Chevy Malibu is the USB port that I can plug my iPhone into.  The Malibu automatically pulls up my iTunes music and starts charging my phone.  I am really going to miss having this after I give the car up.

You can also follow my adventures (and the other 2 bloggers) by visiting the official website, Facebook page, Twitter page and the #ggok Twitter stream!

GIVEAWAYS! Do you live in OKC and need a getaway with the girls? Win a Girlfriend Getaway Spa weekend at the Renaissance Hotel by clicking HERE. There are also daily prizes Chevy is giving on the official Facebook page.

DISCLOSURE: The Oklahoma City Chevy Girlfriend Getaway Program is sponsored by the Oklahoma Chevy Dealers who game the chosen bloggers a 2011 Chevy Malibu to test drive for 4 weeks and blog/video about our experiences using the vehicle. Girlfriend Getaway has given us some fun projects to do and will be providing us with gift cards to allow us to do this. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

The customized "Mom Spark" blanket that Sweatshirt Blanket made for me.

Are you ready for round three of Sweatshirt Blanket giveaways? As I told you last week (and the week before), Sweatshirt Blanket heads the “Spread the Warmth” campaign, where each month they ask readers to select a charitable cause or organization to win a dozen customized sweatshirt blankets free of charge (an approximate retail value of $360.00). The nominee of the winning organization also receives an extra Sweatshirt Blanket as a thank you for taking the time to nominate and support the campaign.

In honor of the “Spread the Warmth” campaign, Sweatshirt Blanket would like to give one winner four custom Sweartshirt Blankets with a logo of your choice*!! Wouldn’t it be cool to get your blog or website logo on a blanket? Sure it would.

*logo cannot violate trademark or copyright laws (no licensed sports team logos, etc.)

::HOW TO ENTER:: (REQUIRED)

• To enter this giveaway, please leave us a comment telling us what logo you would put on your Sweatshirt Blanket if you won. Earn even more entries below!

::EARN UP TO 12 EXTRA ENTRIES:: (OPTIONAL)

You can earn extra entries by doing the following. Please leave a comment for each:

• Nominate a charitable organization for the “Spread the Warmth” campaign and gain 3 extra entries! Please use the ‘Momspark’ referral source in the drop down box on the nomination to receive entry credit.
• Follow on @SweatShirtBlog on Twitter.
• Fan Sweatshirt Blanket on Facebook.
• Follow @MomSpark on Twitter.
• Fan Mom Spark on Facebook.
• Blog about this giveaway. (put link in comment)
• Become a subscriber of Mom Spark. Subscribe here. (mention in comment)
• Follow Mom Spark on Google Friend Connect. (see sidebar)
• Become a forum member. (mention in comment)
• Tweet about this giveaway:

I just entered to win 4 custom Sweatshirt Blankets on @MomSpark! Come enter, too: http://clicky.me/148h #giveaway #contest

Contest ends Thursday, August 19, 2010 at midnight CST. USA & CA residents only, please. Good luck!

DISCLOSURE – Sweatshirt Blanket has partially sponsored my BlogHer 2010 costs. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

Check out this 3 step, under $5 project.

What you need: Hammer, nails, clothesline, clothes pins and cute clothes (clothes not included in the under $5)

Step one: Hammer in two nails.

Step two: Hang rope by tying knot around each nail. (check out this boy scout site for how to tie different knots)

Step three: Hang up clothes with clothes pin.

This project would also be great for a bigger girl’s room. If your daughter has lots of doll dresses, they would be adorable hung up on a clothesline too. It would be a fun and easy project for you and her to do together. AND the project would have the added bonus of organization and fun and easy clean up!

My clothesline wall:

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
Makes 4-6 servings

1 lb Italian sausage (I recommend a spicy or sweet variety)
2 large russet baking potatoes, peeled, sliced in half,and then in 1/4 inch slices*
1 large onion, diced
1/2 can bacon bits
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pkg frozen chopped spinach, rinsed and squeezed of excess liquid
3 cups chicken stock
1 to 2 cups water
1 cup heavy whipping cream

1. Cook sausage in a 300°F oven for approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, cook in a skillet. Drain sausages on paper towels and cut into slices.

3. Place onions, potatoes, chicken broth, water, garlic in pot, and cook on medium heat until potatoes are done. Add sausage. Salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 10 minutes. When potatoes are tender, mash some of the slices with a fork to thicken soup slightly.

4. Turn to low heat. Add spinach and cream. Heat through. Sprinkle with bacon and serve.

*You can use up leftover baked potatoes by peeling potatoes cold, cutting them into slices and adding at the end of the recipe and heating through. Set aside one cold potato and mash with a fork to add to the soup when specified in the recipe.

Adapted from a recipe at Food.com

Stay tuned for my fourth (and last) mission next week. I wonder where the Malibu Chevy will take me next? You can also follow my adventures (and the other 2 bloggers) by visiting the official website, Facebook page, Twitter page and the #ggok Twitter stream!

GIVEAWAYS! Do you live in OKC and need a getaway with the girls? Win a Girlfriend Getaway Spa weekend at the Renaissance Hotel by clicking HERE. There are also daily prizes Chevy is giving on the official Facebook page.

DISCLOSURE: The Oklahoma City Chevy Girlfriend Getaway Program is sponsored by the Oklahoma Chevy Dealers who game the chosen bloggers a 2011 Chevy Malibu to test drive for 4 weeks and blog/video about our experiences using the vehicle. Girlfriend Getaway has given us some fun projects to do and will be providing us with gift cards to allow us to do this. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.