101 Things to Do with a Cake Mix

To enter the fantabulous POPrs Give It Away Now Blog Carnival Contest, please click here. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday!

No, I can't claim credit for this. I was checking out some new blogs yesterday, and came upon Shawn. Her site, Swaneesinger, is an eclectic collection of observations, memories and ~ you guessed it ~ recipes.

I'm snagging this one for you, Dear Readers, because I know you especially like those Retro Recipes. This one comes from a special cookbook, entitled 101 Things to Do with a Cake Mix, by Stephanie Ashcraft. Puts me in mind of my Nana and her creations.

This recipe, of course, is adaptable. Please give it a whirl, and let me know what you think. We'll be baking it in Aunt Julie's Kitchen, for sure!

Dump Cake

1 White or Yellow Cake Mix
1 Can (29 oz.) sliced peaches with juice
1/2 stick of butter or margarine, thinly sliced
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan. Spread half of the cake mix evenly in bottom of pan. Pour can of sliced peaches and juice evenly over the cake mix (Shawn also sometimes uses a bit of cinnamon). Cover the peaches with the rest of the cake mix, then slice the margarine or butter on top. Bake 50 minutes, or until golden brown. Top the Dump Cake with either whipping cream or ice cream.

Shawn says she's also used different kinds of pie filling as the central ingredient in Dump Cake, and has even made this recipe as cupcakes. Thanks to Shawn for putting this out there for all of us to share. Hope you enjoy it!

Lost and Foundry in Neenah, WI

Part of Veggie Mom's March contribution to the Random Complexity Writing Challenge. 247 words.

Hmmmmmmm...what might a manhole cover thingy be doing at the top of today's post?

Well, yesterday's SFO Snap got me to thinking about our family vay-cays, and the one constant in all of them.

The Neenah Foundry.

Opened in 1872, the Foundry manufactures something called "castings"...known to most of us as manhole covers, tree box grates and other fascinating bits and pieces of the urban~and not-so-urban~landscape.

The Foundry was founded (Ha! Get It?) 137 years ago in Neenah, WI...home to that fabulous lighthouse I showed you last summer, Kimberly-Clark (think Huggies, Kleenex and Kotex, for sure!) and, of course, POPrs.

Yup. Neenah is Uncle Lynn's hometown. Where most of the POPrs Family resides. And when we go on vay-cay, we haul Ye Ol' Canon out for the obligatory Palm Tree, Wildlife and Sunburned Children Snaps. But we take other, more unusual vacation photos, as well.

I think I have about three hundred and seventy one snaps of Neenah Foundry "castings"...predominantly portraits of manhole covers, from Maui to Dallas to Miami to the Cayman Islands. This particular portrait was snapped outside AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.

So, the next time you're shuffling off to Buffalo (or St. Louis, Butte, San Diego), make sure to take a closer look at your surroundings. By "surroundings," I mean the pavement beneath your feet. Anything that has a "municipal utility" look to it. And check out the manhole covers. If they say "Neenah Foundry," they originated in our backyard!

Post-Birthday Pop'rs Party!

Whew! Jammin' and her friend Veggie Mom are exhausted! Aunt Julie's birthday party was lots o' fun, but I think we ate too much cake...

Jammin's BFF, Babar, went home to Paris to hang with his Peeps. But before he left, he bequeathed this awesome Pop'rs T to his friend, Jammin'. She's just now trying to figure out how to wash it and shrink it, so it fits nice and snug. Jammin' does love the fashion that flatters!

Both Babar and Jammin' wanted me to remind you of The Great New Pop'rs St. Patty's Day Giveaway, which runs through next Monday. The giveaway features Pop'rs Prizes and a $100 Target Gift Card, too. But for more info on that, Click Here.

A Pop'rs PS: If you comment on every post this week, you get more entries!

I Concur~Wholeheartedly!

I could have used a little of this advice in my younger years. Now that I'm a much more Mellow Fellow, I tend to just go with the flow.

What was it that got me so riled up when the World was Very Young? I have no clue. At all. Those days, of course, were before I discovered Pop'rs and their calming effect...

This message, of course, is brought to you by Thoughts for 2009. For other profound pronouncements, please Click Here and Here.

Veggie Mom~and Pop'rs~Exclusive!

Editor's Note: Before we start Today's Post, I'd like to ask you to help do a Bloggy Friend a favor. Mr. Fairway, Hubz to my friend Melissa B., is a finalist in the 2009 Bloggies. Please Click Here to vote for Mr. Fairway's Golf Blog as Best Sports Blog!

OK, I know...I'm supposed to pay homage to The Great Ground Hog today. Well, I. Just. Can't. Do. It. Especially since I just know that he's gonna see his shadow today and run back in his burrow...which, of course, means Six More Weeks of Winter!

Instead, I'd like to be a little more upbeat, and highlight one of Uncle Lynn's new Pop'rs Pals. In fact, Kathleen, of Katydid and Kid won a recent Pop'rs Giveaway! And yes, that's one of Kathleen's Yogurt Parfaits, with Stawberry Pop'rs on top. Rush on over there Right Now, and ask her for the recipe!

Anyway, Kathleen hosts a Featured Blogger every Friday, and guess who was up last week? Why, Veggie Mom, of course! Click Here to get the full scoop.

Kathleen asked some Probing Pop'rs Questions, and was quite the investigative reporter. So, we wanted to reprint those, along with Veggie's Awesome Answers. Right Here. Right Now. So sit back, relax, and consider yourself entertained!

Kathleen: What is your blog about?
Veggie: It’s about the health of the whole family…as the blog subtitle says, “Food, Family and Fun.” This means everything from eating healthy to the Adventures of The Pop’rs Family. Oh, and I throw in some randomness every so often, to keep it interesting!
Kathleen: Where does your blog title come from?
Veggie: My BIL, Uncle Lynn, asked me to start the blog as a vehicle to get his new seasoning product, Pop’rs, better known. Pop’rs are a fun, healthy way to encourage folks to Eat Their Veggies! Among other things, of course.
Kathleen: When and why did you start your blog?
Veggie: I think I answered part of that with the last question. But I’ve always been interested in writing, and Uncle Lynn asked me what I thought of the proposition of doing a blog that was targeted at family issues. My first post, entitled “Let’s Get Poppin’!” was published June 16, 2008. Eat Your Veggies! sort of evolved from there. After a few tentative posts, I think I found my niche in the Blogosphere. I really don’t know if there are a lot of “hybrid”-type blogs out there like mine. By that I mean that I try to focus on our family, but at the same time I’m trying to get Uncle Lynn and his product, Pop’rs, better known in the blogging community.
Kathleen: What would you like to add to your blog in the next year?
Veggie: I’m looking at redesigning it right now. You know, so I can incorporate more great info without all that cluttered, claustrophobic feeling. I’d love to do a regular interview feature with Uncle Lynn and some of the folks who have tried Pop’rs and really like them.
Kathleen: What are some of your favorite blogs?
Veggie: Oh, gosh, that’s a difficult question to answer! I have to say that Zander and Me, Fractured Toy, If Mom Says OK and Living and Loving Every Minute of It! really speak to me, on different levels. But I love all the bloggers I’ve met so far on this adventure, and hope to meet many more thoughtful people along the way.
Kathleen: What is one of your pet peeves about blogs or bloggers?
Veggie: I really don’t get irritated, except just a tad at the Lurkers out there. If you’re going to go to the trouble of visiting a blog, why not leave at least a little “Hello” to let someone know you’ve been there? It's nice to know that someone’s been paying attention, I guess.
Kathleen: What advice would you have for any new bloggers?
Veggie: I say speak from your heart, and you can’t go wrong. I think folks in the cyber community want to hear honest, from-the-heart dialogue. They love to hear family tales, or silly little stories about office interactions. You don’t have to be all serious all the time and pontificate about Great Things. Just be yourself! Get out there and make friends with other bloggers. These friendships create traffic and the traffic creates a buzz, and before you know it, you’ve taken off, and there’s no looking back!
Kathleen: What is something that people might not know about you?
Veggie: I’m left-handed, I can say the alphabet backwards, and I have a crush on Will Smith. Oh, and I detest lima beans. I don’t even know if Pop’rs could jazz those up enough for me!

Wear It Loud and Proud!

Thanks ever-so-much to Marrdy, a Pop'rs Veteran who resides over at One Krazy Kat Lady, and Caroline, over at Caroline's Crafts (one of our recent Pop'rs Giveaway winners) for granting me the Lemonade Award. Here's what Marrdy had to say about Ol' Veggie:

"Veggie Mom at Eat Your Veggies! is an awesome blogger and a great business woman. Plus things are poppin' over at her place all the time!"

Marrdy, you are such a doll! Although you have to remember that Uncle Lynn really is the Man Behind the Pop'rs. Nevertheless, you've expressed some pretty sweet sentiments. Plus, I love to see my name in print!

As you all well know, even tasty awards like this have rules. So, here goes:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great attitude or gratitude!!!
3. Be sure to link your nominees with your post.
4. Let them know they received the award by leaving a comment on their most recent post on their blog.
5. Share the love and link this post to the person that gave you the award!

And here, Dear Hearts, are Whose I Choose. Please have a glass of lemonade, on me!

1. Pak Adventures
2. Stitchin' By the Lake
3. Now Entering Momville
4. AnnOnAndOn
5. Deanna's Corner
6. A Little Bit Nutty
7. Just Lisa, No Filler
8. A Little Bit of Life on the Side
9. Don't Get Married...You Won't Like It
10. Let Me Think On It

Enjoy your Bloggy Bling, friends...Wear it Loud and Proud!

Congratulations to Our Pop'rs Giveaway Grand Prize Winner!

Congrats to the Lovely Dawn, who holds forth at Dawn's Place. Selected by Uncle Lynn in a Random Drawing, Dawn is the Grand Prize Winner of our Great New Pop'rs Giveaway. And what does she win? Why, a Complete Box Full O' Pop'rs, which come in Eight Fab Flavors!

Dawn and her family get to try Pop’rs, that tasty and fun seasoning that really encourages everyone to Eat Their Veggies! Pop’rs add great flavor, and fun, to just about any kind of food, from applesauce to broccoli--all the way through the alphabet, to yogurt and beyond.

So, Dawn Darlin', e-mail your Ole Bloggy Buddy Veggie Mom with your info, and we can get Uncle Lynn crackin' on sending that Box O' Pop'rs your way!

And now, Gentle Readers, another Tribute to the Season:

Autumn Song

Now's the time when children's noses

All become as red as roses

And the colour of their faces

Makes me think of orchard places

Where the juicy apples grow,

And tomatoes in a row.

And to-day the hardened sinner

Never could be late for dinner,

But will jump up to the table

Just as soon as he is able,

Ask for three times hot roast mutton--

Oh! the shocking little glutton.

Come then, find your ball and racket,

Pop into your winter jacket,

With the lovely bear-skin lining.

While the sun is brightly shining,

Let us run and play together

And just love the autumn weather.

~Katherine Mansfield~

Is Your Mama a Llama?

Or an Alpaca? This is Big Bear, down on the farm recently. BB's aunt, out Southwestern Wisconsin Way, plans to sell the Alpaca fiber from the 10 critters she owns to be made into yarn for soft, plush winter sweaters. Playing along with Candid Carrie today, and thought this was the perfect addition to her Friday Foto Fiesta Finish!

I'd also like to say "Yay!" today for Nik, over at Exceptional Voyage, who is our Bloggy Winner, selected by Random Drawing, in the Great New Pop'rs Giveaway! Nik wins Two Pop'rs Flavors of Her Choice! Uncle Lynn wanted me to remind you all that Pop'rs are only available online--they're not in stores yet! And, they come in eight delicious flavors: Buffalo, Butter, Chocolate, Colorbust, Cinnamon, Raspberry, Strawberry and Taco.

So, Nik, please e-mail me with your info, so Uncle Lynn can get those Pop'rs in the mail to you right away! And, everyone, listen up! Tomorrow, we announce our the Giveaway's Grand Prize Winner--so come back to see me tomorrow, and we'll have a little Bloggy Celebration!

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."

~Elizabeth Lawrence~

Come Blow Your Horn!

We have some good news & some better news, folks! One of our earlier winners did not stop by to claim her prize, so we have Two Pop'rs Giveaway Winners today, selected by Random Drawing. Congrats to Tracy P. of The Journey and Allie over at The Pink Potpourri. And what do they win? Why, they each get to select Two Pop'rs Flavors of their Choice! Uncle Lynn wanted me to remind you that Pop'rs are only available online--they're not in stores yet! And, they come in eight delicious flavors: Buffalo, Butter, Chocolate, Colorbust, Cinnamon, Raspberry, Strawberry and Taco.

So, ladies, please e-mail me with your info and the Pop'rs flavors you'd like Uncle Lynn to send, and he'll Get. Right. On. It!

Today's photo is one College Girl snapped eons ago at one of our local Oktoberfest Celebrations. These fellows are blowing Alipine Horns, or Alpenhorns, as they're known in the Old Country. Think you'd need a LOT of hot air to get a sound out of those suckers!

And now, for our Poem of The Day.

October

O hushed October morning mild,

Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;

Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,

Should waste them all.

The crows above the forest call;

Tomorrow they may form and go.

O hushed October morning mild,

Begin the hours of this day slow.

Make the day seem to us less brief.

Hearts not averse to being beguiled,

Beguile us in the way you know.

Release one leaf at break of day;

At noon release another leaf;

One from our trees, one far away.

Retard the sun with gentle mist;

Enchant the land with amethyst.

Slow, slow!

For the grapes' sake, if they were all,

Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,

Whose clustered fruit must else be lost--

For the grapes' sake along the wall.

~Robert Frost~

Farewell, September!

The breezes taste

Of apple peel.

The air is full

Of smells to feel-

Ripe fruit, old footballs,

Burning brush,

New books, erasers,

Chalk, and such.

The bee, his hive,

Well-honeyed hum,

And Mother cuts

Chrysanthemums.

Like plates washed clean

With suds, the days

Are polished with

A morning haze.

~John Updike~

And Congrats to our Tuesday Winner! Uncle Lynn selected Mrs. 4444 by Random Drawing. She wins her choice of two flavors of Pop'rs, the good-for-you seasoning that encourages everyone to Eat. Their Veggies! And their yogurt, their milk, and their tacos, too! Uncle Lynn wanted me to remind you that Pop'rs are only available online--they're not in stores yet! And, they come in eight delicious flavors: Buffalo, Butter, Chocolate, Colorbust, Cinnamon, Raspberry, Strawberry and Taco.

E-mail me your info, Mrs. 4444, and Uncle Lynn will get the Pop'rs you Prefer right on out to ya! And, Don't Forget: We'll be announcing three more winners this week, and a Grand Prize Winner on Saturday!

The pic above, BTW, is of The Wild One (third from the left, in the blue jacket and polka-dotted pants) on a pre-school field trip many Septembers ago. The poem is by John Updike, one of Veggie Mom's favorite authors. His Rabbit series won him two Pulitzer Prizes, and my undying loyalty, too!

And the First Winner Is...

...Channah, of Get a Grip, Mom! According to her Bloggy Profile, Channah has been blogging since May, which would make her a Newbie, just like Veggie Mom!

Uncle Lynn chose Channah yesterday, by Random Drawing! And what does she win? Her choice of two flavors of Pop'rs, that good-for-you seasoning, which really encourages everyone, young AND old, to Eat. Their Veggies! Remember, Bloggy Readers...Pop'rs are only available online from Uncle Lynn. And, they come in eight fanTAbulous flavors: Buffalo, Butter, Chocolate, Colorbust, Cinnamon, Raspberry, Strawberry and Taco.

So, Channah, shoot Veggie Mom an e-mail, and let her know what flavors you prefer. And remember: We'll be announcing four more winners this week, and a Grand Prize Winner on Saturday!

We'd also like to use our posts this week to showcase Fall, Our Family, and some Funny Stories we've be saving for ya. The shot above, an Aunt Julie Special, showcases Shark Boy, Uncle Lynn, Big Bear, and College Boy, who is hanging out in his Baby Backpack. They're in the Pumpkin Patch with their Newfoundland, Nelson. This photo was taken When the World was Very Young, of course, before Soccer Boy came along!

We'd like to leave you, Dear Readers, with a quote about Autumn. And, a Bloggy Reminder: Stay Tuned for more Great New Pop'rs Giveaway Winners!

Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower.

~Albert Camus, French Existentialist

A Centennial Q&A. Or, Happy Hundred to Me!

Today's Veggie Mom's 100th Post, everyone! As you well know, Uncle Lynn is offering a 2-Part Giveaway in celebration of this Sweet Centennial. Part 1 culminates today and tomorrow in an exciting fashion. Yup--you Asked, and We're Answering! Thanks for being so Doggone Curious! Your questions are answered by Uncle Lynn, the Pop'r King, unless otherwise indicated. And, Readers Beware: We tried to weed out duplicate questions. If you don't see yours today or tomorrow, don't worry, 'cause you're still entered in the Giveaway. So, bring on the Q & A!

1. Melissa B. has a pressing question: In which season do Pop'rs taste the best: Fall or Spring? In whatever season, since they are SEASONINGS!
2. Lula, one of our recent Giveaway Winners, wants to know: Are there any new Pop'rs flavors coming out anytime soon? I'm thinking something cinnamony would be fabulous. We have a cinnamon flavor already, and it is great on toast. Just ask Rachael Ray; you know, OPRAH’S friend! It’s her favorite!
3. The Pink Potpourri asks: What is YOUR personal favorite Popr's flavor? I like color-changing on yogurt the best!
4. Kamewh is curious: You have such a wide variety of flavors, but I was wondering if there were any plans to have any cheese-flavored varieties? We have made a cheese flavor (this IS Wisconsin, after all) and it’s great on all veggies. However, it is not available to you yet! Good suggestion!
5. Mannequin, who has played this Pop'rs Game before and won, has a sports-oriented question: I've a question for Soccer Boy if you don't mind please. It's easy to see that you are a dedicated soccer player! What are the chances of your playing professionally? More important, is one able to get a scholarship to college on their soccer playing skills? Soccer scholarships are available, but we lost last weekend 10-0, so I don’t feel too great right now about my chances of turning pro!
6. Ritch in Love has a regional query: What do each of you love the most about living in Wisconsin? I've been there one time and I loved it. I thought it was beautiful! Gotta love the changing seasons! There is a saying in the Dairy State: “If you don’t like the weather in Wisconsin, just wait a half-hour. It’ll change!”
7. Imanoptomisticbeauty is concerned about the natural order of things: Is there any artificial coloring in your products? Or artificial food additives like msg? There is some artificial color in some, but we work hard to keep everything natural–see the back panels of the jars for the full ingredients–for example, we use real fruit in the strawberry and raspberry! Natural chocolate, etc. BUT, if you need to stay away from artificial colors, you will want to stay away from one of my favorites, the color changing. We thought we had to include it since it is such fun, but it is the only one like that
8. Ever the optomist, she also asks: Your containers seem on the small side; any plans to have bigger containers in the future? Great idea. We will ask Veggie Mom to run a contest to pick what flavor should be introduced in a "Giant Pack." Maybe one of those Zip-Lock bags?
9. The Purloined Letter is a Poe fan, so we totally understand where she's coming from with this one: I feel a little uneasy about adding processed ingredients to my family's diet. Can you talk about why Pop'rs are a good choice? Pop’rs are designed to make GREAT FOODS interesting and fun for kids, so I think we are on the same page!
10. Bookworm wants to know: How do you decide which flavorings to use in the Pop'rs? My favorite part of this is to come up with new flavor ideas and try them on everyone I can find. I also listen to what everyone says they want us to try, and look forward to adding more and more. Kind of like the Ben & Jerry’s of kids' seasonings!
11. Angie, one of our previous Giveaway Winners, has a good one: What's your personal favorite flavor? Cinnamon! But Aunt Julie has made a new one we have not introduced yet–LEMON. I know everyone will go crazy for it on everything from yogurt to chicken!
12. Kate Coveney Hood is wrassling with Kids and Veggies: I'm not having much luck getting my kids to fall for the pureed additions/substitutions. If you think that they're great - do you have any tips to make the recipes, um, sneakier? Just before serving, sneek in some Pop’rs; they will start to SING right away, and should make the kids curious enough to try
13. Lisa wants to know: What is your best selling Pop'r? They are all sold in the 8-pack mixed cartons, so the best seller is all of them!
14. Nina asks Veggie Mom to do a long-term Blog Assessment: Of the 100 posts you have written what has been your personal favorite and why? I love writing the personal posts about my family. Of the 100 posts I’ve written so far, the Empty Nesters struck closest to my heart.
15. Corgidogmama is all about origins: How did you come up with the Pop’rs idea??? Can I say, "You need to buy the book"? I am writing the Pop’rs story chapter by chapter as a Guest Blogger for Veggie Mom! Please click on the links to check out Chapters 1 and 2!
16. Z's Mom, who, as one of our September winners, has turned adorable little Zander on to the Perfection of Pop'rs, asks: Is Uncle Lynn planning on selling other sizes of Pop'rs? Let's say I fall in love with Cocoa ('cause I did) and I just want one big jar of that.....is that something that might be doable in the future? Working on it–maybe a big bag so you can refill the jars?
17. Kally is getting anxious about availability: When, When, When do you think Pop'rs might be sold in stores? Stores are a part of the big plan, but right now we feel we are in better touch with our customers selling online. Click here for more info
18. Channah wants to know: What new flavors are coming out? We are working on several: Lemon, chamoy, cheesy, catsup, salty, peppery. No timetable yet–but the fun part for me is thinking up new flavors and seeing what new surprises I can bring.
19. Along the same lines, Joy in the Burbs is curious: Will these be coming to a retailer near me soon? Working on it, but for now, Pop'rs are always available on online.
20. Dawn, who is such a Dear, Dear Bloggy Friend, AND just redesigned her blog, BTW, asks Veggie Mom about Keeping Current: How do you keep up with all the questions/commenters? As a famous Civil War admiral once said, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”
21. Dear Dawn also asks Veggie who's Going to be Accountable in Part 1 of the Grand Giveaway: Will someone (one person) be answering the questions? It depends. Most of the time, Uncle Lynn will. Sometimes Veggie will.
22. Dawn also is Concerned About the Future: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Veggie says on a beach somewhere, preferably in The OBX!
23. OK, Dawn, what else is on your mind? Is Aunt Julie starting a recipe blog? Uncle Lynn says he has too much fun working with Veggie Mom to start another blog. Aunt Julie says she's way too busy, developing new flavors of Pop'rs and all. But what Veggie wants to know, is: If we start a recipe blog, do you wanna run it for us, Dawn?
24. And then Dawn Asks the Obvious: Do you know that I want to win??? Veggie can tell you’re stoked, Dawn!
25. Moving on to another reader, Blue Violet wants to know: Will Pop'rs be available in larger sizes? We're still working on this. As they say in the Corporate World, that idea is "under development"!
26. Probably because Halloween is knockin' on the door, Blue Violet also asks: Do you have seasonal-flavored Pop'rs? Not yet, but if you served Taco and Chocolate during the course of the same meal, would that be considered a Halloween Theme?
27. And One More from Blue Violet: Do you think you might have some Pop'rs designed for topping ice cream in the future? If so, what would they be? Got them right now: Try chocolate, raspberry, strawberry, and maybe even cinnamon?
28. Keeping the Centennial Celebration in mind, Mrs. 4444 offers a choice: Okay, 100th post. If you could have 100 hours of massage or 100 hours of free housework, which would you choose? Veggie will take that one. Definitely the free housework. Then, I wouldn't need the massage!

That's all for today, Dear Friends! If you didn't see your question today, we'll have it up for you tomorrow, in Veggie Mom's 101st Post! We'll finish up the Pop'rs Q&A, and then move on the Most Important Thing (MIT): The Prize-Giving! And remember: We're starting Six Days of Giveaways on Monday, so stay tuned!

Oh, Give Me A Home...

...where the Buffalo Pop'rs roam? Well, that's what my Friend from FLA, who Blogs under the pseudonym Does Anybody Hear Me? says!

Anybody, who makes her Bloggy Home at Don't Get Married...You Won't Like It!, purchased some Pop'rs earlier this month from Uncle Lynn, The Pop'r King. You know, the only place you can buy Pop'rs right now is online. Click here to find out how!

So, back to my story. Or, I should say, Anybody's story. Here's what Anybody reports: "Uncle Lynn and Aunt Julie have come up with a wonderful product called Pop'rs. They POP in your mouth and make veggies so much fun to eat!! I have tried them myself and love the Butter flavor. And the Buffalo is terrific on popcorn!!"

Thanks for the Positive Vibes, Anybody! And remember, all you Pop'rs Fans out in Cyberland. You, too, can pick up your very own Pop'rs by clicking here to find out how. Or, you can win them by clicking here. Or here. Or here! It's that easy! Remember, the Pop'rs Polls close at 11:59 p.m. EST tomorrow night, so you'd best get crackin'! Help Veggie Mom celebrate her 100th post, and win some Pop'rs in the bargain!

Who, ME? Plus a Recipe Alert!

We. Have. A. Winner! Actually, we have TWO Winners!

Congrats to Marla at Pak Adventures, and Karla at Zander & Me. They're the Grand Prize Winners by Random Drawing of Uncle Lynn's Great New Pop'rs Giveaway! Hey, gals--get in touch with me ASAP so we can discuss delivery of your delightful prize!

What do Marla and Karla win? Why, a complete set of Pop'rs, of course--all eight flavors! So many of our Bloggy Friends have tried Pop'rs, on foods ranging from broccoli to yogurt, and everything in between. We can't wait to hear what Marla and Karla have to say about these delicious, fun and good-for-you seasonings!

Thanks to all of the Fine Folks who entered Uncle Lynn's recent Pop'rs Giveaway, and to all our Bloggy Friends for their love and support. And stay tuned, kids...we've got many more delicious recipes, artsie crafts, funny family tales and General Nonsense to share with you in the weeks to come. Plus, Uncle Lynn's already told me that he has a Great October Giveaway in mind!

So, until then, remember to Eat. Your. Veggies!

Recipe Alert! I'ma gonna spend this rainy weekend looking for new recipes to add to my repertoire. Have you heard of Recipezaar? You can hit their site for delish dishes, you can share recipes, you can view their Chef of the Day, and you sign up to receive their weekly newsletter! I recently took a look at their suggestions for Dorm Room Dinners--think I'll give College Boy a few pointers! Aunt Julie should think about sharing some of her creations, shouldn't she?

A Guest Blogger, Carbonated Crystals, and the Value of Myth-Busting

Today, Eat Your Veggies! features a Returning Guest Blogger! You may recall that Uncle Lynn told you the first chapter in his Amazing Pop'rs Story last month. Well, he's back to fill you in on more of his extraordinary journey.

Before we get started, though, Lynn wanted me to remind each and every one of you that his Great New Pop'rs Giveaway ends Friday at 11:59 p.m. EST. Click here to enter! Also, the photo above shows Uncle Lynn on our recent OBX Vacation. Seems the poor guy was trying to get back to the beach house, and was cornered by a young hawk. Neither Uncle Lynn nor the hawk knew quite what to make of the situation!

So, sit back, relax, and I'll turn it over to Our Guest Blogger, The Pop'r King. Hope you enjoy Chapter 2!

When I left off telling the Pop'rs Story, I had just found out that the owners of Pop Rocks were in Spain. In this chapter I thought I would fill you in on a little "popping" background; by the way, these are things that I have heard over the years from various people, not due to any historical research I have done–so if I get something wrong, I'm sorry; I am just repeating what I have heard!

Pop Rocks were actually invented in the '50s by a man named Dr. William Mitchell. He died four years ago, much to my regret, because his invention has become a great part of my life. I met his daughter, Cheryl, at a trade show some years ago, and she invited me back to California to meet her father. I will forever regret that I did not find the time to take her up on that offer–always remember, when you have extraordinary opportunities, never get too busy and decide to “do it later”!

Anyway, Dr. Mitchell worked for General Foods (GF–now know as Kraft General Foods) and invented Pop Rocks while he was trying to make an instant carbonated Kool-Aid, but the invention was considered a failure since it only made a "noisy" drink. What I have been told is that the product was a GF curiosity, and Dr. Mitchell would make a batch once a year or so for many, many years and offer the little magic crystals at company summer picnics, much to the delight of all, especially the kids.

Somewhere in this, GF bought a chip company located in Canada. The former owner of that company was touring GF plants, and happened to be at one of Dr. Mitchell’s "popping picnics." Delighted by the crystals, he arranged to get enough packets to use as a premium for his chips in a promotion he ran. Apparently, kids were seen going into stores to buy the chips, and throwing the chips away just to get the little packet of Popping Magic! That was apparently enough for GF to decide to introduce the product, and in the mid-'70s, Pop Rocks were born.

I think we all know about the rumors about the “dangers” of Pop Rocks, all of which are fun to tell and all of which Are Not True. I know–in fact, I inadvertently helped prove this: Several years ago, the popular but crazy Mancow Radio show asked us for samples of our Carbonated Crystals. Thinking this might be a fun opportunity for our little company, we sent him several pounds of a number of flavors. Should have thought that one through better: On the morning of the show, we all got by the radio in our offices in Neenah, WI, and got ready to hear our national introduction. Well…..

Mancow did a nice job of introducing our company, and all seemed to be going well. Then, we listened as he asked one of his assistants to lie down on a desk; then we, in growing fear, listened as spoonfuls of our crystals are poured into this assistant’s mouth–flat on his back. Then came the horrible sound of a Coke can being opened. Flat on your back, with a mouth and throat full of the explosive little crystals, and now a Coke about to be poured on top of that–I thought I was going to listen to the death of my little company on national radio as Mancow killed his assistant!

Well, I am more than pleased to report that there was certainly some sputtering and a lot of laughing, but no death! So, if anyone ever tells you that popping crystals can hurt you, I can tell you Mancow did his darned best, and NOTHING bad happened. There was also a great "MythBusters" show on the Discovery Channel, which showed for all time that there is nothing but fun to be had with Carbonated Crystals.

Anyway, when I pick this up next, I will tell you about my travel to Spain and how I introduced Popping Popsicles and more to the world!

You Asked? We Answered!

Unless you ask Veggie Mom and The Pop'r Family! You asked, we answered! Day 2 beachside with Aunt Julie and Uncle Lynn, who are answering Your Bloggy Questions today. Now, just 'cause we're on VAY-kay, doesn't mean that we're forgetting about our Great Pop'rs Giveaway, which ends on Monday. Please join the fun and enter today!

Ticopi, over at Nonchalantly Treading, wants to know about Pop'rs and dorm food. "How could college students use Pop'rs in college food to make it healthier/more appetizing? I do have a kitchen, but school is rapidly approaching and the meal plans are upon us!" Of course, Ticopi! As Aunt Julie likes to say, no kid’s too old for Popr’s!! They can jazz up any dorm-type food, from spaghetti to mac 'n' cheese to Jell-O—and don’t forget the frozen yogurt!

KKJD1, who has Farmgirl'inGa. Style, is concerned about diabetics eating Pop'rs. "My comment or question for the day is can a diabetic use the Pop'rs?" Uncle Lynn says that these fun and good-for-you seasonings have a sugar content of about 15 percent. He also says that since you'd be shaking Pop'rs on food, that would dilute the sugar content even more. And thanks for the positive thoughts as we commence our Beachy Week, KKJD1!

Lula, our gal over in Lulaville, says she's interested in Pop'rs, but has "Twilight" on the brain this week. "Here's my question: Have you started reading "Twilight" yet? It is THE summer beach read. You knew I was gonna ask..." Thanks, Lula! All I can say is, we're gettin' to it!

Betty, who's in charge of Betty's Blog, asked three Pop'rs -related questions. You know, those teachers try to be very precise! "Are they diff erent colors? Do they pop when you eat them? Also, are they used on all types of food?" Aunt Julie says that's why Pop'rs are so fun, Betty!Different colors, different flavors—these carbonated crystals pop on contact with moisture, so, of course, Pop'rs pop in your mouth, not (necessarily) in your hand! Yes, Betty, we use Pop’rs on veggies, ice cream, beverages—just use your imagination and let us know what new uses you can come up with!

Gina, who presides over at The Clan McLeod, has flavor-specific questions: "How about some Cheddar Popr's?! And Caramel!" Since Pop'rs are made in Wisconsin, Gina, cheddar sounds like it’s in our future. The company has just developed an intense lemon flavor that Aunt Julie cooked up, so Caramel wouldn’t be out of the question. We’d have to take that one to the lab!

Corey, who's Living and Loving Every Minute of It, says she's sometimes confused about the Pop'r Family Tree. "Okay...so have you explained who the author of this blog is? I sometimes feel lost with all the characters in this Popr's story. Point me in the right direction to figure who is who is who out. :)"

Corey, here’s the deal. Veggie Mom (that’s me!) writes the blog. My BIL, Uncle Lynn, makes the Pop’rs. Uncle Lynn is married to Aunt Julie, The Pop’r Queen. Their kids are Big Bear, Shark Boy, College Boy and Soccer Boy, and their furry children, Trouble Elizabeth and Moses, The World’s Best Dogs. Veggie Mom is married to Aunt Julie’s brother, Uncle Mark (we call him Moker). Our kids are College Girl and The Wild One. Does that help at all, Corey?

Mary Beth I., who's a Blogmaniac, is curious about Pop'rs availability. "Are Pop'rs available in the grocery stores?" she queries. "If not yet, any plans?" We’d love to get 'em there, Mary Beth. That’s the ultimate goal. Right now, though, the only place you can buy Pop’rs is from Uncle Lynn. To order yours, click here!

They're Hot for Pop'rs! And YOU Can Be, Too!

Cyber-chatter continued over the weekend for Pop'rs, Uncle Lynn's cool new seasoning that's fun and good for you, too! The Pop'r King wants to Share the Pop'rs Love, and also let you know about a cool new Giveaway! And BTW, that's Soccer Boy, doin' a little Double-Dippin'. He's sprinkling Chocolate Pop'rs in his Chocolate Milk. Yummy in the tummy!

Veronica, who patrols the aisles at Supermarket Serenade, started us off on Friday with a Music and Pop'rs combo. She posted a pretty cool Music *Meme*, and paired it with a review of that fabulous seasoning that literally makes your food sing! I'm talking about Pop'rs, of course, available only from Uncle Lynn in eight awesome flavors!

And in what kind of Pop'rs Pleasure did Veronica and Family partake? Cinammon Pop'rs on pancakes and Colorburst Pop'rs on mango slices--sounds pretty delish and exotic to moi! Then Veronica. Just. Went. Crazy!

"Taco Pop'rs to popcorn, Butter Pop'rs to broccoli and green beans, Buffalo Pop'rs to our turkey sandwiches," Veronica blogs enthusiastically. "It says on the bottles that they have vitamins added, which is an extra bonus, but we (especially the kids) just liked the crackling! I don't think they are available in the supermarket yet, but I'm sure Veggie Mom will let us know when they are. Thanks for the fun treat, Veggie Mom!"

No, Pop'rs aren't in supermarket aisles. They're easy to get, though. Just click here to order your Pop'rs from Uncle Lynn, at new Recession-Proof Prices!

Saturday dawned bright and beautiful, with more Great Pop'rs News to report! Deanna, who's got our attention over in Deanna's Corner, had some Saturday Savings news on homemade popcorn topped, of course, by Pop'rs! Deanna's out to save her Bloggy Readers a buck or two, and increase their taste sensation at the same time. I'd say you're successful, D! "I highly recommend Butter and Taco" -flavored Pop'rs on the homemade popcorn, Deanna suggests.

Already Pumped Up on all this Pop'rs Love, imagine Uncle Lynn's glee when he took a gander at what Angie, The Ringmaster at SevEn cLoWn CirCuS had to say about his product. She enlisted her five kiddos as "Official Product Testers." What were they reviewing? Why, Pop'rs, of course! Let's let Angie explain:

"My kids really eat to live," Angie says. "Unless the article to be consumed has an enormous sugar content, they usually don't get very excited about it. Don't get me wrong. They are good eaters, but if they are not hungry, they won't eat, just to eat. Even if it is delicious."

Sounds like a Mom who needs to offer the Wee Ones a tad more encouragement. "So, I really wanted to try out Pop'rs. They are a new product that can only be purchased online and have gotten the nod from the likes of Rachael Ray. They sounded intriguing to me, so I felt especially lucky to win every flavor in a giveaway."

OK, Angie, but what are they like? "Basically, Pop'rs are like Pop Rocks in different flavors, but with vitamins. So, not only do they add flavor, they provide music in your mouth. Literally. They pop in your mouth (and in the sink if there are any remaining on the plate) and the effect is really quite enjoyable." I like the image of the popping plates in the sink, don't you?

Angie and Family went wild with the Pop'rs, and got wonderful results! "So far, we've added the berry flavor to a peanut butter sandwich, and the butter flavor to a grilled (with no butter on purpose) cheese and turkey sandwich, and I have big plans for dinner tonight," she says. "Taco and butter flavor on corn on the cob, and cinnamon on homemade applesauces for dessert. My kids won't eat cottage cheese, but I'm going to try a raspberry on that, too."

Our Bloggy Friend Angie was pretty pleased with the Pop'rs. "It seems that the possibilities are limitless," she says, "and I know we'll enjoy a little magic in our eating in the future. And, just in case anyone is wondering if I went commercial on you, let me reassure you that I rarely, rarely do product reviews. This is my way of saying thanks to Pop'rs and Veggie Mom at Eat Your Veggies for my free gift."

Wow! Uncle Lynn was pretty pleased himself, after all that good news about Pop'rs! So pleased, in fact, that he's running another Great Pop'rs Giveaway. It kicks off tomorrow, so make sure you're there, too, to Share the Pop'rs Love!