Blog POP! Experience Johnny Rockets With The Family Giveaway 4/12

Complimentary guest passes were provided to facilitate this inside dining feature, regardless all opinions contained below are genuine. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: Sometimes the original is the best.

No matter how 'automatic' life gets there are some things that will always be best when done by hand, with a welcoming smile, in a simpler setting. I was raised in Southern California a stone's throw away from 'glamorous' Hollywood and glitzy Los Angeles. All this really means is that the locals are seldom local (because only the elite few can afford to actually live in and near the city,) an the hustle and bustle of the daily commute and 9-5 punch in leaves residents feeling frazzled. Yes, it's a faster paced kind of living around here, and that's precisely why I like to get back the the basics with a good, old-fashioned, delicious dining experience at Johnny Rockets.

Known for pioneering The Original Hamburger, Johnny Rockets began the very same year I did, 1986, when it's first location was opened up not to far from me, on Melrose. The concept was for the modern diner to have a simple escape where they could enjoy classic Americana and the incredible food that defined our nation and an era; hand spun malts, fresh french fries, and the juiciest hamburgers in town. Johnny Rockets was designed to welcome all diners from businessmen and film executives to modern day families with the 1950's diner style decor and super star service.

My own Johnny Rocket's memories stem from several seasonal visits during my childhood. In particular, Universal City Walk or Six Flag's Magic Mountain- where we would stop in for an extra special treat during a family day out. While you will find Johnny Rocket's locations across the country, and even globally, you're most likely to run into one of these kitschy retro-restaurants while on vacation. Johnny Rockets locations are highly popular in tourist environments such as large shopping centers, theme parks and resorts, and even cruise ships. That's because a trip to Johnny Rockets is a treat in itself!

We recently stopped in to the Camarillo Outlets, California location for a lunch date early in the afternoon. This was one of the smallest JR locations I've visited but the impact was big and immediate. One step from the gorgeous outdoor dining patio into the diner-like atmosphere and I was in love. The plush red bar-stools and puffy-backed dining booths invited us in while the table-side jukeboxes dared me to pick my favorite tunes (Johnny Cash, or Elvis, who can decide?) A bubbly server greeted us and offered to take our beverage order but we quickly learned that was no simple request. Johnny Rockets not only has an extensive malt/shake menu, but a collection of floats and soda pop options with 'Flavor Shots' such as Lemon, Vanilla, and even Chocolate for unlimited drink combinations.

Yes, the shakes have their own menu- and it was hard to choose just one- Jay found himself contemplating his next visit while sipping a Chocolate Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Malt. Our server also dropped off some 'complimentary' french fries, complete with ketchup art, while we waited for our sandwiches to be grilled in the kitchen behind us. I should note, it's not uncommon to visit a Johnny Rockets and get a show- the staff stops what they are doing a few times each hour to do choreographed dances to classic songs such as Rockin' Robin, making for a true show and treat for the family!

While Johnny Rockets recently introduced a brand new line of chicken salad entrees, we were especially intrigued by their Springtime menu offerings; the Salted Caramel Shake, Chipotle Chicken Sandwich, the Spicy Smokey Chicken Club Salad. For those who aren't big burger consumers- Johnny Rockets may be known for their delicious burgers, but Boca burger or chicken patty substitutions may be made on any menu sandwich, just ask!

While I found it hard to resist the Route 66 (grille mushrooms, onions, and Swiss cheese) burger, I wound up trying the BBQ Chicken Bacon Melt because, well, bacon! Jay ended up nearly copying me with the Smokehouse Double burger (bacon, onion rings, and bbq ranch) and some fresh sweet potato fries. The aromas wafting from our table were simply heavenly and the service was incredibly friendly and on top of all of our needs as we dug into a delicious Americana meal.

As it turns out you can't visit a Johnny Rockets without walking past a stack of 'Perfect Brownies,' the secret ingredient to the chain's Perfect Brownie Sundae. A feast in itself, we took this dessert on, amid malt burps, for the sake of editorial integrity. With the ribbons of caramel and chocolate sauce drizzled atop a heaping scoop of ice cream and whipped cream splashes, we were surely in a foodie coma by the time we finished out meal.

I'm delighted to report this 'mini Johnny Rockets' outlet mall experience was just as entertaining and satisfying as my previous vacation styled tourist stops. As we watched our plates get bussed away and snuggled into a quick date afternoon selfie I couldn't help but chuckle as I was reminded of my grandfather. The nearly 80-year old man, some 60+ years happily married, is always sure to tell his server (when asked how the meal was) it was "So great me and my date are going to go parking!" His date, of course being my grandmother, and nearly every server under 40 responding with a confused look and a friendly smile. Parking, is of course when those in the 50's would take their gorgeous Cadillac's up to the hill to get a little fresh.

Well, my friends, our Johnny Rockets experience truly took as back in time to a simpler era where the service was just a little more personal, the food all the more delicious, and the atmosphere simply magical. Be sure to stop into a Johnny Rockets when you see one, or check out the restaurant locator for a location near you! Have you ever been to a Johnny Rockets? What's your favorite part about old-fashioned Americana diners?

What Daughter Says: Taste The Original Hamburger and see what all the fuss is about!

One Momma Told Me reader will win a family guest prize pack to the Johnny Rockets location of their choice! Follow the official Blog POP! Spring Fling Giveaway LINKY to enter more great giveaways when you're done entering!

Blog POP! Little Tikes #MarchMadness Basketball Hoop + Trampoline Giveaway 4/9

***This Blog POP! Events Spring Fling March Madness content was brought to you by Little Tikes. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: If you can't beat the game, make your own rules.

Spring is finally here and that means more sunshine, warmer weather, Spring Break and plenty of sports. In Texas it seems like there have been more gloomy days than not lately and the children seem to be getting a little stir crazy. With all the tablets, smartphones, and video game systems it's not quite as easy to keep children entertained as it was when I was a kid. Momma used to hand me 3 colors of chalk, a broom, and a spray bottle and send me outside with the understanding that I was 'not to return until called for dinner.'

Yes, these days it takes a lot more to get kids motivated and outside. If it's overcast it's 'too cold,' if it's sunny it's 'too bright,' and there never quite seems to be a reason to leave the comfort of the couch and unlimited Disney or Nick programming. But we have a secret, well, several, actually. The first is to get kids together. If you have multiple children, or a strong play group connection, gathering 3 or more kids for an afternoon outside will foster positive competition and even creativity. Sports are a great way to get kids active and engaged, even if they are not typically sports oriented. Simply encourage children to make their own rules and they will instantly become more engaged and invested in that which is going on.

First, get yourselves equipment that can grow with your children or accommodate various ages of participants. Having a basketball hoop like the Adjust 'N Jam from Little Tikes allows solo time dunking at it's shortest for toddlers, family time practicing mid-height, and room to grow up through ages 10-12 with a maximum 6 foot height. While Little Tikes makes several hoops, for all stages of your children's development, we like the Adjust 'N Jam for it's lightweight (just add sand to the base) frame and convenient to store breakaway rim. It also ranges from 4'-6' with 5 simple to adjust height settings.

But brackets, rebounds, and boundaries can quickly bore kids. Let's face it, younger children get frustrated easily when they feel the task at hand is too hard. Playing with friends and siblings will allow for teamwork and growth, especially when you allow children to make up their own rules and boundaries. If you have children of varying heights stress the importance of passing and encourage children not to let the ball get thrown into the hoop until it has been in everyone's hands at least once a turn. This hot potato style allows even the younger kids to feel included even if they don't quite have the dunking or swooshing skills down yet.

Speaking of younger kids- our smallest family member is finally ready to hit the roads in his Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 3-In-1 Mobile Entertainer you may remember from this previous feature, where Nathan was yet to be born! While mom's glad he's not quite zooming around the yard this cutie insists on being a part of the action while his brother and sisters master the art of court negotiation. At some point Sabrina felt it was unfair that her baby brother was left grounded on the sidelines and the kids decided to let him make his first slam dunk- with a little help of course. We're sure the Little Tikes Adjust 'N Jam basketball hoop will get plenty of use by him as he gets older!

Remember how we said children will invest in sports and outdoor activities when given the freedom to make their own rules? Instantly become the coolest parent on the street when you add the Little Tikes 3 Foot Trampoline to your outdoor collection and just see how long it takes for those creative kiddos to begin swooshing their dunks with a little extra bounce. This 55lb capacity toddler trampoline is intended for use indoors with its rubber grip feet and easy grip handle. Your tots can jump safely while holding onto the standing bar without the feat of misdirection in jumping.

I should note that the 3 foot trampoline is designed exclusively for indoor use, and outdoor use it solely at your own discretion- regardless, you should always supervise your child on any form of trampoline regardless of the setting. If bouncing indoors make sure to leave a 3 foot minimum border around the trampoline clear of any furniture and ensure that all surrounding floors are free of clutter or debris. While we have a rule that the trampoline is only to be used while a minimum of one hand is holding the support bar, the excitement of swooping sometimes gets the better of the kiddos so there is always an older sister (or helicopter parent) very close by.

Together the Adjust 'N Jam Basketball Hoop and 3 Foot Trampoline make one winning lineup for Springtime fun. Basketball season is in full swing and there has never been a better time to get you children engaged with sports and outdoor activities. These Little Tikes products are not only designed with children in mind, but ease of use and storage for adults as well. Even with the weighted base the basketball hoop is easily moveable from one end of the yard into the garage, we only wish the handle on the trampoline somehow folded, but understand it's stationery presence is a good safety feature in itself. What will sort of activities will your children be enjoying outdoors this Spring?

What Daughter Says: Help kids stay active with creative solutions and introductory sports equipment from Little Tikes.

One Momma Told Me reader will win an Adjust 'N Jam Basketball Hoop and 3 Foot Trampoline prize bundle from Little Tikes.

Blog POP! Strawberry Fields Salad Recipe + Dexas Housewares Giveaway 4/13

I received product from Dexas International for the purpose of this feature, regardless all opinions are genuine. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: Fresh is seldom easy.

Spring is finally here; while the 90 degree weather hit us in SoCal several weeks back, we've also been having several unusual overcast days. I don't mind so much, while they make photography a pain, they help the crops around us grow, and everyone knows California could use a few sprinkles as of late!

Speaking of crops, my hometown is not only known for it's national production of produce, but for being the host of the largest annual Strawberry Festival. In high school I would walk along the fields of rich greens and red berries to get to our campus. Today, on the other side of the train tracks, a sea of fields stretches as far as the eye can see, until it is at last broken up by the sight of blue skies and protruding mountains. Not only can we enjoy the biggest berries and freshest product, but we can often take it home the same day it is harvested from the field.

So, you can imagine there will be plenty of delicious salads on our table this season as we entertain, or simply enjoy an afternoon together. One of the biggest reasons we don't enjoy fresh salads more often is the lack of convenience in preparing them. I was recently excited to discover some new Dexas International tools and kitchen gadgets that have made it easier than ever to get fresh fruits and vegetables on the table in record time with minimal cleanup. The Turbo Fan Collapsible Salad Spinner not only saves space when not in use, but expands to efficiently rinse and dry up to 4.5 quarts of fresh greens in seconds.

The soft cushioned Dexas Scraper handle is easy to grip and made with the same versatile poly materials as my favorite Gripboard cutting boards. Not only are these stain and odor resistant, but they are impressively easy to clean, even when slicing the strawberries for my favorite Strawberry Fields Salad. The subtle raised edges and gentle grips also keep these boards from sliding during preparation, and help trap juices and liquids, preventing them from staining counters or making messes on other surfaces.

Jay was really excited to text out the new 5qt Salad bowl with KlipKup 8oz attachable bowl accessory. I rarely get any interest in new kitchenware so I knew the Dexas Salad Bowl when he quite literally remarked, "This is a great bowl, where'd you get it?" I'll admit, bowls aren't at the top of my kitchen thrills so I pressed him a little further as to just what he loved about 'this' bowl, and he was quick to note the easy to grip handles and non skid base. I'm always getting on him to put a trivet or towel underneath our plates and bowls as to not scratch the dining table, so this was one problem solved- and the bowl did prove impressively easy to transport, even whe

Personally, I'm a fan of the small innovations that make life simpler- the KlipKup quickly tickled my inner hostess. It's generous 8oz capacity is perfect for chip dips, salsas, salad toppings, dressings, and more. I'd love to see it bundled with a small serving set of matching mini tongs and a serving ladle! My stainless steel spoon got some flak for being an inadequate serving device for the strawberry balsamic salad dressing, but I didn't mind because they matched my Spoon and Strain Serving Tongs just fine!

During the warm weather months we eat a lot of salad 'meals,' and I rarely invest in bagged lettuce, as they tend to spoil much quicker than fresh produce. Thankfully our Dexas kitchen tools and gadgets make the process of preparing a fresh much simpler, and more stylish. Dexas has a full assortment of kitchen aids and innovations as well as school and office supplies all made with colorful, durable, and trendy materials. Grab our Strawberry Fields Salad recipe below and enter to win a collection of our favorite Dexas kitchen products. Do you have a favorite, or seasonal, salad you'll be enjoying this Spring?

What Daughter Says: Take some of the work out of enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables with thoughtful kitchen tools.

Enter to win a Dexas Prize Pack valued at $100, below, then continue hopping along to the other Blog POP! Spring Fling Event giveaways with the LINKY found here.

Dexas International

***Click for printable strawberry fields salad recipe.

Blog POP! YumEarth Organic And Natural Treats For Kids Giveaway 4/14

YumEarth provided seasonal packaging for the purpose of this feature, no further compensation was provided. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015. In keeping with the Organic theme these photos have not been retouched or edited.

Momma Told Me: Somethings are best left untouched.


I hear a lot how gorgeous my photos are. I get asked what kind of camera I use, what my lighting rig is, what editing program I use. While I do, typically, do some sort of crude editing its usually with preloaded Windows programs, or free online software. I take all my photos in natural light- never with any artificial lights or rigs, and many of my photos are still shot on a smartphone or 14 MP point-and-shoot. For today's post I wanted to go even more organic. You see, sometimes I spend so much time staging, framing, and taking photos, I don't get to actually live in the moment of the story. So, thanks to YumEarth Organics, today's photos are a little less sparkly, but extra adorable.

I have been bowling in a league (sometimes as many as 3 leagues at a time) for 4 years now. I am telling you this because I greatly dislike bowling; I bowl for the social interaction. Bowling gets me out of the house for at least those designated hours a week and interacting with real people face to face (not that my online community isn't amazing.) The range of people in our core league is amazing. Last week one of our members turned 21, while we have some of our eldest nearing 80. There are single individuals, professional bowlers, first timers, girlfriends, couples, grandparents, families, and everything in between. My league is like my family, and that is precisely what I call Miss Edna.

Miss Edna is a delightful older woman with kids of her own long grown and several grandchildren. She is a former educator turned home childcare provider and has truly had a remarkable, and at times very tough, life. I knew from the moment I met her she was truly a special soul full of support, compassion, faith, and love. She always has a smile to offer and a hug to give whether you are a friend of 40 years or a complete stranger. Every afternoon Miss Edna walks from her house to the local Elementary where she picks up 5-8 children aged 4-10 and walks them to her home for after-school childcare.  Many of the children come from broken homes with single, hard working parents, or have special educational needs that make them otherwise difficult to place in traditional after school care.

Miss Edna relies on retirement income to get by and spends much of what she takes in from her children's parents on activities and events she plans to help make their year just a little more special. She rents bounce houses, drives them to the park, and holds seasonal parties out of her own pocket. She is an amazing human being, and so are the children she watches. So, when YumEarth informed me of their new Easter packaging and offered to send us some samples I new immediately I wanted to do something special for Miss Edna and her after-school kids. I headed into the local dollar store and spent about $35 to create some Easter baskets.

As a childcare provider, Edna is constantly reminded just how glorious sweets can be in a child's eyes. She has a very impressive rewards system involving raffle tickets and only hands out 'candy' as a reward for exceptional behavior or homework finished without delays. Even at that she tends to feel guilty. Most mainstream candy is littered with artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup. Modern kids seem keenly ware of the 'adults' movement for more natural foods that are labeled negatively (in their eyes) as better for them. I know I certainly believed, as a kid, if something was healthy/healthier, it wasn't going to be as tasty as it's less healthy counterpart. That being said, it's crucial these healthy alternatives keep fun and colorful packaging that mirrors their larger commercial competitors. YumEath Organics fruit snacks and candy are the perfect reward for Miss Edna's children.

Their products are all natural, dyed with ingredients such as organic pumpkin and carrots, gluten free, and possesses no chemical or artificial colors. YumEarth treats are also brilliantly individually packaged, with small items like gummies in kid sized pouches, great for school and on-the-go treats without the mess. Even more impressive, my favorite YumEarth treat, the Original and Sour Beans are also delightfully Vegan, adding an extra level of Eco-consciousness. Miss Edna is very careful what she gives her tiny charges before sending them home to their parents and was especially appreciative that all of the sweets in their Easter baskets were all-natural and gluten free.

On top of being my personal favorite organic candy pick, YumEarth is known for their seasonal packaging which makes for perfect party favors or classroom handouts. Many schools have strict 'no junk food' policies when it comes to classroom events and YumEarth offers several indulgent, single serve, treats for kids to maintain portion control and quality control when spoiling other people's kids. Grab one of 4 specially designed Easter packages of YumEarth Organics treats (Organic Pops, Sour Beans, Gummy Bears, or Gummy Fruits) at a Walgreens near you just in time for the holiday this upcoming weekend.

What Daughter Says: Not everything in life that's great is sold by a cartoon mouse. Kids are naturally sweet, shouldn't their treats be as well?

One Momma Told Me reader will win a YumEarth Organics + Naturals Prize Package. Then hop along and enter the other amazing Blog POP! giveaways on the complete LINKY.

Blog POP! Air Baked Molten Lava Cake Recipe + Avalon Bay Air Fryer 100W Giveaway 4/10

I had previously received an Avalon Bay100W Air Fryer for a previous feature on Momma Told Me. No further compensation has been provided for this Air Baked Molten Lava Cakes follow up post. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: If I only had an extra arm!

I'm a busy woman; and like Momma always said, 'If your life isn't busy you aren't living it right.' And while I'm busy being, well, busy, I watch a stream a lot of FOOD network programs. You know, the ones where contestants are given a box of mystery ingredients and told to recreate a gourmet meal in about 30 minutes. It seems like whenever the dessert round rolls around there's always someone making ice cream and always someone making a cake. Ice cream and a cake in a half hour? Insane, right? Well, while I do not have an anti-griddle, blast chiller, or $5k professional soft serve machine in my kitchen I DO have a time saving secret weapon, my Avalon Bay Air Fryer 100W.

I introduced you to my shiny new air fryer a few months back with our Air Fried Banana Split post. We since have grown to use our trusty Avalon Bay 100W Air Fryer several nights a week for everything from the crispiest (oil free) tater tots to homemade cinnamon donuts and Parmesan baked broccoli. The air fryer, if you recall, works by circulating super heated air through the unit's basket to evenly and efficiently cook just about anything, no 'frying' required. While you can bake wet items (breaded, baking mixes, etc) the frying portion of this kitchen appliance works best within minimal moisture. Any crumbs or oils collected during the cooking process are also contained in the bowl which the basket sits in, for painless cleanup!

When I first began air frying I was skeptical of all the people who said one could bake inside such a device. However, quickly learned how convenient it was to cook or prepare a side for 2 people without preheating an entire oven (especially during the warm SoCal weather.) Soon I was ready to make the plunge and see just how convenient it could be baking inside an air fryer. I should note, you can put just about any oven safe crock or pan inside the air fryer basket (so long as it fits.) This is key to expanding your baking horizons with an air fryer.

Not only was I determined to first tackle a cake inside my Avalon Bay Air Fryer 100W, but a molten cake- one of the most finicky of baked desserts, and with just 5 ingredients! Chances are you likely have these laying around the house- just make sure you are using Baker's (Caster) sugar (not powdered sugar,) which will be fine enough to bake into the delicate mixture.

I first melted my chocolate and butter in the microwave (tough, I know,) then I pulled out my hand mixer and beat my eggs and sugar for a few minutes on high, until they began to fluff in their foamy stage. Next I added the flour to my chocolate mixture and my chocolate mixture to my egg mixture. With a few even swishes of a spatula I was ready to fill my greased ramekins 3/4 full.

My Avalon Bay Air Fryer 100W fits about 3 average sized ramekins comfortably. I was sure to preheat my air fryer in advanced for this particular recipe (due to the molten factor,) though most foods can be cooked inside the fryer DURING the preheating phase (very convenient.) The molten lava caked air baked for 10 minutes at about 375F.

I was instantly pleased with the color and texture of my air baked molten lava cakes, once I removed the fryer bin. I allowed the ramekins to sit, outside the air fryer, for 2 minutes then inverted them on prepared plates with a raspberry drizzle. With a few taps of the bottom of a butter knife, the cakes easily dropped free. Pulling up the ramekin to reveal the molten lava cakes I was quite pleased with myself. I could immediately see they had cooked perfectly, with a slightly darker center.

These air baked molten lava cakes were more than a sucess, they were a triumph- and easy enough to whip up in 20 minutes with no advanced warning. I see several successful hostess positions in my entertaining future! The center was decadent and rich, gooey and warm, and rivaled the molten cake from my favorite family chain. And cleanup? 2 mixing bowls and the (greased) ramekins- it was a breeze!

We have loved having an Avalon Bay Air Fryer 100W in our home and I can't imagine going back to life before one! I've cleared a special place on our kitchen counter and am always discovering new ways to use it. I'm especially excited to give our readers the chance to win one of their own! What would you bake first in your Avalon Bay Air Fryer?

What Daughter Says: Save time and cleanup with an air fryer in your kitchen.

One Momma Told Me reader will win an Avalon Bay Air Fryer of their own! Follow the official Blog POP! Spring Fling Giveaway LINKY to enter more great giveaways when you're done, and check out the full recipe and tutorial video, below!
Avalon Bay Air Fryer 100W

Air Baked Molten Lava Cakes

***Click here for printable Air Baked Molten Lava Cakes Recipe

**Yields 4