We got a whole new bunch of goodies to put to the test!  We’ll tell you what we think about the National vs. MARTIN’S Own Brand and then during the weeks of June 29th and  July 6th MARTIN’S will be running the promotion so you can try it out for yourself.

Laundry Detergent:

Side by Side:
Tide is primarily a white with a colored stain remover and brightener.  The MARTIN’S Own brand is all blue.
Tide “Spring Meadow” had a lilac like sent where the MARTIN’S Own brand in Fresh Scent had a slightly perfume-y fresh and soapy scent.

Performance:
I normally avoid buying colored laundry detergent because it can stain clothing, but I was pleased to find that wasn’t the case.  The clothing all came out clean and the fresh scent filled the laundry room.

Verdict:
I’ll still probably pick a scent free, clear colored choice, because I’m a boring girl at heart, but the MARTIN’S Own Brand did perform well.  If I were a scented detergent girl I’d certainly consider saving a few bucks and keep buying it.

Pretzels:

Side by Side:
I’m not picky about how my snack food looks but Snyder’s do have a darker color and rounder shape… probably better if you were doing chocolate covered pretzels or something presentational.
Serving size is about the same, Snyder’s has 200mg less sodium than MARTIN’S so if you are carefully watching your sodium intake you may want to take note.

Taste test:
Not too much difference.

Verdict:
I’d grab the MARTIN’S brand for a party snack, and certainly for a recipe like the Old Bay Seasoned Pretzels listed here.
Peanuts:

Side by Side:
Not much difference here nutritionally or visually.

Taste:
Not much difference here either.

Verdict:
No brainer, go MARTIN’S Brand.

Barbecue Sauce:

Side by Side:
Both have a nice deep color.
Both start with high fructose corn syrup as the first ingredient (eek) MARTIN’S somehow ends up with 1 less gram of sugar. All of the ingredients are the same… Sweet Baby Ray’s has a “modified “smoke flavor where as MARTIN’S has “natural” smoke flavor.  I have no idea what that means.

Taste:
Sweet Baby Ray’s gives a little bit more heat, which can either be a good or a bad thing depending on your taste.

Verdict:
Like more heat? Go with Sweet Baby Ray’s,  if sweet and tangy is what you’re after, you’ll be happy with MARTIN’S Own.
Sunscreen:

Side by Side:
Well, you know, they are bottles of suntan lotion. Not too much too report. Both bottles have a lock so they aren’t spraying all over the inside of your pool/beach bag. Both are broad spectrum SPF 30.

Performance:
I sprayed half my body with one Coppertone and half with the MARTIN’S brand and I couldn’t tell the difference with how they went on.  Coppertone keeps its classic scent which is a little better than the MARTIN’S scent, although it was not offensive.  Both dried quickly and sat on top of the skin rather than soaking in.

Verdict:
I didn’t have a favorite.
We’ll probably use these cans up and then go back to our usual lotion, although I’d certainly consider the MARTIN’S brand in a  lotion. (Remember to spray on your hand before applying spray sunscreens to kids as they can inhale the sunscreen causing lung irritation.)
So there you have it! Once again MARTIN’S Stood up really well!

What are you going to do though with double the bags of pretzels, Peanuts and BBQ Sauce?

We’ve compiled a Pinterest board dedicated to putting your MARTIN’S Challenge Foods to the test! 
Peruse our collection of recipes like Peanut Butter Caramel Pretzel Cookie Cups,  Pretzel Crusted Honey Mustard Chicken and BBQ Strombolis for a little MARTIN’S Challenge inspiration.

$25 gift card giveaway has ended… but there might be another one coming…. Stay tuned to Richmondmom.com!

All food and gift cards provided by MARTIN’S.
All opinions are my own.

MARTIN’S Buy Ours Get Theirs Free Challenge runs two consecutive weeks (June 29 – July 5, and July 6- 12, 2014) with 4 different products to test each week.

Here’s a list of local establishments that offer free or discounted meals for their smallest diners, organized by day of the week.

(See restaurant websites for specific details since deals may change periodically.)

We are always updating this list, so please let us know if you know of any deals that aren’t included!

Email us: Sarah@richmondmom.com.

SUNDAY

GAME ON SPORTS BAR & GRILL
Sunday 11am to 10pm: Kinds 12 and under eat free, Get one free item per Adult Entree/Burger/Sandwich/Hot Dog. Dine-in only. Must order from kids menu. May not be combined with any other offers or promotions

LEGEND BREWING COMPANY
321 W. 7th Street, Richmond, VA23224, 804-232-3446
Buy 1 adult entrée, get 1 free kids meal, from 12:30 – 5:00pm.

QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL
4501 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 804-340-0930 (Willow Lawn)
9460 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 804-935-5680
11500 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235, 804-378-3050
One free kid’s meal per adult entree & regular drink purchase.

MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL
7011 Three Chopt Rd, Richmond, VA 23226, 804-288-9060
7225 Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, 804-730-4566
10839 West Broad Street, Glen Allen, VA 23060, 804-762-4545
Kids meals are $.99 all day Sunday for children 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entrée.

STEAK ‘N SHAKE
4511 S. Laburnum Avenue, Henrico, VA 23231, 804-236-2031
Kids eat free on Saturdays and Sundays.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ , Mechanicsville location only
7152 Mechanicsville Tpke. , Mechanicsville, VA 23111, 804-569-9707
Kids eat free on Sundays.

MONDAY

BANDITO’S BURRITO LOUNGE
2905 Patterson Avenue, Richmond , VA 23221, 804-354-9999
One FREE kid’s meal per adult entree purchase.

JOE’S INN, BON AIR
2616 Buford Road, Bon Air, VA 23235, 804-320-9700
Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

MEXICO RESTAURANT
INNSBROOK: 4040 Cox Rd Suite G, Glen Allen, VA 23060, 804.290.0400
MECHANICSVILLE: 7162 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, 804.559.8126

AWFUL ARTHURS SEAFOOD COMPANY
1300 Sycamore Square, Midlothian, VA 23113, 804-893-3006
6078 Mechanicsville, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111, 804-559-4370
After 4pm, kids eat free with adult meal purchase.

TUESDAY

MEXICO RESTAURANT
FOREST HILL: 7001 Forest Hill Avenue Richmond, VA 23225, 804.320.1069
ARBORETUM: 9111 Midlothian Turnpike Bon Air, VA 23235, 804.330.0046
INNSBROOK: 4040 Cox Rd Suite G, Glen Allen, VA 23060, 804.290.0400
SANDSTON:  5213 Williamsburg Rd, Sandston, VA 23150, 804.226.2388
WOODLAKE: 12031 Southshore Pointe Rd, Midlothian, VA 23112, 804.763.5640

DENNY’S
6598 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230, 804-288-7553
11161 Research Plaza Way, Richmond, VA 23236, 804-379-4213
Kids eat free, 4pm-10pm.

APPLEBEES
11780 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23233, 804-364-5001
9601 W Broad St, Glen Allen, VA 23060, 804-747-0583
5400 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230, 804-673-1721
10151 Brook Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059, 804-266-6095
900 Moorefield Park Drive, Richmond, VA 23236, 804-330-3954
Kids ages 12 and under eat free from 5pm-9pm.

FIREHOUSE SUBS
9069 Staples Mill Square, Richmond, VA 23228, 804-266-9444
4028-K Cox Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060, 804-270-4242
After 4PM, get two free kids meals with every adult combo.

JOHNNY ROCKETS
11680 West Broad Street, Richmond VA, 23233, 804-360-9602
7300 Hancock Village Drive, Chesterfield, VA Phone: 804.739.7174
Kids eat free every Tuesday from 4pm to close. One free meal per adult purchase.

JOE’S INN, BON AIR
2616 Buford Road, Bon Air, VA 23235, 804-320-9700
Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

MCALISTER’S DELI
15600 WC Commons Ways, Midlothian VA 23113, 804-378-0110
1300A Gaskins Road, Richmond VA 23238, 804-750-1440
11530 West Broad Street, Short Pump VA, 804-360-7325
One free kids meal with every adult entree purchased between 4pm – 9pm.

TGI FRIDAYS
Mechanicsville:  8100 Creighton Pkwy, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, 804-559-2426
Kids eat free on Tuesdays one child per paying adult.

CHICK-FIL-A
Various locations throughout Richmond host Family Nights and offer kids’ dining deals on Tuesdays.  See local restaurants for details.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ
11736 W. Broad St. Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23233, 804-364-0281

GENGHIS GRILL
11849 W. Broad Street, Henrico, VA 23233, 804-360-4306
11500 Midlothian Tnpk, Midlothian, VA 23235, 804-420-8888
One free kids bowl with purchase of adult meal.

WEDNESDAY

250 Sports Grill
1390 Broad Street Road, Oilville, VA 23129, 804-708-0724
Kids eat free on Wednesday nights from 4pm to close.

LEDO PIZZA
4030 Gathering Place Glen Allen, VA 23060, 804-726-5336
4925 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230, 804-864-5336
7052 Commons Plaza, Chesterfield, VA 23832, 804-425-1003
Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

RIVER CITY DINER
11430 West Huguenot Road, Richmond VA, 804-897-9518
803 East Parham Rd, Richmond, VA, 804-266-1500
After 5pm, receive 2 free kids meals per adult entree or sandwich purchase.

RIVERBOUND CAFÉ
8005 Creighton Parkway Mechanicsville, VA 23111, 804-559-3447
Kids eat free every Wednesday!

THURSDAY

Captain D’s
At all Richmond area restaurants, get 2 FREE kid’s meals with any adult entree purchase at regular price (dine-in only).

SATURDAY

Denny’s
6598 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230, 804-288-7553
11161 Research Plaza Way, Richmond, VA 23236, 804-379-4213
Kids eat free, 4pm-10pm.

Steak ‘n Shake
4511 S. Laburnum Avenue, Henrico, VA 23231, 804-236-2031
Kids eat free on Saturdays and Sundays.

For the month of September, kids under 12 are offered a Free Kid’s Meal with the purchase of an Adult Café Meal. This offering is for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The café has a full breakfast menu and complimentary Carytown Coffee. Lunch favorites include their Boar’s Head made-to-order sandwiches and an extensive salad bar. Customers also love Libbie Market chef prepared meals including prime rib, meatloaf, parmesan tilapia, tarragon chicken salad, crab cakes and more.

Libbie Market Ridgefield (formerly Joe’s Market) is located at 10470 Ridgefield Parkway, ½ a mile from Godwin High School. It is locally owned by Buster Wright and David Taylor. Both are former Ukrop’s executives, who opened the first Libbie Market store on Libbie Avenue in February, 2011.

Stop by and say hello and tell them you heard about them on Richmondmom.com!

Would you like to save $25 by opening a savings account for your child’s future education? How about getting free admission for one to the Science Museum of Virginia, or 1/2 price tickets to the theatre? Maybe you’d like to get 10% off new fashions for your home, or save $10 on a facial. We’ve got great discounts waiting for you right here – and there are no gimmicks, fees, registration requirements, or hidden costs!

Hundreds of Richmond moms love our Savvy Saver Card and there are plenty of good reasons – check them out and you’ll love them too.

If you don’t have your card yet, be sure to visit this link to download a copy and request a tri-fold card by mail here. Dozens of Richmond moms and dads have already taken advantage of great savings with their card.

Wondering why you should request your own Savvy Saver card?

Here are some fantastic reasons for you to consider:

Hayes & Fisk offers a complementary session fee valued at $150.

Real Life Studios offers $150 off a Real Life Birthday Party.

Get 10% off 2 or more custom window treatments at Sewinit’ where you’ll also find duvets, pillows, monogrammed items, accessories, and more.

The Science Museum of Virginia has a “Buy One Get One Free Friday” offer on Savvy Saver.

Core Kids Academy offers 50% off one session (8 week term) for babies classes.

Great Wolf Lodge gives an incredible 20% off best available room rates and spa services.

Enrollment fee is waived for tutoring and you can buy 3 sessions and get the 4th one free at College Nannies & Tutors.

Hip to be Round makes clothes and accessories affordable and you can save an additional $15 off a $75 purchase with your card.

Save $25 registration fee when you enroll in Virginia College Savings Plan 529 – get your card to get the code.

Tuckaway waives registration fees for new enrollment.

Spirited Art offers loads of fun with 20% off any adult class using your Savvy Saver code.

Enjoy 1/2 price children’s tickets (limit 4 per show) at Theatre IV.

Eat healthy and delicious food with 5% off catering services at Green Monkey Catering or 10% off gourmet gift baskets.

The Wine Loft offers 20% off Monday nights for Mom’s Night Out.

Dream Dinners is even easier when you use the 10% off discount on any order of 36 servings or more.

Gundlach is there when you need them with a 10% discount on all repairs.

Richmond Rocks and you can get FREE shipping on any signed copy only through kate@richmondmom.com with your card.

See clearly with Virginia Eye Institute’s offer of 30% off eyeglasses, sunglasses and accessories and 10% off contact lenses when you use your Savvy Saver card.

Enjoy a performance at Barksdale Theatre with $5 off each Barksdale performance ticket (limit 8 tickets).

Mediation and resolving issues is easier and less expensive with Mosaic Mediations and you can get 20% off all mediation packages.

Just present your Savvy Saver card and get a free week pass at any American Family Fitness.

When it comes to food, RELAY makes it easy and you get $5 off orders of $50 or more with the code on your card.

Brain Balance includes a $50 discount on evaluations when you take advantage of their free Parent Seminar.

$10 off a luxurious Murad Signature Facial at Massage Envy awaits on your Savvy Saver card.

Mom’s Treehouse is rocking with fun with 20% off first time fitness program purchase and $25 off any Mom’s Treehouse Host-Your-Party Rental.

Leave a comment below and let us know what you love most about your Savvy Saver card. Let us know what you’ve used your card for and how much you saved. We’d love to know how much our Richmond moms, dads, grandparents, and friends are saving!

Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver Discounts are offered by advertisers on Richmondmom.com

They’re back on the RELAY Foods menu and they have some delicious choices to offer. Green Monkey lunches are perfect for kids and adults. Their Energy Pak is perfect for all ages and you can purchase them in larger quantities to keep on hand in your refrigerator so kids can grab one on the way to school, soccer practice, or other activities. Busy parents will also enjoy their menu items for a healthier lunch too.

On RELAY foods, you’ll find:

• Green Monkey Signature Orzo Salad: Orzo, Red Peppers, Zucchini, Feta Cheese, Red Onion, Basil, Parsley, Mint, Lemon, Dijon, Olive Oil, Shallots, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Pine Nuts. This is one of our most popular choices from moms and dads!
• Mediterranean Tongol Tuna Salad: Tongol Tuna, Canola Mayo, Paquillo Peppers, Carrots, Black Olives, Parsley, Salt, Pepper, Red Onion. Tuna salad like you’ve never had before!
• Green Monkey Energy Pak: For a delicious lunch or hearty snack packed with lots of food for sustained energy. The Wild Greens Energy Pack includes wild caught albacore tuna salad, hummus, organic mixed greens with goat cheese and toasted walnuts, fresh local organic herb vinaigrette, and mini slices of whole wheat pita – a balanced selection for anytime! These are fresh for up to 4 days – order a pack of 3-4 for the week and have school lunches ready for kids or grab one as you head out the door for work or other activities. A delicious time-saver!
• Chickpea Salad: Garbanzo Beans, Lime, Zucchini, Feta Cheese, Cilantro, Garlic, Salt, Pepper. A real energy boost!

And this is the perfect time to try them on RELAY because each time you order, your name is entered in a contest to win $75! Just order by May 15 for a chance to win. Click here for details.

Visit RELAY Foods and choose Green Monkey!

For catering options and choices, visit Green Monkey’s sister company, Wild Greens Catering, where you’ll find incredible catering options too! Be sure and use your Savvy Saver card for Green Monkey purchases too.

Green Monkey is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

In January, 2012 they will introduce new whole wheat options in-store. That means more options from Dream Dinners and more choices for you. It also means more emphasis on higher fiber, healthier options too.

Dream Dinners is also teaming up with the NFL Wives’ Club to bring a super-sized football sandwich for the big game. $1 from every sandwich sold goes straight to “Off the Field”, the non-profit organization led by the NFL wives to support children’s hospitals.

And don’t miss their great TV offer where your first dinner is free for new customers. Check the Woodlake Commons location for January menus and sessions and schedule yours now. It’s a nice way to start the new year.

For just $19.95, KidsDineFree.net patrons can get a three month card that entitles them to one FREE kid’s meal with each purchased full price adult entree. Each card lets children age eleven and younger eat free at over 220 Richmond, Williamsburg, and South Florida restaurants. Your card can be used as many times as you like, any time of day, any day of the week. The more you use it, the more you save!

KidsDineFree.net will donate 40% of their total card sales sold at Johnny Rockets next Thursday as well as online on June 25-26th to the Jack & Abby Foundation. If you can’t make it out to Johnny Rockets, please visit www.KidsDineFree.net to purchase your card and input the code “jackabby” to receive a $2.00 discount.

Your card will be mailed to you within 3 business days. Enjoy the savings!

Discover Dream Dinners

May is a great month to Discover Dream Dinners.  Here’s three reasons why:

1. Your first dinner is FREE.  First-time customers can try Dream Dinners with the Introductory TV offer.  You get 18 servings in any combination of three or six serving dinners for $74.95.  PLUS you get one FREE 6-serving dinner.  To place an order, click on the Introductory TV Offer link at dreamdinners.com or call us at 739-6442.
2. If you don’t have time to attend a session, we can make your meals for you and we are waiving the $25 Made For You fee this month.  This type of order must be called in if selecting the Introductory TV offer.  Orders can be picked up at the Woodlake location or at the Daily Grind in Short Pump.
3. We have a fabulous menu this month!   Check it out!

Cassia Welton – Owner
Dream Dinners Richmond, VA
(804) 691-2378
cassia.welton@dreamdinners.com
www.dreamdinners.com

The May Menu

MARTHA STEWART SOY GLAZED STEAK WITH WONTON CRISPS

Soy Glazed Steak with Wonton Crisps

PESTO CHICKEN STUFFED FRENCH BREAD

MARKET SALMON WITH CORN MEDLEY

GEORGIA PEACH PORK CHOPS

STEAKHOUSE KABOBS WITH BABY BAKERS

HERSHEY HOTEL COCOA-RUBBED CHICKEN WITH RANCH SAUCE

NINE LAYER LASAGNA

GORGONZOLA CHEESE BURGERS WITH SWEET POTATO FRIES

CREAMY CHICKEN CHIPOTLE RAVIOLI

RIO GRANDE CHICKEN FAJITAS

Rio Grande Chicken Fajitas

DILL MARINATED SHRIMP WITH PASTA

SWEET CIDER BBQ CHICKEN

SAVORY GRILLED CHICKEN WITH SESAME HONEY BUTTER

PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN WITH GRECIAN ROSEMARY VEGETABLES

TUSCAN TURKEY MEDALLIONS

COLA AND LIME TENDER PORK ROAST

POLYNESIAN STEAKS

MINI CINNAMON ROLLS

CHALET GARLIC BUTTER VEGERTABLES

BOUNTIFUL BAKED BEANS

GERMAN POTATO SALAD

SWEET POTATO PUFFS

CHOCOLATE CHIP GOURMET COOKIES

We’re on Facebook – Dream Dinners Richmond
Click here to become a fan!

For every card purchased through May 31, 2011, KidsDineFree.net will donate a card to a family who has a loved one stationed away from their family.  Plus, if you input the code “military” you will receive a $2.00 discount per card purchased.  Visit www.KidsDineFree.net to purchase your card and start saving!

Have you found the perfect gift yet?  Why not buy a KDF card for yourself and a KDF card for your Mom or your child’s teacher.  Visit www.kidsdinefree.net , click on purchase a card.

If you want to purchase one card and receive a second card free, please enter the quantity of 2 and input two adult names.  If you wish to use this offer to purchase one card that will be valid for twice as long (6 months) please enter the quantity of 2, but enter only one name on the checkout page.  Please remember to enter code “bogo2″ to receive this great offer.