Flank Steak with Lime and Cilantro Marinade

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on June 18, 2011

Tonight was a great night for something special and we had the perfect thing ready to grill – a flank steak that had marinated overnight, much like the one found on allrecipes.com, with just a few minor adjustments.

We prepared this fabulous pre-Father’s Day meal tonight for under $30, thanks to Walmart. A glass of Malbec would have been a perfect compliment to this wonderful meal, but we drank that bottle last night. Our Shiraz will just have to do. And, of course, no steak is complete without some fresh grilled asparagus and garlic bread, both prepared with the best seasoning ever – Johnny’s Garlic Bread Seasoning.

Here’s what you’ll need to make some Lime-Cilantro Marinade, like ours:

  • garlic cloves
  • red onion
  • red bell peppers
  • limes
  • fresh cilantro
  • corn oil
  • honey
  • beef flank steak
  • kosher salt
  • fresh ground pepper

As I mentioned, the flank steak should marinate at least overnight. Be sure you save some of the marinade to drizzle over the grilled steak!

Did you prepare a special meal for Father’s Day? Tell me about it!

I have been compensated by Walmart, as a Walmart Mom, for my time and efforts to create this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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For The Classy Businessman

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on June 18, 2011

Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t publish a post with a picture of Ray’s Father’s Day gift, except that he picked this duo out, with just a bit of help from moi. Also? We were both pretty impressed that we found something so classy at Walmart. (No offense to anyone! Heck, I’m a Walmart Mom… What am I saying?)

I know, I know… a gift is all about the mystery and the tearing open of the package to reveal the thoughtful items. No need to worry… Ray has more packages to open tomorrow!

I have been compensated by Walmart, as a Walmart Mom, for my time and efforts to create this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Homemade Father’s Day Gift #Fail

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on June 17, 2011

I always have high hopes and plans when we come up upon Father’s Day. The year that Josh was a baby, I bought Ray a T-shirt that said “I <3 Dad” and put all of our kiddos’ hand prints on it. Well, all of them except for Joshua’s, that is. He was sound asleep and had his hand in a fist. I couldn’t get it to lie flat. Ray still wears the T-shirt, but has never let me forget that I left Josh out that year.

This year the older kids all made Daddy cards, and Julia even made him a fun present, but I wanted to do something cute for Ray from Timothy. I headed to Walmart and picked up everything I needed. The goal was to make a memory box that showed Timmy’s handprint and footprint in the photo slots.

Here is our list of supplies we purchased in the Walmart craft section:

Wooden memory box
Pad of paper
Finger paints
Paintbrushes
A monkey cutout, just in case

I first made Timmy’s prints with the red and blue finger paint. And, of to bed he went.

I painted the box blue and green. (Boring, I know, but I am so not creative in this department!)

When the paint dried, I began to put it all together. However, I failed to measure Timothy’s hand and foot before purchasing the box. So, I’m sure you can guess that his prints wouldn’t fit in the photo slots. He’s got some big paws!

I plan to take some cute pictures of Timmy for the memory box, instead. It won’t be ready for Daddy on Father’s Day, but we’ll give it to him anyway.

At least I tried.

I have been compensated by Walmart, as a Walmart Mom, for my time and efforts to create this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Last Minute Father’s Day Gifts at Overstock.com {and a giveaway!}

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on June 16, 2011

There is good news for all of us procrastinators. It’s not too late to order Dad (or your kiddos’ dad) a gift for Father’s Day with Next Day delivery from Overstock.com! They have a wide variety of items perfect for your favorite guy, from items relating to his favorite hobbies to great items for his office.

So we could get a feel for the items available at Overstock.com, and share what we thought with you, they sent us a package full of goodies for review. Maybe one of the following is just what you were looking for.

The Torino Men’s Hipster Wallet is a bi-fold wallet, big enough to hold those nine cards and that wad of cash that Dad always has. Oh, wait… the dad who lives here never has cash. Anyway… This slick wallet comes in three colors – black, brown and chocolate brown. We received the brown one and it looks and feels superb.

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Timex Men’s Performance Shock-Resistant Watch is shock-resistant and boasts an iconic style with a new life. The active dad in your life would love this timepiece.

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Available in four colors, the Coleman 30″ Roller Duffel Bag would be a great gift for the man who travels. Come to think of it, it would be cool for any guy who spends time at the gym or even the one who loves to go camping or boating.

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Win it!

Leave me a comment, before noon on Sunday (Father’s Day) to enter to win one of the above items. Be sure you tell me which item you’d like to win and why. There will be three winners, each winning one item a piece.

While you are over there shopping, be sure to enter to win a trip for five to an Oakland A’s baseball game at the O.co Coliseum, including:

  • Airfare to an airport in or near Oakland for winner and guest(s)*
  • Diamond Suite tickets to an Oakland A’s game
  • $2000 for hotel and expenses

Benefited giveaway

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Father’s Day Gifts at Red Envelope

June 13, 2011

Tweet With all the ick floating around in our family, Father’s Day seemed to creep up on me incredibly fast. If you’ve had a crazy few weeks, like we have, and were not able to find a gift for the special men in your life, there is no need to worry… RedEnvelope has some of [...]

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Great Memories Made

July 1, 2009

Tweet We spent Father’s Day in San Francisco and had a great time! We stopped on Treasure Island, the kids loved walking around on Pier 39, we enjoyed a fun dinner at Bubba Gump’s, and then topped off the day with an ice cream sundae at Ghiradelli Square. If not for the traffic, it would [...]

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Graphite Gray Clarisonic Kit Giveaway

June 15, 2009

Tweet This Sunday is Father’s Day, so in honor of all the dads out there I have something fab to give away! The Graphite Gray Clarisonic Skin Care Kit!! Check out the Skin Care Kit I mentioned in my second Gifts for Dad post, then come back here and tell me why you (or the [...]

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More Great Gifts for Dad

May 31, 2009

Tweet I was very excited to try out a portable hammock from Kelsyus… I figured it would be a relaxing gift for any Dad, but I wanted to give it a go and see how it really stacked up before I recommended it as a great gift idea. I was pleasantly surprised to find that [...]

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Great Gifts for Dad

May 29, 2009

Tweet Are you looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day? Each of the following items are sure to put a smile on Dad’s face, and each one can be purchased and wrapped for him without breaking the bank! To inspire mealtime fun, The Meal Box contains thought-provoking questions guaranteed to spark fun family conversation. [...]

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June 15, 2008

Tweet I have gathered just a few quotes to share in honor of fathers, especially my own and that of my children. Some will make you think of your own father, others will make you proud to be a father…. Happy Father’s Day!! Me and My Dad My Kids and Their Daddy Behold, children are [...]

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Just for the Dads…

June 14, 2008

Tweet I have extended the deadline to enter all six of my Father’s Day giveaways until 9pm (PST) Sunday night. I figured all the dads deserve an extra day to enter! So… What are you waiting for? WIN IT!! A Gift of Planning – A Copy of Wear Clean Underwear! A Gift of Flavor – [...]

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The Gift of Time

June 12, 2008

Tweet Is there a guy in your life who needs help keeping time? How about gifting him with a watch. Casio has some amazing styles and eye-catching designs – From sporty to classy to dressy, you’re sure to find the perfect piece for your special dad. The Waveceptor (shown at left) is one of the [...]

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The Gift of Security

June 12, 2008

Tweet UPEK’s Eikon To Go is a great gift for the guy who loves security. This Digital Privacy Manager offers such a wide range of security options, to keep all information safe and only accessible by him, just by the swipe of his finger.Win It!! Leave a comment here, by 9pm on Saturday, June 14th, [...]

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A Trendy Gift

June 11, 2008

Tweet Blume’s distressed baseball cap, from Skimbaco, would be a perfect gift for the trendy dad… Add his name or initials for a fun and comfortable gift that is so HIM! When shopping for the perfect Father’s Day gifts at Skimbaco, remember to use the discount code DAD10 to save 10%!! Win It!! 1. Visit [...]

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The Gift of Style

June 11, 2008

Tweet ProMom Couture has great tees for moms, but I was so excited when I found this fun tee for Dad! You can buy a tee for all of the special guys in your life by using the discount code vicki to receive a free tee when you purchase three… I’m sure you’ll even find [...]

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The Gift of Flavor

June 10, 2008

Tweet Who doesn’t like a good barbecue sauce?! Boy, do I have a great one to tell you about… When you fire up the bbq for some Father’s Day grilling, you certainly don’t want to be without Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce. This sauce is just the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a [...]

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The Gift of Planning

June 9, 2008

Tweet Do you have a plan for your children and assets in the event of an accident, death, or your incapacity? Every parent should be prepared! In an easy-to-read story format, Wear Clean Underwear takes you on a journey that will help you discover in easy-to-understand terms exactly what would happen to your money, your [...]

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Father’s Day Giveaway

June 6, 2008

Tweet I have some wonderful gifts to give away in celebration of DADS everywhere! Check out my gift guide to see what you will have a chance to win, but make sure you drop by every day, Monday through Friday, to enter each one. I am also going to offer you an extra entry in [...]

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Father’s Day Gift Guide

May 31, 2008

Tweet Father’s Day is just around the corner!Do you have the perfect gift for the special guys in your life? If not, you’ve come to the right place! Take a look at the following gift ideas…You are sure to find a wonderful and thoughtful gift, or two, for your dad, hubby, brother, and friends. Give [...]

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