Kelley's Passion for Nutrition and Wellness

As a wife, mom of four, and Certified Nutrition Counselor, I care about my impact on the food choices we make. Everything we eat has a profound effect on our bodies, the environment, and our future. We eat not just to satisfy hunger, but also to nourish and enrich our lives. Eating and buying clean resources keeps your body and the Earth healthy and thriving. Dedicated to educate on the Mind, Body, Spirit, and Food, looking at the whole body for that #OOLA life.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Yogurt Parfait by Making Babies Book

I am currently Reviewing the "Making Babies Book and DVD" series. I love it because the author, Shoshanna Easling, is a passionate and exciting mom who loves to feed her body delicious healthful food. I will be posting my Review soon but had to share with you one of her Fertility Foods.

This delicious and simple Parfait can help you get pregnant because it is loaded with antioxidant berries.
In the DVD she explains that by using good "live" food you are nourishing your body and your growing baby. I love that she explains if you are planing on getting pregnant today or years later, you should be nourishing your body for the future. Healthy body helps to carry a healthy baby. We need to learn to eat healthful foods to give our bodies everything it needs.

I am no longer expecting any little "Gifts". I have my four beautiful babies, and I am still wanting to eat as if I might carry another. Your body is a vessel to house and nourish your child. It makes sense that if I want to eat healthy you should eat as if you will need to have all the nutrients to conceive and carry a healthy baby. That said, this recipe is for everyone, even your hubby!

I love simple but pretty foods! I used my husband Martini glass, especially since I can not remember the last time it has been used.

Yogurt Parfait by Making Babies Book
1/8 cup of blueberries
1/8 cup of cut strawberries
1/4 cup of vanilla yogurt
sprinkle of homemade granola

Add your fruit in first, scoop on your yogurt, and sprinkle with granola. Add a few pieces of fruit on top and dig in.

This was not the complete recipe. She includes an 1/8 cup each of kiwi, bananas, and raspberries. Shoshanna explains how to make a Super Antioxidant Berry Syrup that she drizzles over the parfait. Looks delicious and I will be making very soon! Be sure to come back for my review of the entire DVD and Book. I can tell you that it should be in every home already!

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Energy Drinks Under Investigation?

In a recent Huffington Post article, I read that a few of the large name Energy Drink Corporations are under investigation. The mentioned that subpoenas have been issued for the companies 5-Hour Energy and Monster to name a few. There have been deaths in teens and young adults who over-consumed these beverages.

The probe is examining how the drinks are made, often loaded with caffeine and sugar, along with what critics say is a mostly useless amount of Vitamin B, and how they are marketed at sports events and sometimes in bars. That can lead to a dizzying combination of alcohol impairment without the sedative effect that slows drinkers down and lets them know they aren't alert enough to drive.~~HuffingtonPost. Read the entire article here.

It is a tragedy whenever a life is lost, especially when it is due to a beverage. What is alarming is the amount of teens that drinks these beverages. The drink is marketed and meant to provide a burst of energy. So many people drink them to help them get over a long day, sleepless night, or exhaustion. Some like to drink for the buzzed energized feel they get from them. What can we do? Educate our teens and self to look for more natural approaches to a energized body.

9 Things to have a Natural Energy filled body
Get 7-8 hours of sleep a day
Eat breakfast regularly
eat a balanced diet
maintain ideal body weight
exercise regularly
avoid junk foods
manage stress in your life
do not smoke
reduce alcohol

You do these 7 steps and you won't have to reach for a Energy Drinks, filled with caffeine and sugar. Your body will be strong and healthy.

Check out this video on what hiding in your energy drink. The comparison with how many donuts and other items.

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

Watermelon Pops Recipe

Healthy Watermelon Pop Recipe

1/4 of seedless watermelon, chunks
1/2 cup Vanilla Organic Yogurt

Blend in mixer and pour into pop molds. I suggest using a BPA free mold. We let the pop freeze for 24 hours and enjoyed a delicious healthy pop after dinner. The kids loved it and said it taste amazing. We are going to make a Yogurt cookie one later this week. The great thing about using fruit is that it is naturally sweet as it was designed! You can add honey to the mix if you need it sweeter, but it passed the Kid Approved test!

The kids made these themselves, so it's pretty easy to whip together.

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

GMO News and how we need to have a voice!

Why is it that 50 countries, around the world have laws in place to let consumers know that the food they are using is a GMO product, but NOT in the US?

According to "Right to Know, "Monsanto, DuPont, Dow, ConAgra and a host of other pesticide and processed food corporations have already raised $25 million this year to ensure you’re kept in the dark about what’s in the food you eat and serve your family.

I personally do not want to be in the dark any more! I want to know if my food is clean food or if it has been generically tampered with. We have been lead to believe that reading labels, while extremely tricky, is an understanding of what is in that product, although the US does not label GMO's. It is your personal decision if you want to use a GMO product, but it should be your right to know if it is or not GMO engineered.

Surveys have shown that roughly 90% of the people want GMO labeling on their food products!

Considering that GM ingredients have infiltrated more than 75% of processed foods, however, food manufacturers have successfully defeated (or threatened to defeat) law after law that would require these ingredients to be labeled.~~Yes on Prop 37 in the News

November is not far away! This vote is going to happen, but we don't know the sway it will take. If we can have California Vote YES on 37 then we can hope to do the same throughout the US. I do not foresee the manufacture companies making labels just for CA and different ones for the rest of the US. It will be the first step into the door of correct GMO labeling.

What is Yes to 37 asking?? That a simple text be on the labeling saying "contains or may contain genetically engineered materials! This will not increase the price of food. This will be a change in the labeling production. Will people stop buying that food? Who knows. We have had tons of studies and science to show how we need to change our eating habits, but not everyone has jumped on that bandwagon. There are going to be products that people are still going to buy because they want to. For those that want to avoid GMO foods they should have the right to see if this is a product does or does not carry it. The same for those that avoid "wheat" because of digestive issues. They look on labels to know if that item may contain wheat. They have a right to know, so do those that are trying to avoid GMO products.

What can you do? You can spread the word on Yes to 37! Talk to your friends and family in California, and help get the ball moving in your State.
You can start by using companies that have the nonGMO Product label on their product as well! If a Product is labeled USDA Organic, then it is also without GMO's.
Beanfields

Read More about Right to Know
Smart shopping labeling GMOs
Millions to Oppose California's GMO Labeling Law

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

Zoobies Giveaway, good night sleep

ZOOBIES - PLAY, SLEEP, LOVE

Such cute adorable blanket, pillow, and cuddle creations. Help you little ones get a fun good night sleep.

Giveaway is hosted by MomnDaughterSaving!!

ZOOBIES - PLAY, SLEEP, LOVE

Such cute adorable blanket, pillow, and cuddle creations.

Zoobies was named one of the top ten most-wanted toys by TD Monthly

The plush Pals feature a stuffed animal with a child sized blanket folded inside. When the blanket is removed children can snuggle up and use the stuffed animal as a pillow. The blanket zips on and off and is machine washable; the Zoobie stuffed animal is held in shape by two velcro tabs.

In this video you can see Zoobies featured on The View:

There are Six Categories to pick from:

Blankie Pets, Blankie Babies, Book Buddies, Duffel Dogs, Slumber Pets and Storytime Pals

They make a perfect Travel Companion (pillow & blanket to lay on everywhere!)

Zoobies are definitely going into my 2012 Christmas Gift Guide! (Coming out the 1st of November)

You can follow them on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

Check out Zoobies.com.

And just for My Readers, here's a code for 20% OFF! - "PARENTHOOD"

ENTER TO WIN ONE OF THESE CUDDLY ZOOBIES BELOW!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received an item to review here. But all opinions are 100% my own. More here

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Pure Rain Water Sprinklers Giveaway

PRESENTS

Prize:

(1) Pure Rain™ Handheld Essentials oxygenating nozzle and (2) Pure Rain™ Water Station Essentials Plus oxygenating water sprinklers

ARV $70

What an awesome water system! I am excited to help give you a chance to win this amazing system!

When: 8/29 -9/5

Hosted by:

A Lucky Ladybug

and

Mommy's Favorite Things

Who: Open to US residents in the continental 48 states and Canada residents

Pure Rain™ products add millions of microscopic nanobubbles — each just a fraction of the width of a human hair — to ordinary tap water. The extra oxygen delivered by the nano-bubbles helps your plants absorb nutrients faster than ever, making them healthier, stronger, and more disease-resistant.

Raindrops gather oxygen as they fall through the air, and the highly oxygenated water helps the plants extract nutrients more efficiently. Pure Rain products also reduce your water usage by 30% thus saving on utilities and the environment's water supply.

Cost:

$19.99 Handheld Essentials nozzle
$24.99 Water Station Essentials Plus
$39.99 Reach Essentials Plus (with round handle)
$19.99 Water Station Essentials

Available to purchase: The Pure Rain Shop has a list of retailers such as Target and Amazon.

"Make Our Own Network" solely organized this event. I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are 100% my own and may differ from your own. Kelley's Passion for Nutrition is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, August 24, 2012

Fleet Feet Tucson For Your Running Needs

I started running two years ago, and thought that you just pulled up a few programs on the computer and started running. I found out a year later that you do need a little direction and support from those that know.

I wondered if I was running correctly. Have you ever been out on a run and watched the people running by you? Everyone has a different style and rhyme of running. I wanted to keep myself from any injuries and thought I needed someone to look at my running stride. I found out that Fleet Feet in Tucson will look at your running style for free. When we headed down, both my husband and myself, had our running looked at, shoes fitted, and got tips. When they look at your stride they have a few videos that are looking at your knees, feet, ankles, and so forth. They slowed the video down and instructed us on what we where doing and what we can work on. That made a huge difference for both of us.

After we found the shoes that fit us and where the most comfortable, I headed over to be measured and fitted for a new Sports Bra. I tried on 6 different ones and found the most comfortable to me. If I had not had someone to measure and fit me, I would have grabbed the wrong one. I chose the Moving Comfort sports bra. This has changed my running, because there is no chafing and you have full support. I love the colors and they have many more to pick from.
At Fleet Feet you will find everything for your running needs.
Socks, water bottles, clothes, headbands, running belts, performance gels/snacks, and more.

This weekend Fleet Feet is giving 20% off their Moving Comfort Bras!

"Ladies, did you know that your sports bra wears out? An essential piece of equipment for all activities, a sports bra needs to be replaced every 6-12 months to maintain proper support and fit. Just like shoes, the supportive components of the bra will break down with repeat wear and washing. Now is the perfect time to replace your old bras, as we are offering 20% off all Moving Comfort sports bras August 25-26. Don't know your size? Had a hard time finding a comfortable one? Let our expert female staff help you find the right fit with our Bra Fit Process. We'll take your measurements and recommend the right style and level of support for your

activities."

Fleet Feet Store Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10-6
Sat: 10-5
Sun: 12-5

Join Fleet Feet's Mailing List

Like Fleet Feet Tucson on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

7301 East Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 • (520) 886 7800

Sodee Naturals Review, with coupon code

Everyone knows that I love using natural, nontoxic, and chemical free soaps. It is so important to reduce the toxins that we put on our body. Everything we put on our skin with soaps, lotions, and makeup gets absorbed into the body. Your skin is an organ and needs to be keep clean and detoxed.

Sodee Naturals has a great line of natural toxic free soaps, lotions, and makeup!
About the company...

We have been custom manufacturing natural body products for 13 years. We are a family run company. We have always taken joy in creating products that not only smell great, but really serve a purpose. We keep up on the newest oils and plant actives to search for great ingredients to enhance our products. We gave some of our body butters to a friend with eczema. While they helped and were appreciated one day we gave him a jar of a stretch mark cream we had made for our daughter. Wow, that worked even better. With that in mind, we went to work using some of natures best aids for eczema to enhance the cream and voila, the eczema creams were born. Since not all people with eczema have exactly the same issues, it also evolved into four different versions, trying to help as many different people as we could. Hopefully if you suffer from eczema, we have one that might suit you. We are always willing to send out samples to help you decide which is best for you. Just go to our contact page.~~Sodee Naturals.

I was sent a variety from their Sample Pack.

Love My Hair Shampoo Bar

Want to love your hair? Emu oil is not only hydrating, but it repairs damaged hair. With Jojoba, they make the perfect match. You will definetly fall in love with this bar. 2.29 oz.

Pomegranate Hair Conditioning Bar

A Pomegranate fragranced Condioner to match our Amla Hair Builder Shampoo Bar.

Tropical Breeze Body Butter

Sweet coconut and sugary almond dance in the breeze. This creamy combination is a crowd pleaser. 4 oz.

Sea Salt Soap

Sea Salt soap is a delightful mix of shea butter, Olive Oil, and Coconut with the added benifits of salt. This bar is rich and creamy with
lots of sudsing. It is a favorite among our customers who suffer from eczema as well as teens with acne. The salt is a natural antibacterial and the rich
oils keep your skin feeling moisturized. This is a must have for every household. It is just a pure and simple delight. Each bar approx. 3.5 oz.

I Loved my experience! I have tried a few different shampoo bars that never worked for me. Every person is different with different pH, textures, and climates. Here is Arizona we have dry weather, which can be hard on you skin and hair. When you use a natural and/or organic soap you can clean your body with out all the additives, perfumes, and chemicals. Then your body can regulate its oils and pH. Using the Love my hair soap, was great! My hair was clean ans soft. I did not have the tangles and pulling that I have gotten from other Shampoo bars.

The Pomegranate Conditioning Bar smelled amazing and was just right for my hair.

I used the Tropical Breeze Body butter which went on my skin great with no residue or heavy felling. The scent was gentle and very relaxing.
The Sea Salt Soap worked great on my skin as well. My skin felt clean and nourished.

Sodee Natural Products

4 Eczema Creams
Body Butter
Face Care
Hair Conditioners
Misc. Bath and Body Products
New
Sample Pack
Shampoo Bars
Shave Cream
Shea Scrubs
Soap

You can order the Sample pack to try a variety as well. You get full sizes and you pick the type that sounds right for your hair and skin. Grand Sample Box {with free shipping!} Quick and easy shopping! Our "Grand Sample Pack" offers a selection of our top selling products! Price: $38.00 Retail: $49.00

Sodee Naturals is giving my readers a 15% discount on your order!

Sodee Naturals Coupon Code - "Kelley"

Like Sodee Naturals on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

Sodee Naturals Blog

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

Simple Breakfast Make it Count.

I am a mother first and always. I love being at my children's school as a volunteer and room mom. Today, I needed to be at the school right as it opened and things where a little chaotic at home. I needed to make breakfast, lunches, make sure everyone was ready, but with less time than normal. As a mom moving in all directions would you have stopped and made sure you ate breakfast? Most moms would have grabbed a coffee mug and ran out the door with the kids. This is normal and happens everyday. We are super mom's and we will take care of ourselves later. Let's change that. Take a few minutes and make sure you start your day off right as well. Here was the breakfast I had this morning. It was supper simple and I made it as I made the kids lunches.

Newman's Own Organics Prunes
Clementine slices
handful full of grapes
palm full of almonds

While I sent the kids to get their socks and shoes on I sat down and ate my simple breakfast. It is loaded in fiber, natural sugars, and vitamins. I was full, satisfied. and ready for a run when I get home. So often I am tempted to quickly eat my food, standing at that, and rushing along. It really takes a mental note to say "Kelley, sit down and chew your food". Let's face it moms are always on the go, so make the most out of your food choices. Fill your tank right so you have the energy and patience for all your super mom demands of you.

I have to say that I love the Newman's Own Organic prunes. These are delicious, sweet, a great snack, and don't forget to add them to your meal. Today I used them in my breakfast, because I wanted a little of my Scotland experience. While in Scotland every morning I had dried plumes and grapefruit along with my breakfast.

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

MymcbooksBirthday Library Program and Memorable Children Books and Gifts

What a wonderful program. I signed up for the birthday program last year, through a book giveaway that I entered and forgot all about it.
Ella Johnson gave us a wonderful surprise this week by sending Gabby a book for her birthday. The book is absolutely adorable and she loves it. Inside the book was autographed by the writer, the little girl who inspired the book, and the paw print of the dog in the story! Talk about an amazing gift. Here in our house books are treasured items, especially if they are signed by the author.
I told Gabby that the author took the time to write the book and give this special gift to her for her birthday because reading is a treasured gift of creativity, freedom, and education.

I want to thank Ella and those at Mymcbooks, for this program. You made Gabby's day! She is learning how to read in Kindergarten and is taking a special interest in her special book. She took it to the school today to have her teacher read it to the class and show how the author signed it.

Gabby got the book Tootsie and Lulu by Wendy Botts. A very adorable story about a young girl and her dog.

She also received this adorable happy Birthday certificate.

Be sure to stop by their website and sign up your little reader!

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Knot Genie's Back To School Morning Meltdown Contest!

Are you ready to join the thousands and thousands of mamas who no longer dread the hair brushing drama? Then The Knot Genie Detangling Brush is for you! The Knot Genie and Teeny Genie were created to not only to make brushing of even the most unruly hair effortless, but to create peace in households around the world at bath time. Their unique bristles act like little "fingers" gently untangling knots and tangles. The amazing Knot Genie magically gets rid of knots. Not to mention complaining. Great Right?

Well you can save $4 by using this COUPON.

With the introduction of four new Knot Genie colors in our limited edition Back to School Collection, we’re also running a fun contest. The contest is called, the Knot Genie Back to School Morning Meltdown contest. If you’re a parent, you’ve probably experienced a foot stomping-shrieking-morning meltdown at that critical time when you’re trying to get your child off to school. I know we have, it is a constant pain in our house! Recount (if it’s not to painful) your worst meltdown and how you diffused the situation and enter your story in our contest. Ask your friends and family to vote for your entry and you could win $500.00. The first 50 people to enter will get great prizes just for participating.

Want to win one? Head over to their Facebook and enter the Melt Down Sweeps!

You could win $500 plus one of 50 other awesome prizes.

ENTER HERE

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip, Snack for kids

Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip
2 tbsp non hydrogenated Peanut Butter
2 tbsp organic vanilla yogurt

Mix until smooth and serve.

The kids love there afternoon snacks! It is important to fee their body to replace used energy. From the time they wake up they are running, their bodies are a machine and you want to put the right gas in the tank.

Your brain uses energy and kids use their brain all day long in school, not to mention the work they have in homework and studying. Give them every advantage to recharge and refuel.

Don't forget to check out yesterdays Free Lunch Box Notes and conversation starters, by iMOM. I like to use snack time as a chance to hear about their day. Great way to keep communication open with your kids.

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

Vinegar for Getting Rid of Mold?

I love to use Vinegar for my cleaning around the house. For one it works, it deodorizes, and it is not toxic like most commercial cleaners. I do not have any problems with mold right now, but I will tuck this tip into my back pocket for later.

Check out this handy frugal video on Vinegar for mold.

I use Vinegar to clean the Kitchen counters, as a produce cleaner, bathrooms, laundry softener, and the cats little box. Where do you use vinegar?

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

Happy Birthday Gabby and our day at Color me Mine

Happy Birthday to my baby Gabby!

As a Mommy Daughter day we went to Color Me Mine to let her pick out something to make.

If you have never been to Color Me Mine, you want to find a location near you. They have so many wonderful things to make with your kids. Don't get me wrong, adults are having fun right along with the kids!

We got to the Store before they even opened because we where so excited. The owner, Lisa, could not even get the door open before we were trying to get in.

They had such a large variety of things to pick from.

Plates, bowls, platters, boxes, lizards, unicorns, football, dragons, the options are limitless. That truly is the hardest part, deciding what to make.

Gabby went with a plate, so she can remember her birthday and have a beautiful hand painted plate for her meals and snacks. I thought this was a great decision! Food should be fun and what is better than a plate that makes you smile while you eat.

I picked out a gecko that I made for a friend that lives out of the country. I thought I would send them a little bit of Arizona. I painted it to look like a Tucson banded Gecko.

While you chose your item there is always someone to help you pick your paints and any design help you need. You can look at items on the computer and print a stencil to help you.
Lisa, the owner, was so helpful. This was our first time and she gave us help whenever we needed it, so there was no stress, only fun!

Once you paint your item, you then leave it to be heated and glazed. Our items will be a lot brighter than they look right now. I will be sure to post the finial piece when we pick them up on Saturday.

All paints are non-toxic and washable before heated. I actually got some paint on my jeans, and I was very happy that it came out in the wash.

Once we pick up Gabby's plate, she will be able to eat on it and it is dishwasher safe!

Lisa does lots of fun activities all month long. She even helps to bring this fun to the schools in our area for after school projects. We missed out on this quarters, but we will be signing up for the next one!

If you like to give one of a kind gifts for Grandparents, birthdays, parties, mommy day out, Christmas, and more you will love Color me Mine!

Are you not in AZ, that's OK, find a location near you.

You can find Color Me Mine at Park Place Mall

10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Website

Like on Facebook

Upcoming September Events!

Can you give gabby a Happy Birthday shout out, and say Hi to Lisa on her Facebook page? Thanks!

The gecko was a rushed order for a friend that leaves the country soon. We got to pick it up and here is the final piece!

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Looking for cool lunch box notes and conversation starters for the kids??

I love packing my kids lunches.

I find it a great way to one know what they are eating and the chance to let them know how special they are. They see me every morning making their lunches and making sure that each one is packed with Nutritional foods. Well iMOM is helping to nourish their Spirit too.

Check out these great FREE lunch box notes!
For Elementary
For Middle School

Don't forget to check out their back to school conversation starters for you to use with your kids. Communication is so important. You want your kids to come to you for advise, direction, and help. So keep those lines open! Here is their ideas for after school talks as well.

Sign up for iMOM's espresso minute. Never miss great ideas for supporting and talking with your kids, by email. iMOM gives great advise for all moms to help recharge the soul.

iMOM on Pinterest! Lots of Free printable for you to enjoy!

I have all four in school now, and I miss them. When they get home from school it is easy to say start your homework while I start dinner. We have Gymnastics, guitar practices, choir, and after school group functions. It is very easy to get caught up in all the activities and homework. This is why the first thing I try to do is have tea and a snack ready. This way we all unwind, we take turns talking about our day, and we listen to each other. They may all be at the same school but they never seem to cross paths. Talking and allowing them to unwind is so important even for just 30 minutes. I love these conversation ideas, and will be using a few.

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

A reduction in poultry inspectors increasing BAD birds?

According to Homeland Security News Wire, there will be!

The federal government has come up with a new proposal to examine chickens for contaminates and diseases, and the proposal has some people concerned and others outright scared; the proposal would reduce the number USDA food safety inspectors at poultry plants from four to one – and rely on plant’s employees to do safety inspections instead.~~USDA’s proposed chicken safety inspection policy could mean trouble for consumers..Homeland Security News wire.

This change can increase production lines up to 25%. This is great for the companies but will it be bad for us? They inspectors are suppose to be catching any bad birds. If only one is there how likely are they to miss something? This increase in production might possibly increase the chances of bad birds getting through and on YOUR table!

AJC had this to say about playing chicken on food safety.

How it works now
Going by in a blur
Reassurance from industry
'Phoning it in'
10 years of salmonella outbreaks
5 years of individual cases

I know that I try to stress the importance of an Organic lifestyle, and some people say it is just too expensive. I totally understand that, but I also see this and wonder why not take the expense out of other areas to make it more affordable. I have found for myself that we just get really creative with our meals and reduce the amount of meat products. We eat a lot of vegetarian and vegan meals that taste great and meet our protein needs. Do I like chicken, beef, lamb, and others? YES! It is just that I dislike the handling of our food productions. It has become a, what can I get by with the cheapest means type of society, and we are the ones hit with the fallout.

I think that my non GMO, no additive, no processed, organic diet may seam limited to others, but I love how I feel and that my kids are healthy and thriving. We still have some of these foods on occasions when we eat in restaurants, parties, social gathering, and the like, but it is far and between. I like that my kids know what are healthy foods and what are not. I am trying to give them an inheritance of health, and not diseased engineered foods.

What are your thought on this decrease in inspected poultry? Do you see this as a possible problem considering the amounts of bad foods that pass with the current amount of inspectors? Are you thinking about adding a few more meatless meals to the menu? I know Vegan is looking pretty good to me right now, organic produce is a lot more affordable than animal products.

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.

Monday, August 20, 2012

FunBites Giveaway!

Its Time!! Enter for your chance to be one of the 10 winners to receive a Heart Shaped FunBites!

I enjoy the fun foods we have made with our square FunBites. Check out my review here.

FunBites, make food bite size fun with these easy to use molds.

BPA FREE!

Dishwasher Safe!

Made in the USA!

Each funbites^® Pack includes a high performance curved blade cutter that quickly creates small bites and a matching popper top that pops out food instantly so hands are clean, food is untouched. funbites^® is 100% MADE IN THE USA, BPA free, hand wash or dishwasher safe."~~FunBites

Enter now, but be sure to stop by to see the other bloggers review.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLAIMER: No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook and is Facebook-compliant. Winners will be notified by email from a ‘Pitch List ‘ Blog. Winners will have 72 hours to respond or risk forfeiting their prize. Prize fulfillment is the sole responsibility of the sponsor. This blogs participating may not be held liable for Sponsors who do not fulfill prize shipments.

FunBites Review and Upcoming Giveaway

I had a lot of fun with my FunBites mold. I got the chance to review the green square. As you know I think are food choices make a big difference in our energy, moods, and concentration. That is why I like to send the kids off right to be prepared for school and all that comes up. Packing their lunches are a big priory as well. I usually spend about 40 minutes in the morning making breakfast and packing lunches for 6. Yes, that includes Mom and Dad in having a healthy breakfast and lunch.

Every parent that packs a lunch for yourself and your kids knows that the variety sometimes gets stagnant. Presentation can play a huge role in make the same foods exciting again. I was excited to review this because I hoped it would help me fix a problem I have had with my youngest two. They have been asking for lunchables. They never really knew what these were until they saw the kids at school eating them. Now these may look fun to a 5 and 7 year old, but they lack in nutrition. I made some of their lunches with a luncheable feel. I cut up cheese, cucumbers, bread, and cantaloupe. I them put these in little containers of their lunch box and they got to build their own sandwiches and sides. I had a little container of yogurt and peanut butter for the sandwiches. They made cucumber and yogurt bites and peanut butter its.

This is the lunch Gabby made today with her cute pieces. She is enjoying the fun of making your own combinations.

We made pancakes and I let the kids cute up their own pancakes. I love that this food cutter can be used by kids. They won't cute themselves and they can have a ton of fun.

We don't do the cheese sticks. I buy organic cheese and have to cut and slice myself. Here is a picture of the cheese that I sliced and then let my 8 year old cut into the pieces. We then put the cheese squares in a air tight container and had ready for snacks and to throw in lunches. She had a blast cutting these since mom never lets her use a knife, yet.

We cute all types of fruit, cheeses, breads, pancakes, and a few vegetables. The cucumbers where easy and I loved how fast I chopped them for salads.

How does it work?
You have two pieces. The mold that cuts the item is placed over your food and rocked back and forth. Once you have went down to the cutting board you then use the smaller mold to push out the food.
These are preferred hand-wash but can be thrown in the dishwasher as well. I have personally only hand-washed and have had no trouble with it. My kids have enjoyed this and I am probably going to get the pink hearts mold as well. I love to have fun with food and make healthy choices just as fun as the processed one. Who needs lunchables when I can make my own healthier versions right at home and the kids still love it. Whats better is that these molds are BPA FREE! No toxic plastics touching your child's food!

Buy It: Each mold is $12.99 You can buy both for the Price of $22.00 and save.

You can chose the green square or pink hearts. Right now you can get free shipping with code "back2school", up to $8 and good through 8/31! See their Facebook page for more.

Check out their page for more fun pictures and lunch ideas.

See them on Facebook!

Want to Win one?

Giveaway will be from August 21-August 31st, starting at 12am est on 8/21 and ending at 11:59pm 8/31! US only and 10 winners will be winning the Heart FunBites. Be sure to stop back tonight to enter and check out the reviews from the other Pitch List bloggers.

DISCLAIMER: MANDATORY ON REVIEW & Giveaway
No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook and is Facebook-compliant. Winners will be notified by email from a ‘Pitch List ‘ Blog. Winners will have 72 hours to respond or risk forfeiting their prize. Prize fulfillment is the sole responsibility of the sponsor. This blogs participating may not be held liable for Sponsors who do not fulfill prize shipments.

Mosquito Problem in Texas, is it going to affect you?

I read over the weekend that the West Nile Virus has been an increasing problem in Texas. I know this is nothing to mess around with especially since their have been 16 reported deaths. Although, how are they handling the issue? With massive amounts of toxic bug sprays, one being by planes! I know this is a problem, but they are trying to handle one problem and possibly creating a horrible downward spiral of multiple problems. The destruction of beneficial animals and insects, like fish and bees!

The Health Ranger says:

The chemical product being sprayed is known as Duet, an "advanced dual-action mosquito adulticide" that contains both sumithrin, the active ingredient in another mosquito pesticide known as Anvil, and prallethrin. Both chemicals are known to be highly-toxic neuropoisons that target not only mosquitoes, but also bees, bats, fish, crickets, and various other animals and insects (http://www.clarke.com/images/pdf/MSDS/2012MSDS/duet-msds.pdf). ~~Natural News

This burns my buttons because Bats are a major sore of natural elimination, the Bats eat the mosquito's. While the mass spraying MIGHT kill some of the mosquito's, it is also affecting the beneficial animals and insects in the area. Do you have an autoimmune disease? Know someone who does? What do you think can be happening to their bodies when we mass dump toxic chemicals around them?
The Health Ranger also shows a link for the possible affects of one of the chemicals being used:

Sumithrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is known to kill bees, and is linked to the widespread bee die-off phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). In tests, sumithrin has been shown to damage human kidneys and the liver, and is also linked to causing both liver and breast cancers. Household pets exposed to sumithrin are also at risk of serious health complications, as are fish and other aquatic animals (http://www.pesticide.org).~~Natural News.

No matter where you are you can protect yourself against these pesky insects. In our house we are using Wildwood Soapworks Bug spray. It works! I am not using this problem to help advertise, just giving my readers options. We have been using Buzzed for a few months and we are not bothered by bugs anymore. I carried it during our trip to Scotland this summer. The glass bottle traveled great and it has a nice clean feel and smell. I carry it in my purse to be ready for any outside fun or adventure.

They have a natural blend of essential oils and a proprietary extract that repel mosquitos, ticks, gnats, no-see-ums, black flies, green head flies, chiggers, and generally annoying things with wings or legs. In a fractionated coconut oil base, it does not disappear when you sweat, nor will it stain your clothes. How does it smell you ask? Fabulous! Some of our regular clients have purchased it to use as a natural perfume since their mates are allergic to the chemicals prevalent in that industry. Yes, it really works! We guarantee or your money back, no questions asked! 2 oz. spray bottle~~Wildwood Soapworks.

Check out how you can make a Bat Box to help the bats eat mosquito's in your area, naturally. We have a Bat Box! We have been slow in getting it up, but it goes up this weekend!
How to Build a Bat Box
Bat Houses

I like to use natural and effective ways to protect myself and my family. Except, what can we do when the government decides this type of spraying is best for everyone involved? I think we need to try and educate ourselves and loved ones about the natural ways of eating and clean living. When the government steps in and says, sorry this is what we have to do for the majority protection, we lose a bit of freedom for our natural choices. Is there anything we can do to stop these toxic sprays being dropped in Texas? I don't know. I live in AZ and you might think its not affecting me so I won't make a stink, but what if your State is next? I heard someone say this week that we need to take personal responsibility for our decisions, that really hit home with me.

Disclosure: I am not paid for my reviews. These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know about companies and products I am Passionate about.