Funtastic Summer Event: Blendtec Blender $500 value! {free event for bloggers-sign up}

Great up coming event.  I love smoothies and been featuring a few for you to make your own, and Kate n’ Kaboodle is having a Funtastic Summer Event starting June 10th!  This event will feature two weeks of awesome giveaways ending with the grand finale Da da da da, a Blendtec Designer Series Wildside Total Blender Valued at $499.  Awesome right?  I am excited to help let you know about this event! 

This giveaway will run from June 25th at 12:01 a.m. until July 9th at 11:59 p.m.  Be sure to come back and enter!  Bloggers do you want to join this event? Head over here.

Healthy Spirit: Start your Day with Yoga

I love Yoga with the benefits of clarity, detoxification, and a toned body, but did you know Yoga can bring you peace to your spirit?  In YogaPaws Blog for Beginner Poses and Postures they talk about starting your day with 5 basic moves. 

In the article they mention how the morning can be a great time to fit in Yoga.  All too quickly the days events of work, home, kids, pets, and more have us running from one event to the next.  Take the time for yourself to take deep cleansing breaths and let the stress and worries of the day roll off you.  This is the time to forget about all that is on the calendar and prepare yourself to be the best mentally, physically, and spiritually for your loved ones.

How can five little moves do all that? By helping you open your mind to the healing powers that comes from deep breaths, stretching tight muscles, and releasing the stress and tensions throughout your body.

Yoga can be cleansing and healing.  Your muscles want to stretch, burn, and release stored toxins.  We normally do not take enough cleansing breaths but rather shallow and short.  Breathing deep cleansing breaths while doing yoga clears the mind and lungs of stored chemicals and toxins like carbon-dioxide. 

The Five Moves for a calmer day, read article for full description on how to preform these moves. 

• "Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Benefits: This pose stretches your hip flexors and opens your chest, both of which help you feel released."
• "Marjaryasana (Cat Pose) Benefits: Often, your back might feel tight first thing in the morning. This gentle stretch releases that tension without stressing your hamstrings."
• "High Lunge,  Benefits: This pose provides a deep stretch in your hip flexors and the backs of your legs."
• "Bharadvajasana I (Bharadvaja’s Twist)  Benefits: This gentle twist is perfect for realigning your back after sleeping."
• "Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) Benefits: This pose stretches the inner thighs and hips, letting you start the day with a sense of physical freedom."

If a calmer day is not quite enough to help you start Yoga, then maybe the fact that it is anti-Aging will help?

"There are seven basic attributes that characterize someone who’s vibrant and healthy, someone who seems to defy the effects of aging:

• Supple skin that radiates beauty
• Strong, shiny hair
• Well defined muscles and bone structure
• Boundless energy that lights up a room
• A light but firm and confident step
• A positive, well balanced attitude toward life
• A calm demeanor"

How do you start your morning?  Thinking about Yoga?

 

I Love Dad Event Hop, $25 GC to Wildwood Soapworks (US only) ends 6/17

Thank you for stopping by the "I Love Dad Father's Day Giveaway Hop Event, Hosted by Mama to 4 blessings and Home Grown Families!  This event will take place from June 10th at 12:01am EST to June 17th at 11:59 pm EST.  We are going to celebrate Dads!  We will be offering things that Dad will love for giveaways!  After entering my fantastic giveaway, be sure to visit each blog from the links below the Rafflecopter.  Enter for your chance with over 80+ blogs with some really amazing prizes valued at $20+!

Wildwood Soapworks is a wonderful company that makes Organic products like soaps, lotions, balms, bath teas and scrubs, items for baby, pets, and insect deterrents.  Their products are made with  proprietary blends of plant and essential oils, certified organic and toxic free.

 "Do you really want Dad going through the same routine this Father's Day?  This year give him something as unique and helpful as he is!  We have combined three of our best products and given you "Wild Essentials".  Does Dad love the outdoors?  Is he always fixing what's broken?  Does he break a sweat making your lives better? Does he occasionally “wound” himself ?...Well then, we have you covered!  In this gift package, we include our all natural bug spray, Always Faithful organic soap, and Healing Balm.

Whether it's fishing on his boat, cooking on the grill, or taking the family to the beach, our “Buzzed” natural bug spray keeps everyone free from insect attacks.  FINALLY! You can stop spraying yourself and your loved ones with DEET and other assorted chemicals! This is 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! "  Read more description here.

You can see my Review:  Lime Coconut Soap Bar and Pink Grapefruit Lotion.  When I post about a product, I like for it to be beneficial for the body.  This is why I like to use Green items with companies that go the extra mile to put only ingredients that are safe for your skin, the largest organ on your body. 

BUY  IT:  The Special Promotion set is only $30, through their Facebook Deal of the day.  You will save $7 plus the FREE shipping on orders $25 and over.  This makes for a great gift for dad!  

Wildwood Soapworks is great for his body, soothing, protecting, and healing.  If you are not sure what to pick, Gift Certificates make it easy for him to pick something himself.  You still have plenty of time to get one before June 17th, but if you are running behind, Gift Certificates can be emailed within 24 hours. 

WIN IT:  Wildwood Soapworks is giving one lucky reader a $25 Gift Certificate to purchase what you think will be a hit for Dad.  Just fill out the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win!  Open to US only from 6/10 to 6/17. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: Please note that Kelley's Passion for Nutrition, “I Love Dad - Father's Day Giveaway Hop Event” bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. We will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

Thank you for participating!

Ideal Summer Green Smoothie

During the summer months we are looking for things to cool us down.  Some might think first of ice cream, a big bulk, or slushy.  Whether you are outside for work, play, or relaxing your body is losing vital minerals and nutrients.  Instead of reaching for a sugary drink, replenish minerals and nutrients tastefully with a Summer Smoothies.   

Green Smoothie #3
Sea Tea, (Named by Shawna Ruppert for her son)                                             
2 plums
1 peach
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups almond milk
greens (you pick 1cup of : basil, celery, dandelion, Swiss chard, watercress, lettuce varieties, mint, sorrel, and strawberry leaves.  These are selections you can pick just one or in combination.  All are beneficial and seasonal greens.)

Blend with ice to your liking and enjoy!  This is a wonderful breakfast, lunch, dinner, or cooling off treat for your body.

This smoothie has no sea or tea in it, but when it comes to getting kids interested in trying new things you have to be creative and have fun. 

Have a Happy Healthy day!

Lime Coconut Soap Bar and Pink Grapefruit Lotion

When I post about a product, I like for it to be beneficial for the body.  This is why I like to review Green items with companies that go the extra mile to put only ingredients that are safe for your skin, the largest organ on your body.  I feel it is important for me to try the item more than just a few times.  I personally think you have to use the item over and over , in different scenarios, to get a true feel for if you liked the item or not.    That said, with all my reviews I have put it to the test and it does not reach this page unless it stands up to the test!  

Since we are coming up on Father's Day, I wanted to let you know about a item that my husband and I have used so much that it is a barely recognizable sliver.  Wildwood Soapworks Lime and Coconut Bar!


When I first used the bar I thought it a wonderful scent for Summer.  I could not help but think of the beach, cool breezes, and umbrella drinks.  It is funny how scents are tightly links to memories.  This was my favorite Bar to wake up to.  It initiated a energizing feeling to start my day.  The Lime and Coconut Soap Bar with it's seven plant base oils leaves your skin feeling amazing and great way to start your day.

One thing I have noticed is that in the last three months that I have used Wildwood Soapworks, exclusively, I have had little need for lotions.  I usually have to add lotion to my hands, legs, and arms throughout the day.  While my skin in very dry in AZ, my husband skin is more oily. I found  that using essential oils and their amazing mixture of plant oils, was great for both skin types.  It helps balance what you body is needing, to balance the natural PH of the skin.  Some soaps and products strip the skin of its natural oils so much that it works harder to replace the oil needed for healthy skin, creating an oily complexion at times.  My husband and I both have noticed that even though we are different skin types with Soap Bars help to naturally balance our skin.
 
Now I will be a little more, personally, honest.  The only area I continue to have trouble with being dry is my feet.  I am a stay at home mom who hates to have shoes on in the house.  That is a big rule here, you take your shoes off unless we are having friends over for a get-together.  For the household the shoes come off as soon as you walk in the door.  That said, I walk around barefoot, a lot.  I never had trouble with dry cracking feet when I lived on the East Coast, but for the last 6 year in AZ, it has been a battle.  I have used all types of lotions, creams, and my poor pedicure gal just shakes her head every time I come in.

I received a Pink Grapefruit Lotion Twist Up, and have used it off an on for my arms and legs.  While I did  not necessarily need it for a dry skin, I used for the great scent and to give my skin a natural glow.  It was about two weeks ago that I was really frustrated with my feet, because I have my wonderful trip to Scotland coming up, and I thought I need to schedule my pedicure.  Once again, I was mad at myself for walking barefoot so often and wearing sandals everywhere.  As I am thinking about this I notice my Lotion Bar on the counter.  I mentioned above that my skin has improved with the soaps so much that I have little need for Lotions, right.  I thought about trying it on the one trouble area I was having.  I have to say the Lotion found a new spot in my house, which is on the night stand by the bed.

Lotion Twist Up- "A fresh citrus scent will awaken your senses while revitalizing dry, tired skin.  One of our best sellers, it has a sweet, subtle aroma that appeals to one and all.  Chase away the winter blues with sweet summer sunshine...bid farewell to roughness, and greet the new you!"

I used a gentle buffer, to remove the current dry skin on the surface, and then rolled on the Pink Grapefruit Lotion.  It felt wonderful on my feet.  You may not have this problem, but my heels have gotten so bad that there are cracks.  So often the foot lotions are greasy and you have to wear socks to bed.  I don't know what it is, but I can't sleep in socks.  One thing I noticed right off was that it was none greasy and I did not need to wear socks.  Within two days of using the roll, at night time alone, I noticed huge improvements.  I have been using it every night before bed now and have reduced the cracks and can touch smooth heels again!  You have no idea how wonderful this is for me.  For one thing, this is a topic I never like to admit with even good friends, but I was so happy to find a use that really helped a problem area for me.  If you have the same problem of battling dry heels, than try the Lotion Twist Ups.

Be sure to check back this week!  Wildwood Soapworks will be Sponsoring a $25 Gift Certificate for "I love Dad" Father's Day event.  Giveaway starts 6/10 and ends 6/17. 

Lime and Coconut Soap Bar is valued at $9.95
Pink Grapefruit Twist Up Lotion is valued at $6.95
Wildwood Soapworks has free shipping on all orders $10 and over, but be sure to like their Facebook page for the "Deal of the day".
You can find them on Twitter, where you can have updates on their events and specials!

For the wonderful man in your life!  If you are not sure what soap bar or items he would like most, you can purchase Gift Certificates to be delivered by email.  Super simple and here in time for Father's Day. 

Reviews of Wildwood Soapworks.
Wildwood Healing Balm Review 
Green Your Mom: Golden Slumbers Sleep Balm
Have you heard of Wildwood Soapworks?

I have not been paid for this review, it is mine and mine alone.  I received my bar for just being a new follower on their Facebook page.  I am not making any sales in this post either.  I just love the product and the mission of this company~~Natural, Organic, and Safe!  The Company is so friendly, be sure to stop by Facebook or twitter and tell Sally that Kelley's Passion sent you! 

 I just want her to know how much I appreciate her Passion for clean wonderful products! 

Green Smoothie, #2

Another absolutely delicious Green Smoothie.

Green Smoothie #2
1/2 cup Almond Milk
1 cups apricots
1/4 ground cardamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup Spinach

This is perfect for Summer.  We were out in the sun, the pool, and running around with friends.  It is very important to replenish lost minerals from the days activities during the summer.  I know no other way to pack in all those foods and enjoy better than a delicious smoothie.  Smoothies are a great way to cool down as well.

Teething Gels dangerous?

A report came out on Thursday May 31 that read: 

"Rubbing topical anesthetics such as Anbesol or Orajel on the throbbing gums of a teething baby can lead to methemoglobinemia, a serious condition that leads to oxygen deprivation and — in extreme cases — death, the FDA warned today."  Read full report here. 

Symptoms from methemoglobinemia, using teething gels included

• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips and nail beds
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Headache
• Light-headedness
• Rapid heart rate

The products that were tagged in the report included  "Hurricaine, Baby Orajel and Orabase, as well as Orajel and Anbesol".

We always want to comfort our children and ease their pain.  Most of the time you can comfort them with a cooled washcloth, cool teething rings, and such.  I think it would be recommended to use natural comforts instead of reaching for a over the counter gel.  When my children were teething we massaged their gums with our finger.  I will warn, sometimes being a human teething ring hurts, but I never minded.

Another great option recommended by a few Natural Moms,  Amber Teething Necklace-the natural choice for mother and child.  Also check out Hazelaid and natural healing. 

What is alarming even more here, is that this information was available in 2006, and I still see these on the shelves!  What are your thoughts on this?

The Truth about today's food choices.

I came across this the other day and wanted to share it with you! Tim Bittman has some excellent points on what is wrong with "The Standard American Diet."

He hits on the many points from pollution, industrial livestock, the change in food over the last 100 years. 

• Pollution, global warming briefly: 1/5 of all greenhouse gasses stem from animal production.
• Dangers of Methane, gasses from manure.
• 1/2 the antibiotics in America are used for Animals.  
• diseases being more prevalent here due to Western Diet.  (meat, cheese, and carbs)
• That whole plants promote health.  "You eat more plants and less other stuff, you live longer"
• We are not born craving whoppers and skittles.
•  Fade diets.
• 10 billion animals are slaughtered for our over-consumption. (United States alone)
• Just in the 1900- Everyone was a Locavore (eating everything locally).  Everyone cooked their meals, marjoram did not exist yet.  When they did make majoram, they had it dyed pink so you knew you where eating something fake. 
• No snack and junk foods, frozen (1920), or canned foods.   
• No marketing, health claims, or vitamins.  You grew food and you ate it, everyone ate locally.
• 1930 started to move foods cross country.  Started to market canned and frozen foods to help the domesticated individual to cut down on housework. 
• cattle diets were changed for bulking them up.  
• Fast-foods started to increase. 
• Industrial animals makeup 18% of population
• 30% of land is given to production of slaughter animals.   

This is a very brief and rough cut of topics in this 20 minutes video.  I highly recommend taking the time to watch.  This is a wake-up call for the foods that we eat.  We head to the store buy what they have there already packaged and processed and ready for consumption.  We tend to eat 5 times the amount of animals products increasing disease and obesity.  It is recommend that we eat 1/2 lb of meat a WEEK.  How much does the regular person eat a day?  America over produces junk foods and animal products.  Not to mention that majority of agriculture does not go to our table but to feed the cattle, pigs, and chicken.  This was written in 2007 and I know that the situation had grown.  

"I’ll never stop eating animals, I’m sure, but I do think that for the benefit of everyone, the time has come to stop raising them industrially and stop eating them thoughtlessly.” (Mark Bittman)

Wonderful article from Eat Real Food on the difference between a happy cow and an industrial cow.   A Tail of Two Cows, Happy Cow vs Nexium Cow.

 "Happy Cow was at a healthy weight and had more omega 3, up to 400% more, 40% fewer calories and less cholesterol, saturated fat and about 90% less fat overall than Nexium Cow.  Since Happy Cow has been raised on pasture, has room to move, and doesn't have to stand in manure every day he is more likely to not need antibiotics and at least 60% less apt to have E.coli 0157 in his belly. Nexium Cow has a constant stream of antibiotics fed to him."

I would love to know your thoughts on this video.  

Love Yoga, you'll love Yoga Paws (Review)

If you have not heard of Yoga Paws, you want to!  I came across this company a few months ago and was very intrigued to try them.  I love Yoga and enjoy the benefits it has on my health and body. 

One thing that sets these Yoga tools apart from others, is the unique grip they give your hands and feet.  I have used gloves and shoes and neither compared to the comfort and gripping of Yoga Paws.  They come in different sizes, and colors, so the paws are a comfortable fit. 

About the Company

"Yoga Paws LLC is a mother/daughter adventure which started in 2001 and officially in launched in 2003. Gail (mother) and Jamie (daughter) Getzwiller share a love for travel and yoga which lead to a natural development of the YogaPaws. Over the past 8 years they have embarked on a journey of love and working dedication to produce the best "Paws" possible.  Yoga Paws have been a product and company that cares about spreading the love and allowing all the yogi's around the world to enjoy as non-slip practice Anytime Anywhere.  :)"

I have been doing Yoga for about 2 years now and enjoy the strength, toning, and relaxation it brings me.  I find it the perfect routine to start my morning, especially after a hard workout or run the day before.   I have Yoga Mats, enough for the family, and was intrigued at the thought of the Paws for Yoga anywhere.  I have been using the Paws for about two months now and have noticed a huge change in my balance and strength.  I am a runner and believe that Yoga helps in my training and recovery.  The Paws grip to the flouring allowing you to stick more difficult pose than with a mat alone, in my experience. My transitions between poses was smoother and I felt confidence in stability.  Do I still use my Mat? Sometimes, but the Paws fit so wonderful in my purse I can travel better with them.

Speaking of travel, I have tried doing Yoga in hotels and with very little success.  We are heading to Scotland in July and I am looking forward to continuing my morning Yoga without any interferences.  We are staying at a few lovely Bed and breakfast with enchanting gardens.  That will be my Yoga spot, in the sun with all the wonderful fragrances relaxing and stimulating.  Yoga Paws will help me stay balanced without having to carry a Mat.  I won't be traveling anywhere without my Yoga Paws from now on!

 I am also looking forward to finding a relaxing place on their 8 acres to do a little morning or evening yoga!




Who loves Yoga Paws and Talking about them?  Check out their Press page .
Find them on Facebook and Twitter. 

I have been using the Paws "Elite" Full set valued at $39.95.  For the convenience of space, portability, and added performance this is a great investment for a Yoga Lover.  You can buy the hands and feet separately, see the Yoga Paws Shop.

Check out Yoga Paws featured on the Today Show! Bobbie's Style Buzz give tips for "Glam On The Go!" Yoga Paws are a must have for all yoga lovers wanted to keep up with their practice while on the road. Thanks Bobbie!!

Yoga Paws vs the Matt?

• Yoga Paws weigh 5 ounces vs 5-10 lb mats.
• Yoga Paws take up about as much room as a pair of socks.
• You can take Yoga Paws ANYWHERE!

Are you Traveling this year?  Yoga Paws is the PERFECT travel companion!

Its Here, Father's Day Gift Guide Event! (June1-15th)

It's that TIME!  We love Dad and want to give him something he will love right?  Father's day Gift Guide is here to help.   From Coffee, to the Office, back Outside, and everything between you can find what Dad loves here! 

Welcome to the Father’s Day Gift Guide Giveaway hosted by Blog It Forward! We are giving away *every*single*gift* in the 2012 Father's Day Gift Guide! That is 11 prizes with a combined retail value of over $1200! The gifts are being divided into three incredible prize packages valued at $400 each! That means there will be three winners! What can you win? Take a look!

Prize #1 (RV $400)

NeatDesk from The Neat Company

Prize #2 (RV $402)

Kentfield Hiking Shoes from Ahnu

$100 GC from Xperience Days

Bamboo Robe from The Ultimate Green Store

Hammock & Tree Straps from Hammock Bliss

3 Bags of Coffee from Sogno Coffee

Prize #3 (RV $408)

3D Diamond Photo Crystal & Light Base from 3D Laser Gifts

Precision Digital Fat Body Scale from EatSmart

$50 GC from Wind & Weather

$50 GC from All USA Clothing

10 Year Journal from Journal 10

How To Enter :: Just use the simple form below to enter! This giveaway is open to US only. Must be 18+ to enter. Giveaway closes on June 15, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST. Only one person per household/IP address may enter. You only need to enter the giveaway on one of our blogs. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure :: No financial compensation was received for this post. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook or Twitter. Please understand that Blog It Forward and other participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that fail to fulfill their prizes. We expect that our sponsors will fulfill their prize agreement and ship them to the winners in a timely manner.