Wrap-N-Mat Review a Greener Way To Do Lunches

Greening my family has been a long process.  I have been working at making better choices in recycling, conserving, and helping the environment. 

One of my projects for this year was to completely Green our Lunches.  Wrap-N-Mat is helping me with fashionable and cute alternatives to the plastic sandwich bags. 

"According to the EPA, each child who brings a brown bag lunch to school every day generates about 67 pounds of waste by the end of the school year. ~~EPA"

We are always packing bags for lunches, picnics, hikes, and everyday outings.  It is important to make sure we know where our food is coming from so we like to take the food we have bought, this also keeps us from wasting any food.  A  natural easy choice is to use plastic bags that would be easier to just throw away when done.  The problem is all those plastic bags add up over a lifetime and then take a long time to degrade.  You have wonderful options that saves the environment and saves your wallet. 

I was given two Wrap-N-Mat.  A large sandwich with adorable bears, and a snack bag with pandas. 

On the left is the the panda snack bag that is holding some red grapes. 
 On the right I have a full sandwich with the teddy bears. 

The Wrap-N-Mat are very easy to use and easy to clean.  Here is the panda snack wrap laid flat with the grapes.  You can see it lays completely flat to be a clean surface to eat on. 






This was taken on a outing we had at the Desert Museum.  The top folds in, then you fold the two sides and the Velcro holds everything together.  Then you fold the bottom down over anther Velcro piece and it holds everything inside nicely.  On the right you can see how the three sides are folded in and then you bring the top down to secure with Velcro.  Don't you think the Panda's are so cute?  My kids love the designs.

This is a view of how all the sides over lap perfectly to keep everything inside.  I have used vegetables, fruits, granola, chips, anything you use a plastic bag for you could use one Wrap-N-Mat. 
Check out the designs here. 

This is a Bears with Flowers Original Wrap.   I love how these can be use as a place mat for eating on a clean surface.  When you are done eating you can just wrap everything back up to save for later.  The grapes and veggies where in a separate wrap, the panda, and we put all of my daughter lunch on her mat.  The sandwich mat works just the snack bag.  You fold in your sides, the top, and then secure the bottom with the Velcro.
Check out the many designs here.  

Go here to read about the Company and their Mission Statement

Cleaning the Wrap-N-Mat is a snap.  I just wipe down the plastic side with a warm soapy rag and air dry. 

The Sandwich Wrap-N-Mat are $8.99

The Snack Wrap-N-Mat are $9.99

Order your today and start greening your kids lunches, help the environment, and save some money! 

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Disclaimer: I was given this product for review, I was not paid and only like to review product I think are good for us and the environment.  These opinions are mine alone and am happy to bring you this information. 

Day 12 Halloween Hop Festive Lunch Notes and Ideas

 

We have been on Fall Break so I have not been making the kids Festive School lunches.  School Starts back on Monday so I wanted to share a few ideas I do during October to make the kids lunches fun.

Free Lunch Box Notes, download
Free Lunch Box Notes, download
Free Lunch Note, download- but you have to signup for the newsletter.  It's a great signup because they send you festive ideas throughout the year. 

 These are easy to cut out and place in there lunch boxes, that is what I did last year.  Today I am cutting them out and putting them on nice card stock with some ribbons and extras.  I will post a after picture.  I am hoping the kids will bring them home to reuse next year, we'll see how that goes.  I am going to try my hand at laminating these so I can reuse again each year. 

Along with the lunch notes I picked up some festive toothpicks.  Last year I used some that I purchased at Target that included baking paper cups.  While this was very cute and festive it was wasteful.  This year I just ordered some cute reusable toothpicks and cups!

This is one set I ordered!  72 Plastic Halloween Picks Cute right?  There is enough to have for parties and the kids lunches.  Cost: $3.99




Kids love to look forward to something different and new.  A little bit of prep work and organizing can help make the season festive and still very healthy.

Check out the last 12 days of ideas and post!


Disclaimer:  These are my personal opions, I am not paid for my post.  I wish to bring you fun creative ways to eat Health and live Green. 

NuWave Oven Review with Rosemary Chicken Breast

 One of the main obstacles to cooking healthy is the inconvenience of it.  The work that goes in to making everything from scratch, the kitchen mess, and the clean up.  This is why I think crock-pots, boxed meals, frozen, and pantry meals are used so much.  Often we are getting home from work, school, or activities, and everyone is ready to eat that minute. For myself, three nights a week we are at gymnastic from 4-7, which affects out dinner times.  This is why some of my favorite meals are in 30 minutes or less, and still healthy.  I will even try to do early prep work to cut down on some of the time in the kitchen.  I love to cook, but I have four kids with a very active calenders.  There are nights that we have to do super simple, but nutritious meals, because we are running from one event to the next. 

Just last week, I was sent a new kitchen tool to review from NuWave Oven.  This is a cooking appliance that sites on your counter much like a crock-pot, and is suppose to save you time and energy.  My NuWave came in a pizza pack that included the pizza cutter, round pizza pan, and a bamboo cutting board.

After checking out the recipes in the Oven Complete Cookbook, I decided to pull out one of my Organic Chicken Breast for Dinner.  I made a rosemary rub for the breast, then added some roasting vegetables.  At first I thought this appliance was going to be hard to use, with all the buttons on top.  After taking a few moments to read the instructions, I found it to be very easy to use and got started.  This chicken was completely thawed, even though the manual said I could use frozen foods.   The recipe called for the breast side down and to heat for 30 minutes on one side, then flip, and continue cooking for another 30  minutes.  Usually this chicken would have to be roasted in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours.  The NuWave oven reduced that time by half. 

I noticed that the oven made very little sound, which was the fan circulating the heat.  I kept checking the outside and the counter to see how hot the sides and counter got.  With four little kids, I was worried about hands touching hot surfaces, but the outsides never got hot.  With my Crock-pot I worry about the surface cracking my counter top, because of the heat.  With the NuWave, the counter top never got hot, as well. 





While my chicken was cooking I made a side salad and then went to play with the kids.  We had a delicious, juicy, roasted chicken with great tasting vegetables.  After dinner I stripped the chicken of all remaining meat, scooped out the dripping from the pan, and added the vegetables to a container.  The next night we had Chicken Farro Stew and it tasted amazing.  I added 1.5 cups of Farro with the chicken, vegetables, drippings, and 4 cups of water.  Two easy healthy meals for two nights in a row. 
You might be wondering about the clean up?  The appliance is dishwasher safe and you can read more about that here.  I did hand wash mine, only because it is a preference.  

How it works?  Three parts working together: conduction, convection, and infrared.  Conduction is direct heat like the oven you use at home.  Convection is the fan used to circulate the heat.  The infrared is used to heat the inside and outside at the same time.  This is how the oven is able to cook foods with less energy.  It is estimated to save you up to 80% of your energy used in cooking.  One thing I loved right away was that my kitchen was not heating up the house.  This will be a big benefit during the summer months.

One area I am trying to learn more about is the infrared, I just don't know as much about this type of cooking.  I stopped using my microwave because of the studies that showed the extremely high heat distorted the molecules of the food and killed vitamin sensitive nutrients.  While this appliance does boast about its quick cooking, it is not the same as a microwave.  The special design of cooking combination make me think about a grill, oven, and heating fan all in one.  I enjoy using the oven and will be making more meals soon.  I will continue to understand more about the infrared.  In the mean time I will not use the B12 sensitive foods and dairies, there are some foods that are just better to eat raw than cooked.  Also, I can lower the heat settings.  It will take a little longer, still be less time than the oven, and not damage the vitamins as like a microwave.  My personal thought is that while initially this sounded like a microwave, it is not.  I enjoy foods on the grill, but dislike the charring that happens.  When foods are charred or burn, they can become a carcinogenic.  Carcinogenics have been linked to increase the likelihood of cancer.  To me this is a healthier way of cooking meals, less cooking time, and using less energy.

This week I will be making turkey balls, Salmon Filets, and some Vegetarian meals.

Head over to the site and watch a few of there videos!!
Benefits
Recipes (Cooking Club)

See Deda Studios Review Here

Check out Sandra's Review Here

Check out Nuwave Oven Website

Like Nuwave on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

Check out their YouTube.

Disclaimer:  I was sent the NuWave as a member of the Pitch List.  I was not paid for the this post, and only give my personal thoughts and opinions.  I like to bring my readers companies promoting Health and Green Living.  I wish you take this information and make your own decisions based on your families needs. 

The Movie Genetic Roulette Free this Week Only.

"Are you and your family on the wrong side of a bet?"~~GeneticRoulette

This educational Movie is available to you FREE this week only!!  

This is a subject that has been swept under the rug for years.  We have been lied to, mislead, and become a science project.  This started in the mid 90's and studies are showing the US health declining, illnesses increasing, deaths increasing, there is so much to see and understand in this video.

Allergies, eczema, leaky gut, digestive issues, infertility, and the list goes on. 

"When the US government ignored repeated warnings by its own scientists and allowed untested genetically modified (GM) crops into our environment and food supply, it was a gamble of unprecedented proportions. The health of all living things and all future generations were put at risk by an infant technology.
After two decades, physicians and scientists have uncovered a grave trend. The same serious health problems found in lab animals, livestock, and pets that have been fed GM foods are now on the rise in the US population. And when people and animals stop eating genetically modified organisms (GMOs), their health improves.
This seminal documentary provides compelling evidence to help explain the deteriorating health of Americans, especially among children, and offers a recipe for protecting ourselves and our future."~~GeneticRoulette.

Disclaimer:  This information is here for readers to hear all sides of the spectrum.  There are two sides to the story and I only wish to provide my readers with information to help them make their own decisions.  Food is a Freedom.  We have a right to know all the information and be allowed to make decisions that best fit our families. 

Celebrity Video talking about GMO Right to Know

 Well, it all started today!  Early voting is taking place all over California for the vote 37, to have the right to know what is in your food.  Vote Yes on 37!  There is just four short weeks left until the votes are in to be counted!  Here is a funny short video of celebrities including Danny DeVito, Jillian Michaels, Bill Maher, Dave Matthews, Emily Deschanel, and more -- poking fun at the arguments against our right to know what's in our food.  

(Family Warning* one curse word in the clip)

Disclaimer:  I believe that educating ourselves on food and the quality of that food is important.  I like to bring my readers up to date information to make informed decisions. 

Win My Gym Free for a Year!!

Our families health is important, and we need to take an interest and action in making it fun for everyone.
Voting in the presidential election is important...so is voting for your family's fitness. Excercise your child's right for fun-filled activities, gymnastics, sports and more.  You never know where it will lead your child.  WE started with recreational gymnastic for our daughter and now she is on the Preteam developmental.  She absolutely loves and and could not imagine her not being able to do it.  Take advantage of one of these amazing offers and you'll be entered to win My Gym Free for a Year!

•     Enroll for 2 Months get the 3rd Month FREE!
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Win My Gym FREE for a Year - plus a FREE Birthday Party http://www.my-gym.com/oct2012.aspx

iPod Touch Giveaway Event Coming in November

I love my iphone and iPad!  I have not had a iPod, but I am sure I would love it as much as my others.  I am pleased to bring you a chance to win one!  

Apple® – iPod touch® 32GB MP3 Player (5th Generation – Latest Model) – Pink.  RV $299.99.   This will be a hot item for Christmas!!!! They are taking pre-orders now and expect to be out this month.  Better order yours now, or come back for the giveaway! 
Giveaway will run Nov. 1 – Nov. 21. Winner will be chosen on Thanksgiving, nice right :-)

If you are a bloggers you can join this event!  Read more here.

Apple – iPod touch 32GB MP3 Player (5th Generation – Latest Model) – Pink

Great Halloween Costumes, Costume Express Review and Giveaway

Halloween has always been a fun event for me.  It is a time to dress up, get creative with food, and enjoy friends. I was extremely excited that Costume Express sent me a costume to review.

Every year I look for great recipes and ways to enjoy the Halloween season.  Last month I was already scooping out recipes, decorations, and yes...costumes.  We usually like to pick characters that we enjoy watching on film or reading in books.  This year I will be Maid Marian.  I have always enjoyed the Renaissance period and hope one day to hit our Renaissance festival in Arizona.  I have looked for costumes like this before and never liked the design.  I was immediately drawn to the detail and love this dress!

The dress is very comfortable and light.  I am so glad I got something with sleeves because once the sun goes down in AZ, it gets cold.  I love the red sleeves that fall on the sides, and the embroider on the bodice.  The dress does go all the way to the floor as you can see in the second picture.  I was checking out one of my flowering trees and glad my daughter took a picture, because I did not get the length in the first picture. 

We will be attending a costume party this year and really wanted to find an affordable, but original costume.  I am very impressed with the fabric and the feel of this dress.  It does not compare to the outfits I have worn in the past.  This costume is $44.99!  Definitely a great price for the something I know I will wear again! 

Costume Express has a huge array of costume for Adults, Kids, Baby, Teens, Pets, Accessories, Decorations, and more.  If you are looking for party supplies , be sure to check out their Celebrate Express page! 



 

If you like to decorate the front of the house you will love this quick Spooky Makeover!  

Check out their page and see where your Halloween adventure will take you.

Like Costume Express on Facebook

Follow them on Twitter

I am sure you have taken a look around at the hundreds of costumes they have available and know which one you want to get for you, your kids, maybe even the pet!

As a Pitch List member we are also going to be giving away 1 $100 costume code and 1 $50 Costume gift code, Awesome right?  All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter below, with the easy entries.  One one winner per IP address.  Be sure to check out the other costume reviewed by the Pitch List bloggers below as well, and Good Luck!

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 36 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.

Day 5, Counting Down to Halloween Hop

 

Making Spooky foods for the kids.

We love to have fun with the kids and make items fun and festive, but don't let it affect your health.

Remember, through the next 3 months there is going to be a ton of parties, events, and tons of sweets.  One of the items we all love to decorate, and are all through the seasons, is desserts! Let's be honest about the traditional foods consumed during the holidays, there is a a lot of junk and poor ingredients.  Be proactive in talking about moderation with the family.  Teach your kids to think ahead at what items they would like to enjoy and how to pick and chose responsibly.  When we go to church events, like Coffee Sunday, there is always a ton of coffee cakes, donuts, and sugary items.  I tell the kids look around and pick 1 to 2 items.  This way they can enjoy the event without going crazy.  It is easy to get wrapped up in things and not realized the amount of junk we put into our bodies.  You can easy get wrapped up in school parties, friends festive treats, snacks, Halloween after candy, festivals, and more.  When we eat non-foods, foods that have no nutrient quality,we can lower our immune system and cause illnesses.  This is one of the major reasons for the cold and flu season, because we lower our immune system with all the junk foods, AKA Festive foods.  

The Solution

Make festive foods healthy.  This is easy, just use your creativity to make fun items in your healthful foods. 

 Here is Monster Pear.  You can use a normal pare, and push down 3 cheerios for eyes and a nose.  Then we use raw pumpkin seeds for the teeth/mouth.  The kids loved this one.  They would ask for it over and over, I would change up the location of the eyes, and the teeth.  

Monster Eyes lunch this week.  2 meatballs for eyes.  A boiled egg that I wrote a web on.  Carrots for the hair.  I sliced and cut a plum for the mouth.  Lettuce and grapes loose in box. 





Bats and Bugs, have some fun with cookie cutters to make festive sandwiches.  These are Bat Peanut Butter Sandwiches, celery monster fingers, pumpkin oranges,bug fruit.






All you have to do is take normal foods and cut them to make festive.  Enjoy and be sure to check out my Facebook for Halloween lunch ideas, and my Pinterest Halloween board! 

Importance Of Cleaning Your Reusable Bags

Back in May I made a commitment to drop the plastic bag!  I am very proud of my contribution to reduce the amount of plastic bags.  ConservingNow helped me with a convenient solution in reusable bag and I have never had to go a day with out them.  They look great, sit in my purse easily, and can hold all my shopping needs, which is a lot. Here is there sight to see more.

When you use reusable bags you have to be aware of contamination.  This mostly happens with raw meats, but all bags should be cleaned from time to time.  If I buy meats I always throw the bag in the wash even, if I don't see anything.  I know this can be a problem for canvas bags, but it is important for your future purchase safety. 

A study at the University of Arizona, in Tucson by Charles P. Gerba PhD, said that "some bags had more E coli that underwear"!  Gross right?  This happen from meats mostly.  He went on to say that the bacteria levels increased when bags sat in hot cars, the heat increases the growth of the bacteria.  That does not mean we revert back to plastic bags, but start washing our bags.  I have washed ConservingNows bags over and over and they still look brand new.  I love that no matter where I go I have my own bags ready.  

Remember to wash bags make regularly, immediately if they held raw meats.  It is important to conserve and reduce waste, but do it responsibly.